Before we embark upon a new endeavor, we often count one…two…three…then go! For the rookie down in Hotlanta, the start to this new season has gone uno…dos…Trae Young is here!
| GM | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 1 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1/5 | 5/14 | 3/4 |
| 2 | 20 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4/9 | 7/18 | 2/3 |
| 3 | 35 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6/14 | 13/23 | 3/3 |
Young has improved each game in points, assists, turnovers, threeecolas, and field goals. Maybe it’s a case of “Third time is a charm,” but I’m more inclined to believe that it was a case of warming up the engine. You know who’s with me? The Stocktonator, as it liked him yesterday. Beep. Boop. Bop. There’s a reason he was the overall #5 pick in the NBA Draft and has been compared to Stephen Curry. Now, yesterday was likely a ceiling game and there will be plenty of ups and downs, but oh what a ceiling it is. Played 38 minutes and led his team to a 22 point victory over the Cavs. Make it rain, Trae.
Here’s what else I saw yesterday:
Taurean Prince
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1/6 | 5/16 | 3/3 |
The aptly-named Prince actually had a higher usage rate than Trae (27.1 vs 26), but still served in an auxiliary capacity. Prince will provide the D, which makes the princess happy, but Trae is the king and will keep his O in check on most nights.
Alex Len
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0/1 | 7/12 | 2/2 |
Hmmm, maybe the Cavs just suck and make everyone look good? I mean, Len has been turrable to start the season and just went HAM. Played 32 minutes and Dewayne Dedmon is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, so he should remain a fringe option for a bit. It helps that the Hawks are playing super fast, as they were #2 in pace before the start of yesterday’s game.
Kent Bazemore
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4/8 | 7/13 | 5/5 |
Ok, we are definitely attacking CLE in DFS every night. Bazemore is inconsistent, like many shooting guards, but he does provide the D stats on nightly basis, so the floor is higher than most.
Omari Spellman
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/5 | 6/9 | 1/2 |
The rookie played 24 minutes in his first game of the season and didn’t disappoint, showing the range from downtown. No periphery stats, though. John Collins is still recovering from his ankle surgery and will likely be brought back slowly, considering the Hawks will be in tank mode. Spellman should get some run as long as Collins is out.
Jeremy Lin
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0/1 | 0/4 | 0 |
Played 10 minutes. It’s Linsanity if he’s still on your roster.
Kevin Huerter
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3/5 | 3/8 | 0 |
Played 25 minutes. I liked him a lot during the draft process, as the boy can shoot. With that said, he didn’t do much the first two games and I think we are seeing that CLE may make everyone look good this season. Plus, it was a blowout. I’d keep an eye on him as the season progresses, though, as I could see the Hawks trading Bazemore and commence full tank mode at some point.
Kevin Love
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1/8 | 6/19 | 3/4 |
Love is going to be a double-dub machine this season. At the height of his Minnesota days, he had 48 double-dubs. Last season, that number was at 31. As long as he stays healthy, he should approach that 50 number this season. On a side note, KAT had an insane 68 last year.
Cedi Osman
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2/6 | 5/15 | 0 |
Not an efficient shooting night, but Osman played 39 minutes and contributed across the board. I’m a believer and think he only keeps improving.
Larry Nance Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/6 | 3/5 |
Played 17 minutes in his season debut. Should start getting his minutes ramped up, but could be in a time share with Tristan Thompson, depending upon the matchup.
Collin Sexton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 2/11 | 0 |
No one gonna Sexton you if you play like that Collin! Played 28 minutes and I’d imagine Sexton gets more time as the season progresses.
Jordan Clarkson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3/5 | 7/12 | 2/3 |
Clarkson is Andrew Wiggins sans the $147 million.
Nemanja Bjelica
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2/2 | 5/6 | 0 |
Got the start and played 31 minutes. I like the Nemanja. Maybe that’s why I’ve lost so many brain cells. Regardless, he’s a big that can stretch the floor and contribute across the board. Just not a high usage guy and you never know what the Kings are going to do with their lineups.
De’Aaron Fox
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1/4 | 7/12 | 7/9 |
Played 42 minutes and Fox is the unquestioned captain of this ship. After being near the bottom of the league in offensive pace last season, the Kings were 3rd before the start of yesterday’s game. As Craig kept saying during the preseason, the Kings were going to play at a fast pace. That’s why you listen to Craig. The Kings have the pieces to play fast successfully. Did Vlade did good? So far, da.
Iman Shumpert
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4/7 | 9/13 | 4/5 |
Got the start and played 30 minutes. Oh, those crazy Kings. Don’t get enchanted by the Iman, though, as he’s never averaged double digits in scoring his whole career. For those inquiring minds, his rookie year was 2011.
Marvin Bagley III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5/13 | 3/6 |
Played 24 minutes. I’m really curious who Bagley develops into, as the range of outcomes is so wide. Ed Davis? Wouldn’t shock me. Amar’e Stoudemire? I can see it. With that said, he’s still raw right now, but keep an eye on him.
Russell Westbrook
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 32 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1/6 | 13/23 | 5/11 |
Welcome back, Russ. You can tell he’s rusty, as he failed to mess around. Seriously, what’s happened to his free throw shooting? A perennial 80+ shooter from the stripe, Russ was at 73% last season and is off to an inauspicious start.
Paul George
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 3/9 | 10/18 | 6/6 |
No Russ or with Russ, there’s no need to be curious about the production for George.
Jerami Grant
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0/5 | 3/12 | 1/2 |
Played 28 minutes, so he has the power forward position locked up, even though Patterson starts. With that said, I had such high hopes for Grant coming into the season, but it doesn’t look like it’s happening. I’m sad now.
Dennis Schroder
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2/5 | 5/16 | 2/2 |
With Russ returning, Schroder went to the bench but still played 32 minutes. He’s going to be fine whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. In fact, leading the second unit is probably the best role for him.
Hamidou Diallo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1/2 | 5/7 | 0 |
Played 21 minutes off the bench. Terrance Ferguson is still the starter, but he sucks. I’d keep an eye on Diallo, as he’s the much better offensive player right now.
Draymond Green
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0/1 | 1/4 | 2/4 |
Yesterday was Trae Day, not Dray Day.
Kevin Durant
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0/4 | 7/19 | 6/7 |
What do you want me to say?
Steph Curry
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6/16 | 10/23 | 4/4 |
Saving the D for when he gets home?
The big man rotation for Golden State went: Damian Jones (19 minutes), Kevin Looney (19 minutes), and Jordan Bell (3 minutes). Jones had 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. Looney had 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks. As with Grant, I was high on Bell coming into the season. I’m sad again. If I had to choose, I’m going with Looney.
Paul Millsap
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 5 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0/2 | 1/7 | 3/8 |
Played 26 minutes and the shooting struggles continued. Patience grasshopper. He will be fine…..I hope.
Torrey Craig
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 5 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1/4 | 2/5 | 0 |
Got the start and played 27 minutes, due to the injury to Will Barton. The timetable for Barton’s return from a right groin strain is unknown, so Craig could be the starter for a while. Won’t be a prolific scorer or usage hog, but should contribute across the board.
Nikola Jokic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 7/14 | 9/12 |
Scrub.
Jamal Murray
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/5 | 0/9 | 3/4 |
My momma said there’d be days like this. Only played 26 minutes and was in foul trouble all game.
Gary Harris
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2/9 | 11/20 | 4/7 |
Guess we found out who would benefit the most from the absense of Barton. One game does not make a trend, though.
Trey Lyles
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0/5 | 2/8 | 2/4 |
Played 22 minutes. I thought he would get more but it is what it is. A big man that can stretch the floor and contribute in the periphery cats, Lyles can be fantasy viable. Not sure he will get more than the low-20s in minutes.
Juan Hernangomez
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/3 | 3/5 | 0 |
Played 23 minutes. Juancho is the sharp shooter from beyond the arc. Another beneficiary of the Barton injury.
PJ Tucker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1/1 | 1/2 | 0/2 |
Scoring will never be his forte, but PJ plays a shit ton of minutes and contributes across the board. Yes, some night you will call him PJ *ucker, but more than often you will be content with what you get.
James Harden
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 31 | 4 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4/12 | 11/26 | 5/6 |
Played 40 minutes. No CP3 equals more usage for Harden. James is Harden ready to go.
Eric Gordon
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5/8 | 7/18 | 2/2 |
Got the start and played 33 minutes. Won’t contribute much in the periphery cats, Gordon will be on the court and shoot his mother f’ing shot with no regard for human life.
Carmelo Anthony
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/3 | 3/8 | 2/2 |
Friends don’t let friends Melo.
Michael Carter-Williams
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1/4 | 0 |
Played only 14 minutes. MCW needs to go buy a jumper from somewhere.
Danilo Gallinari
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1/7 | 7/19 | 5/5 |
Gallinari reminds me of the section in the market with all the wine bottles. The product on those shelves are effective, but I know it’s only a matter of time that some kid comes by and breaks a bottle or two or three.
Boban Marjanovic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2/2 | 0 |
Played 5 minutes. Boban has been great to start the season. Boban is great in general, as he’s a monster per minute. You never play the Boban in a matchup against the Rockets, though. Uptempo is not his thing, no matter how many cycling classes he takes. When the opposition has a legitimate banger down low, then you play the Boban.
Montrezl Harrell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 8/10 | 1/1 |
Played 24 minutes while starter, Marcin Gortat, played 18. I never understood why the Clippers just didn’t commit to Montrezl. He’s a beast.
The guard shituation in Los Angeles is quite humorous. The starters were Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley, both of whom scored 4 points and played 24 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lou Williams played 26 and 25 minutes respectively, and both scored 12 points. They all nuke the value of each other. Yeah team!
Patrick Beverley
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0/3 | 1/4 | 2/2 |
Avery Bradley
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/1 | 2/5 | 0 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 4/8 | 4/4 |
Lou Williams
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0/6 | 3/16 | 6/6 |
