Domantas Sabonis had a tough rookie season. He averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game. The NBA was a lot different than playing the Santa Claras and Pepperdines night in and night out. He needed a break, so he called up pops after the season ended. “Tetis, let’s take a trip somewhere this summer. You good for Fourth of July weekend?” Arvydas replied, “Taip, good idea. It’s been a long time since we went to Gotland. I’ll make the arrangements.” After spending five days lounging at the beach and drinking quarts of beer, Arvydas decided that he wanted to check out some of the old castles littered around the country. “Domantas, you want to join me?” “No thanks,” was the reply. “I just want to relax on the beach.” So off Arvydas went to visit Lojsta Castle, where he wandered aimlessly until he saw a tent with a woman sitting inside. “Come in, come in” she said. Intrigued, Arvydas sat down and marveled at how the tent was able to accomodate his massive frame. “What would you give to be able to play in the NBA again?” she asked. As a man that never got flustered, Arvydas looked her straight in the eyes and replied, “My soul.” On July 6, 2017, Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo were traded to Indiana for Paul George. Is it a coincidence that Bill Walton once said that “he had the skills of Larry Bird?” I think not. Last night, Arvydas…I mean Domantas scored 12 points, grabbed 16 boards, and dished out five dimes in 25 minutes. If the game wasn’t such a blowout, he would’ve put up more numbers. Sabonis has grabbed at least 10 boards in each of the past five games and scored in double-digits in four. He’s also had two games with at least five assists. Remember that stat line from his rookie year? Well, so far, granted in a super small sample size of six games, he’s averaging 13 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 25.8 minutes. Arvydas lives! Now, Myles Turner should be returning soon so Sabonis should cede minutes. But, but, but….he’s likely sewed up the backup center spot and could play alongside Myles at times to give the Pacers an interesting frontcourt combo. What if Arvydas and Domantas really did switch bodies?
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Here’s what else I saw last night:
Russell Westbrook did not triple-dub last night. And Anthony Davis did not get hurt the night before. What the hell is going on here? Stupid climate change. Westbrook scored 12 points, grabbed 10 boards, and dished out nine dimes in 27 minutes. The Thunder handled the Bucks pretty easily, so no player received 30 minutes of run.
Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points, grabbed eight boards, dished out a dime!!! Pilfered one!!! Blocked one!!! Holy shit balls. We got people switching bodies, Russ not triple-dubbing, AD playing a whole game, and Melo stuffing the stat sheet. Praise be to Allah that I’ve been making those payments for that Doomsday bunker. You know who/what filters through all the BS? Stocktonator, as he/it was high on Melo last night.
Steven Adams scored 14 points, grabbed 11 boards, dished out two dimes, and pilfered one. He’s failed to score in double digits just once this season and his last four games in boards have been: 11, 8, 8, 11, and 13. He’s also pilfering and blocking 1.5 per game and shooting 68% from the field. To use a football analogy, Russ is the QB, Melo and PG are stud WRs on the outside. Since the defense has to put a spy on Russ and double the outside receivers, that leaves Adams as the tight end just running free in the middle of the field.
Jerami Grant scored 17 points, grabbed four boards, dished out two dimes, and pilfered two in 28 minutes. Sell Mortimer Sell! No one bought? Ok.
Khris Middleton scored nine points, grabbed seven boards, dished out two dimes, and pilfered two on 3-for-13 shooting. The Thunder can be super dangerous because Russ, PG, and Roberson can lock down wings. Middleton will be fine.
The center position continues to be a shituation in Milwaukee. With no Greg Monroe, Thon Maker played 19 minutes while John Henson played 22 minutes. Due to the score, D.J. Wilson even got 13 minutes of run.
T.J. Warren scored 20 points, grabbed 11 boards, and blocked one in 25 minutes. I don’t know what’s worse: rostering Warren or asking my wife where she wants to eat for dinner. The range of outcomes is so huge with Warren. He can play 39 minutes, score 20 points, and stuff the stat sheet OR get 24 minutes of run and shoot 1-for-6 from the field. He does usually contribute some defense stats, though, so it’s not all bad.
Mike James scored 24 points, grabbed three boards, dished out five dimes, pilfered four, and blocked one in 29 minutes. Tyler Ulis scored 11 points, grabbed two boards, and dished out two dimes. Hope you guys listened to Mel when he wrote this last week. The Stocktonator also liked James more than Ulis last night. Damn, we got shit on lock down here at Razzball!
Tyson Chandler scored two points, but grabbed 13 boards, dished out a dime, and blocked one. Alex Len scored six points and grabbed 15 boards. Chandler had a +/- of +26. Len? -18.
Marquese Chriss scored five points, grabbed five boards, dished out two dimes, pilfered one, and blocked one in 21 minutes. Chriss is the Fran Drescher of fantasy hoops.
Dragan Bender scored 10 points, grabbed three boards, dished out three dimes, and blocked one in 27 minutes. He also shot 2-for-4 from downtown. Bender is 7′ 1″ 225 pounds. I’d keep a real close eye on Bender because it wouldn’t surprise me if he takes over at power forward for the Suns.
Demarre Carroll and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson were the only two Nets to play over 30 minutes. Carroll scored 13 points, grabbed five boards, dished out one dime, pilfered four, and blocked one. RHJ scored 21 points, grabbed seven boards, dished out one dime, pilfered one, and blocked two. Both stuff the stat sheet, get minutes and opportunities, and play on the fastest paced team in the league. Me likes. And so did Stocktonator. Does that make me part machine?
Allen Crabbe scored five points on 2-for-10 shooting. He played 29 minutes and hoisted seven three-pointers. I was high on him preseason, then down on him when he wasn’t getting minutes. Now, I’m back on him. Geez, and I was talking shit about my wife having a hard time deciding where to eat. If he gets close to 30 minutes a game, he’s going to be productive. He’s too good of a shooter.
The battle of the Bogdanovic’s. Bojan vs Bogdan.
Round 1 went to Bojan of the Pacers, as he scored 17 points, grabbed three boards, dished out four dimes, and pilfered one. Bogdan of the Kings scored seven points, grabbed two boards, dished out two dimes, and blocked one. Bogdan did play 28 minutes, while the Steph Curry of Sacramento (Buddy Hield) only got 19 minutes of run.
De’Aaron Fox played 28 minutes and scored 18 points, grabbed four boards, dished out five dimes, and pilfered one. Just start the kid already!
Darren Collison scored three points, dished out two dimes, and pilfered one in 25 minutes. This performance was akin to Sony Pictures Animation making The Emoji Movie. Shit happens.
The point guard position continues to be fairly even in Detroit. Reggie Jackson played 27 minutes while Ish Smith played 23. RJ scored 18 points, grabbed seven boards, dished out five dimes, and pilfered two. Smith scored 12 points, grabbed three boards, and dished out three dimes.
Tobias Harris scored 18 points, grabbed four boards, dished out two dimes, pilfered one, and blocked one. Harris continues to ball out and led the Pistons with 19 shot attempts.
Larry Nance Jr. scored 14 points, grabbed 12 boards, dished out two dimes, and pilfered three in 27 minutes. I don’t understand why he doesn’t get more run because he’s such a good fit for this squad.
Brandon Ingram scored 13 points, grabbed five boards, dished out six dimes, pilfered four, and blocked one in 34 minutes. Ingram is going to be a star. He just needs to stay off the weed.
Lonzo Ball scored 13 points, grabbed six boards, dished out only three dimes, blocked two, and did not turn the ball over. He shot 6-for-13 from the field and 1-for-3 from downtown. He’s got an ugly shot and a questionable haircut, but the thing that most impresses me with Ball is his emotional stability. He doesn’t get too high nor does he get too low, which is perfect for the position he plays.
Kyle Kuzma played 20 minutes while Julius Randle played 17. Kuzma scored 16 points, grabbed six boards, and dished out three dimes. Randle scored 17 points, grabbed seven boards, dished out three dimes, and pilfered one. The Lakers are too deep at the power forward position, which nukes the value that any one of them could have had.
Son, in a dynasty league, would you rather have Myles Turner or Simmons?
I’m looking to trade my Simmons since I’m punting assists (Simmons’ arguably best skill) and he’s killing my ft% already. Turner would fit my team much better, but am I crazy giving up on Simmons?
Thanks for your hard work on the site!
@Big Red: Thanks Big Red! You wouldn’t be giving up on Simmons. You would just be choosing Myles over him. Ha!
Hi Son,
Can you rank
Oubre/Crabbe/Bogdanovic(ind)/Valentine/Snell/Harkless
Thx
@2rule: Bog, Crabbe, Oubre, Harkless, Snell, Valentine
Great write ups Son!
I am in an 18 Team League and have Thon. Would you drop and pick up Richaun Holmes? Thanks
Thanks Mav! Yes
I traded my Gary Harris for John Collins – 12 team h2h, 9 cat, I’m punting FG and TO what do you think? I didn’t think Harris fit well with my team and I was weak on REB and BLKs after Hernangomez didn’t work out…
Rest of team and format below
PG – Westbrook
SG – Jimmy Butler
SF – Danillo Gallinari
PF – Embiid
C – Brook Lopez
UTIL – Rubio
UTIL – Josh Richardson
UTIL – Patrick Beverly
BN – Taureen Prince
BN – John Henson
BN – DeMarre Carrol
BN – Gary Harris/John Collins
IL – Batum
@E: I think I prefer Harris for your squad
Got offered Tobias Harris for Jrue Holiday in a 9 cat. What you think?
@Justin: Jrue
Hey Son,
My Jeff Teague and Markkanen for his Aaron Gordon, how do you like this trade?
Thanks a ton!
@Rob: In a vacuum, I like Gordon side
Hey Son,
Punting 3’s in a 12 team standard h2h league and MKG just hit waivers. Would you use #1 waiver priority on him dropping either Bogdonovic (Sac)/Dedmon/J. Murray?
Thanks!
@JG: That works. Probably for Bog
In s 10 team 9-cat league Nerlens Noel was just dropped. Should I pick him up and drop Chriss or J. Collins?
Also Dinwiddle stats look pretty saucy. Is he worth a pickup to drop either Barton or Jamaal Murray? I have 4 Nuggets on my team including Milsap and Harris.
Thanks!
@Tony C: I’d rather have Chriss and Collins right now, but if Chriss cedes time to Bender than….the problem with Noel is that he only gets 20 mpg. As for Dinwiddie, he’s good. Playing a lot besides DLo as well. I wouldn’t drop Murray or Barton for him though.
Lowry or horford in a 9 cat. In a vacuum.
@Justin: Lowry
I just dropped Crabbe for Dillon just cos I hate Carroll and LeVert. If he doesn’t produce I will then make a grab for Dragan B! Or Richaun! Hah
@Dante Green: The hate drop. Love it!
Hi
9cat 12team
Should I pickup Holmes? My drop candidates are Danny Green, TJ McConnell, AND MKG
@jesse: Do you need a big? Holmes is a nice pickup, but really only has value if Embiid doesn’t play
hey son! my team currently looks like this: giannis, jamal murray, dennis smith, jrue, cp3(IL), batum (IL), jokic, millsap, draymond, teague, deangelo russ, aaron gordon, covington, aminu, and RHJ. its 9 cat.
is there a trade i can offer to make my team better. guys that are being shopped around the league include: lillard, blake griffin, tobias, KD, james johnson, jimmy buckets.
Let me know your thoughts. or should i just hold onto my team for now.
@Justin: Damn, that’s a really strong team. As with any discussion relatiing to trades, it’s all about context. Always consider what the other owner needs. With that said, everyone has a price so ask what the price to acquire any of those players is. It’s possible the Jimmy Butler owner may sell for a discount.
Good writeup. Punt FG and TO team. Markieff worth a pickup, drop J. Murray or J. Crowder?
Sure. For Crowder
Hi Son,
drop KCP for dunn?
Thanks,
Naw
@Son: how about who? mike james?
@red: I’m good with James
Awesome as always… 10 team / 9 cat/ H2H.. My team is:
Simmons
Ball
Draymond
Klay
KAT
Millsap
Thad Young
Warren
Nance
Beverly
Markannen
Covington
Oubre
Murray
Yogi
Yogi has been my swinging door roster spot.. team has been doing well so far.. No glaring need yetI don’t think ?? Some guys available are Etwaun, Bellinelli, McConnell, Evan Turner, Taj, Nogueira…. Anythng there worth a spot? Or just keep streaming until something better comes? We get 3 add/drops a week… Thank you in advance !
@Landisimo3: Keep doing what you doing
Son, I have a dire situation on my hands, I have Ariza on my IR (still) but feel I need to bring him back. Here’s my situation with droppable players:
3 lakers – kuzma, randle, kcp
Others – crabbe, chriss, m. James
You giving any of these guys up for ariza?
Thanks u da man
Crabbe
@Son: thanks man. I’m assuming it’s cause craven and ariza are pretty similar but ariza has more consistent minutes and more upside outside of points
@Tuddy: He gets more minutes, plays in a fantasy friendly environment, and contributes across the board. I do like the environment Crabbe is in, but the minutes are a concern and his skill set is more easily replaceable
Bud, would you take this offer–his Millsap for my Butler
And who would rather have, Bender or Donovan? I’m dropping Bogbog! Hah
@Dante Green:
One last thing buddy, I currently have the #1 priority for the waiver wire claim, should I use it on Warren?
@Dante Green: I wouldn’t, as Warren is inconsistent, but I get it if you did
@Dante Green: I’d rather have Butler, but I’d be good with Millsap if you don’t want to deal with Buckets.
DMitch
Hii Son,
My League 14 team (11players), H2H,9 cat
My Team : giannis,m.gasol,love,jrue,ariza,beverley,p.gasol,KCP, marvin,dmitch & mike james
Any advice on my team ?? would you drop those guys for FA ??
FA :
batum (ready to stash)
dirk
taj
holmes
ferrell
rondo
hield
thanks son for advice
@Arief: Naw, you good