fBasketballBlog

I'm afraid to place a caption here. (Keith Allison/Flickr)

We’ve finally reached the other side of the draft — the half that’s rife with question marks, nauseating picks and old names that bring back haunting memories. For some fantasy owners, these are the rounds that are akin to flipping through photos of your ex-lovers — the ones that broke your heart and made you the bitter drafter you are today. But maybe it’s time to let go of that bitterness and practice some forgiveness. There are hints of redemption in these waters, as players who’ve burned us in the past are in new situations that might be conducive to something of a comeback.

Many might not think much of these later rounds but that’s a mistake. Will any of these players make or break your fantasy success this season? Unlikely. However, some of these guys could turn out being staples in your starting lineups, while others might just save you the heartache of a poorly used roster spot. Besides, there are still plenty of intriguing players in the shallower end of this fantasy draft.

Henry did a solid job in round eight. The biggest surprise, of course, was Tiago Splitter at No. 95. I like Splitter and expect that he stands a very good chance at justifying this pick — I just think he could’ve been had in the last round or two. Nevertheless, I understand the lack of stimulating options around these parts, and I also appreciate that if there’s a player you really dig and must have, you might have to jump on him a round or two early to ensure you’ll have him, especially in the latter rounds.

If you’re just joining the party, here are round one, round two, round three, round four, round five, round six, round seven and the already-referenced round eight. Now let’s mosey on over to round nine, which includes a poll and new visuals (you have permission to get excited): (continue reading…)

"Listen, George. My fantasy squad really needs your help tonight..." (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: George Hill grounded the Rockets with 30 points, 2 threes, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals and 1 block. He shot 73 percent (11-15) from the floor, 100 percent (6-6) from the free throw line and had 3 turnovers.

Noteworthy Lines:
Chris Kaman – 10-20 FG (50%), 2-6 FT (33%), 22 Pts, 13 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Blk, 4 TO

Chris Bosh – 12-17 FG (71%), 10-13 FT (77%), 34 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Blk, 1 TO

Mo Williams – 6-12 FG (50%), 7-8 FT (88%), 2 3ptm, 21 Pts, 1 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Stl (continue reading…)

There are so many ways to go with this caption, but how about this: James has stood head-and-shoulders above CP3 this season. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Beast of the Night: LeBron James finished with 38 points, 1 three, 6 boards, 9 dimes, 1 steal and 3 turnovers. He shot 68 percent (15-22) from the field and 88 percent (7-8) from the free throw line.

Noteworthy Lines:
Rajon Rondo – 4-9 FG (44%), 3-6 FT (50%), 11 Pts, 11 Reb, 15 Ast, 4 Stl, 4 TO

Kevin Garnett – 8-20 FG (40%), 4-5 FT (80%), 20 Pts, 10 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Stl

Stephen Jackson – 15-24 FG (63%), 3-4 FT (75%), 4 3ptm, 37 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 5 TO (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…)

Manu is playing cooler than he looks here. (NBAE via Getty Images/David Liam Kyle)

Beast of the Night: Manu Ginobili lit up the Cavs with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers, nailing 7 threes in the process. He shot 52 percent (12-23) from the field and 100 percent (7-7) from the line and is set to be big for  his fantasy owners down the final stretch of the season.

Noteworthy Lines:
George Hill – 8-13 FG (62%), 5-8 FT (63%), 2 3ptm, 23 Pts, 3 Reb, 4 Ast

Mo Williams – 7-16 FG (44%), 2-2 FT (100%), 1 3ptm, 17 Pts, 8 Reb, 8 Ast, 3 TO

Danilo Gallinari – 9-14 FG (64%), 5-6 FT (83%), 4 3ptm, 27 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 TO (continue reading…)