Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy Basketball Madness
I am sorry for the long absence. I took an unexpected trip out of the country, but I am back in the saddle. Do not think for one second that I neglected my fantasy hoops news or squad. I still managed to answer every question at alpinefantasy@yahoo.com.
Well, if you owned Al Horford, I started a support group at alhorforddepression.com. Luckily, I owned Reggie Jackson, so the Russell Westbrook news pepped me up a bit. It’s a shame that fantasy sports rips the humanity right out of you. I have to constantly assess my cold-hearted thinking on a daily basis. I am thinking of visiting a fantasy exorcist. That might be a future field of interest for the youth of today. A few days ago, I was pumping my fist in my living room after hearing of CP3’s injury because I play him next week. After the celebration, I looked around to make sure my children didn’t see my cruel display of selfishness.
On with the rundown…
Give these guys a hard look if they are available on your waiver wire.
DeMarre Carroll – He wasn’t available right after the Horford injury, but he has produced nicely in his 2 games back. More minutes and stats are available since Al is gone for the year.
J.J. Redick – He should be in great shape, but the shooting could be a little rusty when he returns. He’s worth a stash if you can afford it.
Kendall Marshall – He can’t defend, but if you can dish out 15 then 17, you deserve a roster spot.
Dwyane Wade played in a back-to-back! If he puts together a nice string of games, I’d still deal him.
Darren Collison and Reggie Jackson fall under the “Of Course” category.
The Phoenix Front Court – Markieff, Marcus, Miles, and Channing take turns going off. If you can figure out the bizarre pattern, let me know. Miles and Channing should definitely be owned in all formats. Markieff has the most upside of the twins, but consistency and 20-25 minutes a night might drive you crazy.
The Milwaukee Bucks – Larry Drew is like an unpredictable Greg Popovich. Read that sentence again, and laugh. Mayo, Henson, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton might be available in your league. Keep up with the news regularly because you can be quickly rewarded or burned. Approach all Bucks at your own risk.
Brandon Wright – Dalembert just received a DNP. If Wright can land 25 or more minutes on a consistent basis, he’s a quiet fantasy asset. Stay tuned in Dallas.
To all of those that doubted Jonas and Jimmy Butler and questioned my constant pressure to pick them up, I forgive you.
Jeremy Lamb – I just added Lamb to my squad. Watching Scotty Brooks manage minutes is like observing a colorblind man trying to complete a Rubik’s Cube. Why are Kendrick Perkins and Derek Fisher getting so many minutes? You have ultra-talented youth that are actually better players behind these two veterans being stifled and suffocated. Lamb’s minutes will be limited, but he can contribute in all areas and frequently gets a few blowout minutes.
Terrence Ross – I believe Ross should be owned. His 3 point shooting has been consistent, and the Raptors are on a tear. He should continue to receive around 32 minutes a game.
Corey Brewer – I just acquired Brewer, and he’s starting to heat back up. He went through quite a rough spell of shooting but is getting back on track. Budinger’s return could kill all appeal, so enjoy him while you have him.
Let me hear from you at alpinefantasy@yahoo.com. I’ll be highlighting the upcoming playoff schedule in Thursday’s article. It’s never too early to talk about the postseason.