Yesterday, we ran down the top 20 unrestricted free agents. Today, we look at the top 10 restricted free agents, which is a little trickier. By and large, restricted free agents are all on their rookie contract, which provides guaranteed money that can establish the starting point for negotiations. And that’s where it gets tricky. JaVale McGee made $2.46 million this season and has a qualifying offer for $3.49 million next season. Both figures are well below what starting centers receive. But how
Fantasy Spin: Wednesday March 28
All it took was for me to speculate here that something “must be wrong” with Monta Ellis, and he finally had a huge night — 33 points and 8 assists — to lead the Bucks to a much-needed win. Brandon Jennings added 18 and Drew Gooden (16 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST) was solid. Ekpe Udoh played well in place of Ersan Ilyasova, who sat out with back spasms. For Atlanta, Josh Smith stuffed the scoresheet with 30 PTS, 18
Fantasy Spin: Sunday March 18
Derrick Favors, tipped here yesterday because Al Jefferson is away this weekend, scored 23 points and grabbed 17 boards in a spot start. Get Favors in your lineups again today, and file away the knowledge of how good he will be in the future. I never expected Richard Jefferson to get 38 minutes in his Warriors debut. RJ was ice-cold (2-14) but this doesn’t bode well for Brandon Rush, who can safely be cut. HOU @ LAC: We expected Goran Dragic would
Woodsanity replaces Linsanity; Boston loses to Denver as Garnett makes history
Let the Wood-sanity begin. It has been three games since Mike Woodson took over the coaching duties of the New York Knicks after the firing resignation of Mike D’Antoni. The Knicks have since gone 3-0. Preaching defense and accountability — perhaps the polar opposite of D’Antoni’s style — Woodson has changed the attitude of his players and the results have shown in remarkable fashion on the court. Since going on a nightmare six-game losing streak that saw them fall out of the playoff picture, New
Fantasy Spin: Saturday March 17
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s not the NBA, but “Irishman” Kyle O’Quinn, wearing green, led Norfolk State to an enormous upset of Missouri in the NCAA tournament yesterday and is now on my draft list next season. In more current fantasy news, Zach Randolph is back. Finally. After injuring his knee in just the fourth game of the season, and teasing his owners for the last couple of weeks, Z-Bo returned by scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 REB, in
Fantasy Spin: Monday, March 12
In a nationally-televised game, sophomore Evan Turner scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to help the 76ers beat New York. Lou Williams poured in 28 in as many minutes. Can a bench player be a keeper in a 12-team league? Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 22 and Tyson Chandler returned, but Amare Stoudemire was quiet and Jeremy Lin off-target. The Garden crowd did not sound happy. Elsewhere MIL @ TOR: An ankle injury to Jose Calderon made Jerryd Bayless (16 & 6) the starting
Sunday’s NBA Post-Game Notes
The Knicks have now lost five straight, falling to 18-23. Metta World Peace is the Lakers worst shooter, shooting a paltry 35% on the season. Kyle Lowry has been hospitalized with abdominal distress and fever since last week. According to the Associated Press, Kyrie Irving was saddened after hearing of Ricky Rubio’s injury, saying “It’s tragic. He was my nemesis — me vs. him at times. I’m used to seeing his stats every single night, seeing how many points and assists he had.” Dwight Howard
Fantasy Spin: Sunday March 11
We always begin here with a quick review of last night’s games. The Sunday Spin, posted a few hours later than our usual 8:00 a.m. deadline, previews not just today’s contests, but the week ahead for all 30 teams. Finally, there’s an account of my efforts to learn daily fantasy games on DraftStreet.com, which I hope is as much fun for you to read as it was for me to write. UTA @ CHI: As expected, Luol Deng got the night