Back in the 80’s, Hasbro came out with My Buddy, a doll marketed for boys to teach them about caring for their friends. It was controversial at the time because dolls were traditionally for girls. Yep, took until the 80’s. Anyways, there were two things that always stuck with me regarding My Buddy. First, the catchy commercial song. Second, the fact that My Buddy eventually morphed into Chucky from Child’s Play. In a way, it perfectly captures the duality of the world, which segues perfectly to Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings. Selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, big things were expected from the guard out of Oklahoma. Even bigger things were expected a year later when he was a fundamental piece in the trade for DeMarcus Cousins. Vivek Ranadive, owner of the Kings, said, “Buddy Hield has Steph Curry potential.” As my momma always told me, “potential don’t mean shit.” Buddy had some ugly shooting performances: 1-for-10, 2-for-10, etc. As a result, he was allotted 30 or more minutes in a game just twice. Every time he sucked, we threw him into the proverbial trash and eradicated him from our memories. But….he kept resurrecting. Just like Chucky. Last night in Philly, Buddy helped the Kings best the 76ers 101-95. Buddy went:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
24 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3/9 | 9/19 | 3/3 |
Until I see the Kings actually commit to Buddy, I’m hesitant to trust him. He can get hot, for extended stretches of time, but he will just end up disappointing you. Then you will throw him in the trash and the circle of life will resume once again.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
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PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/4 | 1/6 | 2/2 |
Got the start at shooting guard because George Hill was out, but only played 18 minutes. Up until last night, it looked like the Kings were committing to Bogdan. He had played 29, 33, 33, and 30 minutes in the prior four games. Buddy got hot last night, so Bogdan got the hand. Maybe the Kings just have commitment issues? This may be shaping up to be a battle of epic proportions. In the red corner, we have Vivek and Buddy. In the blue corner, we have the Serbian connection of Vlade and Bogdan.
Zach Randolph:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
27 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/3 | 12/19 | 2/4 |
Zach has the perfect game for the YMCA circuit. He’s going to be a force for a long time. Has to be the overall number one pick, right? I love that he’s able to rep the YMCA-style in the NBA. Love, love, love his game.
De’Aaron Fox played 11 minutes before exiting due to injury.
Frank Mason III:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2/2 | 7/9 | 0 |
Is Buddy Hield-esque in his consistency, but he does have the ability to put the ball in the basket. If Fox and Hill are out for an extended period of time, Mason should be the main beneficiary.
JJ Redick played 20 minutes before injuring his hamstring. Jerryd Bayless replaced him and played 26 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
15 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4/8 | 5/12 | 1/2 |
They went to Jerryd!
Ben Simmons almost messed around.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
13 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5/6 | 3/5 |
Imagine when he learns how to shoot!
With Joel Embiid sitting, Amir Johnson got the start and played 18 minutes. Richaun Holmes played 26 minutes.
TJ McConnell:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5/6 | 1/2 |
Played 21 minutes, but could be in line for more minutes if Redick is down for an extended period of time. The big question is if his hair will be able to handle the extra run?
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
37 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/3 | 11/21 | 14/15 |
Played 37 minutes, but did exit the game for a brief period. Shocking, I know. The injury was to the wrist, but X-rays were negative. Keep an eye on any reports, like “day trader watching chart” eye.
DeMarcus Cousins:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
26 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 8/17 | 9/11 |
That’s 22 double-dubs for Boogie on the season, two shy of KAT. Do a little dance! Make a little love! Get down tonight!
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 0/3 | 0 |
Played 14 minutes. Rondo did bang his knee early in the game, so that was probably the reason for his benching.
With Otto Porter Jr. sitting, Kelly Oubre Jr. got the start and played 30 minutes.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/3 | 3/8 | 3/4 |
Probably better running with the second unit, as there are not many shots to go around with Wall hoisting up 18 and Beal 19.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
18 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4/8 | 6/18 | 2/4 |
Played 33 minutes. Prior to the injury, Wall was playing 37-40 minutes a game, so there are still some RPMs left. Once Wall is up and running, no illegal shall enter our country again!
Mike Scott:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/5 | 11/15 | 0 |
Great Scott! Straight en fuego lately. Last three games: 24, 19, and 22. 73% from the field and 50% from downtown. He’s also grabbed four boards in each game and collected some D stats as well. Dude is playing like some new surprise baby mommas came into his life recently. Keep pressing and parlaying, but realize that every shooter craps out at some point.
Marcin Gortat:
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
10 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5/7 | 0 |
Played 30 minutes, which was to be expected with Cousins and Davis on the other side. Just be wary when the other team goes small or has a nimble center that can stretch the floor.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
39 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6/11 | 14/22 | 5/5 |
One rebound and seven turnovers? Numbers not fit for a king.
Giannis Antetokounmpo almost messed around.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
27 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8/14 | 11/12 |
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
18 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1/5 | 7/15 | 3/4 |
Who’s more underrated? Khris or Al Horford? Khris does everything except contribute in blocks. Top 25 player in fantasy. You know who doesn’t undervalue Middleton? Stocktonator, as it loved him last night.
PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
26 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2/5 | 10/16 | 4/5 |
Eric has Dwight Howard shoulders. Dude is built like a tank. If only he could shoot a little better. Definitely needs an upgraded guidance system. With that said, he does contribute across the board.
Hi Son,
My Ariza for his Blake? How do u see Blake Ros?
@2rule: I’m not high on Blake. I just don’t see the motivation for the Clips to play him this year.
Son, let’s delve further into Kawhi’s shit-uation. I’m looking at an angle where I feel that he won’t be rested come fantasy playoffs. For one, he has already missed a ton of games, and still regularly missing some and is still also on minute restriction. Compared to 90% of the players in the NBA (I just made that number up, lmao) he’s relatively fresh af.
Later to the season his minute restriction will surely be lifted, but I don’t think it would be wise (especially when the NBA playoffs is just around the corner) for the Spurs to sit him out on some games when he’s finally finding his groove. It’ll only mess up with his rhythm, I would suppose. And if there’s one person that the Spurs need to rest, it’s LMA.
However, the obvious fact still remains that I’m no expert and I probably have no idea what I am talking about. Lol But here’s what I’m going to do–our trade deadline is on the 21st of FEB and that’s 8 weeks from now. I’m giving Kawhi roughly 7 weeks to show signs of important improvements to his game. By that time I’m looking at average of 20.0/4.0/3.0/1.5/0.4; with awesome percentages; 1.5 3P on 31 minutes of court time. These are my serious expectations. AND if I don’t meet them, then it’s probably time to move on. The good thing though is that the Lillard owner that I mentioned to you earlier who also happens to be an avid Spurs fan has already agreed to the possible swap. He even wanted to do it right away. Ha! But if I get what I wanted from Kawhi on week 17, then I’m holding.
What do you think? Lillard still? Or nah?
@I just wanna Kawhi: I’d take Lillard right now. Don’t get cute. You can get a top 10 player, which is your goal. There are so many things that could happen between now and 8 weeks to mess up your plan.
@Son:
I would, too. But there’s going to be an uprising from my league mates if that deal were to happen right now. Lol My squad is one of the strongest, and an undoubtedly serious contender. It would seem like I’m fleecing the other guy. We need to raise Kawhi’s stock first before we could land a top 15 for him. Don’t worry, Butler, Mitchell, Capela and Gordon will take care of everything. Ha!
@I just wanna Kawhi: Got it. You know the league dynamics better than me. Good luck!
@Son:
Yass. Better wait this one out! Thanks man!
@I just wanna Kawhi: Anytime!
So when do we have to start worrying about the brow getting messed up from radiation exposure? What do you think about sending my schroder/kanter for middleton and pfww tyson chan?
Ha! Good one. I’m good with the Middleton trade.
My middleton+wcs for his Porzi?
I’d rather have Middleton/WCS
Hi son,
What do u think of mu porzingis for vucevic? Love zingis but hate the injuries and i dont think vuc value will go way down on what he’s doing now.
Would rather have Vuc
Would you drop Nwaba for Torrey Craig?
@Spo: I like both but I’m good with the move
@Son:
Would Nwaba or Favors be the better drop? Thanks for the help
@Spo: Nwaba
Hey son. Thank u for your advice to start lyles, he’s good. I want to know would you rather get bogdanovic kings or bullockor canaan,or dany green? I’ve got 2 empty slot coz im cleaning the bench. Thanks before son. H2h 9cat
@Yugo: Ha! Good to hear. Canaan and Bullock for now. They are both balling and getting minutes. I do like Bog, but the situation is still murky
Hold or drop Rondo? Also who ya playing tonight between Kuzma, Mirotic, and Tobias Harris (pick 2)
@J: Depends on who you’d drop for, but I side with holding for now. Kuzma and Mirotic
@Son: Yeah not sure, someone just dropped KCP could put in a claim on him, but will probably just wait it out with Rondo a little longer. If Gary Harris is a go tonight you starting him over Kuzma probably? Lineup is too full tonight haha
@J: Ha! Yeah, a ton of games today. Harris is a fine option, but I kind of like Kuzma a little more tonight.
@Son: Yeah Kuz has been crushing, looks like Harris is likely to play afterall, might be safest to ride him on the bench tonight? Or would you plug him in ahead of Mirotic, Tyreke, Marc Gasol, or Vucevic? Feel like all those guys probably better plays than Harris at this point (watch harris go off again for 30+).
@J: They are all good plays. I’d sit Harris. I’d let the Rule of Son guide. Whichever scenario would piss you off the most, then do the opposite. So, if you would be most pissed if Harris went off while benching him, then you start him. EZ PZ.
Not only has Crabbe become a liability to the teams who picked him up, but also to his own team, the Nets! Can’t stand his atrocious shooting any longer. Garbage!! Ha =))
@I just wanna Kawhi: Ha! I want you to keep some of the players so I can be entertained with the tilting