2012 Fantasy Basketball – Denver Nuggets – March Team of the Month
The Denver Nuggets have gone through this season like a skinny snake through tall grass. Nobody is paying them any attention this year, but they are hungry, and possess a deadly bite. The Nuggets don’t have a standout supper star, so on the right night any one Nugget can shine. Head coach George Karl likes to push the pace in an attempt to outscore the opposition. Denver puts up 103.8 points per game, making them the top scoring team in the NBA. Coach Karl has also created a team-first attitude in Denver, leading the NBA with 23.5 assist per game. These facts makes Denver a gold mine for fantasy talent and one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.
PG Ty Lawson – Lawson’s stature maybe small, but he has been a boulder for the month of March, shooting .470% from the field and .839% from the free throw line. Combine his percents with 1.6 3′s per game, 16.4 points per game, and 9.4 assist per game; you get an offensive juggernaut. Ty’s abilities doesn’t stop on the offensive end, during the same span he has been averaging 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals. All in all there are no holes in Lawson’s game, and he is well on his way to becoming the first all-star on Denver’s roster. Ty Lawson is a must-start
PG, SG Andre Miller – Miller has turned into a solid role player since returning to Denver from Portland. Through this month, Miller still has the problem of thinking he can shoot from the outside, .403FG%, while scoring 10.1 points per game. Miller is much better when he gets to the charity stripe, .913FT%, or drops a dime to an open teammate, 6.6 assist per game in March. If Miller can stop playing like his first name is Reggie, his FG% and fantasy value will rise. Ande Miller is valuable if you need FT% or AST, trash if you need FG% or 3′s
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2012 NBA Playoff Predictions – NBA Championship Predictions
NBA Playoff Predictions – NBA Championship Predictions for 2011-2012 NBA Season
Let me predict the future by revealing which teams will advance in the NBA playoffs and who will win the 2012 NBA Championship. As the second half of the Lockout shortened NBA season begins, it is never too early to take a look at who will be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at seasons end. That being said, I have taken the liberty of categorizing the top teams from both conferences into two groups: The Pretenders and The Contenders.
2012 NBA Playoff Predictions – Eastern Conference
Pretenders: 76ers, Knicks, Magic
The Magic might be currently sitting pretty as the 3rd seed in the East (27-15), but there is still an air of uncertainty around the team with the possible departure of Dwight Howard and the looming trade deadline quickly approaching. If the Magic trade their superstar big man, they will likely tumble down the rankings while their new-look team adjusts to life without Superman. It would be a miracle to see a Superman-less Magic team go past the first round of the playoffs and the payout on a site like topbet.com for the Magic to go all the way would be astronomical. If they stand pat and keep Howard, it is a safe bet that the Magic will have one last chance to go deep in the playoffs with their current roster intact. Without all the distraction and pressure surrounding Howard, look for the Magic to get bounced in the first round like they did last season against the Hawks.
The 76ers have been the surprise team in the East (25-17) so far, currently the 4th seed if the playoffs started today, the Sixers have relied on a young nucleus of talented players who have succeeded without the presence of an All-Star player. Last season the Sixers were bounced from the playoffs in the first round after facing the Big 3 in Miami, and will likely face a more experienced and battle-tested team this time around. With the emergence of sixth man of the year candidate Lou Williams and former No.2 overall pick Evan Turner finally getting meaningful minutes, the Sixers will get to the second round before being bounced yet again by another tough, veteran team.
With the hype surrounding Linsanity finally dying down, the Knicks are starting to revert back to their old ways as they have lost 7 of their last 10 games (18-23). The Knicks defense has always been a question mark, and now the ball is not moving around as freely as it did before Melo’s return to the lineup. With Jeremy Lin continuing to turn the ball over at a record pace and the Knicks struggling to find an identity, count on them getting bounced in the first round by either the Heat or Bulls who they will likely face as the 1st seed in the East. Seems like the fire in New York has been extinguished ever since ESPN wrote that racist Lin article.
Contenders: Bulls, Heat, Boston
The Bulls (34-9) are still centered around their all-world point guard Derrick Rose and their tenacious defense. They are currently the best team in the East and are riding high on an 8-game winning streak. Last season ended in a disappointing finish after suffering an Eastern Conference finals defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat. If the Bulls are to get to championship this year, the road will have to go through Miami and the Big 3. The Bulls must find a way to get more offensive production out of their supporting cast, as Rose will likely be guarded closely by LeBron James in an effort to slow down last season’s MVP.
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Fantasy Basketball Pickups – Adds for Feb. 6, 2012
NBA Fantasy Basketball Pickups – Adds for February 6, 2012
We try to update you guys with brand new fantasy basketball pickups to add to your roster as much as possible, but we believe in quality over quantity. Here are the the top fantasy basketball waiver pickups and essential adds for February 6, 2012 which apply to both shallow and deep leagues.
Reggie Williams (SG/SF) CHA – One of our sleepers pre-season before he began the year on the shelf with a bummed knee. Williams is an energy guy who can get hot in a flash. Given the time, he will surely produce positive fantasy relevant stats, putting up 17 pts/5 reb/4 ast/1.7 three’s/1.1 stl while starting over his career. Reggie may not win the Bobcats many games, but he will entertain and be a great mid-season add for your fantasy squad. Even with a healthy Henderson, Maggette and Walker, Williams should have a niche on this depleted Charlotte roster.
Grevis Vasquez (PG/SG) NO – Over the last 4 games Vazquez is averaging 15 points, 4 boards, 7 assists, 1.3 three’s and 1.3 steals while shooting over 500% from the field. Those kinds of numbers warrant a roster spot in all formats. Owners of Jarrett Jack would be wise to already have him as your handcuff. The NBA owned franchise is looking very stingy, already having their piece to build around (Eric Gordon) reject their extension offer. The 2nd year player will get all the play he wants, and will reward owners with production.
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2012 Fantasy Basketball Trades – Buy Low Sell High for February, 2012
Everyone knows that when you have to buy low and sell high when it comes to fantasy basketball trades but realistically, that is not easy. Buying low and selling high comes down to this: getting players whose actual value is greater than what their perceived value is, and trading away players whose situation is the inverse of this. If you know who the impatient owners are that simply know how to read a box score and ignore the current situation of the players, begin trade talks with them. Consider proposing a trade in your 2012 fantasy basketball league for these players.
February, 2012 NBA Players to Buy Low
Amar’e Stoudemire has had a rough start this season, failing to reach the expectations so many people had when the idea of a Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire combination found its way in the news. I’ve never been a big fan of Baron Davis but I do know he is better than any point on the Knicks roster. If the Knicks can turn things around, which I think they will, Stoudemire may be a top pick that you can find at a discounted rate.
Chris Kaman may not be logging any minutes right now for New Orleans but he’ll be back on the court before the trade deadline passes. There are a handful of teams interested in his services and if he’s still on someone’s roster in your fantasy league shoot the owner and email and see what it would take to acquire him.
Dirk Nowitzki returned to the court on Sunday after taking some time off. In his most recent games he was a combined 9-of-24 from the field and 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Dirk owners are getting worried and based on how early Nowitzki was going in drafts they may need to make a deal soon. Take advantage of that.
Deron Williams has struggled from the start, thanks in large part to the absence of Nets center Brook Lopez. Williams is the primary scoring option for New Jersey and defenses know it. Williams has struggled from the field shooting just 39% on the year. Upon Lopez’s arrival, expect Williams to bounce back from his rough start. His league leading 4.4 turnovers a game will also see a decline in the weeks to come.
February, 2012 NBA Players to Sell High
Dwayne Wade is one of my favorite players in the league…BUT with the way he plays I can’t trust him to stay healthy. When Wade is healthy, he’s great and one of the best players in the league, but because of the type of game he plays his numbers will end up being mid-draft type stats and not help you enough down the road. Wait for Wade to put a few good games together and then put him on the block. Someone will bite and you’ll most likely find something good on the other end.
Richard Jefferson is second in the league in three-pointers made with 53 on the season. Expect him to fall down that list rapidly once Manu Ginobli returns to the lineup. Besides his three-point shooting this year his numbers have been mediocre. Jefferson won’t get you a great player in return straight up, but he’s the perfect guy to have in a multi-player deal.
2012 Fantasy Basketball – Houston Rockets – February Team of the Month
Here is an fantasy basketball analysis of the Houston Rockets. On the first day of each month, Fantasy Couch will provide an analysis of your favorite team and breakdown the fantasy valeu of that team. In order to cast your vote, you have to follow @fantasycouch on Twitter and vote, but only when we ask who the Team of the Month will be.
This month we breakdown the Rockets to see who’s headed for outer space and who’s headed for a crash landing. With the compressed schedule, it’s more important than ever to make the right moves to get your team on top.
PG, Kyle Lowry – He took off toward outer space at break-neck speed, but looks like his rockets cooled off somewhere in the clouds. Over his last four games, Lowry is shooting 19 percent from the field, making only 8 of his last 42 FG attempts. 19% – That’s what we like to call a slump. Over this stretch Lowry is averaging only 9 points per game (PPG) and 0.8 threes per game (3PG). Lowry is still putting up solid assist numbers at 7.2 per game and steals at 1.8 per game. His free throw percent, 77%, and turnovers, 2.2, are middle of the pack for the point guard position. Lowry’s biggest contribution has been his rebounding numbers (6.4 RPG) which tops the list for PG’s in the NBA. If your team needs a boost in rebounds along with solid steals and assist numbers than Lowry will make a great addition to your team. Trade for him while he in a slump, because its only a matter of time before he gets his rockets back up to full throttle. Kyle Lowry is a buy low.
PF/C, Luis Scola – Scola is more like a jet than a rocket, a jumbo jet, flying low and slow. His percents have been very good on the year 49% FG and 76% FT, and even better over this current four game stretch: 57% FG and 80% FT. Scola’s great percents are tampered by his lack of defense, 0 Steals per game, 0.2 blocks per game, and high turnover numbers (2.7). The addition of Samuel Dalembert to the Rockets has hurt Scola’s rebounding numbers (5.6 RPG) and makes Scola far less valuable in the fantasy world. Scola will continue to put up solid offensive numbers but won’t contribute to the rest of the stat sheet. Now is a good time to try and trade away Scola for a player who is not stuck flying below the clouds. Luis Scola is a sell high.
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2012 NBA Rookie Analysis
2012 NBA Rookie of The Year
If the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year ballots were submitted right now it would come down to two point guards; Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio:
Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers, 17.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 42.5 3p%, 80 FT%)
Kyrie Irving may not pass the ball like Rubio but he still gets the assists while scoring with the best of them. Irving leads all rookies with 17.4 points per clip in under 30 minutes per game. Irving has scored more than 20 points seven times and has scored in double digits in every game except one. He continues to fill the net as well as the stat sheet. Irving is well on his way to a Rookie of the Year season if he continues to put up the numbers that he is.
Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves, 11 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 8.3 APG, 40.6 3p%, 2.4 SPG)
The import from Spain has proved to be well worth the wait as he has a way with the ball that reminds many of the late Pete Maravich. Almost a magician with the ball, Rubio has shown us why there was so much hype already becoming a fan favorite in Minnesota. His turnovers are a concern for some but when you pass the ball like Rubio does it’s easy to forget about some of them. Although he may not play like a rookie, he is one. And that fact is a scary one for any team that doesn’t have him on their roster.
In such a guard heavy draft class it’s no surprise that the top two players so far this season bring the ball up the court. But luckily for everyone else there is no fast-forward button, so those not named Ricky Rubio and Kyrie Irving have time to gain the attention of the league and their fans before ballots are due. Here are the best in class for those in a deep, or keeper league:
Jimmer Fredette (Sacramento Kings, 7.6 PPG 2.1 APG 33.6 FG% 30.6 3p% 90.5 FT%)
Even before he was drafted into the NBA he had his own theme song. Fredette had unlimited range at BYU but has been introduced to those limits so far this season. He has shown signs of what may be to come with 20 points and 6 assists in 32 minutes of play Sunday against Memphis. Superman may still sleep in a Jimmer jersey but it may take some time for Superman to trade in his BYU no. 32 for a Sacramento Kings no. 7.
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2012 Fantasy Basketball Questions and Answers Video
Fantasy Couch’s first 2012 fantasy basketball questions and answers video. Fantasy basketball guru Matt Bohannan answers six questions we received through e-mail, Rotoknow, and our Twitter. Topics include Baron Davis, Brook Lopez, Serge Ibaka, Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings, Rudy Gay, as well as other players and topics.
Fantasy Basketball Pickups – Adds for Jan. 4, 2012
Adds for Fantasy Basketball
If you need a boost for your roster, add these top 2012 fantasy basketball pickups before other owners in your league do. Most of these NBA players are still available, even in deep fantasy basketball leagues and even keeper leagues. If you have any specific questions for us, please send us a reply and follow us on Twitter @fantasycouch or on the Fantasy Couch Facebook page.
Josh Howard (SG/SF) UTA – Howard may have somewhat of a resurrection if he can stay healthy. The Jazz are going to be scrappy in the Western conference, and that fits his style. He could contend for the sixth man of the year award, or possibly play himself into the starting lineup.
Tyrus Thomas (PF) CHA – Coming off an ankle injury to start the season, Thomas has suddenly found himself in a battle for getting his starting gig back. The Bobcats have some talented youth at forward with Bismack Biyombo, DJ White and Thomas at the power position. But starter or not, I think Thomas should be looking at enough minutes (22+) to be on the fantasy radar.
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2011-2012 Fantasy Basketball Sleepers
Top 10 Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2011-2012
Coming up with the top 2011-2012 fantasy basketball sleepers is a daunting task. The best sleepers are always NBA players that are underrated and drafted later than they should in fantasy basketball drafts. There is a significant risk when drafting sleepers, but you need to be fimiliar with these names if you want to build a successful fantasy team and finish the draft strong.
Whether you’re looking to enhance a particular stat and be dominant in that category, or looking to shore up a weakness; here are the top 10 fantasy basketball sleepers in no particular order that you should target in all formats:
Anderson Varejao PF/C (CLE) – Varejao was one of our sleepers last year, and started 2010-2011 with what was looking like a career year until he went down for the season with a torn ankle. Look for a steady 9/9 with 1 steal + 1 block and good FG%. Hustle often times pays off in the box score.
Corey Maggette F (CHA) – The Duke veteran is in a great position to revive his career. The Bobcats (sorry MJ, I still love you) are in disarray, and need a go-to guy. Maggette will provide veteran leadership for this young ‘Cats squad. He will also receive a lot of touches. He’s the equivalent in fantasy football to getting a running back like Marshawn Lynch, a somewhat over-hyped player who’s been recently known to disappoint. But this year Lynch is back to being a steady workhorse. Maggette will get similar touches and production (in basketball stats, if that makes sense) at a lower cost.
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NBA Mock Draft 2011
Whether we like it or not, the 2011 NBA Draft could be the weakest collection of potential draft picks since the famously-awful 2000 Draft, due largely in part to an impending league-wide lockout. Had likely Top-5 picks Jared Sullinger of Ohio State, Perry Jones III of Baylor, and Harrison Barnes of UNC opted to stay in the draft, the Lottery would be a lot more exciting and meaningful for everyone involved. Instead, Cleveland may end up with the consensus top two most talented prospects in the draft, a rarity that may still not be enough to turn the NBA’s most hard-luck franchise around. Few, if any, of these prospects outside of the top 5 have a chance at becoming perennial All-Star’s anytime soon, with the influx of unknown international talent and marginal college stars diluting this top-heavy draft pool. A record 5 international prospects could end up cracking the Lottery, making this one of the most mysterious drafts in recent memory.
*Indicates potential trade scenario
1. Cleveland Cavs: Derrick Williams, 6-8, 248, SF/PF, Arizona – By picking the athletic (albeit self-absorbed) scoring machine over the pre-draft consensus number one overall pick Kyrie Irving from Duke, the Cavs organization gives themselves much more flexibility and value. If Cleveland fails to make a widely speculated three-team trade with Detroit to acquire Minnesota’s number two pick-and settle for keeping their slot at four- then they give themselves a chance to land the second highest-rated point guard in the draft-Kentucky’s Brandon Knight- giving them two potential cornerstones for the post-‘Decision’ era. Cleveland could also pick Irving number one overall and then take Williams with the second pick which they are looking to acquire.
2. Minnesota T-Wolves*: Kyrie Irving, 6-3, 191, PG, Duke – With the pending arrival of 2009 5th overall pick Ricky Rubio in the team’s immediate plans, it would make sense for GM David Khan and his brain trust to pass on this slot and ship the pick to Cleveland in order to accumulate more picks or expiring contracts. Turkish big man Enes Kanter could be a potential candidate if Minnesota decides to stay put, as he is a young and talented true center to pair with rising All-Star Kevin Love. If Cleveland indeed makes a move to swap slots with Minnesota, they will likely pick Irving to give the Cavs the two highest rated prospects in the draft.
3. Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter, 7-0, 260, C, Turkey – Despite being unable to play the entire past season due to NCAA violations, the Turkish center is a legitimate 7-foot post player with a polished back to the basket game and solid mid-range jumper. The transition would be made easier due to the fact that the Jazz already have former All-Star and Turkish compatriot Mehmet Okur on the roster. The Jazz desperately need to take the best player available, after a rollercoaster season in which they lost their Hall-of-Fame head coach Jerry Sloan and future Hall-of-Fame point guard Derron Williams, if they are to return to respectability.
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