Waa-Wuuuuh… That is the written version of the sad trombone. This week’s title is a flop, just like Lance Stephenson‘s excuse for flopping, amirite? He essentially said that the floor was slippery, so he embellished the contact. I love you, Lance, but c’mon son! Just say you were trying to draw the charge, no shame in that, and let that be the end of it! Lance has been flopping into our fantasy hearts this year, though, so we can’t stay mad at him. We are at the halfway point in the NBA season, and like mid-winter for us northerners, if you’re not careful, you could catch a case of the fantasy basketball doldrums. It’s harder to find the waiver wire break outs, because most of them have broken out already. You could just pack it if you let the blahs take hold. But don’t brave reader, you’re better than that! Is there still some gold to be mined out there? I submit there is. But adjust your expectations accordingly. You ain’t finding a mountain full of gold, Smaug done got got his, you’ve left picking up what’s left. So what did my pick axe knock loose this week? Have a gander:
Buy:
Rodney Stuckey PG, SG
Rodney is a perfect example of the sort of player that you can find to stream at this time of year. He scores. Thing is, he scores a lot. He has averaged 23.25 points over his last 4 games, with a very high FG% for that kind of output, and very reliable FT%. But that’s about it. No 3’s to speak of, he hit just 1 in his last 4 games. Total. But he’s only 50% owned, so have at him, if you need a boost in the scoring stats.
Khris Middleton SF, PF
Now, this cat is on the other end of the fantasy spectrum. Not a lot of points to speak of, but his thieving stats are naasty. He has 10 steals, and 4 blocks in his last 3 games! And homeboy robs from the rich, and gives to the poor, with 3 dimes per over that stretch as well. Not exactly a solid add, I would put him more in the “watch” column than the “add”, but he transitioned too smoothly from Stuckey for me to bury him at the bottom. I write to entertain, not solely to inform, and my wish is for my article to flow like urine at R. Kelley’s crib.
Greivis Vasquez PG, SG
I thought that John Salmon‘s return from injury was going to hinder Vasquez’s production, but it has not. In his last 3 games, he has gone 14/4.7/8/1.7/0 with 2.3 long balls per. He’s 51% owned, so go grab him while he’s hot.
Ryan Kelly PF
I know what you’re saying: Who?? At least I was. I know he played for Duke, but that’s about it. But 2 things to remember, good reader: 1) the best chance you have for finding waiver solid help is for guys to get an opportunity through injury, and 2)his uniform is the colour of gold. He has been getting the start for the last 3 games, and averaging 16.6/5.5/1.25/1/.6, with 1.25 3pts per over those 3 starts. Not bad if you need stretch 4 stats.
Sell:
Terrance Ross SG, SF
Ross has risen, and now he’s fallen. Which is good for Vasquez, apparently. But if you’re holding on to the former, I would would mumble an awkward good bye, I had a great time, etc, and bounce. Until Terrance get his shooting touch back, he’s not worth holding on to.
Andrea Bargnani PF, C
Bargs is out indefinitely with a torn ligament. An italian who can’t use his hands, he will be even less comprehendible, just sad. Bad luck though, Andrea, you were actually putting some decent games together here and there.
That’s all I have for now, folks, may all your shots fall, until nest week.
Seacrest, out!
