Here we are, one third of the way into the 2011-12 NBA season and a few certainties are starting to reveal themselves. One, the Charlotte Bobcats are one of the worst teams in recent memory, with even Fantasy owners forced to squint in order to see some semblance of a silver lining (Gerald Henderson’s 15 PPG maybe?).
When (if ever) will Dwight Howard be traded, and where will he finally land?
Blake Griffin has taken his game even further above the rim and to a completely different level, enabling awe-inspired Fantasy sorts to overlook his terrible free throw shooting. Dwight Howard is still a terrible free throw shooter in his own right and has yet to be traded away from Orlando , although that appears to be his wish and his destiny. The Miami Heat are just that—hot. They’re doing everything this season that was expected of them last year. The Knicks still haven’t found a way to make Carmelo Anthony look like a winner, and his former team, the Nuggets, have blossomed without him. Speaking of blossoming, Danilo Gallinari has become a bona fide Fantasy juggernaut, outperforming Anthony by almost every measurement (points notwithstanding). In fact, in Yahoo!’s player rater, seven of the current Top 10 weren’t drafted there. Among those rankings, there are a lot of New Faces in New Places. Speaking of which…
Chicago Bulls:
This is becoming an every week thing, and the tedium of it all is getting to be a pain in the rear. Luol Deng (wrist) is out indefinitely. His apparent replacement, Rip Hamilton (leg) is also out indefinitely. That likely means that Ronnie Brewer will get most of the short term minutes at the two-spot with C.J. Watson doing his part as well. Watson is the scoring threat of the two, but Brewer can rack up the steals with the best of ‘em—those in need of categorical help take heed. Hamilton hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and has yet to be the difference maker off the bench that Fantasy owners were hoping for.
Dallas Mavericks:
It’s still nothing but bad news for Lamar Kardashian, er, Lamar Odom owners. While he did have a streak of eight straight games with at least 20 minutes played, he hasn’t reached that level in three consecutive games now. Even worse, he missed his first game off the season on February 1, indicating that his decrease in Fantasy production may be injury-related. If you haven’t dropped him already, folks, stop lying to yourselves and move on with life already.
Los Angeles Clippers:
With MVP candidate Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Mo Williams, and Randy Foye all playing significant roles in the backcourt, it was only logical that the rumor mill would see one of their names bubble to the surface. After all, the team needs some additional frontcourt depth and/or a taller, longer option to help defend larger guards. Here’s where Williams comes in. He’s been fantastic, averaging over 19 PPG over his last eight games. That’s the kind of production any NBA team would like. Should he find himself traded, look for his minutes to remain in the low to mid-30s and his production to last. And, depending on the potential destination, look for a boost in assists too. Williams has averaged as many as 7.1 APG back in 2010-11 with Cleveland.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
J.J. Barea was a popular deep sleeper entering the season, but with Luke Ridnour (12.0 PPG) playing well and Ricky Rubio (8.7 assists per game) playing out of his Spanish-import mind, there’s no real reason for Fantasy folks to get excited about Barea’s impending return. Sure, he’s shooting over 90% from the free throw line this year, but he’s also played just seven total games, and doesn’t seem to be in line for minutes.
New Jersey Nets:
Someone fire the team podiatrist already. After Brook Lopez, the guy that was supposed to be traded for Dwight Howard, went out with a broken foot earlier in the year, it was clear that things might be tough in New Jersey. Things just got tougher after rookie MarShon Brooks also broke a bone in his foot, putting him out indefinitely. The rash of injuries has forced Nets management to go out and sign Keith Bogans, most recently of Bulls fame. The Bogans thing is neither here nor there, but do pay attention to what happens with Shawne Williams who played 32 minutes on January 31, scoring eight points. Someone besides Deron Williams is going to have to put the ball in the basket, and now Williams is a serious threat to do just that, or at least try.
Also, pay attention to the impending return of Mehmet Okur. He’s tall enough to play center and with few other options, the Nets may need him to do just that. Plus, he can be a sneaky source of 3’s for desperate Fantasy owners in deeper league.
New Orleans Hornets:
Okay, Eric Gordon, we all get it; you’re hurt. We’re all tired of it too. Get over it. You’ve played in two whole games this season, averaging 21.0 PPG in the process, and oh, what a process it’s been. You were supposed to challenge for the league scoring title. After all there isn’t another player on the roster capable of scoring more than 15.8 PPG (See: Jarrett Jack). Alas, you’ve been a HUGE disappointment in Fantasy circles, as most had to expend a RD3-4 pick to acquire your services, or, lack thereof. Yah…get well soon, pookie.
*Stats up-to-date as of 02/01/12
