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The title could have been “Call it sophomore slump?” but it would be unfair to the players that I will be listing down since some of the players’ numbers are actually up. What this list shows is that with so much talent that these sophomores have and with so much promise in their rookie year, they’re not making that much noise or impact in the fantasy world this year.

Yes, the 2007-2008 rookie class wasn’t that strong if you take a look at it especially with the number one overall pick, Greg Oden, being sidelined for his whole rookie year. And impact rookies drafted in that class like Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernandez have opted to play this year, which makes this their rookie season. Last year we still had Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, who have been great lately and Al Horford who has been showing signs that he will be a very consistent NBA player. Don’t forget Rodney Stuckey who has been a beast since being inserted in the starting lineup. But where are the rest? Maybe they’re really in a slump. (more…)

Let me first greet you all a happy new year! Yup it’s 2009 and I’m sure you all have your own New Year’s resolution and I hope you are all able to do them this year. But do you have a resolution for your fantasy basketball teams? I guess not. So let me share with you some resolutions that might help your team this coming year (including next season’s draft). This list is for fantasy addicts and people who don’t care much about their teams. (more…)

Nenad Krstic has officially signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder to a three-year, $15.6 million deal. This gives the Thunder a veteran who could emerge as their best front court player among their underachieving big men. Krstic will give the Thunder an inside presence and a player with high basketball IQ.

“I think he’s going to bring a number of different things to our team,” Presti said. “First and foremost an ability to stretch the floor, and he adds another player to our roster with a high basketball IQ that understands how to play the game and play at a high level. Clearly we’re thrilled to have him.”

Fantasy analysis:
The Thunder didn’t give this guy a three year deal just to sit on their bench. Yes, they have like ten big men on their rosters but none of them are playing well. It looks like one of their bigs either Wilcox or Joe Smith could be traded to give Krstic minutes. Joe Smith has been rumored to be traded to Cleveland, which makes sense since he was a big contributor in their playoff run a year ago.

Krstic has career averages of 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. Not much huh? But prior to injuring his knee in 06-07 season he was on the verge of making the all-star team with 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds with high fg percentages (52%). If he could get minutes and produce close to these numbers, he is worth a space on your roster in most leagues.

Right now, most league formats don’t have him in their waiver wires but I suggest checking regularly to see if he’s there. Who knows maybe Krstic could be the player to help your team reach the playoffs and win it all.

Rookie Rankings 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30

Here are the rest of the top fantasy rookies for the 2008-2009 season: (more…)

Rookie Rankings 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30

I’m quite sure you are still wondering where in my rankings are Greg Oden and Michael Beasley. They’re here in my rookies ranked 11th to 20th. Why so low? Simple. It’s because other rookies have been outperforming them so far this season. Oden has shown flashes of brilliance on the defensive end but hasn’t been consistent enough to be relied as your number 1 center. Beasley, on the other hand, hasn’t really impressed me fantasy basketball-wise. Here are the rest of the rookies in my top 20: (more…)

Rookie Rankings 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30

Almost a third of the 2008-2009 NBA season is gone and by now we should be able to find out how our fantasy NBA teams will do come playoff time – if it ever makes it. If your team isn’t doing so well because of injuries to your top players or unproductive role players or maybe drafting big name rookies too high in the draft. One big reason that many teams struggle is because of their rookies on their teams. Some just go by name and don’t really know if they ever produce numbers that justify their fantasy draft positions.

I must admit that I’ve never been a big fan of having rookies in my fantasy basketball teams but I gambled on some even on Greg Oden. I’ve been happy with everyone I’ve picked except for him. The other rookies have really impressed me and have helped some of my teams so far. These rookies have given great value so let’s take a look at my top 10 rookies for this season: (more…)

Boris Diaw looked like a rising star in the 2005-2006 season – the season where Amar’e was out because of a knee injury. He had averages of 13.3 points, 6.2 assists, 6.9 rebounds to go along with percentages and a block a game. This led to the Suns extending his contract for 5 years worth $45 million. The summer after that he got fat and Amar’e came back full force and he played a lesser role in the offense. (more…)

“James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer he is pleased with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ improvement and is considering signing an extension during this summer.” – ESPN.com

Drew Gooden will be out 7-10 days because of a sprained ankle. – ESPN.com BuhayBasketball’s Notes: Andres Nocioni, who has been playing well the past few games, will now start and is a good source for points, threes and rebounds. Tyrus Thomas, because of his upside, is also worth a look if you need rebounds and blocks.

Glen “Big Baby” Davis was hospitalized after car crash. – boston.com BB’s notes: Big Baby doesn’t have much fantasy value but I hope the big fella is all right. Patrick O’Bryant replaced him in the lineup.

“If the Wolves can find a way to lose that game (Grizzlies), they will set the record of 17 straight losses the following night at Dallas. – twincities.com

“The Suns are staging a free-agent workout Monday to sign a point guard for the 13th roster spot, which must be filled by Wednesday. The participants are slated to be Darrell Armstrong, Dee Brown, Eddie Gill, Troy Hudson, Walker Russell Jr. and Damon Stoudamire.” – azcentral.com BB’s notes: The Suns need a backup point guard just in case Steve Nash goes down with an injury. Goran Dragic has been unimpressive so far in his rookie season.

“The Cavs and Nets have not discussed a Carter swap in any form. In fact, the Nets and Cavs haven’t discussed any type of trade in a month and a half.” – cbs sports

What a week this has been for the Philadelphia 76ers and its fans. First, they fire they’re head coach Maurice Cheeks and then they lose their top free agent Elton Brand to a shoulder injury for a month. Team officials say the Sixers’ leading scorer has a fracture and tear in his right shoulder but will not need surgery.

Maybe everything that has happened is actually good (except for fantasy owners of Brand). The team is now 2-0 under interim head coach Tony DiLeo after going 9-14 under Mo Cheeks. With Brand out, they can go back to their running game that helped the team last year reach the playoffs.

Fantasy Analysis: Everyone who owns others Sixers players should benefit from this injury especially Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights and Andre Iguodala. Sam Dalembert could also benefit from this as he had a hard time adjusting to playing with Brand in the lowpost. Iguodala should see and increase in points and in every category including TOs where he will be the focus of teams. It wouldn’t be as bad as before as the very effective Thaddeus Young will emerge as the team’s second scorer. Watch out for an increase in rebounds of both Dalembert and Speights.

I am high on Speights’ production in the rebounding department but I’m looking for more blocks from this guy. His percentages aren’t bad and it’s a good time to pick him up from waivers right now. Let’s see how the Sixers will play now that Brand is out for a month but I am very excited even if I drafted Brand in one of my leagues.

Antoine Walker

The Memphis Grizzlies waived three-time all star Antoine Walker, club General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The 6-9, 245-pound forward did not appear in a game with the Grizzlies this season because the team has decided develop their young players. His last game was on February 19, 2008 where he was still part of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Fantasy Analysis

Walker used to be a good fantasy basketball player where he could easily score 20 points a night and grab close to 10 boards a game. He also passed the ball well where he could give you 3-5 a night and the good thing with him was he was a warrior in terms of injury. In his first 11 years in the league, he played 5 full (82 games) season and the most missed games in the other 6 seasons was 8 games. This wasn’t bad for a player who, for a long time, hasn’t looked like he was in shape. On the downside, his percentages from the field and the line were terrible if you consider the amount of shots he take. He would give you 1-2 threes a night but at the expense of taking 4-5 three point attempts. Nevertheless, I used to draft this guy and he helped me with some of my teams.

Those “good” days are gone now especially with his age, 32. But as long as he gets close to 20 minutes a night (if he’s lucky!) if anyone signs him then he can help teams in deeper leagues with their scoring, rebounding and threes. As long as he is in shape, which he was never really known for after his first few years in the league, he could give you 8-10 points a game and 4 rebounds. Just make sure you can take his very low percentages.