Punting categories: a simple guide to winning with a plan

Trying to be good at everything in a category league usually leaves you average at everything. Punting means deliberately giving up one or two categories so you can dominate the others, and it works better than most new managers expect.

Free throw percentage is the classic example. Giving up on it opens the door to stars who are great everywhere else, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo. Big men like Bam Adebayo and Domantas Sabonis often come with strengths that fit well around that same plan.

The key is to commit early and to keep the plan in mind on every trade and waiver claim. A punt build that keeps chasing the category it gave up ends up with the costs but none of the rewards.