Veteran players after a certain point in their careers begin to have a grasp of coaching, systems and plays to a varying degree and that’s why many of them transition to coaches after their playing days are over. Last week, we had an awesome example of this, with Giannis drawing up the alley hoop for the final possession against Charlotte, down 1 point, executing it to perfection with Porter Jr and winning the close game.
Some will shade Doc Rivers involvement as a coach, but I think it is great to give some freedom to your star players to be involved, as long as they remain coachable, something that Giannis most certainly is. The other offensive sets under Doc is a whole different conversation though, with not such a favorable tone for the veteran head coach…
Bonus clip of the week, another ridiculous move by the basketball alien, fueled by his offseason monk training, without many other comments…
Regarding last week’s suggestions, Jonas Valanciunas lasted just one awesome half before getting sidelined for a long time alongside Nikola Jokic, so he unfortunately is a clear drop, while both Isaiah Stewart and Ayo Dosumnu got more minutes and subsequently more production.
Buy
Julian Champagnie: There are weeks when the Spurs decide to give Julian Champagnie the starting nod, like the last 2 and when this happens he can become a legit fantasy contributor. He has been especially on fire on those last 2 weeks averaging 3.3 triples and 6.9 rebounds so we have to ride the hot hand and add him to see how long he can maintain this level (20% owned).
Zeke Nnaji: There are not many people above 2.05 meters left standing in the Denver roster and Nnaji is one of them so he immediately pops up in the fantasy radar with all the frontcourt injuries of the Nuggets. Despite not starting, he played 32 minutes against Philadelphia and outplayed starter DaRon Holmes, so give him a look to see if he can claim those kind of minutes moving forward, albeit with a short lease (4% owned).
Steven Adams: Alperen Sengun should miss the next 4-5 games, so Steven Adams becomes a streaming target for rebounds and fg%, if you can stomach the usually very subpar free throw shooting percentages (9% owned).
Sell
Jordan Poole: There will be some standout games for sure but overall, I think Poole will be more of a hindrance than good for your fantasy team. He is ranked 188th in per game value for the season, is shooting 36% from the field and is playing only 27 minutes, so I think he will not miss him. I dropped him in standard leagues some months ago when he missed some games and have not regretted it at all (85% owned).
Poole is the perfect Wizard or Pelican. No conscience, no defense.
I kept Gillespie for now as no word on Suggs status worried me. I could try for Camara or Grimes but that owner is on the fence. Do you have a preference between those two or just hold?
Indeed Poole and the Pelicans are so worthy of each other.
I think with those 2, I would just hold and enjoy the current production of Gillespie.
The Daily Dose!
Do you subscribe to the theory that Trae will be used sparingly so the Wiz don’t win games this year due to the protected draft pick?
He has been a nightmare. Could have had Booker in the draft but thought he not Trae would be at risk of a late season “rest”.
Unfortunately I fear that the Wizards have no incentive to play him this season. There have already been reports that they will be “super cautious with his health”.
As you already mentioned, Washington will retain their pick this season, if it is top8, so they will tank harder as the season progresses. If I had to guess I would say Trae plays between 0 – 15 games the rest of the season and close to zero during fantasy playoffs.
If you can find a legitimate trade for him, go for it. Maybe someone from your league is much more optimistic than me.
Well I just traded away Gillespie for Jaden Mac. I think this takes out some risk for me and helps with stocks.
I am chatting with the owner of Sarr about pairing him with Trae. Would be great in pick and roll. We shall see.
That’s a good trade I think and an even better narrative to tell to the Sarr owner. Let’s see how it pans out.