Shots Fired Fantasy Basketball Blog

Eric Gordon to undergo knee surgery Tuesday, out about six weeks

2012-02-13T22:54:00.001-06:00

A rare photo of Gordon in his Hornets jersey (NBA.com).

If you own Eric Gordon, it's time to let go. David Aldridge just tweeted this news:

Hornets say Eric Gordon to undergo arthroscopic surgery on right knee Tuesday, to miss up to six weeks. Gordon got hurt the day after Xmas.

It's time to cut bait.

Gordon has only played in two games this season.

LeBron James posterizes Drew Gooden on the way to 35-8-3

2012-02-13T21:44:00.000-06:00

LeBron James had his way with the Bucks in Miami's 114-96 win over Milwaukee. The King hit 16-of-21 shots for 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. Oh, and (at least) one monster dunk on a hapless Drew Gooden, who shot a miserable 2-14 for 12 points (8-8 FT). Gooden did end up with seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

Another LeBron slam after the jump.
This is just nasty.

Ricky Rubio makes a sweet dish to Kevin Love

2012-02-13T21:02:00.001-06:00

Ricky Rubio's control of the ball is out of this world, as he proved again with this dish to Kevin Love. The rookie point guard finished the night with 11 points (4-7 FG and 2-2 FT), eight assists, a block, a three and five turnovers. I traded him in one of my leagues for James Harden, and every pass like this is a reminder of what I let go.

Love was his usual self, scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Love also dished three assists and swiped a ball.

Nikola Pekovic double-doubles again, finishes with 16 and 13

2012-02-13T20:54:00.001-06:00

Nikola Pekovic is proving to be one of the best waiver wire pickups of this shortened season. In Minnesota's loss to Orlando, Pekovic double-doubled with 16 points (6-13 FG and 4-6 FT) and 13 rebounds with a steal and a block.

On the season, Pekovic is averaging 10.8 points (63 percent FG and 74.4 percent FT), 6.2 rebounds, .3 assists, .7 steals and .5 blocks. He's been even better in seven games in February, averaging 16.7 points (64.5 percent FG and 73.1 percent FT), 10.1 rebounds, .4 assists, a steal and .7 blocks. He's double-doubled six times this season.

If you were worried about Darko Milicic's return from injury killing Pekovic's value, don't worry yet. In his return Monday, Darko played just four minutes, racked up three fouls and blocked a shot. Non-factor.

Pekovic is owned in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues and 94.2 percent of ESPN leagues.

H/t: fBasketballBlog for the video.

Gordon Hayward is having a fabulous February

2012-02-13T18:40:00.002-06:00

The Gordon Hayward bandwagon is growing. The Utah small forward likely isn't a secret after being highlighted on Rotoworld, Give Me The Rock and Yahoo's Court Report. Why the love?

Hayward has been superb in the month of February. In seven games, he's averaging 14.4 points on 56.1 percent shooting (85.7 percent FT) with 2.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and .9 blocks. It doesn't hurt that his minutes are up to 32.6 per game. You gotta love those assist numbers from a forward. And if you've seen the Jazz this season, you've likely seen Hayward throw down a sick dunk or two (see the video above).
The knock on Hayward is he's not a great three-point threat (he's only hit three this month and 16 for the season). He also had a really poor start to the season (he was a sub-40 percent shooter in December and January). But he's since caught fire, highlighted in last night's road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Hayward's line: 23 points (8-12 FG and 5-5 FT), five assists, two steals, two threes and a rebound.

Hayward is owned in 42 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, so there's a chance he's still available. If he is, grab him for the across-the-board production.

Jeremy Lin abuses the Lakers, goes for 38 points and seven assists

2012-02-11T10:44:00.001-06:00

Jeremy Lin should be facing charges for elder abuse after what he did to Derek Fisher in last night's 92-85 Knicks win over the Lakers (see the spin move). Lin was 13-of-23 from the field for 38 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two 3-pointers and two steals.

Turnovers are still a problem; he had six last night (and he's given the ball away 17 times in his last four games). But who's going to argue with these five-game averages: 23.2 points, 6.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals; he's hitting 55.3 percent of his shots and 78.4 percent of his free throws. However, he's only hit three 3-pointers in that span.

Keep in mind he's doing this without Amar'e Stoudemire (out all week for his brother's funeral) and Carmelo Anthony (out with a groin injury). They both could be back next week, and they'll cut into Lin's offensive numbers. And Baron Davis is still rumored to be playing at some point this season.

Erik Ong at Pippen Ain't Easy advises riding him while he's hot and selling high, and it's hard to argue. But I'm going to hang onto Lin for a while. I like him to maintain middle-round fantasy value for the rest of the season. Much like Ricky Rubio (without the poor shooting), he's been a fun player to own.

Arron Afflalo breaks out for 26 points, five threes

2012-02-09T22:40:00.000-06:00

Arron Afflalo played his best game of the season in Thursday night's 109-101 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Afflalo went off for 26 points and five threes, but didn't do much else (he grabbed two rebounds). His shooting was excellent (8-of-16 from the field and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe).

Afflalo has underperformed all year, but the Nuggets' loss of Danilo Gallinari for a month is going to mean a whole lot more shots for Afflalo. Thursday night's game could be the beginning of a full-on break out for Afflalo, who's dealt with ankle and foot injuries as well as missing training camp.

It's hard to blame owners for giving up on him (I traded him in one league), but I'll be looking for him on the waiver wire in other leagues.

Also keep an eye on Kenneth Faried, who started at power forward and grabbed 10 boards. The rookie from Morehead State also scored eight points and blocked a shot (he's a shot-blocking specialist). He's not a bad speculative add.

Channing Frye's hot streak continues with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four threes

2012-02-09T22:13:00.002-06:00

Channing Frye is in the midst of a three-game hot streak. In Phoenix's 96-89 loss to the Houston Rockets, Frye hit 8-of-17 shots on the way to 21 points, 10 rebounds, four three-pointers, an assist, two steals and two blocks. It's a reward to his oh-so-patient owners who held on through his slump.

Frye came into tonight after two solid games (19 points and nine rebounds with two blocks and three three-pointers against the Hawks and 14 and five rebounds with two blocks and two threes). Let's hope this is the end of Frye's horrendous start to the season (he's hitting a putrid 36.9 percent of his shots).

As a long-time Frye owner, I'm well aware he could go cold at any time. But with five games next week, I'll be playing him.

James Johnson reminds me of Tyrus Thomas ... and not in a good way

2012-02-08T23:19:00.000-06:00

Yes, James Johnson 7-of-11 shots on his way to 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks. A magnificent line (albeit with two turnovers and four fouls). He also threw down the sick dunk above. But this type of line from Johnson is far too rare. There are too many 0-fors or 1-fors and foul plagued nights to get excited.

There's no questioning Johnson's athleticism, just like fellow former Chicago Bull Tyrus Thomas. So much ability and untapped potential. But how many years have fantasy players been saying this about Thomas? Thomas is a tease. We saw it on January 25 when the injury-prone Bobcat blocked nine -- nine! -- shots to go along with 13 points, nine rebounds and four steals. But Thomas quickly reverted to his inconsistent self, likely leading to you benching him. You'll likely never have him in your lineup at the right time to get the rewards.

Same with Johnson. Coming into Wednesday night, he'd scored in double figures in only six games. Johnson gets into foul trouble, taking him out of games. He played 30 minutes Wednesday, something he hadn't done since January 25. If you need steals and blocks, I don't blame you for sitting on him. But don't expect consistency.

Reggie Williams averaging 21 points in two starts for the Charlotte Bobcats

2012-02-08T22:43:00.005-06:00

Reggie Williams is averaging 21 points in two games.

Former Golden State Warrior Reggie Williams is still a favorite around here. In two starts for the Charlotte Bobcats, No. 55 has put up 21 points. His two game totals are 10 rebounds, 11 assists, four threes and a steal. He's also hit 14-of-30 shots while going 10-of-12 from the charity stripe.

I've been a little gun-shy with Williams for several reasons. It's just two games. The Bobcats' roster is barely above D-League levels, especially with injuries to Gerald Henderson, DJ Augustin and Corey Maggette. Williams likely won't last much longer on the wire (Yahoo, 20 percent owned; ESPN, 9.2 percent). Grab him if you can (he's gone in all of my leagues).

Carlos Delfino knocked down a ridiculous six threes Wednesday

2012-02-08T22:30:00.001-06:00

Carlos Delfino got hot Wednesday.

Carlos Deflino woke up from a long slumber tonight to knock down six threes on the way to 25 points (7-of-12 and 5-of-6), nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. Delfino played 34 minutes in the 105-99 win at Toronto. He's going to be a hot pickup. Definitely grab him if you need threes and steals.

But beware. Delfino is hitting just 39.2 percent of his shots. Tonight's breakout could be just a flash. He is also in a crowded rotation with Stephen Jackson (when he's playing) and Mike Dunleavy (when he's not injured). Capn' Jack hit for 17, while Mike D. scored 18.

Jeremy Lin blows by John Wall, goes for 23 and 10

2012-02-08T22:05:00.000-06:00

New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin has been absolutely fantastic in his last three games. Tonight, he went for 23 points and 10 assists -- adding four rebounds, a steal and a block -- in 107-93 win over the Washington Wizards.

Lin is locked in as a starter. New York has won three straight. Against the Utah Jazz, Lin scored 28 points, dished eight assists and swiped two balls. In a win over the New Jersey Nets, Lin scored 25 points with seven dimes and five boards. The worst part of his game so far is the turnovers (he had eight against the Jazz). No telling how long this ride will last, but like Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni says, you should be "riding him like friggin' Secretariat."

Lin shouldn't be available in any leagues (he's owned in just 65 percent of Yahoo leagues and 83.9 percent of ESPN leagues).

Golden State Warriors beat writer Tim Kawakami has a great explanation of why Lin isn't still in Oakland. Simply, no one knew he was so good at the pick-and-roll.

Richard Jefferson is the real winner in the wake of the Manu Ginobili injury

2012-01-05T20:47:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I wrote that I'd rather own Gary Neal than James Anderson in the wake of Manu Ginobili's hand injury. Well, Neal started tonight's game against the Dallas Mavericks. As I write this, he's already knocked down three three-pointers (at the half, Neal has 9 points, 2 rebounds and a steal in 10 minutes). Meanwhile, Anderson has played about a minute. But the real guy to own looks like Richard Jefferson.

Jefferson is averaging 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, .5 assists, .3 steals and .5 blocks. He's also his 18 threes in six games. Last night, he hit all five of his threes on the way to 17 points and 5 rebounds. At the half tonight, he's hit three threes and is leading the Spurs with 13 points (he also has 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal). Kudos to those of you who have been able to pull him off your waiver wires -- I can't believe I'm recommending RJ in 2012 -- and just a few months after he was discussed as an amnesty candidate.

Zach Randolph out two months; Grizzlies trade for Marreese Speights

2012-01-05T18:33:00.000-06:00

Poor, Z-Bo. Zach Randolph is out two months with a slight MCL tear in his right knee. Z-Bo's career in Memphis had been going so well the last couple of seasons. But four games in, Z-Bo goes down and won't likely be seen -- outside of a fancy suit on the bench -- until March. I certainly wouldn't drop a guy who's good for a double double -- a top 35 player. He's far too valuable (unless your league is super shallow).

The poor Grizzlies had already lost Randolph's backup, Darrell Arthur, for the season with a torn ACL. So far, Dante Cunningham has done absolutely nothing in two starts. The Grizz were quick to acquire Marreese Speights from the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team trade (the Sixers got a couple of second round picks and the New Orleans Hornets picked up swingman Xavier Henry, who has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury).

Speights also hasn't played this season. He's never averaged more than 17 minutes in his four-year career. He's also never started more than two games in a season. He's owned in about 1 percent of ESPN leagues and 6 percent of Yahoo leagues. Last season, his per 36-minutes averages were 16.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and .9 blocks. But be prepared for lots and lots of fouls (5.9 per game).

Speights is a speculative add at best at this point. I'd jump on him in deep leagues, especially if I own Z-Bo. I can remember a couple of seasons ago when the former Florida Gator was a hot waiver wire pickup for a handful of games. It didn't last. He's a better pickup than Cunningham, but I figure most of the slack will get picked up by the Grizzlies' established stars: Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay. Others who could possibly see a boost are Tony Allen, Sam Young and OJ Mayo, whose career really could use a jump start.

Manu Ginobili out for about two months; Gary Neal recalled from the D-League

2012-01-04T18:22:00.004-06:00

It's only week two and we have our first two major injuries of the year. San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph will be out about two months (more on Z-Bo later).

Ginobili broke his left hand -- the fifth metacarpal in his shooting hand -- Monday night in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ginobili is going to be out at least two months, and ESPN reports that his surgery is scheduled for Thursday. The question becomes: Who steps in at the two for the Spurs?

James Anderson sounds like the starter. He was a a big time scorer at Oklahoma State, averaging 24 points per game his junior season. In his second pro season, Anderson is averaging 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.4 minutes. But I'm not sold on Anderson as the answer. The Spurs also recalled Gary Neal from his D-League rehab assignment (recovering from an appendectomy during training camp), and I really like the second-year guard.
Damn Lies & Statistics calls him an "outrageous claim," worthy of being picked up off your waiver wire. I agree. I lean more toward Neal than Anderson.

Last season, Neal averaged 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.1 minutes. He's a good shooter (45.1 percent from the field and 80.8 from the charity stripe). He also knocked down 129 threes, which makes him not that outrageous of a claim.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich says the team will throw Neal "into the fire." That has me plucking him off the wire. I realize Neal will be rusty to start, but I figure he'll be the player to own. If you're a little more cautious, check out the box score from tonight's Spurs game against the Golden State Warriors.

Look for Delonte West (aka "The Road Warrior") and DeJuan Blair on the waiver wire

2011-12-29T23:19:00.000-06:00

Delonte West may be looking for work in your fantasy league.

Delonte West (aka "The Road Warrior") is likely looking for work on your waiver wire. Luckily, in real life, West has found work as the starting two guard for the defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks (it beats working for a furniture store). Chances are good that he's still looking for work in your fantasy league (he's owned in just 5 percent of Yahoo leagues and 1.5 percent of ESPN leagues).

Aside from averaging three steals a game in his previous two games, West hadn't done much ... until tonight. His line -- 15 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals and a three in just 23 minutes -- was a reminder of his efficient fantasy lines with the Boston Celtics from 2005-'07. I'm not sure West can still fill it up every night, but he's starting and he's not named Vince Carter. I'd give him a look in deep leagues.

Another guy who should be getting consideration is DeJuan Blair. The Spurs' center has put together a pair of solid games (22 points and 12 rebounds tonight and 20 and six the night before). He hasn't done much else but he's in line for major minutes this season with more games in a shorter amount of time (Tim Duncan is going to sit out some games; Duncan played just 16 minutes tonight). Blair is owned in 49 percent of Yahoo league and 16.4 percent of ESPN leagues, and worth a look if you need a center.

The curious case of Channing Frye

2011-12-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

We all have players that end up on our teams year after year. Channing Frye has a roster spot reserved on my fantasy teams. I love center-eligible players who can knock down threes.

I've drafted Frye every year that he's been in a Suns uniform. And every year I worry that his shot won't fall and Phoenix will find a power forward who wants to play in the paint. I just can't shake those pre-Phoenix years. After last season, I was starting to trust Frye. He'd put up nearly identical numbers for two years (as Matt Buser points out, in 64 starts, Frye was good for 2.4 threes, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and just .9 turnovers). A lot of prognosticators projected Frye as a low-end, top-50 player coming into this season (again, a center who hits two threes a game is a premium). I shouldn't have had a bad feeling about Frye, but I did. There were signs. The Suns drafted Markieff Morris -- a presumably more physical forward who is hungry to rebound.

Yet, I still drafted Frye. In two games, he's been awful. He's an ugly 1-for-10 from the field (and the one basket wasn't even a three). He played just 13 minutes in Wednesday night's blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Morris has looked more like the Frye of the last two seasons (the rookie from Kansas has hit a three in his first two games and averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds with a steal and a block). Morris is clearly hurting Frye. The ex-Jayhawk is getting 25 minutes, and if Frye doesn't step up, Morris might also take his starting job.

I'm not giving up on Frye just yet (I am benching him). He's notoriously streaky (check last year's game log) and bound to snap out of this funk for one of those ridiculous games in which he knocks down seven or nine threes. It's what he does. But I won't blame you if you drop him (although Frye would).

Samuel Dalembert signs with the Rockets

2011-12-21T15:56:00.000-06:00

Samuel Dalembert has signed a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Sam Dam likely becomes the Rockets' starting center. This is great news for Dalembert's fantasy prospects.

He's not stuck Sacramento's crowded front court (Hickson, Cousins and Thompson), and I'm guessing he'll average around 30 minutes in Houston. He's a legit double-double threat and could swat nearly two shots a game.

2011 Fake Teams Fantasy Basketball Blogger Draft Results

2011-12-21T14:34:00.001-06:00

With the third pick in the Fake Teams Fantasy Draft the Soulless Ginger Soldiers select ...

I've neglected this blog for far too long. David at Fake Teams was kind enough to invite me to join a fantasy league of truly extraordinary gentlemen -- Fake Teams' Hoops Tournament (check out the league page here).

This is a 14-team, nine-category, head-to-head league, and the owners, you'll know 'em. They are David, Mike and Tom from Fake Teams; Tom and Jeff from Damn Lies and Statistics; Aaron from Rotoworld; Dennis from The Basketball Jones; Jason from fbasketballblog (aka Dime Magazine's Fantasy Doctor); the guys from Give Me the Rock; Adam from Razzball; Michael from Fantasy Freaks Online; and Neil and Adam from ESPN and TalentedMrRoto. These guys are legit, and I'm stoked to be taking them on. I was a last-minute addition to the league -- someone bailed and David asked Friday night if I wanted in (Obviously, I said yes).

Sunday night was our snake draft (here are the results), and I was lucky enough to get the No. 3 pick, which means I selected Chris Paul from "Lob City." So scratch point guard off my list of needs. Here's how the rosters break down: PG/SG/SF/PF/C/G/F/3 UTILITY/3 BENCH. Cue the Jock Jams, here are your 2011 Soulless Ginger Soldiers:

I'm admittedly not going to win blocks or rebounds with just Samuel Dalembert and Ed Davis. Instead, I focused on threes, assists, steals, free-throw percentage and points. I really like this roster, although I'm probably going to regret passing on a true No. 1 center. David of Fake Teams did a nice recap of the draft and said some kind things. I've also written a pick-by-pick analysis of my thoughts (although I neglected to mention the distraction of a 5-year-old screaming about pro wrestling throughout the draft). Again, I'm really happy with this team, and you get a feeling for some of my sleeper picks by looking at the roster (Thornton, Batum, Davis, Daye, Favors). More on that and more later. And check Fake Teams for the pick-by-pick analysis. And I'll try to update this site regularly throughout the season. Thoughts on my team or questions, send 'em my way.

Follow me on Twitter @justindkendall.

Dorell Wright and 10 players that give you more bang for your buck

2011-01-24T17:15:00.023-06:00

Dorell Wright has hit more threes than anyone in the league.

Ever look at a roster and think, "How is he ahead of me?" or "Why is he winning every week?" Not all of our rosters can be filled with a Chris Paul, Amar'e Stoudemire, Kevin Durant or Kobe Bryant. Knowing full well it's difficult to get an owner to part with a top 20 player, there is an alternative. Target lower named players who produce in a similar fashion, but for half the cost!

Here are players that can help one win a title!

Dorell Wright

Can't afford Rudy Gay? Get Wright! Wright is a jack of all trades player who can do everything. If he's not raining threes, he's attacking the boards. If his shot is off, he's getting assists, steals and blocks. He's the ultimate glue guy for any fantasy team. Wright has been a top 35 player all year. Being that this is Wright's breakout season, most owners are not willing to pay full price for what he produces: 2.5 threes, 16.5 points, six rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and .8 blocks. If you don't have him? Do your team right and get Wright.

JaVale McGee

McGee is a shot-blocking monster with double-double potential. If only he wasn't in Flip Saunders' doghouse every other week. What separates McGee from other big men is that he is most productive in the rarest of categories: blocks. McGee is the second best shot blocker in the league and the type of player who gives Andrew Bogut-like production without damaging your free-throw percentage. If there's one knock on McGee, it is that he is inconsistent. Some games he'll get six points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Others he'll go for 11 and 11 with six blocks. I'll take that line anytime.

Serge Ibaka

The one thing that most fantasy owners know is that "I-BLOCKA" is capable of averaging three blocks a game if given the minutes. However, Ibaka is stuck in a time crunch with Nenad Krstic and Nick Collison. Just like McGee, Ibaka is the type of big man who can net you 12 points, eight rebounds and two-plus blocks a game with good shooting percentages.

Nick Young

If you want threes, points and free-throw percentage and not much else, Nick Young is your man. He is a Ray Allen clone, capable of putting up gaudy numbers in the aforementioned categories. With Gilbert Arenas gone, Young solidified his role as the starting shooting guard for the Wizards. He's averaging 17 points, three boards, two threes while shooting 46 percent from the field and 86 percent from the line.

Zach Randolph

Everyone in the basketball world became enamored with "The Kraken" Kevin Love after he bullied his way to 31 points and 31 rebounds against the Knicks. Meanwhile, Zach Randolph has slowly rounded into form putting up 20 points and 13 rebounds per game. This trend should continue as Z-Bo has all the motivation he needs, as he chases a contract extension modeled after Pau Gasol's three-year, $57 million deal.

Beno Udrih

If your point guard is shooting above 50 percent from the field and 84 percent from the line, it's a good thing. Udrih is super productive and puts up solid numbers: 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and .9 threes. While people overpay for Mike Conley, I'm targeting Udrih in all leagues. Udrih is the type of player littered on fantasy championship rosters.

Arron Afflalo

Afflalo is highly efficient in every category. His averages may look meager, but look closer. His percentages are great for a guard. Afflalo averages around 13 points, four boards, three assists, .7 steals, .6 blocks along with 1.5 threes. He's a great utility player.

Manu Ginobili

While others are paying for Monta Ellis' breakout season, I'm searching for ways to acquire Manu Ginobili, who is having a redemption year. Manu is averaging about 2.2 threes, 18.6 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, which places him just outside the top 10 in production. He is more attainable than a Kobe Bryant or a Monta Ellis with similar numbers. I can understand why some owners have reservations of trading for Manu; he's aged and has a history of missing time with a myriad of injuries. He could rest down the stretch, but in the meantime, he's giving great value to owners.

Ryan Anderson

Let's just call Anderson's game what it is: "Troy Murphy with blocks and less boards." When Marcin Gortat was traded to the Suns, Anderson went on a tear: shooting 48 percent, 77 percent from the line, 2.8 threes, 14 points, six rebounds and a block. Anderson is in a great position to continue putting up those numbers for the rest of the year. He's backing up Brandon Bass at power forward and Dwight Howard at center. With Howard prone to foul trouble and Bass playing on a bum knee, Anderson can only get more minutes going forward.

D.J. Augustin

After a solid rookie year, Augustin was expected to continue his ascension into a top fantasy point guard. However, there were two big obstacles in his way: Raymond Felton and Larry Brown. Felton left in free agency this summer for New York, and Brown was replaced with Paul Silas. With the coaching and play style changes, Augustin has been given free reign in Charlotte. In the last month, Augustin has averaged 18 points, seven assists, 2.2 threes with 47 percent shooting and 94 percent free throws. Don't underestimate the impact he can have on your free-throw percentage. Augustin has taken it to another level.

Ramon Sessions

Take a look at Cleveland's roster. The Cavs are a mess. As Cleveland tries to get over the Ghost of LeBron, they've only been met with the scythe of Death. First, Anderson Varejao went down with a season-ending injury, and now Mo Williams is hurt. Sessions will be a key beneficiary with Williams out several weeks. Sessions is capable of attacking all categories except for blocks. Does anyone remember Sessions' rookie season? I do. The rookie point guard led my team to a championship by putting up 24 assists in a game. When Williams went down during the 2007-08 season in Milwaukee, Sessions took over and put up near triple-doubles to close out the season. It's funny how some things never change.

Anthony Randolph is owned in more Yahoo leagues than DeJuan Blair

2011-01-22T20:23:00.000-06:00

Anthony Randolph owners, just let go (NBA.com).

Consider this for a moment: New York Knicks bench-warmer Anthony Randolph is owned in 36 percent of Yahoo leagues. That's three percent more leagues than DeJuan Blair is owned in.

Ant-Rand hasn't played in a game since January 7 -- two weeks ago. He played five minutes and scored two points and grabbed two rebounds. The only time this season he played more than 20 minutes: November 9, he played 28 minute (eight points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks). Somehow, he's managed to stay on rosters -- despite playing just two games in December. Think about it for too long and you'll need an Excedrin -- or a stiff drink. Hell, I want to play in those leagues. Ant Rand owners, it's time to let go.

There are rumors that the Knicks might swap Randolph to the Blazers, Wolves or Pacers, but even if they do, I don't have much hope for Randolph this season. If you can't grasp the Knicks' or Warriors' offenses, then there's not much hope for you.

Meanwhile, Blair appears to be one of the more underrated players this season. He's started every game and posted serviceable numbers (7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.2 steals, .4 blocks and 1.4 turnovers with percentages of 48.5 from the field and 69.5 from the line). Here are his last two lines:

18 points (8-of-12), 13 rebounds, an assist, four steals and three blocks in 42 minutes
22 points (11-of-16), 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in 35 minutes

It's starting to look like coach Pop is unleashing Blair. If he keeps getting 30-plus minutes a night, he'll be worth owning for the rebounds and steals alone.

Joakim Noah and four players you should buy low

2011-01-21T02:40:00.015-06:00

Mired in the middle of the pack and looking to make a final push? Time to swing for the fences! Here are the players to target:

Joakim Noah
Noah had a torn ligament in his right thumb and was expected to miss 10 weeks. He is on schedule to return on February 24 against the Celtics. The great thing about Noah is that he will give owners immediate value upon return, as his injured hand hasn't prevented him from staying in shape. Noah will have 31 games left once he gets back. Prior to the injury, Noah was averaging 14 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. Now is the perfect time to target him as his owners may be frustrated after watching waiver gems pass them by as they held onto Noah.

Brandon Jennings

Jennings injured his right foot and is expected to be back in two to three weeks -- putting him back before the All-Star break. The time to buy is now if you need a point guard. Jennings has averaged 17.9 points, 4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.2 steals along with 1.9 threes. He tends to take bad shots though, and one can tell just by looking at his field-goal percentage (39.1 percent).

Roy Hibbert
Now for the risk-taking owners, Hibbert has too much talent for him to playing just 20 to 24 minutes a game. Pacers coach Jim O'Brien started the season developing Hibbert and has shifted gears to developing Darren Collison. If you want to swing for the fences, this is the player to target.

Eric Gordon
Owners probably were panicking when they heard that Gordon tore ligaments in his shooting hand. As a Gordon owner, I was relieved to hear that he will tough it out and play through the injury. Gordon put to rest some of my concerns with back-to-back games of 23 points and three three-pointers. The second game was even more astounding with 35 points, seven threes, five rebounds and four assists. He's been putting up top 20 numbers for the past two months. There is still an ounce of fear that the injury could linger or he could aggravate it again. I would try to put that doubt into an Eric Gordon owner's head in your trade pitch.

Who are some players you're looking to buy low on?

Tyrus Thomas out eight weeks; here's who gets a bump in value

2011-01-20T23:31:00.000-06:00

Tyrus Thomas keeps breaking fantasy owners' hearts (NBA.com).

Tyrus Thomas will be sidelined up to eight weeks after an MRI revealed there was a tear of the lateral meniscus, according to the Charlotte Bobcats Twitter. Thomas has been known to break fantasy owners' hearts, and this year is no different.

Someone has to pick up the minutes in the Bobcats weakened front court. Here's who will see a bump in value with Thomas out:

Boris Diaw
Diaw is the clear beneficiary. I can easily see him bumping his averages to 14/8/5.5 with a steal, 1.3 threes and .8 blocks.

Kwame Brown
In leagues 12 or deeper, it might be time to grab Kwame. Yes, Kwame Brown! Paul Silas has allowed Kwame to play through his mistakes, and he has been putting up solid numbers and could be a cheap source of rebounds and points. Kwame Brown has double-double potential.

Gerald Wallace

Also, look for Gerald Wallace to bounce back, as he's been slowed down with injuries. The team needs him to produce and this could be your last chance to buy low on Crash. I'd also like to congratulate D.J. Augustin owners, as he will continue to produce top 35 numbers since Silas has taken over as coach.

Tyreke Evans, you are a disappointment

2011-01-20T22:46:00.001-06:00

Tyreke Evans won't let me down again (NBA.com).

Tyreke Evans' fantasy value seems to be rebounding after a horrendous start to the year. In the Kings' last five games, Evans has averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.8 steals. The steals are out of this world, and Tyreke may be back, but I'm done with him. His numbers are down almost across the board (except for steals), and he's shooting a putrid 39.6 percent on the season.

Evans has missed five games due to plantar fasciitis and a sprained ankle; he was talking about shutting it down, but a Fanhouse report says he's feeling a lot better and may play through the pain.

"(The plantar fasciitis) has gotten a lot better -- much better," he told Fanhouse's Sam Amick. "I still feel it, but not as much as I used to ... so that's a good thing. At this point I'm just trying to ride it out and play through it and just see what happens in the offseason."

But I'm swearing off Evans. In the one league that I owned Evans, I just swapped him and Danilo Gallinari (another player I was high on coming into the season that's been an injury concern) for Wilson Chandler and Baron Davis. I've been high on Chandler all season, and I was happy to get him in exchange for Evans.

While I'm done with Evans, last year's Rookie of the Year could be set for a huge second half. If he skips the Rookie-Sophomore Game, he could be well-rested heading into the final months of the season, when the Kings play four games in every week but one (not including the final week of the season). I'm just not going to wait around for him.

Who was your biggest disappointment of the season?

Tyler Hansbrough: Waiver Wire Pick Up of the Night

2011-01-08T16:51:00.000-06:00

Tyler Hansbrough is vertigo free and killing it.

Tyler Hansbrough is the hot pick up after last night's psychotic debut as a starter for the Indiana Pacers. Hansbrough put up an insane line of 23 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist in 36 minutes against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs.

This, of course, could end with Pacers coach Jim O'Brien claiming Hansbrough didn't do anything worthwhile (much like he's always ripping of Roy Hibbert) and exiling him to the bench. But just looking at Hansbrough's line (which included extremely good shooting -- 10-of-19 field goals and 3-of-4 free throws), it's hard not to run to the wire and click "add."

I'd be lying if I said I was waiting to see what Psycho T does tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. I scooped him up late last night in my super-deep (14 teams, 18 players), fantasy-blogger head-to-head league.

More cautious owners may want to wait and see if he strings together a few good games (much like my friends at Give Me the Rock). I don't blame you if you do. But if you don't have much to lose, plucking Hansbrough from the wire feels like a high-risk, high-reward move. Although this could very well be nullified by Sunday morning because, to repeat, Jim O'Brien is crazy.