Speaking in generalities, I'd say people on the East Coast are more straight up. In New York, time is money so people don't want to dilly dally. In Los Angeles, there's the whole Hollywood vibe. I will say, though, that driving in rush hour may show the true colors of an individual. In Philly, they just don't give a F. Santa Claus? Here are some batteries for your noggin. With that said, there's been plenty of B. S. in Philly these days:
PTS
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TOV
3PT
FG
FT
26
10
8
1
0
2
0
10/16
6/8
Ben Simmons aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallmost messed around. If my handy dandy abacus didn't fail me, he has 10 trip-dubs on the season. There have been many other games where he's been so close. Anyways, the turnover are plentiful and you won't get any treys (the ultimate stay-in-yo-lane), but the points, boards, dimes, and steals are plentiful. He had been languishing in the top 60 area for much of the season, but over the past seven games, he's been a top 25 player because he's increased his free throw percentage from 60% to 72% on 5.1 attempts. Hopefully that ain't no B. S.
Here's what else I saw last night:
The All-Star Break means three more weeks, or 2.5 more matchups, until the head-to-head playoffs begin in most leagues. And even for Roto-Leaguers, we're already 70% of the way through the season. At this point, you know your teams. Or, at least you can if you take a few minutes to examine them. Odds are that there are stat categories that hardly matter to you by now. Once again, that can be because of a punt strategy or simply because of the way your team and league shook out. For example, though I didn't intend to punt any categories this season, I ended up dead last in FG% in a roto league with no chance of catching up. That category doesn't mean anything to me now, so I can ignore it. Similarly, in the head-to-head Razzball Experts League, I have little chance to win assists in any given week. I could try to make that up or I could double down and load up on the other categories. I have a feeling your teams may have also lost some categories early. Or maybe more likely, you have a team that just dominates a category or two to the point that you can ignore it and still win. And even if you don't find yourself far out in front or way behind in any categories, there are likely a few roto stats where you're too far away from the teams above and below you to worry about them.
So, today it's time to check up on who might be available and extra-valuable to YOUR team. We're not just looking at traditional hot waiver wire pickups. Some of them would apply, but glance through this list after you know what stats you can safely ignore, and see if somebody's right for you. Consider using the opposite train of thought when deciding who to drop, too. You're lapping the competition in rebounds? You may want to drop an end-of-the-roster big instead of a worse overall player.
You'll see the top players I recommend that are available in at least one-third of Yahoo leagues here, along with their 8-category and 9-cateogry punt rankings that are based on the per-game performances of the past 60 days (through 2/12) according to Basketball Monster.
Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I hope that by the time you're reading this that 40+ fantasy-relevant players have been traded and the NBA and all our leagues are in total anarchy. As of late Wednesday night, I'm happy to see we're well on our way! Once the dust settles and you're surveying the landscape, hopefully having snagged some newly valuable players during the dust storm, remember that your leagues' trade deadlines are probably about three weeks away. So, let's talk general trade strategy. I'm not going to get into specifics about buy-low players or fitting certain players into certain team builds. Just concepts with a little evidence sprinkled in.
Let's start with consolidation. That's normally the name of the game for experienced fantasy veterans. The ol' 2-for-1 deal (or 3-for-2, etc.). For example, you trade a 7th-round guy and a 5th-round guy for a 3rd-round guy. Then trade that 3rd-round guy and a 6th-round guy for a 2nd-round guy. Keep reloading with savvy adds (guys often worth like 10th-round value) from the waiver wire and repeat until you've got mostly players ranked in the top 40 or 50. Hopefully, most of us have leagues too competent to allow for many of those deals. But anyway, the general advice is to get the best player in a deal and to try to trade two good players for a great player.
Back in 2008, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM changed the landscape of radio. Listeners could customize their listening experience, had access to out-of-market stations, and were given a cornucopia of options (podcasts, news, sports, and channels for specific genres). Options equal versatility which enhances a product. That concept isn't just for the radio world, though, as it has become the defining characteristic of the modern day, positionless basketball that has taken root. Last night, Josh Hart was a perfect example:
PTS
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TOV
3PT
FG
FT
14
12
6
5
0
2
1/5
5/13
3/3
Hart played a team-high 44 minutes. At 6' 5" and 215 pounds, Hart can play the 1, 2, or 3. He's strong enough to handle himself down on the block, but possesses the agility to guard on the perimeter. He does get burned from time to time, but more often than not plays sound fundamental defense. Hart can shoot from beyond the arc or finish strong at the rim. He's a willing passer and is able to rack up steals. Now, since LeBron James went down with an injury, Hart has been given an opportunity and has not disappointed. He's been a top 50 player and has averaged 34.6 minutes, 12.4 points, 1.8 threeecolas, 6.8 boards, 2.1 dimes, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks. The only bugaboo has been the 38% shooting from the field. When LeBron does return, Hart will likely shift back to the bench and lose 7-9 minutes of run per game. With that said, because of his versatility, he will still contribute across the board and provide top 125-ish numbers.
Here's what else I saw last night:
As a grizzled fantasy veteran like many of you, I have most players' typical stat sets from the last few years stuck in my head. It takes a long time for me to change my opinion, regardless of how hot or cold someone gets for a few weeks or so. I generally go with logic and think "small sample size -- regression is coming". But I wasn't always so boring. It wasn't always this way...
Flashback to the year 2000...
(Okay, sorry. I'll try to stay focused. Stupid gifs of everything in history at the click of a button.)
...You'd find me in my dorm room, navigating my way through my first fantasy basketball season, loving our super-fast ethernet connection (no more AOL dial-up like at home!). Putting off homework by manually adding up my team's stats on Yahoo each night in the pre-StatTracker days. It was an 8-cat Roto league (still my game of choice), so I didn't need to get too crafty with weekly games played, matching up against specific teams, or checking NBA opponents. I'd been a big NBA fan, but I'd lost touch somewhat since my Bulls had disbanded in 1998. So, my main strategy was simple: Look at stats for the last month, and pick up whoever the best available guys were (I remember a guy I'd never heard of, Bo Outlaw, providing some sneaky stats for weeks and months at a time). Give them a couple of games to see if they'd keep it up, and if not, swap 'em for the next hot thing. Could it be so simple? Well, I ended up winning that league that season. And most seasons after that. You may not have found my friends in my league adding up their teams' stats at 4 a.m., I guess.
I recently met a conspiracy theorist. He seemed so proud and satisfied that he had the inside scoop on so many topics ("You know what's going on in Cuba, don't you?"), while the rest of us only know what the government wants us to know. Well, I went down a rabbit hole to which he directed me just for kicks. Wow, there are a lot of crazies out there trying to obtain knowledge that no one else has, regardless of how insane it is. Shout out to Kyrie.
I realized, though, that I can relate. At least when it comes to fantasy basketball. There's certainly a draw to uncovering a conspiracy and being part of only a small group of people that feels wiser than everyone else. Or, more relatably, being the only person to know a secret. This is how I felt the first time I manipulated a fantasy bball player rater. I was finally confident enough in my Excel skills to subtract categorical columns for punt rankings. I had decided to go all-in on a punt free throw percentage 8-category Roto dynasty team. Removing the FT% category dramatically changes the value of many players. I realized that I could trade players for much more than they were worth to me while acquiring players for much less than they were worth to me. Obviously, the downside was taking last place in a category. But since I was near the bottom in FT% anyway, I only lost maybe 2 points there while gaining something like 7 or 8 total points combined in other categories. The problem in a league like that is that I would've needed to get first in nearly every other category to win it all. I peaked at second place.
Yeah, yeah, you're aware of the simplest of punt strategies. I know. But, aside from overrating rookies in dynasty drafts, this is really what I'm most passionate about: the concept of ignoring categories that aren't going to help or hurt you.
Steve Urkel was a character on the television show, Family Matters. He was always disrespected because he looked like a nerd and spoke in a high-pitched voice. He was also clumsy and caused havoc, which often led him to saying, "Did I do that?" Well, some of the same things could be said for CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers. He's often disrespected because he looks like a nerd compared to Damian Lillard and his game isn't flashy, yet....
PTS
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TOV
3PT
FG
FT
40
5
6
4
0
2
5/10
17/26
1/2
Is a 40-burger flashy enough? As the picture above shows the uncanny resemblance, there's also video:
Seriously, has anyone ever seen Urkel and McCollum in the same room at the same time? Anyways, CJ had himself a night, as he played 36 minutes and set season-highs in field goal attempts and makes, threeecola attempts and makes, assists, steals, and points. CJ can be frustrating to own for fantasy because he is pretty meh most of the time, but he is silky smooth (enjoy the video clip at the end of the post) and does have the ceiling to go bonkers from time to time. He's currently the #60 player according to Basketball Monster.
Here's what else I saw last night:
Entering last night's game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was 131st on Yahoo rankings, mainly due to the high turnovers, low free throw percentage, and lack of threeecolas. Well, Giannis said F U to all the rankings and went HAM last night:
PTS
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TOV
3PT
FG
FT
31
15
4
0
2
3
1/3
13/29
4/6
Granted, it was the Knicks but I don't see many teams being able to slow him down, especially in this Budenholzer offense. He's averaging a ridonkulous 16.5 rebounds, 25.5 points, 6.4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal so far. The usage rates for each game have been 41, 38, and 37! The lack of threeecolas have always been an issue, and I don't see that improving too much this year. The poor free throw shooting should improve, as he's a career 74% from the charity stripe, and the turnovers should abate by a huge margin. Currently, he's at 7 per game, while his career rate is 2.5. Ain't nothing but a G thang, baby! G will be that top 10 player you drafted sooner rather than later.
Here's what else I saw last night:
At long last, the new NBA season is upon us! You've finally learned your Adebayos from your Anunobys from your Anigbogus. Now, let's get our Miltons, Meltons, Okobos, and Okogies straight. The Charlotte Michael-Hyphens (Kidd-Gilchrist and Carter-Williams) and the Miami Derrick Juniors (Jones and Walton) broke up, but I think all three NBA Reggies are still on the Pistons, at least. It's going to be a great season. We'll start playing more with numbers next week in this column. But for now, let's talk drafting!
Fantasy drafts are the best. Snake, auction, slow, in-person. Whatever the format, I'm in. You're likely a grizzled veteran of fantasy hoops drafts at this point as well, if you're part of Razzball Nation. But whether you are or not, I'm hoping I can give you a couple advantages you may not have thought of yet. Or maybe, with all the aspects of a draft to consider, something I mention will be a helpful reminder when you're frantically scrolling through late round players that all look terrible.
Last year, I went pretty in-depth with a two-part draft strategy series (Part 1, Part 2). Some of the names may have changed, but it holds up pretty well (thank goodness I said something positive about Donovan Mitchell). This year, I'll try to keep it a bit more brief, but no promises.
With the season a week away, and drafts in full swing, now is the perfect time to dig deep for those late round fliers. Once you get past round 9, I believe the best strategy is to pick players who may pop in a moments notice. Whether they are in a new scheme, new location, getting more minutes or just primed for a breakout, there are potential underrated stars to be had on every team. I will go team by team in each conference and highlight a player who can be had for cheap and can make an impact sooner rather than later.
Welcome to draft season Razzball Nation. This week, I present the results of an industry mock draft in which I was fortunate enough to get some great basketball minds to kindly offer their time to bring you some extra research material for your dynasty leagues.
We all need a fresh start on occasion. Atlanta has entered full-blown house cleaning #process territory. Along with the youth movement, they managed to move Dennis Schroder and Mike Muscala for Carmelo Anthony and a protected 2022 first rounder. Melo obviously didn’t fit their plans and they moved on, while paving room for Trae Young to take control of the backcourt in GM Travis Schlenk’s Golden State model. This squad will be bad, but in a fun way. It will be a few seasons until they can eat their lasagna, but at least they’re not Sacramento.
A little birdie told me our 2024 Fantasy Baseball subscriptions are live. The little birdie also said it includes our Draft War Room. You really wanna lose in a fantasy baseball league to a little birdie? Would be kinda embarrassing, tbhhttps://t.co/1ag7IFSYS0
Speaking in generalities, I'd say people on the East Coast are more straight up. In New York, time is money so people don't want to dilly dally. In Los Angeles, there's the whole Hollywood vibe. I will say, though, that driving in rush hour may show the true colors of an individual. In Philly, they just don't give a F. Santa Claus? Here are some batteries for your noggin. With that said, there's been plenty of B. S. in Philly these days:
Back in 2008, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM changed the landscape of radio. Listeners could customize their listening experience, had access to out-of-market stations, and were given a cornucopia of options (podcasts, news, sports, and channels for specific genres). Options equal versatility which enhances a product. That concept isn't just for the radio world, though, as it has become the defining characteristic of the modern day, positionless basketball that has taken root. Last night, Josh Hart was a perfect example:
Flashback to the year 2000...
(Okay, sorry. I'll try to stay focused. Stupid gifs of everything in history at the click of a button.)
...You'd find me in my dorm room, navigating my way through my first fantasy basketball season, loving our super-fast ethernet connection (no more AOL dial-up like at home!). Putting off homework by manually adding up my team's stats on Yahoo each night in the pre-StatTracker days. It was an 8-cat Roto league (still my game of choice), so I didn't need to get too crafty with weekly games played, matching up against specific teams, or checking NBA opponents. I'd been a big NBA fan, but I'd lost touch somewhat since my Bulls had disbanded in 1998. So, my main strategy was simple: Look at stats for the last month, and pick up whoever the best available guys were (
Steve Urkel was a character on the television show, Family Matters. He was always disrespected because he looked like a nerd and spoke in a high-pitched voice. He was also clumsy and caused havoc, which often led him to saying, "
Entering last night's game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was 131st on Yahoo rankings, mainly due to the high turnovers, low free throw percentage, and lack of threeecolas. Well, Giannis said F U to all the rankings and went HAM last night:
