Andrea Bargnani Finally: Fantasy Analysis
After struggling his first two seasons after being selected first overall in the 2006 NBA draft, Andrea “ll Divo (The Magician)” Bargnani is finally producing. In his first two year he was filled with inconsistency, criticisms and poor play. But this year he looks to be starting to make his mark in the NBA.
In the last ten games as a starter, Bargnani has averaged 22.1 points a game, 6.1 boards and has made a total of 29 threes. What’s great is that he is shooting 58.9% in those games, which I had to check twice since he is just a low 40% career shooter.
He has been starting and getting minutes because Jermaine O’neal has been out with an injury. There would be a time split again when O’neal comes back but the good thing is that he is willing to come of the bench and let Bargnani continue starting.
Fantasy Analysis
I know that there are a lot of you out there either feeling good or feeling bad because of Bargnani. The reason you may be feeling good is that you were able to pick him up off waivers or you had the patience and not drop him. But I know a lot of people aren’t feeling good because of this guy since they dropped him just before he exploded. Don’t worry, I’m one of those guys who dropped him too. And now it’s coming to haunt us.
Anyway, despite (yup since O’neal will get minutes) the return of J.O. I still think Bargnani will continue his hot streak and will produce close to this the rest of the season. My reason is that he has become more confident with his shot and that can do a lot of positive things for a player. Jose Calderon, when he comes back, will also look for this kid in the offense and if they improve their record that would really boost his confidence.
I’m liking averages of 15 points, 6-7 rebounds, and over 2 threes a game the rest of the season. He should still continue his good fg% and that should be close to 50%. As I said, Calderon will get him the ball now and that would make it much easier for him to produce.
If he continues his play, I’m considering him as a keeper for next year if I have him in my leagues. But this depends on the number of players you will be keeping. With averages worthy of a mid round pick, that’s a great reason to keep him especially if your rule is that you lose the draft round above the player you keep. Another thing, J.O. is said to being shopped around, maybe for Shawn Marion, so this is better news for “The Magician.”
Good job to those who kept him when he was down and sorry to those who dropped him. Maybe we could find another gem in the waiver wires soon. Good luck to everyone!
