A week has passed since my post. The JBL standings haven't changed much in this time. Woo is still in 1st and is looking more and more like the 08/09 champion. There is just so much balance on this team that it will not drop enough for anyone to catch him. The 2 best things that happened (or Woo did) to ensure victory are (1) traded Rondo for Dirty Dirk and Mike Conley and (2) Andrew Bynum got hurt allowing Odom (and Gasol for me) to excel down the stretch.
Rajon Rondo became a top 5 Fantasy PG this season. Sure, he doesn't score much, but look at all those other categories - especially the steals. Consider him a modern day Jason Kidd with a better FG%. Moving him was hard because Rondo would have been a great keeper - but Phil did the right thing by making the trade to ensure victory. Dirk is a Fantasy stud and Conley apparently really likes it in Seoul because his numbers have been really good since arriving.
The other great move had nothing to do with Woo - but the bad luck of Andrew Bynum. All year, Woo to his credit, held on to Lamar Odom. He came off the bench and put up 10 and 5 numbers all season until Bynum went down. Then, Odom was inserted back into the starting lineup and he became the Fantasy force he was in 07/08. This was a HUGE bonus for Woo.
I think the next 3 weeks we'll see Woo cruise into the victory circle. You can see he's still managing his team as he has been sitting out Richard Jefferson (the Bucks leading scorer now) because Woo is still playing the other categories. Perfect move.
2nd place is still up for grabs. The Wack and Golden are battling it out with the Wack holding a slight lead at the moment. 2nd place will be decided by a couple of categories - it's that simple. Where is there room for movement? Well, the Offs and Showers are neck and neck in blocks. So, there's a 26 point category swing. Golden has a slight chance of catching Idaho in scoring - that would be 20 points. Golden has a slight chance of catching Idaho in steals - there's 13 points. FG% remains tight and any poor shooting nights from Golden could see them drop points. And finally, The Wack needs to continue rebounding as he could drop 15 (or gain 15) points over the last 3 weeks.
To make a bold prediction, I say we finish like we stand right now. Woo, Benny, Johnny, and Tuna. In that order. We'll see.
I see that Stephen Jackson has shut it down for the season. Another injury for the Pancakes - not that it matters. He's wrapped up 12th place. Although, he may have set a record for most players injured in a season. It's hard to do well in Fantasy pool when all your guys are hurt. Just off the top of my head, here's the guys I can think of on his team who have missed games: Carmelo, Calderon, Iverson, Hamilton, Amare, Bogut, and now Jackson. I'm sure I missed some guys there too. Tough year for Trev.
As for the Warriors - they will miss S-Jax - but their season is a write-off now anyways. They really need ot figure out what to do going forward. Is Don Nelson the right guy?? Will Mullin be canned? Is the owner running the show? Golden State plays an exciting brand of basketball (one that will never win a championship) but they need to figure out what to do with their crowded swing man positions. How many guys do they have that can play SG or SF?? Hmmm, Ellis, Crawford, S-Jax, Maggette, Morrow, and Azubuike. 6 guys for 2 spots. They have promising young big men in Randolph and Wright - but don't play them. I could see them not using them if they were currently winning games with the small lineup. But, they suck, so why not play conventional? I think it's time for Nelson to go.
The Suns lost to the Blazers the other night. That pretty much kills their playoff hopes (although the Mavs lost to the Nuggets last night). I think the Suns are 3 games behind the Mavs with about 10 games left. Conclusion, the Suns are done. I'm not sure why this is really news. I mean, they lost Amare weeks ago - why would this aging team make the playoffs? And even if they got in as the #8 seed - hello Lakers.
After joining the Crikker baseball pool this week and seeing a 2 division format - I've started to wonder if the JBL should consider moving to 2 divisions. You would still get your overall winner, but you might create a little more excitement down the stretch with 2 divisions. If there were 2 divisions right now (top 6, bottom 6), there would actually be a pretty good race for the B division title with Bangkok and Juan de Fuca battling it out.
The other thing I thought about was promotion and relegation. Top 2 teams in the B division would get promoted into the A division at the end of the year and the bottom 2 teams in the A league would move down. It would create some rivalries and might add interest to the pool. I think I will create a JBL poll and see if the other owners like the idea. And wouldn't it be something to see a team in the B League (we would have to come up with some cool division names), a team that finished bottom 6 the year before, win the JBL Overall title?
As for names for possible divisions...the 'A' League should be named after a Basketball great and the 'B' division should be named after the ultimate role player. How about Paul Shirley? Ed Nealy? Eric Leckner? As for the A division - is it as simple as the Jordan Division?
The more I type about this idea...the more I like it.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wackin' It
I want to take a couple of minutes to focus on those Chilliwack Offs. The team that everyone in the JBL Draft room was immediately afraid of as the Draft night moved along. This was a team that was balanced. Clearly, Wack ownership had prepared for this night. Clearly, Wack ownership didn't have a job (other than being a Daddy) and had the time to create multiple level Excel spreadsheets to make sure this draft went just right.
Benny's squad was built on the 'depth' approach. This is the one that usually wins. I say that because Golden has employed it many times as well as Oliver Your Face was known for this balanced team attack. Right there, that's 9 JBL titles. So, I knew Benny was on to something when he went down this draft night road.
So what is balance? How about not one single player in the top 10 CBS ratings. But how about having 10+ guys in the top 100? Ray Allen, Mike Bibby, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson...these were the guys that the Offs were built around. And these are the guys that made the Wack so successful this season.
Because Benny drafted so wisely - he had plently of bucks left near the end of the night to grab outright bargains in Mario Chalmers, Andris Biedrins, and Ben Gordon. It's not often you can get a 20ppg scorer for under 10 bucks!
For most of the 1st half of the season, this team was relatively healthy. He lost Josh Smith for a couple of weeks, but otherwise, the Offs were rollin' along most of the season. The Offs picked up reinforcements early in the year with a date-rape like trade of Mike Conley for Jeff Green. Nice move Benny. (I could have had Green for Marvin Williams - whoops!)
Then, Benny swooped in on Bangkok and stolen Durant for Barnes & Horford. Once KD hit town, he took off to superstar status. I'm pretty sure the Wack can take credit for his immediate rise to stardom.
Then, like the rest of the JBL players, the injuries started to work their way to Chilliwack. Down went Biedrins. Ray Allen missed some game. And unfortunately down went Al Jefferson (this was the crushing kick in the nuts). The Big Al injury was probably just as painful as that twisted testicle Benny had back in 1992.
And finally, what I believe to be the crushing blow, was the Kevin Durant trade. Like any white man would - Benny feared the grinning little asian man coming up from behind. Phil Woo was closing in and Benny had to make a move. So, he traded Durant and Mo Williams for Steve Nash and Josh Howard. In my books, this trade, coupled with the Big Al injury, put the Seoul Brothers into the favorite position.
Durant in Juan de Fuca has averaged 30ppg, 7rpg, shot 50% FG, and 46% 3PT. Mo Williams, the all-star, has averaged 21ppg while shooting 47% FG and 51% from downtown. That's right 51% from behind the arc. Mo has made 93 3-pointers in 31 Juan de Fuca games. It's no wonder Juan climbed the 3PT ladder so fast.
Meanwhile, Nashie has been good, he's averaged 16ppg and 10apg while shooting good percentages. The problem is that Nash was brought in to help out in the ATO category. Unfortunately, after 27 Nash games, the Wack is still 11th in ATO. But the real sharty underpants of this deal has been Josh Howard. For starters, he's been hurt a lot during his time in the cornfields. And somehow, the player who they used to think was going to be Matrix-like, Howard is only averaging 18 and 4 with a negative ATO. Maybe bringing a 'toker' to beautiful BC was a bad move??
With 3 weeks to go the Wack is still poised for a top 4 finish. It will be disappointing not to win it all, but it's hard when you lose your top player (Big Al). Jefferson is a $50+ player in the JBL and when he went down - down went the true hopes of the Wack.
Benny is loaded for next season though. He has Gordon, Biedrins, Green, and Mike Bibby as possible protections so he has a pretty good core already.
The Wack has been in the JBL forever. Benny and I go waaaay back. He was the best man at my wedding and we shared a condo for a few years. He's one of my best friends in the whole world and Benny and I have wrecked many young men's lives with JBL-ology (poor Scott Carroll). We have shared many laughs and basketball debates over the last 18 years and I look forward to competing with him in the Fantasy world of the JBL for many years to come! Love live the Wack!
Benny's squad was built on the 'depth' approach. This is the one that usually wins. I say that because Golden has employed it many times as well as Oliver Your Face was known for this balanced team attack. Right there, that's 9 JBL titles. So, I knew Benny was on to something when he went down this draft night road.
So what is balance? How about not one single player in the top 10 CBS ratings. But how about having 10+ guys in the top 100? Ray Allen, Mike Bibby, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson...these were the guys that the Offs were built around. And these are the guys that made the Wack so successful this season.
Because Benny drafted so wisely - he had plently of bucks left near the end of the night to grab outright bargains in Mario Chalmers, Andris Biedrins, and Ben Gordon. It's not often you can get a 20ppg scorer for under 10 bucks!
For most of the 1st half of the season, this team was relatively healthy. He lost Josh Smith for a couple of weeks, but otherwise, the Offs were rollin' along most of the season. The Offs picked up reinforcements early in the year with a date-rape like trade of Mike Conley for Jeff Green. Nice move Benny. (I could have had Green for Marvin Williams - whoops!)
Then, Benny swooped in on Bangkok and stolen Durant for Barnes & Horford. Once KD hit town, he took off to superstar status. I'm pretty sure the Wack can take credit for his immediate rise to stardom.
Then, like the rest of the JBL players, the injuries started to work their way to Chilliwack. Down went Biedrins. Ray Allen missed some game. And unfortunately down went Al Jefferson (this was the crushing kick in the nuts). The Big Al injury was probably just as painful as that twisted testicle Benny had back in 1992.
And finally, what I believe to be the crushing blow, was the Kevin Durant trade. Like any white man would - Benny feared the grinning little asian man coming up from behind. Phil Woo was closing in and Benny had to make a move. So, he traded Durant and Mo Williams for Steve Nash and Josh Howard. In my books, this trade, coupled with the Big Al injury, put the Seoul Brothers into the favorite position.
Durant in Juan de Fuca has averaged 30ppg, 7rpg, shot 50% FG, and 46% 3PT. Mo Williams, the all-star, has averaged 21ppg while shooting 47% FG and 51% from downtown. That's right 51% from behind the arc. Mo has made 93 3-pointers in 31 Juan de Fuca games. It's no wonder Juan climbed the 3PT ladder so fast.
Meanwhile, Nashie has been good, he's averaged 16ppg and 10apg while shooting good percentages. The problem is that Nash was brought in to help out in the ATO category. Unfortunately, after 27 Nash games, the Wack is still 11th in ATO. But the real sharty underpants of this deal has been Josh Howard. For starters, he's been hurt a lot during his time in the cornfields. And somehow, the player who they used to think was going to be Matrix-like, Howard is only averaging 18 and 4 with a negative ATO. Maybe bringing a 'toker' to beautiful BC was a bad move??
With 3 weeks to go the Wack is still poised for a top 4 finish. It will be disappointing not to win it all, but it's hard when you lose your top player (Big Al). Jefferson is a $50+ player in the JBL and when he went down - down went the true hopes of the Wack.
Benny is loaded for next season though. He has Gordon, Biedrins, Green, and Mike Bibby as possible protections so he has a pretty good core already.
The Wack has been in the JBL forever. Benny and I go waaaay back. He was the best man at my wedding and we shared a condo for a few years. He's one of my best friends in the whole world and Benny and I have wrecked many young men's lives with JBL-ology (poor Scott Carroll). We have shared many laughs and basketball debates over the last 18 years and I look forward to competing with him in the Fantasy world of the JBL for many years to come! Love live the Wack!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Oden Saga...
Two years ago Greg Oden was the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. At the time, most of the experts thought it was the right pick for Portland to make. Behind him, in the 2 hole, was Kevin Durant. Oden blew out this knee in the summer and never played a game in 07/08. Durant went on to win Rookie of the Year. Year 2 rolled around and Oden has been less than spectacular - dealing with numerous injuries, inconsistent play and foul trouble. Meanwhile, Durant has elevated his game to superstar status. Was it the right pick for Portland to make???
Those Oden supporters will argue that you have to have a big man to win the titles. Oden has been compared to Bill Russell. Maybe it's because they currently look the same (and Russell is 75 years old). Since Oden was 13 years old the "experts" thought he would be the next Russell or Shaq or Admiral. It's gotta be tough to deal with those sort of expectations. Russell won 11 NBA titles as a player and if Oden was half the player he was - he would be worthy of the #1 pick.
Since the Blazers picked Oden, he doesn't have to average 20 and 12. He is lucky to be surrounded by a pretty talented (albeit young) group of players. Brandon Roy has been an All-Star the last 2 seasons and most NBA gurus consider him one of the best finishers in the game already. Aldridge is nice complimentary piece at power forward and now adding Oden the Blazers thought they were set. Except they didn't count on Oden getting injured. And then injured again. And then again.
Rightly or wrongly, the comparisons to Sam Bowie will be there. After all, it was the Blazers who selected Bowie instead of Jordan way back when. Now, since Durant has become a stud - the comparisons are back.
We won't know if the Blazers picked the wrong guy for a few years. We have to wait and see how Oden develops over the next 5 years. Then we'll have a better idea of whether they made the 'right' selection.
Would you rather have Durant on your team and he make the All-Star team 5 years straight - but you don't win anything? Or would you rather have 1 NBA title? 5-time all star or 1 NBA title? I think most NBA GM's and owners would obviously take the title. I'm not saying the Blazers will win the NBA title within 5 years - but that might be how long we have to wait and see about these 2 picks.
Let's see what Oden can do when healthy. Unfortunately, we don't know when that will be.
As for the Durant supporters for the #1 pick two years ago - can you imagine this Blazers team with Blake, Roy, Durant, Aldridge, and Przybilla?? That seems pretty good to me. But would the team have the same chemistry? Would they be better off defensively? Would Roy's development into a superstar have been stalled due to KD's presence? We'll never know.
This past NBA trade deadline we heard a lot of rumors about the Blazers trying to acquire a small forward because that was their weakest position. They were after Gerald Wallace. They were looking at Richard Jefferson. They even talked to the Nets about Vince apparently. Hmmmm, or they could have selected Durant.
So, where do you sit on this argument? Should the Blazers have selected Durant over Oden? Or was Oden the better pick? I guess only time will tell.
Now, as for the JBL, I think it's almost time to let Oden go. As disappointed the Blazers must be in his production, I have pretty much had it. He does not help me at all. He's not worth keeping for $15 bucks because I have no idea what he's going to produce next season. The only reason I've kept him around this long is because there really isn't anyone better out there right now? Javale McGee? Francisco Elson? It's a weak crop. I'll watch the waiver wire this week and see who is injured and then decide on Sunday night. But the 2 year run for Oden in Golden is nearing an end. Poor Oden. Poor Johnny.
Those Oden supporters will argue that you have to have a big man to win the titles. Oden has been compared to Bill Russell. Maybe it's because they currently look the same (and Russell is 75 years old). Since Oden was 13 years old the "experts" thought he would be the next Russell or Shaq or Admiral. It's gotta be tough to deal with those sort of expectations. Russell won 11 NBA titles as a player and if Oden was half the player he was - he would be worthy of the #1 pick.
Since the Blazers picked Oden, he doesn't have to average 20 and 12. He is lucky to be surrounded by a pretty talented (albeit young) group of players. Brandon Roy has been an All-Star the last 2 seasons and most NBA gurus consider him one of the best finishers in the game already. Aldridge is nice complimentary piece at power forward and now adding Oden the Blazers thought they were set. Except they didn't count on Oden getting injured. And then injured again. And then again.
Rightly or wrongly, the comparisons to Sam Bowie will be there. After all, it was the Blazers who selected Bowie instead of Jordan way back when. Now, since Durant has become a stud - the comparisons are back.
We won't know if the Blazers picked the wrong guy for a few years. We have to wait and see how Oden develops over the next 5 years. Then we'll have a better idea of whether they made the 'right' selection.
Would you rather have Durant on your team and he make the All-Star team 5 years straight - but you don't win anything? Or would you rather have 1 NBA title? 5-time all star or 1 NBA title? I think most NBA GM's and owners would obviously take the title. I'm not saying the Blazers will win the NBA title within 5 years - but that might be how long we have to wait and see about these 2 picks.
Let's see what Oden can do when healthy. Unfortunately, we don't know when that will be.
As for the Durant supporters for the #1 pick two years ago - can you imagine this Blazers team with Blake, Roy, Durant, Aldridge, and Przybilla?? That seems pretty good to me. But would the team have the same chemistry? Would they be better off defensively? Would Roy's development into a superstar have been stalled due to KD's presence? We'll never know.
This past NBA trade deadline we heard a lot of rumors about the Blazers trying to acquire a small forward because that was their weakest position. They were after Gerald Wallace. They were looking at Richard Jefferson. They even talked to the Nets about Vince apparently. Hmmmm, or they could have selected Durant.
So, where do you sit on this argument? Should the Blazers have selected Durant over Oden? Or was Oden the better pick? I guess only time will tell.
Now, as for the JBL, I think it's almost time to let Oden go. As disappointed the Blazers must be in his production, I have pretty much had it. He does not help me at all. He's not worth keeping for $15 bucks because I have no idea what he's going to produce next season. The only reason I've kept him around this long is because there really isn't anyone better out there right now? Javale McGee? Francisco Elson? It's a weak crop. I'll watch the waiver wire this week and see who is injured and then decide on Sunday night. But the 2 year run for Oden in Golden is nearing an end. Poor Oden. Poor Johnny.
Idaho is the new Golden??
The kid is young and brash. His team is surging at the end of the season - putting on a late season like none other - well, maybe like the championship teams of Golden. He's cocky, he can't spell, and he's widely considered a poor judge of Fantasy talent. Yup. He's the complete opposite of me. However, for whatever reason, players in Idaho this season are loving it and they clearly play better for the youngest JBL owner.
Take for example Baron Davis. Baron de Beouf is often linked to Juan de Fuca for good performances, however, this season, since joining the Idaho squad, Baron has been re-born.
Baron, on the season, is shooting 37% from FG and just 30% from downtown. Those are very typical Baron numbers. However, when Baron joined the Udapimps 12 games ago his %'s in Idaho are 43% and 41%. Plus he's adding the usually 17ppg, 5+ rebounds, and 8+ assists with a bunch of steals. Could Baron finally be happy??? What's going on?
And what about Jason Kidd? He's been traded 6 times this JBL season and spent a lot of that time in Idaho. Kidd's season %'s from the field and downtown are 42 and 40. In Idaho, those numbers are 46 and 45.
Then there is Rashard Lewis. He was only in Idaho for 13 games but his %'s while there were 46 and 42 (pretty close to his season numbers - albeit slightly higher)...then Lewis is traded to Golden and his %'s in 17 games for the Showers are 40 and 32 (yes, I know, well below season averages).
So what's up? Do players relish the chance to play for a younger, more immature owner?? Do the players feel empowered because they know they are smarter than their owner?? Do they feel more threatened because they know they could be traded at the drop of a hat?
I can't figure it out. But I do know that this Idaho team has exceeded all of my expectations. The Udapimps have a legitimate shot at 2nd place. I believe Idaho's previous best finish in the JBL was 6th place and this year he will surely eclipse that. Wherever they finish, Tuna will be cashing in - not only JBL cheques - but all those sidebets he has out there. Unreal.
I know that other JBL are pissed right off that they are trailing Idaho and that they are going to have to deal with the bragging and probably a poorly spelled "I told you so" JBL article. The bad news is that if Tuna does his homework and protects the right 4 players - he could be a favorite for next season's JBL title. Wait a second, did I just write that?? Let me check....yes, I said it. Idaho could be a pre-season favorite for the 09/10 JBL title. And if the NBA players hear that - they are going to be begging to be drafted by the Kid on JBL Draft Night. Maybe Idaho is the new Golden afterall.
Take for example Baron Davis. Baron de Beouf is often linked to Juan de Fuca for good performances, however, this season, since joining the Idaho squad, Baron has been re-born.
Baron, on the season, is shooting 37% from FG and just 30% from downtown. Those are very typical Baron numbers. However, when Baron joined the Udapimps 12 games ago his %'s in Idaho are 43% and 41%. Plus he's adding the usually 17ppg, 5+ rebounds, and 8+ assists with a bunch of steals. Could Baron finally be happy??? What's going on?
And what about Jason Kidd? He's been traded 6 times this JBL season and spent a lot of that time in Idaho. Kidd's season %'s from the field and downtown are 42 and 40. In Idaho, those numbers are 46 and 45.
Then there is Rashard Lewis. He was only in Idaho for 13 games but his %'s while there were 46 and 42 (pretty close to his season numbers - albeit slightly higher)...then Lewis is traded to Golden and his %'s in 17 games for the Showers are 40 and 32 (yes, I know, well below season averages).
So what's up? Do players relish the chance to play for a younger, more immature owner?? Do the players feel empowered because they know they are smarter than their owner?? Do they feel more threatened because they know they could be traded at the drop of a hat?
I can't figure it out. But I do know that this Idaho team has exceeded all of my expectations. The Udapimps have a legitimate shot at 2nd place. I believe Idaho's previous best finish in the JBL was 6th place and this year he will surely eclipse that. Wherever they finish, Tuna will be cashing in - not only JBL cheques - but all those sidebets he has out there. Unreal.
I know that other JBL are pissed right off that they are trailing Idaho and that they are going to have to deal with the bragging and probably a poorly spelled "I told you so" JBL article. The bad news is that if Tuna does his homework and protects the right 4 players - he could be a favorite for next season's JBL title. Wait a second, did I just write that?? Let me check....yes, I said it. Idaho could be a pre-season favorite for the 09/10 JBL title. And if the NBA players hear that - they are going to be begging to be drafted by the Kid on JBL Draft Night. Maybe Idaho is the new Golden afterall.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Goodbye 3rd
Well, I'm gonna make a bold prediction and say that tonight is the night that the youngster passes me and moves into 3rd place. With injuries to Powe and Wade, I have only 3 man games. All the other teams have 9-12 man games tonight.
So, I think I will lose some points to Seoul and Juan de Fuca in scoring tonight. I think Arctic will pass me in rebounding. So, with those point losses, I think Idaho will have enough to pass me.
What I really need is some health. I gotta get my guys back!!
So, I think I will lose some points to Seoul and Juan de Fuca in scoring tonight. I think Arctic will pass me in rebounding. So, with those point losses, I think Idaho will have enough to pass me.
What I really need is some health. I gotta get my guys back!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Shut the Hell Up
While I was typing my previous post - apparently Varejao took a knee or something and now he's down and out. This is insane!!
Of the 16 players I currently have on my roster....5 guys are completely healthy. Can't win like that. I'm in BIG trouble!
Of the 16 players I currently have on my roster....5 guys are completely healthy. Can't win like that. I'm in BIG trouble!
Are You Kidding Me???
OK, I know I ranted about the injury bug last night...but I feel the need to continue it today. You see, Leo Barbosa is not out 1-3 weeks with a knee contusion suffered last night. And here I was thinking he was just not playing because of his abdomen injury. Nooooo, he has to go do his knee in too...
And then, LaMarcus Aldridge puts his head down and runs into Jeff Foster (Pancake) and suffers a grade 1 concussion and he is sitting out tonight.
Ummm, what can I say.
Do I need to recap my 16 players and their injury status right now??
Aldridge - out
Barbosa - out
Powe - out
Wade - out
Gasol - injured pinky (who knows if he plays tonight)
Oden - just returned
Kaman - just returned from injury
K-Mart - playing limited mins
Nelson - out for season
Brand - out for season
How am I supposed to stay afloat?
I won't at this rate...
I will be forced to sign someone to replace Barbosa in the lineup...
I will have to drop either Oden, K-Mart, or Barbosa...
Things are not going well and somewhere little Tuna is laughing his ass off!
And then, LaMarcus Aldridge puts his head down and runs into Jeff Foster (Pancake) and suffers a grade 1 concussion and he is sitting out tonight.
Ummm, what can I say.
Do I need to recap my 16 players and their injury status right now??
Aldridge - out
Barbosa - out
Powe - out
Wade - out
Gasol - injured pinky (who knows if he plays tonight)
Oden - just returned
Kaman - just returned from injury
K-Mart - playing limited mins
Nelson - out for season
Brand - out for season
How am I supposed to stay afloat?
I won't at this rate...
I will be forced to sign someone to replace Barbosa in the lineup...
I will have to drop either Oden, K-Mart, or Barbosa...
Things are not going well and somewhere little Tuna is laughing his ass off!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Collapse Begins...
One minute you're riding the wave...the next minute you're drowning in it. After peaking at 909 points as little as 3 days ago....the Golden squad is in a free fall. Down to 835 points, just 27 points in front of a red hot Idaho team. I'm not sure if the Golden team can recover.
Leon Powe, making his debut for Golden last night blew out his knee in 4 minutes (gone for 2 weeks).
Rashard Lewis forgot how to shoot and doesn't grab rebounds anymore. He's been terrible his last 4-6 games. My 3pt shooting went for 37.6 to 36.9 in 3 days.
D-Wade, about an hour after I read an online article about how he wants to play all 82 games (something he's never done) missed tonight's game with a hip flezor injury and the Heat are unsure when he'll be ready to go.
Kenyon Martin continues to play limited minutes due to back spasms.
Greg Oden returned to action tonight but will be limited to 15-20 minutes the rest of the way.
Joakim Noah is splitting minutes with Brad Miller now and he got a solid 3 pts and 5rebs tonight. Geez.
Leo Barbosa has an abdominal strain and has played limited minutes tonight.
Francisco Garcia shot a wonderful 7/21 tonight as the Kings are struggling big time.
Last night, 8 man games, 56 points. That won't cut it. Tonight, 10 man games, 77 points. Idaho has passed me in scoring and Juan de Fuca will likely pass me tomorrow.
The fall of Golden is on in a big way. Maybe Bangkok was right, this team was all smoke and mirrors. Upon further review, it has talent, but I've just missed too many man games and never did anything to shore it up.
I've held on to Kaman and Oden all year hoping they would contribute. In hindsight, maybe that was a mistake. Timbo offered me Charlie V for Oden and I turned him down. Whoops.
I traded 3 solid pieces for Elton Brand and he got hurt. I picked up Jameer Nelson for next season but he can't save 08/09 now can he?
At this very moment I have 6 players with the dreaded medical sign beside them (Wade, Gasol, Powe, K-Mart, Nelson and Brand)....I have no depth whatsoever to stem this slide. All my chips are in the Wade-basket and I am now floundering.
It looks like I'll have to deal with the reality of falling in the standings...it look like I could lose around 100 points in the standings...if all things go bad...and they're starting to look like that right now.
That Eric Gordon for Al Horford trade has swung completely around as EG has hit the rookie wall. He's been brutal the last few games. I have nothing going for me right now at all. And I have no options to turn it around as my bench guys are all injured. I made this bed, I've now pooped in it, so I'm gonna have to sleep in it. Which is neither comfortable nor enjoyable. Down goes Golden....
Leon Powe, making his debut for Golden last night blew out his knee in 4 minutes (gone for 2 weeks).
Rashard Lewis forgot how to shoot and doesn't grab rebounds anymore. He's been terrible his last 4-6 games. My 3pt shooting went for 37.6 to 36.9 in 3 days.
D-Wade, about an hour after I read an online article about how he wants to play all 82 games (something he's never done) missed tonight's game with a hip flezor injury and the Heat are unsure when he'll be ready to go.
Kenyon Martin continues to play limited minutes due to back spasms.
Greg Oden returned to action tonight but will be limited to 15-20 minutes the rest of the way.
Joakim Noah is splitting minutes with Brad Miller now and he got a solid 3 pts and 5rebs tonight. Geez.
Leo Barbosa has an abdominal strain and has played limited minutes tonight.
Francisco Garcia shot a wonderful 7/21 tonight as the Kings are struggling big time.
Last night, 8 man games, 56 points. That won't cut it. Tonight, 10 man games, 77 points. Idaho has passed me in scoring and Juan de Fuca will likely pass me tomorrow.
The fall of Golden is on in a big way. Maybe Bangkok was right, this team was all smoke and mirrors. Upon further review, it has talent, but I've just missed too many man games and never did anything to shore it up.
I've held on to Kaman and Oden all year hoping they would contribute. In hindsight, maybe that was a mistake. Timbo offered me Charlie V for Oden and I turned him down. Whoops.
I traded 3 solid pieces for Elton Brand and he got hurt. I picked up Jameer Nelson for next season but he can't save 08/09 now can he?
At this very moment I have 6 players with the dreaded medical sign beside them (Wade, Gasol, Powe, K-Mart, Nelson and Brand)....I have no depth whatsoever to stem this slide. All my chips are in the Wade-basket and I am now floundering.
It looks like I'll have to deal with the reality of falling in the standings...it look like I could lose around 100 points in the standings...if all things go bad...and they're starting to look like that right now.
That Eric Gordon for Al Horford trade has swung completely around as EG has hit the rookie wall. He's been brutal the last few games. I have nothing going for me right now at all. And I have no options to turn it around as my bench guys are all injured. I made this bed, I've now pooped in it, so I'm gonna have to sleep in it. Which is neither comfortable nor enjoyable. Down goes Golden....
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Down with Rashard
After going 0/6 the other day from downtown, Rashard Lewis is putting on an encore performance tonight as he's 0/4 so far midway thru the 3rd quarter. Now I know why I never liked him...he floats around the perimeter waiting for a spot up 3. When he's cold, he's really cold. I've been watching the game (Magic/Cavs) and the 4 misses from downtown - none of them had a chance to go in. Ugly shots, ugly results.
Lebron is dominating - again. He's soooo good. Varejao having a decent game too.
My big hope for tonight, as Idaho, Arctic, and Juan de Fuca creep closer in certain categories, is that Eric Gordon goes off vs. the Suns later. The Suns obviously don't play any defense and this is a good chance for EG to put up 20+ points - which I will desperately need.
Also tonight, Leon Powe makes his Golden debut versus the Bulls. So, I will switch over to WGN and watch the Celts play the Bulls. Powe vs. Noah. Come on boys - I need 20+ rebounds combined.
Back to Rashard Lewis for a second. This guy went for $46 bucks on draft night!! He only scores 18ppg. That's probably $10 bucks too much but shows you that guys will pay for need. If you need a 3-point bomber desperately - then he's not a bad choice because he takes 7+ per game and shoots over 40%. However, I really think 3PT% is the one category you don't draft for - you just deal with. It's always easier to find guys who shoots 3's...but you can't go out and get a big-time shot blocker or an 18ppg scorer - so never draft a guy just because he shoots a good 3PT%.
Saw some highlites from Atlanta - they are playing Sacramento tonight. The place is empty. Sad. Really sad.
Lebron is dominating - again. He's soooo good. Varejao having a decent game too.
My big hope for tonight, as Idaho, Arctic, and Juan de Fuca creep closer in certain categories, is that Eric Gordon goes off vs. the Suns later. The Suns obviously don't play any defense and this is a good chance for EG to put up 20+ points - which I will desperately need.
Also tonight, Leon Powe makes his Golden debut versus the Bulls. So, I will switch over to WGN and watch the Celts play the Bulls. Powe vs. Noah. Come on boys - I need 20+ rebounds combined.
Back to Rashard Lewis for a second. This guy went for $46 bucks on draft night!! He only scores 18ppg. That's probably $10 bucks too much but shows you that guys will pay for need. If you need a 3-point bomber desperately - then he's not a bad choice because he takes 7+ per game and shoots over 40%. However, I really think 3PT% is the one category you don't draft for - you just deal with. It's always easier to find guys who shoots 3's...but you can't go out and get a big-time shot blocker or an 18ppg scorer - so never draft a guy just because he shoots a good 3PT%.
Saw some highlites from Atlanta - they are playing Sacramento tonight. The place is empty. Sad. Really sad.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday Morning Water Cooler...
Well, it doesn't get much closer than what we have right now...
Chilliwack 920, Seoul 918, Golden 909
That's where we stand as of Monday morning...
Golden won week 20 despite an awful Sunday...
I think 909 is my maximum point total...unless I somehow make up the 300 points that I am behind Arctic in scoring. Unlikely, but maybe possible.
Bangkok won Jason Thompson last night with a $16 dollar bid. Great pickup. I tried to get him, but my $10 dollar bid wasn't enough. JT is one of the only starters on an NBA team right now that wasn't on a JBL team.
Talked to Woo today. We both like his chances to win the whole thing. He just has the most room for movement (upwards that is). I think Benny has the most room to move in the downward direction (unfortunately for him). I think the rebounds could be the killer category.
I only have 2 man games tonight (Roy and LA), so it's possible that I lose ground in rebounds (to Arctic), steals (to Idaho), and scoring (to Idaho). But we'll see.
I see Kenyon Martin is back in the Nuggets' lineup tonight. Damn it. I have him on my bench because he was such an injury risk. I hope that Barbosa puts up big points in his 2-game week. Although I read today that he is battling an abdominal injury. As long as the Suns have even a glimmer of hope of making the playoffs, he will play. However, once they are out - look for them to play the youngsters.
Just saw that Phoenix plays 5 games next week. That's a rarity in the JBL. Too bad there isn't anyone worth picking up for the week. Only Louis Amundson is out there -but that would really be stretching it.
Read an article about the Sac Kings in trouble financially. Rumours about possible relocation include Anaheim, Kansas City and Seattle. I would love to see the Kings relocate to Seattle and become the Sonics. This is a young team that would be fun to follow (Martin, Hawes, Thompson, Garcia and a really high draft pick coming) - they could be good in few seasons. Notice I didn't include Udrih...what a horrible signing.
Look at Godzbilla...it's early 3rd quarter and he has 11 pts, 10 rebs, and 3 blks already. He's saving Benny's bacon right now. I don't think I'll be able to beat the Wack in blocks - not with Joel and now the Birdman on board. I need Oden, K-Mart, and Kaman to start blocking some shots. Give me a chance!
I see Idaho is right on my heels again in scoring and steals. Helps when you have 5 man games and the guys are putting up good numbers. CP3, Tony P, and G-Wall are having big nights. I might drop some points tonight only to gain them back tomorrow.
I looked at the last few seasons of the JBL and the only race-to-the-wire that I can remember is me and Trev a couple seasons ago. It did come down to the last night. Ultimately, I won by like 60 points, but the victory was in question up to the last night. All the other seasons seem to be cake walks. This season is shaping up to be quite the finish!
Exciting times in the JBL!
Chilliwack 920, Seoul 918, Golden 909
That's where we stand as of Monday morning...
Golden won week 20 despite an awful Sunday...
I think 909 is my maximum point total...unless I somehow make up the 300 points that I am behind Arctic in scoring. Unlikely, but maybe possible.
Bangkok won Jason Thompson last night with a $16 dollar bid. Great pickup. I tried to get him, but my $10 dollar bid wasn't enough. JT is one of the only starters on an NBA team right now that wasn't on a JBL team.
Talked to Woo today. We both like his chances to win the whole thing. He just has the most room for movement (upwards that is). I think Benny has the most room to move in the downward direction (unfortunately for him). I think the rebounds could be the killer category.
I only have 2 man games tonight (Roy and LA), so it's possible that I lose ground in rebounds (to Arctic), steals (to Idaho), and scoring (to Idaho). But we'll see.
I see Kenyon Martin is back in the Nuggets' lineup tonight. Damn it. I have him on my bench because he was such an injury risk. I hope that Barbosa puts up big points in his 2-game week. Although I read today that he is battling an abdominal injury. As long as the Suns have even a glimmer of hope of making the playoffs, he will play. However, once they are out - look for them to play the youngsters.
Just saw that Phoenix plays 5 games next week. That's a rarity in the JBL. Too bad there isn't anyone worth picking up for the week. Only Louis Amundson is out there -but that would really be stretching it.
Read an article about the Sac Kings in trouble financially. Rumours about possible relocation include Anaheim, Kansas City and Seattle. I would love to see the Kings relocate to Seattle and become the Sonics. This is a young team that would be fun to follow (Martin, Hawes, Thompson, Garcia and a really high draft pick coming) - they could be good in few seasons. Notice I didn't include Udrih...what a horrible signing.
Look at Godzbilla...it's early 3rd quarter and he has 11 pts, 10 rebs, and 3 blks already. He's saving Benny's bacon right now. I don't think I'll be able to beat the Wack in blocks - not with Joel and now the Birdman on board. I need Oden, K-Mart, and Kaman to start blocking some shots. Give me a chance!
I see Idaho is right on my heels again in scoring and steals. Helps when you have 5 man games and the guys are putting up good numbers. CP3, Tony P, and G-Wall are having big nights. I might drop some points tonight only to gain them back tomorrow.
I looked at the last few seasons of the JBL and the only race-to-the-wire that I can remember is me and Trev a couple seasons ago. It did come down to the last night. Ultimately, I won by like 60 points, but the victory was in question up to the last night. All the other seasons seem to be cake walks. This season is shaping up to be quite the finish!
Exciting times in the JBL!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bangkok Talking...
Well, it's Sunday afternoon and a load of NBA games have already been played. D-Wade's Heat lost to Phillly and the 76ers held my man to just 18 points (including 0/6 from downtown). Oh well, I guess his 45.2 tendex is finally going to take a hit.
Now, this mornings JBL standings were 916-907-883 (Woo-Ben-JE)...holy cow that's close. Rebounding is soooo tight. The top 5 teams are separated by 50 rebounds!!
As I look at the standings this afternoon, Woo has climbed back into the 950's...while Benny remains at 907. The interesting part is that I am now at 909 points. I've passed Benny in blocks and passed Bangkok in FG% (finally). Big thanks to Pau Gasol who shot 12/13 today. Man, he's been good. He's also top 10 in Tendex for the year.
I noticed too that Bangkok is talking a little trash on the live chat. He's thrown a shot at Juan de Fuca for a futile late season charge and has boldly predicted that he will be on Idaho's ass by the end of the season. Now, Bangkok sits at 629pts and Idaho is at 775pts. That's a big gap to make up. It could be Rick just pulling a little Tuna-like trash talking...you know the kind where you say it -- but you can't possibly think it could happen.
Let's have a look at this Bangkok franchise...one of my favorite by the way. Rick's been around the JBL since 1996 (I'm pretty sure that's the 1st year for Woo and Rick). Bangkok has been middle of the pack all season. That's a pretty common statement about a Bangkok team. One of the greatest things about Rick, when discussing possible trades, is that I know it's serious when I get a phone call from him. And it's really serious, if it's a 3-way call with Woo on the line as well (trying to broker the deal).
So why is this Bangkok team in 6th place??? Well, let's start with the good things. Rick has a knack (or the balls) to draft rookies. It was Bangkok who drafted OJ Mayo and Russell Westbrook this year. Both of those guys have turned to be really good. And Westy will be a one of the Bangkok keepers for sure. At $10 bucks, he's a real bargain.
Rick also paired Chris Bosh with Kevin Garnett this season - hoping for glory. Instead, he got a KG who is more interested about winning than putting up Fantasy stats. And then, the toughest thing to realize is that your prize possession, the one you paid over 60 bucks for, is really only worth about $40! It`s tough to make that realization. That`s the reason that KG is still in Bangkok.
Also, guys like Scola, Miller, and TJ Ford have been solid. Plus, Bangkok has got the best of me this year in the trades department. I gave up Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, and Kevin Love for Elton Brand. Whoops. Brand played 5 games for me before he was out for the year.
Now, unfortunately, Bangkok made a trade with Chilliwack early in the season. He traded away Kevin Durant for Matt Barnes and Al Horford. Both those guys are solid pieces, but KD turned out to be a superstar!! Sometimes you have to make these deals and hope for the best -sometimes it works out, and then sometimes it doesn`t. This one didn`t work out for Bangkok.
This team didn`t have enough ATO or blocks to compete for the title either. He waited too long on the ATO and never addressed the blocks. If Bangkok could hold on to 6th place I`d be really surprised, but the way the JBL standings are changing on a daily basis you just don`t know. I really think Bangkok is destined for a 7th place finish - which means its just 2 keepers for next season. That`s easy in my books. Westbrook and David Lee. End of story.
Today is the trade deadline...a few deals have happened over the last couple of days. I`d like to add some blocks because I think this is a key category versus Benny. It`s a 26 point swing. However, I look at the rebounds and I think that Benny could drop some here - especially if Biedrins is going to be out for any length of time. I have Leon Powe for 4 games next week - but I`m now thinking I should try to get someone else...maybe the dude from Toronto - Pops Mensah-Bonsu - he had 21pts and 8rebs today - but NO blocks. Meanwhile, Powe had 5-6-2 (but fouled out)...so, I`m not sure what to do. I may go after AK47 from Boston - but what would be Trev`s motivation to move AK at this point in the season.
I`d like to maybe grab a guy like Antonio McDyess. He`s starting, he`s averaging 14-15ppg and close to 10rebs as a starter, gets some steals, and some blocks. It might be worth a try. Besides, Tim has been trying forever to get a deal done with me.
Just a quick peak at this afternoon`s games - I notice that Francisco Garcia started today`s game for Sac-town - but is not playing in the 2nd half. Not another injury!! We`ll see. If he was hurt, then I would seriously have to start thinking about dropping Greg Oden or Kenyon Martin to get some healthy bodies. I`ll have to see what`s up. Go Golden Go!
Now, this mornings JBL standings were 916-907-883 (Woo-Ben-JE)...holy cow that's close. Rebounding is soooo tight. The top 5 teams are separated by 50 rebounds!!
As I look at the standings this afternoon, Woo has climbed back into the 950's...while Benny remains at 907. The interesting part is that I am now at 909 points. I've passed Benny in blocks and passed Bangkok in FG% (finally). Big thanks to Pau Gasol who shot 12/13 today. Man, he's been good. He's also top 10 in Tendex for the year.
I noticed too that Bangkok is talking a little trash on the live chat. He's thrown a shot at Juan de Fuca for a futile late season charge and has boldly predicted that he will be on Idaho's ass by the end of the season. Now, Bangkok sits at 629pts and Idaho is at 775pts. That's a big gap to make up. It could be Rick just pulling a little Tuna-like trash talking...you know the kind where you say it -- but you can't possibly think it could happen.
Let's have a look at this Bangkok franchise...one of my favorite by the way. Rick's been around the JBL since 1996 (I'm pretty sure that's the 1st year for Woo and Rick). Bangkok has been middle of the pack all season. That's a pretty common statement about a Bangkok team. One of the greatest things about Rick, when discussing possible trades, is that I know it's serious when I get a phone call from him. And it's really serious, if it's a 3-way call with Woo on the line as well (trying to broker the deal).
So why is this Bangkok team in 6th place??? Well, let's start with the good things. Rick has a knack (or the balls) to draft rookies. It was Bangkok who drafted OJ Mayo and Russell Westbrook this year. Both of those guys have turned to be really good. And Westy will be a one of the Bangkok keepers for sure. At $10 bucks, he's a real bargain.
Rick also paired Chris Bosh with Kevin Garnett this season - hoping for glory. Instead, he got a KG who is more interested about winning than putting up Fantasy stats. And then, the toughest thing to realize is that your prize possession, the one you paid over 60 bucks for, is really only worth about $40! It`s tough to make that realization. That`s the reason that KG is still in Bangkok.
Also, guys like Scola, Miller, and TJ Ford have been solid. Plus, Bangkok has got the best of me this year in the trades department. I gave up Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, and Kevin Love for Elton Brand. Whoops. Brand played 5 games for me before he was out for the year.
Now, unfortunately, Bangkok made a trade with Chilliwack early in the season. He traded away Kevin Durant for Matt Barnes and Al Horford. Both those guys are solid pieces, but KD turned out to be a superstar!! Sometimes you have to make these deals and hope for the best -sometimes it works out, and then sometimes it doesn`t. This one didn`t work out for Bangkok.
This team didn`t have enough ATO or blocks to compete for the title either. He waited too long on the ATO and never addressed the blocks. If Bangkok could hold on to 6th place I`d be really surprised, but the way the JBL standings are changing on a daily basis you just don`t know. I really think Bangkok is destined for a 7th place finish - which means its just 2 keepers for next season. That`s easy in my books. Westbrook and David Lee. End of story.
Today is the trade deadline...a few deals have happened over the last couple of days. I`d like to add some blocks because I think this is a key category versus Benny. It`s a 26 point swing. However, I look at the rebounds and I think that Benny could drop some here - especially if Biedrins is going to be out for any length of time. I have Leon Powe for 4 games next week - but I`m now thinking I should try to get someone else...maybe the dude from Toronto - Pops Mensah-Bonsu - he had 21pts and 8rebs today - but NO blocks. Meanwhile, Powe had 5-6-2 (but fouled out)...so, I`m not sure what to do. I may go after AK47 from Boston - but what would be Trev`s motivation to move AK at this point in the season.
I`d like to maybe grab a guy like Antonio McDyess. He`s starting, he`s averaging 14-15ppg and close to 10rebs as a starter, gets some steals, and some blocks. It might be worth a try. Besides, Tim has been trying forever to get a deal done with me.
Just a quick peak at this afternoon`s games - I notice that Francisco Garcia started today`s game for Sac-town - but is not playing in the 2nd half. Not another injury!! We`ll see. If he was hurt, then I would seriously have to start thinking about dropping Greg Oden or Kenyon Martin to get some healthy bodies. I`ll have to see what`s up. Go Golden Go!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wade-tastic!
OK, enough is enough about 'Flash' - but this is getting a bit ridiculous. Utah in Miami today, a 3 OT thriller. Wade goes for 50 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists (6 TO's), 4 steals, 2 blocks, shoots 19/39 FG, and 4/11 from downtown. Heat win 140-129.
Coming into this game, Wade's tendex over his past 10 games was 44.9. Surely, after a 50 point effort, his tendex will go up again?? He's on quite a role!
Wade's Tendex for the year is 31.4. Looking at the 20 year history of Tendex anything over 30 is amazing. Other greats to achieve over-30 Tendex's include Lebron, KG, Duncan, Shaq, Karl Malone, The Admiral, The Dream, and of course the King himself- Michael Jordan.
The best Tendex of all time?? Try 37.8 for MJ back in 1988/89. He averaged 32.5 PPG, 8 rebs, 8 assists, 234 steals, 65 blocks, and his ATO was 2.241.
KG has had the best Tendex in a season 4 times; Robinson 3 times (likely including the year Reisdorf paid $130 bucks for him and then Big Dave went down for the season with a knee injury); MJ 3 times; and Lebron is on his way to his 3rd time this season.
As impressive as Wade's 31.4 tendex is - that's only good for 3rd best!!! Lebron is 1st at 32.9 and Chris Paul is 31.6. These 3 really are the cream of the crop in Fantasy world. Kobe and D12 are great - but these 3 stand apart.
In our JBL draft this season...7 players went for over $60 bucks. Paul ($76), Lebron ($73), Howard ($69), Kobe ($67), Wade ($64), Garnett ($62), and Dirk ($61). Only one of these players isn't in the top 10 for Tendex ratings. Any guesses? Any guesses Rick? That's right, Garnett. The former Tendex king just barely cracks the top 15.
Poor KG. Poor Rick. He spent all that money on KG and now can't move him. Bangkok was trying to move KG and change to me for Wade...but the numbers really weren't even close. One offer was KG and TJ Ford for Wade...I added KG and TJ's numbers together and in some categories the 2 of them couldn't even match Wade all by himself! Like blocks. KG + TJ equals 76 blocks. Wade has 89 all by himself. Steals. KG+TJ total 129 steals for the year. Wade has 145 all by himself. And scoring. KG + TJ combine to average 31.7 PPG. Wade alone is 29.7. So, it just didn't make sense to move him. The only thing that makes sense is to keep him for $69 bucks. Which I'm pretty sure I will do. But I'll save that announcement for a later date.
Coming into this game, Wade's tendex over his past 10 games was 44.9. Surely, after a 50 point effort, his tendex will go up again?? He's on quite a role!
Wade's Tendex for the year is 31.4. Looking at the 20 year history of Tendex anything over 30 is amazing. Other greats to achieve over-30 Tendex's include Lebron, KG, Duncan, Shaq, Karl Malone, The Admiral, The Dream, and of course the King himself- Michael Jordan.
The best Tendex of all time?? Try 37.8 for MJ back in 1988/89. He averaged 32.5 PPG, 8 rebs, 8 assists, 234 steals, 65 blocks, and his ATO was 2.241.
KG has had the best Tendex in a season 4 times; Robinson 3 times (likely including the year Reisdorf paid $130 bucks for him and then Big Dave went down for the season with a knee injury); MJ 3 times; and Lebron is on his way to his 3rd time this season.
As impressive as Wade's 31.4 tendex is - that's only good for 3rd best!!! Lebron is 1st at 32.9 and Chris Paul is 31.6. These 3 really are the cream of the crop in Fantasy world. Kobe and D12 are great - but these 3 stand apart.
In our JBL draft this season...7 players went for over $60 bucks. Paul ($76), Lebron ($73), Howard ($69), Kobe ($67), Wade ($64), Garnett ($62), and Dirk ($61). Only one of these players isn't in the top 10 for Tendex ratings. Any guesses? Any guesses Rick? That's right, Garnett. The former Tendex king just barely cracks the top 15.
Poor KG. Poor Rick. He spent all that money on KG and now can't move him. Bangkok was trying to move KG and change to me for Wade...but the numbers really weren't even close. One offer was KG and TJ Ford for Wade...I added KG and TJ's numbers together and in some categories the 2 of them couldn't even match Wade all by himself! Like blocks. KG + TJ equals 76 blocks. Wade has 89 all by himself. Steals. KG+TJ total 129 steals for the year. Wade has 145 all by himself. And scoring. KG + TJ combine to average 31.7 PPG. Wade alone is 29.7. So, it just didn't make sense to move him. The only thing that makes sense is to keep him for $69 bucks. Which I'm pretty sure I will do. But I'll save that announcement for a later date.
Saturday morning...
Waking up this morning to check the stats I see that Woo is now at 944. Benny is 892 and I am at 883. As expected, Dildo passed Benny in scoring. However, Mr Pryzbilla's 5 block night helped Benny pass me in blocks. So, the race between Ben and I tightens while Woo is 50+ points ahead.
I also noticed a couple of late night deals. Idaho and Brussels hook up on another trade. Jason Kidd for Gerald Wallace. I guess Tuna realized he wasn't going to catch Trevor in ATO and decided to bring in some more scoring. Timbo gets ATO and 3PT% (hard to believe that Kidd improves his 3PT% - but Kidd is amazing behind the arc this year). Plus, Timbo's rebounding machine can still make the climb in Rebounds. I hope. 62 rebounds separate 1st to 5th in that category. And if Timbo continues his torrid pace. Seoul and Chilliwack could drop 15 points.
Another deal was Arctic trading Daniels/Terry to Bangkok for Billups. Seems like a pretty even deal. Bangkok gets some scoring. Arctic's 3PT% should improve as Billups (and assuming Raja Bell is activated) can heat it up. And maybe Arctic was countering Brussels' ATO move.
Just a couple of days ago I predicted Idaho was good enough for 4th place. Well, with a couple of trades, I'm not sure who is good enough for 4th place. Idaho and Arctic seem to have the best chances because they're in the 70's. But can Brussels, Juan, or Bangkok make the big leap to catch them. I think of those 3 teams that Brussels would have the best chance because he has 60pts in rebounding to move. But is it enough?
One more quick point on J-Kidd. This was the 6th time he has been traded this JBL season. Unreal. So, is he that good? Or does he hurt you that much? For the longest time this season, I would say he hurts you. But, after further review, I would say he helps you - as long as you have lots of scoring!! And since Brussels is last in scoring already - this could be a match made in heaven. But drafting Jason Kidd is an art - you need to counteract for his 9PPG scoring.
I was able to grab Leon Powe off the waiver wire last night for a measley $3 bucks. I think this time of year is a key time to use your waiver bucks to make sure your man games are up there. I know Leon Powe is only good right now because KG is out - but he should be serviceable for one more week.
Who leads the JBL in Fantasy man games? Seoul. 782 games. Why is this important? Because the next most man games is Bangkok at 758. Woo has played 24 more games than Rick; 31 more games than Benny; 38 more games than me; 52 more games than Timmy; 62 more than Idaho; and 69 more than Boston. Think about that for a second. In a given week, let's say your 12 man roster that each guy plays 3 games....that would be 36 games (Math done for Tuna in case he ever reads this). So, it's like Woo got a FREE week while none of the rest of us played in the league. in Trev's case, it's like spotting Woo 2 free weeks.
So, what happened? Why does Woo have so many more man games. #1 reason - dumb luck. He's avoided timely injuries. Sure, he lost Boozer and others for stretches - but he's avoided those injuries that occur on Monday or Tuesday (after you've set your lineup). Nothing like activating a guy for the week, thinking you'll get his 4 man games, only to find out he's out for the week. There goes 4 man games.
#2 reason - Woo manages his team every week (most of us try to as well - he's just been really good at this year). Which means he has a bench with good enough players to sub in every week. I take great pride in usually having a deep bench to be able to deploy this technique as well. However, looking at my bench right now (Oden, Brand, Nelson, and K-Mart) shows you why Woo has played so many more man games than the rest of us.
So, why did I pick up Leon Powe? Because the Celts play 4 games. After this week, I'll likely drop Powe and move on to the next serviceable player with 4 games. No point in saving those Free Agent dollars - they don't carry over! Some teams have close to $100 bucks left - what are they saving it for??? So far this season, there have been 383 add/drops. Awesome.
6 man games tonight - including D-Wade - can he keep up his amazing pace??? And Chris Kaman plays game #2 since November. Maybe he could block some shots for me....probably not.
I also noticed a couple of late night deals. Idaho and Brussels hook up on another trade. Jason Kidd for Gerald Wallace. I guess Tuna realized he wasn't going to catch Trevor in ATO and decided to bring in some more scoring. Timbo gets ATO and 3PT% (hard to believe that Kidd improves his 3PT% - but Kidd is amazing behind the arc this year). Plus, Timbo's rebounding machine can still make the climb in Rebounds. I hope. 62 rebounds separate 1st to 5th in that category. And if Timbo continues his torrid pace. Seoul and Chilliwack could drop 15 points.
Another deal was Arctic trading Daniels/Terry to Bangkok for Billups. Seems like a pretty even deal. Bangkok gets some scoring. Arctic's 3PT% should improve as Billups (and assuming Raja Bell is activated) can heat it up. And maybe Arctic was countering Brussels' ATO move.
Just a couple of days ago I predicted Idaho was good enough for 4th place. Well, with a couple of trades, I'm not sure who is good enough for 4th place. Idaho and Arctic seem to have the best chances because they're in the 70's. But can Brussels, Juan, or Bangkok make the big leap to catch them. I think of those 3 teams that Brussels would have the best chance because he has 60pts in rebounding to move. But is it enough?
One more quick point on J-Kidd. This was the 6th time he has been traded this JBL season. Unreal. So, is he that good? Or does he hurt you that much? For the longest time this season, I would say he hurts you. But, after further review, I would say he helps you - as long as you have lots of scoring!! And since Brussels is last in scoring already - this could be a match made in heaven. But drafting Jason Kidd is an art - you need to counteract for his 9PPG scoring.
I was able to grab Leon Powe off the waiver wire last night for a measley $3 bucks. I think this time of year is a key time to use your waiver bucks to make sure your man games are up there. I know Leon Powe is only good right now because KG is out - but he should be serviceable for one more week.
Who leads the JBL in Fantasy man games? Seoul. 782 games. Why is this important? Because the next most man games is Bangkok at 758. Woo has played 24 more games than Rick; 31 more games than Benny; 38 more games than me; 52 more games than Timmy; 62 more than Idaho; and 69 more than Boston. Think about that for a second. In a given week, let's say your 12 man roster that each guy plays 3 games....that would be 36 games (Math done for Tuna in case he ever reads this). So, it's like Woo got a FREE week while none of the rest of us played in the league. in Trev's case, it's like spotting Woo 2 free weeks.
So, what happened? Why does Woo have so many more man games. #1 reason - dumb luck. He's avoided timely injuries. Sure, he lost Boozer and others for stretches - but he's avoided those injuries that occur on Monday or Tuesday (after you've set your lineup). Nothing like activating a guy for the week, thinking you'll get his 4 man games, only to find out he's out for the week. There goes 4 man games.
#2 reason - Woo manages his team every week (most of us try to as well - he's just been really good at this year). Which means he has a bench with good enough players to sub in every week. I take great pride in usually having a deep bench to be able to deploy this technique as well. However, looking at my bench right now (Oden, Brand, Nelson, and K-Mart) shows you why Woo has played so many more man games than the rest of us.
So, why did I pick up Leon Powe? Because the Celts play 4 games. After this week, I'll likely drop Powe and move on to the next serviceable player with 4 games. No point in saving those Free Agent dollars - they don't carry over! Some teams have close to $100 bucks left - what are they saving it for??? So far this season, there have been 383 add/drops. Awesome.
6 man games tonight - including D-Wade - can he keep up his amazing pace??? And Chris Kaman plays game #2 since November. Maybe he could block some shots for me....probably not.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
HOOPSWORLD
You know how you read basketball chats and sometimes wonder how many questions they get during the session. In all my years, I've never had a question answered (not that I send a lot in). Tonight, I had a few minutes while waiting for Panago to arrive so I logged on to Hoopsworld. I was watching some NBA TV show about the Suns - so I thought - why not throw in a question to Jason Fleming. A few hours later, reading his chat....bingo....there's Johnny's question with a Fleming answer. Go figure.
Here's the link...John from Port Moody, BC gets his Suns questions in about 80% of the way down the chat.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/chat.asp?status=&CHAT_TOPICS_ID=191
Here's the link...John from Port Moody, BC gets his Suns questions in about 80% of the way down the chat.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/chat.asp?status=&CHAT_TOPICS_ID=191
Idaho!
Well, late last night on the scoreboard, Tuna posted that he was getting closer to 1st place in ATO and steals...Tuna's ATO is 1.672 and Seoul's ATO is 1.672 (Tuna is now 2nd - barely). Boston is 1st in ATO at 1.811. Even with Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, and Baron Davis in his backcourt - he will NOT catch Boston. That's my prediction. Wow, reading his backcourt (add in Monta Ellis) and that is impressive!!! Of course, having all of those guys means his forwards/centers are a little weaker...How does Vladimir Radmanovic sound. He comes off the bench in Charlotte!
Now, as for steals, Idaho is now 4th place and is 70 steals behind 1st place Seoul. Again, I'm no mathmatician, but I don't think he can get there. Kudos for the kid believing he can do it- I'm all for positive thoughts - but some realism now again helps.
I like this Idaho team. He's in 4th place now. He's 30 points ahead of Arctic. He's 147 points ahead of the 6th place team. Unless he loses some stars to injuries - I like his chances for 4th place.
He's top 5 in 5/7 categories.
3PT% - 1st
ATO - 2nd
Blocks - 2nd
Steals - 4th
Points - 5th
FG% - 11th
Rebs - 11th
Here in lies his ultimate problem that has been discussed in JBL circles for years. You can win it all while absolutely tanking one category. However, you cannot win it all by tanking it in two cats. So, FG% and rebounds will kill him - but I still believe he'll get 4th.
He has very little room for upward movement now...in fact, I think Dildo will catch him in rebounds (only 5 behind). His FG% isn't going anywhere as he's 45.4 and the next closest is 45.9.
The only place he can go in blocks is down - as he's 45 blocks behind Arctic but only 7 blks in front of Brussels and Timmy's team is huge! So, I would think, Idaho will lose 13 points there.
I think Juan de Fuca will catch Idaho in scoring (Juan will probably catch me too) so Tuna will lose another 20pts there.
I will give Tuna the benefit of the doubt in steals and say he catches me for 3rd place.
So, where does that put Idaho when it's all said and done - here comes the Johnny prediction - I say 4th place with 765 points.
That 4th place finish will give the kid 4 keepers for next season...so who does he have as options??
Monta Ellis for $19 bucks is a no-brainer in my books. As long as he's healthy and in Golden State. How often can you get a 20+ point scorer, who shoots 50+ FG%, and gets over 100 steals. As Woo says, the guy is a punk and now a liar, but bottom line, the guy is a good Fantasy player and is under-valued at 19 dollars.
Ronnie Brewer for $11 bucks. I touched on him in an older blog from a few days ago. I love the guy. Very under-rated. He has 111 steals and there's still 18 games left for the Jazz. Love the kid. Idaho would be nuts to let him walk.
Boris Diaw for $15 bucks. The guy has been reborn since the move to Charlotte. 15-6-5 with 1 steal per game and almost 1 block per game while shooting 49% and 46%. Come on man. Another stud.
How about Al Thornton for $12 bucks? I know Tuna thinks the world of this guy. I'm not quite as high on him but I still think he's worth considering. For starters, he's a 17 and 5 guy for 12 dollars. He's added 56 blocks so far this season as well. The down side - 25% from downtown and a negative ATO. Plus, he's shot 43% from the field this season. Another negative for Al - the kid named Eric Gordon. Al has been the Clips #2 scorer this season behind Zach. That won't continue next year as EG will see an increase for sure. Now, all that being said, to get a positive player who can score 15+ PPG for $12 dollars is always nice.
What will Idaho need to do next season??? If he kept these 4 guys...and looking at his weaknesses this season (FG% and rebounds) - how about drafting Dwight Howard? 21ppg. 14rpg. 3 blocks a game! That's 180 blocks so far! D12 is a top 5 Fantasy player. He's a nightly double-double. Sure, he's gonna cost big bucks. There is one other KEY factor to why D12 is a top Fantasy player. This is his 5th year in the NBA. The guy has NEVER missed a game. He's 6'11 and 265 pounds and has NEVER missed a game. One more time, NEVER missed a game. If Idaho drafted D12 and put him with 4 solid keepers - he could be on his way to a JBL title in 2009/10 - and then the world would end.
I'm anxious to see what happens this season when Idaho beats a lot of teams that never thought it would happen. It's gotta be eatin' Tim and Hildy up inside thinking about the prospects and torture they'll hear about when Tuna beats them. UGH.
So...we'll follow Idaho over the last 33 days of the NBA season and see where he finishes up. Let's see how my powers of prediction turn out on this one.
Now, as for steals, Idaho is now 4th place and is 70 steals behind 1st place Seoul. Again, I'm no mathmatician, but I don't think he can get there. Kudos for the kid believing he can do it- I'm all for positive thoughts - but some realism now again helps.
I like this Idaho team. He's in 4th place now. He's 30 points ahead of Arctic. He's 147 points ahead of the 6th place team. Unless he loses some stars to injuries - I like his chances for 4th place.
He's top 5 in 5/7 categories.
3PT% - 1st
ATO - 2nd
Blocks - 2nd
Steals - 4th
Points - 5th
FG% - 11th
Rebs - 11th
Here in lies his ultimate problem that has been discussed in JBL circles for years. You can win it all while absolutely tanking one category. However, you cannot win it all by tanking it in two cats. So, FG% and rebounds will kill him - but I still believe he'll get 4th.
He has very little room for upward movement now...in fact, I think Dildo will catch him in rebounds (only 5 behind). His FG% isn't going anywhere as he's 45.4 and the next closest is 45.9.
The only place he can go in blocks is down - as he's 45 blocks behind Arctic but only 7 blks in front of Brussels and Timmy's team is huge! So, I would think, Idaho will lose 13 points there.
I think Juan de Fuca will catch Idaho in scoring (Juan will probably catch me too) so Tuna will lose another 20pts there.
I will give Tuna the benefit of the doubt in steals and say he catches me for 3rd place.
So, where does that put Idaho when it's all said and done - here comes the Johnny prediction - I say 4th place with 765 points.
That 4th place finish will give the kid 4 keepers for next season...so who does he have as options??
Monta Ellis for $19 bucks is a no-brainer in my books. As long as he's healthy and in Golden State. How often can you get a 20+ point scorer, who shoots 50+ FG%, and gets over 100 steals. As Woo says, the guy is a punk and now a liar, but bottom line, the guy is a good Fantasy player and is under-valued at 19 dollars.
Ronnie Brewer for $11 bucks. I touched on him in an older blog from a few days ago. I love the guy. Very under-rated. He has 111 steals and there's still 18 games left for the Jazz. Love the kid. Idaho would be nuts to let him walk.
Boris Diaw for $15 bucks. The guy has been reborn since the move to Charlotte. 15-6-5 with 1 steal per game and almost 1 block per game while shooting 49% and 46%. Come on man. Another stud.
How about Al Thornton for $12 bucks? I know Tuna thinks the world of this guy. I'm not quite as high on him but I still think he's worth considering. For starters, he's a 17 and 5 guy for 12 dollars. He's added 56 blocks so far this season as well. The down side - 25% from downtown and a negative ATO. Plus, he's shot 43% from the field this season. Another negative for Al - the kid named Eric Gordon. Al has been the Clips #2 scorer this season behind Zach. That won't continue next year as EG will see an increase for sure. Now, all that being said, to get a positive player who can score 15+ PPG for $12 dollars is always nice.
What will Idaho need to do next season??? If he kept these 4 guys...and looking at his weaknesses this season (FG% and rebounds) - how about drafting Dwight Howard? 21ppg. 14rpg. 3 blocks a game! That's 180 blocks so far! D12 is a top 5 Fantasy player. He's a nightly double-double. Sure, he's gonna cost big bucks. There is one other KEY factor to why D12 is a top Fantasy player. This is his 5th year in the NBA. The guy has NEVER missed a game. He's 6'11 and 265 pounds and has NEVER missed a game. One more time, NEVER missed a game. If Idaho drafted D12 and put him with 4 solid keepers - he could be on his way to a JBL title in 2009/10 - and then the world would end.
I'm anxious to see what happens this season when Idaho beats a lot of teams that never thought it would happen. It's gotta be eatin' Tim and Hildy up inside thinking about the prospects and torture they'll hear about when Tuna beats them. UGH.
So...we'll follow Idaho over the last 33 days of the NBA season and see where he finishes up. Let's see how my powers of prediction turn out on this one.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Phone Call
I got a call from Philly Woo this morning...The first thing he asked was if I was excited. I told him I'm definately 'interested'. The Standings are getting tight. Woo is at 959, Benny at 899, and I am at 896. I don't think it's so much about how many points I can gain (I think I'm pretty much maxed out) - I think it's more about how many points Woo and Benny can lose.
Seoul's 3-point % is dropping.
Idaho will catch Seoul in ATO.
Brussels will catch everone in rebounding (meaning Seoul and Chwk will lose 15pts)
I think Dildo will catch Chwk in scoring (that's 20 points)
Can I catch Seoul in Blocks - cause that's 26 point swing - I am 10 blocks behind and just got Kaman back
Can I catch Bangkok in FG% - he's at 47.86 and I am at 47.79 - so I am close.
Woo's prediction is that 930-950 points will win it all...and I predict that it will come down to the last night. It's just too close to call right now with 5 weeks to go. I know that I will need a lot of help from other teams in order to catch Benny and Woo!
Seoul's 3-point % is dropping.
Idaho will catch Seoul in ATO.
Brussels will catch everone in rebounding (meaning Seoul and Chwk will lose 15pts)
I think Dildo will catch Chwk in scoring (that's 20 points)
Can I catch Seoul in Blocks - cause that's 26 point swing - I am 10 blocks behind and just got Kaman back
Can I catch Bangkok in FG% - he's at 47.86 and I am at 47.79 - so I am close.
Woo's prediction is that 930-950 points will win it all...and I predict that it will come down to the last night. It's just too close to call right now with 5 weeks to go. I know that I will need a lot of help from other teams in order to catch Benny and Woo!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Later the Same Night...
So the Cavs outscore the Clips 35-16 in the 4th quarter and win by 4 (87-83). Typical Clippers.
Kaman played 29 minutes, 3/11FG, 6pts, 4rebs...
just a quick look at the last 28 days in JBL Fantasy Gods...
http://jbl.basketball.cbssports.com/players/do-player-compare/555969:400578:400553/28d:f/tracking
Signing off...
Kaman played 29 minutes, 3/11FG, 6pts, 4rebs...
just a quick look at the last 28 days in JBL Fantasy Gods...
http://jbl.basketball.cbssports.com/players/do-player-compare/555969:400578:400553/28d:f/tracking
Signing off...
Checkin' In
So, I see Kaman has played 13 minutes in the 1st half against the Cavs tonight. He has no points. Well, at least he's playing.
I also see that Jeff Green is having a big night in Oklahoma. Benny offered me Green for Marvin Williams before Christmas. I turned him down. I'm not sure why. It was the classic 'safe' play for the 'great unknown' guy. Marvin is pretty much good for 14 and 6. Green was off to a great start and I wasn't sure if he could keep it up. Well, he has. He's 17 and 7 on the year with good %'s, some steals and blocks. Meanwhile, Marvin hit the crapper and could now be out for the season. I would have been waaaay better off with Green. But I played it safe. I think there is some merit to the age old saying 'the best trades you make are the one's you don't make'. In this case, that's BS.
Dallas is beating Phoenix by 5 in the 3rd quarter right now. I think this is the end of the Phoenix dream of reaching the playoffs in '09. They're a good team - but there are 8 better ones ahead of them. Even with Amare, I'm not sure they would make it. So now what do they do?? They were trying to trade Amare a month ago and apparently they were ready to move Shaq. So now what? Shaq will be 37/38 next season. Nash is my age - so he's 35/36. Grant Hill has got to be 38+. They have no size (although I still think Robin Lopez/Louis Admundson can be better than Scot Pollard's). I just heard tonight that Phoenix and Portland talked about Shaq at the trade deadline. The Blazers wanted Shaq to come in and mentor Oden - apparently the Shazaam wanted no part of this mentorship program. So, Phoenix needs to rebuild. If "Seven Seconds or Less" has any truth in it - Amare needs to be the #1 guy or he pouts. So, either they move Shaq and make Amare the #1 guy or 2009/10 will be the same as this season.
Halftime. Clippers 48, Cavaliers 34. No type-o on my part. Before the season started, I predicted (to Timbo) that the Clips would be in the playoff mix. As it turns out, I was horribly wrong - but their season has been wiped out by injury. I don't like a lot of their talent (Baron drives me crazy; Zach is a disaster; Ricky Davis has been on 14 teams or something like that), but I thought as a group it may work. I had no idea Eric Gordon would be this good. I know Bill Simmons loves the guy and says he's the only reason to go to a Clips game. I know my Fantasy squad will enjoy his services for $10 bucks next year. Thanks French Lick. I had to give up Al Horford to get Gordon - which I thought was a good deal as I was looking for a cheap keeper for 09/10. Horford has been 14 and 10 over his last 10 games so it wasn't like I 'stole' him outta French. Besides, French could only protect 2 players and maybe Gordon was on the outside looking in (I predict Rondo and Mayo are back in French for 09/10).
I see Idaho has 15 steals tonight (5 from Ronnie Brewer). This guy is a severely under-rated player in my books (especially from a Fantasy perspective). He had 104 steals coming into tonight. He shoots 50.5% from the field. His tendex is 14.8. He gets 14ppg. His ATO is good. And Idaho has him for cheap next season. The only thing he doesn't do well is shoot 3's. Oh well. Is Brewer the best 2-guard in Utah since Jeff Hornacek?
And finally tonight, a quick comment on Thabo Sefolosha and the Oklahoma City squad again. First of all, I thought getting Thabo was a great move for the Thunder (should be Sonics). They needed an athletic 2-guard and they got one in this guy (another Ronnie Brewer type?). They have their own big-3 now with KD, Green, and Westbrook - so now they need to add pieces. I like Krstic and Collison as 2 bigs - but they need 1 more good one. I don't mind Earl Watson as a backup. But they are pretty thin after that. Kyle Weaver plays a lot - but I don't know if that's a good thing. At most, they have 7-8 guys who can play in the NBA.
Robert Swift is done. What a bad pick that was!!! Seattle took him 12th in the 2004 draft. Let's see, who was picked behind him???
15. Boston - Al Jefferson
17. Atlanta - Josh Smith
20. Orlando - Jameer Nelson
24. Boston - Delonte West
26. Sacramento - Kevin Martin
Even in the 2nd round there were better players taken (Varejao, Duhon, and Ariza).
Ugh, what a bad pick for the Sonics.
well, I'm still in 3rd with 896 points. Benny has 899. And Woo is at 959 as I sign off...it's gonna be a fight to the finish! Go Golden Go.
I also see that Jeff Green is having a big night in Oklahoma. Benny offered me Green for Marvin Williams before Christmas. I turned him down. I'm not sure why. It was the classic 'safe' play for the 'great unknown' guy. Marvin is pretty much good for 14 and 6. Green was off to a great start and I wasn't sure if he could keep it up. Well, he has. He's 17 and 7 on the year with good %'s, some steals and blocks. Meanwhile, Marvin hit the crapper and could now be out for the season. I would have been waaaay better off with Green. But I played it safe. I think there is some merit to the age old saying 'the best trades you make are the one's you don't make'. In this case, that's BS.
Dallas is beating Phoenix by 5 in the 3rd quarter right now. I think this is the end of the Phoenix dream of reaching the playoffs in '09. They're a good team - but there are 8 better ones ahead of them. Even with Amare, I'm not sure they would make it. So now what do they do?? They were trying to trade Amare a month ago and apparently they were ready to move Shaq. So now what? Shaq will be 37/38 next season. Nash is my age - so he's 35/36. Grant Hill has got to be 38+. They have no size (although I still think Robin Lopez/Louis Admundson can be better than Scot Pollard's). I just heard tonight that Phoenix and Portland talked about Shaq at the trade deadline. The Blazers wanted Shaq to come in and mentor Oden - apparently the Shazaam wanted no part of this mentorship program. So, Phoenix needs to rebuild. If "Seven Seconds or Less" has any truth in it - Amare needs to be the #1 guy or he pouts. So, either they move Shaq and make Amare the #1 guy or 2009/10 will be the same as this season.
Halftime. Clippers 48, Cavaliers 34. No type-o on my part. Before the season started, I predicted (to Timbo) that the Clips would be in the playoff mix. As it turns out, I was horribly wrong - but their season has been wiped out by injury. I don't like a lot of their talent (Baron drives me crazy; Zach is a disaster; Ricky Davis has been on 14 teams or something like that), but I thought as a group it may work. I had no idea Eric Gordon would be this good. I know Bill Simmons loves the guy and says he's the only reason to go to a Clips game. I know my Fantasy squad will enjoy his services for $10 bucks next year. Thanks French Lick. I had to give up Al Horford to get Gordon - which I thought was a good deal as I was looking for a cheap keeper for 09/10. Horford has been 14 and 10 over his last 10 games so it wasn't like I 'stole' him outta French. Besides, French could only protect 2 players and maybe Gordon was on the outside looking in (I predict Rondo and Mayo are back in French for 09/10).
I see Idaho has 15 steals tonight (5 from Ronnie Brewer). This guy is a severely under-rated player in my books (especially from a Fantasy perspective). He had 104 steals coming into tonight. He shoots 50.5% from the field. His tendex is 14.8. He gets 14ppg. His ATO is good. And Idaho has him for cheap next season. The only thing he doesn't do well is shoot 3's. Oh well. Is Brewer the best 2-guard in Utah since Jeff Hornacek?
And finally tonight, a quick comment on Thabo Sefolosha and the Oklahoma City squad again. First of all, I thought getting Thabo was a great move for the Thunder (should be Sonics). They needed an athletic 2-guard and they got one in this guy (another Ronnie Brewer type?). They have their own big-3 now with KD, Green, and Westbrook - so now they need to add pieces. I like Krstic and Collison as 2 bigs - but they need 1 more good one. I don't mind Earl Watson as a backup. But they are pretty thin after that. Kyle Weaver plays a lot - but I don't know if that's a good thing. At most, they have 7-8 guys who can play in the NBA.
Robert Swift is done. What a bad pick that was!!! Seattle took him 12th in the 2004 draft. Let's see, who was picked behind him???
15. Boston - Al Jefferson
17. Atlanta - Josh Smith
20. Orlando - Jameer Nelson
24. Boston - Delonte West
26. Sacramento - Kevin Martin
Even in the 2nd round there were better players taken (Varejao, Duhon, and Ariza).
Ugh, what a bad pick for the Sonics.
well, I'm still in 3rd with 896 points. Benny has 899. And Woo is at 959 as I sign off...it's gonna be a fight to the finish! Go Golden Go.
D-Wade Tendex
Ok, I checked Dougs this morning and D-Wade's tendex over his last 10 games is now at 44.4 after last night's performance. Unreal.
So, I'm about 30 minutes away from seeing if Chris Kaman returns to the court tonight. Apparently Zach won't play so Kaman could get 20-25 minutes...what I wouldn't give for 2-3 blocks!
We'll see.
So, I'm about 30 minutes away from seeing if Chris Kaman returns to the court tonight. Apparently Zach won't play so Kaman could get 20-25 minutes...what I wouldn't give for 2-3 blocks!
We'll see.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tendex
Oh, and just one more thing today...D-Wade's tendex was 42.9 in his last 10 games before tonight's 48 point, 12 assist, 4 stl, 3blk, 5/6 downtown performance...what will it be after that????
Random Thoughts
So today I find out that Chris Kaman is returning from his injury. He's been out since November 15th or something like that. He's missed 50 games? Unreal. First of all, if you're the Clippers, why is he coming back?? Why not tank the rest of the season and try to get a high draft pick? Then, in the summer, unload either Zach, Marcus, or Kaman and Baron and rebuild? Anyways, I'm shocked to hear that Kaman is returning - but I am anxious to see what he does - considering I activated him in my lineup this week. They say he's expected to play 20 mins on Tuesday...well, that's better than nothing I guess. And I thought I didn't have anyone else to play anyways....
That was because I read that K-Mart would be out due to back trouble - then see that the guy is playing tonight against Houston! What? How could a news outlet be wrong? Disappointing as I would have rather played him than Kaman this week.
Ok, I just watched the Bulls and Heat play 2 overtimes with the Heat winning 130-127. Chicago had the ball with 10 seconds to go, game tied. So what happens, Wade steals the ball (his 4th of the night) at his own foul line with about 4 secs to go...then sprints across center and off of one foot throws up a 3-pointer that swishes as time expires. Seriously, Ryan and I watched this game from the 4th quarter on and it was incredible. Don't get me wrong, neither team is winning an NBA title anytime soon, but man it was exciting!
Here is D-Wade's line for the night...
50 minutes, 15/21 FG, 5/6 3PT, 13/18 FT, 6 rebs, 12 assists (5 TO), 4 steals, 3 blks, 48pts
Just a minute, I need to read that line again. The guy was amazing. He has all of his quickness back as he was blowing by the 20-something Derrick Rose like he was standing still. Simply put, D-Wade will be back in Golden next season. $69 bucks is nothing for what this guy can do.
Now, the rest of Miami is dreadful...although Jamario Moon was impressive. But they have too many guys that just don't cut the mustard. JO didn't even play the OT periods. Haslem missed a dunk and Beasley doesn't know what the word 'defense' even means.
Moving on to Greg Oden and the news around him today. They now say he may be out for the rest of the season. I'm not surprised really. They say he has bone chips in his knee. I mean, do the bone chips go away by themselves? No. Do they disappear? No. So how does one get rid of bone chips? I'm guessing surgery. So of course he's out for the year. He's been soooo disappointing for me this season. I drafted him in 2007 for $5 bucks and he rode my IR all season. I protected him for $10 bucks and thought he would be a serviceable 2nd center with Kaman. Man, was I wrong. Oden's missed 16 games and counting while Kaman has missed 48 games. Not what I was hoping for. I was actually thinking of keeping Oden for next season (for $15 bucks) because I felt like he deserved another chance and he was a Blazer. Now, I'm thinking I drop him and pick up a guy like Darius Songalia. How the mighty Oden has fallen.
Also, it's Tuna's 23rd birthday this week and the ribbing is just getting going. Crikker posted a funny poll about Tuna's nuts. Priceless. I'm sure Benny and Timbo will chime in here soon as well. Should be some funny stuff.
And finally today, I see that my squad is at 896, Benny is at 899 and Woo is 944. With some breaks and bounces...I could actually still win this thing. It would take some devine intervention...but it's not out of the realm of possibilities. Weird. A few weeks ago I thought I didn't have enough to hold off Idaho for 3rd, now, I'm thinking I could win it? Gotta love the JBL. I can't wait for the Woo call tomorrow with his analysis of how it can be done. 6 weeks to go and I still have a chance. Love it.
That was because I read that K-Mart would be out due to back trouble - then see that the guy is playing tonight against Houston! What? How could a news outlet be wrong? Disappointing as I would have rather played him than Kaman this week.
Ok, I just watched the Bulls and Heat play 2 overtimes with the Heat winning 130-127. Chicago had the ball with 10 seconds to go, game tied. So what happens, Wade steals the ball (his 4th of the night) at his own foul line with about 4 secs to go...then sprints across center and off of one foot throws up a 3-pointer that swishes as time expires. Seriously, Ryan and I watched this game from the 4th quarter on and it was incredible. Don't get me wrong, neither team is winning an NBA title anytime soon, but man it was exciting!
Here is D-Wade's line for the night...
50 minutes, 15/21 FG, 5/6 3PT, 13/18 FT, 6 rebs, 12 assists (5 TO), 4 steals, 3 blks, 48pts
Just a minute, I need to read that line again. The guy was amazing. He has all of his quickness back as he was blowing by the 20-something Derrick Rose like he was standing still. Simply put, D-Wade will be back in Golden next season. $69 bucks is nothing for what this guy can do.
Now, the rest of Miami is dreadful...although Jamario Moon was impressive. But they have too many guys that just don't cut the mustard. JO didn't even play the OT periods. Haslem missed a dunk and Beasley doesn't know what the word 'defense' even means.
Moving on to Greg Oden and the news around him today. They now say he may be out for the rest of the season. I'm not surprised really. They say he has bone chips in his knee. I mean, do the bone chips go away by themselves? No. Do they disappear? No. So how does one get rid of bone chips? I'm guessing surgery. So of course he's out for the year. He's been soooo disappointing for me this season. I drafted him in 2007 for $5 bucks and he rode my IR all season. I protected him for $10 bucks and thought he would be a serviceable 2nd center with Kaman. Man, was I wrong. Oden's missed 16 games and counting while Kaman has missed 48 games. Not what I was hoping for. I was actually thinking of keeping Oden for next season (for $15 bucks) because I felt like he deserved another chance and he was a Blazer. Now, I'm thinking I drop him and pick up a guy like Darius Songalia. How the mighty Oden has fallen.
Also, it's Tuna's 23rd birthday this week and the ribbing is just getting going. Crikker posted a funny poll about Tuna's nuts. Priceless. I'm sure Benny and Timbo will chime in here soon as well. Should be some funny stuff.
And finally today, I see that my squad is at 896, Benny is at 899 and Woo is 944. With some breaks and bounces...I could actually still win this thing. It would take some devine intervention...but it's not out of the realm of possibilities. Weird. A few weeks ago I thought I didn't have enough to hold off Idaho for 3rd, now, I'm thinking I could win it? Gotta love the JBL. I can't wait for the Woo call tomorrow with his analysis of how it can be done. 6 weeks to go and I still have a chance. Love it.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Preserving the JBL Legacy
Well, after 18 years, I figured it was time to start preserving the wonderful world and memories of the JBL. It all began in 1991 after graduating high school. Fantasy Sports were just starting up really and it was mostly NFL and NHL pools that everyone signed up for. But why not basketball pools? Maybe it was because we didn't have our own NBA franchise? Maybe it was because Steve Nash hadn't taken center stage yet? But for me, a person who didn't even play high school basketball, I always wanted to start a Fantasy Basketball League. And so I did.
It was small initially. Only 4 teams. But it has grown since then. I think there have been approximately 25 guys that have come (and gone) through the league. We currently have 12 owners. It's a fun league. Some guys are crazy passionate for it; some do it because they just love doing Fantasy pools. I love it. From October to April - there isn't a day that goes by where I haven't gone online and looked at the site, my team, or some related b-ball site. Now, in my mid-30's, I am still as passionate about the JBL as I was when I started it.
I'm creating this blog because there are many days that something occurs in the JBL that is worth mentioning. Worth saving to re-live down the road. A bad trade offer. A funny comment. A road trip to Portland with your 3 buddies. All worth saving! And so it begins...another chapter in the JBL Legacy
It was small initially. Only 4 teams. But it has grown since then. I think there have been approximately 25 guys that have come (and gone) through the league. We currently have 12 owners. It's a fun league. Some guys are crazy passionate for it; some do it because they just love doing Fantasy pools. I love it. From October to April - there isn't a day that goes by where I haven't gone online and looked at the site, my team, or some related b-ball site. Now, in my mid-30's, I am still as passionate about the JBL as I was when I started it.
I'm creating this blog because there are many days that something occurs in the JBL that is worth mentioning. Worth saving to re-live down the road. A bad trade offer. A funny comment. A road trip to Portland with your 3 buddies. All worth saving! And so it begins...another chapter in the JBL Legacy
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