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Fantasy Basketball News ReportOne-On-One With NBA Star Elton BrandWith the NBA and fantasy hoops coming down the final stretch, Elton Brand, a star on the LA Clippers hopes to return to the hardwood. Find out the latest concerning his return, plus who he believes is the best in the West, the best center in the game, and even who's the best player? Kobe or LeBron? Players to Watch for on Losing TeamsJust because a team has no hope at post-season, that does not mean that they are not worth watching, especially for fantasy players. You can often find a diamond in the rough, as some players finally get an opportunity to see some court time with teams looking toward the future. Not only can these previously ignored players pay dividends for the last month of the season, but it could preview a possible break-out next season. Let us go around the league and find some of those players that are getting their chance to shine. Fantasy Basketball: Rookies on the RiseWe are at the point of the season, well to be honest, where our attention begins to wane. The basketball season is long, really long. Plus, we have to start preparing for our fantasy baseball drafts, right? So to help you make the most of the time you have left to spend on your fantasy basketball teams, let's take a look at a group of players that could have a significant impact in the last month and a half of the season: the rookies. It is hard to still call these first year players rookies, as many have played the amount of games that would be an equivalent to almost two college basketball seasons. Fantasy Baseball Sleepers for Draft DayWell the baseball season is near, and we’re already into Fantasy draft season. Here’s a list of sleepers, and guys I feel are coming up on a good year, but may be overlooked some on draft day. Which underrated guys do you have targeted for this upcoming season? Here are a few that I am looking at. I will start with the starting pitchers, because I usually try to draft the quality hitters early, and try to find value there late. Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch, February 28, 2008What a whirlwind of trading, the likes of which I cannot remember seeing in my lifetime before the NBA Trading Deadline. Big names and small, a majority of the trades were equitable to both sides, with a few exceptions and objections for that matter from many NBA GM’s. Here's a recap of the last flurry of trades and their fantasy significance. Fantasy Basketball Rookie ReportDaniel Gibson drained 11 three-pointers as the Sophomores defeated the Rookies 136-109 during All-Star weekend. With a good half of the year behind us, and the rookie wall soon to hit, it is time to determine how this year's rookie class is grading out. We will start with the first 10 picks of this year's draft. The Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch, February 21, 2008Well, All-Star Weekend has come and gone, however, the debate on the “Superman” dunk (was it a dunk or not?) still rages on. As fantasy basketball players, we have bigger concerns on our mind. For one, what are the fantasy effects of all of the blockbuster deals this season? Also, are there any second-half sleepers out there to help you in your league’s stretch run? Here is a look at those questions and more. Bold Fantasy Predictions for Post All Star Break BasketballAs I gaze into my “Crystal Ball,” I thought I would share some of what I see. However, the forces that give me a glimpse into the future work mysteriously and sometimes their visions turn out to be nothing but a cruel joke. So take these predictions with the utmost caution! Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch, Valentine’s EditionJust as the dust settled on a couple of blockbuster deals last week, we may have another one on our hands if the Nets and Mavericks can sort out Devean George's contract in a deal that would send Jason Kidd back to Dallas. The next week that leads up to the trading deadline appears to not only be attention-grabbing, but it could have a major shake up in your fantasy league as well. It is important to remember when analyzing a deal to not only look at the players involved in the trade, but also who is going to fill the void of the player traded away. An example is in Memphis with the much criticized, and rightfully so, deal with the Lakers. Pau Gasol landed in Los Angeles , however, who is going to pick up the slack that he left behind with the Grizzlies? We will examine that question as well as look at some other players worth noting in this week’s Stock Watch. Player Head to Head Comparisons: The Three SpotThere is not much debate about who is the best small forward in the fantasy basketball universe. Most would pick LeBron James as the number one option at his position. But, who is number two on the list? There are several candidates to choose from for that spot, including: Carmelo Anthony, Caron Butler, Rudy Gay, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion, Paul Pierce, and Josh Smith. A fairly strong case could be made for each one of these players. Let us look at and analyze a couple match ups of some of these top candidates. And since we are nearing two-thirds of the way into this season, we will take not only take the rest of this season into account, but next year, too.. Mid-Season Fantasy Basketball AwardsMost teams have either hit game 41 or will so shortly – the technical halfway mark. We can now assess what we have seen the first half of the fantasy season. For the most part, the players that we thought were going to be good, have been good. However, like most seasons, there have a number of surprises, some pleasant and some disappointing. That is what makes fantasy basketball a great game! Let us look at some of the positives from the first two and a half months of the NBA calendar. Top Ten Fantasy Disappointments of the First HalfThe first half of the season has given us plenty of players to cheer about – Andrew Bynum, Chris Kaman, and Rudy Gay for example. However, there have been plenty of players that have fantasy team owners saying, “Why, why me!!!” Here is a countdown of those players that have not lived up to their expectations so far and the prospects of a bounce-back second half.. The Fantasy Basketball Stock WatchNick Collison, Kevin Martin, and Gerald Wallace are players on the rise this week in the NBA. The stocks of Ricky Davis, Raymond Felton, and Brad Miller are falling like rocks. We'll review these players and skim the free agent pool in the Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch! The Fantasy Basketball Power RankingsThere many solid NBA players who rank as mediocre when it comes to fantasy value. The same can be said about fantasy stars struggling in reality. Understanding the proper weight for each fantasy category is very significant in deciphering a players' fantasy value. The following scale was created to help a fantasy manager better understand the value of their fantasy basketball players. Player Head to Head Comparisons: The Class of 2004 vs. The Class of 2005Picking a star in the NBA draft is a difficult task for any GM. Avoiding a relative bust can be difficult as well. The same can be said for fantasy owner in evaluating a former first round pick for a fantasy roster spot. Consider that only 18 of the 29 first round picks in 2004 have enjoyed fantasy relevance this season – with Tony Allen, Delonte West, J.R. Smith, and Dorell Wright barely making the cut. In 2005, it was worse as only 16 of 30 first-rounders are having an impact on the fantasy scene this year. Even if you take into account the two players sidelined by injuries, Shaun Livingston (2004) and Sean May (2005), you still have only about a 60% success rate. If you solely look at the top 20 picks of each draft, only 58% of the players hold some fantasy significance. With that in mind, here's a look at two match-ups involving players taken at the same draft slot in the 2004 and 2005 NBA drafts with a similar fantasy impact. Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch 1-11-08We are well into the third month of the fantasy basketball season and the halfway mark is now in our sights. If you are leading your league and have your team on cruise control, please skip right down to the “Friendly Fantasy Tip” section and read closely. For the rest of us that have assembled teams that are still a work in progress and need a little T.L.C., let us examine some names whose game could help us enter the season’s second half with some momentum. Overachieving or Breakout Performance?If you happen to be one of the savvy fantasy basketball drafters (or extremely fortunate drafters) that selected the players below, you are probably currently in contention for your league championship - that is unless you tanked the rest of your draft. Let us examine a handful of mid to low round fantasy picks that have paid off big so far this season. Hidden Jewels on the Waiver Wire: January 7, 2008From Al Thornton to Mike Conley, learn who the best players are on your league’s waiver wire. Miss this and you’re missing our on some of the best fantasy basketball advice anywhere! Player Head-to-Head Comparisons: The Young GunsOne of the most exciting elements of playing fantasy sports, including fantasy basketball, is scouting the up-and-coming young players. It is, no doubt, a risky business. Whenever you forecast an unknown quantity, like a first or second year player, there are bound to be just as many misses as there are hits. However, it could not only be rewarding when it works out and you find a young fantasy stud, but it could also help you to the league championship. To help you sort out some of this out, let us look at two match-ups of “young guns” in the NBA. Hopefully, we will determine which player is a better fantasy option for the rest of this season and beyond.. Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch: January 4, 2008So far this season we have suffered through several “here today, gone tomorrow” fantasy free agent pick-ups. This NBA season has been full of these types, such as: Damien Wilkins, Antoine Wright, Jamario Moon, Sean Williams, Rashad McCants, Andray Blatche, DeShawn Stevenson, etc. The first “Stock Watch” of the New Year will continue the search for players that will maintain a fantasy impact for your team.
The Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch: December 30, 2007It is a simple principle of physics: every action has a reaction. The same principal can be applied to fantasy basketball. For example, the lackluster play of Eddy Curry has opened up a bigger role for David Lee, the strong play of C.J. Miles has resulted in more time on the bench for Ronnie Brewer, and the injury to Alonzo Mourning has opened up an opportunity for the unknown Earl Barron. Let us look at those situations as well as a few others that will have an impact on the fantasy basketball season. Player Head-to-Head Comparison: Name vs. GameHow about this trade offer: Al Jefferson for Tim Duncan? In the reality world the Spurs would get a nice long chuckle before hanging up the phone. Granted, in a year or two, Jefferson may eclipse Duncan ; as for now, Duncan still has more of an overall game than Jefferson .
Therein lies the beauty of fantasy sports. We can make deals that would not make sense in real life, however, could improve your fantasy team and lead it to a league championship.
It is not always the player with the most recognizable name that makes the biggest fantasy impact. Case in point: as a fantasy owner, who would you want this season, Shaquille O'Neal or Chris Kaman? Kaman, due to his strong season and the decline of O’Neal’s game and body. However, if you ask a casual NBA fan to pick, most would probably go with O’Neal based on name recognition.
Let us look at some big time NBA “names” and compare them to a lesser-known quantity. We will see who has more “game than name”, fantasy basketball speaking only, of course. Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch, December 20, 2007There are some movers and shakers in this week's Stock Report. We'll take a look at Kenyon Martin, Travis Outlaw, Randy Foye, and more. This is a must read as we approach the holiday season in fantasy basketball! 2006 NBA Draft Fantasy ReviewThe 2006 draft was the first year that the NBA put the “no high schoolers” rule in effect. That forced guys like Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Mike Conley, Jr., and Brandan Wright to head to college instead of putting their names in the 2006 NBA Draft hat. What was left was one of the weaker drafts.
In most cases, it takes two or three years in the league before you actually know what you have in a draft pick - of course, there are always exceptions. With that in mind, let us look back at the fairly weak 2006 draft class and see what kind of fantasy impact each having. A “Fantasy Grade” was also assigned to each pick. This grade is based on their fantasy impact so far in comparison to the spot they were picked. Then we will have a little fun and re-draft with fantasy basketball in mind.
Stock Watch, December 11 – Five Up, Five DownWe’re in the thick of the fantasy basketball season. Troy Murphy and J.R. Smith are falling quickly, while Kyle Lowry and Kenyon Martin are moving on up! It is time again for our weekly look at five players who are improving their fantasy stock by the numbers that they are putting up; also, a look at five players that are struggling some and their fantasy stock is slipping.
Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch: Volume IIIThis week’s look at the free-agent pool is more shallow than usual. Unfortunately – or fortunately, depends on what side you are on – most fantasy stalwarts have been pretty reliable, causing a limited number of jobs up for grabs. The season is still early so if these guys do not wet your appetite – stay tuned, there are sure to be more attractive options coming soon! Players that have appeared on the previous “Skimming the Free Agent Pool” editions may still available and are still worthy of a draft pick. These players include: Louis Williams, Jamario Moon, Travis Outlaw, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Beno Udrih. Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch: Volume IIYou have to make moves in order to succeed in any fantasy sport. The question is who should you target? Here's a look at five players who are improving their fantasy stock by the numbers that they are putting up. Also, here is a look at five players that are struggling some and their fantasy stock is slipping. Fantasy Basketball Stock WatchTeaser: Let us look at some players who have improved there fantasy stock by recent play and some that stock is falling. Skimming the Free Agent Pool: Volume IITeaser: From Antonio MyDyess to Jeff Foster, this article examines the free agents currently available that will help you dominate your league. You won’t want to miss this in the thick of fantasy basketball season! Skimming the Free Agent Pool: Volume IIt’s time to start navigating the vast amount of talent out there in your free agent pool. Here are some quality players that can make an impact on your fantasy team for the 2007 season. Fantasy Basketball: Upgrades and DowngradesThe second weekend of the NBA season gave us some insight on what lies ahead for our fantasy teams. To help you keep up on it all, here is a look at some players that stock is going up. Also, some others that you should be concerned with if you have them on your team.
Unsettled PointsPoint guard play is vital to the success of a team in the NBA. Likewise, getting the most from the point guard spot on your fantasy roster can also be a key to your team’s success (or failure). Two weeks into the season, let’s take a look at some of the point guard competitions across the league.
2007 NBA Draft
1 Portland Greg Oden - C |
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