The following leaderboard was developed through acute analysis of fantasy value, current and expected production, injury status, and my own personal biases. Look for the leaderboard to come out bi-weekly, with updated rankings partially based on your comments.
1 Lebron James, Cle, SF
Rebounds are the only thing that’s down from last year, everything else is up
2 Chris Paul, NO, PG
Before injury was filling up the stat sheet, but out another 3 weeks
3 Kobe Bryant, LAL, SG
Playing more min. than expected due to Gasol injury—points monster so far
4 Dirk Nowitski, Dal, PF
Continuing extraordinary play from last year—over 1 steal and 1 block per
5 Dwayne Wade, Mia, PG/SG
Only 1 slight disappointment, assists are over 2 fewer per game from last year
6 Kevin Durant, OKC, SG/SF
Picked up his play from first few games and is where we expected him to be
7 Chris Bosh, Tor, PF/C
Can somebody say contract year? Bosh’s stats are up across the board
8 Danny Granger, Ind, SG/SF
He’s doing it again this year, but his knees could be a problem
9 Steve Nash, Pho, PG
Averaging over 2 more assists per game than last year and points are up too
10 Pau Gasol, LAL, PF/C
Although only several games played, averaging ridiculous #’s, including over 4 assists
11 Carmelo Anthony, Den, SF/PF
Averaging over 30 points on nearly 50% shooting, with good rebs, assts, steals
12 Brandon Roy, Por, PG/SG
Scoring down from last year, as he tries to make it work with Miller/Blake
13 Deron Williams, Uta, PG
On pace to do what was expected of him--high pts, assts, % + 3’s and steals
14 Carlos Boozer, Uta, PF/C
Don’t like him, but he’s averaging over 20 and 10, plus 84%FT
15 Jason Kidd, Dal, PG
Old man keeps doing it—not many pts, but everything else is where you’d expect it, including over 2 3’s per
16 Tim Duncan, SA, PF/C
Keeps doing it year in, year out—even FT% is up!
17 Paul Pierce, Bos, SG/SF
FG% is up around 50%, with almost 5 rebs and assts and scoring near 20
18 Josh Smith, Atl, SF/PF
Monster this season—everything is up, including 4 assts and 9 rebs per game and making 53% FG + his blocks!
19 Brook Lopez, NJ, PF/C
Doing what everyone thought he would on the worst team in the NBA—FG% has room for improvement
20 Chauncey Billups, Den, PG
Quietly doing what he does—hopefully assts will rise along the way
21 Andre Iguodala, Phi, SG/SF
Always a bright spot for the Sixers as he fills the stat sheet
22 Amare Stoudemire, Pho, C
Has made a good return from eye injury, although rebs are quite down
23 Andrea Bargnani, Tor, PF/C
Picked it up even more where he left off last year--pts, rebs and %'s all up!
24 Antawn Jamison, Was, PF
After being back from injury for only 6 games, has instantly returned to form
25 Joe Johnson, Atl, PG/SG/SF
Assists are a bit down, but this team is rolling and so is he
26 Gerald Wallace, Cha, SF/PF
Finally getting his FG% to match the rest of his play—massive rebounds!
27 Monta Ellis, GS, PG/SG
Goodbye Jackson, hello Ellis! Averaging over 29 pts per game over past 9, including 45/42
28 Caron Butler, Was, SG/SF
Scoring and steals down, we’ll see how he and Arenas manage together
29 Kevin Garnett, Bos, PF
Starting to play more min., and still averages a block/steal and over 7 rebs
30 Vince Carter, Orl, SG/SF
Finally starting to pour it on--over 20 pts in 6 straight games
31 Baron Davis, LAC, PG
Playing elite level ball right now, pts a bit down and can't help but think he'll get injured
32 David Lee, NY, PF/C
Up more than 2 pts per game from last year, rebs a bit down but still 10+
33 Marc Gasol, Mem, C
One of those elite 2nd year players who have stepped up their game in every category
34 Al Jefferson, Min, PF/C
Everything is down for Jefferson, but the return of Love should give him some support
Looking in...
Dwight Howard, Jose Calderon, Devin Harris, David West, Marcus Camby, Greg Oden, Nene Hilario, Rudy Gay, Al Horford
Well, now that I've completed it send me your comments and let me know if I'm right on or way off--I can take it! Also, let me know if you can think of a more "catchy" title.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Big Z Snubbed
Did you hear about this one? During Saturday night's home game against the Mavericks, Zydrunas Ilgauskas of the Cleveland Cavaliers was set to become that team's all-time leader in games played. He even had family members and friends flown in for the game to help celebrate the momentous occasion.
But no! The Cavaliers snubbed their record tying center (currently at 723 games played), as coaching staff decided not to put him in the game, finishing the game with a DNP--coaches decision!
Both Big Z and Lebron James are pissed at coach Mike Brown's negligence to put Ilgauskas into the game, despite the 12 years of service on the only NBA team he has ever been a part of. Loyalty is hard to come by these days, and it seems like it doesn't pay off in the end. Normally a franchise would go all out for a circumstance like this, but obviously Ilgauskas is the farthest thing from Cleveland management's mind.
Understandably, Big Z was very low key during Monday's practice, and didn't even take part in the team's football scrimmage game after the practice. He opted to shoot a few baskets at the other end of the court and quietly dodge out in order to escape the media.
I can't imagine this is going to end up very good for any of the people involved in this situation, and Big Z may even want out if things aren't cleared up soon. Cleveland brass are so worried about re-signing James this offseason that they have forgot about one of their all-time greats.
Shame on you, Cleveland Cavaliers.
But no! The Cavaliers snubbed their record tying center (currently at 723 games played), as coaching staff decided not to put him in the game, finishing the game with a DNP--coaches decision!
Both Big Z and Lebron James are pissed at coach Mike Brown's negligence to put Ilgauskas into the game, despite the 12 years of service on the only NBA team he has ever been a part of. Loyalty is hard to come by these days, and it seems like it doesn't pay off in the end. Normally a franchise would go all out for a circumstance like this, but obviously Ilgauskas is the farthest thing from Cleveland management's mind.
Understandably, Big Z was very low key during Monday's practice, and didn't even take part in the team's football scrimmage game after the practice. He opted to shoot a few baskets at the other end of the court and quietly dodge out in order to escape the media.
I can't imagine this is going to end up very good for any of the people involved in this situation, and Big Z may even want out if things aren't cleared up soon. Cleveland brass are so worried about re-signing James this offseason that they have forgot about one of their all-time greats.
Shame on you, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Frank Out, Nets Still Lose
Turns out the New Jersey Nets didn't make fired coach, Lawrence Frank, man the helm for the winless team's Sunday night tilt versus the Lakers. Thankfully, Frank won't have his name engraved in stone beside a team who have now lost 17 games in a row, tying a record in the process. Nets management also wanted to spare Frank of the ominous record.
New Jersey will try to take the record on Wednesday night, versus Dallas. "Being the worst at something just comes natural to me", Devin Harris was overheard saying in the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Lakers. "I ain't ever been the same after that white guy in jeans schooled me on the playground last year", Harris went on to say. Seriously, check out that video! Also, check out my "Twilight vs NBA" video while you're at it too.
Fantasy wise, you have to think (hope) that changing up coaches should have some positive effect on a team, especially when the team has nowhere to go but up. Hopefully the offense will be opened up a bit, making scoring more frequent, meaning more stats for your fantasy players. In addition, Harris has only been back for a few games since his injury, and with him running the offense things should also open up; not to mention his points, assists and FG% should climb back to where they were last season.
Look for Courtney Lee to be inserted back into the starting lineup. He has struggled off the bench since his return from injury 4 games ago, but will more than likely be relied upon quite heavily once he is 100%. Lee was New Jersey's big acquisition this past summer, and many were looking to him to fill the void that Vince Carter left behind; a tall order, but Lee should post decent numbers most nights. He is widely open in many leagues right now.
I have Chris Douglas-Roberts on my team, and have been quite pleasantly surprised by his play thus far; although, if you remember, CDR had a very good training camp and preseason as well. I'm hoping all of this good stuff from him continues late into the season. However, I am slightly skeptical of him keeping up this pace and have been trying to sell high on him right now. With the return of Harris, Lee and soon to be Yi things aren't looking so good for me (yes, I tried to make that rhyme)! CDR should still get plenty of minutes, but look for his production to drop slightly.
So, are the Nets going to beat the record to become the #1 losers?
New Jersey will try to take the record on Wednesday night, versus Dallas. "Being the worst at something just comes natural to me", Devin Harris was overheard saying in the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Lakers. "I ain't ever been the same after that white guy in jeans schooled me on the playground last year", Harris went on to say. Seriously, check out that video! Also, check out my "Twilight vs NBA" video while you're at it too.
Fantasy wise, you have to think (hope) that changing up coaches should have some positive effect on a team, especially when the team has nowhere to go but up. Hopefully the offense will be opened up a bit, making scoring more frequent, meaning more stats for your fantasy players. In addition, Harris has only been back for a few games since his injury, and with him running the offense things should also open up; not to mention his points, assists and FG% should climb back to where they were last season.
Look for Courtney Lee to be inserted back into the starting lineup. He has struggled off the bench since his return from injury 4 games ago, but will more than likely be relied upon quite heavily once he is 100%. Lee was New Jersey's big acquisition this past summer, and many were looking to him to fill the void that Vince Carter left behind; a tall order, but Lee should post decent numbers most nights. He is widely open in many leagues right now.
I have Chris Douglas-Roberts on my team, and have been quite pleasantly surprised by his play thus far; although, if you remember, CDR had a very good training camp and preseason as well. I'm hoping all of this good stuff from him continues late into the season. However, I am slightly skeptical of him keeping up this pace and have been trying to sell high on him right now. With the return of Harris, Lee and soon to be Yi things aren't looking so good for me (yes, I tried to make that rhyme)! CDR should still get plenty of minutes, but look for his production to drop slightly.
So, are the Nets going to beat the record to become the #1 losers?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Frank-ly Speaking: Nets Have Had Enough
It seems like the New Jersey Nets have finally decided to give coach Lawrence Frank the boot. Management was trying to give him a bit of time, as the Nets had a plethora of injuries to begin the season. But now it is time to go.
Devin Harris has returned from his injuries as well as Courtney Lee (perhaps), but the Nets still haven't been able to celebrate this season; their closest thing to a win was a 1 point loss to the Miami Heat on November 14.
The crappy thing about this deal is that although Frank (and everyone else who follows basketball) knows he is done coaching the team, the Nets still need his services on Sunday for their game against the Lakers. What a raw deal! What do you think are the chances the Nets can pull out a win in this game? The only possibility they have is if the team can finally rally around their fired coach to give a final farewell.
On the other hand, Frank might as well go down losing and get his name into the record books, tied for the most consecutive losses in NBA history. Although he won't be able to be a part of the stand alone record (18 straight losses) on Wednesday night versus the Dallas Mavericks, as it is expected that General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe will take over as interim head coach.
Perhaps Kiki will help get the Nets their first win, avoiding the ominous record. Or maybe the Nets will go 0-82 and just hope that their new Russian billionaire owner can get them the hell out of New Jersey and into a nice new arena in Brooklyn--stat! Either way, it's going to be a long season for anyone affiliated with the Nets.
Whatever the case, I just hope CDR keeps up his strong play!
Devin Harris has returned from his injuries as well as Courtney Lee (perhaps), but the Nets still haven't been able to celebrate this season; their closest thing to a win was a 1 point loss to the Miami Heat on November 14.
The crappy thing about this deal is that although Frank (and everyone else who follows basketball) knows he is done coaching the team, the Nets still need his services on Sunday for their game against the Lakers. What a raw deal! What do you think are the chances the Nets can pull out a win in this game? The only possibility they have is if the team can finally rally around their fired coach to give a final farewell.
On the other hand, Frank might as well go down losing and get his name into the record books, tied for the most consecutive losses in NBA history. Although he won't be able to be a part of the stand alone record (18 straight losses) on Wednesday night versus the Dallas Mavericks, as it is expected that General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe will take over as interim head coach.
Perhaps Kiki will help get the Nets their first win, avoiding the ominous record. Or maybe the Nets will go 0-82 and just hope that their new Russian billionaire owner can get them the hell out of New Jersey and into a nice new arena in Brooklyn--stat! Either way, it's going to be a long season for anyone affiliated with the Nets.
Whatever the case, I just hope CDR keeps up his strong play!
You've Redd the Writing on the Wall: Michael's Got to Go!
Michael Redd missed Saturday's home game loss against the Orlando Magic due to the sore left knee that made him miss 9 games earlier this season. After a surprise start to the season, Milwaukee has now lost 4 in a row and remain only 1 game above 500. Redd had only returned to play in 3 games (1 as a starter) before he had to sit this one out, and is questionable to play in the Bucks next game on Monday night versus the Bulls. After his last games against the Thunder, Redd stated that he wasn't able to move around the court like he wanted to and felt stiffness in his knee.
None of this sounds very optimistic for Redd owners (that's me!), as he has been injury prone since the 06/07 season where he missed 29 games, not to mention the whopping 49 games he missed last season! Unfortunately, if you have Redd in a non-keeper league you don't have much choice but to hold onto him, as none of the reports have stated (yet) that he is shutting it down for any extended period of time. You would be stupid to simply drop him for another player who doesn't possess half of the potential of Redd. If you are able to trade him, possibly a 2 for 1, that would be your best bet. However, it's doubtful that anyone in your league would want to take the chance on him, unless they are big Redd fans.
On the other hand, if you own Redd in a keeper league I believe you need to get rid of him. Again, hopefully you could get something for him in a trade, but you should set your sights low and just take whatever deal you can get at this point--it seems like he is only going to cause you headaches and stress all year long, and quite possibly for the rest of his career! I picked up Redd in the 7th round of our Fantasy draft and new he was a risky pick, but like most who drafted him had hoped that there was a possibility he might be able to stay healthy. However, it seems the 30 year old has seen the best of his career pass him by--and now I have him on my team!
Owners of Redd need to do what they can to load him off on someone else. Which means if anyone from my Fantasy League is reading this don't be surprised if you are inundated by Redd trade offers!
None of this sounds very optimistic for Redd owners (that's me!), as he has been injury prone since the 06/07 season where he missed 29 games, not to mention the whopping 49 games he missed last season! Unfortunately, if you have Redd in a non-keeper league you don't have much choice but to hold onto him, as none of the reports have stated (yet) that he is shutting it down for any extended period of time. You would be stupid to simply drop him for another player who doesn't possess half of the potential of Redd. If you are able to trade him, possibly a 2 for 1, that would be your best bet. However, it's doubtful that anyone in your league would want to take the chance on him, unless they are big Redd fans.
On the other hand, if you own Redd in a keeper league I believe you need to get rid of him. Again, hopefully you could get something for him in a trade, but you should set your sights low and just take whatever deal you can get at this point--it seems like he is only going to cause you headaches and stress all year long, and quite possibly for the rest of his career! I picked up Redd in the 7th round of our Fantasy draft and new he was a risky pick, but like most who drafted him had hoped that there was a possibility he might be able to stay healthy. However, it seems the 30 year old has seen the best of his career pass him by--and now I have him on my team!
Owners of Redd need to do what they can to load him off on someone else. Which means if anyone from my Fantasy League is reading this don't be surprised if you are inundated by Redd trade offers!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Iverson to Come Out of Retirement, Join Sixers
After several days of retirement and 3 turkeys later, disgruntled ex-NBAer Allen Iverson may be set to make his long awaited return to the court. Current PG, Louis Williams, suffered a broken jaw in Tuesday's 1 point loss to the Washington Wizards, and will be sidelined with a wired jaw for 8 weeks. Williams has been one of the bright spots for the 76ers this year, averaging 17.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Williams' presence will be sorely lost on this struggling team, as rookie Jrue Holiday has had to fill in under his absence. This is where Iverson comes in; 2 months without a seasoned PG is obviously too long to find out whether a rookie can run a team. Reports are stating that Philadelphia have serious interest in Iverson, and may sign him as soon as next week. "We simply can't just ignore the upside he'd bring, not with our situation" a team source said on Friday. There's no denying that this franchise and its fans would be gushing at the fact that they may be able to get one of their all-time greats back--a savior if you will. At least that's what they're hoping! I'm sure 76er brass are most giddy about the potential for increased ticket sales and more revenue.
Supposedly, former coach Larry Brown (now coach of the Charlotte Bobcats) is even trying to get into contact with Iverson in order to tell him to not give up on the NBA. Brown thinks Iverson still has a lot to give the league, and his retirement is premature for the talents he still possesses.
With this news, all signs are pointing to a grandiose return of Allen Iverson--shocker! I suppose if he is available on your waiver wire you should go pick him up, as he more than likely will post good numbers. As for when Williams returns, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the 8 week audition for Iverson has gone to see who will be the starting PG. We all know of Allen's distaste for coming off the bench, and perhaps by that time the fans may agree with him.
Williams' presence will be sorely lost on this struggling team, as rookie Jrue Holiday has had to fill in under his absence. This is where Iverson comes in; 2 months without a seasoned PG is obviously too long to find out whether a rookie can run a team. Reports are stating that Philadelphia have serious interest in Iverson, and may sign him as soon as next week. "We simply can't just ignore the upside he'd bring, not with our situation" a team source said on Friday. There's no denying that this franchise and its fans would be gushing at the fact that they may be able to get one of their all-time greats back--a savior if you will. At least that's what they're hoping! I'm sure 76er brass are most giddy about the potential for increased ticket sales and more revenue.
Supposedly, former coach Larry Brown (now coach of the Charlotte Bobcats) is even trying to get into contact with Iverson in order to tell him to not give up on the NBA. Brown thinks Iverson still has a lot to give the league, and his retirement is premature for the talents he still possesses.
With this news, all signs are pointing to a grandiose return of Allen Iverson--shocker! I suppose if he is available on your waiver wire you should go pick him up, as he more than likely will post good numbers. As for when Williams returns, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the 8 week audition for Iverson has gone to see who will be the starting PG. We all know of Allen's distaste for coming off the bench, and perhaps by that time the fans may agree with him.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Put Your Left Hip In, Pull Your Right Hammy Out
It's the weekend again, with a full slate of games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Happy belated Thanksgiving to any American readers (I really have no idea who's reading this shit)! Hopefully no one got trampled during any "Black Friday" shopping excursions; then again, it's bound to happen. What do I give a crap how you spend your Thanksgiving? I already had mine over a month ago.
Let's get to it...
Mike Dunleavy is set to make his regular season debut on Friday night, versus the Dallas Mavericks. Dunleavy missed all but 18 games last season, and has missed all 13 games for the Pacers this season due to a knee/hip injury. Obviously he is set to come off the bench, and staff will be monitoring his minutes to fewer than 20 per game until he can get his legs under him. Dunleavy hasn't played since February 8, 2009 versus Washington. In addition to Dunleavy, Danny Granger has proclaimed that he would give it a go after missing 1 game with one of those pesky sprained left knee ligament thingy's. Be wary of any missed time for Granger in games to come; he has had knee problems in the past.
In Cleveland, Shaquille O'Neal is set to return after missing the past 6 games with a strained shoulder. Shaq hasn't played since November 12 versus Miami, and will probably be a bit rusty, although Cav's staff says they will not be putting him on a minute restriction so feel free to get him back into your fantasy lineup if you have the room. O'Neal's stats have been down significantly to start the season, and he has only averaged just over 24 minutes per game this year, down 6 minutes from last year.
Elton Brand will be a game time decision for Friday's matchup against the Hawks after missing 1 game due to a pulled right hammy. Brand had finally got it going over his last few games, after a very slow start to the season. Even if he did return for Friday's game, you would have to expect him to be slower than before the injury. Brand is tough to read this year, and you may want to try and trade high if he has a couple more good games in a row.
Hate what you read? Like it? Looking for advice/a second opinion? Send me your comments below...let me know I'm full of it, or give me some more story ideas.
Let's get to it...
Mike Dunleavy is set to make his regular season debut on Friday night, versus the Dallas Mavericks. Dunleavy missed all but 18 games last season, and has missed all 13 games for the Pacers this season due to a knee/hip injury. Obviously he is set to come off the bench, and staff will be monitoring his minutes to fewer than 20 per game until he can get his legs under him. Dunleavy hasn't played since February 8, 2009 versus Washington. In addition to Dunleavy, Danny Granger has proclaimed that he would give it a go after missing 1 game with one of those pesky sprained left knee ligament thingy's. Be wary of any missed time for Granger in games to come; he has had knee problems in the past.
In Cleveland, Shaquille O'Neal is set to return after missing the past 6 games with a strained shoulder. Shaq hasn't played since November 12 versus Miami, and will probably be a bit rusty, although Cav's staff says they will not be putting him on a minute restriction so feel free to get him back into your fantasy lineup if you have the room. O'Neal's stats have been down significantly to start the season, and he has only averaged just over 24 minutes per game this year, down 6 minutes from last year.
Elton Brand will be a game time decision for Friday's matchup against the Hawks after missing 1 game due to a pulled right hammy. Brand had finally got it going over his last few games, after a very slow start to the season. Even if he did return for Friday's game, you would have to expect him to be slower than before the injury. Brand is tough to read this year, and you may want to try and trade high if he has a couple more good games in a row.
Hate what you read? Like it? Looking for advice/a second opinion? Send me your comments below...let me know I'm full of it, or give me some more story ideas.
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