Posts Tagged James Harden
Week 19 Recap (I don’t like mosquitoes) and Week 20 Pickups
Posted by fantasy hoopster in Fantasy Basketball on March 8, 2010
The Week 19 Recap will be a little different this week because, amazingly, I only spent 5 minutes checking fantasy stats while vacationing in Central America, with just one mid-week check-in on my main H2H squad to make sure Gerald Wallace and Dwight Howard weren’t pummeling me too much. (A special thanks to Andrew Bogut for making me rest easy the rest of the week.)
The final fantasy tally from my trip? About 13 fishies devoured, 2 oceans dipped in, 1 cave spelunked, 1 river rafted, 1 military coup averted, 30+ mosquito bites, 3 fire ant bites, 1 sprained ankle, 1 allergic reaction, and 1 cartoonishly swollen foot. (Unfortunately, the last four items all occurred to the same foot. I’d post pictures but they’re NSFW.)
And now back to reality. Or, uh, fantasy. After a Sunday of devouring stats and updates, here are the…
WEEK 20 PICKUPS
First of all, make sure guys like Drew Gooden (49%), Taj Gibson (42%), and George Hill (48%) aren’t taken. You might also want to consider Richard Jefferson, who’s owned in 50+% of Yahoo leagues but might have been dropped anytime in the last several weeks. He carried some of the offensive burden when Tony Parker exited the Spurs’ last game with a broken hand. Carlos Delfino (46%) is another guy who might have been dropped recently who is putting things together again.
Quentin Richardson (21%)
He’s on fire, with 12 makes from downtown over his last 2 games. It’s hard to fully endorse him because he’s been streaky his entire career, but with Jermaine O’Neal out, Q is taking more shots and could singlehandedly decide 3’s in H2H leagues.
Anthony Tolliver (17%)
I probably overhyped him the first time I mentioned him several weeks ago, but with Andris Biedrins out, Tolliver is a nice Channing Frye-ish (pre-Robin Lopez) clone. Ronny Turiaf is also useful for blocks, although I’d rather own the guy two spots below.
Rodrigue Beaubois (14%)
Beaubois was my first pickup upon returning stateside. He’s posted back-to-back-to-back career highs in scoring his last three games with Jason Terry out of commission.
JaVale McGee (21%)
He’s slowly rounding into the form that made him one of my “must-owns” (at least in deeper leagues) in the aftermath of the trade deadline, averaging nearly 4 bpg over his last 5.
Jonas Jerebko (18%)
Posted near-1/1/1 stats last week and is getting plenty of touches as DET continues to jostle for lottery position.
Keep an eye on:
James Harden (32% — his up-and-down rookie season was “up” last week), Jrue Holiday (11% — ditto), J.J. Hickson (17%), Matt Bonner (6% — another candidate to hoist more shots sans Tony P), Matt Barnes (20% — playing well + nice sked this week), Bill Walker (5%), Serge Ibaka (4%).
Week 8 Recap (T-Mac plays “7 Minutes in Heaven”) and Week 9 Pickups
Posted by fantasy hoopster in Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Injuries, Fantasy Basketball Pickups, Fantasy Basketball Strategy on December 21, 2009
7 minutes in heaven? Seventh graders are getting more play than T-Mac is right now... (Getty Images)
In Week 8, some of the most important fantasy happenings occurred off the court, with several fantasy stars on the verge of returning to the court. It also featured Superman returning to form, T-Mac getting “out-played” by seventh graders, and a possible new contender in the fantasy ROY race.
Lou Williams, Jameer Nelson, and Tyrus Thomas (and Marreese Speights)
Hopefully you heard some of my barking (as well as some of the guys on my message boards) and were quick enough to pick up Williams, Nelson, or Thomas over the past week. Williams actually already returned to action with a subpar outing versus the Clippers, but with Allen Iverson out at least a week due to arthritis, Sweet Lou will have plenty of time to get back into form… and before we know it, Iverson will be the one adjusting to him instead of the other way around.
Meanwhile, Nelson is expected to return early in Week 9, while Thomas will likely return at the end of the week. And another guy who returned to the lineup after an extended absence and has already turned in 3 solid (including one great) game is Marreese Speights. With both Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert healthy and playing decently, I’m not expecting too much consistency from Speights. But if you need help at C, he’s definitely worth a look, and he’s only taken in 30% of Yahoo leagues right now.
By the way, if you missed out on any of the above guys, the next (mini) wave of injured guys returning includes Leandro Barbosa (expected to return around mid-to-late week) and in deeper leagues, Yi Jianlian (expected back mid-week).
Dwight Howard
Meanwhile, Superman returned to form, averaging 17 and 18 with 4.5 bpg in 4 games. It’s no coincidence this Superman-esque stretch occurred after a Dec. 11 game at Phoenix in which the Suns went Hack-a-Howard and allowed D-12 to only get off 1 (yes ONE) field goal attempt. I unsuccessfully tried to buy low on Howard all year in one H2H league where I already own Rajon Rondo and Andrew Bogut (FT% punt, anyone?), and that window has probably slammed shut for good now. Oh well.
Week 7 Recap (Raymond Felton is a model of efficiency) and Week 8 Pickups
Posted by fantasy hoopster in Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Pickups, Fantasy Basketball Strategy on December 13, 2009
In Week 7, Rip Hamilton and Michael Redd returned from injury. Allen Iverson returned from the grave. Several fast-starters hit a wall. Raymond Felton did his best Chris Paul impersonation. And in the biggest news of all, Danny Granger did his best, well, Danny Granger impersonation. (And Jose Calderon might have done his Jose Calderon impersonation as well.)
Is Raymond Felton turning into a crafty veteran? Because here he sure looks like that old dude at the Y who somehow uses his off-elbow when he shoots. (Getty Images)
Danny Granger
I already posted an immediate reaction to Granger’s injury, and a lot of it holds true. As a lot of you agreed, Mike Dunleavy is the guy to own, especially after a monster performance against the Wizards Friday. Roy Hibbert indeed shifted into the starting lineup and has taken about 12 shots per game since DG went down, but he only hit those shots in one game where he went off for 20 and 9 (on his birthday). Once those shots start falling, he’ll be a very useful fantasy C over the next month. I’d expect somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 and 8 with 1.5 bpg. And last but not least, Tyler Hansbrough has had three very solid performances, averaging about 18 and 7 with 1.7 spg.
Raymond Felton
It’s already almost been a month since Stephen Jackson was traded to Charlotte, and there are some clear patterns emerging. First of all, I decided to play my “wild card” guess on Gerald Wallace, predicting that Jackson’s arrival would spark him, so I’ll pat myself on the back for that. I also took an educated guess that Raymond Felton’s AST would go down, which was also true (barely), but I didn’t expect his value to skyrocket to the tune of a #57 ranking over the last month (Yahoo averages).
| FG% | FT% | 3PM | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | |
| Raymond Felton | .482 | .769 | 0.9 | 11.9 | 3.2 | 5.1 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 1.6 |
There’s a few things working in Felton’s favor here. First of all, he’s enjoying what might be his most efficient stretch in his career, shooting 48% from the field (career 40%) with only 1.6 TO per game (career 2.7) over the last month. A lot of that has to do with taking less shots because of Jackson, and also more efficient shots playing alongside another playmaker for once. Over the last week in particular, he’s shooting 60% from the field with 3.7 spg, which probably qualifies him as a sell high candidate… Read the rest of this entry »
Fantasy Basketball Strategy: Week 5 Recap and Week 6 Pickups (updated)
Posted by fantasy hoopster in Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Injuries, Fantasy Basketball Pickups, Fantasy Basketball Strategy on November 30, 2009
WEEK 5 RECAP
Week 5 featured the return of an old fantasy friend, the departure of a new fantasy stud, and the comings and goings (and potential returnings) of a fantasy legend.
"Brett Favre ain't got nothing on me!" (AP)
Allen Iverson
Iverson was probably my favorite player over the past decade, as I’ve always admired his “fight” and determination. That’s why the announcing of his retirement came as a total shock to me. Turns out, it might have been a little premature. A week ago, the Knicks seemed like the only team desperate enough to give Iverson a starting job again. Well, it’s funny what a broken jaw can do to a team’s desperation factor. If the 76ers pick up Iverson, I don’t like him as much as I did had he become a Knick, but he’s probably too good to be a FA in most fantasy leagues. (He’s currently available in 64% of Yahoo leagues; so keep a close eye on this situation.)
Lou Williams
Speaking of that broken jaw, Williams was absolutely killing it when I finally admitted I might have underestimated him in my last article. If you own him, I’m sorry… I take all the blame for jinxing him.
It looks like Lou will be out 8 weeks. I was just telling some readers that I might hang onto him if I’m in or near the lead in my league (or at least see how my team does for the next week). On the other hand, if you’re in the middle of the pack in a H2H league, you might not be able to afford the roster spot. Adding a wrinkle to the situation is Allen Iverson’s possible un-retirement, which would put a damper on William’s eventual return and might push me over the edge in dropping Lou. By the way, so far the big “winners” from Williams’ injury are Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday (although beware of FG%’s!).
Mike Dunleavy
Dunleavy had a successful return last week, chipping in 13 pts against the Mavs in only 15 min (while adding 1 3pm/stl/blk). That Indiana wing position suddenly looks crowded with Brandon Rush and Dahntay Jones in the mix too, but Dunleavy might have the most upside of all three. And he’s currently available in over half (53%) of Yahoo leagues.
Fantasy Basketball Strategy: Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Pickups
Posted by fantasy hoopster in Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Injuries, Fantasy Basketball Pickups, Fantasy Basketball Strategy on November 22, 2009
Don't call it a comeback, Brand's been here all year long. He's just finally making some noise. (Getty Images)
WEEK 4 RECAP
They’re Ba-aaack
Week 4 featured the return of several fantasy studs: Rashard Lewis, Devin Harris, Troy Murphy, and Pau Gasol. (Thanks for playing, Ryan Andersen and Rafer Alston. Here are some nice parting gifts…)
As for Murphy and Gasol, their fantasy impact is a little more complicated. Murphy will definitely take away some of Roy Hibbert’s stats, but I think the young center will still be valuable contributing a near double-double with 2 bpg. Meanwhile, if you didn’t sell high on Andrew Bynum before Gasol’s return, please don’t panic and let someone buy low on him these next few (or more?) games as he readjusts to Gasol. 19 and 11 might be a little much to expect, but he’ll be much better than 11 and 8 (his first game with Pau back).
On the flip side, Week 4 also saw some key injuries, including Jameer Nelson and Andrew Bogut. If you’re looking for replacements, Jason Williams has had a couple decent games thus far, while Kurt Thomas/Hakim Warrick have each had a nice game (depending on the matchup) in Bogut’s absence. (There are some more exciting pickups further below.)
They’re “Ba-aaack”
Week 4 also featured the “return” of two stud centers: Elton Brand and Al Jefferson. With Marresse Speights out of the way due to injury, Brand absolutely erupted, averaging 20 and 10 with 2.7/3.7 spg/bpg this week, good for the #2 ranking by averages in Yahoo leagues. I’m not sure what to make of this unexpected outburst quite yet, as the 76ers lost two of those games and barely beat a new-look CHA team in the other game, but I’ll have my thoughts on whether Brand is a sell high or buy low guy shortly.
Rotoworld- T-Mac, Sergio both starting for Knicks - Tracy McGrady (G/F) New York Knicks
- Gerald Wallace dings up neck - Gerald Wallace (F) Charlotte Bobcats
- Ray Allen has pep talk with Rondo - Ray Allen (G) Boston Celtics
- Monta leaning toward playing Thursday - Monta Ellis (G) Golden State Warriors
- Darko starts for Wolves, Love still on bench - Darko Milicic (F/C) Minnesota Timberwolves
- Johan Petro will start again for Nuggets - Johan Petro (F/C) Denver Nuggets
- Julian Wright to start for Hornets - Julian Wright (G/F) New Orleans Hornets
- Wallace, Stuckey out again for Pistons - Ben Wallace (F/C) Detroit Pistons
- Nazr Mohammed out again Wednesday - Nazr Mohammed (C) Charlotte Bobcats
- Clips' Gordon has MRI, doubtful for Wednesday - Eric Gordon (G) Los Angeles Clippers
- Adrian Wojnarowski
- WojYahooNBA: Column: Donald Sterling has big plans for the Clippers now. Next, he should fire himself. http://tinyurl.com/yhbokyp
- WojYahooNBA: RT @jimrome: You know you're having a bad day if Lester Munson is on tv talking about you.
- WojYahooNBA: Gonzo took Times vaccine at Duane Reade RT @PeteThamelNYT: When asked his reaction toTimes story, Gonzo said, "I’m immune to those things."
- WojYahooNBA: Larry Brown had been pushing for Sixers job too, but hard to believe MJ will let him out of contract to leave for Philly or Clips.
- WojYahooNBA: Agent who talked to Dunleavy in past several days says he was planning for free agency, draft and no sense he was gonna get whacked.
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