Week 20 Fantasy Update: The Return of the King
Guess Who’s Back?
By Emry DowningHall
I like to consider myself a calculated risk taker. Living in Philadelphia I have been known to jump on the Atlantic City expressway and shoot down to the Tropicana for some blackjack, roulette or the occasional poker game.
I’ve always been heavy into video games and on occasion when a NBA2K7 matchup gets heated it’s not out of the ordinary for the stakes to be raised in one form or another. And while I realize that gambling is a bad habit I want to stress that it’s all about moderation and understanding your limits.
Of course everyone has different limits, this is why nothing in life is really uniform and the reason why, every year, someone in your league is willing to reach and draft the TruWarier when there are much safer options on the board.
Total disclosure - we keep it real around here - before the Kings’ press conference Saturday afternoon, which by the way, came as a total shock to me, this is what I planned to write:
Of course sometimes those risks pay dividends and Artest must have had fantasy owners feeling pretty good about his chances of putting together an entire season, especially with the Kings having such a favorable schedule for the fantasy playoffs.
When I got the email announcing Artest had been arrested I was more disappointed than surprised. I like Artest’s style of play and even though he is a madman, his passion and will to win are undeniable and I was looking forward to watching him and Sac-town make a playoff push.
Artest is going to be arraigned on March 22nd and the Kings have released him of his duties indefinitely pending their own internal investigation. If you own Artest and are on the playoff bubble I would cut ties and work the waiver wire. If you are in good standing in your league and have the luxury of patience, stash him on your bench and wait two weeks to see what transpires. In the meantime, John Salmons stands to see the largest increase in playing time and will be replacing Artest in the Kings lineup. Salmons won’t provide anything outstanding but should be very solid going forward once he gets accustomed to the starting role.
So you can imagine my state of mind when my St. Patty’s day celebration was interrupted by the news that Artest was going to be in action on Sunday. What in the world? The Kings’ suits said the Artest decision was based largely on the good ol’ innocent until proven guilty section of the constitution – way to go forefathers! Of course, the fact that the Kings are one game out of the eighth playoff spot out West couldn’t have hurt much either; in any event, the Kings have a tremendous fantasy schedule going forward and if Artest was in fact dropped in your league, grab that wild man off the waiver wire. It’s tough to say what’s going to happen with the whole legal process, but Artest is a solid option in the meantime. John Salmons should no longer be owned in leagues.
It wouldn’t feel like a weekly fantasy column if we didn’t get a chance to discuss yet another All-star whose season is potentially over. The Hawks have lost Joe Johnson to a deep bruise in his calf, an injury that will sideline the combo-guard for at least three to four weeks and more likely the rest of the season. Ultimately, Joe will be able to make his own decision on a return, but considering Atlanta isn’t in the playoff race it doesn’t make much sense for him to lace ’em up again this year. Johnson has been a beast this season and his ability to fill the stat sheet will obviously be missed as we near the fantasy playoffs. In his absence Josh Smith is going to be stepping up his offensive load and should be much more aggressive with the rock.
Jermaine O’Neal’s owners are hoping he can hold on for at least a few more weeks after aggravating a chronic knee injury on Wednesday. No doubt JO owners are well aware of the forward/center’s history with knee trouble, but this doesn’t sound like a season-ending situation, and with what’s been going on in the league this year that’s very good news. Keep an eye on how O’Neal performs during week 20, but at this point it appears he is going suit up and ball the rest of the way. If you need to replace O’Neal, Ike Diogu is going to be much more productive for Indiana.
As we discussed last week, this season’s injury influx has opened the floodgates for fantasy production from players who otherwise would be on the shelf. Brian Cook is one guy who is benefiting in LA with Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Vlad Rad stuck on the IL. This leaves the man in charge with little choice but to put his forward spot in the hands of Cook, who would be a rarely used reserve on a healthy Lakers roster but has lucked into starter’s minutes. Cook has taken advantage of his increased role and should be picked up if available. He scores, rebounds and blocks the occasional shot and will be a nice addition for your team’s playoff push.
If you’re looking for some backcourt help Seattle’s Earl Watson is ready to contribute. With Luke Ridnour once again in Coach Bob Hill’s doghouse, Watson is stepping up as the Supersonics’ starting point guard and is a very hot pickup right now. Ridnour doesn’t seem comfortable coming off the bench for Seattle and I expect Watson to continue to provide points and assists the rest of the way. Ray Allen is still keeping on but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him prematurely shut it down, in order to deal with bone spurs in his ankle. This would only increase Watson’s value.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ buyout has been a good look for both the Heat and Eddie Jones as the veteran swingman – straight out of Temple University – is the hottest pickup in fantasy right now. When the Heat signed Jones he was supposed to serve as a backup for Dwyane Wade but we all know how that turned out. The injuries to both Wade and Kapono have paved the way for major minutes for Jones and he has responded with points, threes and dimes. With Wade likely done for the fantasy season, and Kapono to be evaluated later this week, Jones and Antoine Walker are both viable options down the stretch. James Posey should also be monitored and could once again offer value.
Who would have thought it was that old man Allen Iverson holding the Sixers back all along? I’m kidding, of course, but the Sixers young gunz have been putting it together since trading “The Answer.” Andre Iguodala has looked like the all-around stat stuffer everyone predicted he would be and Andre Miller is giving the rest of the Sixers something they certainly didn’t get with AI and C-Webb – touches. Those touches, combined with the rotator cuff injury to Rodney Carney, have Willie Green playing productive minutes at the two-guard spot as a starter for the Sixers. Green will provide points, solid rebounding and the occasional steal, and should be owned in most leagues.
If you’re looking to unload some guys on your team to make room for the players previously mentioned, it may be time to part ways with Jason Kapono (ankle), DeShaun Stevenson, Randy Foye, and Dikembe Mutombo. This weekend also saw Sean May return to action, and because Okafor is still struggling with a calf injury, Charlotte will need heavy production from May. Grab him if you can.
At this point it’s pretty clear it’s crunch time. Most leagues have two more weeks before the playoffs start, so remember to play the waiver wire and stack your team with players with favorable fantasy schedules. I’m going to go into this idea more next week, but keep in mind that even if a guy is more valuable overall than another player, the player that is playing more games that week will most likely produce more for your team. For example, you wouldn’t trade Jason Terry for Gilbert Arenas unless you’re one of those dumbs, but in week 20 Terry plays four times while the Hibachi is only fired up twice. It’s a numbers game, so make them work for you. That’s it for this week, hit me with your questions and I will do my best to get right at you. Talk to you next week.
19 Responses to “Week 20 Fantasy Update: The Return of the King”
Mar.12 at 12:16 pm
dez says:
With Artest out, Kevin Martin’s gonna go beserk
Mar.12 at 12:36 pm
rob stewart says:
watchout for Pargo (NOK) and Shammond Williams (Lakers
Mar.12 at 12:44 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Rob: I agree with you that Pargo is definetly worth some run whenever CP is out with injury. As far as Shammond goes … if that three ball isn’t dropping owners would be stretching for his value.
Mar.12 at 12:47 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Update: Also, I just read in the LA Times that Lamar Odom is planning to practice today and should be back in the lineup for Thursday’s game, along with Luke Walton. Pickup Odom if he was dropped in your league… and give consideration to Walton. This will clearly hurt the value of B. Cook.
Mar.12 at 2:01 pm
Dallas J says:
Zaza has been decent of late.
Mar.12 at 2:32 pm
Redrum says:
the only way Artest career will be saved is only if he gives himself up to the magic hands of Zenmeister P-Jax, and help Kobe win a ring. Tell that a Lakers team, with a PJax-coached Ron is not a scary team…
Mar.12 at 2:56 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Redrum: Couldn’t agree with you more … it would be a good fit for Crazy Ron … and for the Lake show
Mar.12 at 4:11 pm
C says:
Watching the lakers last night get beatdown by the mavs was a sad sight for a fan like myself. But what was so depressing was when Kobe is out of the game that team doesnt look any better than an NBDL team. Hopefully Odom and Walton can get us back on track.
Mar.12 at 8:29 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
C: You don’t like Shammond Williams running your squad? Odom and Walton are going to be welcomed back, especially in May. But that Mavs game was particularly bad… I still think you Lakers fans have it pretty good since you have the leagues best player… as long as he keeps those elbows in.
Mar.12 at 10:31 pm
Ben Osborne says:
This Joe Johnson news is KILLING me.
Mar.13 at 9:04 am
Emry DowningHall says:
Ben: You can hold onto him if you are a playoff lock … in fact I think I would hold onto him … Joe has a history of being pretty tough as far as returning from injuries but in this scenario he doesn’t have to much motivation to return. Luke Walton is back on Thursday, he might be worth a look…
Mar.13 at 1:06 pm
Mike Tierney says:
Emry- You mentioned that Ridnour has been in the doghouse, but what’s your take on his herniated disc that has kept him out of the lineup the past 4 games? During those four Watson’s averaged 14.5 pts / 8 ast / 3 rb / 2.5 stl / and 2 treys per game. What do you expect upon Ridnour’s return? Can Watson keep near those numbers when Ridnour returns? I’ll likely use the “wait and see” approach. Thoughts?
Mar.13 at 1:40 pm
Bird PANTS says:
I know you’re a Knicks fan, how about Stevie Francis on saturday night?? What a madman! Looked like Franchise of old, taking over the game, chest pumping, hitting big shots. I hope he can keep playing well and help us get to the playoffs. I was pumped after seeing those highlights. How do u feel about Isiah’s contract extension??
Mar.13 at 2:07 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Mike: After tonights scratch, make that five straight games. All signs indicate that he will be practicing again after sitting out tonight but I still think Watson will be the better option going forward. It’s also worth noting that Bob Hill had originally stated that tonights game would be a “definite” play for Ridnour, so you have to take these things with a grain. Certainly the Watson numbers are solid and owners are hoping he holds onto that starting job even when Luke returns. I think his numbers will definitely take a hit but it shouldn’t be that drastic…he will still be a better option then say, Anthony Johnson (Whom I have also recommended and certainly Randy Foye, again guilty) I expect him to hold onto the starting job even when Ridnour returns but I agree with you on the “wait and see” approach. Either way, if you grabbed Watson off waivers you have got to be pretty pleased with the late season production. Excellent question.
Mar.13 at 2:15 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Bird Pants: I am not only a Knicks’ fan but for the first time in a longtime I am an excited Knicks’ fan. The last time I saw them in the postseason they were being worked by Jersey and Tim Thomas was calling people “fugazi.” - Not a good look… It was lovely to see Franchise being Franchise again. I’m sure a NBA game winner can go alongway for the confidence of a guy and as far as winning over the Garden faithful, enormous. Kind of odd that his career was supposed to be over, I blame both he and the Knicks’ for that one… but hopefully he can propel the squad into the playoffs as the Magic trail off (Way to step up Charlotte) And I can’t knock the Isiah extension, he has done a good job this year and it appears his spending spree has calmed down. I do however question the timing of the extension and I hope both he and the Knicks’ continue to press with the same urgency they had before the contract was signed. If I’m going to nitpick I guess the expectations are a bit light when an 8th seed in the East (hopefully) merits a successful season when you have the highest payroll in the league but … overall, I’m pleased… and now we know that Dolan is as well.
Mar.13 at 2:25 pm
Mike Tierney says:
Emry- Great tip on tonight’s scratch of Ridnour, makes Watson a definite play. That Bob Hill remark is another golden nugget and basically sums up the frustration of dealing with anyone on the not-so-super-Sonics as their status always seems up in the air. Great job on the column since the All-Star break. Re-read your article praising Lamarcus Aldridge’s move to the starting lineup and realize now that it was your column then that convinced me to do it. Haven’t been thrilled with his inconsistency, but his potential coupled with his multi-position eligibility (SF/PF/C in Yahoo!) makes him a worthy play in my book still. P.S. - How do I get your job? So money…
Mar.13 at 3:20 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Mike- I would be surprised if Hill is around next season to drop those gems on us. I’m glad you are getting some use out of the column, it’s definitely been fun to write, especially knowing how knowledgeable Slam readers are I know I have to come strong each week. LaMarcus is up and down, I agree but as you said he is versatile and if he stays out of foul trouble he is a decent option. I am high on Ike Diogu right now with the news out of Indiana on the JO knee not looking so good. He shoots a strong % from both the field and the stripe and grabs boards. I saw him play a decent amount in college and he is nice, great hands! I’m new at this so I certainly am not the one to ask about getting into writing but if I were to give advice it would be to read as much as you can and take advantage of this blogging trend that is sweeping the internet to get some clips.
Mar.14 at 4:05 pm
Mike Tierney says:
Emry - After our discussion yesterday I had to drop back in and hype my boy Lamarcus Aldridge after his stellar game last night (haven’t had the privilege to actually see him play, no NBALP). 24 points, 17 boards, 4 blocks on 65% shooting. I’ll be keeping an eye on Diogu, but his 3pts and 5rbs in 22 minutes last night is not really sexy time. The Earl of Watson also gave another solid effort last night with 16 pts, 7 asts, 5 boards, 4 treys, but 5 TO. Hope Ridnour rides the pine upon returning. And what’s your take on the Kobe retroactive FF, and Phil’s claim of a “witch-hunt”?
Mar.15 at 4:22 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Mike - LaMarcus is going to produce as long as he is out of foul trouble and on the floor. If you’re in a keeper league he deserves consideration depending on your roster and the number of players you can keep. Unfortunately it appears over for Ike Diogu, Tuesday’s game was a real disappointment and now Jermaine O’Neal is back. So that wont be one of the fantasy tips that’s on my arm for this season. I dropped Diogu for Luke Walton, which shouldn’t be a major pickup but hopefully he can produce in a few categories for me. Earl is straight solid. Great late addition to anyones roster, even with Ridnour back… as far as Kobe goes … I think FF should be called in the game. I don’t think “witch-hunt” is what we’re dealing with but it does seem that Mamba is under a higher definition microscope then the rest of the league ie Lebron’s late game clothesline on Wade…