I’ll admit it: I’m rusty. I took the off-season lightly, expected my natural talent to take me through the early season, and I’ve been huffing and puffing up and down the keyboard this week, trying to earn my contract. Can’t stay in the show too long with that attitude, you gotta earn it. “Stay hungry, young blood!”, my Nanna always used to say! That, and: “Don’t trust a fart when running a marathon”. I don’t really know why that was a go-to for her, but she stood by that pearl, so I will as well. We can see that there are some NBA ballers who had a few too many Mai-Tai’s on the beach when they too should have been in the gym, while others were hungry, working on their craft. And while it may be a touch too early to be blowing up your squad, we have been advised to not trust a fart when running a marathon, do with that what you will. So let’s take a look at some cats who might be worth a deuce:
BUY:
Trevor Booker PF
Booker is looking to be the most solid play in the loose turd situation that is the Nets. He has averaged 10.7/10.7/2.7/1/7/.7, shooting 55% and low turnovers in his first 3 games. He’s a traditional Power Forward, so don’t expect any 3’s, but the good news is that he is only 48% owned in Yahoo leagues, so chances are you can pick him up for nothing. I wouldn’t pay much at all for him in a trade, he’s basically a double double upside guy who won’t hurt you on percentages, he’s a back of the roster type of dude, but we all need cats like T-Bone. I just called him that. For the record, I don’t know if T-Bone is in circulation in Brooklyn’s locker room, but it should be.
JJ Barea PG, SG
With Devin Harris out with a bum toe (Mai Tai accident? Not sayin’, just sayin’…) The speedy Puerto Rican will get burn, and has started the season very nicely. He has averaged 16.7/3.3/5.3/1/.3 with 2 treys per. His shooting percentage isn’t stellar (around 35% without me doing the math), but he’s averaging over 32 minutes thus far, which should encourage you. He’s 24% owned so far, so he is very likely available in 12-leaguers.
Mike Muscala PF, C
Be forewarned: Muscala might be a classic case of trusting a fart, but dude is throwing enough blocks to be intriguing to just about anyone, and he’s 17% owned. 11.5/4.5/1.5/1.5/2.5, great percentages, and with half a trey in for good measure. I’d see if he can hold the minutes, but he’s definitely worth a speculative add in my paltry opinion.
Dewayne Dedmon C
So DD should dress up as Frankenstein for Halloween, because he’s been a monster blocker over his first 4 games. 7/7.3/.3/.5/2 with great percentages. I know, that zinger was sub par. My bad, coach. Dedmon is only 12% owned, so he’s worth nabbing if you need help with blocks, I don’t think he will hurt you anywhere else.
Pascal Siakam PF
Siakam isn’t a recommend just yet, but more of a “keep your eye on him”, type. He has a ridiculous motor, and boards like a madman, and can defend 4 positions. He won’t score much, or at least not yet, but due to Jared Sullinger going down with an injury for 2-3 months, he seems to be the starter for the Raptors for now, and might just rise to a top 120 value. Probably not, but he got 4/9/0/1/0 in his first game, playing 22 minutes. Not exactly sexy, but he’s 1% owned thus far. He could be a steaming option for you for boards and steals. Or not. I already said I was rusty, don’t give me that look.
SELL:
Luol Deng SF, PF
Now let me be clear: I’m not for dropping anyone significant this early in the season, but I doubt that Deng will ever be his impactful old self, particularly on a Lakers team that is committed to letting the kids get burn. But I have to put someone under the sell heading, and unfortunately Deng gets this dubious distinction, and over 60% of Yahoo teams have him on their roster. Sorry Lu, but there is a size 6 lady singing your name somewhere in L.A., and for those parts that makes her rotund.
That’s all for this week, gentle readers. Until next week, may all your shots be nothing but net.
