I like Christmas, always have. It’s one of the few events from childhood that have carried over into my semblance of adulthood. Which of course is an approximation, but I digress. The simple concept of: “Be good all year, and you’ll get rewarded” seems to be so perfect. In actuality, we all know that this is elusive, at best, but I’m here to tell you, if you close your eyes and believe with all your might, you may just get a fantasy miracle! Basketball. Fantasy basketball miracle, not that smut you’ve been focusing on, I’m here to give advice on basketball, not how to introduce immorality into the boudoir! And since it is almost Baby Jesus’ B-day, I’ll be brief this go-round:
BUY:
Rajon Rondo PG
Full disclosure: Slim and JB are opposed to my stance on Rajon, they think that the move to Dallas will hurt his fantasy value, which you would already know if you listen to the Razzball Podcast. I disagree, with absolutely nothing other than my substantial gut to back me up on this. Rondo will turn the ball over a fair amount in the short term, IMO, but he has 3 legit scorers who can all play on the perimeter to open up lanes for him, and cash in his dimes. Scoring will be a bit less, and percentages aren’t great, but if his fantasy owner is upset about the trade, I would make an offer. And a happy neeewwww yyyyearrrr!
James Johnson SF, PF
Christmas goers, James is 9% owned. He just got the start, as Landry Fields is injured. And oh yeah, he did this, dunking a murderous slamma jamma over Andre Drummond, then followed it up with the illest post game quote of the year, saying: “That was nasty, right? I just cocked that joint back and banged on him.” Beyond my obvious man crush on the dude, he went 12.6/5.3/1.6/1.3/1.6 with only 1 turnover per the last 3, shooting an amazing percentage in the .600s, (my math skills suck eggnog). It’s a festivus miracle, so go out and capitalize, son!
Schroder is the NBA equivalent to getting a Starbucks gift card from your secret santa at work. He is a streamer when Jeff Teague is out, but he returned last night off the bench. Dennis has used the time nicely, going 15/4.5/6/.5/0 over the last two. And who doesn’t like a pumpkin spice latte once in a while?
Rudy should be on your wire, he’s only 26% owned, and if you need some boards and blocks, Rudy is your christmas elf! He’s averaged 13 boards and 2 blocks over his last 2 games, so give us some figgy pudding! Sorry.
SELL:
Greg Monroe PF, C
I’m hoping for ol’ Saint Nick to help us out on this one. I have stashed this dude, riding his woeful performances out, and to his credit, he has been playing better of late. The recent exit of Josh Smith should free up the starting spot, and hopefully increase minutes, touches, etc. Which is why you should try to move him now, as I don’t think it will amount to much more than what he currently gives you, it’s a sell high point, IMO.
Brandon Wright PF, C
I don’t like the move to the Celtics for Wright’s fantasy value, as the front court is crowded with Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zeller, Brandon Bass, and even Jeff Green playing the power forward spot on occasion. What Wright does possess is the second best shooting percentage in the league, and a gifted pimp-esque swatting hand, so maybe you can parlay those traits into something more suitable. He’s a re-gift, to keep the Christmas theme going!
That’s all I have for this week. I know that the following is self indulgent, but last week I lost one of my best childhood friends to complications due to ALS. Matthew was the only dude I’ve ever seen routinely pull off 360 lay ups during real games, he had a shot as ugly as Shawn Marion‘s, and he was one of the most courageous men I’ll ever know. I’ll miss you, homeboy.
May all your shots be nothing but net, and enjoy your non-denominational holiday celebration everyone!
