fBasketballBlog

What does Yaouch Ming have to do with Dolph Lundgren? Probably nothing, but whatever. (Keith Allison/Flickr)

With every new season there’s a fresh list of fantasy basketball players that are on the verge of being given up on. Some of these players are walking DNPs that have one more shot to prove that they can play a full season, or something close to it; others are players who have coyly toed the line between fantasy goodness and fantasy greatness for a few seasons and are testing our collective patience; others have failed to fulfill past “sleeper” labels; still others are former studs who have regressed into duds in recent seasons and have one last shot at a redemptive comeback season before they’re permanently locked in the cellar.

Here’s a list of nine such players teetering on the edge of utter hopelessness this season (from a nine-category perspective), along with a rating of how close they are to being lost causes. We’ll use an uber-macho scale of Dolph Lundgrens (1 = not that close from final doom, 5 = direly close). Why nine, and why Dolphs? Look no further than here for a visual explanation.

It’s go time. (continue reading…)

Wade is staying in Miami and he'll have a very capable sidekick in Bosh. Will the duo become a trio by Thursday evening? (Keith Allison/Flickr)

Two-thirds of the dream trio that has been the recipient of so much attention this summer have finally decided on their future.

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh announced today that they plan to sign with the Miami Heat.

From a fantasy standpoint, it’s not all that exciting — yet. It’s too early to jump to concrete conclusions on Wade and Bosh’s values next season, since we don’t know who else will (or will not) sign with their squad. As it stands, the Heat only have Wade, Bosh, Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley on its payroll. If they fill out that roster with a bunch of minor role players, Wade and Bosh remain fantasy studs, though their stats might take a slight baby step back.

If, however, Wade and Bosh are joined by LeBron James, all three dudes will see their values take a material hit. (continue reading…)

Rose had himself a dandy against the C's. (Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Derrick Rose wrecked the Celtics with 39 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks and 2 turnovers. He shot 68 percent (15-22) from the field and 90 percent (9-10) from the line. Rose didn’t make quite the second-year jump that many expected of him but that won’t stop owners from tagging him with hopes of a breakout season in 2010-11.

Noteworthy Lines:
Kevin Garnett – 5-12 FG (42%), 4-5 FT (80%), 14 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 TO; This was a hugely disappointing season for Garnett, and owners who thought he could put together a turnaround were way off the mark. Hoping for a revived KG next season is like hoping for a resuscitation of Lindsay Lohan’s film career – it’s not going to happen.

Kirk Hinrich – 11-20 FG (55%), 4-5 FT (80%), 4 3ptm, 30 Pts, 4 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 TO; Spock is usually unappreciated but his all-around fantasy production can’t be denied on most weeks. His value will probably take a hit next year, since Chicago is set to make a run for at least one big-name free agent. (continue reading…)

J-Rich gets his first "Beast" honor this season. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: Jason Richardson abused the Warriors with 34 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, hitting 5 threes in the process. He shot 60 percent (12-20) from the field, 100 percent (5-5) from the line and had a turnover.

Noteworthy Lines:
Rashard Lewis – 8-12 FG (67%), 5-6 FT (83%), 3 3ptm, 24 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk

Andre Iguodala – 8-14 FG (57%), 6-8 FT (75%), 1 3ptm, 23 Pts, 6 Reb, 6 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 TO

Dwyane Wade – 9-13 FG (69%), 9-12 FT (75%), 27 Pts, 7 Reb, 12 Ast, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 TO (continue reading…)

Jose's starting again, but that won't mean all that much. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

[Read the full, original post at Dimemag.com]

Buy Low:
Chauncey Billups

Eric Gordon

Joe Johnson, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and any other productive fantasy players who are injured (continue reading…)