Who to Pick Up, Drop Off, and who is the IT Factor in the NBA Atlantic Division during the 1st quarter of the 2008/09 season.
BOSTON CELTICSPick up: Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins: To be honest with you I can’t stand Perkins because he plays like he thinks he’s the best player on the court. He’s got this grill on his face when he plays as if he should be getting the type of calls that Kevin Garnett does. He must be confused! What he isn’t confused about though is the rise of his production. Perkins is averaging 11.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in the first half of December!! On the season Perkins is seeing the highest points (8.2) and rebounds (8.1) total in his career. Although his FG% has dropped from last year; still a 56.0% is nothing to frown upon! His FT% is touching a horrid 55.1% (eewww) but he doesn’t get to the line more then a couple times a game so I take that with a grain of salt. If you need reliable boards and blocks Perks is your man! He is averaging a career high 27:53 minutes per game and I see that trend continuing throughout the season as the Celtic vets get their rest. Expect to see more of Perkins grill!
Drop off: Eddie House
Eddie House: Unless you need a cheap source of 3s House should not be owned. He is Mr. Efficiency. He averages about 17:00 minutes per game and makes the most of it by providing an average of 1.3 a game and some scoring. Unfortunately, like in most leagues I like for a player to give me a bit more then just 2 categories. If you don’t need 3s you don’t need Edie.
The IT factor: Ray Allen
Ray Allen: Like wine Ray Allen gets better with time. Ok really not really but check this out. Ray Ray is averaging a career best 49.8 FG% and is logging 35:00 minutes per game. He is averaging 2.4 threes per game at almost 40% (39.5)! He is one of my favourite shooters in the NBA and he hasn’t lost his touch. For a SG he provides a decent 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. What make’s Jesus Shuttlesworth attractive is his high scoring, consistent 3s and his reliable FG, FT, and 3PT %s. On December 7th he hit 7 of 12 threes. If you need a reliable SG, Ray Ray is your man.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Pick up: Jamario Moon, Jason Kapono, Joey GrahamJamario Moon: I’ll keep this one simple and self-explanatory. The Raptors new coach Jay Triano is trying to run a more up tempo offence, creating some fast break points. Andrea Bargnani does not fit this type of offense as well as someone like Jamario Moon does. I think that Moon is a lock in the SF position for now. Given 30+ minutes a game Moon can be stat-stuffer. I would recommend picking him up and stashing Bargnani remains on the bench!
Jason Kapono: I am going a bit out on a limb here and recommending Kapono for a few reasons. First and foremost of course because of his hot play the past couple of games. Kapono filled in nicely for Anthony Parker while he was injured. Kapono is showing that when given 30 minutes per game he can average 15/4/2 with two 3s per game all while providing reliable %s across the board. The problem of course is his defence. The 2nd reason I mention picking him up, and this is where I am going out on a limb, is because I think Anthony Parker could soon be traded. Brian Colangelo has hinted that he is not finished making moves this year and I think that Anthony Parker could be one of the players he trades next. Although Toronto does not have many attractive players available for trade; AP is known for his great defensive skills and efficient play. If he gets traded Kapono will likely become the starting SG for the season. Going out on a further limb, I think Andrei Bargnani could be traded as well if the right deal comes along for Toronto (ie: Bargnani for Corey Maggette)
Joey Graham: You know your league is deep when Joey Graham is getting picked up. Such was the case in both my Roto and H2H league. He is another beneficiary under Coach Jay Triano. Although Graham doesn’t offer much else then scoring and a few rebounds it is important to note that he provides very attractive 52.0 FG% and 87.9 FT%. He has hit double digit scoring during the first 6 games in December. But lately his playing time has been limited and shared with players like Anthony Parker, so don’t rush to pick him up unless you are in a 15+ deep league.
Drop off: Anthony Parker
Anthony Parker: Recent injuries have kept him out and Kapono has been shining in his absence. I think that he can be more productive in the 33:30 minutes per game that he is averaging. Also there is a possibility of him being traded.
The IT factor: Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh: From the beginning of the season Bosh has been on a tear!!!!!! Earlier in the season, in my 15 team, 12 cat Roto league Bosh was traded for Kobe Bryant strait up, 1for1! That should indicate to you the value that Bosh has had. He averages about 7 FTM per game at 83.4%. He is playing close to 40 minutes a game and thus has the time to produce his massive stats. His jump-shot has been money all year. As a Toronto Raptors fan I watch the games and have developed full trust in his 18-foot jump-shot. He also takes it to the basket enthusiastically and has developed an even more explosive game this year. My only knock on Bosh is his lack of shot-blocking. He is averaging just less than 1 blocked-shot per game and that is something that causes a slight concern for fantasy owners. Having a C that barely blocks a shot per game is like having a PG that barely gives you a steal or three per game. But that is my only knock on Bosh; otherwise he is an MVP candidate if he continues to play the way he has…and if the Raptors start winning.
NEW JERSEY NETS
Pick up: Brook LopezBrook Lopez: Let me introduce you to the Nets new Center for the next 10 years to come. This rookie is playing great and efficiently! While Josh Boone was absent, due to injuries, Lopez has been starting and giving double-double type production with close to 2 blocks per game. Think of Al Horford from last year. Lopez gives you consistent production with efficient %s (47.3 FG, 77.8 FT). He has a lot of upside! Kudos goes out to Nets management on this draft-pick! He makes for a solid number 2 Center on your team. He’s had 1+ block in 12 of his last 13 games and leads the Nets in rebounds with 7.4 per game.
Drop off: Sean WilliamsSean Williams: I like Sean Williams’ upside and I must admit my mistake. Before the season started I predicted him to have a break out season granted he was given decent playing time. Now he is on the bench behind Lopez and Boone. I still believe that Sean Williams has a lot of upside and if he is traded to a team that will give him the playing time, he will produce. He is an athletic Big with crazy shot blocking abilities. Until he is traded to a team that will give him some playing time he should be dropped.
The IT factor: Devin HarrisDevin Harris: Who won the Devin Harris and Jason Kidd trade? The Mavs are doing great recently and Kidd has been on a tear (ranked 10th in yahoo fantasy and is 2nd in the NBA in steals). But Harris has truly come into-his-own on the Nets. I think this move NEEDED to be made in order for Harris to produce the way that he has. This is a great stepping stone for an All Star in the making. Harris is averaging career highs in points (23.8), assists (6.3), rebounds (3.3), steals (1.4), and FTM (8.8). The difference has been Harris’ ability to get to penetrate defences and get to the line. He is becoming a premium PG, he is young and in the run for most-improved player of the year with Nene Hilario and Danny Granger. Harris, Vince Carter and Lopez are really doing a great job at keeping this team afloat when I really thought they would sink this season.
NEW YORK KNICKSPick up: Everyone on the New York Knicks!! Pick up their Towel Boy!
Thank you Mike D’Antoni! You have made me a believer. Wow I am actually enjoying watching the Knicks play. These guys are running, gunning and don’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Al Harrington is on a tear! David Lee is having a career season. Their guards Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson are not only very reliable but consistent. Little Nate has shown that he has crazy upside this season and deserves to be on your team as a second guard. Think of how versatile Boris Diaw was a few seasons ago under D’Antoni. Nate Robinson is just as versatile with the Knicks, offering scoring in the mid-teens, and career best 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 3PTM, 1.6 steals, 47.4% FG, 80.4 FT%. Nate the Great is a multi-category guard! D’Antoni came to the Knicks and his philosophy and style of play has set all of these players free!
Drop off: No One!No one! You should own all of the Knicks 7-men rotation! All put up useful stats. If I had to be picky and had to pick someone then I’ll say Quinton Richardson. But this is only compared to the rest of the Knicks.
Quinton Richardson: If the Knicks get another guard (like they have been talking about doing so) then Q Rich’ value could decline. Only if you are in a 10+ team league and really need 3s then I would consider owning Q Rich. He is a nice source of 3s and rebounds.
The IT factor: David LeeDavid Lee: CAREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER season. Congratulations David Lee. You are making me look stupid =) I say that only because I traded Baron Davis and David Lee for Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala. Although I don’t regret it I am looking back like damn! His window of opportunity is so high it’s incredible. He is not the biggest guy on the team but he runs the pick-and-rolls with Chris Duhon extremely well (seen especially when they played the Warriors and he had a career high 37 points and 21 rebounds). He manages to grab offensive rebounds and get plenty of put-backs. He is in a perfect opportunity with the Knicks as plenty of shots will go up, so rebound and put-back opportunities will remain plenty. My only knock on him is the same as such players like Zach Randolph. They are great for scoring and rebounding but don’t offer much when it comes to defensive stats. He’s to a block per game. But that’s just me being picky! He has a great 56.2 FG% and a decent 73.3 FT%.
PHILIDELPHIA 76ERS
Pick up: Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert: Don’t look know but Sammy D is back. Or is he? He is a bit of a paradox. He has been a bit of a let-down from last year. Last year he averaged 2.3 blocks per game and a career high 10.4 rebounds per game. The addition of Elton Brand has caused a decline in those categories as the chemistry is still being developed. The 76ers have great expectations and with the recent firing of coach Mo Cheeks it should be known that they will not accept a loosing season. Dalembert needs to get back on track and unfortunately for Brand; his shoulder injury should pave the way for Dalembert's re-emergence of fantasy value. Dalembert has been coming on lately and his recent 17 rebound game is an indication of his re-emergence.
Drop off: Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young: This applies to leagues with no more then 10 teams! Young has been demoted to the bench. As a starter Young has been a reliable scorer offering his owners a rare combination of rebounds and threes with reliable %s. He has been demoted in order to make sure that players like Andre Miller, Elton Brand and Iggy get their shots up and offense running. UPDATED I just heard that Brand will be out for about a month due to his shoulder injury. On that note don’t drop Thaddeus Young just yet. He will be inserted back in the starting line up and should see an increase in Playing Time while Brand is out.
The IT factor: Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala: Iggy has always been the IT factor for the 76ers. He was their star after Allen Iverson left and before Elton Brand came in. His stats have been suffering as he finds ways to gel with Brand. The 76ers should have Iggy, Brand and Dalembert as their focal offensive players and guys like Andre Miller should take more of a Rajon Rondo role, and not try to score as much. In doing so Iggy will see more shot attempts and re-establish his offensive presence on the team. He seems to have faded in and out and back in again. For the 76ers to be successful they’ll have to get Iggy involved regularly and put together a more up-tempo system, especially now that Brand is out for some time. Despite the 76ers adding an All Star big man to the starting line up, Iggy is averaging a career high in 6.6 rebounds per game. He is versatile and rebounds, assists very well for a SF!
