Roundup of NBA News: Love Lost Weight, Carter to Be Cut, Bynum Improves

December 5th, 2011 by Jason

This is yet another reminder not to draft Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, Patty Mills or Aaron Brooks this season, unless circumstances change. They’re stuck in China — but they’re trying to get out.

Roy Hibbert put on 15 pounds of muscle and worked with Tim Duncan during the offseason. Maybe Duncan is the next Hakeem Olajuwon, maybe he’s not. Regardless, this is good news for Hibbert’s fantasy prospects in 2011-12. He started last season strong then faded into maddening inconsistency, but maybe the extra meat on his bones and lessons learned will help him with that. It’s also comforting to know making cameos on “Parks and Recreation” wasn’t the only thing on Hibbert’s offseason to-do list.

Andray Blatche‘s shoulder still isn’t 100 percent. “Shoulder is about 75, 80 percent. It’s still getting better,” according to Blatche. This is bad news — probably not dire, but definitely not heartening.

Paul George added 8 pounds of muscle, is focused on defense and was ready to go “at a moment’s notice whenever the lockout ended.” His sleeper status is even more appropriate now.

Lawson's fantasy value is safe this season. (Flickr/GAMEFACE-PHOTOS)
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl said Ty Lawson is “ready to be a 30-35 minute player.” In 31 starts last season, Lawson averaged 50.9% FG, 85.1% FT, 1.2 3PTM, 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.1 turnovers in 32:06 per game. Fears about Andre Miller‘s impact on Lawson’s potential stud status should be set aside. Karl said he’ll deploy both point guards on the court together at times, so Miller should retain some value.

Ed Davis gained about 18 pounds of muscle and could find himself playing center for the Raptors this season. James Johnson improved his jumper and is focused on defense. Both players could be huge bargains near the end of your drafts.