Jason Kidd is averaging a career-low in minutes played, which informs the across-the-board decline in all his other stats. For now, the dip isn’t pronounced enough to be too worrisome. The Mavs still take a shizz ton (100 lbs. heavier than a crap load) of jumpers that allow for Kidd to grab long rebounds. The team also still relies on Kidd to enact the offense by dribbling past half-court, shoveling it off to one of the wings, hoping for an assist, rinse, repeat. But when Rodrigue Beaubois returns, look for Kidd’s production to fall further. Not necessarily because of fewer minutes (that might be what hurts Jason Terry), but because Rod Goodwood drives to the basket and is expected to score at a good clip. But if Beaubois creates his own offense, he’s going to take away a couple assists from Kidd each game. And if the Mavs trade a few clanging shots for made layups, Kidd drops from an 8/4/9 line to an 8/3/7 guy with a sub-.400 field-goal percentage. And then, you’re looking at Jose Calderon numbers at the price of a fourth-round pick.
Anyhow, here’s how Thursday went in fantasy basketball:
Jose Juan Barea – Season-highs in minutes (27), assists (13) and turnovers (4). Don’t you go getting used to those minutes, Joe John.
Devin Harris – Showed up in Dallas to show up the team that eschewed him (say that fast a dozen times) and ended up blowing out his shoulder nine minutes in. If he misses any time, Jordan Farmar will be the most valuable NBA Jordan ever. Yes, ever.
Travis Outlaw – Out of the starting lineup. If we outlaw underachievers the only people underachieving will be Outlaw … and J.J. Hickson. I’d strongly consider dropping both.
Damion James – Four points on three shots in 23 starter’s minutes in place of Travis Outlaw. Man, it’s like Outlaw never left. I’d avoid James until he goes off, as he’s just hanging out until Terrence Williams re-acclimates himself to opponents that won’t let him triple-double every time out.
Derrick Favors – Inactive last night and day-to-day with a bruised thigh. Favors’ thigh bruise would have gone undetected if he wasn’t trying to bring the John Stockton short-shorts look back.
Terrence Williams – He didn’t start, but he did play 25 minutes. He also looked like a guy who’s spent two weeks sleeping on beds in the Red Roof Inn in central Massachusetts and carrying his own luggage filled with bitterness.
Stephen Curry – Yesterday morning, it appeared he’d be out until Christmas. Yesterday evening, there was some discussion he could play tonight. Although he probably won’t, there’s an obvious conclusion one can make using the information we’re being given: Stephen Curry has developed super-healing ability!
Jodie Meeks – Haven’t written much about Meeks’ increased production this week since taking over for Evan Turner. He averaged 7.1 points in 17 mpg in November. Four games into this month, he’s averaging 16.5 in over 30 mpg. I don’t want to give anything away away about this afternoon’s Add/Drop post, but Meeks is going to be on it. And because I don’t want to give anything away, you now owe me $5 bucks.
Thaddeus Young – Barkley called Thad the Impaler the best player on the Sixers. Then Kenny called Barkley stupid. Then Barkley threw a glass of warm milk just past Kenny’s head. Then they talked about what a turd Reggie Miller is. Then they laughed. Oh, how they laughed. Anyway, Young is averaging 21/7 in the last three games, while shooting .765 from the floor.
Louis Williams – Sank four threes on his way to 16 points. This is what happens when Nate Robinson guards you. Or doesn’t, as the case may be.
Vince Carter – Started for the Magic. Um, that’s the only good thing I can come up with about his game last night, so let’s just move on.
Dwight Howard – Season-high 39 points. He also made 13-of-19 from the line. At this point, it’s become clear to me that this man needs other outlets, now that he’s completely conquered the NBA. Howard for Orlando comptroller!
Andre Miller – Miller was angry at the NBA for ending his streak and he played like it to be sure. But he also played like it, in part, because Brandon Roy was ghost-like. This might be the new Brandon Roy. He’ll average 18 points for four games, then poop in your kitchen every fifth.
