Way back in September, we published our first depth chart. We’ve tried to keep it reasonably accurate with weekly updates, which on most Saturday afternoons are just one part of the Weekly Fantasy Planner by Jeff Nichols. Last week, with Jeff — who does the lion’s share of work tracking changes — on a foreign business trip, I forgot to fill in. Today, there simply isn’t time for much insight. [Read more…]
As the season approached near, an incredible sense of optimism surrounded the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ricky Rubio was due back from microfracture surgery at some point in December. Nikola Pekovic looked to reach new heights after a breakout rookie season. Newly acquired players like Andrei Kirilenko, Chase Budinger, Alexey Shved and Greg Stiemsma provided the team with excellent depth. Brandon Roy would make a triumphant comeback from degenerative knees after showing much promise during workouts in the offseason. Most importantly, Kevin
The big story is Golden State winning in Miami, and the Celtics won a double-OT thriller over the Mavs. Any time the Spurs lose, it’s news. [Read more…]
As Chris Bernucca said in his must-read column yesterday, the best team flying under the radar is the Golden State Warriors. What Mark Jackson’s team is doing in the real NBA is amazing; our job is to interpret their value in fantasy hoops. [Read more…]
OK, I’ll play. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star is speculating about a trade of Andrea Bargnani for Pau Gasol. Full disclosure #1: 30 years ago, Smitty was the sports editor in a small Ontario town and hired me as a columnist. He’s the best. Full disclosure #2: I live ten minutes from the Air Canada Centre (there you go, Sheridan, a ‘legit’ Canadian spelling) and am so sick of Bargnani’s frequent disappearing acts, I will eat any pasta but
It won’t be long until Ricky Rubio is back, flinging passes through his legs and behind his back to astonished teammates. Rubio is way ahead of schedule (we were guessing Christmas) in his recovery from knee surgery, and took part in the T-Wolves’ practice on Sunday. Decimated by knee injuries to Chase Budinger and Brandon Roy, with Andrei Kirilenko (back) day-to-day, the team can use any healthy body. While it may take some time before the flashy Spaniard plays a game,
It’s the same old Spurs. When Kawhi Leonard went down, then Stephen Jackson got hurt, I thought Danny Green would become a fantasy star for at least a couple of weeks. It hasn’t worked out that way. Instead, the veteran stars have stepped up their games. Tim Duncan outscored Nikola Vucevic 13-0 by halftime and Tony Parker (14 PTS, 8 AST) was needed for less than 30 minutes. Manu Ginobili was brilliant as the sixth man, hitting 6-of-9, all from 3-point
An exciting Friday night in the NBA saw several players posting career-high point totals. Chandler Parsons stole the show in Houston with 31, nailing 13-of-17 shots including four triples, and adding 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block. [Read more…]