Press conferences tend to be a bit boring, especially during the modern days, but the alien Victor Wembanyama is apparently here to change even this aspect of the game. After eliminating the Thunder in the NBA Cup semi final, he had some subtle words for his opponents.
It is an interesting discussion from him but the most intriguing bit is calling the Spurs basketball ethical – “I’m just glad to be part of something that’s growing to be so beautiful — pure and ethical basketball.” Is this a jab towards the Thunder who have been long accused of benefiting from generous whistles and permissive officiating ? Is it something entirely different that came from his offseason work with the monks? We shall see as the season progresses, but honestly this is a quote that could have easily been generated by Greg Popovich himself.
Regarding last week’s suggestions, the trio of Neemias Queta, Anthony Black and Kyle Filipowski had good if unremarkable weeks, while on the Sell front, Cam Johnson is averaging 37 minutes and doing absolutely nothing with them, so he remains a clear drop in my book.
Buy
Marvin Bagley III: I can’t believe I am recommending Bagley for fantasy purposes but the reality is that Alex Sarr’s injury has given him the opportunity to provide solid big man stats, so he is an add at least for the short term. Just beware that he can be a bit hit or miss, providing huge performances followed by absolute duds. And always remember the Kings picked him ahead of Luka Doncic in 2018 (20% owned).
Dean Wade: It is a weird fantasy week with the NBA cup yesterday and just 2 games today, so we should look to extract as much value as we can in terms of games played. That’s where Dean Wade comes into play with a game today and on Friday. He started due to Evan Mobley’s injury and should be a solid source of rebounds and steals, so feel free to add him and then stream his spot after Friday to get the maximum value of that roster spot (4% owned).
Jordan Walsh: Do I feel confident suggesting a player with 12 usage for the season ? Absolutely not. However, Jordan Walsh has earned himself a significant role for the rebuilding Boston Celtics, starting fro them during the last month and averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and most importantly 1.6 steals. His playing time can go away in a heartbeat and he is not closing games, but you can do a lot worse than taking a chance on him and seeing how it plays out (26% owned).
Sell
Lauri Markkanen: Despite having no hype in this year’s drafts, Lauri Markkanen has shattered expectations with a remarkable bounce back season, ranking 14th in per game value and having missed a single game all season. Despite his performance the Jazz are tanking as expected, so I fear for his long term availability, especially during fantasy playoffs. His last game was a 33 point, 16 rebounds and 4 steals masterpiece, so there is no better time to try and exchange him for a top20 player that has a higher chance to be active in March.
Three things are certain in life: Death, Taxes, and Lauri Markkanen coming down with a “sore” back or ankle for the last month of the season due to the Jazz tanking.
This is my one issue with the NBA, didn’t they add rules to limit their worse teams from resting star players as they go into full on tank mode? It hasn’t seemed to change much when bad teams are “fighting” for ping pong balls…
Amen to that. It used to also be that Thaddeus Young will somehow be fantasy relevant each season, but alas, time has passed and this universal truth has faded.
In theory and after the changes, the boost a team gets for being last is much smaller than what it used to be but it hasn’t stopped tanking much.
And surprise surprise, Markkanen is questionable for tomorrow’s game….
I enjoyed watching “the finals” last night. Thunder – Spurs may be an exciting rivalry for years. Knicks veteran presence was impressive in Q4 so give them their due as well.
As a Harper owner, I was thrilled to see the Spurs go with 3 guards down the stretch. Castle is so good and just plays winning basketball. Great to see him at point and let Fox play both PG and SG. Harper is a gem. Gonna be terrific come Spring.
If I can survive losing Trae, Mobley, Edey, Oubre, Cam for so long, I may enjoy Spring too.
Im sure you will be ready in spring. Spurs have built a very interesting roster that all comes together through Wemby. They feel like they are one piece away from true contention, though I am not what that piece is. Maybe a good 4 that can stretch and defend or a starting center to relieve some minutes from Wemby. Very fun to watch tram though for sure.
Got killed on the boards. Drawing Wemby out of the lane worked well. A 4 who toughens up the interior would work wonders.
I hear you. They have the assets to get some immediate help for sure.
Two interesting trades in our league I would like your thoughts on and a question…9 cat, 12 teams.
1. PJ for Mathurin
2. Castle and Sharpe for Towns.
3. The new owner of Towns is already spooked by his calf/knee issue. I am not overly concerned beyond the normal Towns concerns. I would like to move off LaVine. Is LaVine and Butler or Miles Bridges a good trade for Towns?
Roster for context:
Gobert, Mobley, Raynauld/streamer spot
Jalen Johnson, Butler, Miles Bridges, Bey, Cam Spencer
Maxey, Trae, Quickly, LaVine, Harper, Fears, Gillespie
Thanks!
PJ for Marhurin is as interesting of a trade as watching paint dry.
I think the Towns side won that trade.
Lavine and Butler for Towns is a good trade for you in my opinion. Sure per game Jimmy is great, but you move on from a player that rarely plays more than 60 games and from Lavine who is a veteran on the Kings for the best player in the trade.
Paint dry! Ha.
I actually like PJ for stocks but as you said, not a big deal. I am going to make a run at Towns. Stay tuned.