Gerald Green’s return has left uncertainty in the Suns’ backcourt
Mike Catron rambles on about the fantasy impact of NBA Box Scores. Since watching every single game is impossible if you have a real job, one of the best ways to stay knowledgeable on fantasy basketball is to analyze the box scores. Watch the Boxes will help you by relying on 12 years of fantasy basketball experience, and a healthy obsession with the NBA, while occasionally providing strategy, waiver wire, and trade tips. Watch the Boxes can be found semi-daily on Empeopled.com. You can complain to him about his bad advice on Twitter @LTdeng_mc.
Jonas Valanciunas put on a show, and a lot of people think this is his coming-out party. I have not been on that side of the fence for Jonas, but it is not out of the question for him to start putting his game together this year. He is 22 years old, and the potential to improve is great. The main problem is, he can’t stay on the floor. That is something you also learn with experience, but it’s not like he hasn’t had enough to figure that out. His last 5 games have been out of your mind in regards to FG%, but he’s not night to night consistent for points, and that is due to his foul trouble. He’s also a standard stat big man, but a very solid one. He does nothing for you in steals or assists, which will always keep him from elite big man status. Considering where you drafted Jonas, you should be happy with his production. He won’t keep these levels, but looks to be a good improvement over last year. If you can get a major big man, e.g. Marc Gasol, or boost other stats by grabbing a top 30 guy, this would be a good time to sell high.
Lou Williams has also been ballin’ well, and I’ve been telling you to watch this guy. He has been fantasy relevant in the past, but that is almost the distant past. He was always meant to be a 6th/7th man off the bench to score during 2nd team duties, and the Raptors are starting to use him that way. Combo that with him finally getting healthy, and I think he is worth picking up in most leagues based on your need. Watch his minutes, but I would be surprised if his role decreases.
Gerald Green is back, and this seems to be bad news for the crowded back court of Phoenix. The worst hit has been Goran Dragic. His minutes and production have both suffered with the addition of Isaiah Thomas, but you would think Green would suffer too. Green has now found himself used heavily in the rotation hurting Dragic’s production even more. Green should be picked up. Dragic is probably not going to get back to his old ways, unless there is an injury that allows him to play the primary ball handler role again. He should be owned, but he is definitely falling in value.
* The Suns still can’t figure out their front court beyond Markieff Morris, but someone has to play. Alex Len I feel has the most interesting potential, but that isn’t saying much. I guess we will just have to continue to watch this situation.
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Blake Griffin looks to be coming back to his old form after a rough start to the season. I’m not entirely sure he was fully health, nor is he fully healthy yet. I like him to continue to improve and have a similar year to last. His slow start shouldn’t be something you should worry about.
J.J. Redick finally put in a good game, and are we sure he is fully healthy as well? Something has been up with this Clipper team, and it is all the media can talk about. I don’t think they will fall off as hard as they have to start the season. Look for them to start bouncing back, it’s a long way till the playoffs kids.
Lance Stephenson? Lance make’um dance. Well lately that dancing has been people just breaking things due to his lack of consistent quality games. He just might be the guy who doesn’t help anyone else by being on the floor. He has hurt Kemba Walker’s value, and at times, seems to effect Al Jefferson’s play, and touches. That doesn’t mean he isn’t fantasy relevant, just don’t expect him to perform as much as he was hyped up during the preseason.
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Lightning Round
ORL vs. CLE – I guess it was a LeBron James thing, or maybe it is a Cleveland thing? How long do you think Kevin Love will like being 3rd fiddle? One year, that’s how long. Anyone who was worried about LeBron doesn’t know anything, Kyrie Irving will still be helped by not being forced to carry the offense, and Love will continue to be hurt by not being forced to carry the offense.
POR vs. PHI – The fact that Nicolas Batum was hurt, and is coming back from an injury gives me hope that his very slow start is just a few months away from ending with him ballin’ it up. I think he is a buy low candidate due to his insane 9-cat stats. I’m not jumping on the K.J. McDaniels hype train, but he should be owned in all deep leagues.
NYK vs. HOU – Carmelo Anthony is definitely hurt, and that could be a good move to buy low, if you think he will bounce back from the injury. Yesterday, I told you to pick up Jose Calderon, and you still should. He will start slow, as anyone does off of an injury
IND vs. DAL – Can anyone stop Dallas? WHAT! The Pacers?! Donald Sloan is a force to be reckoned with. I have said he should have earned a bigger roll, even when they got healthy, but his mins will suffer. George Hill isn’t back yet, but his minutes might not suffer at all. He might be their new PG, and rotate Rodney Stuckey and Hill around him. Chandler Parsons is a great fit on this team, but it’s because he opens up lanes for Monta Ellis, not because he is going to dominate the ball. I’m starting to see a trend with Parsons not living up to his last year’s production. He is in the decline.
CHI vs UTH – Can the Jazz ever get out from under the ghost of the Bulls? Derrick Favors is a machine, but I’m going to credit the coaching here as well. The plays ran for Favors all played to his strengths instead of forcing him into a role, and that has also helped improve, not just Favors, but the whole Jazz team. Trey Burke is leaving his shooting slump, pick him up now or buy low still if you can. Derrick Rose did not look healthy… still. And at what point do we start talking about Jimmy Butler in the MVP voting… not a joke. He put the Bulls on his back. Nikola Mirotic is making the most out of Taj Gibson’s minutes.
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DISCLAIMER: All suggestions are made on a whim based on nothing but lots of time playing Fantasy and watching the NBA, you should make ZERO drastic moves in the first few weeks; YOU SHOULD ALWAYS consider your league format and team makeup in every move you make. ALWAYS
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