Wondering what will be the effects of all the major deals prior to today’s deadline? Well, worry no more as Justin and I are here to help clear up any confusion. I’ll handle the relevant fantasy perspective while Justin will tackle the realistic implications in a subsequent article. If we happen to miss anything or you simply have a question, as always, feel free to leave a comment below.
Before we get to the good stuff, I just wanted to mention that we’ve experienced some trouble on the website as hackers thought we were an enviable target. We have to assume they were unhappy with Plonden’s advice, but regardless, we lost Deebo’s post/comments and I’ve had to redo this week’s preview (that’s why it was late). Regardless, lesson to be learned – BACK UP everything you do somewhere!
Plonden gets two thumbs up for being able to peer into the future. No, not for making any solid picks, but rather realizing we could use another writer or two around here. Haha! Honestly, we both happened to be without solid computer access for most of the week – hey it’s the holidays, right? For this, we apologize but we vow to get back to posting multiple articles every week.
Ok, on to the good stuff! Hopefully, some of you were able to nab Leandro Barbosa, Yi Jianlian, Jameer Nelson or Tyrus Thomas returning from injury. If not, keep on reading then as you probably have a need to replace some dead wood on your rosters.
Week Ten Schedules
Four Games: CHA, CLE, IND, LAL, MIN, NYK, OKC, PHI, SAC, SAS
Three Games: ATL, BOS, CHI, DAL, DEN, GSW, HOU, MEM, MIA, MIL, NJN, NOH, ORL, PHO, POR, TOR, UTA, WAS
Two Games: DET, LAC
ADD LIST (players owned in 40% or less in standard Yahoo! leagues)
DeJuan Blair (SF/PF/C – 11%) – Everyone’s favorite preseason rookie is finally getting minutes including a season high of 35 against the Knicks this past Sunday. Apparently not everyone has jumped all over him yet so check your leagues now. His per 36 numbers are fantastic – close to 60 FG%, 14.6 points, 13 rebounds, .9 steals and 1.3 blocks.
James Harden (PG/SG – 38%) – The last 6 games, James is averaging just about 28 minutes a game. Over that time span, he’s averaging 13.2 points, 1 3ptm/steal, 3.7 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.2 TO’s. It appears his role will be consistent going forward so expect these numbers to remain (in case you’re wondering, ziguana has him ranked 87th the last 12 days which includes the dismal 41.7 FG%).
Kirk Hinrich (PG/SG – 29%) – Soon to be fired Vinnie Del Negro has put Kirk into the starting lineup (not that it really mattered considering he’s been over 30 minutes a game since his return from injury). Over the last 5 games, Kirk has averaged 11 points, 1.6 3ptm, 4.6 boards and 3.8 assists. It’ll be interesting to see what a new coach decides to do, but he’s worth owning at least in the interim as he’s admitted he’s more comfortable in a starting role.
Juwan Howard (SF/PF/C – 10%) – With Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla done for the year, Juwan has been pushed into a prominent role. Most likely, the Blazers will pick up another big man but in the meantime give him a look for solid FG% and good rebounding. Since becoming a starter, he’s put up 8.7 points, 10 boards on 54 FG%.
Brandon Rush (SG/SF – 22%) – Him again?!? Unfortunately yes. First, he’s looking at a four game week so regardless of the subpar play, he should be able to put up useful numbers over the course of the week. Second, both Mike Dunleavy (sufferring from lack of strength in his legs) and Dahntay Jones (return to mediocrity?) have been awful. Look for him to continue to get solid minutes contributing 3’s/steals/blocks with decent boards at his position. Naturally, be aware he’ll most likely hurt your team’s %’s.
CUT LIST
Tyson Chandler (C – 44%) – If Tyson hadn’t given you a reason to kick him to the WW with his substandard play thusfar this season, his latest stress reaction in his foot probably should. Considering he struggled with foot problems the past season and he still hasn’t felt 100% after offseason surgery, there is a good chance it’ll linger well into the rest of this season.
Tracy McGrady (SG/SF – 62%) – It should be obvious the Rockets and Tmac are and will not be on the same page for the rest of the season. The Rockets decided to sit him down for a few games so he left the team to spend time with his family (uh, ok). Prior to this, he wasn’t seeing even 8 minutes a game. Time for everyone the end their love affair with him as it’s completely up in the air when his situation will improve whether through a trade or a Rocket’s injury.
WATCH LIST
Ryan Gomes (SF/PF – 30%) – Ryan gets the “watch list” treatment because it’s unsure how significant his production will be going forward. Prior to his really solid stretch just prior to his injury, he was largely an inconsistent mess. Considering the Wolves won 3 of the 6 games he missed (and Damien Wilkins hasn’t been all that bad), I can’t see Rambis thrusting him into any prominent role.
Tyler Hansbrough (SF/PF – 10%) – I know Plonden told you to cut him a week ago, but you’ve at least got to put him back on your radar. The Pacer’s could very well be considered the worst team in the league at the moment as they’ve lost 6 in a row including two embarrassing losses in their last 2 games. Consequently, I could see the Pacers start off loading some of their higher salary players, but none more so than Troy Murphy. No Troy means excellent minutes and production from Tyler (if you can stomach the FG%) – 36 minute per – 17.5 points, 9.6 boards, 1.2 steals with only 1.6 TO’s.
Serge Ibaka (C – 3%) – Allowing a pass in the Thunder’s last game, Serge has been playing admirably well. In a four game stretch, he’s seen a little over 24 minutes a game and averaged 10.5 points, 8.5 boards, 1.2 blks on 62 FG%. I expect his role to remain pretty solid as both Nenad Krstic and Nick Collison lack a lot of ability necessary many a night against NBA competition.
C.J. Miles (SG/SF – 4%) – Yeah I know he’s been horrid his last 2 games (2 for 15 FG’s), but don’t give up hope yet. The Jazz need his production as Wesley Matthews will be more inconsistent going forward while Kyle Korver is still having knee problems. I expect Miles to be a good source of points, 3’s and steals this week as the Jazz face the Wolves, Thunder and Nuggets.
Earl Watson (PG – 6%) – Another complete failure the last 2 games, Earl should be given a chance for at least this upcoming week (as I mentioned the Pacers are looking at a 4 game week). Considering TJ Ford has all but been written off by Jim O’Brien, Mr. Watson has a good chance to rebound as the coach relies on a veteran leader to help the Pacers turn about their recent woeful play. Expect solid 3’s, assists and steals out of him against the Bulls, Grizzlies, Wolves and Knicks.
STAY THE COURSE
Ersan Ilyasova (SF/PF – 50%) – Hitting only 4 out of his past 24 field goals, will make you want to drop Ersan faster than a hot potato, but I ask you to reconsider the notion for 3 reasons. One, his opportunity won’t be taken away as the Bucks aren’t going anywhere fast so they’ll stick with their youth. Two, he’s got Hakim Warrick behind him. Three, team leaders Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut are as brittle as they come.
Marreesse Speights (PF/C – 34%) – After a 28/9 performance against the Clippers, Marreesse appears to have gone on hiatus (4.5 points, 4 boards the last 2 games). This might be a nice opportunity for you to jump on him as some owner has lost the faith but you shouldn’t. Besides his fantastic ability, he is too good of a fit under Eddie Jordan so expect a return to strong numbers in the near future.
DEEP LEAGUE SPECIALS
Nazr Mohammed (C – 4%) – If Nazr is available, nab him in deep leagues. While Tyson Chandler is slated to only miss a week, I expect his foot to hold him back much longer. In the meantime, expect similar production to his last 2 game averages of 14 points, 8.5 boards, 1 steal/board with excellent FG% and TO numbers.
Jeff Pendergraph (SF/PF – 0%) – Until the Blazer’s are able to bring in another big man, Jeff will be relied on to assist Juwan Howard down the low. Scary, I know but he’s worth a look for some extra points, rebounds and defensive numbers all done in an efficient manner (based on summer league production).
MYSTERY MAN
Delonte West (PG/SG – 20%) – In keeping with last week’s new category, is there anyone more worthy of a mention? To start the year, it wasn’t even certain when, if at all, he’d be back on the court. Now that he is racking up more 20+ minute games than DNP’s, the question is will he achieve any consistency to be worth owning in the average fantasy league – especially in the 3 point category (1 made 3 the entire month!!!)? I say yes. As he and his teammates continue to acclimate to one another, his role will likely increase. After all, the Cav’s have won 9 of their last 10 and it can be argued he was their second most valuable player last season. In addition, it’s no surprise confidence is the last thing he needs to achieve (the motorcycle stunt and his wrist injury). However, it’s getting there as both the coach and teammates are noticing.
Utah Jazz All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer has until the end of June to decide if he will opt out of his current contract that is slated to pay him $12.7 million in 2009-10. During the season, Boozer publicly stated that he planned to test free agency. Boozer is looking to make more money in a lagging economy, which features more teams with smaller payrolls and less cap room.
In addition, Boozer may enter free agency after coming off an injury-laden season in which he missed 45 games. A season that also saw him play the fewest games in his career, record the lowest field goal percentage, and the lowest scoring average since 2005-06. Boozer struggled throughout the season and seemed hampered by the knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery in January.
On Monday he told ESPN’s Jim Rome that he would:
Do my homework, do my due diligence and on June 30, I’ll decide either to opt in or opt out.
Source: Desert News
This sounds like a man who is not so sure of himself anymore. Walking away from nearly $13 million might not sound like the best idea. Boozer is playing on a team that had been steadily progressing for the past few seasons… until their first round flame-out this year at the hands of the Lakers. He is playing in a system that allows him to maximize his somewhat limited offensive repertoire. He also has a top point guard in Deron Williams giving him the easiest buckets of his life right at the rim.
So is it really best for Boozer to opt out?
Over the last few seasons Boozer has established himself as a quality power forward that can put up 20 and 10 every night. A number of teams, including the Pistons, Heat and Raptors, have all been rumored to have varying degrees of interest in Boozer. He has the ability to give you an instant post presence and is a decent defender (although he could definitely improve in this department). He also brings a veteran presence and playoff experience to any locker room. It’s no surprise there are a number of suitors for his services despite the down economy.
A young team like the Bucks could be a great fit for a player like Boozer. With Charlie Villanueva potentially leaving, Boozer could pair with Andrew Bogut in the front court and make for a potent punch. All of this of course depends on Boozer’s willingness to accept being the number one option on a glamor-less team. Contrast that with being the number two option in a contending program (sorry Boozer, Deron is the star).
So how would Boozer’s fantasy value be affected by a change in scenery?
Boozer’s best fantasy days are behind him. I don’t see his stats getting any better no matter which team he joins. Boozer’s production in Utah is a direct correlation to his relationship on the court with Deron Williams. Williams’ ability to run the pick and roll with Boozer allows him easy looks near the basket consistently. In Utah he is the number one scoring option, so becoming a number one option on another team does not necessarily mean his field goal percentage or scoring average will increase.
Boozer is a number one option with Utah but he has other capable scorers on the court with him: Williams, Mehmet Okur, Kyle Korver, and Andrei Kirilenko to name a few. These players allow Boozer to mostly remain double-team free by stretching out the defense. If Boozer is the sole scoring option on a mediocre team, his field goal percentage would tumble and turnovers would rise with more attention by the opposing defenses constantly doubling him. His recent health issues only make you wonder whether or not his body can withstand playing heavy minutes and taking a beating in the post. I wouldn’t want to waste one of my top picks hoping he is up to the challenge.
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