We're joining the folks at some of the top fantasy hoops blogs on the web in a weekly roundtable. This week's question, posed by Tommy Beer over at Hoopsworld, was:

Last week we discussed some general trade advice - this week, let's get specific.  So, we asked the roundtable: "With most fantasy league trade deadlines inching closer and closer, which player(s) will you be targeting to acquire as a 'buy low?' And/or is there someone you would suggest trading away because you view him as a 'sell high' candidate?"

Yours truly responded with Eric Gordon as a Buy Low and Zach Randolph as a Sell High. Click here for the full post.

Special thanks to Ryan Lester over at Lester's Legends and Nels from Give Me the Rock for including us.

Over at our blog, Damn Lies & Statistics , Tom Lorenzo and I (along with blogger Greg Fox) talk about young big men we're now targeting thanks to their performances this preseason.

Check it out .

The preseason rankings keep on comin' from RotoExperts hoops writers Tom Lorenzo and Jeff Andriesse over at Damn Lies and Statistics .

Top 25 Small Forwards Plus Analysis

Top 25 Power Forwards Plus Analysis

Over at the fantasy hoops blog Damn Lies & Statistics , RotoExperts Tom Lorenzo and Jeff Andriesse offer an early look at the top shooting guards in fantasy for the upcoming season. Here are their rankings:

2009-10 Shooting Guard Rankings

Tom's Top 25	Jeff's Top 25
1. Dwyane Wade	1. Dwyane Wade
2. Kobe Bryant	2. Kobe Bryant
3. Brandon Roy	3. Brandon Roy
4. Kevin Martin	4. Joe Johnson
5. Joe Johnson	5. Kevin Martin
6. Andre Iguodala	6. Andre Iguodala
7. Vince Carter	7. Vince Carter
8. Ben Gordon	8. Ray Allen
9. O.J. Mayo	9. John Salmons
10. Ray Allen	10. Jason Richardson
11. Jason Richardson	11. Stephen Jackson
12. Manu Ginobili	12. O.J. Mayo
13. Jason Terry	13. Ben Gordon
14. Leandro Barbosa	14. Eric Gordon
15. J.R. Smith	15. J.R. Smith
16. John Salmons	16. Jason Terry
17. Randy Foye	17. Michael Redd
18. Stephen Jackson	18. Josh Howard
19. Eric Gordon	19. Manu Ginobili
20. Michael Redd	20. Leandro Barbosa
21. Courtney Lee	21. Randy Foye
22. Wilson Chandler	22. Richard Hamilton
23. Josh Howard	23. Wilson Chandler
24. Richard Hamilton	24. Courtney Lee
25. Brandon Rush	25. Ronnie Brewer

 For their analysis of hot topics within the position, click here .

Thought so... RotoExperts basketball writers Tom Lorenzo and Jeff Andriesse rank and discuss the point guard position at Damn Lies & Statistics .

Here's their rankings:

2009-10 Point Guard Rankings

Tom's Top 25	Jeff's Top 25
1. Chris Paul	1. Chris Paul
2. Deron Williams	2. Deron Williams
3. Jose Calderon	3. Devin Harris
4. Steve Nash	4. Steve Nash
5. Devin Harris	5. Jose Calderon
6. Chauncey Billups	6. Chauncey Billups
7. Derrick Rose	7. Jason Kidd
8. Jason Kidd	8. Gilbert Arenas
9. Rajon Rondo	9. Derrick Rose
10. Gilbert Arenas	10. Rajon Rondo
11. Jameer Nelson	11. Monta Ellis
12. Russell Westbrook	12. Tony Parker
13. Mike Conley	13. Russell Westbrook
14. Monta Ellis	14. Mike Bibby
15. Tony Parker	15. Mike Conley
16. Andre Miller	16. Baron Davis
17. Baron Davis	17. Raymond Felton
18. Raymond Felton	18. Mo Williams
19. Mike Bibby	19. Andre Miller
20. Lou Williams	20. Jameer Nelson
21. Mo Williams	21. T.J. Ford
22. T.J. Ford	22. Lou Williams
23. Ramon Sessions	23. Aaron Brooks
24. Mario Chalmers	24. Ramon Sessions
25. Rodney Stuckey	25. Rodney Stuckey

Here's their breakdown and discussion of the position.

It's never too early to start thinking about fantasy basketball.

That's the prevailing opinion, at least, of Tom Lorenzo and myself. Over at our blog, Damn Lies and Statistics , Tom and I have each compiled a mock first round based on a rotisserie format. Check 'em out, and comment if you wish. We'll have many goodies leading up to the season that we'll be cross-posting here. Enjoy.

Jeff Andriesse's 2009-10 Mock First Round

Tom Lorenzo's 2009-10 Mock First Round

 Jeff and Tom analyze their selections and more

Every once in a while, something happens that makes me feel inconsequential in the universe, something so awe-inspiring that I'm moved to reflect on the wonder and majesty of our existence. A few weeks ago, an Earth-sized object barrelled into Jupiter at what I assume was above the speed limit and caused severe damage clearly visible from telescopes. It's enough to make you wonder what would happen should a stray asteroid carom into our planet, but it appears for now that God Himself is either a fantasy basketball fan or made a wild throw from right field in the Universe company softball game.

I'm thinking the former, that the Big Guy is keeping us safe long enough for Ramon Sessions to run the point for the New York Knicks in 2009-10. It is looking like Sessions will sign an offer sheet as soon as today, and that Milwaukee is unlikely to match.



Within a couple of weeks, a comet punctures Jupiter and now this. Am I wrong to be hyperventilating at this news?

Sessions will always have a place in my heart as the guy two years ago who erupted in April of '08 to the tune of an 11-5-11 with 1.5 steals and outright won leagues for anyone who picked him up. He played a ton last year as well for Milwaukee, but again turned it way up in April (14.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 10.4 APG). Despite languishing behind Luke Ridnour for most of December and January, Sessions had a solid year, averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 assists per contest in 27 minutes per game. When the dude played 30 minutes or more, he averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 assists.

And now he might play for Mike D'Antoni? The same Mike D'Antoni that made Chris Duhon a worthy fantasy player for much of last year? Too good to be true?

Perhaps. God is known to have a wicked sense of humor, and Duhon remains employed at Madison Square Garden. D'Antoni could conceivably feel more comfortable with the guy who ran his team last year. Another time share for Sessions? Say it ain't so. On top of that, Jason Williams might be on board. And the Knicks drafted Toney Douglas.

All I know is that if Sessions is going to clearly be the point guard entering the season, he will be a fantasy beast, and you are going to have to pay through the roof to get him on your team. I'm wary. The Nevada product seems destined to be stuck in a point guard time share his whole career.

So let's see how this plays out. He's not a shooting star just yet.

From damnliesandstatistics.wordpress.com

 There's been a ton of moves made this offseason, with many more to come. As of July 29, here's my 10 players who have seen their fantasy value rise this summer:

1. Louis Williams, PHI - Now Philly's starting point guard with Andre Miller in Portland, Williams will have to adjust to facing first units more often but he has a chance to shine. It remains to be seen if he can run a team consistently, but he might not have to with Andre Iguodala there to run the offense occasionally. Williams is a clear fantasy starter right now.

2. Amir Johnson, MIL - A perfect spot for Johnson (unless and until the Bucks add some depth like Hakim Warrick). With little to speak of up front at either the '3' or '4' positions, the athletic Johnson has a chance to earn valuable minutes and help fantasy teams with his shot blocking.

3. Carl Landry, HOU - The man typing this is an admitted Landry fan, and thus excited about Landry's opportunity this year. With Yao Ming out, the Rockets have Luis Scola, unproven David Anderson, banger Chuck Hayes - and Landry. An energy guy who can play multiple positions, it would be foolish for Houston to not put this fellow on the court for at least 30 minutes per game. One of my sleepers.

4. Courtney Lee, NJN - For Lee's title aspirations, his trade from Orlando to New Jersey was a disaster. For his fantasy value and the potential of his future earnings, this is cause for celebration. The starting SG position in New Jersey is Lee's to lose, and the tough second-year player won't do that.

5. Shawn Marion, DAL - Marion is on this list only because he was so bad last year. Marion needs a good point guard to thrive, and Jason Kidd is still good enough to get the most out of him. And with the lack of serious big men on Dallas' roster after Dirk Nowitzki, Marion should log a ton of minutes at both forward positions. They will also look to him to really focus on defense, and fantasy owners would love to see his steals and blocks get back to previous levels. They can.

6. Jason Maxiell, DET - Maxiell is the forgotten man in Detroit after the major changes made by the Pistons. With Chris Wilcox and Charlie Villanueva in town, you might think Maxiell will still be relegated to bench duty. But Maxiell is - get this - better than both guys, at least defensively. And somebody has to play center. I like Maxiell to see a huge bump in minutes since he needs to just outperform the perpetually-underperforming Wilcox and Kwame Brown.

7. Zach Randolph, MEM - Randolph improved his stock dramatically with a move from a crowded Clippers frontcourt to a barren Grizzlies one. He'll slot right in at PF, playing alongside Marc Gasol, and get back to his 20 and 10 ways (okay, maybe 18 and 9, but it will be nice to count on Randolph again won't it? Did I really just type that?).

8. Luis Scola, HOU - Back to the Yao situation, which is really just unfortunate for all involved. That is, unless Rockets fans are pacified by Scola's fantasy ownership percentage rising this year. He's clearly one of the team's top offensive options, but keep in mind that no matter how much he plays he is still basically a three-category guy: points, rebounds, FG%.

9. Channing Frye, PHO - All signs point to a big fantasy bump for Frye, who is limited statistically but nonetheless talented enough to be a nice backup fantasy center. He could indeed start in Phoenix, and will fight with Robin Lopez and Louis Amundson for the right to flank Amare Stoudemire. Phoenix's ability to go small this year will be hurt by the loss of Matt Barnes and the knowledge that Grant Hill ain't playing 82 games two years in a row. Frye will get run.

10. Darko Milicic, NYK - Chris Duhon owners already know: it doesn't matter how much you suck, Mike D'Antoni can save you. Darko is in a great situation, but keep in mind that even he can screw this up royally. D'Antoni will continue to go small often with David Lee (probably) at center, but Milicic is at least an intriguing center going into the season because he can block shots, something the Knicks need desperately. If Darko plays, he will produce. (Wait, did I really just type that?)

Got any '09-10 risers yourself? Drop 'em in the comments.

Visit damnliesandstatistics.wordpress.com for breaking NBA fantasy news and analysis from RotoExperts basketball writers.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that Amare Stoudemire (PF/C, PHX) will miss the remainder of the regular season to undergo surgery for a detached retina in his right eye.

This is crushing news for his fantasy owners, as the coaching change in Phoenix had appeared to rejuvenate the previously surly Amare. He had 42 points against the Clippers on Wednesday in the game in which he was apparently injured.

For those of you who agree that comedy = tragedy + time, you can look back on this blog post and laugh about the irony of the fact that the only Sun to have played in every game this year has been Grant Hill (SG/SF, PHX).

Hill, Matt Barnes (SG/SF, PHX), and I suppose Louis Amundson (SF/PF, PHX) will see more time in the Suns lineup. Shaquille O'Neal (C, PHX) is going to benefit from more shots, but the Suns want to run again and the big fella hampers that plan just a tad. More shots for Jason Richardson (SG/SF, PHX), Leandro Barbosa (PG/SG, PHX) and Steve Nash (PG, PHX) can only be a good thing for their fantasy prospects.

The injuries keep flying fast and furious. Hang in there, everyone.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Or in fantasy basketball terms: For every injury, there is an equal and opposite replacement. Who likely teases us with a few good games. Equals mc squared.

The injuries.  It's out of control and making me a little nuts as you can see. Here's a quick rundown, with some potential waiver wire players stepping up in their place and their future outlook (not including obvious beneficiaries such as Lamar Odom (SF/PF, LAL) and Ramon Sessions (PG/SG, MIL), who have been ridiculously good).

Jose Juan Barea (PG, DAL)
Replacing: Jason Terry (PG/SG, DAL), out until March after hand surgery
Barea's outlook: Tolerable replacement. Barea will have some nice games, but he is no Terry. Expect a lot of inconsistency.

Ronny Turiaf (PF/C, GSW)
Replacing: Andris Biedrins (C, GSW),  out until after the All-Star Break.
Turiaf's outlook: Has probably earned a spot in the rotation in Golden State, but then again this is Golden State. Not worth holding on to unless you need blocks in a deep league.

Marreese Speights (PF/C, PHI)
Replacing: Elton Brand (PF/C, PHI), out for the season.
Speights' outlook: Intriguing. There will be nights where he outplays Sam Dalembert (C, PHI), but don't expect a consistent quality stat line.

Vladimir Radmanovic (SF/PF, CHA)
Replacing: Gerald Wallace (SF/PF, CHA), out until afterAll-Star Break.
Radmanovic's outlook: Hazy. Wallace might not be back immediately, but once he is, the Radman will obviously get less shots. Besides, it is D.J. Augustin (PG/SG, CHA) who is earning those extra minutes with his play. Radmanovic's recent good games are a mirage.

Ryan Gomes (SF/PF, MIN)
Replacing: Al Jefferson (PF/C, MIN), out for the season
Gomes' outlook: Solid. Kevin Love (PF/C) is a great play at center the rest of the way, and Gomes will see major minutes at the power forward position. He has been quietly contributing for some time and will see his offensive opportunities increase.

Charlie Bell (SG/SF, MIL)
Replacing: Michael Redd (SG/SF, MIL), out for the season
Bell's outlook: This isn't a traditional replacement, since Bell is coming off the bench, but he has averaged 20.5 points in his last two games. He has shot very well, something not likely to continue, but he could be carving out a 30-35 minute per-game niche here.

Hopefully the All-Star Break has healing powers for Ray Allen (SG, BOS), Chris Duhon (PG, NYK),  Steve Nash (PG, PHX), Rudy Gay (SG/SF/PF, MEM), and Chris Bosh (PF/C, TOR).

We'll touch more on the pickups to watch for next week in my column on Sunday. Until then, enjoy tonight's games and the All-Star festivities.