NBA Fantasy Risers: Orlando Magic's J.J. Redick

Kevin RobertsJan 8, 2010

With another injury to Orlando Magic star shooting guard, Vince Carter, your flirtation with the idea of adding J.J. Redick to your fantasy roster could soon turn into a fiery affair.

But let's not get too sentimental.

Quite honestly, any fantasy owner with a brain wave has been aware of Redick's consistent minutes, albeit inconsistent performances.

While he's shooting solid percentages across the board and dropping in at least close to 10 points on a nightly basis (averaging just under 10 per game), he still isn't dropping points in consistently enough for you to even start him over the likes of J.J. Barea.

Two J.J.'s in one fantasy promotion piece. Who would have thought?

Well, we're not promoting Barea (although we sort of should), and we're not necessarily promoting Redick (although we kind of are), but it's time fantasy owners took a real close look at the former Blue Devil, assessed the situation, and made a final decision.

You can do the dance with the devil (pun intended) all season long if you'd like, or you can accept that the Magic's on again-off again starter, Carter, keeps getting nicked up, and that likely won't be a theme that ceases any time soon.

This time around it's a shoulder injury, and while the extent of the injury hasn't been made known just yet, if you were watching the game, it's a fair conclusion that it's nothing good.

Carter will surely miss a few games, and even if he does make a speedy recovery, Redick's performance of late (22 and 14 points in his last two games) should spark some interest on it's own.

Want a good idea on how solid Redick has become in his fourth season? While averaging just over 22 minutes per game, Redick has already nearly matched last season's point total of 382 in 64 games, as he has scored 329 points in just 35 games.

He may not be J.R. Smith, but if Carter's injury becomes a big deal, he certainly could be. And real quick.

Redick has topped at least 11 points in four straight games, including nine of his last 11 contests with at least nine points.

It looks like the white guy from Duke has found his stroke and is starting to appear to have a hold on this whole "consistency" thing. Add a major injury to Vince Carter, and his stock balloons.

Verdict: Pick up Redick for three's and solid percentages, along with the confidence in his ability to drop 12+ on any given night as a Utility option. If Carter stays down for any significant amount of time, Redick has the potential to improve to a spot in your starting line-up.