Fantasy Hoops Week #6: Down Goes Duncan?
And the return of Kirilenko
Who could have predicted the second quarter of yet another Spurs blowout could be so potentially costly to the franchise?
Tim Duncan went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury after getting tangled up on the block with Portland’s James Jones in the second quarter on Sunday. If there’s a short list of superstars with the ability to absolutely hush an arena when they go down clutching a body part, Duncan’s name is on it, in bold permanent marker.
The good news for the Spurs, and fantasy owners is that #21 seems to have escaped serious injury. The team doctors are calling it a, “bruised right knee, and a sprained ankle”, but are still awaiting the final word on the MRI.
The Spurs hit the hardwood twice in week #6, and my guess is that Timmy will sit out both games. No reason to risk another ring right? In the very short term, take a look at Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson, who will benefit from Duncan’s time off.
Last season Jerry Sloan must’ve had Ice Cube’s, “Today was a Good Day” on heavy rotation. The Jazz put together 51 wins, including a trip to the Western Conference finals and Sloan “didn’t even have to use the A.K.” in doing so.
As a result of last seasons drop-off, and a preseason trade request, Andrei Kirilenko’s fantasy value took a major hit in drafts of all formats. Even after leading his national team to the European championship this summer, there was no way to predict how he would approach another season with the Jazz. The result was a major dip in draft stock and Andrei was routinely being given away in the 4th, 5th, 6th and even 7th round.
Turns out, things are working fine in Utah and the A.K. is once again a major part of the attack. With Carlos Boozer and Mehmut Okur out on Friday night, Andrei blew up for 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, six steals and four blocks. His offense may never return to where it was before Boozer took over the block, but he’s so versatile he makes up for it in other ways. Props to everyone with the foresight to predict the re-emergence of Andrei this year. No doubt your league is suffering as a result.
The waiver wire is sort of like a department store that was recently looted, not much value left. The guys I have for you this week will provide production, but most are niche players looking to fill a role. When the gem of your waiver selections is Sebastian Telfair, you know hard times are upon you.
Sebastian Telfair – There’s a Bassy sighting on the waiver wire, wow! Injuries are something aren’t they? With Foye and Jaric sidelined the job is Telfair’s by default. Saturday night he got the start and dropped 16 points, 7 boards, 6 assists and 2 steals. Telfair may not be the real deal, but given minutes, he will produce.
Anthony Carter – The Nuggets have very little depth at their point guard slot and the result is Anthony Carter filling the void. Nothing about his numbers will blow you away, shoot, nothing about his numbers even stands out, but he’s going to be a solid option for owners needing a guy to fill their back court for a few weeks.
Steve Francis – After a promising start to the week I thought this was going to be the column I could finally recommend picking up the former Franchise. Rick Adelman was giving him some increased burn and Steve was responding. Fast forward to Saturday’s DNP-CD and it’s just the latest example while owners should avoid the the Houston back court at all costs.
Brandon Bass – Bass has continued to get tick down in Dallas and while he isn’t the best option for owners operating in smaller leagues, Bass’s PT should only increase with experience. If you’re in a deep league, keep your on him.
Brendan Haywood – His hot start faded after Andray Blatche’s name started to ring out but if he was hastily dropped in your league, pick him up. Haywood is the only true center the Wizards have on their roster and while Blatche is more talented, I predict Haywood will emerge from this time-share as the more valuable player.
Kurt Thomas – He was starting before Nick Collison broke his nose so he should retain value even after Collison’s return. If you need a second or third center, Thomas is a great option for rebounds and blocks.
For the upcoming week everyone plays three or four games except the Spurs, Pacers and Magic, who only play twice.
Sorry to cut the column short this week but I am traveling today and have to hit the road. If you’re looking for a gem off the waiver wire and didn’t find what you’re looking for here, keep your eyes open this week, things can’t stay this quiet for long.
27 Responses to “Fantasy Hoops Week #6: Down Goes Duncan?”
Dec.3 at 1:48 pm
Gerard Himself says:
I had some doubt whether to pick up either Kurt Thomas or Jason Maxiell, but went with the latter. Maxiell killed my beloved Nets last night, damn it.
Dec.3 at 2:10 pm
Emry says:
GH: I like Maxiell but his value is totally contingent on Sheed’ and McDyess’s health, Thomas is locked into that starting spot.
Dec.3 at 3:47 pm
nothin personal says:
Anthony Carter is averaging 6.5 assists. Just thought you might want to know.
Dec.3 at 4:48 pm
DSR says:
FRANCIS DIDNT PLAY BECAUSE OF A BRUISED TAIL BONE…. HE TOOK A HARD FALL AGAINST GOLDEN STATE…HE WILL BE BACK WEDNESDAY AGAINST MEMPHIS IMA KEEP’EM TILL THEN
Dec.3 at 5:10 pm
Emry says:
NP: In the past three games he has been doin his thing, but I’m just saying I don’t think it will hold up much beyond a couple weeks… but I have 5.5 on him for the year, which is very solid.
Dec.3 at 5:26 pm
Ken says:
Why isn’t Sean Williams getting minutes? Should I consider dropping him for somebody like Jeff Foster or Maxiell who gets more minutes?
Dec.3 at 6:13 pm
Emry says:
Ken: I wish I knew the answer to that. He did play 32 minutes on Saturday and that is a good sign. I think you should hold onto him while Kristic is out and ride this out. No point in dropping him yet.
Dec.3 at 9:23 pm
The infamous DP says:
My team is lookin pretty freakin good right now. I am 4-1 and with the team I’m playin this week I should have another blowout win. but I am actually thinking of dropping Iggy right about now. I know it is a idiot move but the guy is too freakin some timed for me. play wit it.
Dec.4 at 12:03 pm
Emry says:
The Infamous: Make a deal after he has a good game. I am really disappointed with his play thus far also… luckily I went the Josh Smith route instead of Andre. Obviously dropping him isn’t the smart play but if that’s how you feel, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Dec.4 at 12:12 pm
not now chief says:
do you think nachbar is worth hanging onto? eventhough my wire is very thin. with keith bogans being the best option right now
Dec.4 at 2:48 pm
C says:
What about everyone’s old friend Stephon Marbury? I picked him late in my draft thinking it could have been a sleeper pick. However; with everything that has gone on with him this year what do you think I should do? His numbers arent the best, but I dont think I can get anyone better for him on the waiver wire, and forget about dealing him. Who knows when he is going to suit up again. Feelings?
Dec.4 at 2:52 pm
C says:
I have Darko and Bargnani; and both seem to be struggling with injury cause they arent getting as much ticket as i expected. Especially Darko. Should I try and deal one, or both cause I dont think it would be smart to drop them; but I am just not getting minutes from them. If they get minutes I think they both could be effective. But I guess you can say that about most NBA players.
Dec.4 at 2:56 pm
C says:
I am currently in sixth place in a tight twelve team league. Now I havent played everyone yet; but it seems like I am beating the teams that arent strong and getting crushed by the top teams. Anything I can do strategically with my players and the wire etc. so I can move up in the standings and compete the the top positioned teams?
Dec.4 at 4:36 pm
Emry says:
C: Steph has had a tough year but if you got him late in the draft I still think it’s a good pick. He had good games against Utah and Chicago last week. Assuming you are in a league with more then 10 teams, Steph is a solid 2nd PG option.
Dec.4 at 4:38 pm
Emry says:
C: I see in your last post you are in 12 team league. Don’t drop either, even when Darko doesn’t score he gets blocks. His first game back he had 5! I think you should hold onto both guys unless you want to wait until they string together some good games and do a sell high style trade.
Dec.4 at 4:40 pm
Emry says:
C: I would need to know more about the league. It seems to be head to head. Assuming it’s an 8 category league you need to win 5 of the 8 cats to get a W for the week. You could try and load up on four categories to ensure a win in those parts each week… I have seen guys load up on Blocks, Boards, FG %, and Steals and then hope they can compete with points… that’s a good way to go about it. Thanks for the questions.
Dec.4 at 5:17 pm
Lieutenant Shinysides says:
what is wrong with gerald wallace?
Dec.4 at 5:40 pm
Bird PANTS says:
Emory, KG’s numbers have been slipping lately. Doc Rivers has been letting KG pile up those minutes during the season, do you think this is the main factor or do you think something else is going on?? I am regretting not taking Lebron #1 at this point like a madman.
Dec.5 at 12:48 am
Emry says:
NNC: Nachbar came into the year looking good, I remember Vince C. saying he was by far the best player in the Nets training camp. He is a bench player but I don’t think he is a better option than Bogans. I would go with the former Wildcat.
Dec.5 at 12:51 am
Emry says:
BirdPants: Well, grabbing KG at #1 was a good move I think. It turns out LBJ has been unreal this season but no point in playing armchair GM. I think KG will be fine, and I don’t think anythings wrong. Take Sundays game for example, they just jumped out to a big lead and Ticket sat the pine. Same with Thurs against the Knicks. I think it’s a case of the Celtics being a bit too good and Doc wanting to rest those legs.
Dec.5 at 12:53 am
Emry says:
LTN Shiny: Wallace is fine. He is playing 4x this week and should give you monstrous production. The Bobcats are struggling but I think his overall game speaks for himself. If you own him just hope that he keeps on the court and doesn’t live up to that “Crash” nickname.
Dec.5 at 2:14 pm
Bird PANTS says:
Noooo! Kevin Martin just went down with a groin injury, will be out 4-6 weeks. What a nightmare! He’s been my man for the last 2 years, no homo.
Dec.5 at 6:01 pm
Emry says:
BirdPants: You are quite the character… That’s awful about KMart Pt II, grab John Salmons and F. Garcia if you need help. Obviously hold onto Martin tho.
Dec.6 at 8:07 pm
birdPANTS says:
KMart pt II?? Sheeeeit, I’d like to propose he gets #1 status for the Kmart nickname. Kenyon Martin has been irrelevent since he left NJ and Kevin Martin has been an emerging star in the League. Thanks for the response
Dec.7 at 8:45 pm
Vinsanity says:
emry, what do u think about a gerald wallace deal in exchange for damien wilkins?
Dec.8 at 12:19 am
Emry says:
BP: I will make sure to give him #1 status, that’s a fair point. No thanks needed for the response, your questions are always on point.
Dec.8 at 12:20 am
Emry says:
Vinsanity: No way, assuming you are giving up GW, don’t do it, it’s not even close, even without Wally coming on, it’s not close, GW will come on as the year goes on. But if that’s offered to you, pull it asap.