Ricky Rubio's Injury Makes Mo Williams a Smart Fantasy Pickup

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mo Williams has suddenly become a potential fantasy stud in light of the injury suffered by teammate Ricky Rubio.

On Friday night, Rubio severely sprained his ankle while driving to the basket against the Orlando Magic. According to USA Today (h/t ESPN.com), Rubio is expected to miss seven to eight weeks of action. 

That unfortunate event thrusts Williams into a starting role, and the results could be fruitful for fantasy owners who have him on their team. The 31-year-old is a journeyman who is playing for his sixth team in his 12th season in the NBA, but he has a proven ability to score and facilitate.

In his career, Williams has averaged 13.3 points and 4.9 assists per game.

In a reserve role this season, he's scored 8.6 points and dished 3.8 assists. As a starter, Williams' production should increase significantly. If you're looking for a recent reference point, you'll have to look at Williams' statistics while playing for the Utah Jazz in the 2012-13 season.

He appeared in 46 games—all starts—and averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 assists per contest.

Those aren't All-Star numbers, but the relatively high assist count could be huge for fantasy owners in leagues with head-to-head categorical scoring systems.

If you have Rubio—after you dry your eyes—it would be wise to find out if Williams is on a fantasy team in your league. Per CBSSports.com, he is owned in just 41 percent of the leagues and started in 14 percent.

Expect both percentages to climb after Rubio's injury.

Unless you already have a player like Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, John Wall or Stephen Curry in place, you stand to benefit from at least taking a look at Williams.

Even if you have one of the league's elite and healthy guards, Rubio's injury is proof that depth at the position is a major plus, even in fantasy.

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