Fantasy Week #23: Get Down or Lay Down
O’Neal and Brand are back, while Chris Quinn claps back at Shaq (in fantasy leagues at least)
If you’re still in contention for your league’s fantasy championship, go ahead and brush your shoulders off.
Injuries are always a major factor in deciding who’ll take home the hardware at the end of a fantasy season but there’s nothing worse than surprise DNPs during a playoff week.
After battling a slew of depleting injuries this season in my main league to Gilbert Arenas, Chris Bosh, Gerald Wallace, and most recently Dirk Nowitzki, fantasy fortune smiled upon me as Zach Randolph and Andrew Bogut (flu and nasal surgery) were both in the starting lineup for my opponent last week.
I almost felt bad for the guy, until his two guard, Kobe Bryant came out on Friday and dropped a cool 53 points, 9 treys, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. Wow. See what a little sympathy can get you? Trust that it ended as quickly as it began.
I was able to pull out the week, but having exhausted all my waiver moves for the season, I’ll be unable to get my add/drop on, and will need an inspired effort from the likes of Joakim Noah, Chris Quinn, and Jarrett Jack – players I added because of extra games last week, who’ve now found a permanent home on my roster due to maxing out my transactions.
Elton Brand and Jermaine O’Neal likely have active owners thinking, “Better late than never” as both former all-stars are slated to return this week.
I’m not surprised with Brand’s quest to get back on the floor, especially after his comments earlier in the season that he, “Feels bad for his fantasy owners.” Anyone who’s ever owned or matched up against Elton Brand knows his production is elite, and even in a limited capacity he’s going to put in serious work. He’s expected to make his debut Thursday against the Kings.
Jermaine O’Neal declared his intentions to play in Monday nights game against Miami, and followed through with 18 minutes for 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
It’s no coincidence J.O. scheduled his return against a frontcourt of Earl Barron and Mark Blount. Wise move, even if he only expects to play 20 minutes a clip the rest of the way, it’s always good to get your rocks off against a NBDL caliber roster in a NBA uniform.
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here are this weeks waiver selections. You will see one or two repeats in here from last week, but that’s because they have continued to hold value, making them excellent pickups this late in the season.
Joakim Noah – Noah’s owners were emulating that freakish dance from last years NCAA tournament after he posted 18 points, 15 rebounds, 2 dimes, 2 steals and 4 blocks on Saturday. This was an absolute monster performance from Noah who deserves consideration in all leagues, as well as from the producers of, “Dancing with the Stars.” Jason Taylor’s got nothing on Noah.
Delonte West – D. West was back at it on Sunday dropping 18 points, 4 threes, 6 boards, and 11 dimes in a monster fantasy effort and clearly his best game as a member of the Cavaliers. He’s been more than inconsistent since joining the team, but if you think this is a sign of things to come, make sure to get him in your lineup ASAP.
J.R. Smith – A co-captain of the “Gets Mine” team, Smith had a nice week for fantasy owners and deserves to be in lineups while performing at this level. His talent is borderline ridiculous and his confidence is through the roof, as long as he’s getting minutes from coach Karl, he’s worth starting.
Sasha Vujacic – The man knocked down 18 threes last week. If your league counts total three pointers made as a category, get him in your lineup. Similar to JR Smith, Vujacic gets his when he’s on the floor. Also like Smith, he’s got his stroke working and will contribute for fantasy owners this week.
Chris Quinn – He had an awful week shooting the ball but still contributed in enough other categories (assists, steals, rebounds) to warrant adding. His value is contingent on Jason Williams and Marcus Banks not being able to perform, but as long as their DNP-INJ, as amazing as it sounds, Quinn deserves to be starting in all formats. Take that Shaquille O’Neal! Last night he had 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
Joel Przybilla – I originally added The GhostFace Przybilla as an add/drop player, but he’s been so solid, I’ve started him every week since. Outside of boxing out, Joel doesn’t offer any value but he also wont kill you in a category (I’m talking to you Josh Boone) and deserves an add in most formats and for any owners looking for rebounds
Jarrett Jack – “The Portland Trailblazers announced today that Brandon Roy could be shut down for the remainder of the season.” As long as that holds true, Jack holds value.
Martell Webster – See above, and add accordingly if you need a SF.
Steve Blake – See above, then see above, and add accordingly if you need a PG or a source of three pointers.
Leon Powe - LP pasted 17 points and 13 rebounds on the Heat on Sunday. I know, I know, your intramural team could hang with Miami at this point but with the Celtics looking to keep KG fresh for the playoffs, Powe could be in line for some big games the remainder of the year.
Mike Finley – He’s scored at least 16 points over the last four games and is shooting very well from three. He’s far removed from his former all-star status but remains a solid waiver pickup and will provide owners with scoring and treys. Let’s call Finley a jump-off waiver addition. He’s not someone you have to commit to, so pick him up and use him while he’s hot, and then move on. That joke sort of wrote itself.
Rasho Nesterovic – Nes-Te-Rovic slid his way into the Toronto starting lineup and as a result should be getting some burn on fantasy teams in need of a starting center. He’s scored in double figures in nine straight games and although he’s not a beast on the glass, he puts in enough work to be serviceable in 12 team leagues.
Paul Millsap – He’s more of an add/drop player because his value is tied to the DNP status of Okur and AK47, but right now their ailing and Millsap is going to get tick. He recorded 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks on Sunday in 29 minutes and should be owned until that water runs dry.
DeShawn Stevenson –DH had 27 points, and 8 trey balls on Sunday. Antonio Daniels suffered a wrist injury and was a DNP-INJ on Monday. Stevenson can be added in all leagues, and Arenas’s questionable status combined with Daniels injury should ensure plenty of finger waiving the rest of the regular season.
24 Responses to “Fantasy Week #23: Get Down or Lay Down”
Apr.1 at 11:49 am
Gerard Himself says:
hey Emry: I solved my Ricky Davis problem of last week by replacing him by JR Smith. So far, it has paid off. I’d like to keep him, and I think I will, but I will always keep an eye on what Travis Outlaw (yes, every week I’m naming the same names, sorry)
The only so-called problem is Beno Udrih. It’s, as far as I know, still not sure when he’ll play again, and I need him. If he’s done, I’ll check the waiver wire to see if Quinn is still available.
Apr.1 at 11:59 am
Ol' Marty-Mar says:
Is J-Will going to return for Miami? Or could it be over?
Apr.1 at 12:00 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Gerard: Just monitor JR’s minutes and make sure he doesn’t fall back in Coach’s doghouse. He has a tendency to let them fly when he’s supposed to work the clock and that causes old George some headaches from time to time. Outlaw stands to get even more minutes and produce more with Roy out for a while and maybe the entire season, it’s good to monitor any of the players in the waiver column so you can see who’s hot at the moment. You should have gotten Beno off your team by now, pickup Quinn and wait for Udrih to get healthy before putting him back in the lineup.
Apr.1 at 12:02 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Ol’ Marty Mar: He could return medically, but more than likely he wont. The same goes for Marcus Banks (gets his) but in his situation he is more likely to come back because he’ll be used next season as potentially a starter and they need to get him reps in the offense. Right now Riley is looking to nab Beasley or Rose and he doesn’t care how these games turn out, but… I could see one of the two returning by Thursday.
Apr.1 at 12:52 pm
Carlos Booser says:
LOL LOL LOL !!! Finley is def. a jump off waiver addition, people at work shot me some odd looks after I busted out laughing. Question: How kind of value do you see Elton Brand having? I know if he’s healthy he’s a top 10 fantasy player on a regular basis but wont he be limited this season and, with Kaman playing well, that should hurt too, right? Is he really worth picking up? I’m in the semifinals of my league right now, I think I can win this week but it will be close. Thanks!
Apr.1 at 12:53 pm
Carlos Booser says:
Also, DeShawn S. is the perfect example of why having the fantasy playoffs this late in the season makes no sense. I don’t see another solution but should people like Stevenson, Quinn, and Powe really be of value to a championship fantasy team?
Apr.1 at 1:23 pm
Ken says:
Hey Emry. Thanks for the tips as always. I own Kaman and Kirilenko, and I’m in the semis of my league against a strong opponent. My league has no cap on the number of transactions, so I’m tempted to drop Kaman and just rotate Rasho, Boone, Ghostface, Moon,Tyrus Thomas throughout this week. Given that Brand is coming back, and how many games Kaman has missed, I’m real tempted to just juggle other big men for production. Too rash? What do you think?
Apr.1 at 1:43 pm
RV says:
the best part of the tight western standings is i’ve got nash, Amare, Howard, AI, Kenyon, odom, battier and West, so i know none of these guys will take a night off, in other words, if you only got scrubs left in your league, go with some guys on playoff western teams
Apr.1 at 2:08 pm
C says:
I know Elton Brand is a beast? But is he really worth picking up during playoff time? He hasnt played all year, coming off serious injury. Also, if you are the clippers; how much exposure should you give him this late in the season>
Apr.1 at 2:17 pm
Kihwan says:
What’s up with Marion? Is he shutting it down for the rest of the year or is there a possibility that he’ll be back on the court?
Apr.1 at 2:35 pm
C says:
Unfortunately, I just lost my playoff matchup next week. So I am already looking forward to next year and the talented draft class this will be. Do you see anyone coming out having a significant impact in fantast next year?
Apr.1 at 3:00 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Carlos Booser: Brand will likely start out around 18-20 mpg, and end up around 28 mpg. He’s worth picking up, especially if Kaman is going to miss time. With that said I wouldn’t dump a solid contributor, but if you have a spot you’re comfortable losing and you can add him and not miss more than 1 game. Go for it.
Apr.1 at 3:01 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Ken: Kaman left the arena on crutches last night and things aren’t looking good for his return…. I think that’s a great move and it will certainly get you more production then waiting on the Kaveman to return. He’s been great this season but has a hard time staying healthy, and now’s when it counts.
Apr.1 at 3:04 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Carlos Booser: I mean, it depends how you want to look at it, I down play it but theres a definite nerd aspect or to put it nicer, “Deeper look” to people that like fantasy basketball. Finding those diamonds in the rough to win a championship is part of the challenge/fun and although I feel you, it’s always gonna be like this … thanks for reading.
Apr.1 at 3:06 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
RV makes a good point but, the truth is, those teams have locked down rotations so beyond guys like JR Smith, Millsap, Finley, theres not much to work with and most of the good players are owned so I prefer to simply add the best available player.
Apr.1 at 3:08 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
C: I sort of answered that question for Carlos Booser already but… to expand, he’s fully healthy medically speaking so they want to trust their doctors you know. Also, he really wants to get out their so mentally he doesn’t have to think, “I missed an entire NBA season” - He’s a free agent this summer and this is important for him. Will he be a beast, no, will he help a team, no doubt.
Apr.1 at 3:10 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Kihwan: He is ok to play but he says there are spasms in there, he’s not officially done for the year and he might suit up again, but what’s the point? I wouldn’t add him until I see him in uniform, then I would rush to the wire.
Apr.1 at 3:11 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
C: Beasley should be a first year double-double guy, if D. Rose is on a bad team his numbers could be great as well… I also like a guy like DJ White to fit in well on a good team and be a glue guy, but I try to stay clear of rookies for the most part… other than the studs.
Apr.1 at 3:23 pm
RV says:
good point Emry, “scrubs” was probably too strong of a word, but yeah any guy in the normal rotation is a good pick up
Apr.1 at 3:44 pm
Gerard Himself says:
Got Quinn. Can’t wait on Udrih much longer. thanks
Apr.1 at 3:55 pm
ED LEEDSKALNIN says:
Although i have a couple first place teams, i would have a few more if gil would have stayed healthy. ces la vie.
Apr.1 at 5:37 pm
fatu suisala says:
how could you say all the injured players and not say Dwayne Wade, i mean d-wade maaanne
Apr.1 at 7:00 pm
Emry DowningHall says:
Ed: I thought Gil was going to be a beast this year, contract year and all, that injury really messed me up as well, tough to replace a #1 pick. It is what it is though, still making due.
Apr.2 at 10:56 am
Emry DowningHall says:
Fatu: I didn’t own Wade this season so I didn’t mention him. I actually had him in my “Players to stay away from” list in the NBA Preview Issue of Slam