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5 tips to improve your fantasy basketball team

Posted by Ed on Thursday, November 6, 2008

The NBA season has already started and I know that some owners are panicking because they think that their team is weak. It’s still early but you have to be smart aggressive in trading and picking up players Here are some tips to make your team stronger and make you a smarter manager. Good luck with your teams!

Never go for just the name
I must admit that I used to just go for names of big time NBA players or even up and coming players (sort of a reach). I ended up having a hard time in my fantasy leagues. Good think I finally realized that what we must remember is that we should be going for stats and production. Don’t trade for Dwight Howard just because he is “Superman.” Many don’t realize that his stats drains two categories (FT and TO) in your team. If you can live without these two cats then go for it.

Make your roster slots flexible
No matter what’s the size of your fantasy league is, you should have a roster spot that is flexible. This means that you will be able to add/drop a player that maybe the final piece to win it all. You never want to be dropping a player that you also need just to accommodate the player that you’ll be adding. That would make no sense so as early as the start of the season make trades to free up a slot.

Read Player News
It is important that you follow the NBA. You really have to be “in” it to win it. If you can’t commit even 30 minutes of your day reading player and coach news, injuries, trades and signings then you must not be taking fantasy basketball that seriously. Do read as it will not only be good for your team but for your league. Almost everyone wants even a little challenge right? Some of the sites I often look at are Rotoworld.com, Hoopshype.com, Espn.com, Nba.com, Realgm.com, sports.yahoo.com and of course, buhaybasketball.

Don’t over think
If you over think, the next thing you know the player who could actually help you win your league has been picked up. Just ask yourself two things: Will it help your team fantasy wise (statistically)? Do you actually need the players and his stats that you will be getting? If you answer No to any of these questions then don’t go for the player/s.

Don’t fall in love with your players
This is just like stocks, you should never fall in love with what you buy. In fantasy basketball, you should not have any sentimental or emotional attachments to your players because it won’t do you good and they won’t love you back anyway. If ever you do, you’ll be in a dangerous situation since it would hinder you from making any trades or pickups that could be crucial to the success of your team.

Labels: Tips

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Steve Nash for VitaminWater

Posted by Ed on Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Check out some of Steve Nash' VitaminWater commercials. Nash, the former MVP and an aspiring filmmaker, said he wrote the ads that had lines like, "I just like to take a big brand, put it on my back, give them a little piggyback ride for a while. See how good they can be," and "I'm just like you but 10 times better. When you think of MJ, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Me! I know."

The shots in these ads are hilarious. I didn't know Steve Nash is a funny guy since he looks serious on the court when he's all about winning. When he's all about acting, there's no doubt he gives it his best shot and it's just crazy! Check out how he says "Triple X. When one X isn't enough." That for me has got to be the best shot of the whole ad campaign.

Labels: Basketball Ads, Basketball Videos

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Iverson goes to Pistons for Billups and McDyess

Posted by Ed on

It has been reported that Allen Iverson got traded for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Chiek Samb.

AI leaves Denver after two unsuccessful seasons where he wasn't able to help Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets advance the first round of the playoff. He goes to Detroit where he will try to help the team win it all after they've reached the conference finals for six straight seasons.

Billups and McDyess returns to their former teams in hopes of helping the Nuggets compete in the Western Conference.

Fantasy Wise

Detroit: I still don't have any idea what Michael Curry plans to do with his guards. All I know is that they want to win now. But can they? They've lost a pass first guard, who was one of their leaders for the past six years. In return, they got an explosive scorer who is also a combo guard. It remains to be seen but they first have to find out if they want to delay Rodney Stuckey's development or let him start right away. If they delay, then the situation before the trade remains the same with Stuckey being the "6th starter" and a guard starting lineup of Iverson and Richard Hamilton. If they want Stuckey to gain experience then most likely Rip will take a hit in his fantasy production because most likely he'd be coming off the bench. Whatever they decide, I'm expecting AI and Rip's productions to dip a little while Stuckey's will most likely increase.

This is great news for the Pistons' bigs - Rasheed Wallace, Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell. With the trade of McDyess, an additional 19 minutes will be split among the bigs of Detroit. I must admit that I'm a big Amir fan and as long as he stays away from foul trouble he'll be a good source of blocks and rebounds. Walter Herrmann has been getting minutes this season and should also benefit from the trade. Another thing to watch out is if McDyess returns after being waived then their frontcourt would be a crowded one again.

Denver: The biggest beneficiary of this trade would be J.R. Smith as he would be the starting SG for the Nuggets. This would mean an increase in his production. He is averaging 15.7 points and 1.7 threes a game. These numbers should increase close 18 points and 2.4 threes a game. He would still be a third option in offense but with Billups as their guard more offensive opportunities will come for the Nuggets players just as long as they're patient. Carmelo Anthony will surely have an increase in scoring and rebounding. As long as Kenyon Martin and Nene are healthy, Carmelo's FG% should be quite high for a scorer. An average of 27 points, 7.5 rebounds and around 4 assists is realistic. I'm looking to try and get him in some of my leagues. As for Anthony Carter, it is safe to cut him now.

There is no questions that their frontcourt players, Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen can do the job. The question is can they stay healthy? That is why George Karl wants McDyess to stay since he will be a serviceable big man who can play the pick-and-pop with ease. He is also a winner but he wants to look for a winning team or stay in Detroit. If he goes then Nene will continue his great start this season. Linas Kleiza will should also be a good option in some leagues.

Labels: Fantasy Impact, NBA Trades

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Basketball Comic Fun

Posted by Ed on Monday, October 20, 2008

Just a little basketball fun for everyone to start the week. Smart idea huh?

Thanks to makesyoulaugh.blogspot.com for this picture.

Labels: Basketball Comics

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Top 15 2008 Impact Rookies for Fantasy Basketball

Posted by Ed on Sunday, October 19, 2008

I have never been a fan of getting rookies in my fantasy teams because of their lack of experience, bad field goal percentage, and the number of turnovers but there are some gems out there who have done great in their rookie years (Duncan, Lebron, Chris Paul, ) which gives me hope that there should be rookies this year who could help your team win. I don't have a crystal ball to know who will succeed or who will fail but by analyzing their situations in their respective teams, somehow we could know how they will play this upcoming NBA season. Here's a list of the top 15 impact rookies:

1. Greg Oden - C, Portland Trailblazers

Greg Oden may have been picked in the rookie class of 2007 but a knee injury sidelined him for the whole year which makes him eligible to challenge rookies Michael Beasley, OJ Mayo and the rest of the 2008 rookie class for the ROY. Despite not playing, he has already earned a year of experience watching his Trailblazers have a respectable record last year and it looks like he will try to help his team reach the playoffs this year as the anchor of their defense. His talent and size have been compared to a 21-year old Shaq and to emulate "the Diesel" would be great. If he could avoid injury and fouls, this young man could average 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and a high FG%.

Draft Round: 5th-7th Round

2. Michael Beasley - PF, Miami Heat

Even if this kid is just a rookie, he already aims to be not only the NBA Rookie of the Year but also the NBA MVP. He has high hopes and I am a believer as long as he focuses on basketball and avoid off-court issues. Having his former coach move in with him will be beneficial in order for him to help the Heat get back to the playoffs. This guy has unlimited potential and his court sense is what makes him different from the other rookies. His lefty jumper is just sweet and his body is NBA ready meaning that he will be quicker and more explosive than most PFs with his low-post moves and just power his way against other SFs. He will have some rookie pains but expect him to average 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal and a three while providing you with 48-49% FG and around 75% FT.

Draft Round: 6th-7th Round

3. OJ Mayo - SG, Memphis Grizzlies

If we base it on the preseason games, OJ Mayo is just NBA ready. He has been playing great in their games and he hasn't been wild with his FG%, which is something I wasn't expecting and his TOs have been in check. Everyone knows what this kid can do and he can score...at will. With the lack of scoring options in Memphis, Coach Iavaroni has given him and Rudy Gay the green light to shoot from down town. His shooting percentage will suffer but as long as he gets to the line he will be money. He shot 80.3% in college and I'm expecting him to reach that with high volume of free throws. His Turnovers might be high come the regular season but he will make up for it by having close to 2 steals a game. He will definitely get 20 points a night, with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 threes a game.

Draft Round: 8th Round

4. Kevin Love - PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love isn't the greatest athlete in his rookie class or the quickest for that matter. He has had some problems with his knee and his conditioning needs work, which makes Timberwolves' Coach Wittman a little concerned. Despite these, Kevin Love is one of the smartest and talented and he has hired a personal chef to help him with his diet. His skill level is just great and he could be the next Brad Miller. He is someone who can finish well near the basket, grab rebounds, and pass like a guard (just wait for those outlet passes). He will pair up with Al Jefferson really well as he will play the high post while Al Jeff plays the low post and the Wolves need a big man and he will be given his minutes. If you need a center in the middle to late rounds who can give you high 50% FG, 13 points, 8 rebounds and over 3 assists(very high for a big man) a game then go ahead and give your team some Love.

Draft Round: 8th-9th Round

5. Derrick Rose - PG, Chicago Bulls

This guy wasn't picked by Chicago to just sit on the bench and watch Kirk Hinrich direct this team. He will be given minutes but it would be hard to see him reach 30 minutes a night as the Bulls have such a deep backcourt (Hinrich, Gordon, Hughes, and Sefolosha). I am expecting a trade in the Bulls to give way to Rose's development. His court awareness and talent will keep the Bulls running and I'd love to see him reach 7 assists per night, which is highly attainable given the offensive options the Bulls have. If you need a PG in the middle rounds go ahead and draft this kid as he is the 2nd rookie guard that should be take in this year's draft. Expect 10 points, 7 assists and 1.5 steals a night.

Draft Round: 9th - 10th Round

6. Rudy Fernandez - PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers

Rudy! Rudy! That is what Portland fans will cheer all season long. After having a great Olympics and an exciting preseason (before spraining his ankle), Fernandez will try to carry that over to his rookie season. The injury of Martell Webster will help put him into the starting lineup or at least the 6th man of this team. Coach McMillain loves this kid because of his versatility and smarts. With lots of international experience under his belt, it looks he will play very maturely against other rookies. His six steals in the preseason is a great indicator how good defensively he is. Just as long as he gets at least 25 minutes a night, look for him to get you 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and over a steal a game. This is a solid pick for someone who is being drafted at the end of most drafts.

Draft Round: 10th-12th Round

7. Marc Gasol - C, Memphis Grizzlies

There's just minimal competition for the bigmen positions in Memphis , which is great for Pau's younger brother and of course, great for fantasy players wanting to draft him. Darko Milicic is a bust and Hamed Haddadi is just raw. He has great court instincts and hands that would be great for shooting and passing the ball in the low post. He has a wider frame compared with his brother and that would be important for banging bodies in the paint and helping him collar down rebounds. Unfortunately, he uses his hands a lot that would translate to more fouls. This is something he has to improve on in order to play minutes and be a fantasy factor. I am still high on this guy and despite expected struggles in the beginning of the season I'm expecting him to average a double double in the 2nd half of the season. If you need rebounds and blocks at the end of your draft don't be scared to draft Marc Gasol. He'll be giving you

season averages of 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and great FG%.

Draft Round: 12th-13th Round

8. Jerryd Bayless - PG, Portland Trailblazers

Another beneficiary of the injury of Martell Webster is Jerryd Bayless. He will be given more minutes despite playing behind Steve Blake. Since the Blazers are lacking players in the small forward position, Roy may, at times, play that position and pave some way for Bayless to get more experience running the team. Coach McMillan has said that he wants to limit his rotation to 8 players and Bayless will be in that, which will be fantastic for those who would draft him at the end of the draft. Given 25 minutes a game, he could average 10 points, 4 assists, 1 steal and a three.

Draft Round: 12th-13th Round

9. Brook Lopez - C, New Jersey Nets

The Nets have 5 players listed at PF/C and one at PF and everyone except for Stromile Swift should be getting regular minutes. They're all good but not great - yet. That includes Brook Lopez who will fight his way for minutes against Josh Boone, Sean Williams, Swift and Ryan Anderson. Count Yi Jian Lian as another big man who will steal minutes of the other bigmen and we have a logjam. Coach Lawrence Frank suggested a platoon substitution, which is not good for those who would want to draft any Nets player. Just keep an eye on Lopez because he has such great offensive skills and his rebounding isn't bad for a big man. He will also help you when you need blocks late in the draft. End of the season average should be 9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1 block.

Draft Round: 12th-13th Round

10. Russell Westbrook - PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Although he didn't play pure point guard in college, he will be forced to play that position in the NBA. He had averages of 12.7 ppg and 4.3 assists as a sophomore in college but he was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. With the Thunder focusing more on defense, he will have his shot especially when Coach Carlesimo realizes that they don't have a shot in making the playoffs this year and decides to let the future BIG 3 (Durant, Green and Westbrook) run the show in OKC. My projections for this kid is 7 points, 4.5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals a game.

Draft Round: 13th

Other rookies to consider:

Robin Lopez - C, Phoenix Suns

Roy Hibbert - C, Indiana Pacers

Eric Gordon - SG, LA Clippers

Jason Thompson - PF, Sacramento Kings

Mario Chalmers - PG, Miami Heat

Picture by: tastyvu

Labels: NBA Fantasy Draft

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Shaq "Pop"s over hack-a-Shaq

Posted by Ed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Shaq has dissed a lot of people, most notably Kobe Bryant but this time his target is Coach Popovich or Pop of the San Antonio Spurs. He has issues with Pop for employing the Hack-a-Shaq strategy in spite leading by 10 in last year's playoffs. In a recent interview with an Arizona station KTAR, Shaq said:

"The only thing I call cowardly is when you're up ten and do it (hack-a-Shaq). That's a coward move."

He also said that he's going to make him pay for it. It looks like Shaq will want to face San Antonio in the playoffs and show Pop and the fans what he's going to do about it. The season hasn't started but it feels like the playoffs are already here. This is going to be a great season!

Labels: NBA

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