We are, brothers and sisters, into our 4th week of fantasy, and things are starting to shake out, no? Stevie Blake continues to produce, and all is right in the world of baskets and balls. Or is it?
I had written a smelly little article last week, another Buy/Sell, and one of you kind readers, Giant Gigantes, asked why my article read like a add/drop, and not buy/sell, as I didn’t recommend any players that are playing over their head, ones that the reader should look to move. At first I blew it off, not thinking anything of it. I mean, how would I, or anyone else know this early in the season who is over valued, and who is under performing? The nerve of this cat, right?
But I couldn’t leave it alone, because I’m petty, and can’t take criticism of any form due to my tenuous opinion of myself. In this case, there was something to what he was saying. Giant was right to expect me to make some wild assertions, if for no other reason than to spark some discussion amongst you guys. I needed to go deeper, do some serious introspection about what motivates me, who I am, and who I want to be as a hack sports advice guy. But only after a healthy dose of porn. Don’t judge my methods, that’s how I reach my spirit guide.
So my spirit guide and I concluded, after a stupor of niche porn and regret, the following: who in their right mind actually takes me seriously in the first place? Go ahead, write prognostication, people love to talk about the future. So I propose the following: I will continue to mention waiver adds, as they are the best type of get, but also begin to project who will be a good “buy low” candidate and who you should get rid of. I will not continue to write disclaimers after this, but: Remember, I’m only guessing! You may be shocked to learn that I don’t know a single NBA trainer, or coach, or towel boy, for that matter, which means I have no inside track, other than my vast knowledge of the NBA game to draw upon. That and my massive manhood, that’s pretty cool. So: “caviat emptor”, which is Latin for “don’t fu**in blame me if this sh** don’t work” Here we go:
Buy:
Steve Blake PG
I know, this is a horse that I have personally beaten to death with my bare hands. But he’s only 53% owned in leagues. C’mon son! And his year to date stats are only 9/3/7/1/0 with 1.8 turnovers. His actual stats for the past week are 11/4.7/12/2/0 with 2.5 turnovers. So quote his year stats when approaching the dude who was smarter than you and snatched him up off the waiver if you’re gonna trade. If Steve Nash comes back (big if), Nash will still be very ginger with his back, and is liable to go back out. There was talk of him retiring. And Kobe Bryant will be back soon, which will hurt Blake in some categories (attempts, dimes), but help him in others (3pt?).
Why? Because eff you, that’s why. No, that’s harsh, I should cut that out, I have no reason to be so touchy. Seriously, JV has had some decent games, and others where he has not affected the stat line much at all. But this cat will be a star, I’m absolutely convinced, and he should be more solid this year. Rumours that Demar Derosan, Kyle Lowry and Rudy Gay could all be traded if/when the Raps blow it up. Again. And JV is the only untouchable on the team. Fair disclaimer, almost no trades ever happen before Dec 15, because any player signed up this year can’t be traded before that date, so no trade is imminent. That said, any combination of those 3 leaving will only help his value. He is owned in 80% of leagues, so chances are you will have to trade for him. Don’t sell the farm, but I would sniff out what the asking price would be.
J.J. Hickson PF, C
Yes, I mentioned him last week. Yes, yes, cupcake, I remember, shhh. But he’s only 52% owned, and he has been an absolute beast, so he deserved a second mention. Last week, I pointed out that Timofy Mozgov might force a timeshare, but JJ has separated himself, with distinction. He could be had at a low cost, relative to his output, and with Javale McGee out for the season. Definitely see what JJ will cost you.
Trey Burke PG
He has only played a quarter of an NBA regular season game. So this recommendation is purely a gut call, but as much as the dude who held onto him wants for him now, (and he’s only owned in 55% of leagues, so nab him for free if you can) he will want more after he proves what he can do. Or what I hope he will do. Not that historically the NBA draft have picked the best players chronologically, but he was the first PG to be chosen, and he will get as much playing time as he can handle. He’ll still be off the bench for the time being, so move quick if you want to upgrade your point position.
Terrance Jones SF, PF
Omer Asik is a bitch. He wants out, he only played 7 minutes after not playing for 2 games, and depending on what comes back in a trade for Asik, there is not much in the way of competition for minutes at the 4 spot. Jones has averaged 12/1o/1.3/1.3/2.4 with a 3pt per over the last 5 games. And he’s only 35% owned. I’m saying Frog, so leap, kid!
Sell:
Here is where I make good to Giant Gigantes. I do hope I’m more right than wrong here, but ok:
Dwane Wade PG, SG
I have an irrational dislike for Wade. No reason, other than I have predicted that his knee would give up on him for the last 2 + years. And he’s proved me wrong. UNTIL NOW! It’s the perfect time to sell. He has played well in the first 10 or so games, but he’s been sitting the last few games, and at the time I’m writing this, he may miss the next game as well, to manage discomfort in his knee. You gotta hope that some sucker in your league will trade for him based on history and this season’s average thus far. Make a move soon, before the word gets out. And he is in talks with Fox to make a sitcom based on his parenting high jinks, I swear to god, look it up. Another reason to trade him.
Andrea Bargnani PF, C
A classic “sell high” if I ever saw one. He stayed in Toronto for 7 years because of precisely what is going on in New York. He shows flashes of good to greatness. But it won’t last, and most certainly not after Tyson Chandler returns. He should fetch something decent too, I would assume.
Aaron Afflalo SG, SF
Another guy who, in my opinion, is definitely over achieving. 21.7/5/4.8/.9/0 is waaay up from his career averages. Maybe he’s figured it out. I think not, though. And those numbers should get you a Nicholas Batum, say. Ok, maybe that’s too rich a deal, but shoot for the stars, friend.
You wanna pull for an underdog. Or I do, I shouldn’t speak for you, maybe you want to crush the underdog. But if you’re not the man, keeping us down, you wanna pull for the underdog. Except in this case, he can’t keep up the pace, and while I want to pull for Markieff, I would rather pull for him on another squad. Get what you can get.
Ok race fans, that’s all I’m gonna write for today, these bones are tired! And I want to keep my errors to a minimum. Let me ask you all to please comment, but back your opinions with reasons and facts, if possible, please. Tell me why Afflalo should be kept, beyond: “he kicks ass, dipsh-t!” which may be valid, but does not debunk the sell high theory.
Holla!
