Fantasy Week #12: Return of the Kings
Mike Bibby and Ron Artest return, Andrew Bynum hits the shelf, and Stephon continues his quest
Last week I wrapped up my column with this note, “I should point out that I was going to add Kwame Brown to the waiver list for potential pickups but my computer threatened to shut down and delete the column.”
What a difference 7 days, and one twisted knee makes.
The Lakers young stud Andrew Bynum, aka Mr. Ship His Ass Out, suffered a dislocated kneecap on Sunday and will miss 2 months of action.
This one stings for Lakers fans who’ve been enjoying a 25-11 start, largely due to the emergence of Bynum in the middle. If you’re a, “glass is half full type”, you’re taking solace in the fact that Bynum wont require surgery on his knee, and will be back with enough time to get his legs right for the playoffs. If the glass is half empty, Bynum’s absence is going to cost the Lakers wins and therefore crucial postseason position.
Bynum’s absence leaves a 7-foot hole in the Lakers front court for one Kwame Brown to fill. While there’s never been anything spectacular to say about Kwame, he’s going to get burn and he will be forced to produce, whether he likes it or not. As much of a bust as he’s been throughout his career, he still possesses the tools needed to be a successful big in the NBA. If he fails here, he’s officially a wrap and might find himself in the trunk of Kobe’s car. I’m recommending Brown as a must own for the next two months, mainly because of the shortage of viable center options on the waiver wire, and the Lakers lack of depth at the position.
Stephon Marbury and the New York Knicks quest for the most shameful season in professional sports history continues this week after Marbury sat out Sunday’s game against Detroit with a phantom “foot” injury. The condition was apparently caused by Marbury’s new role as a distributor and not a scoring guard for New York. If you weren’t aware that one’s role in an offense could cause bodily injury, shame on you.
While the Knicks recorded their best win of the season, Stephon pouted from the locker room. After the game Isiah Thomas seemed to indicated that Steph simply elected not to hoop that afternoon. Stephon Marbury ladies and gentlemen, the consummate professional.
Now word out of New York says that Steph has bone spurs in his ankle and will miss at least two games. He’s on record hoping surgery is the recommended option from the medical team and all signs point to him shutting down for the season. If you still own Marbury, you might as well hang onto him for a few more days so you can be sure what’s going to happen, but I predict he’s done for the year.
Ron Artest is planning on joining Mike Bibby for his return to the Kings on Wednesday. Bibby, who’s been out since the start of the season with a thumb injury, was slated to return, but Artest is back a week early. If you own Francisco Garcia, Beno Udrih, or John Salmons you knew this day was coming but can’t be thrilled it’s upon us.
Unless your waiver wire has a guy you really like, hold on until you see how coach Theus lets this play out. The Kings will likely start Bibby, Martin, and Artest at the 1, 2, and 3 positions, but may slide Artest to the 4 leaving room for Salmons and Garcia.
As for Udrih, if you believe the Bibby to Cleveland rumors, he’s worth holding onto until you see what goes down. No matter what, it’s going to be a mess in Sac Town and the only players with guaranteed value going forward are Bibby, Martin and Artest.
Before I get into potential waiver pickups for this week I have to show some love to Marcus Camby. The former Umass big fella had 20 points, 23 boards, 6 assists and 6 blocks on Monday night. He also shot 50% from the field and only turned it over twice. That’s the definition of filling it up and might be the best fantasy night of any player on the year. The only knock on Marcus throughout his career has been his durability but (knock on wood) he seems to have figured that out and is quite simple, a fantasy madman.
Anthony Carter – Last week I suggested picking up Carter before the news about Chucky Atkins broke. With Atkins out for the season, Carter is the last point guard standing in Denver and will provide solid value for the rest of the season.
Mark Blount – Now isn’t the time to pickup Blount but keep your eye on Shaquille O’Neal’s injury situation. If something further complicates that situation, Blount, like Carter, will be the only option in Miami and will have extended value for the rest of the season. He’s an atrocious rebounder for a player his size but he can shoot the ball and a few rebounds will fall into his hands by default.
Jamario Moon- I’ve written about Moon as much as any player this season because I love guys that can produce in a myriad of categories. Moon had a rough stretch in mid-December but is back and playing at a high level. He wont blow you away but will provide points, rebounds and blocked shots to his owners. For me, Moon’s the poster boy of the NBDL and one of the best stories in the league this season.
Randy Foye – I advised picking up Foye last week to be safe but, if he’s still available, you’ve got to move now. Minutes in Minnesota have been sporadic this season for all players not named Al Jefferson, but Foye is one of the key guys for that franchise and will get tick. Pick him up in all formats.
Nate Robinson – Even with Stephon Marbury in the lineup, Robinson is a viable fantasy option. With all signs pointing to Stephon shutting it down for the season, Robinson becomes a must own player. I’m not a fan of his game but, no one can argue with his hustle and that leads to production across the board in fantasy basketball.
Kenyon Martin – Nene is taking a leave of absence to attend to a health problem that will have him out of action indefinitely. As of now, no one knows what the nature of the problem is and he’s asked that his privacy be respected in this matter. While he handles his business, the value of K-Mart will increase. If you need help with points, rebounds and blocks, Martin is a good option as long as Nene is out of action. Monitor the situation closely and decide accordingly, but for now, drop Nene and pickup Martin.
Of the players mentioned this week I think Robinson, Carter and Foye have the most value. Of that group, Foye is the wild card because he could come back torching or have a hard time adjusting after his injury. Either way, he’s worth owning so you can watch him develop from the comfort of your bench, and not your opponents.
There’s been speculation that with things in Miami swirling around the toilet D. Wade and Shaquille O’Neal will shut it down for the year in an attempt to get healthy. This past week Wade dismissed those rumors, and said he’s not shutting anything down prematurely. While this is a positive sign for Wade owners, it’s not definitive evidence he’s going to play a full season. If you can get comparable value for him, trade him ASAP. As for Shaq, he had no comment and I believe his fate will be determined when he returns to the lineup Wednesday. If a chip isn’t in the forecast, there’s no incentive for him to play and he may decide he’s had enough.
36 Responses to “Fantasy Week #12: Return of the Kings”
Jan.15 at 1:48 pm
Phila says:
KMart, holla
Jan.15 at 2:16 pm
Bird PANTS says:
I hope I never see Stephon Marbury play for the Knicks again. He’s a disgrace. One word comes to mind when I think of his career - Selfish. It’s sad because he had all the talent in the world too.
Jan.15 at 2:51 pm
Ken says:
Should I dump Drew Gooden for Kwame Brown? I’ve also been unimpressed with AK47 lately…should I consider dropping him for a bit for Nate Robinson or Kwame?
Jan.15 at 3:03 pm
Ken says:
Oh yeah, I also have Travis Outlaw. Should I dump him for Kwame Brown?
Jan.15 at 3:30 pm
what says:
Here’s my fantasy season so far:
Drafted Gilbert Arenas & Ron Artest
Traded Dwight Howard for Andrew Bynum and Dwyane Wade
The end
Jan.15 at 3:34 pm
Emry says:
BirdPants: Nice to have you back man, where have you been? I agree with you about Steph, but… I actually think beyond all the basketball stuff… there is actually something wrong with the man. I think he is insane… no joke.
Jan.15 at 3:37 pm
Emry says:
Ken: It depends how deep your league is… Gooden took a hit when Andy returned to the lineup and they will timeshare the rest of the way but he would be picked up immediately in the leagues I play in (12+ teams) I think dropping either guy for Brown could end up being close to a wash… that said, I think I would drop Gooden for him if I was choosing because Kwame should be a slightly upgraded Drew for the next 2 month. If that’s longterm enough for you, go for it.
Jan.15 at 3:38 pm
Emry says:
What: At least Ron is coming back for ya… He might be traded also… The Howard deal hurts… although before this injury that was a solid move if you trust Wade’s shoulder. Tough one to turn down…
Jan.15 at 5:19 pm
davidR says:
emry, what do you think of rashad mccants? i see he’s been on a pretty good scoring streak lately, and i was thinking of dumping francisco garcia for him now that artest might be coming back. but then again, foye is coming back so that might affect rashad’s numbers. foye, garcia, or mccants?
Jan.15 at 5:39 pm
Emry says:
David: I would choose Foye out of that bunch because McCants will defer to him… also, McCants can really hoop but his minutes get yo-yoed around too much… take Foye and stash him on your bench. His upside eclipses the others.
Jan.15 at 5:51 pm
Bird PANTS says:
Yea man, been a little bit since I’ve posted. I’m back now tho and have been reading the articles. Keep up the good work, I’m in first place in my league and some of the thanks goes to your fantasy knowledge (I take the most credit tho for being such a fantasy mastermind) Haha just kidding, I enjoy reading the articles, see ya
Jan.15 at 6:05 pm
Captain America says:
Theo van gimpy Ratliff returns after A-Star break
Jan.15 at 6:12 pm
Emry says:
BirdPants: Thanks for the love, always appreciated.. first place is all yours, must have drafted well… keep checking in on us over here… and as long as I can help you out a little bit, I will take it… if you’re in first, you earned it! Good stuff.
Jan.15 at 6:17 pm
Emry says:
Captain America: He is the most injury prone player in the league… to bad too because he is a monster and can swat the ish outta the ball.
Jan.15 at 7:36 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
in one of my 7 leagues(2 winner, and one i am commish of(slamonline league)) i traded dwight howard and tay prince for chris paul and chris wilcox. i already had boozer so i was good with big man numbers. i dont lose much fg%, i gain alot of ft%, 3s, points is a wash, of course i lose boards, tons of assists and steals, and less blocks and turnovers. overall, it was a positive move. unfortunately, wilcox immediately got hurt, but hes back now.
Jan.15 at 7:37 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
i also picked up nate a few days ago on a couple of my teams
Jan.15 at 7:46 pm
port says:
antonio daniels or jameer??
Jan.15 at 8:14 pm
Kihwan says:
recently traded away John Salmons and Stephen Jackson for Danny Granger and Shaq. salmons value should slip and SJax’s FG% is killing me. lost bynum, so had to replace him with another C. how do you think I did?
Jan.15 at 8:25 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
that was pretty awful, kihwan. jack’s fg% is down, yes, but he gives you some of everything else. salmon will still have value, but he wont have monstrous stat lines anymore. granger is really good, but you really traded away 2 for 1, cuz shaq wont give you anything. kwame???
Jan.15 at 8:42 pm
The Cool says:
I will NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER pick up Lil nate as my back up point guard. Chris Paul is my main man on my fantasy team but I really don’t have any good back up point guards. I got Louis Williams but I’m thinking about dropping him and picking up Anthony Carter. Either way I just have to find some form of relief for Paul. play wit it. Tarzan, don’t ever think of Kwame in your life again. play wit it.
Jan.15 at 11:12 pm
Pat Is Five says:
roto weekly, im average in all cats but above avg steals/blocks, should i drop cassell for cat mobley? i think mobley will help - but worried sammy might excel if traded to mavs. (my only pg is chris paul, the other guys are barbosa, lou will etc)
Jan.15 at 11:12 pm
Pat Is Five says:
^ my bad not roto, weekly matchup league
Jan.16 at 12:44 am
Emry says:
Tarzan: As for your trade, tough break with Wilcox going down when you pulled the trigger but, that’s gonna happen sometimes. As for the trade, that’s a value deal… if Paul is what you need, and you can afford to lose the monster that is Dwight, you did what you had to do. CP3 is out of his mind btw. Then again, so is D. Howard.
Jan.16 at 12:47 am
Emry says:
Kihwan: The good news is you got the best player in the deal, the bad news is he came along with Shaq O’Neal. Listen, I own Shaq in a league as well and he is a butcher when it comes to FT % but sometimes you have to punt a category. If he comes back and balls a bit, you will feel good about this one. I think he will shut it down at some point but at least if he starts toying with injuries again you can just adios him. Basically you gave up Steph Jack and Salmons for Granger, which is still ok. See how Shaq bounces back from this hip injury, and make a move accordingly.
Jan.16 at 12:48 am
Emry says:
Kihwan: Also, of the guys you gave up… I like Jack more as a basketball player than a fantasy contributor. I like to steer clear of Nellie’s system whenever possible. While I think JS is going to have some value in Sac Town, I really think this trade is ok for you… certainly he’s taking a hit and again, you got the best guy in the deal.
Jan.16 at 12:50 am
Emry says:
The Cool: Listen, I’m with you on Nate most of the time but this season he is going to be a viable option in fantasy leagues. I really feel like Steph is going to shut it down and the minute he does that, Nate is a must own guy. As for the guys you mentioned I would take Nate in a heartbeat over both Lou and AC.
Jan.16 at 12:53 am
Emry says:
Pat: I wouldn’t drop Cassell for Mobley… Cat has been up and down this season and while Cassell has moss on him he is still hooping. As I am typing this he has 16 pts, 3 boards, and 4 dimes at the start of the third. Mobley is too inconsistent and loves the injured list. Now, if you had some more viable options… that’s a different story, but Cassell for Mobley… no sir.
Jan.16 at 1:17 am
The Cool says:
I hear ya emry. I might check nate dogg out now that you brought up that point. but do you Conley jr. is a good pick up right now because he has done pretty well the last couple of games. play wit it.
Jan.16 at 3:59 am
Dr. A says:
Emry, what’s up man, Doc here…Tough battle last week, I barely got by…tough matchup for me this week but I’m hoping Bron Bron’s 51 gets me by, although he only has two games…nice column. Steve
Jan.16 at 9:45 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
cool, nate and conley are both viable, nate will give you much more 3’s. i currently own both of them on a couple teams, in addition to anthony carter, but ac is the last guy on my teams, so that makes him first to go. i have never considered kwame “kupkakes” brown, i was somewhat suggesting it for someone else.
Jan.16 at 9:48 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
nate is getting more mins. than conley as he is still kinda sharing with lowry, so if you only have one spot available, nate is your best choice.
Jan.16 at 9:54 am
The Cool says:
thanks tarzan i just picked up nate. play wit it.
Jan.16 at 11:14 am
Emry says:
Nate is the best guard option out there, Conley Jr. is still a rook and Anthony Carter, minus what happened Friday night, which appears to be an abiiration, can’t score the ball at all… I am a lifelong Knicks fan, I don’t like Nate as a player at all… besides the hustle … and I am def. high on this pickup. I really think Steph is done as a Knick and Nate should be solid the rest of the way.
Jan.16 at 8:42 pm
Kihwan says:
Thanks for the feedback Emry and Tarzan. Normally I’d stay clear of Shaq, but I really needed a center. I’ve only got Tyson Chandler and Bynum. Real hard to trade for centers because there are so few. That’s why I went with Shaq. He’s one of few center that cna be had and at this point, he’s really high risk and okay reward
Jan.17 at 12:15 pm
Emry says:
Kihwan: He looked pretty solid last night… if you’re ok with punting FT % than he is ok… I will take that line last night all day! Stay healthy big diesel!
Feb.1 at 11:52 am
igloonorth says:
hey mr. fantasy good trade?. i have kaman and smith.. so blocks are ok, id get pierce and jamison for sheed and vince..