The Sixers had to have been impressed by the performance of Jason Richardson last night, where he did what the Knicks deep threat couldn’t (more on that later) and scored 6 of 12 from downtown, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block. That’s a high caliber game. That’s the kind of game that walks up to you on the beach and kicks sand on you. That’s the kind of game that parks in a fire lane because it just doesn’t care about society. Here’s what else went on in the NBA preseason…
…right after these messages. Do you love fantasy basketball? Do you like to play fantasy basketball? You should join the Razzball Commenter League, now with one league having already drafted. I hear it went well, everyone had a lot of fun, and there will be a write-up about it soon. Until then, here’s some more recaps:
Steve Novak - He took a flurry of shots from behind the arc, nine in fact. How many did he hit? I’m glad you asked. He hit 2 of them. Add that to 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist and this is why you DON’T want to own Novak.
Carmelo Anthony - He also stunk from downtown, hitting a mere 2 of 8, but he also had 23 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a block. That’s why you want to own him, despite the terrible FG% last night.
Monta Ellis – How do you become super enticing for fantasy drafts? Post 26 points, 2 of 3 three pointers, 5 assists, and 1 block.
Brandon Jennings – If you get farted on by Tahiry, is that good or bad? Here’s another question, if Brandon Jennings scores 6 points on 3 of 15 shooting but works 10 assists and a steal, is that good or bad? I wish J.R. Smith was around to answer these for us.
Samuel Dalembert – Defense: 11 rebounds, 2 blocks.
Michael Dunleavy – He had an upper echelon game, going for 21 points, 3 threes, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Jonas Valanciunas – It’s hard to ignore a guy that can give you 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Let us never speak of him again. Argh, I can’t, it’s too hard!
DeMar DeRozan – He DeManded respect with 15 points and 6 assists.
Tyson Chandler – 9 points, 11 rebounds, no blocks. It’s just another chapter in The Story of Chandler, written by Tyson.
Jason Kidd – He played nearly 24 minutes and produced 3 points, 1 three, 4 assists, and 1 steal. That sucks.
Lavoy Allen – 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block at Center.
Elton Brand – With Dirk Nowitzki out until late November (read that as “early December”), it’s interesting to see who steps up. Brand had 9 points, 4 rebounds and no blocks. Seems like a step down.
Jae Crowder – Crowder was given the chance to start and went over 30 minutes for 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a block. You’d expect more over 30 minutes, but it also explains why he’s third on the depth chart.
Rodrigue Beaubois – Here comes Honey Beau Beau: 12 points, including 2 threes. What else? Well, he got a rebound or two…okay, just the one. Hey, he’s just getting warmed up! Watch out!
New Orleans Hornets – Ugh, somehow this team managed 74 points when the starters combined for a whopping 29 points, including zero from Austin Rivers and Lance Thomas. I know it’s just the preseason, but is anyone expecting much out of this organization? Charlotte should write a thank you note to the NBA and New Orleans.
Thomas Robinson – Played about 25 minutes and had 17 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), and a steal.
DeMarcus Cousins – 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block in 8 and a half minutes. Imagine the game he could have had if he played, say, the same number of minutes as Thomas Robinson.
Jared Dudley – Dudley did right with 25 points (including 4 of 6 from downtown), 3 boards, 2 takeaways, and a dime.
Marcin Gortat – on the night, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks…and 3 points. So it goes.
Maurice Williams – 15 points, 2 threes, and 7 assists. Mo’ time for Mo, mo’ stats for yo’.
Damian Lillard – A big night for the rookie, he had 21 points (3-4 from way back), 8 assists, and 2 steals. He really should consider adding a “i” to his name, it is easier for me to spell it Lilliard (note: I did spell it right the first time, I am just saying he should consider my convenience). I’ll have to contact his agent.
Nicolas Batum – We may need a good nickname for Nic if he keeps this up throughout the season. Last night, he led his team with 27 points, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Yeah, he only had 2 rebounds and 2 assists, but he also had 3 steals.
Brandon Rush – Coming off a 16 point performance last time out, he scored 0 points with 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 threes…he did have 2 rebounds, though.
David Lee – Patroled for 25 minutes to net 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. No blocks, of course.
Blake Griffin – Ah, the Blake Griffin special: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2-8 on free throws.
DeAndre Jordan – Produced a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also threw in 3 blocked shots as well. This is a name to keep in your pocket, or at least a name to watch over the next week or two before the season starts.

Do you think Steve Novak will see more time this season given the Knicks’ injuries? Thanks.
@Pinchy, last year he saw a career high 18.9 MPG. I could see him getting to around 21 MPG, but I don’t see NY allowing him much more time considering he has some dud games in between his explosive games.
Got a couple spots left in a first year keeper i’m starting with my football and baseball buddies. Get on in there so we can draft Sunday. Free league, good players, no vetoes or other BS, and ladies that know you’re in this league will find you at least 25% more attractive.
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/register/tos?league_id=22979&password=danmullen
@A-Rod’s Cousin, what about if ladies join the league, will they find themselves 25% more attractive?
Ha. Indeed they will.
How much do you think you’d pay for Jonas Val in an auction draft for h2h, if at all?
@will, depends on the league. I would bid for him. $3? $5? What is your budget?
could use some advise from all you pros
12h2h
dragic
mo williams
curry
stuckey
george hill
carlos delfino
derek williams
josh smith
ibaka
boozer
monroe
nikola pekovic
david west
some notable FA
harrison barnes, jason kidd, brandon rush, tony allen, brandon bass, jj redick, jj hickson, jamal crawford, thomas robinson, mike dunleavy, biyombo, marvin williams, anthony morrow
how can i improve?
@danny, I usually advise people against modifying their line ups after a draft but before the season starts. I don’t see anyone glaring that needs to be dropped a.s.a.p.
@ChrisV,
okay:) thanks, and I will return after the season starts! keep up the hard work please!
@danny, sounds good.
hey danny, i got offered bronbron and ant davis for my hibbert, brooke lopez, and horford.. you taught me quality over quantity, but my quantity are pretty quality… this is a 9 cat head to head league what do i do!?
oh btw here is the rest of my team to give you a feel of what im working with
Deron Williams
Bradley Beal
Dorell Wright
Michael Beasley
Al Horford
Ersan Ilyasova
Andrew Bynum
Roy Hibbert
Brook Lopez
Brandon Knight
Evan Turner
Spencer Hawes
Byron Mullens
@josh, You get LeBron, you take the deal. Depth is great, but LeBron puts up the stats of two players (perhaps there’s a bit of hyperbole in that statement, but not much). And Anthony Davis looks legit. If you’re worried about depth, flip him to another manager – someone will overpay for the kid’s upside.
@josh, How did you get to the point of having so much talent before the season even starts? To have LeBron, Deron, Bynum, Horford, Hibbert and Ilyasova? Yeeesh…
@Mr. Ballistik, sometimes it can be fun to be in a bad league.
@josh, you take lebron always…and never trade him away. boom
Looking for a little end-of-the-bench PF upside….Slim pickings though: Blatche, Booker, Markieff Morris, Ayon, Tobias Harris, Tyrus Thomas and Nicholson are all on my radar. Anyone there jump out? Or just a crap-shoot?
@Nick, Maybe Tyrus? Is Psycho-T still on the board?
@Mr. Ballistik, I’ve got Tyrus and Nicholson rostered right now (didn’t want to bias the feedback). Hansbrough is still floating around on the wire. I’ll add him to the list to keep an eye on..
@Nick, Blatche could also be good with a new team. He does have 15/10 potential, if he can keep his head on straight.
@ChrisV, I absolutely agree – if his head’s on straight AND the minutes are somehow there… For some reason, I’m rooting for the guy.
Drafted for a H2H league, 2c, 2 util, one extra bench slot.
On an glance, what do you think I might need to improve?
1.(9) Josh Smith SF,PF
2.(16)Serge Ibaka PF,C
3.(33)Monta Ellis PG,SG
4.(40)Paul George SG,SF
5.(57)Gerald Wallace SF,PF
6.(64)Wesley Matthews SG,SF
7.(81)Brook Lopez C
8.(88)Jonas Valanciunas C
9.(105)Jared Dudley SG,SF
10.(112)Greivis Vasquez PG,SG
11.(129)J.J. Hickson PF,C
12.(136)Chandler Parsons SF,PF
13.(153)Kevin Seraphin PF,C
14.(160)Alexsey Shved PG,SG
@Clever Internet Meme (will), You don’t have a dominating Center. Ibaka is great for blocks, but it seems you had to go for quantity over quality (I do like the Valanciunas grab).
You’re light on Power Forwards. Great first pick, but Parsons and Seraphin are expendable if something better comes along.