Headlines From the Hardwood - 03/03
This weeks Headlines from the Hardwood looks at some players on the rise and ranks the top ten fantasy players from the past week.
The Stock Report
On the Rise
Vince Carter – Guard/Forward: Carter has been relied upon to shoulder more of the ball-handling duties since Jason Kidd was shipped to Dallas. The result has been an assist average of 6.4 in the five games without Kidd. Even more incredible is that his shooting has not suffered. He is hitting 47% percent of his shot attempts over those five games.
Randy Foye – Guard: Many fantasy owners have been eagerly waiting Foye to put together a string of productive games. Over his last five games, he is averaging 13.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 three pointers a game. He is likely to see continual improvement as he get more comfortable with his teammates.
Drew Gooden – Power Forward: Although he has not yet started in Chicago, Gooden appears to have benefited to his move to the Windy City. He is the best option that the Bulls currently have at the power forward spot, especially offensively. He could put up a double-double average the rest of the way.
Jeff Green – Forward: The departure of Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West open up big minutes for Green. In the four games since the trade, Green is getting more than 35 minutes a night. He has used that opportunity to put averages of 14.3 points and 8.8 rebounds during that span. The problem is that he does not help you in any other category.
On the Way Down
Raja Bell – Shooting Guard: It has been almost three weeks since Bell was able to score in double figures, including a 0-3, zero point outing in 36 minutes against the Lakers. If he is not scoring, especially from the arc, then he is not worth a roster spot.
Ronnie Brewer – Guard/Forward: Remember when Brewer was a great free agent pick up? Remember when he scored in double figures in 19 of his first 20 games this season? Oh, and remember when he averaged 2.6 steals per game through November? Yeah, I do . . . barely, but it seems like a distant memory to me now. Brewer will still put together a decent night here and there. However, due to spotty minutes, he is not worth a place on your active roster.
Derek Fisher – Point Guard: There may not be a colder shooter on the planet right now than Fisher. He is shooting only 32% over his last eight games. Also, a young star in the making, Jordan Farmar, is stealing minutes from him. Fisher should get hot again eventually, but wait this one out with him on your bench.
Yi Jianlian – Power Forward: Seriously, does anyone in non-keeper leagues still have this guy around? Look elsewhere this season, but keep him on your radar for next year. Also, if you are playing in a Fantasy Olympic League, Yao’s injury gives Yi a boost in the Bejing games for Team China.
Thabo Sefolosha – Guard/Forward: Sefolosha has proven that he is a very good option as an NBA-caliber starter. However, he looks to be the odd man out with Larry Hughes on board and Ben Gordon and Luol Deng returning from injury. Too bad, he was a great source for steals.
Top 10 Fantasy Ballers
RANK LAST WEEK
1. Chris Paul 1
2. Kobe Bryant 2
3. Amare Stoudemire 3
4. Shawn Marion 4
5. Marcus Camby 5
6. Dirk Nowitzki 8
7. LeBron James 7
8. Baron Davis 6
9. Chauncey Billups 9
10. Allen Iverson 10
For the second time of the season, there is absolutely no change in the top ten of the fantasy rankings. In fact, the top five players hold their spots, while Dirk Nowitzki climbs the charts. The Mavericks’ power forward is averaging a season-best 26 points per game this month after a minor hangover from last year’s playoffs to begin the season. Baron Davis fell two spots. This was likely a result of some horrendous shooting, as he went 10-40 in back-to-back games, including 2-16 shooting from beyond the arc and just 2-4 from the charity stripe.
More insight on the top fantasy hoops player:
CHRIS PAUL, POINT GUARD, HORNETS
It may be shocking that a 6’0”, 175 lbs. point guard is atop the fantasy rankings, but this is something that we will likely have to get used to for years to come. This season, Paul has become a better shooter, draining over a three-pointer per game while raising his field goal percentage to 48%. In reality, he is deadly down the line of close games, as he drains a Steve Nash-like 88% of his free throws. Just like Nash, Paul also knows how to distribute the ball to his scorers with 11 assists per game, compared to just 2.5 turnovers. Unlike Nash, Paul is also lethal on defense with a staggering 2.7 steals per game and even four boards per game out of a small frame. His daily 20.9 points might only get higher as he gains experience in the league. Paul is simply as good as it gets. He dominates all but one category, but then again, how many point guards provide blocks anyway?
By FantasyFanatics.com Lead Expert Rob Shaw and Brian Wagoner
This article was written by:
Ryan McNeill - who has written 200 posts on Hoops Addict.
Ryan McNeill is the editor for Hoops Addict and has appeared on NBA XL and WSRQ 1220. Ryan has covered the NBA with media credentials since the 2007 season.