Did we really have to learn it’s not cool pulling a gun on a teammate in the locker room? I’m looking at you Gilbert Arenas! There are rumors flying around that he’s going to miss serious time as it could be measured in months. Consequently, it’s no surprise this week’s mystery man has to be Randy Foye. He’s been a starter in the past so I’d assume Flip would be encouraged to go with him over any of Washington’s other point guards.
Week Eleven Schedules
Four Games: ATL, CHI, LAL, MEM, MIA, NJN, NOH, ORL, POR, UTA, WAS
Three Games: BOS, CHA, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MIL, MIN, OKC, PHI, PHO, SAC, SAS, TOR
Two Games: NYK
ADD LIST (players owned in 40% or less in standard Yahoo! leagues)
Matt Barnes (SG/SF – 16%) – Matt’s stock has recently gone up since he was moved into the starting lineup. Stan Van Gundy has been singing his praises too so expect him to stick in place of Mickael Pietrus. In his 3 recent starts, he’s averaged 16.7 points, 1.7 3ptm, 7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 TO’s. He’ll also contribute the occasional defensive numbers.
Omri Casspi (SG/SF/PF – 33%) – Casper has just been on a tear lately so I’m shocked he’s not more universally owned. In the last 13 games, he’s averaged a very cool 16.2 points, 1.8 3ptm, 5,8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, .6 steals and .4 blocks. With over 32 minutes a game, he’s also been very efficient shooting 48% from the field and 77.4% from the charity stripe with only 1.4 turnovers. I don’t see a return of Kevin Martin ending his value either as Westy is likely to move him over to SF.
Nick Collison (PF/C – 5%) – If you don’t mind anti-glamor types, give Nick a look. Since returning from injury, his minutes have been steadily trending upwards and it appears Scott Brooks is most comfortable with him over both Nenad Krstic and Serge Ibaka. In the last 5 games, he’s averaged 9.4 points (on 70.8 FG% and 68.4 FT%), 7 rebounds and 1 block.
Luther Head (PG/SG – 9%) – Here we go recommending another Pacer again but you gotta figure we’re due to get one right! Actually, there is a good chance he’ll revert back into some sort of inconsistent mess considering his track record, but why not ride him now? He’s easily been the most productive wing player for O’Brien so look for him to continue to get minutes. The last 3 games as a starter he’s averaged 23 points, 2.3 3ptm, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals.
Juwan Howard (SF/PF/C – 10%) – Here is what I like to call a “process of elimination” player. Simply put, the Blazers best big man is this 36 year old who was drafted by the Washington Bullets. The last 6 games, Juwan has averaged 9 points (on 57.4 FG%), 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.8 TO’s. Considering LaMarcus Aldridge is hobbled with an ankle sprain, Howard is well worth a spin during this upcoming 4 game week.
CUT LIST
Mario Chalmers (PG – 49%) – Sadly, it’s about time for owners to let Mario go as one of my favorite preseason targets has been an enormous letdown. Most likely, his fate is about to be sealed as Miami is probably going to guarantee Carlos Arroyo’s contract for the rest of the season. When that happens, Mario’s role as a reserve (6.3 points, .4 3ptm, 1.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists) looks to be close to permanent.
TJ Ford (PG – 43%) – Seems like Ford has finally hit rock bottom as he’s recently been demoted to 3rd string point guard for the lowly Indiana Pacers. What’s worse is he claims in the linked article that he didn’t get an explanation for being removed from the rotation. Uh, TJ, quit playing dumb.
Peja Stojakovic (SG/SF – 67%) – Since Christmas, Peja has fallen off a cliff (averaging under 5 points a game, 1 three, 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 4 games). In addition to the obvious slump, his back has started to act up on him again. Considering, he’s had chronic problems the last few years, don’t hold your breath he’ll be right as rain after a few days of rest.
WATCH LIST
DeJuan Blair (SF/PF/C – 14%) – Blair’s adjustment as a starter hasn’t gone as smoothly as most of us had hoped as his minutes and numbers have been up and down since being handed this juicy role back on December 21. His uninspiring averages of 7.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, .6 steals and .7 blocks over that period have resulted in Theo Ratliff getting the start in Sunday’s game against Toronto. However, it’s hard to throw in the towel on a kid who usually doesn’t need much time to put a fantasy worthy line.
Andray Blatche (PF/C – 33%) – “Seven Day Dray” started the season off with a bang thanks to an Antawn Jamison shoulder injury. However, as expected, he faded back into obscurity when he became a role player again. With the Wizards lackluster play, Flip gave Blatche a start in their last game against the Spurs. Coach is looking for an increase in paint production, but we all know Dray loves to shoot too many jumpers. If he does heed Flip’s wishes, he could be worth owning again.
Rasual Butler (SG/SF – 15%) – Managers looking for an interim boost in scoring should look Rasual’s way. Over the last ten games, he’s averaged 14.5 points, 2.4 3ptm, 3.2 rebounds and 1 block on excellent shooting (48.7 FG% and 91.7 FT%). More importantly, he has replaced Al Thornton as the team’s starting small forward. Just remember to temper your expectations as Butler likes to disappear and Blake Griffin’s return is getting nearer.
Quentin Richardson (SG/SF – 18%) – Q has got to be this season’s Jekyll/Mr. Hyde winner. Case in point, just glance at the boxscore of his last two games. Against the Spurs, 0 points and 3 rebounds. Against the Bobcats, 20 points (6 3ptm) and 5 rebounds. I literally prefer to just watch Qrich, but he could be worth a look for a team either feeling lucky or in dire need of 3ptm.
STAY THE COURSE
Courtney Lee (SG/SF – 50%) – Mr. Lee’s averages have been quite pedestrian thus far this season: 11.5 points, .6 3ptm, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Lately, his numbers have shown a bit of a decline which is most likely due to the fact that Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts are back playing big minutes to go alongside Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. Despite this, I still recommend you hang onto him. That perimeter shooting is bound to improve as he’s always been considered an excellent shot. Moreover, he provides a significant amount of steals (1.7) to go along with very low turnvoers (1.1).
Charlie Villanueva (SF/PF – 84%) – Without a doubt, there is cause for alarm as his recent 6 game averages are woeful: 4.7 points, .3 3ptm, 3.5 rebounds and .5 blocks. As the roster is finally getting healthy around him, Kuester’s manlove for Jonas Jerebko and his plantar fasciitis are all attempting to stand in his way of solid production. However, things will turn around as he sat down with the Coach and figured out what he needed to do. The outcome? He played 28 minutes in the Piston’s last game against the Bulls while Jerebko 19.
DEEP LEAGUE SPECIALS
Glen Davis (PF/C – 4%) – With Kevin Garnett out for a minimum of 10 days, the Celtic’s need Big Baby. Rasheed Wallace isn’t accustomed to playing huge starter’s minutes and Kendrick Perkins usually struggles with foul trouble. Expect at least a few games of solid points, boards and steals in the near future.
Wayne Ellington (PG/SG – 1%) – Are we ready to proclaim it Wayne’s World? No, but his role is undeniably increasing in Minnesota as evidenced by the uptick in his minutes recently. Considering how the team is in need of a solid perimeter threat, Coach Rambis must be excited this rookie is finally putting things together. If you’re in a deep league and would like to bump up the scoring categories, give him a try. He set a new season high of 16 points and 3 3ptm in their last game.
MYSTERY MAN
Randy Foye (PG/SG – 31%) – As I mentioned earlier, Gilbert Arenas supposedly pulled the knucklehead move of the year by playing with a gun in the Wizard’s locker room. Consequently, stiff penalties await and he could leave a mammoth hole for a lengthy period of time. Enter Randy. Even though Flip has shown a preference to Earl Boykins certain games, it is highly unlikely the 5 foot 5 inch guard could handle the starting duties. Meanwhile Randy has played huge minutes at the point in Minnesota providing solid points, 3ptm, assists and steals. Be ready to pounce if any new developments regarding any suspensions crop up.
