The season of feverish NBA fantasy drafts is over, for the most part, and now the post draft hangovers come crashing home. Boy, did those Mai Tai’s go down smooth! So smoothly, that you look at your team in the harsh light of day, and beyond the first couple of picks, you’re filled with regret. Taking Bismack Biyombo in the 5th round? For shame, good reader, for shame!
Well, like the preacher said, I’m here to tell you the good news – All is not lost! There are some gems to be found on the waiver, and I’m here to help you find them. And if Rapscallions like JB have taught us anything, it’s that many “day-after” regrets can be cured with some quick thinking and a shot of penicillin.
Buy:
Andrew Nicholson PF
JB mentioned Drew in his season opening art-neuveau piece, but I will respectfully disagree with the boss. He said don’t rush to get him. I say don’t run, act cool, continue walking with your gangsta limp, but proceed with purpose to the waiver to collect this cat. This is a Buy/Sell article, so presumably, you have someone you don’t want to keep, and are looking to upgrade. Nicholson is going to produce in the short term, with Big Baby and Tobias Harris both sidelined for now. He’s owned in only 5% (a Nichol?? sorry, sorry) of Yahoo leagues, he’s a big who shoots the 3 occasionally, gets boards and points, and we should expect a high shooting percentage.
Shane Battier SG, SF
If you ever read any of my articles last year, you’re aware that I’m a big admirer of long balls. I spend a lot of time in the YMCA steam room on seniors day, if you’re picking up what I’m laying down. Shane, at the time of writing this article, is only owned in 9% of Yahoo leagues, went 4-4 from downtown on opening night, and led the league in 3pt made from the corner last year. He’s not going to give you much beyond points and 3pt, a few boards, dimes and steals, but if your team is lacking in testicular longitude, you could do worse.
Chris Kaman PF, C
When the Lakers lost Howard to free agency, I said good riddance, bon voyage, and two can play at that game, and several other pearls of wisdom my Grandpa used to say. Because I knew Mitch Kupchak would have the last laugh. And laugh he did, when he signed the other German national basketball star, Chris Kaman. He isn’t exactly athletic, or graceful, or even German, but if you lack depth at the 4/5, he can fill in in a pinch, and he’s only owned in 52% of leagues. He got 10 pts, 8 boards, a steal and 2 blocks in his first game, so suck on that, Dwight!
Lance Stephenson SG
I don’t know what to think here. He put up terrific numbers in his first game against a woeful Magic squad, but 19 points, 2 3pts made, 7 boards, 5 assists and a block is a fantastic statline, especially for a SG. I can’t see this level of production continuing, but maybe keep an eye on him, and ride him while he’s hot.
Xavier Henry SG, SF
I know what you’re about to say: JB has mentioned him already. But where JB goes for style, I give you substance. With Kobe out, and D’Antoni saying the Mamba is at least 3 weeks away, Xavier should get some burn at the 2 spot. He got 22 points 6 boards, 2 assists, 3 3pts and a steal in 26 minutes of play in his first game. When Bryant comes back, I doubt he’ll have fantasy value, but for now, he’s a better option than an injured Lou Williams, say. Just remember that X is hot, but could cool just as quickly.
Sell:
I would show quite the personal bias if I listed any sells of significance here, as I have only seen 2 days worth of NBA games, and nobody should be on the block after 1-2 outings. That said, if you have some of the following players, I would keep a close eye on them, to see how their situations unfold.
Andrea Barngnani PF, C
It seems Bargs has been relegated to the bench, with the artist formerly known as Ron Artest getting the start. Due to an underwhelming pre-season, Andrea has to come earn his minutes. That said, with JR dealing with a suspension for the first 6 games or so, he may play his way back into Coach Woodson’s good books. It would really help his game if he plays the majority of his game with Melo drawing all the defensive attention.
Danilo Gallinari SF
Just for the record, I love Italy and Italians, no bias here. But Danilo is going to be out until at least Christmas, possibly longer, so it depends on whether you can afford to burn a roster spot for that long.
Nerlens Noel PF, C
Many analysts predicted that this kid had the most upside in the whole draft, but there were injury concerns. And they were right to be worried. He will be out for the season, due to surgery. He is a freak athlete, possibly the best shot blocker in years. He will no doubt be a contributor, perhaps a star, somewhere down the line, but even in a keeper league, is he worth burning a roster spot all season? I would submit that you could drop him now, and pick him up in March or April, and thereby free up a roster spot for the lion’s share of the season.
Ok kids, that’s it for now, I hope you enjoy the games, I for one am really looking forward to the season.
Holla!
