Sleeper Watch

Perhaps the 5-16 Bobcats should have kept Raymond Felton in the starting lineup a little bit longer. Filling in for regular starter Brevin Knight on November 16, Felton led Charlotte to the team’s most impressive performance since joining the league last year, a 122-90 victory over Indiana that snapped a five-game losing streak. With the rookie guard on the floor for more than 35 minutes, the Bobcats not only set a new team mark for points scored, but also handed the Pacers, who boast the league’s fourth-stingiest defense, their worst loss of the season.

Felton himself also set numerous personal bests, including most points scored (18), three-pointers made (three, in four attempts), rebounds (five), and steals (five). The rookie also handed out ten assists, tying the mark he had set nine days earlier against Utah.

Yet in spite of this success, it was back to the bench for Felton two days later when Knight returned. And as long as Knight remains healthy (always an iffy proposition), it seems like that’s the way things will stay in Charlotte.

Coming off the bench, Felton, who averages 6.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 boards per game, isn’t a viable fantasy option. And while we’ll probably have to wait a while for the fifth pick of this year’s draft to become a regular starter, it looks like he’ll be worth the wait. If you’re in a keeper or dynasty league, consider stashing him away now, while his value is still low.

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