Fantasy Week 15: The Lakers Upgrade
The impact of the Gasol trade, and this weeks waiver wire pickups
Before I jump into this week’s fantasy column, I want to bring in a very special guest to say a few words about the Giants improbable victory over the Patriots. If you’re not aware, I live in Philadelphia, and although that doesn’t make you an Eagles fan by default, I believe Mayor Nutter will be drafting that legislation shortly.
Sam wrote yesterday about how being a fan “doesn’t get any better than this” and while I’m happy for his personal triumph, I realize this Giants victory, only puts further distance between the Birds and our NFC rivals.
Here to pepper in some Philadelphia perspective on what will likely go down as the greatest Super Bowl of all time, is the biggest Eagles fan I’ve ever met, Charles Peach.
“Sunday night I was certain the last thing I wanted to see was the Pats victorious again, until I thought about how unbearable it would be to see the Giants win. Watching them take the lead I started imagining a slew of “My New Haircut” Giants fans struttin’ around in their Eli Manning jerseys running their mouths, and I felt the Buffalo wings starting to come back up. I’d like to feel proud for the NFC, particularly the division, but the pride will inevitably be replaced with hatred. The closest city for the Giants fans to talk sh*t is Philly. We’ll lose EVERY football argument against NFC East rivals as soon as they remind us how many Super Bowls we’ve won. Now there’s just more distance between us; Dallas 5, NY 3, DC 3, Birds 0.”
As a much milder Eagles fan I reminded Charles, “To the victor go the spoils.”
Charles shot me a horrified look and told me to, “Shove your quotation book up your *ss!”
Fantasy Week #15:
We’ve all seen a game where a guy who normally spends 48 minutes stapled to the bench gets in, gets off, and earns a spot in a team’s rotation. Josh Smith already owns a starting spot in Atlanta but after his line Monday night he also earned a first round pick in your fantasy draft next season.
Smith had 19 points, 6 boards, 9 dimes, 4 steals, and 9 blocks while shooting better than 50% from the field. 9 blocks? Are you kidding me? 8 of them were recorded in the first half. That’s like Kobe Bryant suiting up and dropping 70 points in 24 minutes. People continue to question Smith’s attitude and selflessness, but when he has it going, he can fill up a stat sheet better than any player in the NBA. There are players who offer more value than Smith, but I don’t think anyone is more fun to own in the entire league.
Did you happen to catch that Boston/Minnesota game two weeks ago? The one where Kevin Garnett stripped Bassy Telfair at the top of the key and then dove on the ball to seal the win.
As soon as the buzzer sounded Garnett launched into a celebration like the Celtics had just clinched a trip to the NBA Finals. I’m not knocking the mans enthusiasm, and I understand he has a vested interest in defeating his old mates, but Kevin, take it down a couple notches. You’re at home against the worst team in the league and you needed a last second stop to seal the game.
The whole celebration sticks in my mind because those few minutes we witnessed him dancing around the court, waiving his jersey and shrieking like a Vilasa Raptor were the last time he suited up for a game.
He’s missed the Celtics past three with a reported ab-strain and Doc Rivers said on Monday, he’s going to miss the upcoming week as well. Garnett owners are already frustrated with the decline of his numbers this season, and it appears more DNP’s are in his immediate future.
T.J. Ford owners who had been pumping that 50 Cent and Eminem, “Patiently Waiting” track over the past 24 games got their boy back on Monday. Ford returned to the Raptors playing 16 minutes in the blowout victory over the Heat. It will take a while for his legs to get back under him after such an extended absence but it’s great to see him out on the floor. Double check your waiver wire to make sure he’s not available in your league. It’s going to be interesting to watch Sam Mitchell balance Ford and Calderon over the next few months. I think he’ll play them together quite meaning a guy like Anthony Parker is going to take a hit.
If the NBA were setup like a fantasy league, John Paxson would definitely have vetoed that Paul Gasol deal, or at least wrote a note to the commissioner in protest. I think the trade makes sense for both sides when you consider the long-term salary benefits for the Grizzlies but damn, on paper it’s a steal for the Lakers.
The fantasy effects wont be drastic because the most impacted players – Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay – are already owned in your league. Their will be some waiver effects but nothing that jumps off the page like it would if Jason Kidd were dealt.
Juan Carlos Navarro stands to benefit the most from his friend’s departure. Marc Iavaroni is trying to get a smaller lineup on the floor in Memphis, and Navarro has seen an increase in tick whenever Darko or Pau has missed time. Common wisdom says that Darko should also benefit here, but that’s the same reasoning that got him selected #2 in one of the deepest drafts ever. I also like Hakim Warrick’s potential to step up in this situation but he’s another player that makes inconsistency their most consistent attribute and deserves a wait and see policy.
On the Lakers side of things the only impact I see in Pau’s arrival is a slice into the value of Ronny Turiaf. He’s been the guy stepping up while Bynum is out, but it’s clear he’s more suited for a reserve role than anchoring the middle for a contender. It’s possible Phil Jackson will put Pau at the 5 and keep Turiaf at the 4, and in that case he will retain some value until Bynum returns.
This week’s waiver picks are all about potential and opportunity:
Andrea Bargnani – The Dirk comparisons hurt, but AB has started to turn it on for the Raptors and stayed hot in Monday’s blowout over the Heat. Fantasy owners will have to wait at least another year for the rest of his game to catch up with his three ball but occasionally he’ll show signs of why he was a #1 pick. He’s playing well and remains a big part of the Raptors future, if he’s available, pick him up.
Jeff Foster – The one man rebounding machine is back in the lineup with Jermaine O’Neal sidelined and has been contributing for the Pacers. Jim O’Brien has been going with a big lineup and owners in need of rebounds need to look no further then Foster. His high field goal percentage is also very appealing and he will hold value until J.O. returns from injury. Also take a look at Troy Murphy who can provide more offense than Foster, with less efficiency on the glass.
Josh Childress – Childress stayed hot on Monday dropping 21 points, 6 boards, and 2 dimes against Philadelphia. He started this year in a funk and was likely dropped in your league at some point. Give your waiver wire a spin and make sure he’s not available.
Damon Stoudamire – Tony Parker is out beyond the All-Star break and Stoudamire is going to have to learn Pop’s system on the go in San Antonio. He’ll be running team ball and should be a solid source of points and assists. Mix in a couple steals and he will be a very hot pickup across fantasy leagues this week.
Marcus Williams – When your sports ticker reports, “Jason Kidd traded to…” run to the nearest computer and snatch up Marcus Williams ASAP. He could end up the “steal” (does the laptop joke still play?) of the fantasy season.
Chris Webber – If you can stash him on your bench, then it’s a good play. Owners in daily fantasy leagues need to be very careful dropping a contributor for Webber. Nelly’s lineup changes are like a juiced up Civic they’re so fast and furious, and even though he’s a projected starter at this point, keep in mind, it’s Nelly. The man used to drink Bud Light at press conferences while fielding questions from reporters, anything goes.
Nenad Krstic – There’s no telling what you’re going to get from Kristic this season. First of all he’s still recovering from injury, on top of that his conditioning coach could be Oliver Miller, and finally Sean Williams and Josh Boone have started a youth movement on the frontline in Jersey. Keep your eye on him and see how his minutes and numbers play out.
Out of this group, I like Bargnani and Childress as the only long-term solutions for a fantasy teams. Kristic also has that potential but his conditioning is a real question mark.
I don’t know what Chris Webber was thinking when he elected to join the Warriors. He was likely at home watching them play on TNT, and realized that Nelly doesn’t require any rebounding and thought, “Sign me up.” Charles Barkley called him the smartest and most underrated power forward of all time, so maybe he’s got something left in the tank. Either way, I’m going to let another owner find out.
I also wanted to let you guys know about a great site that allows fantasy owners to plug in specific categories their league operates under and get customized rankings for players. The site is BasketballMonster.com, and while no ranking systems will ever be perfect, it’s a major upgrade from standard ESPN and Yahoo top 50.
Not only are you able to check off or de-select categories you want filtered, you can also rank by full season, or recent games played. I’m not a huge fan of trading players based on overall rank but it’s certainly a valuable asset when dealing.
52 Responses to “Fantasy Week 15: The Lakers Upgrade”
Feb.5 at 4:23 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
best of luck to the Philadelphia Eagles, I wish you nothing but success. Let’s all be happy!
That photo is funny. If I hadn’t found it myself on getty, I’d think someone did something to it.
Feb.5 at 4:27 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
As always, great piece, Emry. Josh was just unreal last night. I’m with you on the Minny/Boston game. I KNOW that KG is just like that.. that passionate and he cant control it, but, it didn’t exactly win him cool points since it was his ex team and the worst team in the L. Although, he isn’t too worried about looking cool. I loved the “patiently waiting” reference for TJ, too. It was nice to see him back last night. I was thankful for that. The Raps/Lakers game Bargnani was more aggressive than I have ever seen him and he seemed to continue that last night. Of course, it was the Heat but still, a good sign.
Feb.5 at 4:40 pm
Emry says:
Sam: You’re all class. Is it me or did Shockey look a little less than enthused from the booth he was watching the game in?
Feb.5 at 4:44 pm
Emry says:
Holly: Thanks Holly. The passion is great, and I don’t think anyone will ever have an issue with that, especially since so many guys in the league appear so apathetic half the time but, it’s not like Minny dealt him to the Grizzlies. He’s on a team with 2 other all-stars, a solid coach, and a great history in a major market. They didn’t exactly do him dirty. Also, Al Jefferson pays him homage whenever he gets the chance in interviews. Great to see TJ on the court, he’s got to be one of the more mentally tough guys in the league. I’m not giving up hope for AB, I just think his development is a bit stalled by the talent and system in Toronto, but he’ll get there. Also Jamario Moon coming out of nowhere didn’t help matters for him.
Feb.5 at 4:46 pm
Emry says:
Sam: That picture is hilarious! It looks like Gasol is dancing for nickels while Kobe gets his shots up. Perhaps that’s a ritual Kobe makes the new guys go through?
Feb.5 at 4:48 pm
lockedc says:
pau´s numbers are going down,but i even would pick him if he would score30+.he´s such an arrogant a…..e!!!
Feb.5 at 5:00 pm
Captain America says:
Nice call out on KG. There remains many KG hero worship fans in Minne. Since KG had already said he felt no regard for the team, as many Wolves players are new, the conclusion reached by some Minne fans is KG’s irrational exuberance was aimed at them. That can happen when Wolves’ fans watch a high schooler “da kid” become the “ticket” and get traded away without any appreciation to those who bought tickets and watched him play for 12 years.
Feb.5 at 5:03 pm
Captain America says:
If you want to know about a classy send off consider Johan Santana’s letter and interview once he signed on with the Mets. It’s called respect.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/15291876.html “I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the Twins fans who have supported me throughout my eight years in the Twin Cities,” he said.
Feb.5 at 5:08 pm
Gerard Himself says:
I got Ford. He was dropped ages ago, and no one paid attention, so I got him. Point guard problem solved. I also picked up Cuttino Mobley, but dropped Antonio Daniels for him; not sure if that was a good move.
Feb.5 at 5:10 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Emry: did you see the article where it said KG was reminding Al of his all-star nods and Jefferson said, “I reminded KG we have one thing in common- no championships”. hha funny, but, harsh!
Feb.5 at 5:15 pm
Gerard Himself says:
Big Al got jokes!
Feb.5 at 5:16 pm
davidR says:
emry, a trade of kaman + hill for (me giving up) billups + collison has been proposed to me. whats your opinion? kaman for collison is an upgrade, but im not too sure about billups for hill. do you think hill will eventually return to form?
Feb.5 at 5:30 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
gangsta……………….Under the terms of his agreement with his employer, Tohoku University in Japan’s north-east region, Kawashima was entitled to accept half the Brain Age royalties personally. Instead, he used the proceeds to help fund $6.5 million in construction projects on Tohoku’s campus. “My hobby is work,” he said. “Everyone in my family is mad at me but I tell them that if they want money, go out and earn it.” Kawashima, who strictly monitors his teenage sons’ gaming time, is currently working on a four-year project to study brain development in children. He’s also cooperating with Toyota to develop a car designed to keep elderly drivers alert
Feb.5 at 5:30 pm
Emry says:
Gerard: I don’t like the Antonio drop for Cat Mobley but, with that said, Antonio has been very inconsistent and with Gilbert coming around the mountain he’s going to lose value. Nothing wrong with Mobley when he produces but he has been off this year as well.
Feb.5 at 5:32 pm
Emry says:
Holly: No I didn’t see that, why was KG going @ him? Everything I read about the swap was very positive from Al’s end. Side note: His footwork is a thing of beauty in the paint! That’s a pretty strong comeback from Al though… very true.
Feb.5 at 5:35 pm
Emry says:
DavidR: That’s a close deal. Kaman over Collison is a no brainer, but Hill hasn’t been the same since he went down with that appendectomy and may or may not regain his starting job with the Suns. If you need a center, and you’re ok @ guard you can feel good about this deal. Kaman is the best player in the trade, and although Brand is coming back soon he wont be ready to contribute much this season. I also like Hill over Collison especially with Swift coming back. If you need a center and have guards, make it happen.
Feb.5 at 5:39 pm
Myles Brown says:
KG started it, as he always does. “Y’all some punks, a bunch of punks…” Reportedly, Al retorted with “Why don’t you come guard me one on one then you soft a** b*tch?!” And this was during a free throw. They both got T’d up and after talking to Al last night, it’s clear that no love has been lost between the two. He gave some pretty expected answers in saying that he wouldnt expect KG to play on Friday seeing as Boston has bigger fish to fry. But it was still readily apparent that he had something in store for his old teammates. Anything less than 30 & 15 would be a surprise to me. Ask Yao.
Feb.5 at 5:41 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
wow, Myles, thanks for the info. I had wondered myself what happened when they got T’d up and now it all makes sense. Pretty funny stuff on Al’s end.
Feb.5 at 5:45 pm
Emry says:
That’s some nice information… good stuff. Al’s bang on Yao last night was insane. I always forget how long he is until something like that goes down. I’m suprised Ticket feels that way about the Wolves… maybe that explains his reaction after that win. Did you think that was called for Myles?
Feb.5 at 5:47 pm
Captain America says:
Myles is right, Big Al is the strong, silent and deadly type. KG likes to get into peoples’ heads as part of his game.
Feb.5 at 5:53 pm
Captain America says:
Big Al’s line over last 5 games: 28.8 ppg
15.6 boards (5.2 offensive)
Feb.5 at 5:53 pm
Myles Brown says:
I honestly think that KG has nothing but love for the Minnesota fans, and thats why it disappointed me to hear so many folks getting down on him for popping his jersey at the end of that win over the Wolves. What the f*ck did they think he was gonna do? Thats what he did here for more than a decade! The guy is raw passion, he wasnt gonna contain himself for anyone and I dont think it was an outright dis to his old franchise as much as it was pride in his new one and their current success. That being said, I know KG usually doesnt even sit on the bench during games, and he may not even make the road trip, but Id really like him to show his face in the Target Center just once so that he can see just how much so many people still love him. And as much as I was sad to see Ticket go, Im VERY happy with Al.
Feb.5 at 5:58 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
yeah, its funny. We make fun of him for the jersey popping being excessive, but, if he didn’t have any type of reaction like that after the win, I think we would all be wondering what happened to KG. haha It IS just him and it is kind of like when I spoke with Turiaf the other night about being an emotional leader and he said “if you see me on the court and I am not pumped up or dancing or waving my arms, then you know something is not right with me”. Different players, definitely different ways of showing emotion, but same kind of thing. I’d like to see him get love from the fans in Minny too. The interview he did with JT a few years back ripped my heart out when he started crying about wanting to win so badly. I’d love to see him get an ovation, even though he prob wouldn’t be on the bench like you said.
Feb.5 at 6:07 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Hi Emry - my team was doing great until the annual injury blitz decimated my team: Redd, Deng, Harris, and AK47 are out right now. Any info on when they’ll be coming back? (I know Harris is out for at least another 2 weeks)
Feb.5 at 6:10 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
KG’s reaction to the T-Wolves reminds me of someone who just got out of a bitter longterm relationship. He’s probably got lots of good memories, but he wants to make the other party remember how much better they were with him. Big Al fits the “new boyfriend” metaphor beautifully: younger, newer and making the other party happy.
Feb.5 at 6:17 pm
Captain America says:
As much as I admire KG’s play on the court, I don’t admire the trash talking and whining to refs. Never did. But you get the whole package with KG. Myles, you’re wrong about KG’s outburst after the game. Emry is right. Unless KG isn’t required to show some class and respect. I would expect no less from Sheed.
Feb.5 at 6:20 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
al jefferson is a fuc*ing beast
Feb.5 at 6:22 pm
Captain America says:
Bryant, I also was considered using a relationship analogy. Given KG’s 12 years in Minne, him not even being present for the 8 Feb game (even if he chooses to sit in the locker room after the intro) is disrespectful to Minne KG hero worshippers who bought bundled ticket packages for the opportunity to give him their thanks.
Feb.5 at 6:22 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
hey emry, whats up with marko yaric? is he going to get consistent minutes going forward?
Feb.5 at 6:43 pm
Waters1981 says:
worth picking up Stromile Swift now that he will be running in Jersey?
Feb.5 at 6:49 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Good question Waters1981 - is the Stro Show going to eat into Williams and Boone’s minutes?
Feb.5 at 7:20 pm
Simon Fuller says:
“9 blocks? Are you kidding me? 8 of them were recorded in the first half. That’s like Kobe Bryant suiting up and dropping 70 points in 24 minutes.” Ummmmmmm, no it isn’t. I bet there’d be 5-10 times a season when a player would put up the same number of blocks in a half.
Feb.5 at 8:25 pm
RV says:
stro’s been running in a few different places now, once he starts actually scoring, then he’ll be worth the pick up. The move to NJ only increases his easy baskets, even with a lot of PT he’ll still be a 12 and 8 guy..
Feb.5 at 8:25 pm
RV says:
stro’s been running in a few different places now, once he starts actually scoring, then he’ll be worth the pick up. The move to NJ only increases his easy baskets, even with a lot of PT he’ll still be a 12 and 8 guy..
Feb.5 at 8:27 pm
Sarah says:
I’m feeling your buddy Charles. A little over halfway through the Superbowl, I stopped to consider the fact that I was actually rooting for the Giants. But considering the fact that the Pats beat my Eagles in SB 39, besides the fact that everyone outside of the New England area is sick of seeing them, anything was better than watching them complete “The Perfect Season.” Except maybe Dallas winning.. I don’t know sh*t about fantasy basketball, but I hope Damon Stoudamire can help us out. We might give the boys a little slack down here around mid-season on account of the rings, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. Oh, and maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see the Lakers as “instant contenders” due to the addition of Pau. Unless we are using the word “contender” to mean “will most likely get a decent playoff spot now.” I know they were playing really well before Bynum went down, still not looking half bad. But contenders? I just don’t see it..
Feb.5 at 9:30 pm
DP says:
Brown Cow, Bingo. play wit it.
Feb.5 at 10:11 pm
Ben Osborne says:
KG is killing my fantasy team. At least I’ve got the G-Men.
Feb.5 at 10:15 pm
Emry says:
BryantReeves: Redd was supposed to play on Saturday but he didn’t travel with the Bucks, I would expect him to miss this week. Deng looks like a post all-star break return. AK should be back next game, he only had the flu.
Feb.5 at 10:18 pm
Emry says:
Captain America: I wrote it how I saw it but, Myles certainly has a legit perspective as well he’s all over the Minny scene so his word def. rings out. For me though, when it comest to KG, we already know what it is… we don’t need all those extras. I love the game play intensity, but the trash talk isn’t needed and that post game celebration was sour.
Feb.5 at 10:20 pm
Emry says:
Tarzan: Jaric is too up and down for my taste so my guess is as good as yours. The backcourt is getting crowded though with Foye, Jaric, and Bassy. If you can dump him for a more consistent performer, it’s a good time to do so.
Feb.5 at 10:24 pm
Emry says:
Stromile Swift: It’s getting busy as hell down in the NJ frontcourt as well. Boone, Williams, Stro, Kristic. One or two will emerge with value but unless you see it happen, it’s worth waiting on. I agree with RV’s theory but stro was supposed to arrive years ago. Just look at how Frank has been tinkering with minutes so far this season… wait and see.
Feb.5 at 10:26 pm
Emry says:
Simon: I agree the comparison was a bit of stretch but that wont happen 5x this season. Camby led the league last year with 3.30 a game… so 8 in a half is beast status.
Feb.5 at 10:30 pm
Emry says:
Sarah: They have a tough squad trotting out Pau/Bynum/Odom/24/Fisher/Farmar … that’s as strong as any starting unit on paper in the West. I know, on paper is on paper, but when you look at Turiaf/Mihm/Vujacic/Walton/Ariza that’s a strong bench too! For me it comes to whether or not you beleive in the zen master… in this situation, I think I believe. He has a history of making stars gel, doesn’t he? As for SA, odds tell me they will get it together shortly.
Feb.6 at 1:06 am
Ol' Marty-Mar says:
Great piece Em, thanks for the BasketballMonster link. That will be a great tool. I gotta take KG’s back here, though. I love his ferocity and intensity. He puts on a show that’s fun for everyone to watch, not just B-Ball fans and fantasy nerds - smell me?
Feb.6 at 1:14 am
Emry says:
Ol’Marty-Mar: Yea I smell you, and I think you farted (Big Pun) Haha, no that’s a fair point… normally I’m w/ you, just thought the post game Minny celebration was too much.
Feb.6 at 1:36 am
Doc says:
that charles peach comment is amazing. kid needs his own column. nice article yourself emry. thanks for the basketballmonster.com tip!
Feb.6 at 2:09 am
Sarah says:
Well, when I look at all the names together and think on it, they do seem pretty strong. But, like you said, on paper is on paper. I still have a hard time seeing them taking the title, but as a Spurs fan, it’s probably natural for me to be in denial of a possible Lakers resurgence. 24 and 12 for Pau tonight is not too shabby though.. Speaking of which, the other newbie of the night looked pretty good too. Damon was solid for his first game in a month. I like him already. Of course it was against the O’Neal-less Pacers, but nice to see the Spurs get back to hitting some shots while playing their usual D.
Feb.6 at 10:35 am
BirdPANTS says:
I am fortunate enough to have both Al and KG on my squad and I’m wondering if I have to move one of them because I don’t want any team turmoil. Just kidding, but in all seriousness, is Al Jefferson a better fantasy player than KG this year? It’s actually really close, I would have never thought it coming into this year. Big Al is a beast.
Feb.6 at 10:41 am
BirdPANTS says:
And for the record, I was very disappointed with KG after the Celtics beat the Wolves at home. I know KG plays with an incredible amount of passion, but I thought it was a little much and disrespectul to his old franchise. It wasn’t like they had a bad divorce, KG wanted out of there and they did him the favor of trading him to a team where he has a chance to get his ring. I’d expect him to be pumped up, he did get the steal to end the game but running around, poppin the jersey…act like you’ve done it before KG.
Feb.6 at 10:49 am
Emry says:
Sarah: That NJ game was a pretty solid first outing for the new look Laker show. Pau’s numbers were nice but it was the o-boards and just the energy that seemed to propel the team. Kobe said afterwards, “There is a god” which seemed a bit much. But def. that team is the best in the league on paper in my opinion. As for Damon, he’s a player, his career has been a little bit of a wash but I think he’s going to be the latest in a long line of Pop inspired vets.
Feb.6 at 10:50 am
Emry says:
Doc: Thanks for reading. Hope the site works out for you.
Feb.6 at 11:01 am
Emry says:
BirdPants: According to basketballmonster Garnett is higher than Al Jeff by 4 slots this season for the entire year. However, in the last month of play Jefferson is ranked ahead of KG. Not sure if you’re a fan of The Wire but this is where Marlo would say owning both of them, “Is one of those good problems.” But you’re right, it’s real close… As for the reaction, I kind of feel like I’m hating on Garnett but I’m not. Have always been a huge fan, but yea, I agree with you… it was too much. Myles comments earlier did shed some light into it though. Thanks for the comments BP, always good to hear from you.