Surprise!! It's Week 5 in the JBL

OK, here we are for another week of all things JBL.

Week 5 has been a roller coaster for some teams so far. Idaho is up +133 points while Brussels is down -61 points so far this week (as of Thursday morning). Maui still leads the way despite not having Embiid for the last week and half and the Ribs also just lost Evan Mobley for 2-4 weeks so we will see how the Maui depth holds up.

As mentioned in my last chronicle, I wanted to do a quick review of the most surprising players (good or bad) from each JBL team so far this season. I know it’s only been 4.5 weeks but there are some really surprising numbers and performances so far this season. So, without further delay, I will dive in to my 5 for week 5 surprise lists. (I will mostly be using JBL Fantasy numbers here – not NBA overall)

 Arctic

-          Tyler Herro has been good, really good. First in Bangkok and he’s carried that on to Arctic. In the 6 games in the frozen tundra, he’s averaged 22ppg.

-          Tyrese Maxey was claimed from Brussels and he’s put up 18ppg and 5ast while shooting 54% and 47% in Arctic.  Good scoop.

-          Patty Mills went from Kyrie’s backup to playing 25mpg, scoring 11ppg and a scorching 48% from downtown

-          Kyle Kuzma is fantasy relevant again? 14 and 9 with some stocks? OK, the shooting isn’t great but Kooz is doing very well in Washington.

-          And why does Arctic continue to roll out Blake Griffin. While his play (4ppg and 4reb) in Arctic/Brooklyn doesn’t surprise me – the fact he’s still on a JBL roster sure does.

 

Bangkok

-          The Kok is on the rise (surprise!). He’s on pace for a top 5 finish now and there are bunch of guys exceeding what most expected from them

-          Dejounte is now the face of the Spurs. His 19ppg, 8reb, 8ast with 2 steals and 46% shooting is very impressive

-          I didn’t expect Scottie Barnes to be this good – 16ppg and 8reb with 51% shooting

-          RJ Barrett is a surprising disappointment so far. Only 15ppg on 40/32. I was expecting the Knicks and RJ to be better

-          Wendell Carter Jr shooting 3’s at 44.8% clip? Ya, none of us saw that one coming.

 

Bellingham

-          No Kyrie and James Harden is ONLY averaging 20/7/8. I thought those numbers would be higher.

-          Cole Anthony – come on kid – no one saw 20 ppg, 7 reb, 6 ast, 1.2 steals, and 37% from downtown coming. He won’t win it but those are MIP numbers

-          Chris Boucher’s inability to convince Nick Nurse to play him more is surprising. Ham protected him but Boucher hasn’t been able to produce any meaningful fantasy numbers so far

-          Jarrett Allen’s numbers of 14/11 and 69% shooting are expected but it’s been his ability to mesh perfectly with Evan Mobley that’s surprised me the most. The new twin-towers are fun to watch.

-          I’m surprised that Thad Young is still in San Antonio. The Spurs never announced his arrival but he’s played well in minimal minutes. How much longer before he gets moved?

 

Brussels

-          The most surprising thing in Brussels is his place in the JBL standings. I certainly didn’t see this coming. Even without Ben Simmons, I thought this team would be better

-          OG’s play in TO has been better than I expected. 20ppg, 5reb, 1.5stls, and 36.6% from downtown with decent ATO and even some blocks. He’s taken a big leap here. But now an injury? Oh oh.

-          I thought Christian Wood would be better than this. 16 and 11 is nice and all but I thought on this really bad Houston team that he would push over 20+ppg easy.

-          Daniel Gafford was projected to be a breakout star. His $33 dollar JBL salary tells me others felt the same way (or was it Norfolk trying to spend his cash?).

-          Ricky Rubio, who only recently joined Brussels, and because of Sexton’s injury, has been amazing this season. The %’s have never been great but he’s scoring, rebounding, passing and stealing.

 

Cali

-          Lu Dort didn’t like it in Brussels but since he’s joined the international boys in Cali he’s been on fire. In 7 games he’s put up 22ppg and shot 52%. Way above his usual averages.

-          I expected more from Evan Fournier. He’s in Thibs dog house now and is only averaging 12ppg for Cali.

-          Aleksej Pokusevski is a surprising disappointment. Look, my bar wasn’t very high for this kid, but he’s still underwhelmed. Is he a big-time prospect or just a 7 foot unicorn who runs around and jacks bad shots?

-          Timelord was projected to be a major fantasy asset this season and he’s living up the billing. 10ppg, 9reb, 73% shooting, with 37 stocks in 13 games. 

-          While he’s just a role player, Deni Avdija’s 13 blocks have been a surprise. He’s been raved about as a + defender so let’s see if he can keep it up over the season

 

Chilliwack

-          We all knew Ja Morant was good – but did we know he was this good? 26ppg, 6reb, 49/38%, 1.6 steals (most impressive). A star is born. Get your MIP tickets now. 

-          Harrison Barnes is off to a wonderful start. Did anyone predict he would be averaging 20ppg for Sactown? No, you didn’t. Throw in good %’s (49/42) and 8 rebounds and 15 steals and he’s been a complete surprise.

-          Lord Covington has not done much in Portland’s new offense. Just 7ppg and 5 reb. There are some stocks and decent 3PT% but I know I’m shocked he hasn’t done a bit more.

-          I’m surprised the Wack is shooting 36.1% from downtown. With guys like Westbrook, Jerami Grant, Tate, and others – how is he achieving this number? Must be his ownership style.

-          And I have to of course mention Carmelo. I didn’t think he’d be averaging 15ppg and shooting 47/44. And he also has 26 stocks in 16 games. Come on man. Turn back the clock Melo.

 

French Lick

-          While Jayson Tatum’s overall numbers look good (24ppg, 8reb) – his percentages are shocking – just 39% and 32%. I’m sure those will improve over the course of the year.

-          My title favourites have already lost time from Jaylen Brown, LeBron and Tobi Harris. Despite these man games lost – French is still in the 800’s and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them catapult up the rankings when everyone is healthy.

-          We all know about Mitchell Robinson’s potential and that he’s probably not reaching it (for French anyways) – but did you know he’s shooting 81.6% on the year? Umm, ya, that helps the FG%.

-          I know I shouldn’t be surprised but CP3 is still healthy and putting up 14ppg and 10+ assists per game and almost 2.5 steals. Ageless wonder.

-          15ppg. 52% shooting and 47% from downtown. Surprised to learn those are Seth Curry’s numbers?

 

Golden

-          I’d love to say I knew Miles Bridges would be averaging 21 and 7 with 38 stocks in 16 games. I didn’t. But I’m happy he is.

-          I’m surprised how well my FA signings have done so far. Brunson, Caruso, Allen and Beverley all appear to be serviceable for now.

-          Middleton and Ingram, thru Covid protocols and injury, have both been disappointing so far. Middleton is shooting 26% from downtown and Ingram has just 2 steals in 9 NBA games.

-          Darius Garland is averaging 17ppg, 6ast, and 1.4 steals while shooting 46/38 so he’s off to a very nice start to the season

-          Much like Gafford in Brussels, Isaiah Stewart’s performance, after being drafted for $33 bucks, has been extremely disappointing. Just 8ppg, 7reb, and 1.3 blocks.

 

Idaho

-          Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that Idaho has already employed 27 players on his roster this season.

-          Gobert has upped his rebounding to over 15reb per game and is shooting 70%. Should we just give him another DPOY award now?

-          Bazley must have photos of JBL owners to stay employed for this long. 38% shooting and 33% from behind the arc and negative ATO. Yet it’s those once in awhile games of 20 points and 5 blocks that keeps him rostered

-          Since Idaho traded away JJJ, Porzingis, Kemba, Giddey and Duarte for Trae and Lillard – he’s gained 200+ points in the standings. Crazy? Like a fox maybe.

-          We will surely see Idaho approach 50 players in Idaho by the end of the year. And I’m here for that!

 

Juan de Fuca

-          Franz Wagner has maybe been the most surprising rookie so far. He’s starting and putting up over 13ppg. He’s shooting well, getting steals, and playing big minutes.

-          After last year, I’m surprised to see Whiteside back on the fantasy radar. He’s in the perfect spot backing up Gobert as they play similar styles. He’s at 7 and 7, shooting 59% and blocking shots. Considering I paid $33 for Stewart to give me those exact same numbers – Whiteside for $1 was a good deal.

-          Bobby Portis has taken full advantage of no Brook Lopez in Milwaukee. He’s up to 15ppg and 6reb with 51% shooting.

-          Collin Sexton and Michael Porter Jr have both been surprisingly disappointing. Mostly due to injuries but MPJ was especially poor.

-          Nic Batum has been a pleasant surprise for the Clippers and for Juan. I thought he was turning into another Boris Diaw but Batum has averaged 10ppg, 5reb, with 26 stocks in 13 games. Well done mon ami.

 

Maui

-          Where to begin with the Ribs? How about just that they are in 1^st place? How about they’ve been there pretty much since the start of the season? How about the fact that Trev has never won a JBL title?

-          The rookie draft picks – LaMelo and Mobley – appear to be stars. Already. Melo is 19ppg, 7reb, 7ast, 2 steals. 38% from deep. He’s fun to watch. A fantasy monster already. Mobley is 14ppg, 8reb, shooting 49% with 37 stocks in 15 games. They are both just 20 years old.

-          And did you really expect DeMar DeRozan to be leading the Bulls in scoring at 26ppg? He’s been amazing. And how about old-timer Draymond getting his mojo back and putting up across the board fantasy numbers?

-          Despite Maui’s early success, they really haven’t got much from their biggest ticket item – Joel Embiid. He’s only played 9 games and he’s only at 21 and 9 (remember he was 29 and 10 last season).

-          And while they’ve tailed off recently, the early week performances from Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton was outstanding.

 

Norfolk

-          Some might think that averaging 23-5-5 is really quite good – but when it’s Bradley Beal – I expected more. He’s only shooting 41/28 and I was expecting closer to 30ppg. A surprising disappointment early on.

-          Andre Drummond, for $21 bucks? Come on. That’s what I was thinking during the auction. I didn’t think he’d be putting up 7-11 with 33 stocks in 14 games. He’s been very good in Philly.

-          Ignoring the fact that Larry Nance went for $27 on draft night – even if he went for $1 dollar I think we all expected more than 7 & 5.

-          I’m really surprised how well Cedi Osman is playing in Cleveland. He’s just a role player but I think some thought he might not have a role at all on that team. 

-          As I mentioned in an earlier Chronicle, I wasn’t sure that Montrezl Harrell was worth the $30 dollars to be a keeper. Again, I was wrong. Man is a beast. 18ppg, 8reb, 64% shooting and 1 block a game. Monster.

 

Seoul

-          If you told me that Mo Bamba would be a better fantasy contributor than Clint Capela at this stage I would have laughed at you. But Big Mo is doing his thing with 48 stocks to Capela’s 33. Sure, his %’s aren’t as good as Clint’s but he’s exceeded my expectations so far this season.

-          So if Bamba has been the pleasant surprise that means Capela is the “WTH is going on” kind. Last year Clint was keeping company with Mr. Gobert but this season Clint is 11-11 with 1.2 blocks. He’s coming on as of late, but for $59 bucks I’m sure Seoul expected much, much more.

-          Did anyone think Gary Trent Jr would be the #3 steals man in the entire NBA? No, me neither.

-          Scary Terry must now refer to this shooting percentages cause 39% and 27% is very scary.

-          Another ageless wonder has been Jimmy Buckets. 24-6-5 while shooting 53% and getting 28 stocks in 12 games. How does he do it?? I think we all know the secret…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoskJPDbXR0

 

Vancouver

-          The surprising Jizzlies must be loving the Zion-less Pelicans since Jonas Valunciunas is tearing up the league. He’s at 19-13 while shooting 51% from the field and 16/29 (55%) from downtown. Throw in a block per game and Jonas is having likely his best year ever

-          As good as Jonas has been, Vucevic has struggled scoring big time. He’s averaging just 13ppg and shooting under 40% from the field and just 26% from deep. Now he’s out due to Covid protocols. A poor start for the big man.

-          Devin Vassell has been a nice Free Agent find. He’s averaged almost 14ppg in Vancouver on 51/45 shooting.

-          It’s still early but the #1 pick Cade Cunningham is off to a surprisingly slow start considering some of the successes we’ve seen from other rookies. It’s a long season though and Cade is showing some signs of his potential recently.

-          I know there are a lot of mouths to feed in Atlanta but considering the contract they signed him to, I would think ATL would want more than 12ppg from Bogdanovic. Let’s see how this plays out over the season.

 

OK Gents – that’s it for this week. Enjoy the rest of week 5 in the JBL and we’ll catch you next week.