Considering the Free Throw Factor In Daily Fantasy Basketball

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By: staff Posted: December 1, 2009

Considering the Free Throw Factor
Free throws are very important in the basketball game. Professional basketball players constantly strive to improve this skill in order to capital on their ability to draw fouls and score without any intrusion. While this can be a challenging skill for some players, they have to push themselves to do better or else they will lose precious points.
As much as free throws are important in every game, the stats concerning free throws should also be considered by fantasy players. It's often a hidden factor that can drag down the numbers of a player and could ultimately cost them the game.

Shaq Shooting Free Throws

Quality vs. Quantity
At first glance, a fantasy player will automatically consider a player that constantly visits the free throw line. The logic is simple: more free throws mean more opportunities for scoring without anyone guarding. If they can make the shot, they can provide more points for the game.
But it's also important to consider the quality of those shots. For example, Dwight Howard has more than 10 attempts every game but he can only make nearly 60% of those shots. On the other hand, Steve Nash who has more than 90% free throws made has nearly 4 attempts every game.
Considering Free Throw Stats as Support
Fantasy players who often ignore this factor in the game will most likely scramble for players that can provide impressive stats. At this point, the only way to get a good balance between quality and quantity for free throw is to trade for better players.
But it's still important to consider other factors. Free throw is only one part of the game and might not be a determining factor in some conditions. Other stats should always be blended to the free throw factor to have a better roster.
"2 in 1" Factor
Here's a tip on how to consider a player based on free throws: get two players that can provide quality and quantity in free throws. Based on the trends, try to grab a center that constantly visits the free throw line at least eight times in every game. You can complement this with a good shooting guard or point guard that can provide at least three points from the free throw line with only four to five attempts. In gist, you should take a look at a player with 60% in free throws but with eight attempts and a 90% free throw shooter with at least four attempts.
Rules, Rules, Rules
Last but not the least; check out the rules and restrictions of your fantasy league. There are fantasy league that provide a heavy emphasis on points and in free throw percentages during the game. On the other hand, there are fantasy leagues that do not consider this stat as very important. But as long as a point exists that would compensate free throw percentage, this factor should be considered.
Always mix your free throw players for a fantasy game. Quality should always be paired with quantity for a better output and overall performance in the fantasy league.