Michael Porter Jr. was one of the top overall recruits in high school. At 6′ 10″ and 218 pounds, he was literally a giant amongst boys. Unlike most big men, though, he did most of his damage from the perimeter. He possessed both the handles and jump shot of a guard. With his height and athleticism, he would rise up over any challenger and drain shots from all over the court. Because of the stupid rule that forces players to showcase their talents in college for one year before entering the NBA, MPJ eventually decided to play for Missouri. Unfortunately, he injured his back and underwent surgery, forcing him to miss most of the season. As a result, he fell in the NBA draft before the Denver Nuggets selected him with the 14th overall pick. Back injuries are tricky, and the Nuggets selected MPJ for the long game, so the process was going to be a slow and tedious one. For the first 31 games of the season, MPJ played in 22 of them and averaged 9 minutes per game. Then, on December 29th, he received his first start and did what he do, which is score, score, and score some more. He scored 19 points, grabbed 6 boards, and dished out 1 dime in 26 minutes. The Nuggets were short-handed that game, so I dismissed it as a one-off thing, but it looks as if the genie may be out of the bottle. Last night….
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/3 | 11/12 | 1/2 |
In 23 minutes off the bench. He posted up smaller defenders, broke down bigs on the perimeter, showcased the Harden-esque step-back J, and attacked the rim on closeouts with dexterity. Over the past four games, he’s been a top 60 player for fantasy, despite averaging only 19.6 minutes. Now, before we go crowning his ass, MPJ is not going to shoot 74% from the field, which is what he’s done over the past four games. When that happens, the points will obviously go down, which will be an issue because most of his fantasy value is derived from scoring. He may be a hero right now, but he’s a zero in the defensive stats and dimes. Beep. Boop. Bop. You know what’s never a zero, and always a hero? The Stocktonator. In addition, his real-life defense isn’t great, which could be an issue regarding playing time because the Nuggets are legitimate contenders this season. I’ve added MPJ in every league where he was available, as the scoring upside is immense, and there’s always that small percentage chance that he could be the greatest thing since….most people go with sliced bread. I get it but not really. How about the internet? Nike Airs? Deodorant? I’m going with the Apple Pan banana cream pie. For those in LA, you know. For the unfortunate, you know what to do if you ever go to LA. Anyways, I’m not expecting much from MPJ to be honest, but willing to see where it leads.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
Will Barton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1/5 | 4/12 | 7/8 |
Top 50 player over the past four games. That’s the top range of expected outcomes for Barton, so expect some regression. He’s more like a top 70-ish player, but he did finish as the #52 player in 2017. Barton plays a ton of minutes, so his floor is relatively high. It helps that the coaching staff loves his defensive versatility. For fantasy, he provides points, tres, boards, dimes and steals. The shooting efficiency isn’t great, but it’s not putrid either. He will never win a week for you, but his across-the-board contributions are valuable for any squad.
Aaron Holiday
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 3/7 | 0 |
Got the start because Malcolm Brogdon missed another game due to a back issue. Holiday only played 22 minutes, though, because he was in foul trouble. The team loves Holiday, and he’s definitely a part of the future, but he’d need injuries and/or trades to cement a substantial role.
Jeremy Lamb
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5/5 | 9/13 | 7/7 |
Played 37 minutes. I thought Jeremy was Lamb chop, since Holiday was infringing upon his playing time. Lamb is still a baaaaahh baaaaahhhhhhhh baaaaaaaaaaaaaad man. Over the past five games, he’s been a top 30 player. As the season progresses, though, he will likely cede minutes to both Holiday and Victor Oladipo when he returns. That is assuming that the rest of the squad is healthy.
T. J. McConnell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4/7 | 0 |
In 26 minutes off the bench. A viable option when Brogdon is out. Just a hair model when Brogdon plays.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2/4 | 10/18 | 3/4 |
So damn Gilgeous-Alexander! Over the past six games, Shai has been the…..number six player for fantasy! He’s not going to continue shooting 53% from the field, so regression in the efficiency and points should be expected. I wish he would dish out more dimes, but he had a 10 dime night the other game. Maybe once Chris Paul leaves is when he fully unleashes that skillset. Regardless, the most impressive aspect of Shai’s game is ball security. He’s only been averaging 1.2 turnovers despite garnering a usage rate of 27.7!
LaMarcus Aldridge
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4/4 | 7/13 | 4/4 |
Top 10 player over the past 24 games. LMA with both the O and the D! I keep saying that the blocks are going to decline, yet he keeps wagging the finger at me with a silly ass grin on his face. LMAO indeed!
DeMar DeRozan
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/3 | 13/25 | 3/3 |
In 39 minutes. I’m glad to know that double D’s still excite me. Teenage Son would probably perform seppuku if he knew that double D’s would be meh in the future. Anyways, DD has been a top 10 player over the past five games, primarily based on the 68% shooting from the field and 5.8 dimes. That gives an erection to many, but be prepared for the limpness soon to come.
Lonnie Walker IV
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 6/10 | 2/2 |
In 21 minutes off the bench. LW had played 11, 16, and 4 minutes the prior three games, so he can’t be trusted. With that said, Pop did have positive things to say about LW after the game. He’s someone to monitor, as he can inject some much needed juice into the lineup.
DeAndre Jordan
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3/3 | 4/4 |
Got the start but only played 22 minutes. DJ is just a boards specialist who will get his block on from time to time. Only plays 21-23 minutes per game.
Jarrett Allen
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/4 | 3/3 |
Played 25 minutes off the bench. Atkinson was sick of going to Jarrett. Shrug.
Wilson Chandler
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1/1 | 4/4 | 2/2 |
Played 24 minutes off the bench. Received run because Garrett Temple was closed due to a sore knee.
Luka Doncic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 31 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5/8 | 9/18 | 8/9 |
We are all witnesses to Luka slicing/dicing opposing defenses, and carrying fantasy teams to glory. #5 player for fantasy on the season. The only holes in his game are the lack of blocks and high turnover rate.
J. J. Barea
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/6 | 4/11 | 1/1 |
Got the start and played 21 minutes because Tim Hardaway Jr. was out with a hamstring injury and Jalen Brunson came off the bench. I love Barea’s game because he’s so feisty and doesn’t take shit from anyone. He runs an offense and can get buckets. Unfortunately, he’s old now and doesn’t get enough run to be fantasy viable.
Maxi Kleber
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3/4 | 6/7 | 3/4 |
Played 31 minutes off the bench, as Kristaps Porzingis missed another game due to a knee issue. Kleber can provide tres, boards, and blocks while KP is shelved.
Seth Curry
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5/5 | 9/13 | 2/2 |
In 31 minutes off the bench. You ever seen those spicy charts at a restaurant? First of all, if you ever see one of those, you’re in the right place. Secondly, things are about to go down. Seth Curry is the perfect embodiment of that chart, as he can be bland one day and on fire the next. That inconsistency is good for the tongue and stomach, but bad for fantasy. In addition, the playing time ranges from 22 to 26 minutes per game. When Curry is spicy hot, he can provide plenty of points and tres. He just doesn’t provide much else.
Rudy Gobert
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 8/11 | 1/2 |
I expected more against the Bulls, as they allow the most fantasy points to the center position. Regardless, still a nice day. Over the past six games, Rudy has been a top 10 player. On the season, he’s top 35, which is likely where he will end.
Joe Ingles
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/5 | 3/9 | 0 |
Continues to thrive in the starting lineup. I’m beginning to think that Ingles hired someone to Tonya Harding Mike Conley. Over the holiday season, Jingles was shooting over 50% from the field. That wasn’t going to last, but at least it was cute that the hot streak coincided with the holidays. Ingles will shoot in the mid-40% range and provide tres, boards, and dimes. He’s been averaging over 6 over the past 13 games!
Jordan Clarkson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3/7 | 3/8 | 3/4 |
In 23 minutes off the bench. Since arriving in Utah four games ago, Clarkson has averaged around 24 minutes and over 17 points per game. The usage rate has been a healthy 26 and the efficiency has been great at over 50%. Clarkson won’t provide any defensive stats, but will chip in points, tres, and some boards.
Wendell Carter Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1/2 | 7/12 | 3/4 |
This Carter Administration has been underwhelming the first two years. There have been glimpses of potential, though. Points and boards are the main platform, but there some contributions in tres and dimes. The field goal percentage is excellent while the free throw shooting is above average. The most disappointing aspect of this Carter Administration has been the inconsistency in the defense department. Currently, WCJ is a top 100 player for fantasy, but there’s potential to rocket up the rankings. Probably won’t happen this season, though.
Zach LaVine
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3/11 | 9/26 | 5/6 |
LaVine gets panties wet and posters sticky. The athleticism is off-the-charts. For fantasy, he provides plenty of points, tres, and delivers a healthy amount of boards and dimes. The usage rate is hefty at 31 while he pilfers over 1 per game. The only holes in his game are the lack of blocks and poor shooting efficiency. There are stretches when he shoots in the low-30% range. If he can improve upon those two categories, top 25 player isn’t out of the question. Currently, he’s a top 50-60 player for fantasy.
Glenn Robinson III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/3 | 7/14 | 1/2 |
Continues to start and played 31 minutes. Small Dog led the Warriors in scoring, which isn’t saying much, but it’s a fact. The minutes are consistent in the 32-33 range every game. There’s value in that. The shooting efficiency has also been very good all season; 46% on the season and spurts of 50%+. Points, tres, boards, and some steals are what he provide.
Eric Paschall
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/3 | 6/14 | 1/2 |
In 26 minutes off the bench. The prior five games, Paschall played 18, 7, 16, 7, and 18 minutes. Someone was creating a masterpiece with the playing time. Or was that Paschall working with a new medium? He truly is a genius. For fantasy, not so much. He could score some points and grab boards, but that’s about it. The shooting efficiency isn’t great either.
Robert Covington
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4/11 | 8/15 | 0 |
The Lord continues to provide…..top 10 production? Dayam. That’s what he’s been doing over the past four games. But as we know all too well, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Once everyone gets healthy, he will likely see a decrease of around five minutes per game. In addition, he’s shooting 47% from the field. Covington is more like a 42-43% shooter.
Shabazz Napier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2/4 | 7/9 | 4/6 |
Continues to start and played 33 minutes. Napier has brass balls on him, so when he’s on the court, he’s going to shoot regardless if he’s feeling it or not. Since entering the starting lineup a few games ago (due to all the injuries), the usage rate has spiked up to 27 and he’s attempted 14.3 shots per game. He provides points, tres, dimes, and steals. Just know that he’s going to shoot like crap on most nights.
Naz Reid
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3/6 | 5/11 | 0/3 |
In 20 minutes off the bench.
Naz. Nas. It is hard to tell!!! I kid. It ain’t hard to tell that Naz has skills. He’s only 20 years, 6′ 9″, and 264 pounds, but over the last three games, he’s averaged 19.6 minutes, 12.3 points, 2.7 tres, 4 boards, and 1 block. The usage rate has been 30.1!!! Now, the shooting efficiency sucks (37% from the field and 20% from the line on 1.7 attempts). When KAT returns, Naz will disappear, but is a viable option until that happens.
Jonas Valanciunas
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2/3 | 7/12 | 2/2 |
Played 29 minutes. A varsity performance from JV. Top 35 player over the past five games. He’s been shooting 67% from the field and 87% from the line. Think more like 56% from the field, 78% from the line, and top 75 player for fantasy.
Ja Morant
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2/3 | 8/13 | 5/6 |
Has Morant been terrible lately? Ja. Do you think he will turn it around? Ja. Is Son amazing and awesome? Ja. Morant has been a top 250 player over the past seven games. The dimes have been there, but the points, tres, and defensive stats have been lacking. As long as he stays healthy, he should only get better as the season progresses.
De’Anthony Melton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0/2 | 5/7 | 6/6 |
In 22 minutes off the bench. Over the past seven games, Melton has been a top 70 player. Despite playing only 18.3 minutes per game!!! He provides boards, steals, and some dimes. The percentages are good as well. Granted, on low volume, but if he can get more run, Melton can be a fantasy asset of extraordinary magnitude.
De’Aaron Fox
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1/4 | 9/18 | 8/8 |
Top 15 player over the past three games. Small sample size. That’s what she said. This is the ceiling that we mental masturbate over. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen on the regular, but instead acts as a whiff of nostalgia so we keep believing and holding strong.
Buddy Hield
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5/9 | 8/17 | 5/6 |
Houston, we no longer have a problem, as it looks like our Buddy has recalibrated and is delivering the fantasy goodies that we expected. Our Buddy is mainly a points and tres player, but will chip in some boards and dimes. Don’t expect any defensive stats. As a result, he’s a top 60-70 player.
Sekou Doumbouya
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/4 | 4/11 | 2/3 |
Received his first start and played 27 minutes. Sekou is 19 years old, 6′ 8″, 230 pounds, and was drafted by the Pistons with the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He’s got a nice stroke and offensive game in general. Someone to keep an eye, as injuries could provide opportunities for playing time. Plus, the Pistons aren’t contending this season, so they may want to get extended looks at their young players.
The Pistons lost 112-126 to the Clippers and were down by 30 at one point. Nine players scored in double figures, but no one exceeded 15 points. No blurbs for you!!!
Kawhi Leonard
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1/3 | 8/16 | 1/1 |
Played 25 minutes. ‘Twas a nice practice session for Kawhi. If PG does miss an extended period of time, the usage rate for Kawhi ticks up to 37.1, an increase of 3.1%.
Paul George only played 16 minutes because of a hamstring injury. Rodney McGruder started for PG the second half.
Maurice Harkless
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6/7 | 0/2 |
Continues to start and played 25 minutes. Harkless is a super low usage player who provides boards and defensive stats.
JaMychal Green
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2/3 | 4/7 | 2/2 |
In 26 minutes off the bench. Green could get more run if PG misses time. He can provide tres, boards, and…..that’s about it. The grass isn’t always Green-er on the other side.
The B-Team did what they do….
Lou Williams
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3/6 | 7/16 | 5/5 |
In 30 minutes off the bench. Lou is a top 150 player for fantasy on the season. He provides points, tres, and dimes. The points are down because of the additions of Kawhi and PG. With that said, Lou has a usage rate of 29.8, an increase of 2.5% when PG misses time.
Montrezl Harrell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0/1 | 9/17 | 5/9 |
In 28 minutes off the bench. The free throw shooting still stinks for Trez, and he doesn’t provide tres, but points, boards, and defensive stats are voluminous. As a result, he’s a top 100 player on the season.
Serge Ibaka
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0/4 | 9/21 | 1/2 |
IBLOCKA!!!! Marc Gasol is still “ways away” from returning, so Ibaka should continue to provide points, tres, and some blocks. He’s been a top 100 player since replacing Gasol in the starting lineup.
O. G. Anunoby
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2/5 | 5/12 | 0 |
Returned to the starting lineup and played 37 minutes. Who’s playing mind tricks on who? Or is it whom? Me no know.
The Raptors lost 76-84 to the Heat. No blurbs for you! Kyle Lowry played 40 minutes and provided 15 points, 4 boards, 8 dimes, and 1 block. He shot 4-16 from the field and 2-12 from downtown. Fred VanVleet played 39 minutes and contributed 7 points, 4 boards, 6 dimes, and 1 steal. He shot 3-16 from the field and 1-11 from downtown.
Bam Adebayo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 7/8 | 1/2 |
The only Heat starter to score in double figures! I heart Luka, and Josh is my RichardSON, but my love may be the strongest for Bam. Wham, Bam, thank you, ma’am! Top 40 player for fantasy on the season, and he could finish within the top 25 when it’s all said and done. He plays a ton of minutes and provides points, boards, dimes, and defensive stats. The field goal percentage is excellent, while the free throw shooting is, while average, has shown spurts of excellence. The only thing he doesn’t do is provide tres.
Derrick Jones Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2/9 | 4/13 | 0 |
Airplane Mode just keeps growing on me after every game. Due to his freakish athleticism, he’s going to provide highlight dunks and defensive stats. What’s really given me a boner, though, have been the attempts from downtown and playing time he’s received. DJJ has been the first guy off the bench and, due to his defensive versatility, has carved out a niche for himself. Now, things may change when Justise Winslow returns, but I think his defensive prowess and ability to shoot from downtown provides a clear path to playing time.
Terry Rozier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6/12 | 11/22 | 2/3 |
A broken clock is correct twice a day.
Dwayne Bacon
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 5/9 | 3/4 |
Bacon disappeared for a while, but over the past two games, he’s played 18 and 28 minutes. He’s primarily a points and tres player, but the efficiency is so poor that it’s hard to trust him. With that said, maybe Coach Borrego gets an achievement if he’s able to start five players that shoot sub-40% from the field. Two down, three to go.
Collin Sexton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4/7 | 8/17 | 1/2 |
Sexton only knows one position, but he’s effective in it. The usage rate is around 29 and he’s jacking up over 17 shots per game. Unlike the guys in Charlotte, the efficiency is decent at 45%. Now, he doesn’t provide much outside of steals, so a 3-and-D point guard is a silly concept, yet here we are. Fine, he’s playing shooting guard now. Technicality schmecticalities.
Darius Garland
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3/9 | 5/12 | 1/2 |
That’s what we want to see from Garland; the increase in dimes. On the season, he’s averaging 3 per game. Outside of that, he provides tres and steals. Top 200-ish player for fantasy. Yuck.
