Boston, Dallas, Memphis and the Lakers share one win amongst themselves and 10 losses. So understand me when I tell you that everything – absolutely everything – written here is a complete guess. So it goes when you’re watching basketball as messy as this. Now if you’re ready, let’s talk about Michael Redd. When last we saw Redd, the U.S. economy had just entered a recession, everyone was still reeling from the newest Batman movie and Coldplay was something people listened to. Skip ahead three years and everything is … well, pretty much the same. The only difference now is that Redd has since played fewer games than Greg Oden and has zipped ahead from the end of his prime (29) to straight-up old (32). But now Redd’s back under a 1-year contract with a Suns team that need another question mark on its roster like they need nipples for knees. Redd made it into 10 games last season (averaging 12/2/3, with a trey each game) on a similar mish-mash Bucks squad. So this really is a redemption for both sides. The Suns have looked a fright to start the season and so Phoenix figured, “why not?” Consider Redd a candidate for about 12-15 mpg, and 9/2/2, with a three each game. If you can use that, grab him. The only way he produces more is if Dudley, Brown, Hill and Childress all stay terrible. I can’t imagine that would happen and can’t imagine Redd is the best FA pickup you can find. Here’s what else went down on Thursday in fantasy basketball.
Marshon Brooks – Only two Nets scored in double figures: Deron Williams (10) and Brooks (17). The Nets look terrible and have been blown out by 36 and 16 points in each of their last two games. What does this mean? It means that Brooks is their best player three games into the season and the Nets are atrocious. There are no coincidences.
Jameer Nelson – Played 17 quiet minutes before he left the game with neck spasms. He’s questionable for tonight’s game. Chris Duhon will get all his minutes, but before you rush to pick him up, remember that at some point in the near future you’re going to want to look at yourself in the mirror and owning Duhon might make that harder to do. He went 9/1/4, with three 3ptm in 28 minutes yesterday.
DeJuan Blair – 22/12 on 8-for-17 from the floor. In his first three games, Blair is shooting .583 from the field, which becomes less impressive when you consider that his “field” is within six feet from the basket. Still, he’s a steady source of boards and FG% widely available in a lot of leagues.
Tiago Splitter – Started the second half after Gregg Poppovich came just shy of slaughtering his entire starting five. Anyway, in 25 minutes, Splitter double-doubled for the second time in his NBA career (10/11/3). His success felt more like a punishment. I don’t love owning guys on my fantasy team whose presence on the court is meant to inspire shame in better players.
Kevin Martin – Shook his funk, scored 25 and hit four 3pt. Also, Kyle Lowry ended with a 16/9/8 line. Watching parts of this game, it is clear to me that as Speed Racer goes, so goes Lowry.
Samuel Dalembert – 4/7, with 4 blk in 20 minutes. He won’t block this much on a regular basis, but if you’re rostering Kendrick Perkins, Kwame Brown or Biedrins, I’d prefer Sammy Davis Sr. over the lot.
Chase Budinger – 2/2 and nothin’ else in 18 starter’s minutes. This coming after going 3/3/2 in 20 minutes a couple days ago. He’s toast. If you were considering him, stop. If you own him, drop.
Kevin Durant – I ranked this guy at the top of the NBA litter, so I know I don’t have to tell you about how good he is. But then I realized that Durant has had 6 assists in two of his first four games this season after handing out that many only three times last year. KD with a passing game is like a dolphin developing opposable thumbs: we’re all in deep, deep trouble.
Eric Maynor – No need to do anything about this now, but with all this babble about Russie Westbrook’s attitude, it’s worth noting in case something happens that Eric Maynor’s per36 is 12/4/7, 1.8 stl and his URtg is a hefty 21.3. Three cheers for a statistics strawman!
Delonte West – Got the start because of his defense. This was the closest Dallas has come to winning all season, so I think Carlisle will put him back into the starting lineup again. Baby steps!
Lamar Odom – Odom looks confused. And sad. Like Vince Carter ate his last Payday without offering to replace it. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I’m certain this is exactly what happened.
J.J. Hickson – He’s averaging seven points and four rebounds to start the season. Whose stock has plummeted since joining the Kings? J.J. Hickson’s stock has plummeted since joining the Kings. Yes it did! Yes it did. Also, Adam’s stock has plummeted since Hickson joined the Kings because he pimped him in the preseason. Ugh. If there’s a big you’ve got your eye on, drop Hickson and go for him.
Joakim Noah – 8/3, with 2 blk in 22 minutes. What the what!?! If I wanted that type of production, I’d have drafted J.J. Hickson.
Carlos Boozer – 16/15. Hey, Boo’!
Ty Lawson – Sank 25 points and nabbed 8 steals. How’d you spend your Thursday?
Nicolas Batum – 1 3pt/6 pts/6 rbd/1 ast/1 stl/4 blk/4 tov. A quietly filled box score from a Quiet Man. “Now I want all of yous to cheer like Protestants.”
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