Punt Strategies 101

Some of these are pretty obvious, but for this build we’re going guard heavy. Look for players that have multiple position eligibility since trying to roster an abnormal amount of guards could get tricky depending on how your league is set up. If you have a few PG/SG, SG/SF – that could go a long way in making sure you can roster a complete team every day regardless of position eligibility and games played. There’s some room for margin with this build since everyone rebounds.. You could still technically win a rebounding category with guards who produce above average in that category, but don’t always plan for that. Since you have to roster some C’s and PF’s, target players who can produce in other categories that are multi-position eligible.

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Rebounds:

Ah, the white whale – guards who don’t assist. Again, position eligibility is key here. Players who are split SG/PG don’t primarily handle the ball meaning they usually tally up all of the usual guard stats with lower than average assist numbers. Again, it’s not always about drafting people who don’t produce in these categories, it’s about production in other categories. You might want to load up on quality C’s, PF’s and SF’s with a few guards who really fit this build to make the most of it. 

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Assists:

By far the most freeing punt build – grab any player regardless of what they shoot. Want to bolster blocks? Grab that center who shoots 50% from the free-throw line. Want to increase your 3-pointer production? Grab that guard who shoots less than 30% from the field but only shoots 3’s – it really doesn’t matter! Since most category leagues have 2 percentages (FG% and FT%), punting both already lowers your chances of competing in 2 categories. Not ideal, but if you nail the other positions then you should be clear sailing! By pairing a lower shooting guard from the field who is pretty effective from the line with a high efficient big man from the field but not pretty at the line, there may be a possibility you net even. That’s mad scientist stuff though so if you go down that path, be prepared for several sleepless nights sweating small percentages in these categories.

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Percentages:

This one is pretty simple – big men who don’t block. This may be a little shocking, but there’s a lot of those out there! This build will be pretty even across the roster.. Most guards have lower than average blocks compared to the outliers, so you’ll have an even blend of every category.

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Blocks:

Usually you enter the draft with a list of players you want to target who are steal-gods. If you find yourself doing the opposite and punting steals, you pretty much can just draft like normal. Most defensive stats come in pairs (blocks & steals, rebounds & blocks, etc) so don’t go out of your way to not gather steals. It’s still a very important category that can go either way any given week! Plus, you never know who might come knocking for some steals later in the year with a trade. 

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Steals:

Punting turnovers is pretty much a result of drafting high usage players, which you’re going to do especially in the early rounds. Turnovers are a part of the game and everyone will register a few a game. It’s a tricky science to try and “win” the TO category, usually that’s something that would swing your way if you’re dealing with a lot of injuries or have low games played in a week. Don’t fixate so much on projections here, instead review previous seasons stats and expect a similar number.

Top Players Based on Z Scores for Punting Turnovers: