Roto Assist » Fantasy Basketball

ESPN Outsider

Evan Benz — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:06:38 +0000

I love the NBA Draft !!!

It’s unlike the MLB Draft, where sometimes it takes 5 or more years before you get to see the new guy on the team.
And with the NFL Draft, it’s just so many different players, so many different positions, so many different draft strategies.

With the NBA Draft, it’s very easy to figure out the impact of getting 2 new players. Each team is only allowed to carry 15 players ( 12 active, 3 on the IR). If you break down those 15 roster players even more, it leaves you with 5 starters, 7 players on the bench, 3 on the IR, with a total of only 5 different positions to fill.

And out of those 5 different positions, each and everyone is so important, that on any perticular year (a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, or center) has the ability to be drafted first overall.
It simply boils down to talent and ability.

Every year the NBA Draft build up and wind down is so important if your a fan of the league.

How did your team do ???
Did they get that badly needed starter ???
Did they get that key bench player ???
Did they get someone who is going to be able to contribute some minutes ???
How much longer is the wait til we make the playoffs ???
Are we still rebuilding ???
Is this the year ???
Where is LeBron James going ???

Somewhere along the line, ESPN made themselves the experts in answering all these questions.
They got the exclusive rights to televised games, the five or six 24 hours a day cable channels, the packed to the gills and constantly updated website, unlimited access to all the biggest sports stars, the magazine, the funny commercials.

So after the Draft, after it appeared the Golden State Warriors screwed it all up yet again, Manny Harris moved one step closer to Scotty Thurman’s Legacy. Scottie Renyolds made history by going undrafted after winning the AP All-American award ( the other 4 winners were all drafted in the top 5).
And almost every team in the league has some new players
or is in a better position to go after one of those marquee free agents ( LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh).

What do the experts have to say ???

You have to be an ESPN insider to read that article.

but I don’t want another magazine subscription.
and that my friends. . . . . .. is The Roar of the Crowd !!!

NBA Schedule Breakdown By Week

Brandon Craver — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:34:00 +0000

This is an interesting link I found that can help you when trying to figure out how many games your fantasy basketball players have on any given week of the season or now more importantly during the Fantasy Basketball Playoffs. It is particularly helpful when trying to figure out how many games your players will have during the fantasy playoff weeks.

I’ve used it to help with making a decision in my weekly roster lock league on whether it is worth it to pick up a player off waivers that I know I probably will only use as a fill in and need to know how many games they have on the weeks that my regular starters play two games. I just thought this might help some of you out down the road. And if you own anyone on the Hornets and think you have a shot at making the playoffs, you might want to check out their weeks 24 and 25 schedule.

Preseason Basketball Ranks

Brandon Craver — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:44:46 +0000

Here is the first set of rankings for the upcoming Fantasy Basketball season. These are just preliminary rankings and they will change as we near the beginning of the season.

1	Chris Paul NO, PG	-
2	LeBron James Cle, SF	-
3	Dwyane Wade Mia, G	-
4	Kobe Bryant LAL, SG	-
5	Danny Granger Ind, F	-
6	Kevin Durant OKC, GF	-
7	Dirk Nowitzki Dal, PF	-
8	Pau Gasol LAL, PF/C	-
9	Amar’e Stoudemire Pho, PF/C	-
10	Chris Bosh Tor, PF/C	-
11	Brandon Roy Por, G	-
12	Kevin Garnett Bos, F	-
13	Al Jefferson Min, PF/C	-
14	Deron Williams Utah, PG	-
15	Chauncey Billups Den, PG	-
16	Jose Calderon Tor, PG	-
17	Caron Butler Was, F	-
18	Andre Iguodala Phi, F	-
19	Tim Duncan SA, PF,C	-
20	Antawn Jamison Was, F	-
21	Steve Nash, Pho, PG	-
22	Devin Harris NJ, G	-
23	Jason Kidd Dal, PG	-
24	Gerald Wallace Cha, F	-
25	Joe Johnson Atl, G	-
26	Brook Lopez NJ, PF/C	-
27	Kevin Martin Sac, SG	-
28	Troy Murphy Ind, PFC	-
29	Paul Pierce Bos, G/F	-
30	Vince Carter Orl, G/F	-
31	Rashard Lewis Orl, SF	-
32	Shawn Marion Dal, SF	-
33	Dwight Howard Orl, PF/C	-
34	Gilbert Arenas Phi, PG	-
35	Elton Brand Phi, PF/C	-
36	David West NO, PF	-
37	Josh Smith Atl, G/F	-
38	Jason Richardson Pho, G/F	-
39	LaMarcus Aldridge Por, PF/C	-
40	Manu Ginobili SA, SG	-
41	Monta Ellis GS, G	-
42	Ray Allen Bos, SG	-
43	Carlos Boozer Utah, PF/C	-
44	Andris Biedrins GS, C	-
45	Marcus Camby LAC, PF/C	-
46	Mehmet Okur Utah, PF/C	-
47	David Lee NY, PF/C	-
48	Carmelo Anthony Den, SF	-
49	Derrick Rose Chi, PG	-
50	Stephen Jackson GS, G/F	-
51	Rajon Rondo Bos, PG	-
52	Jameer Nelson Orl, PG	-
53	Hedo Turkoglu Tor, G/F	-
54	Nene Hilario Den, PF/C	-
55	Michael Redd Mil, SG, SF	-
56	Andrea Bargnani Tor, PF/C	-
57	Al HorfordAtl, PF/C	-
58	Rudy Gay Mem, F	-
59	Baron Davis LAC, G	-
60	O.J. Mayo Mem, G	-
61	Mo Williams Cle, PG	-
62	Charlie Villanueva Det, F	-
63	Mike Bibby Atl, PG	-
64	Leandro Barbosa Pho, G	-
65	Andre Miller Por, PG	-
66	Tony Parker SA, PG	-
67	Russell Westbrook OKC, PG	-
68	John Salmons Chi, G/F	-
69	Ben Gordon Det, SG	-
70	Andrew Bynum LAL, C	-
71	Anthony Randolph GS, F	-
72	Paul Millsap Utah, F/C	-
73	Al Harrington NY, PF/C	-
74	Jeff Green OKC, F	-
75	Eric Gordon LAC, G/F	-
76	Jason Terry Dal, G	-
77	Rasheed Wallace Bos, PF/C	-
78	Zach Randolph Mem, PF/C	-
79	Blake Griffin LAC, PF	-
80	Lamar Odom LAL, F	-
81	Spencer Hawes Sac, PF/C	-
82	Emeka Okafor NO, PF/C	-
83	Michael Beasley Mia, F	-
84	J.R. Smith Den, SG, SF	-
85	Josh Howard Dal, SG, SF	-
86	Tyrus Thomas Chi, F	-
87	Andrew Bogut Mil, C	-
88	Kevin Love Min, PF/C	-
89	T.J. Ford Ind, PG	-
90	Ron Artest LAL, SG, F	-
91	Wilson Chandler NY, G/F	-
92	Chris Kaman LAC, C	-
93	Luis Scola Hou, PF/C	-
94	Trevor Ariza Hou, SF	-
95	Brad Miller, Chi, C	-
96	Andrei Kirilenko Utah, F	-
97	Richard Jefferson SA, SF	-
98	Luol Deng Chi, SF	-
99	Marvin Williams Atl, F	-
100	Mike Conley Mem, G	-

The LeBron James Channel!!!

Brandon Craver — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:35:31 +0000

This is not a joke. This is 100% truth here and who better in the NBA or any sport to have there own CHANNEL than LeBron James? Not just a TV show but his very own channel that he would be completely in charge of. He could play 24 hours straight, day in and day out of his favorite cartoons if he wanted to. Or, he could play replays of that night’s game or some crazy reality show involving himself or half naked women running around washing cars if he wanted to.

Why do I even bring this up, do you ask? Well, the New York Knicks, owned by James Dolan, who also owns Cablevision has come up with the most brilliant idea ever when it comes to recruiting a free agent. Technically, he isn’t recruiting LeBron because that would be a violation of NBA rules since he is still under contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But, word did get out that to increase the appeal of LeBron coming to New York as a free agent, Dolan (or someone else) accidentally let it slip out that this was their plan to up the ante in their efforts to land the best current player in the NBA.

Only in New York could someone pull something like this off and I actually think it is a great idea. There are very few athletes that could command there own channel and LeBron is one of them. I can’t think of a single football player that could successfully pull it off. I don’t even think Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees could pull it off.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the Larry Bird Clause working for them which means that they may exceed the salary cap to sign LeBron to an extension since he is their own free agent. In most cases this means that the Cavs could offer a lot more money to LeBron than any other team. Well, the Knicks have found a way around that. Tbe LeBron channel would be a significant source of income for LeBron, well exceeding what the Cavs could offer with Larry Bird rights.

The Knicks could give LeBron full control of his own TV channel. He could play Knicks’ games reruns, basketball related instructional videos, pick up games in random neighborhoods or soft-core porn if he wanted to. It would be his very own channel. And, as long as the Knicks don’t arrange any advertising for the LeBron Channel, it is considered an outside of basketball revenue. Therefore easily slipping through a loophole in the NBA free agent system.

L.A> is the only other market that might be able to offer something like this but seeing how it is just waaaaaaay too convenient for it to happen in New York, I foresee LeBron heading to the Big Apple after this season.

NBA Summer League Beast

Brandon Craver — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:34:28 +0000

I know I have talked a lot about Anthony Randolph but the guy is an absolute BEAST!!! He just put up 42 points in his last summer league game (tying the record) and it is looking more and more like nobody will be able to stop him. I know… I know… It’s just summer league, but you can’t ignore these kind of stats. But he doesn’t just score. In four games he’s averaging 3 blocks and 2.25 steals per game to with 8.5 rebounds per game. He can also pass the ball.

I have compared him to Lamar Odom and now I truly believe that he can become an even better player than Odom could ever dream to be. If he can develop that “killer” mentality on the court, he could become one of the best players in the NBA. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him going in the end of the 1st/beginning of the 2nd round in fantasy drafts a few years from now. I was hoping to steal him this year in fantasy drafts around the 5th or 6th round but it’s looking more like he could go as early as the 4th round or 3rd round depending on how he plays and whether the Golden State Warriors actually make the trade for Amare Stoudemire.

People will say that Monta Ellis is the star of the Warriors and that Stephen Curry is going to be a prolific scorer in Don Nelson’s system. But, Anthony Randolph is the future of the Warriors. He is going to be a stud for years to come and will be a staple for fantasy basketball rosters for a very long time.

Kevin Durant, Superstar

Brandon Craver — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:01:41 +0000

Kevin Durant is going to be one of the best players in the NBA someday. Some will even say that he already is one of the best. It’s scary to think that he is only going to be in his 3rd season in the NBA next year and he has already proven that he can play with the best of them. He plays for a young team and he plays a lot. He is the leader of the team and so far seems to keep his nose clean. He can shoot the rock and play defense. He can even rebound the ball.

He is not afraid to take the last shot but at the same time will defer to an open player with a better look. He is confident, athletic and seems to understand the game. He should make the move up to the first round of fantasy drafts this year or at least early 2nd round depending on the size of your league. He will definitely be a fun player to watch come next season. The Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely got the better player in the draft when the Portland Trailblazers took Greg Oden number 1 overall.

Ron Artest to Lakers

Brandon Craver — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:15:42 +0000

I just heard that Ron Artest has said that he will be signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season. “I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah. Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now. I don’t really care about the money,” Artest said. “I’ll play there for nothing. … L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me.” This would almost certainly mean that Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza will be gone. What does this mean for Kobe & Co.?

Artest is a huge risk vs. reward type player. His talents are undeniable but so is his temper. He is known for being a disruption but showed this past season while playing for the Houston Rockets that he can control himself when needed. Will he be able to replace Odom and Ariza both? Probably not, but he will cost less than the two of them put together. He does bring crazy defense to the Lakers, which they will need with the loss of Ariza. This should be very interesting to watch this year.

Rumor Has It

Brandon Craver — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:42:58 +0000

Amare Stoudemire can't help but wonder what will happen to him this off-season.

Remember when it was reported that the Phoenix Suns were discussing a trade with the Golden State Warriors involving Amare Stoudemire going to the W’s for Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright and Stephen Curry, only to see the W’s quickly state that they will not be trading Stephen Curry? Well, now it seems that the Suns are willing to talk about swapping out Curry for Marco Belinelli.

I can see this trade happening a lot easier than the original proposal. Although, I’m not sure the Warriors should do it unless they could ensure that Stoudemire will not become a free agent by signing him to an extension. With the money they’d free up from trading Biedrins, the W’s might be able to make a lucrative offer to Stoudemire and make him the focal point of the team offense. He would be absolutely loved in the Bay Area and would be the star of the team. Not to mention return to a system that he flourishes in. He won’t be called upon to play crazy defense and he could focus on gorilla dunking on people the way he so obviously enjoys doing.

The Suns would get an established big in Biedrins who can play defense and is used to the run and gun system. Wright is a bit of a project but has shown flashes of brilliance and could really open up with considerable playing time. Belinelli could become that deadly outside threat that the Suns were missing last year. This could be a win-win situation for both teams but, I say it can only get done with an extension for Stoudemire and I don’t know if he is willing to pass up the free agent frenzy of 2010. On the other hand, he may just look for some job security in a time that will have a ton of talented players hitting the market with very few teams with the money to accomodate all of them.

NBA Injury Update: 3/2/09

Brandon Craver — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:00:41 +0000

Kevin Durant – Ankle – He wants to play but he has to be cleared by doctors before he can play. The Daily Oklahoman is reporting that the injury could sideline him up to a month. This is a huge blow to his owners as he was having a top 5 type of year. Hopefully he’ll be able to return sooner rather than later, for his owner’s sake.

Kevin Garnett – Knee – Still out for at least this week. The Celtics don’t want to bring Garnett back too soon and risk losing him for the playoffs too.

Danny Granger – Foot – He may be able to play on this upcoming road trip but give him a game or two before you put him back in your lineup.

Luol Deng – Shin – Apparently there is no stress fracture so it looks as though he’ll just need a little rest. He hasn’t been playing well though lately so temper your expectations when he does return.

Allen Iverson – Back – He’ll be coming off the bench now but might be able to play Tuesday.

Gilbert Arenas – Knee – He’s been fully practicing and could return this season. Now is the time to trade him to someone who thinks he’ll come in and save their team.

Manu Ginobili – Ankle – He’s getting closer to a return but not exactly sure when that will be. Keep an eye on him though.

Monta Ellis – Ankle – He could return soon but don’t expect huge minutes from him. The Warriors will want to keep him healthy at all costs.

Shawn Marion – Flu – He played sparingly Sunday, and is questionable for Tuesday. These things can really take a toll on a players energy.

Nene Hilario – Knee Contusion – He is back earlier than expected and boy are his owners happy. Feel free to insert him into your lineup as there seems to be nothing holding him back now.

Zach Randolph – Personal – He left the team to be with his father. He is questionable for their next game.

Steve Nash – Ankle – He could play Tuesday after missing 3 straight. That would mean that Leandro Barbosa’s value will take a hit again.

Jason Terry – Hand – He returned Sunday earlier than anyone expected.

Eric Gordon – Shoulder – He has missed three consecutive games but he might play Monday, but there is a better chance that he will play Wednesday.

Chris Kaman – Strained Arch – No return in site yet.

Greg Oden – Knee – Still no timetable for when he will return but it won’t be in the next few days. He has not been progressing as quickly as was expected.

Mike Dunleavy – Knee – He is officially out for the rest of the season. Drop him if you already haven’t.

Ben Wallace – Broken Leg -Wallace is currently in an air cast but will be reevaluated by doctors to see if he needs a plaster cast. He could be out for the rest of the regular season.

Brandan Wright – Shoulder – Still no timetable set for his return but Anthony Randolph had a monster game, 20 pts, 8 reb and 4 blocks!!!

Tim Thomas – Left Quad Tendon Strain – He missed the second half of Saturday’s game and is now listed as day-to-day with a strained quad.

Sasha Pavlovic – Ankle – He may return Monday vs. Heat but no guarantees.

Drew Gooden – Hernia – The Sacramento Kings bought out Gooden’s contract as expected and now he is free to sign with another team. He will most likely sign with the Spurs or the Cavs.

Carl Landry – Ankle – He’s playing again and is worth a look.

Sebastian Telfair – Groin – Listed as day to day after sitting out Sunday with a sore groin. He is definitely a risky play this week. Wait until you see him back in the lineup before inserting him into your lineup.

Beno Udrih – Foot – He may play Tuesday but really hasn’t been worth a roster spot all season.

Grant Hill – Foot – He has been playing well but is always an injury risk.

Fantasy Basketball Mad Dash

Brandon Craver — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:36:21 +0000

Now is the time to take a good hard look at your fantasy basketball roster and see what your strengths and weaknesses are. See which players on your squad are only adding to categories that you are completely dominating and which categories you are seriously struggling in but still have a chance to move up in.

For example, let’s say you have a strong rebounding, blocking and field goal % team but you are seriously lacking in assists, steals and free throw %. If you have a player like Dwight Howard, why not try to trade him for Jason Kidd? Or if you have Andris Biedrins why not trade him for Raymond Felton or Chris Duhon?

These might not seem like fair trades for you but in reality, they are boosting your chances of overtaking categories while not hurting you in the categories you are in command of. You can’t think in terms of fair value this late in the season even though that is how most people think. Take advantage of someone that thinks they are getting a great deal when you are actually just giving up some of your strengths to counter your weaknesses.

Sometimes you’ll have to search the rest of the teams in your league to find out their weaknesses and strengths and see if someone is willing to swap with you. In this case you might actually be able to get a big name player back in the deal. Not that Kidd isn’t a big name player but he really isn’t having the year that people expect him to have.

Or you can take that player you have that has been injured and doing nothing for you all year, i.e. Gilbert Arenas, and trade him now that he is going to be returning. I know, you’ve been waiting very patiently all year for him and now I’m saying trade him! Well, what happens if he returns and reinjures himself or he just doesn’t play up to par? You missed out on a chance to get something of value for him. Try to find someone in your league that is willing to give up a solid player that is guaranteed to give you stats that will help you as opposed to taking a chance on an injury prone guy.

Giving up a stud for a multiple category specialist can be very hard and some managers will see it as a bad trade but you can’t think that way if you want to win your league. Take a look back at your previous teams that won and tell me you don’t have some random player on your team that is probably on the waiver wire as we speak. If you don’t, that means you probably don’t have many past teams that won, or you are the greatest fantasy basketball drafter that has ever lived and fill every category at the beginning of the year.