Yes, I am close to releasing my 1st edition of the offseason power rankings. I've just about got them sorted out - based on an owner's overall history, past 5 years, past 3 years, last season, owner activity in FA's and trades, and potential keepers. So, I'm close. For the 3 of you loyal readers - it's coming.
But for tonight, while I sit at home and watch Game #1 of the Canucks vs. Predators, I thought I'd take an opportunity to go over some NBA players that I just don't like to have on my fantasy team. Most of these guys could be really good in a couple of categories but they end up killing you in others. My long list over the last 20 years even includes the likes of Allen Iverson, Ron Artest, Gilbert Arenas and others. These are the guys who you have to plan around to make up for their deficiencies. For example, if you were going to have a crummy shooter like Iverson on your team you better make sure you have someone with great FG% to make up for his crappy FG%...
Anyways, here are some of my favorite (or is it least favorite) of these guys from last year.
Stephen Jackson - sorry, I'm just not a fan. I like his ability to score close to 20ppg but his %'s suck. Last year he shot 41% and 33% while taking a tonne of 3-pointers. Those numbers can't be good for your overall %'s. He used to be great for 120+ steals but managed just 80 last year. He's getting older and is becoming a more of an injury risk. So, S-Jax, you can ply your trade somewhere else in the JBL next season.
Corey Maggette - I've never been a fan of this ball hog. Even when he was in Golden State and was allowed to jack up shots all the time. Last year in Milwaukee, in 67 games, he managed 21 steals! Wow, nice work Corey. Sorry, but he doesn't do enough to help your fantasy team when he isn't scoring 20+ points per game. Last year, in Scott Skiles system, where no one knows how many minutes they are going to play on nightly basis, Maggette became an afterthought. No thanks Corey, I'll pass.
Charlie Villenueva - why on earth did Joe Dumars sign this guy to a big contract? And if you signed him for all that money, why wouldn't you play him? Charlie V has become nothing more than 5th forward on your fantasy team who is probably better left to be picked up as a FA rather than drafted on Auction night. He does nothing particularly well and is really average across the board. As long as you know what you're getting with Chuck - an average player who will be great one night and disappear the next then you'll never be disappointed. For me, I'll let someone else take Charlie V.
Ben Gordon - gee, I hate to pick on Joe D's FA signings but Ben Gordon, since his departure form the Bulls, has become a complete fantasy afterthought. Now, that could change if he ever starts at SG in Detroit. However, last year, in 82 games, his Tendex was 9.1. That's ridiculous for anyone who understands how Tendex works. At least Gordon can help you in 3PT% but he doesn't do much else. He wasn't much better in Chicago, but at least he was 20ppg plus that good 3PT%. Now, in Motown, he averages 11ppg and does little else. I'd consider him if he was going to start, but in his current role as 6th man in Detroit, I'll pass.
Nick Young - Mr. Young is a very good basketball player and does deserve a place on your fantasy roster. But you know what, I want more from the guys who play in Golden. Young can score and shoots decent but does little else to help your fantasy squad. Did you know in 65 games last season he had 75 assists. Really? 75 assists for a shooting guard?? Channing Frye, Anthony Tolliver, and Manny Harris had more assists. He's not going to help you in FG%, ATO, steals, blocks or rebounds so he's really just there to score and shoot 3's. Would I draft him - yes. Would I "target" him as a player I really wanted for my team - absolutely not. If he ends up in Golden next season it's because he's going for cheap.
Aaron Brooks - I add him to this list because he burned me this past season. Now, he's in PHX behind Nash and he seems to have forgotten how to shoot. So, he's banned!
So there you have it - a short list of players that I just don't have any time for when it comes to planning my JBL draft. No matter where I am for this year's Auction - I promise to spend all of my allotted $260 bucks. I will be better prepared this season - just in case I start drinking at 10am again prior to the draft. Golden revival coming in 2011/12.
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