In the immortal words of the 90’s poet turned thespian, Ice Cube, you better check yo’ self before you wreck yo’ self! He went on to inform us that shotgun bullets are bad ‘fo ‘yo health, but while accurate, doesn’t apply for our lesson here in Fantasy Basketball. How does it apply here, you may ask? I have been harping about the trade deadline for several weeks. You need to know when your trade deadline occurs, and when your playoffs begin. Keeper leagues GM’s need to sell off assets if you’re out of the playoff picture for picks. Contenders need to shore up their bench for a playoff push. According to Cube, He can do it, put yo’ ass into it. I don’t know what more motivation you need.
BUY:
DeMar DeRozan SG, SF
Comin’ straight outta Compton! This cat got out from the Boyz in Da Hood setting, about as far as one can get. He has a reputation for being a mid round 50-60 ADP kind of guy, but he has been a solid contributor well above that watermark this season. Long maligned due to his poor percentages, he is playing much smarter this year, and it shows in his markedly better percentages across the board. You won’t exactly buying low, but he is an ironman as he is almost never injured, so trading for him for the playoff push is a safe move. He has been hitting over a trey a game, and has been posting career highs in dimes, boards to go with his high point production. Cube would probably tell you to be the one with the fat-mad skills and don’t choke like the Buffalo Bills, and, er, go get Derozan.
Jordan Clarkson PG, SG
If Cube had to say it was a good day, he would want the Lakers to beat the Supersonics. In this day and age, the Supersonics are now the Thunder, and it’s unlikely that the Lakers will beat them. But if that were to happen, it would likely be with the help of Clarkson, as he has scored 20+ points in 4 of his last 5 games, he averaged 1.75 steals in his last 5, along with a high dime total for a shooting guard. You should be able to get Clarkson for a reasonable price, I would wager.
Derrick Rose PG
Typically I’m pretty conservative with my approach to taking on injury concern guys, and Rose clearly is that. But Cube advised me to be ‘meana than a mutha effin hyena chasin antelope, and I will defer to his knowledge on these things. Rose has quietly had a very productive month, and with Jimmy Butler out injured, Rose has a good chance to continue to rip it up. Side note: if you can’t get, or don’t want to risk getting Rose, take a look E’Twaun Moore. He is a very capable, productive back up, and he’s only 10% owned.
SELL:
Patty Mills PG, SG
Full disclosure: I hate recommending anyone to be cut at this time of year, as there rarely is anyone of any significance who is overvalued at this point in the season. But since I should be suggesting someone, may I suggest young Patty Mills: he is improving and producing nicely since Manu Ginobli has been out with an injury. I would submit if you have to sell someone, you won’t be able to sell him at any higher point.
That’s all I have for now, As Cube said: Hooked it up for later as I hit the ‘do, Thinking I might live another twenty-fo. May your Fantasy dreams live on, gentle reader. Until then, may all your shots be nothing but net.
