The NBA has given us many highlights throughout the years, with most of them ending with a made basket. Dunks, buzzer beaters, assists, triples, you name it. But every once in a while, we are presented with something different that wows us and reminds everyone about how freakishly athletic NBA players are. Something like what De’Aaron Fox did yesterday against the Charlotte Hornets.
Mind you, he did that in his first game back after a Grade 3 ankle sprain, while Devonte’ Graham’s reaction is priceless, when he realizes Fox went over him. It’s also a weird call for the referees, as I’m sure they don’t often see a player go over another without making any contact whatsoever.
Regarding last week’s suggestions, Garrett Temple and Kevin Huerter had useful weeks, with the latter having the brighter outlook for the rest of the season. On a side note, his spike in assists seem like the real deal and hopefully he keeps them coming. Furthermore, Ish Smith’s value will take a hit with Isaiah Thomas back, but he was more than serviceable during the period he started, while Monte Morris never got his chance as Jamal Murray’s injury proved minor. I had Russell Westbrook in the “Sell” column last week and I still maintain this opinion, despite his awesome performances as of late. Cash out while you still can!!
Buy
Josh Richardson: It has been quite a frustrating season to own Richardson in fantasy, mainly due to inconsistent play and small injuries. The last one, a tight right hamstring, is apparently still affecting him, judging by his poor play. I still believe in him and I think it’s a great time to capitalize on his owners’ frustration and get him at a hefty discount.
Jalen Brunson: As long as Luka Doncic is sidelined, Brunson is a must start for his playmaking ability. He has earned 33 minutes per game in Luka’s absence and the Mavericks play three more times this week. Go get him (25% owned).
Donte DiVincenzo: The second year guard has always been a player I’m intrigued by. He is a willing defender and an even more willing passer, has good shooting stroke and decent athleticism. He just lacked opportunity on a Milwaukee team trying to compete for the illustrious trophy, but Eric Bledsoe’s injury has given him just that. In two games without him, Donte is averaging 10 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, proving he can contribute across the board. He is a nice streamer for this week and until Bledsoe is back up to speed (19% owned).
Derrick Jones Jr: The Heat are a bit shorthanded at this point of the season, but this is not the only reason for suggesting Jones Jr. After a really slow start due to injuries, he has played 29 minutes in the last six games and is valued 71st for that span. Players that are members of the 1/1/1 (3pt, stl, blk) club are hard to come by from the waiver wire, so he makes a lot of sense as an add, now that he is getting the minutes he deserves (5% owned).
Sell
Sacramento Kings’ players over 2 meters tall: Marvin Bagley’s return and subsequent need for playing time has created a logjam at the forward and center positions in Sacramento. All of Nemanja Bjelica, Richaun Holmes, and the rest of the forwards will lose touches, minutes, and usage to Bagley. I wouldn’t be willing to wait to see how the situation plays and would move them ASAP.
Jabari Parker: John Collins’ return is just around the corner and this means bad news for Jabari’s fantasy value. He filled in admirably, returning top 50 value during the period he started and was a “Buy” suggestion a few weeks back, but his days of fantasy relevance in standard leagues could very well be over. Sadly, I’m not sure if you can trade him if you are part of a competitive league, since everyone knows Collins is ready, but you can always try.
