As they cling onto the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons continue to make every little adjustment possible to stay competitive and keep that extra edge so they can sneak into the playoffs. On Friday, head coach Stan Van Gundy announced forward Tobias Harris would start the rest of the season.
For fantasy owners, this move is harder to determine. More minutes, likely now in the 30-plus range, is almost always a good thing for an NBA player. But in Harris' case, his numbers this season were better off the bench.
In nearly 29 minutes per game off the bench, Harris averaged 16.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a 52 field goal percentage this season. In the starting lineup, Harris averaged 33.2 minutes per night with 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and a 46.7 field goal percentage.
That said, the minutes jump should see him gain more consistency in a locked down role and his numbers should benefit as a result. Harris isn't a great fantasy contributor, but his ability to contribute solid points and rebounds with the chance for an effective field goal percentage makes him a fantasy role player.