So, I married a Jew 11 years ago. I should elaborate, and let you know that she’s a woman, and more importantly, that I’m not jewish myself, so there is a blending in our house of different cultures and holidays, which is dope, IMO. We celebrated the first night of Chanukah (pronounced HHHHHHHHHHHa-nu-Kah. When you sound like you’re bringing up a goober, you’ve nailed it) last Sunday night, and my boys dug it. On Christmas Eve, we will get both our families together for a Christmicah dinner. But what does this have to do with fantasy basketball, Dan? Well, it doesn’t at all, but upon reflecting on the season, I realized that even though my elder son got clothes yesterday in an entirely anti-climactic fashion from his maternal grandparents, he should just suck it up and be thankful that at least they’re clothes that he would want to wear. What I’m saying, gentle reader, is that you should appreciate the gifts as they come, whether it’s what you wanted exactly or not, and re-gift away the excess junk. And in that spirit, I present to you some gift-ish fantasy players you should definitely be thankful to get, or get rid of:
BUY:
Omri Casspi SF
So, I just began this article talking about Chanukah, so I felt obliged to mention the only Israeli in the NBA. But, for what it’s worth, Casspi has started the last 2 games, and went 13/3.5/1/0/1.5 with 1.5 treys per and shooting 43 percent. Mazel Tov! (means F&ck yeah! in Hebrew) He’s only 17% owned so he’s worth riding while he’s starting.
Al Jefferson
El Jeffe is sidelined with an injury, but the powers that determine how long these things take think it will only be 2-3 weeks. Big Al hasn’t been the stats juggernaut we have been accustomed to this year, and I would tend to believe that his best days are behind him. But this is, regardless of all that, definitely a buy low opportunity if you can stash him for the injury period. Send out a lowball offer, and see what comes of it. Additionally, keep an eye on Cody Zeller and Spencer Hawes as they should get more burn with the Jeffe off the hardwood.
Ed Davis PF, C
So Ed is coming off the bench, but he should be starting, IMO. He has posted 10.5/10.5/1.5/.5/.75, shooting an incredible .750 shooting percentage in only 26 minutes. With those numbers, he’s playing well enough to starting, but more importantly, you should have him on your team, and Eddie is only 57% owned. I would even make an offer for him if you need big man stats, he shouldn’t cost much, given his yahoo ranking of 115.
Jon Leuer PF,C
The Suns are messy, like a Taco Bell restroom, amirite??? Actually, I love the food, and especially the value provided by our good friends at the Bell. And speaking of value, Long Jon (the player, not the deep fried competitor), is great value while Tyson Chandler is out, as Leuer is only 16% owned at the moment, and is starting. If he’s gone in your league, Alex Len other beneficiary in Sun town.
SELL:
Avery Bradley PG, SG
Marcus Smart is on the shelf, and Bradley has been dy-no-mite! If you followed Slim and JB’s rankings, they had Bradley at 118. Maybe you picked him higher, maybe a little lower, but he is playing like a top 35-45 talent right now. In his last 3 games, he has posted 21/2.6/1.6/2.6/.3 with 3.6 treys per game, and shooting over .50%. You have 2 obvious options: Keep him, and enjoy the production, or sell at an all-time high point. I think that his numbers will dip a bit when Smart returns to the fray, but that’s just, like, my opinion, man.
Danilo Gallinari SF
Gallo has been playing very well for the Nugs, some might say outstanding. But he brushed his knee again last weekend, and is a GTD for Monday’s game. He has had so much bad Juju on his knees, if it were me, I’d try to move him before he goes out again. Nothing by way of actual medical reports to base this on, just gut feels.
Marcus Morris SF, PF
The other twin is burning it up in motor city, averaging a career best 14.5/6/2/1.3/0 with a trey per, and shooting just over 40%. No other reason to sell him, other than he won’t likely be of better value than right at this moment. Do with that what you will.
Ok cool cats, that’s all the fantasy ball advice this fella has to offer for this week. May all your shots be nothing but net!
