In 2016, Daryl Morey hired Mike D’Antoni as head coach. It was a match made in heaven, as Morey believed that three-pointers, layups, and free throws were the most efficient shots to take. D’Antoni? Did someone say three-pointers? Three-coooooola. The Rockets improved from 41-41 in 2015 to 55-27 with D’Antonio at the helm. They blitzed the league with 115.3 points per game, just 0.6 fewer than the vaunted Golden State Warriors. They hoisted up an absurd 40.3 three-pointers a game and made a league-high 14.4. Then the playoffs happened. After disposing of the Oklahoma City Thunder, D’Antoni and Morey were bested by Greg Popovich. Pop did not figure out the magic formula to shut down the Rockets O. What he did do was disrupt the rhythm and force the Rockets to do what they were most uncomfortable doing: shoot the midrange. Pop would use Kawhi Leonard to chase James Harden all over the court and plant Pau Gasol in the middle of the lane. The other three players would be paparrazi and follow their subjects wherever they went. As a result, three-pointers, layups, and free throws were defended. Everything in the midrange was conceded. Result? Spurs 4. Rockets 2. There was only one option to pursue. Better Call Paul, as in Chris Paul, who just happens to be one of the best mid-range scorers in the game. The league adjusted to the Rockets. In response, Morey and D’Antonio adjusted to the adjustment. Can the league adjust to the adjustment of the adjustment? Last night, Paul played 35 minutes and went:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
31 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5/9 | 10/18 | 6/6 |
Can’t wait to see what the adjustment to the adjustment to the adjustment would be, if anything at all. I ranked Paul 6th overall in the offseason. Early on, it looked like that was a huge mistake, as Harden was dominating the usage and Paul got injured. From what we’ve seen lately, though, it could still come to fruition, as he’s currently the 7th player in fantasy right now and is putting up a ridiculous line of:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
14.8 | 5.0 | 9.5 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 2.1/5.3 | 5.3/11.5 | 2.2/2.5 |
It’s a good thing Morey called Paul.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
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PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
26 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 9/20 | 8/11 |
I hope one day I can visit the parallel universe where Evil Dwight plays ball. Smiling, caring-what-everyone-thinks-about-me Dwight just didnt do it for me. I want to see F U, who gonna sex me tonight, I’ll-sweep-the-leg-then-dunk-the-ball-into-your-grill-while-you’re-writhing-in pain-on-the-ground Dwight. All pleasantries aside, Dwight is 8th in turnovers per game and just murders your FT%.
Nicolas Batum returned from injury and played 34 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
9 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1/5 | 4/10 | 0 |
How about we go to that parallel universe where Batum is still injured?
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
18 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8/12 | 2/2 |
Did you remember that Kidd-Gilchrist was selected 2nd overall in the 2012 NBA Draft? I sure didn’t. Does a percentage of his check get automatically transferred to Anthony Davis’ account?
Russell Westbrook messed around. Stocktonator on the other hand? Always dead serious. Had Russ as the number two play last night.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
10 | 17 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1/3 | 3/17 | 3/7 |
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
23 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0/1 | 11/16 | 1/1 |
A portion of Adams’ check has to get auto deducted into Russ’ for sure, right?
Alex Abrines got the start again and played 32 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
14 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4/6 | 5/8 | 0 |
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
11 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0/3 | 5/13 | 1/2 |
He’s a smooth criminal! Top 40 player on the year.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
15 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3/7 | 5/10 | 2/2 |
Has scored double figures in all but six games. He’s played 27 on the year. 42% on 5.1 shots from downtown ain’t too shabby.
Wesley Johnson –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/3 | 0 |
Played 14 minutes and had a +/- of -12. Ooooh, sooooo close to the pure binary code line. If you haven’t figured it out yet, that’s not a good thing to have unless……a certain player takes it up infinity levels and posts a binary code line that, when inputted into a computer, starts showing highlights of his career. I think my brain just exploded.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
16 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8/13 | 0 |
DJ is glad all the good players are out for the Clippers, as he gets to pad his rebound stats. Cha-ching. Maybe someone needs to investigate this a little further. Sounds a little Tonya Harding-esque.
Milos Teodosic –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
8 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2/5 | 2/9 | 2/2 |
Played 25 minutes and finally dished out a dime or two or three or four or five or six. Dime means ten, Milos. You have many things to learn about this country.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1/4 | 4/10 | 0 |
Rivers left the game due to a concussion. He’s already been ruled out for Friday. We need helmets in the game!!!
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
31 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3/6 | 11/22 | 6/8 |
Can’t Lou sue the league for discrimination? How is he not a starter?
Jonathan Simmons –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
20 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2/6 | 6/17 | 6/8 |
Played 39 minutes and soaked up a ton of usage because Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier were out. Kostas told you to buy last week. Did you listen? If not, you have time to repent for your sins.
Mario Hezonja got the start at shooting guard and played 35 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
17 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2/6 | 6/11 | 3/4 |
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
15 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3/4 | 6/13 | 0 |
Where did that come from? The rebounds and shot attempts were season highs. Oh, Mike Scott was opposing him.
Andrew Harrison –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
20 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/2 | 6/9 | 7/8 |
That’s back-to-back games scoring in double figures. The answer is no.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
13 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1/3 | 6/15 | 0/4 |
Returned from injury and played 28 minutes. A Wall returning is excellent news in this context.
Marcin Gortat –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
12 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5/7 | 2/4 |
Dead cat bounce?
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
28 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 4/8 | 9/17 | 6/6 |
Back-to-back games with 28 points. See, loyalty does get rewarded, unless you sign up for one of those cards.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
36 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3/8 | 16/25 | 1/1 |
Top 35 player! Must be a ninja because he’s been sneaky good.
With Al Horford sitting, the Celtics rolled out a starting unit of Irving, Smart, Brown, Tatum, and Baynes.
Aron Baynes –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
17 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8/11 | 1/2 |
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
33 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4/9 | 12/19 | 5/6 |
How would Kyrie answer this question: The world is? Flat or mine?
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
26 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3/4 | 9/12 | 5/6 |
Shane Larkin –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
14 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2/2 | 6/6 | 0 |
Why am I writing up Larkin? When else would I ever write him up? Don’t be a scrooge. Let Larkin get a little love.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
15 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5/8 | 5/10 | 0 |
Aminu is like that girl in high school who wasn’t the prettiest or the smartest, but she wasn’t ugly or stupid and was super chill to hang out with.
CJ McCollum –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
28 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3/7 | 9/16 | 7/7 |
James Johnson almost messed around.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
10 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0/2 | 5/11 | 0 |
One of the five members of the 1/1/1 club last season. Can he repeat?
Justise Winslow left the game due to a knee strain. The Heat are really banged up right now and could be forced to utilize a super tight rotation.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
24 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7/10 | 8/11 | 1/1 |
With all the injuries, he could in line for a ton or minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
32 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1/7 | 15/26 | 1/1 |
Let’s cut to highlights of Mitchell:
Rodney Hood and Alec Burks both played 25 minutes. Hood went 5-for-12 from the field while Burks went 6-for-13. I’d much prefer if it was Ralec Hoburks that went 11-for-25.
Nikola Mirotic –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
29 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3/5 | 11/18 | 4/4 |
All the credit must be given to Bobby Portis for the pep talks he’s been giving Mirotic. “Yo, Nikky. You better ball out tonight or I’m gonna F you up.”
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
13 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0/2 | 6/18 | 1/2 |
He Dunn did it again.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
15 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/9 | 5/19 | 3/3 |
In honor of Kris Khris:
Anthony Davis did not get hurt.
DeMarcus Cousins almost messed around.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
26 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2/4 | 10/16 | 4/4 |
Nine turnovers! Nine! That’s good for a bunch of malnutritioned kids. Not for basketball.
E’Twaun Moore –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
21 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/6 | 8/11 | 1/2 |
MOORE! Played 35 minutes and will continue to get open looks. It’s nice to see him grabbing boards and dishing out dimes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
21 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/3 | 8/11 | 2/2 |
Another assist! That’s five straight games with one assist in a game. Only two games has he dished out more than one assist in a game. With that said, he’s been balling the F out.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
20 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 | 7/12 | 5/8 |
Back-to-back 20/10 games. He’s alive! Until he’s dead again.
With Tyson Chandler sitting, Greg Monroe got the start and played 30 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
17 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7/11 | 3/6 |
Chandler will rarely play on back-to-backs.
Troy Daniels –
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
32 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7/10 | 11/16 | 3/3 |
Could get more time because Josh Jackson doesn’t know how to shoot.
Hi Son great write up today as always! I’d really like to fit Al Farouk-Aminu on my team.
My roster:
PG Paul, Teague, Dunn, Dinwiddie
SG Harris, C.Lee, Bradley
SF Richardson, LeVert
PF Giannis, Myles Turner
C Bro-Lo, Cauley-Stein
IL- Millsap
Any drops you see for Aminu, Nance or E’Twaan?
@Tony C: Thanks Tony. I guess Bradley
What’s going on Son?
Better season long term appeal: Carroll or Jaylen Brown. Points league.
Thanks!
@AJ: Brown
Who do you like at my SG position for the rest of the season (and possibly future in a 12-team, H2H keeper); Jamal Murray or Eric Gordon? Thanks!
@Jason: Murray
OK, son, the time has come for me to drop someone for Kawhi. I’m leaning towards Nance because theoretically Kawhi will do everything he does better
Ricky Rubio Uta – PG
Bradley Beal Was – SG
Tyreke Evans Mem – PG,SG,SF
Thaddeus Young Ind – SF,PF
Ben Simmons Phi – PG,SF,PF
Lauri Markkanen Chi – PF
Karl-Anthony Towns Min – C
Enes Kanter NY – C
Taj Gibson Min – PF,C
Jahlil Okafor Brk – C
Lou Williams LAC – PG,SG
Buddy Hield Sac – SG
Larry Nance Jr. LAL – PF
Kawhi Leonard SA – SG,SF
@Big-D: Hield
@Son: You’re essentially telling me to punt 3s then. I’ve actually been doing my best to move Hield and Beal in a trade together but nobody is biting
@Big-D: I’m not crazy about his situation and he’s the most easily replaceable
Will Dennis Smith Jr. ever pan out? Not seeing much ‘extra’ stats. Milos is sitting on the wire!
@Roger: Or I could drop a Net, Crabbe or Levert…
I’d drop Crabbe but that’s just me. If you do not believe in DSJ, then the conventional thing would be to drop him
DSJ is my boo. I’m a believer
Which side do you like: Giannis and Kemba for Vuc and Mitchell? Thanks!
@miles proudfoot: G side
Hey Son, wanted to thank you for telling me to pick up DMitch at the beginning of the season and hold. Paying off big time!
Here’s another one for ya. Drop Henson or Sabonis for Isaac? Looks like Isaac is coming back soon. My other PF/Cs are Towns, Turner, and Collins.
@howie2978: Beautiful to hear. I’m not a big Isaac guy so I wouldn’t, but I realize there’s potential there
@Son: Word. Thanks, man!
@howie2978: Anytime
My Cj+vuce for his beal+robcov?
@2rule: In a vacuum, CJ/Vuc
Brandon Ingram or Rudy Gay?
Gotta go with Gay but I like Ingram’s upside
Do I drop Trevor Booker, Favors, Josh Richardson, or Nwaba to bring back Collins from my IL?
@kuz: Booker for me
would you trade dipo+brolo for cp3 ??
thanks
@David: I would
@Son: okay. Which side you choose cp3+ randle or steph curry ??
thanks
@David: Steph
Hi son,
May i ask if you could rank these players?
Bradley,payton,dsj,murray,moore
Murray, Moore, DSJ, Bradley, Payton
@Son: thanks son.
On 9cat 10 team league. Would you drop bradley and payton for murray and moore? U think it’s better long term?
I’d rather have Murray and Moore right now. Have a little skepticism regarding Moore, as the minutes and efficiency could crater at any moment.
Crabbe is killing me =)) I know you’re not a big fan of Isaac but this is going to be like an audition for a spot on my team between him and Crabbe. Lol Come on Crabbe, you’ve got to make those friggin shots!
Would you trade Brook Lopez for either Gortat or Len? He’s a pain in the ass but he’s worse than being a pain in the ass when he’s not making those treys. And those friggin low rebounds. Hahah It’s crazy. I’m also considering a WCS swap. What do you think??
@I just wanna Kawhi: Ha! Have you been eating seafood lately? I think you need to go to the market and free one crab a day. As for Isaac, I may not be a fan but that doesn’t mean I’m right. I’m often wrong. The upside is definitely there so it’s worth a shot.
I’d trade Brook. WCS for me
@Son:
I hate crabs! Lmao
Sure, WCS! Thanks bud
@I just wanna Kawhi: Well, there’s your problem. How can Crabbe give you love if you do not love crabs?
Who ya starting tonight between Tatum, Rubio, and Rondo? Was gonna go with Tatum but Rubios been playing a little better. Rondo still feels like a mystery bag to me right now
@J: Rondo for me. DEN bad a defending the PG position, tight spread, and game has the highest total
Hey son. Would you like kemba + hood or rubio + beal? Thanks man….
Rubio/Beal
Hi son,
Would you trade kemba for mitchell?
You are not nice. Preying on my DMitch love. I think you gotta go with Kemba
@Son: lol. Sorry about that.
Love dmitch as well, i just got lucky picking him up before when he was available coz of ur advice too.
I just don’t want to be prudent and grab opportunity when available 🙂
Ha! All good. Always be open to opportunities.
Hi son,
May i ask for bigmen rankings below?
Whiteside,jokic,green,horford,rudy,capela
Jokic, Gobert, green, Horford, capela, whiteside
@Son: thanks son, i’m surprise jokic still have top spot here.. i’m skeptical coz of injuries he’s having.
Ha! Yeah, it’s my personal bias.
Hii son,
my team: conley,DSJ,oladip,gary harris, warren,marvin,dray,horford,KAT,brolo,WCS,myles turner
h2h 10cat (9cat+PF)
any advice for my team ?? and would you drop any one of those guys for FA ??
FA: saric,galinari,nance jr,crowder,w.chandler,holmes
thanks son
@Willy: I wouldn’t drop anyone, but you do have depth in the front court and the injury bug hit your point guards. Try to do something on that front
Hey Son, great work, much appreciated!
Thinking about ditching Crabbe for Frank Ntilikina.
My team (9cat 12er h2h)
Rubio
Booker
Draymond
Love
Towns
Reddick
Aminu
James Johnson
Bench Mirotic
bench J-Rich
bench WSC
bench Crabbe
Not doing very well, missing out on pickups like Evans and Dmitch and had to drop Collins for Johnson to stay afloat. I think I will have enough of 3s as long as Whiteside is out and J-Rich/Johnson playing. And I could use a PG with previous failed experiments with FOX and Fultz…
BUT on the other hand I know Frenchise is getting his because THJ is out since December.
Kinda difficult, hope you can help, thanks!
@Quintero: I think you broke it down well. I’m of the opinion that the Frenchise takes over for Jack at some point. Don’t know when, though, so it could be annoying in the short term. If you believe and are of the same opinion, then I’m good with the move
Hello son,
Could you please rank for westbrook,curry, cp3,kyrie & lillard (h2h 9cat)
Thanks
@Arief: Curry, CP3, Lillard, Kyrie, Westbrook
[email protected]Son: okay thanks son… would you trade:
1. cp3 + dmitch for curry ??
2. cp3 + lee for curry ??
my team : giannis,jokic,cp3,ariza,jrue,pau,marwill,dmitch,lee,randle,moore. if yes who shoud i pick in FA ??
FA : gallo,gortat,barea,lavine,teodosic, bogdanovic(indy)
h2h 9cat 14 teams
thanks
@Arief: 1) No
2) Yes
I’d probably go Teodosic
Son, is Dedmon worth picking up for Crabbe? Thinking of stashing him on my IR! Thanks
@I just wanna Kawhi: I’m good with it. I guess you will not be undertaking the rescue missions at the supermarket
@Son:
Hah! Am I gon miss Crabbe, or nah? If I do manage to get Dedmon he’ll then be replacing Seth’s spot on the IR. Funny thing is they both have the same kind of injury, am I right? Haha
@I just wanna Kawhi: I don’t think you will. As for Dedmon, yeah…same injury. Which scares me, especially for a big man. But a big man is a big man
@Son:
Alright, bud. Thanks!
@I just wanna Kawhi: Anytime my man. What will it take to stop Kawhi-ing?
@Son:
Hahah! If he finally gets his under him! In a few weeks I think! Lmao
@I just wanna Kawhi: Ha! Can’t wait!
Hey buddy, what’s up! So someone finally has an interest in my Brook Lopez, offered his WCS for him (but I initiated the talk, he was just the one who officially sent the offer). The owner is a good friend of mine, told him that the only reason why he should associate himself with Brook is because of the talent he has, and the fact that he MIGHT get traded, but other than that he’s been a hot garbage.
I might counter though, I’ll add Collison and Crabbe for his Fournier in the deal together with Brook and Willie–just looking for a more consistent top 50 guy. What do you think? But I’m good with just the Lopez/WCS swap.
Another deal that I’m contemplating with is Collison & Crabbe for Teague. Would you do this? I’ve been mentioning Collison, yes he’s steady and doesn’t hurt you anywhere but I think he doesn’t help my team in any way either. Lol. Sure he’s providing his owners with 6.2 dimes per outing, but it’s not as consistent as it may seem to be. He would put up 10 dimes one game but then an average of just 3 in the next four. His low turnover rate is nice but if you also have Rubio like I do your squad automatically becomes a punt TO team. Lmao But I’m not against Colly’s game, I just feel like he doesn’t really fit my team and I would prefer a player that could better impact the game! I’m not sure though if that’s Teague or Fournier. Hah
(9c/18m)
PG Mitchell
SG Butler-DTD
SF Leonard-DTD
PF Gordon-DTD
C Capela-DTD
G/F Rubio
U Collison
BE Isaac
BE Lopez
BE Crabbe
IR Johnson(mia)
IR Curry(dal)
My team is a friggin hospital right now. Smh
@I just wanna Kawhi: Ha! Yeah, the Injury Gods have crushed you. Stay strong, though. Maybe you are like Job. Anyways, I’m good with Brook for WCS. I’m good with the Teague trade as well. I know how much you hate Crabbe and Brook, so works out well for you
@Son:
Hah. Still moving up a spot in the standings despite of all these injuries!
Is that a good deal for both teams? Cos I don’t wanna look like I’m stealing Teague from his owner.. Cos you know, Collison will always be under appreciated!
@I just wanna Kawhi: It’s fine