In our Trade Spin, it doesn’t matter which NBA team wins or loses a deal, it’s about taking advantage either way in your league(s). The usual format, with info and opinions on each game before (and after) they are played, is on hold for a couple of days.
Klay Thompson is already on fire as the new SG for the Warriors, with three triples and 26 points in over 40 minutes last night. Monta Ellis should maintain his fantasy value with the Bucks, who will be showing off their new asset tomorrow in Golden State, of all places. Less certain is how much Stephen Jackson and Ekpe Udoh will play for their new teams. Jaxx could even be flipped in another deal today.
Domino #1
You thought I’d say Dwight Howard, but it’s Mike D’Antoni. By turning over the Knicks’ coaching job to Mike Woodson, he’s raised the fantasy value of Carmelo Anthony and put a damper on Jeremy Lin. Last night, against the hapless Trail Blazers, Melo had 15 points and 4 assists in the first half and was hardly needed the rest of the way. Landry Fields had an off night, while J.R Smith (23) and Steve Novak (20) combined for 13 3-pointers.
Domino #1A
Dwight Howard is apologizing to the city of Orlando and Magic fans for the “circus” and there are rumors he will sign a waiver of his opt-out clause and stay. Or, he’ll be traded. Many professional NBA journalists are on the case; all we can do is wait until there’s actual, verified news.
To my growing legions of Twitter followers, thanks! I’ll be retweeting items of interest all day.
Our own, well-connected Chris Sheridan is updating the team-by-team Trade Talk in this article. Here are some of the teams we’re all watching closely.
Portland: There’s likely to be a shakeup of this lethargic team. Will it be a coaching change, a trade or even multiple trades? Jamal Crawford didn’t play last night, with most people suggesting the Timberwolves are his biggest suitor. The Lakers have been mentioned as possible partners in a three-way deal. Steve Blake would have increased value as the Blazers’ starting PG, though if Raymond Felton isn’t moved, there may still be a timeshare.
Houston: We’re pretty sure Kevin Martin and Kevin McHale don’t get along. Kev-Mart could be revitalized in new surroundings. The Rockets have long been linked to Pau Gasol, but it would probably cost them Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola.
New Orleans: Chris Kaman is still an attractive target for several teams. A trade would hurt his fantasy value, as he’s the only healthy, experienced big man on the Hornets and gets all kinds of playing time.
Boston: With the news that Chris Wilcox (heart) is out for the year, Boston needs to do something. Greg Stiemsma is now the only backup big man, and between age and minor injuries, neither Kevin Garnett nor Brandon Bass is indestructible. There hasn’t been as much buzz lately about Rajon Rondo being moved, but Ray Allen rumors may have legs.
Minnesota: There’s been so much smoke about Michael Beasley, I’m expecting fire. If he’s dealt, Derrick Williams gets a boost. Luke Ridnour has also been linked to a couple of teams who need a PG.
Utah: The Jazz are going nowhere, but some of their players might, including C.J. Miles and Raja Bell. That would open things up for a full youth movement down the stretch.
Others to Watch
I was “100% sure” Antawn Jamison would be traded at the deadline a year ago, and it still makes sense. Jose Calderon is temporarily sidelined with an ankle injury, but Raptors’ GM Brian Colangelo might want to get involved in the wheeling and dealing. Leandro Barbosa is another of his interesting assets.
Boris Diaw desperately wants out of Charlotte and could be fantasy gold if he ends up with the Spurs and his pal Tony Parker.
Almost lost in the trade shuffle, Wilson Chandler and his agent want a four-year deal by tomorrow to rejoin the Nuggets. If signed, he’ll be a tremendous FA pickup in many leagues. Worth a stash if you have roster flexibility.
Rebuilding
It wasn’t long ago, in my fantasy trade deadline piece, I suggested buying low on Andrew Bogut if you’re out of contention. Who knew the Warriors read my stuff? If your league still allows trades, that’s one type of deal that can help you next year.
Another is to offer a package of useful veterans to a contending team for one keeper. In one deep league where we can trade draft picks, I was able to get a second-rounder next season for Lin and Nikola Pekovic, plus a third-rounder for Isaiah Thomas and Brandon Bass.
Draft Street Boogie
| Sure Things | Over $14,000 |
| K. Love | $20,975 |
| D. Nowitzki | $14,131 |
| K. Durant | $19,220 |
| C. Paul | $17,970 |
| Bargains | Under $9,000 |
| Jo. Howard | $7,599 |
| R. Foye | $7,771 |
| G. Hayward | $8,323 |
| C. Butler | $6,870 |
| Hunches | $9,000 to $14,000 |
| J. Dudley | $12,241 |
| N. Pekovic | $12,712 |
| S. Ibaka | $12,197 |
| J. Harden | $12,983 |
In my $5 GPP Salary Cap league, using medium-priced players, mostly in home games, I guessed wrong. The Clippers won, but it was a total team effort; I’d invested in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
It was just “one of those nights,” when my picks didn’t pan out. Nobody can win all the time at these games; as I’ve said all along (and we’re just midway through Week 2 of this experiment) it takes skill, but a little luck never hurts.
Down $28 from the $100 bankroll for this week, I have an overall profit of $176 in the first ten days. Tonight, with only five games in the NBA, there’s a limited player pool. Not sure if that makes it easier or harder to win. I’m entering my usual $5 GPP, but have also decided to play the maximum three teams in a $2 GPP. That’s three chances at the $125 first prize, and I can experiment with different lineups.
The $2 fee weekly league I entered, to show a friend how to play, is not going well. I’m fifth of six, and in my years of playing Roto and Head-to-Head, have always fared better in leagues with daily lineups. My crystal ball just seems too fuzzy to focus a week in advance. For now, I’m going to stick with daily leagues.
Josh Howard is listed above as a Bargain; he’s also a potential trade candidate, so remember you can reset your lineups until 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
Draft Street is free to join. They also have free leagues where you can play for credits and prizes. See you there!