The Dwyane Wade fantasy aftermath
Emry DowningHall’s weekly fantasy column
By Emry DowningHall
Citing the events of this past week I feel it’s only appropriate to take a moment of silence for Dwayne Wade, the Miami Heat, and most importantly (in this column at least) D. Wade’s owners. I’ll be honest, I don’t own Wade in any leagues this season (Trust me, it’s not for lack of trying) and I still feel awful about what happened Wednesday night.
All the things Wade does for fantasy box score are easily eclipsed by his ability to take over in crucial situations and will his team to victory (Just ask the Dallas Mavericks or anyone watching game three of the NBA Finals last year). In a season that has been chalk full of injuries, Wade’s setback will arguably have the most profound effect.
While Wade and the Heat decide whether or not season ending shoulder surgery is the answer; fantasy owners are left wondering who will step up and shoulder (A poor choice of words, I agree) the load down in Miami. Unfortunately it looks like it will be a combination of players instead of one benefactor. Eddie Jones, James Posey, Jason Williams, Dorrell Wright, and Mr. “I shoot three’s cause they don’t have fours” Antoine Walker should all see an increase in value. J. Williams and Walker are the best bets if you feel like attempting a come up off the Wade disaster.
Those of you who were cunning enough to swoop Marcus Williams or Hakeem Warrick off the waiver wire before the trade deadline must have been disappointed with the way that day turned out. Actually, I think we all had reason to be disappointed when the biggest names moved were Juan Dixon and Fred Jones. Dallas also shipped Anthony Johnson to the Hawks who now have a boatload of point guards who will effectively destroy one another’s fantasy value. I would love to acquire the audio of the Hawks front office brain-trust debating their point guard issues, “We already missed the boat on Chris Paul and Derron Williams. This time let’s make sure we position ourselves for the future. Is Anthony Johnson available?”
Basically I think this years trade deadline teaches us two valuable lessons about the NBA. First, and most important, rumors are just rumors, and the word on the curb rarely translates into action. Second, the Lakers must really value the potential of Andrew Bynum who David Aldridge reported as, “Never close to being put on the table” in a potential Jason Kidd deal. I like Bynum (Especially while Kwame Brown is out) but I would have been very tempted to make a move for a player of Kidd’s caliber.
Obviously D. Wade was the biggest name to hit the IL during week 17 but he wasn’t alone. The Lakers are going to be without forward Vladimir Radmanovic until April after he reportedly took a tumble while snowboarding over the All-Star break.
The Nugget’s lost second year guard J.R. Smith for a month after Smith suffered a torn MCL in a blowout loss to the Spurs. Surgery was performed on Thursday and the New Jersey native is just the latest Denver Nugget to get smacked with the injury bug. Steve Blake will see the largest increase in production as a result of this injury and should continue to be a very solid source of dimes while The Answer holds down the two spot. If somehow Blake is still unowned in your league then go get’em.
I’m definitely unclear as to what exactly plantar fasciitis is but I can tell you it’s an absolute beat down for fantasy owners. It looks like Andres Nocioni’s latest bout with the ailment is going to keep him sidelined for about a month.
The Boris Diaw disappointment train is picking up steam now that Diaw has now missed six straight games with back spasms. After being the fantasy pickup of the year last season a lot of people were very high on Diaw coming into this year but he has certainly been less then spectacular for Phoenix. Reporting to camp a couple croissants heavier is one thing but continuing to play like bunz through week 18 of the season has landed him on a lot of waiver wires. Diaw’s has talent and versatility so if you have a spot on your roster and he is available in your league, pick him up. He should be back in uniform this week.
Former UCLA Bruin and by product of last years horrendous Steve Francis trade (For the Knicks at least) Trevor Ariza returned from injury on Sunday and should be monitored for pickup. In his first game back with the Magic he had 14 points and 5 rebounds. That production won’t turn heads but with his athleticism and ability to score, rebound and knock down free throws Ariza could be a factor in deep leagues.
If you’re looking to play the waiver wire keep an eye on that big fella down in Philadelphia, Steven Hunter. Hunter’s numbers won’t jump off the stat sheet but he is a solid option for owners in need of boards, blocks, and points. Moderately productive, big men are far from a dime a dozen in the NBA, so either pick him up or closely monitor his performance going forward.
Owners in need of points, assists and an occasional three ball could do a lot worse then Randy Foye. The rookie point guard is finally getting consistent tick with the disappointing play of free agent Mike James. Foye is now starting at point for the Wolves and although he has been somewhat inconsistent this season that is more a product of his minutes then his ability. If he’s available in your league and you have a guy like Earl Boykins or Chucky Atkins why not snatch Foye before he’s doing his thing on an opponent’s roster.
You know on the Oscar’s when an award winner draw his or her speech on for a little to long and on comes the music? That’s sort of what’s happening here, but before I wrap this up I want to remind you to check out King James and Cleveland this Thursday going up against Dirk and the Mavericks on TNT. Then on Sunday the Lakers head into Phoenix where Kobe will have redemption on his mind after last years game seven debacle. I wonder if Raja Bell has another horse tackle in store for #24? One final note on Wade. Don’t make cut him until Tuesday when Flash and the Heat travel to the White House for a visit with the president, chances are he will announce his surgery decision at that time. I just realized if Wade decides to go under the knife his name will rocket to the top spot on the most dropped player list. Wouldn’t that be a site to see? Unless of course you’re in a league with a “Can’t cut list,” if that’s your situation, that’s just a dagger, plain and simple. Ok, the Oscar people would be cutting to commercial at this point. I’ll see you all next week.
32 Responses to “The Dwyane Wade fantasy aftermath”
Feb.26 at 2:21 pm
jessika dorvil says:
do you juy know when his coming back/
Feb.26 at 2:23 pm
Mike says:
First
Feb.26 at 2:48 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
Last?
Feb.26 at 3:02 pm
Prince Tomar says:
Good stuff. Are you going to be writing for the magazine now? I look forward to reading your next fantasy article.
Feb.26 at 3:26 pm
fiona barry says:
hope u get better soon wade u r my fav player
Feb.26 at 3:38 pm
Mike says:
Aww dammit, there wasnt any comments when I wrote it. Oh well, ill settle for second.
Feb.26 at 4:16 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
Aww, now it just looks stupid, Mike.
Feb.26 at 8:38 pm
mansuy ihson jr says:
I LOVE YOU D.WADE AND GOD BLESS YOU
Feb.26 at 11:18 pm
Esco says:
by the way…it’s DERON Williams…
Feb.26 at 11:19 pm
Esco says:
oh…and DWYANE…you got it correctly in the header, but not in the story itself…shame on you…atleast you played it safe by sayin D.Wade later on…
Feb.26 at 11:50 pm
Emry says:
You def. got me there tho.
Esco: Shame on me indeed
Feb.27 at 12:02 am
vinny says:
man does any sports channel tell me aboout this shit that went down with dwade. I had 2 goddamn google search to find more on the scoop. GOOGLE SEARCH IT!!!
Feb.27 at 10:25 am
Emry says:
Vinny: If you subscribe to NBAtv you can check out Rick Kamla’s fantasy hoops show … Usually comes on either 12.30 or 1.00 (EST)and runs for about a half hour. They call the guy “The Freak”, his show is real solid.
Feb.27 at 10:58 am
Michael says:
Slam, Well thats what he gets showing off his dumb tricks but hes still my favorite… hope he gets well soon!!!! PS: Dallas beat Heat!!!!! With Or Without D-Wade we can still beat them!!!
Feb.27 at 11:57 am
Emry says:
I think a lot of things went right for Miami in the finals last year, not to take anything away from the ring but it did seem like Wade couldn’t be touched without a whistle … With that said there can’t be any excuses in pro sports and they deserve the ring … but the D-Men certainly look like the better team this year with or without D. Wade. -
Feb.27 at 12:14 pm
wesley haslam says:
a daddy man be careful what you are doing o.k.
Feb.27 at 3:00 pm
moena says:
hello dwyane wade i hope that u feel much better then before…
Feb.27 at 3:22 pm
Radio Jon says:
What would you rate the trade value of Sam Cassel be now that Shaun Livingston is out? Also, what does bunz mean?
Feb.27 at 4:49 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Now Jamal Crawford may be out for the year?! Emry, I don’t know how many years you’ve been playing fantasy hoops, but this is year five for me (four in the same league), and I can’t remember a year with this many injuries. Obviously this is worse for the League than for fantasy dorks like me, but it still hurts.
Feb.27 at 5:26 pm
Bird PANTS says:
Mr. Fantasy, I just lost to some bubblegum last week and I think my team needs a nice boost. Have you heard anything on the status of Peja or when he might be back?
Feb.27 at 6:00 pm
Emry says:
Radio Jon: I think the obvious winner is Sam C. since the two had been going back and forth with pt this season. Beyond Cassell I think Q. Ross will also see an increase in minutes. If you think you could pry Corey Maggette out of an owners hands on the cheap then it would be a good idea to do that as well. The fact that he wasn’t moved at the trading deadline and now with Shaun out, like it or not, Coach D will have to give him some more tick.
Feb.27 at 6:04 pm
Emry says:
Ben: We are pretty similar with our experience, I have been been playing for 6 years and 5 in the league. I wonder if the league tracks injuries to players who average x amount of minutes or points or something to that nature? If they do, I bet this year has to be up there. In a way, it’s a good thing because it forces leagues to look deep on the waiver wire, beyond that, it’s awful all around! My most competitive league has a max transactions cap at 40 and I am nearing the limit due to the injuries! Crawford hurts me as a Knicks fan and an owner… It also will all but guarantee Isiah is back next season — no doubt he will point to this injury and yet he still finished with a substantially improved record — hate it or love it… I still wouldn’t pickup Nate R. because he gets no assists, but, Jared Jeffries could be useful now. Perhaps even a Mardy Collins sighting? Not from a fantasy perspective but has to see some time now. 6′6 combo guard.
Feb.27 at 6:12 pm
Emry says:
Bird Pants: Sheesh, sorry to hear that, well if you are losing to bubblegum look to capitalize on this recent onslaught on injuries. Jason Williams had a nice game last night and chances are he is available. As for Peja, I don’t see him being worth a pickup because I see reports saying he is going to be out at least until late March. That would be a nice time for a playoff push if it does happen but it’s all speculation at this point… My advice is to let Peja sit if he is on waivers and if he is on your roster cut those ties.
Feb.27 at 6:13 pm
Emry says:
Radio Jon: Forgot to answer that last question… Bunz is synonymous with cheeks also a$$. Lol.
Mar.2 at 12:32 am
wc says:
Emry. Nice column, are you in the print version too? Other than pheonix, are there any other teams that you can ride, should you look at high scoring squads only?
Mar.2 at 12:04 pm
C says:
I enjoyed the article. What would you say would be a bigger impact to their team hypothetically: Kobe out for the lakers, lebron out for cavs, wade out for the heat, nash out for the suns, or dirk out for the mavs. This question is otc.
Mar.2 at 12:30 pm
Emry says:
C: Thanks, glad you liked it, as for your question… That’s pretty loaded and you certainly did hit on the big names in the NBA. I am going to say first off from a fantasy perspective that Kobe for the Lake Show, Nash for the Suns and Lebron for the Cavs would have the biggest impact. Kobe, because if he went down Lamar Odom would become and absolute monster with an increased offensive role. Nash because if he goes down you would see a huge decline in production from some of the games better guys and solid role players — Amare, Marion, Bell, Barbosa, and to a point Diaw as well — And Lebron just pretty much based on the fact that I think the NBA would go into a great depression if he ever went down for an entire NBA season (I’m kidding, kind of). Wade still has Shaq and Dirk has a lot of good guys surrounding him. Now, talking simple basketball I think the most devastating is Nash. Then Lebron, then Kobe, then Wade (could flip flop with Bryant) and then Dirk. Not to discount what Dirk does in Dallas (I love the way those two words sound together - Dirk in Dallas) but I just feel he has a lot of talent surrounding him and the Mavs would still be good without him, yet far from great. Anyone else wanna weigh in?
Mar.2 at 1:01 pm
Emry says:
WC: Thanks, glad you liked it. The fantasy thing is best suited for online because of the ever changing nature of the league, Especially this season! A fantasy column in a magazine would be so broad the information would hardly be useful to a Slam reader … High scoring teams usually do yield a couple good fantasy players so a team like Phoenix does allow for a lot of shine. You got Amare, Nash, Matrix, Diaw, Bell, Barbosa, even Jones for those three balls. The poor mans east coast version would be the Wiz Kids who boast Arenas, Jamison, and Butler. Who are all having terrific seasons. Also, Dallas is another team that can put the points up and you know the guys down there. So yea, I think high scoring teams do correlate to better fantasy teams … at the same time its frownded upon to draft too many guys from the same squad cause it will bunch your lineup and really kill you in weeks that team only plays say 2 games.
Mar.13 at 2:31 pm
Ariel says:
when are you going to be back in the games??
i miss you out there lol :] !!
i LOVE you !!
Apr.24 at 10:16 am
James says:
Why are people on here TRYING TO TALK TO DWYANE WADE?!?!?! Absolute madness
Apr.25 at 11:37 am
H to the izzo says:
Because their idiots
Jul.25 at 10:55 am
Johhny says:
that person that hurt Dwayne Wade should feel sorry for what he did to Dwayne Wade,because I really like Dwayne Wade for the player that he is.Dwayne Wade Rocks.