fBasketballBlog

The smirk of a man who knows he hasn't yet reached his ceiling. (Flickr/adifansnet)

Depth chart:
PG: Derrick Rose, C.J. Watson, Jannero Pargo, John Lucas
SG: Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer
SF: Luol Deng, Kyle Korver, Jimmy Butler, Rasual Butler*^
PF: Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, Brian Scalabrine*
C: Joakim Noah, Omer Asik, Kurt Thomas*

* unrestricted free agent
^ locked into overseas contract with no opt-out clause (continue reading…)

This might make sense if you read this post.

Around this time last year this blog was kicking it with mock drafts and updates about the realm of fantasy basketball. This summer is different, for obvious reasons.

With the lockout in full swing and the fount of NBA news slowed to a muddy trickle by inane updates about which players are “considering” playing overseas, I’ve had more time to keep abreast of non-NBA news. One story that recently caught my eye was about Abercrombie & Fitch paying Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino not to wear its merchandise.

Before I proceed, I’ll admit that I’ve never been drunk enough mustered up enough courage to sit down and watch a single minute of a single episode of “Jersey Shore.” This means my low regard for Mr. Sorrentino is fueled by snippets I’ve seen on TV or read on the Internet, and by his awful delivery.

That said, this news story compelled me to ask myself a question: Which players would I (figuratively) pay to not be on my fantasy basketball team?

Thus, a blog post was born.

Assuming an act of God forced me to miss my next fantasy basketball draft, here are 10 players I’d “pay” to leave my team if the dreaded auto-draft pooped them onto my roster. Following each player’s blurb is a series of “Situations” reflecting how badly I’d want these players off my team. (continue reading…)

Didn't expect to ever see him here, huh? (NBA.com)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Beast of the Night: Thaddeus Young posted 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks in just 24:39 of burn last night. He shot 63 percent (10-16) from the field, 50 percent (1-2) from the free-throw line and had just one turnover. While Young hasn’t exactly matched his production from last season, he’s still managed to improve his shooting percentages from last season’s marks, and has held top-90 value throughout the season. It would really help his value next season if he hit more threes.

Lines for Discussion:
Rajon Rondo: 9-13 FG (69%), 4-4 FT (100%), 22 Pts, 4 Reb, 8 Ast, 1 TO

Gilbert Arenas: 2-11 FG (18%), 4-6 FT (67%), 1 three, 9 Pts, 10 Reb, 5 Ast, 3 Stl, 5 TO (continue reading…)

That pose should say it all. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Buy Low:
Joakim Noah

Luol Deng

Roy Hibbert

Raymond Felton

David West (continue reading…)

Allen was good last night and has been great all season. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

[Read the full post at DimeMag.com]

Beast of the Night: Ray Allen posted a smooth line to the tune of 25 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and five three-pointers. He shot 60 percent (9-15) from the field, 100 percent (2-2) from the free-throw line and had two turnovers. Allen deserves a lot of credit for turning in a surprising season. He’s improved on every category except for free-throw percentage and blocks from last season’s marks.

Lines for Discussion:
Kris Humphries: 8-15 FG (53%), 0-1 FT (0%), 16 Pts, 15 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 TO

Deron Williams: 5-14 FG (36%), 2-2 FT (100%), 1 three, 13 Pts, 5 Reb, 18 Ast, 1 Stl, 6 TO (continue reading…)