When I was younger, much younger, I used to consider myself a fairly athletic guy. Played competitive volleyball and could hang when I hooped at most courts. Then the Summer of ’96 happened. I was playing tackle football, when one of the guys brought his friend to play. The new guy was a third string cornerback for the University of Maryland and he said, “No tackle for me guys. Just two-hand touch.” Didn’t matter because no one could get one hand on the guy. Ok, I’m exaggerating. One hand was possible, but two hands? Fuggetaboutit. 3rd stringer for a Division 1 college team. I couldn’t even imagine the level of what a professional player would be at. Which brings me to TJ McConnell. Myself and many others clown him that he should be playing at the YMCA, but let’s not forget that he’s in the top 1% of ballers on the planet. Last night, he reminded us all as he messed around.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5/11 | 0 |
Played 37 minutes off the bench. The last time TJ received 30 minutes of run in a game was on January 20th. More than likely, TJ will get around 24 minutes a game, but does have the capacity to contribute across the board. Just don’t expect 6 steals and for him to mess around on a nightly basis. More often than not, I’m going to talk about his hair. Every once in a while, though, he’s going to remind us that it’s fun to stay at the YMTJ.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
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Rudy has been hard at work in the lab. His latest creation? DAILY LINEUPS PAGE. So good. So smooth. So helpful. He decided to go with the Sonny Bono red tint, while I prefer the blue tint. What say you?
Mario Hezonja:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3/4 | 8/14 | 5/6 |
Mario got another start with Aaron Gordon out and played 30 minutes. Back-to-back games with 20+ points and shot 8-of-14 and 8-of-16 respectively. Oh, so this is why he was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Super!
DJ Augustin played 22 minutes, while Shelvin Mack played 26 minutes. Bizmack Biyombo played 21 minutes while Khem Birch played 26 minutes. A shituation all around.
Lauri Markkanen:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0/6 | 9/19 | 3/3 |
The Markksmanship was a little awry last night, but he still managed to produce.
Zach LaVine:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2/4 | 7/16 | 2/2 |
Played 33 minutes. The advancements in modern medicine have been amazing. Are we sure they didn’t go all Steve Austin on him?
Justin Holiday:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/5 | 3/8 | 1/2 |
A poor man’s Tim Hardaway Jr. Literally. They are basically the same player on the court, yet Holiday makes $4.6 million, while THJ makes $16.5 million. Nice job Knicks.
Bobby Portis:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3/6 | 8/17 | 0 |
Played 26 minutes. Has scored in double figures five straight games and is averaging around 26 minutes per game. Will grab a ton of boards, dish out a few dimes, and get his 211 on.
Denzel Valentine. Only played 18 minutes, but just wanted to remind you that his day is coming up and they play at home against the Raptors.
DeAndre Jordan:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8/11 | 0 |
This is how we do it. The scoring has been inconsistent, but DJ has been a beast on the boards lately. Over the past seven games, he’s averaging over 17 a game.
Austin Rivers:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1/3 | 8/13 | 0 |
Did not start but still ended up playing 35 minutes. Since returning from injury, he’s played 35, 34, and 32 minutes. Was there any doubt? I’m sure no one is crying a Rivers for him.
DeMarre Carroll:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/7 | 5/15 | 0 |
Played 35 minutes. Has really been rebounding the ball well. The past three games: 10, 9, and 12. The four games before that? 2, 3, 1, and 0. So, not the model of consistency. With that said, getting the minutes and shot attempts. Will contribute a little something something in all but blocks.
Jarrett Allen:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3/3 | 2/2 |
Only played 18 minutes. It wasn’t due to Jahlil Okafor because he only played 13 minutes. Not sure why Allen didn’t play more, but I wouldn’t be too concerned. He looks to be the present and the future.
D’Angelo Russell:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1/7 | 7/17 | 1/1 |
Played 25 minutes. Still loading…..
Joe Harris:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/4 | 7/11 | 1/1 |
Played 26 minutes. The pride of the NYS Laborers Union, Joe has been balling. Over the past week, 12.7 points, 8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 1 block, and 2.3 3s.
Pau Gasol:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0/2 | 6/14 | 3/4 |
Played 33 minutes as LaMarcus Aldridge did not play. Gasol had not cracked 30 minutes since January 24th. Talk about a siesta. When Pau plays, he produces. He just hasn’t been playing much recently. His bro, Marc, has been playing but not producing. Poor Marc.
Joe Ingles:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4/6 | 7/13 | 2/2 |
Has scored 20+ in three straight games and stuffed the stat sheet in all three. Top 50 player for fantasy on the season. If you ever have doubt or think something is impossible, just remember that Joe Ingles is a top 50 player for fantasy. Proof that anything is possible and that you never know what will/can happen. Shoot that mother f’ing shot!
Royce O’Neale:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0/1 | 3/6 | 2/3 |
Got the start with Ricky Rubio out and played 38 minutes. Is probably a better real life player than fantasy player, as he just doesn’t shoot the ball enough. With that said, he has carved out a roll for himself. As long as you don’t expect to be rolling in a Rolls Royce, you good.
Donovan Mitchell:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3/9 | 9/28 | 4/6 |
He can slide into my DMs anytime.
Rudy Gobert:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4/8 | 2/5 |
Deuces were wild. Rudy! Rudy!
Jae Crowder:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3/5 | 4/11 | 3/4 |
Played 33 minutes. Since coming over from Cleveland, Jae has played 33 and 29 minutes and attempted 11 shots in both games. Craig Bozic, our dynasty guru from across the Pond, was all over this. Raise a cup with your pinkie up and give him a hearty, “Cheerio!”
Dragan Bender:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0/4 | 1/6 | 1/3 |
Played 30 minutes. “Honey, heading to the bar for another Bender,” Triano texted his wife after the game.
Marquese Chriss:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0/1 | 0/2 | 1/2 |
Played 18 minutes. Jesus F’ing Chriss!!
Elfrid Payton:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2/4 | 11/18 | 5/7 |
Played 31 minutes. Free at last. Free at last. Elf thanks God, he’s free at last. Elf should thrive with the Suns. My only question will be how his hair holds up in Phoenix.
The Warriors defeated the Suns, 129-83.
Draymond Green didn’t play, but Kevin Durant played 30 minutes and scored 17 points. Steph Curry played 30 minutes and scored 22 points, while Klay Thompson played 23 minutes and scored 16 points.
Omri Casspi:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/2 | 7/10 | 4/5 |
Got the start for Draymond and played 27 minutes. Trade Draymond!!!
David West:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3/4 | 0 |
Played 16 minutes. West has not played more than 17 minutes in a game since mid-December. Over the last week, though, he’s averaging over 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. He’s been a top 45 player for fantasy! Cue up the Will Smith.
Michael Beasley:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2/3 | 9/17 | 2/2 |
Played 39 minutes. Where would the Knicks be without Beasley? Probably in the same place, but at least he’s been making it a little more palatable. With that said, is it weird that I have a greater appreciation for Jeremy Lin now? Keep in mind that I’m Asian, so Linsanity was probably the greatest thing since eating rice with a spoon. Anyways, different coach and system, but Lin seized upon an opportunity and took it where no man had gone before. Beasley has seized an opportunity and done his thing. Just not to that level.
Tim Hardaway Jr.:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0/8 | 4/16 | 1/2 |
If Justin Holiday were filthy rich.
Enes Kanter:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5/10 | 7/7 |
Double-dub machine with 26 on the year, good for 12th in the league. KAT has 49 on the season. I guess that makes Kanter a mere mortal.
Courtney Lee:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3/4 | 4/8 | 7/7 |
Did not start but still ended up playing 30 minutes. I’d be worried if were a Lee owner. Someone could find a connection to Robert E. From a fantasy perspective, it’s the Knicks and 1) they started Lance Thomas last night 2) are still playing Jarret Jack 18 minutes 3) have three years left of paying Tim Hardaway Jr. over $17 million per year.
Dario Saric:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4/6 | 8/12 | 4/5 |
The ladies be loving the Mario with the D.
Anthony Davis:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 38 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3/6 | 14/24 | 7/7 |
Anyone know of a website that has a date on when Davis will get hurt? Do you just keep doubling down until it hits? I’ve heard that is a popular strategy for blackjack.
Emeka Okafor:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4/10 | 0 |
What year is it?
Jrue Holiday:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0/2 | 8/16 | 5/5 |
Prone to the occasional bad shooting night, Jrue has a relatively high floor because he contributes across the board. Had a 22.2% usage rate last night, but that number will get into the 30s from time to time.
Nikola Mirotic:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4/8 | 7/16 | 3/3 |
Came off the bench but still ended up playing 29 minutes. The move probably helps out his fantasy value, as he can be the man on the second unit and suck up all the usage.
Blake Griffin:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1/6 | 8/17 | 5/6 |
Lake Griffin returns with the B nowhere to be found again. He has 9 blocks on the season. Chris Paul has more than him, 11 to be exact. Ok, if you want to get technical, Paul has played four more games than Lake, but still. Anyways, for perspective, Porzingis leads the league with 115. Never understood why he doesn’t block more shots.
Andre Drummond:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4/12 | 5/8 |
Yawn. Dre has reached superstar junkie status for me. Unless he does something historic, it’s whatever. Need more for me to get excited.
