Well, the All-Star break is over and the stretch run begins today. I pulled the trigger on a Dirk Nowitzki trade in an attempt to pick up a little depth, but my playoff aspirations are looking more and more unrealistic by the week. Hopefully my new acquisitions, Luol Deng and Nick Young, can help me run off a long string of victories. If not… well, I was tired of Dirk anyway. I’ll go to my 2012 fantasy grave blaming him for my train wreck of a season.
All rankings are based on nine-category (FG%/FT%/3PT/PTS/REB/AST/STL/BLK/TO) totals and head-to-head format.
Pau Gasol, LAL: Pau put up some pretty nice totals last week thanks only in part to LA’s three-game schedule. Gasol gave you averages of 20 and 10, which hasn’t exactly been the norm for him. I find it surprising that he’s still had just 10 20-point games this season, while last year he’d already posted 15 by the time LA’s 34th game rolled around.
Deron Williams, NJN: D-Will got off to a slow start this season, but that’s all ancient history as far as fantasy owners are concerned. Williams has scored 23 or more points in each of his last seven games, and the only thing that figures to slow him down is his team’s suckiness. Remember, New Jersey is going to be gunning for that top pick, so if you’re a contending team and you’ve got D-Will… you may want to consider selling high. I’m not saying Deron can’t help you down the stretch, but what if he turns an ankle or something? He’s not getting rushed back. Anyway, just something to consider. I hate having guys in losing situations at the end of the season.
Kenneth Faried, DEN: I believe I told you about Faried last week, but I’m going to mention him again. Kenneth posted games of 10/14 and 12/9 (to go along with one stinker), and also set a career-high in minutes played with 35 in an overtime win against Minnesota. He would’ve reached a new career mark even without the overtime, and I like the fact that he was heavily involved in a tight divisional battle. Nene is supposed to be making his return now that the All-Star break has passed, but if he (or Mozgov) goes down again, I’m telling you… Faried can contribute some double-double type numbers. The kid plays very hard.
Marcus Thornton, SAC: Marcus Thornton hasn’t failed to score 20 points since Isiah Thomas became Sacramento’s starting point guard four games ago. Coincidence? I’m honestly not sure… it’s not like Thornton’s ever struggled to score 20 (he averages 18), but Isiah is the best facilitator the Kings have put on the floor in quite some time. I suppose his presence could certainly prove to be beneficial to Thornton. Speaking of Isiah Thomas, he’s averaging about 20/7 over that same four-game stretch. If your league is still sleeping on him, for f@ck’s sake pick him up NOW!
Channing Frye, PHX: Frye took 23 shots in his last game, which happened to be a two-point loss to the Golden State Warriors. After this loss, Suns coach Alvin Gentry was so mad (especially at the starters) that he cussed his team out in a press conference. Frye was one of the starters that night, and he missed 13 shots. Could this effect his playing time? Phoenix has next to nothing else at his position, but I’d keep an eye on the situation.
Gerald Green, NJN: Gerald Green is back in the league… on a 10-day with the Nets. Gerald has never been able to stick anywhere he’s been (including China), and if he wasn’t going to the Nets this would be a non-story. However, he is going to the Nets, and they just might have some minutes for him. Green is coming off an MVP performance in the D-League All-Star Game, and he’s had a hell of a season with the LA D-Fenders. Can he hit some threes for New Jersey? It’s a long shot, but I bet he at least gets a chance. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll become relevant in deep fantasy leagues.
Tony Parker, SAS: This dude has posted four double-doubles in a row. Two of ‘em involved 30+ points, and one of ‘em featured flawless 12-12 freethrowing. TP is absolutely BEASTING for the Spurs, and I just felt the need to point that out.
Tristan Thompson, CLE: Cleveland’s other rookie has quietly posted three double-doubles in February. Two of them have come in the past three games, and although they sandwiched an 0-5 outing, Tristan has been showing some fantasy promise lately. If Antawn Jamison is dealt you should probably scoop this kid ASAP.
Bismack Biyombo, CHA: Biyombo is getting not only the starts but also the bulk of the minutes at center for the abysmal Charlotte Bobcats. If you’re in need of blocks then this young man is your savior (5 per game over his last 3). Unfortunately, it’s time to give up on my dude BJ Mullens (if you haven’t already) and pick up Bismack.
Jose Calderon, TOR: In the month of February Calderon has had three games of 15+ assists, two games of 3+ three-pointers, four games of 7+ rebounds, and two games of 25+ points. While those numbers may not be incredible outside of the assist column, they’re pretty damn solid. I mean, he’s giving you great production in one category or another every single night. I haven’t talked about Jose all season long, yet he’s having the second or third-best statistical year of his career. I guess I kinda sold Calderon short way back in the preseason… I was calling for more Jerryd Bayless.
