Friday Fantasy News (9/25/09)
Sep 25, 2009 Blog
Camps are getting closer and the newsflow is getting heavier. As you guys know, I try to keep the daily news (and the rest of the site) strictly relevant to fantasy basketball and individual players. You won’t find many rumors, photos, fluff articles, team financials or anything else that isn’t truly fantasy related. The Odom/Kardashian wedding and Ron Artest rap videos are entertaining, but not fantasy related. There are plenty of other sites where you can find entertainment, and while I might throw in some hot cheerleader photos every now and then, I’ll always try to keep it strictly fantasy focused. Just wanted to give a heads up as to why a lot of the NBA articles you see around the web aren’t covered here.
Dime Magazine reviews the Phoenix Suns’ defense and thinks it will be one of the league’s worst this season. Analysis: Lose Shaq, still have Nash, yeah, defense is going to suck. Phoenix should present a great fantasy opportunity every single night, but usually for the opposing players. Daily cash game players will definitely want to remember this one.
ThirdQuarterCollapse.com examines who should start in Rashard Lewis’ place while he serves his 10 game suspension to begin the season. Right now it comes down to Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass and TQC compares both players’ stats. Analysis: Daily fantasy players can probably get a cheap PF to plug into their rosters in this situation for salary cap type games. Getting a cheap starter will allow you to spend more salary cap at another position.
RotoSynthesis with the results of a mock draft conducted by some the fantasy basketball experts from around the web.
Sports Illustrated article reviewing several position battles including C in Phoenix, SG in Cleveland, SG in Chicago, C in Houston and PG for the Lakers.
Dime Magazine reports that the Houston Rockets have signed Rashad McCants and brought him to camp on a non-guaranteed contract.
DallasBasketball.com reports that the Mavs will start Drew Gooden at Center this season. Analysis: He would be a great fit, but not exactly sure how many total minutes he will actually see. Keep an eye on this one.
Hoopsworld.com previews the 2009-2010 New Orleans Hornets.
NBA.com reports that the Knicks have finally signed David Lee. Analysis: A one year deal, so look for Lee to try to have a solid year for a new contract. Although, for players like Lee there may not be much money left in 2010 after the Big Dogs get theirs.
NetsAreScorching.com examines Tony Battie’s role with New Jersey.
Eddie Jordan on Lou Williams: “Attack, fast, quick point guard that gets to the rim … we’re going to give him all the opportunity in the world to be a 38-minute a night player and, you know what, in the NBA that means a lot.” Analysis: 38 minutes a night would definitely move Williams up my PG rankings. Use camp to see exactly what Williams role is going to be in Jordan’s offense.
Need4Sheed.com reports that the Pistons are giving Chucky Atkins a chance with a non-guaranteed contract.
BobcatsPlanet.com reports that Flip Murray has signed with Charlotte. $1.99 million for one year. Analysis: Good deal for Charlotte as it adds a very versatile backup player who can bring some offense off the bench. Murray should have the same role that he had last season in Atlanta.
Slam Online Top 50 series article on Andrew Iguodala.
GoldenStateofMind.com previews the Portland Trail Blazers.
StraightOuttaVancouver.com previews the Houston Rockets with some fantasy tips thrown in.
Nola.com examines Julian Wright’s chances of landing the starting SF spot in New Orleans. Analysis: I doubt that Wright gets the spot over Peja as this is probably one of those attempts to shake things up a little and get Peja to put forth a little more effort with the threat of job security. You never know though, so keep an eye on this battle throughout camp.