Fantasy NBA Week 15: Quick Adds With Long Term Potential

Last week’s hot adds included Nate Robinson and Eric Bledsoe, point guards who have been lighting it up in the last few games.  There are so recent injuries that have given some young blood more grind and may make a fantasy impact on your team.  Bledsoe and Robinson are both now owned in more than 2/3 of ESPN fantasy leagues so they still may be on the wire, but if they aren’t take a look at…

Time to Check Out "Taj" 2.0?

Not a point guard, but big man Taj Gibson (PF/C, Bulls) has logged significant minutes with both Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah not quite ready to return.  He has responded by posting nearly four straight double-doubles (just missing with nine rebounds on back to back nights of the first two).  In his last five, Gibson has averaged 13.2 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3 blocks while shooting a tidy .564 from the field.  He’s averaged 39.0 minutes in that stretch so monitor Boozer and Noah’s returns when deploying him. He put up 19 and 19 at the Hawks on February 2^nd; he will continue to provide double-doubles when given playing time.

Successful Free-Lance "ing"

Lance Stephenson  (SG, Pacers) has started a lot of games at the two for the Pacers but hadn’t really done anything fantasy-relevant until his last five games.  The Pacers have been insisting Stephenson get more aggressive and something clicked with him.  And clicked it has; in the last five games he’s been a consistent offensive threat for Indiana—15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and a healthy 4.2 dimes.  This is a guy with some fantasy upside that is available on the wire now.  He’s up to 37% from downtown and shoots a high percentage from the field for a two (.487).  Only downside is that he doesn’t have multi-position eligibility like so many other swingmen and Danny Granger will eventually return.  It’s quite possible that he remains fantasy-relevant as the first guy off the bench when a deep Indiana team is all 100%.   Stephenson has interesting fantasy potential because of his ability like Eric Bledsoe, the week before him, to help you in mutliple categories.

Another “two” guard in the East is making all sorts of fantasy waves (on waivers); Nick Young (SG, Sixers) has put together some nice games in the absence of Jason Richardson.  In the last seven games, the big shooting guard has averaged 16.9 points, 3.7 boards, and nearly two threes per contest.  He’s gotten a major increase in playing time and Richardson could be out much longer than originally expected (knee).  The offensively-challenged Sixers will miss Richardson, but Young and possibly Damien Wilkens will be major benefactors of run.

Up All Night Playing Speights

Cleveland has been missing a big man presence to compliment their franchise point guard Kyrie Irving ever since Anderson Varejao went down over a month ago.  Enter in newly acquired Marreese Speights (PF/C, Cavaliers)  who has shown to be a pretty consistent source of scoring.  He doesn’t have Varejao’s rebounding prowess but with increased playing time his offensive skill set may be more diverse than the big Brazilian. In his last five, Speight has averaged 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds a game while shooting 87% from the line and 53% from the field.

Fantasy Basketball Week 15: Assist Man Assistance?

We've got some ground to make up with some major trades (Rudy Gay to Toronto) and are a couple all-NBA point guards with injuries recently. One, Chris Paul, who is second in the league in assists per game (9.7) has been battling injury and is seemingly permanently on day-to-day status.  The other, Rajon Rondo, just got injured Sunday and is out for the season; Rondo was leading the league in assists per game by a wide margin (11.1).  Rondo’s injury is devastating to the Celtics and puts a crimp in fantasy owners assist-category totals; but there is a surplus of decent “1s” in the league (but probably not on the waiver wire).  It may be time to bake up a trade for second-tier assist leaders Greivis Vazquez or Jose Calderon (who himself was traded to Detroit as part of the Gay trade); or you can take advantage of Rondo’s absence by picking up some these point guards.

Jerryd Is Keeping Competition At Bay(less)

Mike Conley, the point guard for the Grizzlies, has also been sidelined with an injury and Jerryd Bayless (PG/SG, Grizzlies)  has seen some fantasy-relevant stats in his absence. He's getting major looks from fantasy owners not only because Conley missing time, but Rudy Gay was recently shipped to Toronto, meaning more minutes at the "two" as well.  Bayless is a more of a two guard anyway, but slid over while Conley was out.  Now with Gay gone, Bayless is the hottest fantasy basketball add this week because of his last five contests, as he’s averaged 15.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 boards in 32.4 minutes.

Bledsoe: A 15-5-5 Guy?

Eric Bledsoe (PG, Clippers)  is continuing to get scooped up at a decent rate as Chris Paul’s injury continue to linger.  Even though Paul is technically day-to-day (knee) there’s no telling when Chris Paul will return; Bledsoe is seeing a lot of adds because of his last five game averages: 11.6 points, 5.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds.  The Clippers have an assist-friendly lineup to boot and Bledsoe continues to be a very strong rebounder for a 6’1” point guard. We may just be scratching the surface of Bledsoe’s talents: in a game against the T-Wolves he scored 10 on 3 for 14; which is his one drawback (FG%) but still added ten assists and six steals. All of the wire! Get him.

My favorite NBA 50-Cent lookalike Nate Robinson (PG,SG, Bulls) has filled in nicely as a scorer/facilitator with the no-Rose Bulls for the last few games.  Wednesday night he went ham on Milwaukee, going 9 for 11 for 24 points, 4 assists and 3 steals in 26 minutes, being efficient and brilliant at the same damn time.  Robinson has shown opponents no mercy in his last five, averaging 18.2 points a game, 4.6 assists, and 3.2 boards, shooting nearly 40% from downtown and 55% from the field.  He’s known for these hot streaks so ride this wave while you can.  He can get you assists pretty consistently these days although he isn’t the passer that Bledsoe or even Bayless is.

Avery Bradley (PG/SG, Celtics) Rondo’s backup and while he’s a lock to get minutes and points for the remainder of the year barring his own injury, the jury is out on whether or not his assists will increase as the director of an aging, yet capable Boston team.  His career high in assists in the NBA is seven, set last season and he had a career high of six in college.  That’s not going to get it done in the NBA level; although with Rondo in Boston what opportunity was Bradley going to get to get dimes, running with the second team? I’ll say he averages five a game for the duration of this year.  He won’t cost you at the charity stripe and can actually shoot from downtown unlike Rajon, so there’s upside there.

Fantasy NBA Basketball Advice Week 14: Alan Anderson, Earl Clark and Shannon Brown

As we reported a few months ago, Hornets are officially going the way of the dodo bird, or pelican as the New Orleans franchise will be known as from this point on.  The logo is an angry bird; but personally, I think they could’ve done much worse--at least the pelican is interwoven in the history of the region and is a resilient bird.

Alan Anderson: The Allen Iverson School of Point Accumulation in a 6"6' Package

Our recommendation for the fantasy basketball owners looking for small forwards is to peruse the recent offerings by Raptors swingman Alan Anderson (SF, Raptors).  Who would’ve thought that so many recent fantasy waiver wire additions (Ed Davis, Terence Ross, Amir Johnson) would come from this 16-27, albeit improving, squad? Anderson’s main value is scoring and threes, his excellent FT% is marred by his Brandon Jennings-esque FG% in 12-13 but is improving (.427 in his last five).  He’s had some uptick in his other stats in his last five as well, averaging 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.  Right now,  he’ll get you buckets.

Spencer Hawes: Anybody Remember Mike Gminski?

Spencer Hawes (C/PF, Sixers)  Hawes bears a strong resemblance to this guy, A Sixers legend. The big man is on a tear lately averaging 16.3 points, 7.7 boards and 3.0 dishes over his last three as he continues to get minutes off the bench in place of Andrew Bynum, who should return sometime after the All-Star break).   He will likely stay on the bench but is only owned in 44% of ESPN leagues and 48% of Yahoo leagues.  He’s a big that doesn’t get rebounds commensurate with his height but can shoot the occasional three and passes better than many big men.

One guy who does rebound is the rookie from Ohio State, Jared Sullinger (PF, Celtics) who has added a toughness on the glass not seen since Kendrick Perkins.  Even though the short C’s are in freefall, Sully was back at it again against the Cavaliers grabbing 10 and adding a dozen points.  He is more of a one-category helper at this point, but potential is there.  He’s owned in 12% in ESPN leagues and rising.

Shannon Brown (SG, Suns)  has been heating up for an otherwise cold Phoenix Suns squad averaging 14.7 points and 2.7 steals in his last six games.  While he’s getting 25-30 minutes of grind like this, Brown can knock down threes and sprinkle in some rebounds and dishes.  His only limiting factor is that he only has shooting guard eligibility but if you have had enough of Ben Gordon’s lack of fantasy multi-category usefulness, and depending on your league values steals, Brown may be able to do something for you right now.

The New Lakers: 8th Seed or Bust, But Clark Will Get Some Grind

Another historically great team in a bit of a slump are the crappy Los Angeles Lakers, who have lost 9 of their last 11.  They’re old, slow and grumpy (Dwight Howard) and they aren’t helped by a coach (Mike D’Antoni) whose philosophies are a poor fit for the current roster.  There is fantasy help on this roster for our concerns, however, in the form of Earl Clark (PF/SF Lakers) the Lakers new starting power forward.  In his last seven games, five of them starts, Clark has averaged 11.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists.  In case you were wondering, Pau Gasol now comes off the bench to back up the grumpy Howard.  It’s going to continue to be a long season in Lakerland, but Clark should continue to gets lots of run for your fantasy squad.

Warm Waiver Additions to Your Fantasy NBA Kitchen: Week 8

The holidays are upon us and fantasy basketball season is about to become more prominent in the fantasy mindset because football is almost over,  hockey's immediate future is looking more and more like a fantasy and fantasy baseball is pure speculation at this point.  Let's focus on some backcourt help..

The Calderon is a-Bubblin

Jose Calderon ( PG, Raptors)

Every time someone drops 17 dimes in a game, the fantasy basketball world will take notes.  Not impressive enough? My man had a triple-double against Houston a few days ago, going for 18 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. Thing is, Calderon has been bubbling like a cauldron lately in the wake of the Kyle Lowry injury.  In his last six, Calderon has picked up his scoring (14.0 ppg) along with outstanding assist numbers (10.2 apg)during a modest four-game Raptor streak, significant because the Toronto club was 4-19 overall last week.   Those owners who need more assists from the likes of recent adds Gary Neal or Ramon Sessions will appreciate Calderon’s 44% three pointers made (38% is his career high). He’s taking more as well.

"Jack" Up More Shots

Jarrett Jack (PG,SG / Warriors) For those who are looking for more scoring in the backcourt, Jarrett Jack jacks up enough shots with reasonable averages in assists and rebounds.  Jack has filled the void left by current Milwaukee Buck Monta Ellis in the historically high-scoring Golden State offense alongside Stephen Curry.   He’s averaging nearly 18 points a game with six assists and five rebounds and a couple treys in the last five contests.  He’s a good shooter from the field (48% for 2012-13) and the line (career 85%) if those things weigh heavily in your league, and especially as a “1”.

Warm Hand Luke

Luke Ridnour (PG,SG / Timberwolves) got rid of a mini-slump that had us telling you to drop him in November.  In fact, we also recommended Alexey Shved, albeit as the shooting guard of the future in Minnesota.  Well the 12-11 Wolves have an enviable problem when Ricky Rubio returns to the starting lineup; Ridnour may push Shved back to the bench given is recent solid play.  Ridnour is a hybrid; isn’t really a scorer as a “2” but will help fantasy owners the most in that department as he doesn’t drop dimes well enough (4.9 career) as a true point.  What we do know is that he’s dropped double-figures in eleven straight games.  Keep in mind, Ridnour has played and will play minutes in the near future.

Moving on to shooting guards in general, Marco Bellinelli (SG, Bulls) represents a great Week 8 add for those interested in scoring.  In eight games he’s emerging as the Rose-less Chicago Bulls primary scoring threat, he’s averaged 17.1 points shooting 44% from downtown and has been great from the line all season (87%).  He’s logged nearly 40 minutes in the last eight games but he’s still a deep add, mainly contributing in scoring and three-pointers; can’t really assist you in assists (2 .0 apg in those same eight) and doesn’t rebound well (3.1 rpg in the last eight games). He’s a hot add off the waiver but is only owned in 30% of leagues.

Matt Barnes (SF, Clippers) Of course I would be remiss not mentioning the Clippers current run of 11 straight wins.  Lob City has provided gifts for fantasy owners but their bench, and one swingman in particular, Matt Barnes can do a little bit of everything (scoring, threes, boards, steals, assists and blocks).  He normally won’t give you everything in one game but is traditionally a multi-category stocking stuffer.

Hittin' The Wire/ Heat Check: Fantasy Basketball Advice Week 4

Patrick Patterson, PF, Houston Rockets / Heat Check: HOT

A Major Pat-Down

If Patrick Patterson is available on your wire, add him immediately. You remember him in college..a little light on the rebounds, but doesn’t turn the ball over and is averaging 14.2 a game for Houston. He needs to be added in your league, pronto ! The 6’9’ second year power forward from Kentucky is on a hot streak, scoring 19+ plus points in four of his last five.  He shoots well over 50% from the field and is averaging big minutes as the presumptive second or third offensive options most games.  He can he can shoot it from downtown (37%) and his rebounding is getting better and better. He has center eligibility in some fantasy engines, like Yahoo.  He's going to be added a phenomenal rate by this weekend so get in early.

OTHER WIRE NOTES:

Jason Thompson (PF/C, Kings) – A nice rebounder so far this season (7.1 rpg) Thompson has been getting added more and more off the wire. The Kings will continue to give him minutes and miss shots, so a little more well-rounded category-wise than Reggie Evans for those looking for boards.

Brooklyn and Blatche: A Good Match?

Andray Blatche (PF/C, Nets) – The former Wizard will definitely see an increase in grind due to Brook Lopez’s injury.  Blatche can fill a stat sheet if given the opportunity, and recorded his first double-double as a Net.  The Brooklyn Nets have been a great story so far (10-4) and will be a force to be reckoned with in the East.

Staying with  native New Yorkers, there was a Charlie Villanueva (PF, Pistons) sighting Wednesday night against the Suns as the big man went 7 for 8 in 21 minutes against Phoenix.  After getting in Lawrence Frank’s doghouse (nine DNPs in first 12 games) things may start to turn around.  Someone to monitor, surely.

There was a Chauncey Billups (PG/ SG, Clippers) sighting in Los Angeles as the clutch guard has recovered quicker than previously expected. He went 1 for 5 scoring seven points and dishing out three assists.

Kawhi Leonard, (SF/SG, Spurs) is expected back December 1, check the wire to see if anyone dropped the talented swingman, something to be aware of if you own Gary Neal, the major beneficiary in Leonard’s absence. Ricky Rubio (PG, T-Wolves) is getting closer and closer to a December 12^th return, according the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Jermaine O’Neal (C, Suns) was languishing on the Suns bench as well, but coach Alvin Gentry put O’Neal in the regular rotation and the veteran has responded.  O’Neal won’t start for you but he can be useful in spots; in the last five games he’s average a shade under 13 with six rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He offers some help at center.

If you need help from long range, chances are Ben Gordon(G, Bobcats), who is not owned in the majority of fantasy leagues, may be able to help you while Gerald Henderson is out.  He scored 26  in a loss to the Hawks hitting 7 of 10 from downtown.  He has been recommended earlier in the season on this blog only to disappoint. He’s still isn’t particular interested in rebounding or assisting but think a poor-man’s Dell Curry in the late 1990s.

If you need help in rebounds, Brooklyn Net, Reggie Evans, (F, Nets)  has been collecting them at a great rate lately.  Another beneficiary of Brook Lopez’s injury, Evans has always been a one-trick pony in that category.

Speaking of good rebounders, Anderson Varejao ( C/Cavs)  has continued to play out of his mind on a not very good Cleveland team. They miss a lot of shots, but Varejao’s has been “vare” good at snagging boards.  His rebounding totals the last six games : 18, 22, 15,17,19,15.  Those are Moses Malone numbers on the glass.  With his 3.2 assists and 14.5 points a contest, he’s gotta be in the conversation for most improved.  For fantasy purposes, he’s probably got a lot of unexpected owners sitting pretty in terms of “bigs” depth.  He averaging 1.7 more rebounds than anyone else, unless you count one week’s worth of Kevin Love.