FantasyFanatics.com Headlines From the Hardwood - 03/10
Find out why Devin Harris, Larry Hughes, and Chris Paul should be on your fantasy radar in this week’s FantasyFanatics.com Headlines from the Hardwood!
On the Rise
Devin Harris – Guard – Nets: Just coming off an injury and being dealt to a new team, Harris has had no problems making an impact for the Nets. In his first two games back, he is averaging 21 points, 3 rebound, 3.5 assists, and an amazing 3.5 three pointers a game. He will not be able to keep up the three point production or probably even the scoring pace, but, he seems to be thriving away from the demanding coaching style of Avery Johnson.
Larry Hughes – Guard – Bulls: The Bulls have a stable of guards, but it does not seem to bother Hughes much. He has absolutely thrived since arriving in Chicago. He is producing his best numbers since his time in Washington. In his first five games, he is averaging 19 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Chris Paul – Point Guard – Hornets: Paul has been incredibly good lately, even adding a more reliable three point shot. The scary thing is that he is only 22-years old, so we probably have not seen the best he has to offer yet. It may just take a top three pick to get the Hornets’ rising star in next season’s draft.
On the Way Down
Al Harrington – Forward/Center – Warriors: Harrington has been yanked in and out of the starting line-up all season. His minutes have also resembled a yo-yo this season. However, this latest move to the bench was in favor of up-and-coming rookie Brandan Wright. Harrington still has some fantasy value, but no longer seems like a sure-fire starter.
Andrei Kirilenko – Forward – Jazz: Even before this latest hip injury, Kirilenko had been struggling lately. His February averages of 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists does not inspire much.
Marvin Williams – Forward – Hawks: It seems as though Williams is reverting to his inconsistent 2006-07 form. In the fourteen games since February 1st, he has scored in single-digits in half of those games and managed seven or more rebounds three times. Williams still has a bright future ahead of him, but you may want to sit him until he breaks out of this current funk.
Top 10 Fantasy Ballers as of Week 18:
RANK LAST WEEK
1. Chris Paul 1
2. Kobe Bryant 2
3. Amare Stoudemire 3
4. LeBron James 7
5. Marcus Camby 5
6. Dirk Nowitzki 8
7. Baron Davis 6
8. Chauncey Billups 9
9. Allen Iverson 10
10. Shaun Marion 4
For the second week in a row there were no new faces in the top ten, however, there was plenty of movement. Shawn Marion was the biggest loser, as the trade to Miami has now dropped him nine places from the top ranked player in all of fantasy hoops to the tenth best, barely clinging onto this chart. The trade for Shaquille O’Neal appears to have exposed Marion as nothing more than a glorified role player. He does not post up, and has yet to get in sync with Dwayne Wade for a pick-and-roll style offense. While his points have remained the same, his turnovers have spiked, his shooting percentages dropped, and his outside shooting has taken a severe hit. Indeed, Marion will learn that he was better off in Phoenix, both in reality and fantasy.
LeBron James was the biggest winner of the week, jumping from the 7th spot to the 4th best player in fantasy hoops. That’s what a date with the Knicks will do for you! LeBron enjoyed a remarkable run, scoring at least 38 points all three games, while averaging nearly 2 blocks, 2 steals, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 three-pointers. He even knocked down 12 of 12 free throws in back-to-back contests. LeBron continues to make strides towards the top spot, but it will be something as simple as free-throw shooting that will dictate whether he will make it to the top.
On the Fantasyfanatics.com Forums:
QUESTION: In a 8 cat. roto, (3’s, Assts, Pts., FG%, FT%, Blocks, Boards, Stls) 15 team, non keeper league. We start any combination of 8 players, but I have a problem. The problem is there are a couple of FA pickups that could help me out in the total rebounding category, (Krstic and Perkins), a place where my team is fairly weak, but who do I drop to make that pickup is a concern. As I said, it seems like a good problem to have, but still a problem. Maybe a trade is in order? Here is my team:
B Davis A G
B Udrih A G
E Watson A G
R Foye A G
A Thornton A F
L Aldridge A F
R Lewis A F
S Dalembert A C
A Bargnani RS F
G Wallace RS F
T Young RS F
All of these players over the last week or two have been getting 30 minutes of playing time a game, so who do I drop? What a headache, help is appreciated.
ANSWER: In fantasy sports you sometimes have to sacrifice a better player in general, for a player that better serves your team. On that note, I would drop either Young, or Foye. If you believe that their upside is too great, and can afford to give up assists, drop Watson. Perkins is on a hot streak right now, and can offer you blocks and rebounds. I’ve grabbed him in my league, and recommend that you do the same.
Written by 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.