Friday Fantasy News 9/18/09
Sep 18, 2009 Blog
Is LeBron James peaking too early? I hope he somehow doesn’t get that 24/7 hype machine ‘backlash’ before next summer. Movies, books, his own TV show, Jay-Z, John Stewart, on and on and on. I like LeBron, but I have to say I’m getting a little sick of him and the hype and the season hasn’t even started yet. There are other players and better stories around the NBA. And what if the Cavs fall on their face this season? Pace yourself LeBron and save a little gas for the hype machine for next summer.
Sekou Smith reports that Josh Smith’s finger laceration requiring 7 stitches isn’t too serious and Smith should be ready for camp. Analysis: Unless he loses the finger completely, it probably won’t make his 27% 3pt shooting or 68% FT shooting any worse.
BallerBlogger.com with information that Kevin Garnett’s knee injury may be more serious than the Celtics reported : “1 more KG note: This wasn’t a typical knee injury. They had to re-attach tendons to his kneecap with staples.” Analysis: That would certainly explain the Rasheed Wallace signing. Maybe the Celtics realize that they may be limiting KG’s minutes. I’ll definitely keep a fantasy eye on this story.
Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago reports that Tracy McGrady could be ready for opening day. Analysis: McGrady, please talk to Gilbert Arenas about returning too early from injury. Also, please don’t blame Rockets management if you get hurt again.
MikeBarrettsBlog.com reports that Brandon Roy will show up to camp about 10 pounds lighter this year which should make him a little quicker to the basket. Analysis: I like the speed, but not sure how less bulk, and maybe a little less durability, is going to help him against some of the bigger opponents.
Dime Magazine with their top 5 picks for this year’s Most Improved Player.
Sports Illustrated with a list of fantasy sleepers for the upcoming season.
OregonLive.com reports that Portland has signed the lone surviving Fab Fiver, Juwan Howard, to a one year deal. Analysis: A decent old guy (36) who doesn’t mind sitting on the bench collecting a check and who can play if absolutely necessary. Nice safe move by Portland, but no fantasy impact.
Hoopsworld.com reports that Yi Jianlian may miss some camp time to play in the ‘National Games of the Peoples Republic of China’. Analysis: Terrible. For a guy who is barely getting by as it is, why put yourself further behind by missing two weeks of camp? I had Jianlian as one of my sleepers, but if his dedication to New Jersey is so weak that he can’t skip the China Olympics, then maybe I need to reconsider.
Dave D’Alessandro with and article on Terrence Williams. Analysis: I’ve read in several places that Williams looks great. He wasn’t given much credit in the Rookie of the Year Race, but keep an eye on him, he might be a sleeper for ROY, it all depends on his minutes. NJ should give him the SF spot this season (and they probably will in the 2nd half of the season) and let him grow with Harris, Lee and Lopez. It certainly can’t hurt since the Nets are going nowhere this year. Of course a certain 2010 free agent plays the same position. Williams is probably already better than Bobby Simmons, who is by they way the Nets most expensive player and an expiring contract.
I’ve been waiting and looking, but so far I haven’t seen anyone use the ‘Pacers Get Head’ creative story title…Have a good weekend.