Hoops Haven

Coming off of his Rookie of the Year campaign last season, Derrick Rose started his sophomore year slowly.  Struggling through a painful Achillies injury in the off-season, he seemed to lack that extra gear that he displayed in ‘09.

Fast forward to the 2010 calendar year, and Rose has apparently regained that bounce in his step and is once again putting up superstar numbers and has even earned his first All-Star selection.

If you need proof, take a look at this video where Rose needed medical attention because he jumped so high that he hit his head on the backboard.

Upon his entrance to the NBA, Addidas swooped in and secured Rose to an endorsement deal for his very own kicks.

Check out his newest Adidas commercial titled, “It’s On.”

The Buzz Of The Hornets’ Backcourt: CP3 Out, Enter DC2 and MT5

Ok, so maybe the last 2 don’t have the same ring, but rookies Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton are holding down the fort in New Orleans with Chris Paul sidelined due to arthroscopic knee surgery. Paul will be out for 4 to 6 weeks and could spend as many as 3 weeks on crutches on his way back to the floor.

If Paul owners were able to add Collison or Thornton though, they might not miss the superstar point guard for too long.

In 3 starts since replacing Paul at the point, Collison is averaging a “CP3-esque” 13 assists per game, including a career high 18 helpers on Saturday against the defensively challenged Grizzlies. The former UCLA standout is also averaging more than 38 minutes a night with 14 PPG and 4 RPG in those 3 starts.

The drawbacks: He’s not much of a 3-point threat (just 12 for 40 on the season), has turned the ball over nearly 5 times a game while in the starting 5, and won’t get to the line too often (outside of a 9-10 FT outing against Memphis).

Still, at 58% owned in Yahoo! Leagues, most owners have caught onto the fact that Collison is a scorching hot commodity in the backcourt. Any time a guy becomes available who can put up a points-assists double-double on any given night (2 in the last 3 games), he won’t last too long on waivers. As an added bonus, he’s eligible at shooting guard as well.

Collison clearly won’t provide the same scoring (20.4 PPG) or defense (2.3 STL) as Chris Paul, but in a small sample size, he’s proved capable of matching CP3’s passing and vision.

Meanwhile, Marcus Thornton (who played his college ball just up the road at LSU) is putting a stranglehold on the 2-guard slot in the Big Easy.

Thornton earned a starting role 6 games ago, and has put up the following line since his insertion: 19.7 PPG, 47% 3PT (16-34), 4 RPG, 89% FT (16-18).

The Baton Rouge native has knocked down 5 threes twice in the last 4 games and has scored at least 13 points in 7 consecutive games.

Thornton also dished out a season high 6 assists in a loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night, but suffered a bruised lower back in the 4th quarter. He’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game with the Sixers after missing practice on Thursday.

If healthy, Thornton should be a lock as the starting shooting guard for the foreseeable future. He’ll also see time as the primary backup point guard (Morris Peterson and James Posey are the Hornets’ other backcourt options ), meaning those 6 assists might not be an aberration.

He could still be a relatively unknown commodity in some leagues (only 43% owned in Yahoo!), and if you need a scoring punch, especially from the perimeter, Thornton is your man.

Vintage Andrei Kirilenko

Despite the fact that he’s never received much credit on a national level, this guy used to go in the first 2 or 3 rounds of fantasy drafts every year. He was never an elite scorer, but his ability to rebound, block shots, and rack up steals made him a unique and worthy high round selection.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen glimpses of that mid 2000’s Kirilenko fantasy form. The 6’9 Russian has started the last 11 games for the Jazz after coming off the bench for the majority of this and last season.

In his last 7 starts, Kirilenko is shooting a whopping 72% from the field (49-68) while averaging 18.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 BLK, 2.0 STL. In two games in February, the forward is a combined 14 for 16 from the floor in Utah wins over Dallas and Portland.

With totals below is career average, he’s still managing to put up 1.2 BLK and 1.2 STL this year. At this point, scoring has become a bonus from the soon-to-be 29 year old, but when his offense is clicking he can truly be one of the most valuable fantasy centers in the NBA.

An Argentine Not Named Ginobili

Carlos Delfino is not a name you typically associate with the phrase “fantasy value”. However, the Argentinean has earned back a consistent starter’s role in Milwaukee (after riding the pine for 3 weeks) and is making the most of his newfound extended playing time.

Delfino has started the last 8 games for the Bucks and has logged at least 33 minutes in 6 of those 8 games. He’s scored 16+ points in 5 of the 8 contests and has been fantastic on the boards, averaging 7.6 RPG in that span.

After hitting a whopping 22 threes in a 6-game stretch in late January, Delfino’s outside shooting has cooled off considerably (3 for 13 since), but he can still provide a spark from behind the arc. On the defensive end (a strength of many Argentinean players), he’s still managed at least 1 steal in 9 of his last 10 outings.

Most importantly, he’s getting the minutes to make an impact in numerous categories, replacing the struggling Ersan Ilyasova (4 for his last 17 from the field) at forward in the Bucks starting lineup.

He’s not a slam dunk fantasy pickup, but could be very solid and versatile if you have one or several players worth dropping.

Almost a nightly basis, Lebron James does something to amaze me. 

Last night was no different as he once again dazzled the fans by making us all say,………..Wow!

Lebron did something magical last night, and it has nothing to do with him establishing a new high for assists in a game, when he dropped 15 dimes for the first time in his career.

In what is becoming a trademark defensive play, James chased down Memphis’ OJ Mayo who was attempting to finishing off a lay-up, and seemingly comes out of nowhere to swat OJ’s shot off of the backboard.

While we all have seen James do this before, what makes this particular play special is that he appears to have taken off from the dotted line, just inside the free throw line.

Check out the video:

All college campuses have their own crazed student section at home games who dress up, paint their faces, and root on their squad like their lives depend on it. By now most fans have either seen on camera or heard of Syracuse’s “Otto’s Army” or Duke’s Cameron Crazies led by “The Speedo Guy.” But have you heard of Georgia’s Peanut Butter Kid?

The Georgia Bulldogs hoops program hasn’t gotten much national television exposure in recent seasons due to their less than stellar play against the top tier programs in the ACC. So unless you attend any of the Bulldogs home games, you probably have never seen the guy who wears only a red pair of Georgia basketball shorts who covers himself in peanut butter and sits almost directly under the basket.

During last Saturday’s Georgia/Tennessee match-up, The PB Kid got to make his first appearance on national television. In a story first reported over at Deadspin, a few other students gave their account of sitting near the smothered and covered, self proclaimed Bulldogs biggest fan.

They observed that the peanut butter served a dual purpose as the game progressed. Whenever he got hungry, he could just take a swipe of Skippy from his shoulder and enjoy a snack. The other reason for the seemingly crazy concoction wouldn’t become evident until after the game.

With only seconds remaining and unranked Georgia putting the finishing touches on upsetting the #8 ranked Volunteers, the student section rose to their feet in anticipation of their first “rush the court” moment of the season.

The PB Kid as he stood, was starting to see his extra layer of peanut product sliding of of his half naked body from all of the sweat drenching cheers end excitement of seeing his beloved Bulldogs pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season. It sort of reminded everyone of when Arnold Schwarzenegger covered himself in mud to avoid detection by the Predator.

Once the final horn sounded, the PB Kid and Georgia faithful took to the court, dripping all the way. The arena PA announcers made issued a warning to any fans who ran onto the court would be apprehended by security. Most fans who disregarded the warning were taken into custody, all except the PB Kid, whom the $10 and hour security guards chose to let bask in his glory at center court.

There’s Something Brewing in Minnesota

For the majority of the season, the only guard on the Timberwolves’ roster worth a penny in fantasy hoops has been Jonny Flynn………….until now.

During the last 3 weeks, Corey Brewer has developed into arguably a more productive guard than the rookie from Syracuse.

The 6’9 shooting guard has scored at least 18 points in each of his last 3 games (22 in back-to-back nights), and has eclipsed the 20-point plateau in 5 of his last 9 contests. Brewer has also been heating up from downtown, knocking down at least 2 three pointers in 8 of his last 10, going an astounding 22 for 40 (55%) from behind the arc.

The former Florida Gator has been a fairly consistent source of steals all season (1.4 per game), but a lack of range (34% from beyond the arc), reliability (43.7% FG) and scoring punch in general (13 PPG) have held back his fantasy potential to this point.

In the month of January, however, Brewer is scoring nearly 16 points per game, shooting 48% from the floor, and hitting at nearly 49% from long range. For a guy that’s started every single game for the T-Wolves this season, an offensive transformation of this magnitude has been long overdue.

His steals have actually taken a slight hit over the past 2 months (2+ in October/November, barely 1 in December/January), but that’s the category I would trust the most for the 3rd year guard. After all, his unique length and on-ball defense at the 2 were the most significant reasons for his 7th overall selection back in 2007.

Brewer’s next two games are at home against the Clippers and Knicks, surprisingly (re: shockingly) 2 of the 3 best defensive teams against the three-point shot (Lakers are #1). He’s currently only 48% owned in Yahoo! Leagues though, and could be valuable pick up for the stretch run if his offensive confidence continues.

Grab Boobie

Let’s pause a few seconds for our readers aged 8-12 to stop giggling.

All done?

Ok. On a serious note, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson is a solid add in Cleveland with guards Mo Williams (shoulder) and Delonte West (broken finger) on the shelf. He’s not an extremely versatile guard, but should provide a significant spark from outside the arc.

Gibson currently leads the NBA with a 47.2 3-point field goal percentage, knocking down 1.3 trays a game in just 18 minutes on average.

The former Texas standout has started the last 3 games alongside King James and company for the Cavs, and has hit a combined 8 threes on 19 attempts in those contests. He’s averaging more than 37 minutes in his 3 recent starts, scoring at least 13 points in each contest (15-33 from the field).

As previously mentioned, Gibson is limited in terms of fantasy potential (9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal in those 3 starts), but it’s not unrealistic for him to average at least 2 threes a game while getting that kind of PT. In his career as a starter, Gibson is shooting 50% from downtown with 2.2 3PT FG per game.

Mo Williams could be out until early March, and Delonte West may be held out of a few more games in order for his fractured finger to heal. West may come off the bench upon his return, but regardless, expect Gibson to get significant playing time in the backcourt.

Anyone who’s still laughing at the title, that’s enough.

Ocean’s Eleven

During the last week, youngsters Jerryd Bayless and Terrence Williams have showcased some of the attributes that made them the 11th overall pick of the last 2 NBA drafts.

Bayless has started of late for injured star Brandon Roy (sprained hamstring), although he’s had to battle a tweaked ankle of his own suffered last Friday in Boston. The Arizona product recovered in time to post 16 points and 4 assists in a loss to Utah on Wednesday night.

Bayless only played 27 minutes but was 6 of 7 from the free throw line and 5 of 12 from the floor. Roy won’t make the Blazers’ upcoming 2-game road trip in Houston and Dallas, so expect the 2nd year point guard to start again this weekend.

In his one season at Arizona, Bayless scored nearly 20 points per game, shot nearly 41% from 3-point range, and got to the free throw line more than 7 times a game. There are clearly doubts as to whether he projects as a true point guard in the future, but he can certainly put the ball in the basket if given the chance.

While Williams probably wishes he was drafted by Portland, he’s made the most of his time in New Jersey this week.

The rookie followed a different path than Bayless, staying to play the full 4 years at Louisville and making his mark through incredible versatility rather than pure scoring ability.

During his senior season with the Cardinals under Rick Pitino, Williams averaged 12.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 2.3 STL with a 2.15 Assist to Turnover ratio.

In his last 2 games for the hapless Nets (who are one win away from their longest winning streak of the season), Williams has combined for 20 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 5 turnovers. His “do-it-all” attitude is extremely promising from a fantasy standpoint because of his potential to fill multiple categories on a given night.

The 6’6 swingman has played at least 28 minutes in those last 2 contests, and if that trend continues, don’t be shocked to see a triple double in the near future. The Nets are playing without Devin Harris (sprained wrist), Chris Douglas-Roberts has been underwhelming recently, and Trenton Hassel’s role as a starting forward is decreasing by the day.

With more lines like Wednesday night against the Clippers (7 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists), Williams won’t fly under the radar for much longer, especially if his minutes increase.

That’s how a team with a record of 4-40 stays relevant.

Current Portland Trailblazer and former Philadelphia 76er point guard, Andre Miller has to be getting a bit of satisfaction that his former club is having such a disappointing season by having the league’s 4th worst record at 15-30.

Miller left everyone know his thoughts on just why the Sixers are struggling this season at an interview before the Sixers/Blazers game recently. The usually soft-spoken Miller readily gave his opinion that the Sixers are no better than when they got Miller from the Denver Nuggets in return for Allen Iverson back in 2006.

He also warned that teams are making a mistake by constantly going with younger players instead of veterans because all teams need vets to offer knowledge and help guide the younger players.

The comments obviously were directed towards Philadelphia and shows signs that Miller still harbors a little ill will towards his former club for not resigning him.

They are the first comments made by Miller concerning his slightly controversial departure from the Philadelphia club this past Summer when he accepted a multi-year free agent deal with the Trailblazers.

The Sixers made an obvious move to youth, when they hesitated to give Miller the long term deal he coveted. At age 33, Philadelphia just couldn’t justify locking Miller up to a long term contract with the 9 years younger Lou Williams, already under contract and with rookie PG Jrue Holiday waiting in the wings.

Although Miller was arguably the glue that held the young Sixers together and a fan favorite, he was only offered a 1 year deal for financial reasons. The whole situation left a bad impression on both Miller and the Philadelphia fans since the Sixers had made the post-season the previous 2 seasons and seemed poised to take another step forward with the inclusion of the veteran point guard for the future.

Miller has statistically been one of the best point guards in the league during his career and ranks 3rd in assists in the 2000’s behind Jason Kidd and Steve Nash despite playing under the radar for 5 different teams in his 11 seasons.

He has seen some ups and downs this season in Portland with their numerous injuries and saw inconsistent minutes as the leader of the Blazers 2nd unit at the start of the season. But because of the many injuries, Miller has settled in as the starting point guard alongside Brandon Roy in the Portland backcourt by averaging 12.9 ppg and 4.9 assists.

Apparently Miller’s change of scenery has worked out for the best as Williams has excelled as a starter in Philly and Miller will again be making a trip to the post-season with Portland.

During Lebron and the Cavaliers recent dismantling of Kobe’s Lakers, “King James” was in a groove, seemingly one upping his older adversary on the Lakers in earning the Cavs a 2-0 mid-season sweep of the teams’ two meetings so far this season.

While the game itself was one of the best I’ve seen this season so far, the most entertaining moment came nearing the end of the game when Lebron was set to inbounds the ball.

During the stoppage of play, Drake’s hit “Forever” featuring Eminem started blaring over the speakers at the Gund Arena to the obvious pleasure of James, who started getting into the song by bobbing his head and spitting Eminem’s lyrics word for word. 

Maybe he has a career in hip-hop after the NBA?

Check out the video:

Damien Wilkins is a 5th year swingman who is currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and is one of the most ferocious dunkers in the entire NBA.

Dunking the ball looks easy for Damien and it probably is since his uncle is known as “The Human Highlight Film”, Dominique Wilkins, who was one of the best dunkers in NBA history.  Also, his father was Gerald Wilkins, who was a 13 year NBA veteran, most visably with the NY Knicks. 

So you could say, dunking is in his genes.

Watch in the video as Damien rises up and throws down a one handed thunderous slam over Nenad Krstic that shakes the rim with the force of an earthquake.

Uncle Dominique would be proud!

Kobe Bryant has done numerous commercials for Nike over his career.  Many have been very interesting and entertaining. 

His newest doesn’t feature those lame puppets of he and Lebron James rapping or dunking on reindeer, but rather showing the intense, focused side of Kobe that has helped him win 4 NBA Titles. 

It is perfectly titled, “In the Zone.”  It shows a side of Kobe, which virtually no one else in the league seems to possess.  His inner passion and will to win is second to none. 

You can see it in his face:

Kobe Bryant – In The Zone 

No Mo Williams

Cavaliers starting point guard Mo Williams is out for at least a month with a sprained left shoulder, leaving Delonte West behind the driver’s seat in Cleveland (ok, maybe he’s riding shotgun, because LeBron is clearly driving).

Williams had been averaging 16.9 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.2 STL and was shooting nearly 43% from 3 point range this season, which means West will have a tough time filling those shoes.

Still, the former St. Joe’s standout has made at least one three in 8 of his last 9 games and will now see big time minutes at the point.

West made his first start of the season Thursday night in a win over the Lakers and played nearly 43 minutes. His contributions were far from impressive (3 points, 1-4 FG, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks), but his playing time was the most important statistic of the Cavs’ win.

With consistent PT, Delonte has proven he can average about 4.5 assists and 1+ steal a game, and if playing 40 minutes a night becomes a trend, those figures could easily escalate. Daniel Gibson is a darkhorse candidate for increased minutes in the backcourt, especially if West can’t cut it in the starting 5.

The Other Lopez, Channing Fried

While 2008’s 10th overall pick, Brook Lopez, has developed a stud fantasy center for the dreadful Nets, it’s easy to forget his brother Robin, who for most his brief career has been rotting on the Suns’ bench.

 Not anymore, for the 2008’s 15th overall selection, who apparently stole Anderson Varejao’s hair.

Robin has been somewhat of a stud himself in Phoenix’s last 4 games: 16.0 PPG, 71% FG, 5.5 RPG, and 3.3 BLK.

The former Stanford big man has also started the last two games for the Suns, putting up a combined 39 points on 16 of 20 shooting, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks in 62+ minutes (one of those games ironically game against Brook, who put up a casual 26 and 13).

Now that Lopez is in, someone else is out, and that someone is Channing Frye.

The former Blazer’s last 6 games have been abysmal compared to the production that his owners have been used to this season. In those 6 contests, Frye has shot just 7-34 from the field (20.6%) with averages of just 4.2 PPG and 4.0 RPG.

He’s been a valuable and versatile commodity this year with the ability to score, rebound, block shots, and hit threes, but it appears his role has changed significantly.

Basically anyone with an ounce of offensive talent can succeed in the Suns’ system with Steve Nash running the show, so I wouldn’t hesitate to add Robin’s wacky hair to your roster. If Batman’s available, add him too.

Don’t Skip To My Lou

Those that thought a move to Miami would enhance Rafer Alston’s fantasy value have been severely mistaken.

Alston is getting the chance to make an impact, playing nearly 30 minutes a night and starting all 8 games in which he’s played. In those 8 contests however, Alston is shooting less than 39% from the field (although that’s a lot better than his 34.3% in New Jersey) and is averaging just 7.4 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 2.1 RPG.

His last 3 games have been especially disappointing, combining for just 16 points on 5 of 16 shooting, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Miami has yet to see the payoff from a guy who proved to be an invaluable replacement for Jameer Nelson last year in Orlando (12.0 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 STL). In Wednesday’s 104-65 blowout loss at Charlotte, Dorell Wright put up 16 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes, 5 more than Alston played in a lackluster performance.

The Heat also have 2nd year guard Mario Chalmers, who started for nearly a month and a half at shooting guard to begin the year. Miami might be running out of patience with Alston in its starting lineup, and fantasy owners should be a step ahead.