I try to keep most introductions in this little internet corner throughout the years as humorous or as closely related to basketball as possible. I also try to have a title with a word pun or something to keep the mood light and funny. The world is already at a pretty unpleasant state and fantasy is a good way to escape from the problems of everyday life, even for a little. Both for me when I research or write this article and hopefully for you when you read it.
However, I can’t stay as silent as the NBA Player Association has stayed regarding the comments of one of its vice presidents, Kyrie Irving, who promoted antisemitic views. I am not going to quote anything here and, if you are interested, I am sure a simple Google search can satisfy your curiosity but I was very surprised by the lack of action or rather reaction by the NBAPA and more importantly by the NBA. We have seen bans for far less insulting and dangerous behaviors and the dead silence from the Association has been deafening.
As for Kyrie, all I’m going to say is that it is a shame that people with his views and opinions have access to such a large audience because he is clearly incapable to see the damage he can and has done to younger fans especially, who look up to him. These comments are added to an already extensive list of idiocies like the flat earth beliefs that he has expressed throughout the years.
Buy
Domantas Sabonis: As an unhappy owner of Sabonis in more leagues than I’m willing to admit, it is safe to say that he has not produced according to his draft position…YET!! And I emphasize yet, because I think it is a matter of time and not ability to increase his shooting percentages and also slightly increase his rebounds to get closer to his career averages. Sacramento needs him if they are to be remotely competitive in the West so this is as big as the buy-low window will be all season.
Max Strus: With both Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo sidelined, you would be hard pressed to find a better scoring streamer than Strus on the waiver wire. He was already averaging 31 minutes per game with 2.8 triples so he is worth a long look for anyone targeting those stats. He tends to be light on the defensive stats but the opportunity is definitely there currently (41% owned).
Davion Mitchell: As the infamous Rick Astley sang:
“You know the rules and so do I”. And the rule in this case is simple. When De’Aaron Fox sits, as is the case currently with a knee bruise, Mitchell becomes an automatic pickup. Fox played only 9 minutes on Monday and Mitchell came through with a nice 23/5/4/0/3/0/5 statline. Apart from the uncharacteristic 0 assists you can’t ask more from a streamer so deploy him safely as long as Fox is out. (28% owned)
Sell
Buddy Hield: His start to the season and particularly his most recent games have been spectacular but there are two reasons to support having Hield in the Sell column. Reason number one is the high probability of a trade from the tanking Pacers to a more stacked roster. Reason number two is that his value (ranked 44th per game) is greatly amplified by 4.0 triples per game and 46.4% shooting from the field. I am not particularly optimistic either of those stats will stick for the rest of the season, so I see him as the perfect sell high candidate.
Herbert Jones: I had to do a double take when looking at the ownership percentage of Herbert Jones. It is obviously absurd that he is owned in 67% of Yahoo leagues while averaging 0.0 (!!) steals as a steals specialist. Yes,12 he has missed some games but he wasn’t wowing us anyway before getting hurt so I would have no issue streaming his spot.
