Ah, the early weeks of the fantasy season, when a young man’s or woman’s fancy turns to love. Love of the game, love of that reach you made for Gordon Hayward in the draft when others were worried about his injury. Love of how good your picks look thus far, and how bad your opponents picks look. Because everyone has a chance at this stage, right? And that’s good for the game, no? Somewhere out there, somebody is giddy that they selected J.J. Barea in the later rounds. Others are pleased that they nabbed a tasty morsel, or pleased their blue chip pick is performing as advertised. The scientific term is the honeymoon phase, and fella, you are smack-dab in the middle. At this time people often complain that it’s hard to make trades, so while I will make some trade recommendations, I will also comb the waiver for you, gentle reader, to try to polish the proverbial turd for you to grab. Let take a look at what is to be had:
BUY:
Lucas Nogueira C
You may be saying: who? But that’s just because he’s not known, silly. Bebe, as he is affectionately nicknamed, is the centre taking Bismack Biyombo‘s place as back up centre in Toronto behind Jonas Valanciunas this year. He didn’t play for the first 5 games, but his hustle and defensive energy seems to have solidified his position, as he has averaged 25.75 minutes in the 4 games he’s played, and has gone 8.25/7.25/.75/1.75/2.25 in those 4 games. He’s not an actual trade target yet, just a pick up, as he’s only 39% owned, but I’d ride him until he fades, or if he does.
Vince Carter SG, SF
They called him half man, half amazing. The dude who dragged his junk over poor 7 ft Frederic Weis when he dunked on him during the Olympics. Vince may no longer be half amazing, but he certainly has a little bit of amazing left in him. Vince is only 8% owned, and has gone off in his last 4 games, going 17/4/2.5/.75/.5 shooting over .500% with 2 treys a game. Somewhere, Weis is getting strange shudders, and he doesn’t know why. Pourquoi?
John Henson PF, C
We at Razzball have affectionately called Henson the Muppet, in homage to the puppet guy, but for this blurb I will give Henson (John) the respect he has earned. His stat line isn’t sexy at all, but he has been named starter for the Bucks. It hasn’t translated into major minutes yet, and while Greg Monroe is on the roster, he won’t top 30 minutes IMO (he’s barely topped 20 so far!) But, Henson is only 9% owned, and his ability to block makes him intriguing (he has a block a game in his last 4 with only 15ish minutes per). The one game he got more than 20 minutes (21), he went for 7/12/3/2/2. Is this a stretch? Yes. That I will not deny, this could be a whole lot of nuthin’. But fate favours the bold, gentle reader, so be bold! (I love using parentheses!)
Tyson Chandler C
Chandler hasn’t played in over a week, not because of injury, he should be fine to go, but due to a loss in his family. That is a terrible thing, and because of the sensitive nature of the situation, the team isn’t sure when he will be back to play. I personally believe that Chandler, when he returns, will be back to his double double self, and this is a perfect buy low opportunity, with you giving only late round value. Additionally, he is only 49% owned, so you may not even have to pay a thing for him.
Seth Curry PG, SG
If you follow hockey, or even if you don’t, you must of heard of the Great One. Wayne effin Gretzky. He was transcendent, a little guy in a big man’s game who scored at absolute will. He had a brother who was also in the NHL, Brent Gretzky, drafted 6th overall. He played 13 games in the bigs. It must be hard to be the brother of a phenom in the game you love. Seth is no Steph Curry, but he isn’t Brett either. He has been quite good of late for Dallas, going 14/3.3/5.3/3/.66 with 2.5 treys over his last 3 games. The most promising aspect is that he has received 29.4 minutes of gametime over his last 5 games. H’s only 25% owned, so nab him if you need him.
SELL:
Wilson Chandler SG, SF
Chandler is a fantasy tease of a player who is just back from injury, and is being snatched up off the waiver. I tend to want to go in the other direction, firstly because I’m a contrarian dink, but also because Wilson gets injured. I may have too much of a long memory in this case, but in the last 4 years prior to this year he has played 8 games, 42 games, 62 games, and 78 games. And he’s already missed 2 games this year. I know, 78 last year is great, Mr Glass-half-full. I hope he’s iron-man durable for you, but the risk is just not for me.
Danny Green SG, SF
Apparent groin injury. After a hamstring injury. Cue the Sad trombone. Danny is not a sell high, I get it, but he’s played in only 3 of 11 games thus far, and seems to be closer to: “cut-bait” level. If you can deal him, do it.
Maurice Harkless SF
Moe, Moe, Moe. Wheeeeee! That about sums it up. Moe has been playing well for the Blazers, substantially above his ADP. He’s getting over 30 minutes a game, and his yahoo value puts him at 45. Maybe you’re the type who thinks: “I have gotten crazy value from a guy I either drafted last, or picked up off the waiver, so I’m riding him.” That’s totally fair, but for me, I’d rather try to cash in the cat who is playing well above his career stats at his sell-high point for a more reliable piece. If you are looking, Moe is only 40% owned, and gives you blocks, points, boards and treys.
Ok, good reader, that is all I have for now. Until next time, may all your shots be nothing but net!
