Fantasy Basketball Daily News and Notes (11/29/11)
Nov 29, 2011 Blog
I’ve been working on rankings this week, but not making much progress. It’s really difficult to get a handle on rankings when free agency hasn’t taken place, players are still working out details to get out of their overseas contracts and the newly implemented ‘amnesty’ procedure hasn’t yet occurred. And this doesn’t even begin to figure in the normal position battles, which is made even more difficult by the fact that the ‘preseason’ is a mere two games long. Prepared owners are at a huge advantage this season when it comes to fantasy drafts.
NBA Player Fantasy News
Brandon Roy (POR) – It looks like Portland is going to use their amnesty free pass to unload Brandon Roy. I really can’t see drafting Roy on any fantasy teams this season. He has chronic knee problems and couldn’t handle big minutes on a regular schedule so it’s going to be nearly impossible for his knees to withstand the compressed 66 game season with nearly 4 games per week and a few back to back to backs. He’s just going to be too undependable, let someone else deal with that headache. Wesley Matthews has a healthy ankle now and should get a boost in fantasy value with Roy gone.
Jerryd Bayless (TOR) – With the Raptors leaning toward rebuilding, Jose Calderon might not be around this season and that leaves an opening for Bayless to step in and take the starting PG spot. Keep an eye on him in training camp. He’s very inconsistent, but he’s also shown the ability to put up some big stats. This could be his best chance for a starting role.
Mike Miller (MIA) – Miller appears to be a victim of the amnesty clause for the Heat. His fantasy value will depend on where he lands. If that landing spot is Chicago, then he might actually have a some fantasy value this season.
C.J. Watson (CHI) – Watson could be a candidate to fill the SG spot for the Bulls this season. He had a couple of big games filling in for Derrick Rose and if he can grab starters minutes he’ll definitely be worth drafting onto your fantasy squad.
Mehmet Okur (UTA) – Okur appears to be healthy and keeping in game shape playing in Turkey. He’s 32, but still might have a little left in the tank. There is no guarantee that Paul Millsap and/or Al Jefferson are going to be in Utah much longer, so keep an eye on Okur’s role and put him on your waiver wire watchlist.
Enes Kanter/Derrick Favors (UTA) – These two guys could also be great fantasy picks if a spot opens up with a Jefferson/Millsap trade. Utah seems to be leaning toward rebuilding with youth. Kanter and Favors are probably better keeper league gambles rather than redraft league picks.
Marc Gasol (MEM) – The Grizzlies seem to be ready to match any offer for Gasol and that’s good news for his fantasy value.
Chris Paul (NOR) – The ‘Paul to the Knicks’ rumors have already started and you have to wonder how much of a distraction that is going to be for him this season. Will he play hard for fantasy owners or is he just going through the motions on a mediocre Hornet team until he’s a free agent in 2012?
Tags: fantasy basketball