Please tell me that some of you lived through, or at least recognize 90’s Hip Hop. I was a teen in the early 90’s, rocking the Adidas, Raptors cap way down low, and nodded to the illest hip hop, thinking I was fly. Well, I now know without any doubt that I was far from OG, but the hip hop was divine, the golden age of the art, some might say. And as hip hop and New York basketball culture are closely intertwined, I bumping beats while I was watching some outstanding point guard play in our beloved NBA last weekend. I heard a dope joint by House of Pain, called On Point, which seemed to be serendipitous, even cosmic. This had to be a sign that I was to do an all point guard edition of the BUY/SELL, obviously. I was chosen, gentle reader, it’s out of my hands, I am merely a vessel. Woe to thee who ignores such a powerful connection, I don’t need that caliber of bad JuJu on my plate. So I give to you, an all PG edition:
BUY:
Isaiah Thomas, PG
Since House of Pain is from Boston, I had to begin with a Celtic. IT3 is not exactly a buy low right now, as he’s scorching it up, with 19/3.3/7.3/.6/0 with 2.6 treys over his last 3 games, averaging over 32 minutes a game. His shooting percentage isn’t great, but this fact should hopefully drive his price down. I could just as easily put him in the SELL column, but if you want dimes, treys, and points, I don’t think he’ll let up, so now is the time to nab him.
Emmanuel Mudiay PG
The kid is struggling, in all areas except dimes, at the moment. His shooting percentages are painful (32% from field, in the mid 60s from the stripe), and his turnovers are sky high. He will hurt you, don’t doubt it, but he gets more steals and blocks than the average PG, and he’s the future, so they’ll keep trotting him out there (his minutes are hovering around the 30 mark). I can’t see him going any lower in value than this, and I believe (hope) that better days are ahead for the young guard. The asking price can’t be anything of significance, so if you can afford the hit, or afford to stash him, I’d love to see him grow on my squad.
This is more of a waiver recommend, as Jeff Teague is out, looks short term, but Schroder will get the start in the meantime, and is only 32% owned, ride him while he’s hot!
Mario Chalmers PG
Ok, I know I’m reaching a bit with this dude, but he’s only 8% owned, and has had 2 productive games since being traded to Memphis. He will have a green light to shoot as a bench guy there, as they are in need of scoring punch on the second unit. I know it’s only 2 games, but great percentages, treys, couple 3 dimes, and steals. Worth a speculative, no?
SELL:
Cory Joseph PG
Joseph has been nothing short of outstanding in the back up point guard role in Toronto, playing 28 minutes in the last four games, and posting 13/3.75/4.75/..5/.25 with .75 treys, and outstanding percentages. He has been freed from the San Antonio system, which is an amazing place to learn how the game is played, but limiting in it’s attitude for offensive freedom. But while he has been a much better contributor than is ADP, Terrance Ross will be back at some point, taking some touches away. I’d be just as happy to hold him if the price is wrong (bitch!), but you may be able to parlay his play to address other needs, while he is playing at this (relatively) high level.
Jarrett Jack, PG, SG
Although the Nets’ record is terrible, Jack has nothing to do with that, JJ has been playing DY-no-MITE!! Sorry, sorry, that was poor, even for me. Jack has been playing outstanding ball, posting 16.5/4.25/7.25/1/0 with 1.25 treys over his last 4 games. But the team is 1-9, which, if this continues, you have to expect a shake up. Will this help, or hinder his production? Depends on who goes and stays. I think you could get a decent piece for him, and let someone else worry about if this can continue.
Rajon Rondo PG
Dude had 3 triple doubles in 4 games last week (including the Sunday), a swiping multiple steals in all of those games. There is no higher sell point, no? He also has been playing 44 plus minutes over those last 4 games, posting nasty turnover numbers, poor 3pt production, as well as abysmal free throw numbers. 1 of 4 Rajon? Bah! My point is: while you love to see those types of production minutes, the chance for injury goes up each 48 minute game he plays. And you could turn him around for a safer play, like a Mike Conley, maybe? Or package Rondo in with another piece and try to get a Damian Lillard, or a Kyle Lowry. A fella can dream…
Brandon Knight PG, SG
I had finished up my article, and went to bed, only to wake up to see Knight’s dominating performance last night against the Lakers, going 30/10/15/4/0 with only 2 turnovers, and 3 treys, shooting 47%. Daaaamn. But it is the Lakers, after all, and even with this game, his season average on dimes is only 5. He shoots. A lot. And is a great piece. But if you were thinking of casting him out into trade waters, now would be the time.
That’s all I got for now, hoops fans. May all your shots be nothing but net!
