10/30 Preseason Notes

Randy Foye will be out several weeks after he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his knee.  This is a blow to fantasy managers who have drafted Foye, a player who was expected to emerge as part of the Wolves rebuilding program, before the extent of his injury was fully known. 

Foye had been expected to play point guard and that leaves two primary candidates to take his place - Sebastian Telfair and Marco Jaric.  Neither have a good recent history in the regular season.  Jaric is a tall PG who at 29 has never really been able to establish himself.  Counting on him to do it now may be wishful thinking.  He is a career 40% FG shooter.  This past preseason he shot 50% from three point land but only 35% from two point land.  Go figure!  He has a good knack for stealing the ball when he is on the court but the issue has been getting on the court. 

Telfair missed the first 5 games of the preseason with a sprained ankle and perhaps would be the prime candidate to seize this moment as he tries to rescue his career (again) in a new city.  But having only played two preseason games it is tough to expect he can step right in and run the offense.  To his advantage though, he has experience playing with Al Jefferson, the Wolves number 1 offensive option, in Boston.

 Coming into the preseason the Wolves were expected to start opening night with Ricky Davis and Randy Foye but neither will be there.  Rashad McCants, who has been recovering from microfracture knee surgery, has had a promising preseason averaging 15 ppg in 28 mpg along with 1.2 spg.  McCants may be able to take advantage of this situation to emerge offensively. Owners with Foye will want to watch the Timberwolves first game on Friday for temporary free agents and perhaps even take a chance on a free agent before the game.

 10/27 Preseason Notes

 In a game that did not feature much defense, Linas Kleiza had 34 pts and 5 ast.  He finishes the preseason averaging a very respectable 16 ppg in 27.5 mpg.  Since joining the NBA in the 2005 draft he has been slowly progressing.  He is a versatile player who if given an opportunity because of injuries could provide points and treys.

Travis Outlaw finished the preseason on a good note with 23 pts, 3 reb, and 6 ast.  He has sleeper potential, particularly in roto leagues, as a result of his abilities to get steals and blocks.

In the first game without Mike Bibby, Quincy Douby had 14 pts, 0 ast, and 2 treys.  Francisco Garcia had 16 pts, 6 reb, and 1 stl.

Monta Ellis appears to be completely recovered from a neck injury as he had 27 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast, and 5 stl.  My guess is on that note, Marco Belinelli's fantasy value takes a hit.

Chris Kaman completed a promising preseason with 20 pts, 8 reb, and 4 bl.

Potential sleeper Ronnie Turiaf had 18 pts and 8 reb in a game in which Kobe and Lamar Odom did not play.

Amare Stoudemire appears ready for the season with his 23 pt, 11 reb, and 2 block performance.

Chris Wilcox has shown in the preseason the potential to take his game to a new level.  He had 27 pts, 9 reb, 1 stl, and 2 bl.

Luis Scola, the projected Rockets starting PF, had 14 pts and 10 reb.

Bonzi Wells, who is hoping for a comeback year, had 13 pts and 1 stl.  He has had strong fantasy value in the past.

Shawnee Williams finished the preseason with another strong game with 26 pts, 5 reb, and 3 ast.  This was another game without a lot of D played.

10/26 Preseason Notes

Mike Bibby has a hand injury and will be out 6-10 weeks.  Those who have received their update but have not drafted yet will need to drop down Bibby's rank/value using their judgement.  Looking at the Kings roster there is not a clear backup point guard to step up.  Orien Greene is on the roster but is unproven.

With Ron Artest also missing the first seven games of the season, players like Francisco Garcia and John Salmons will have additional early season value.  Guard Quincy Douby has shown some scoring potential and may now be a consideration in deeper leagues.

Kenyon Martin has managed to play in three preseason games and has been efficient offensively shooting 62% FG. 

Grant Hill played in all seven Suns preseason games and averaged 15 ppg, second only to Shawn Marion.  For those dreaming he gives a full season's work this is a good start.

Charlie Villanueva had a strong preseason game 19 pts, 8 reb, and 2 bl.  My gut feeling tells me he eventually wins the battle with Jianlian.  He was underestimated as a rookie and did well and knowing coming in to this season he needed to compete for playing time may have motivated him coming off an injury filled season.

Shavlik Randolph had 10 pts and 5 rebounds.  He has played in three of the Sixers preseason games.  With the Sixers thin in the frontcourt, he could earn some minutes during the season.

With Nenad Krstic not playing, Jamaal Magloire had 14 pts, 10 reb, and 2 bl.  Those in deep leagues should consider getting Magloire if they have Krstic.

The Nets Antoine Wright had 9 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast, 3 st, 2 treys, 1 bl, and 1 st.  As he enters his third season now is the time for him to show something but he will have plenty of competition for playing time particularly with Nachbar playing well in the preseason.

Carlos Delfino has been one of the Raptors more effective players in the preseason.  Yesterday he had 18 pts, 9 reb, and 3 ast.  In three preseason games he has averaged 3.7 asts.  He is not expected to play a major role for the Raptors in the regular season though.

Tyrus Thomas (foot) and Ben Wallace (ankle) are day to day with injuries that occurred in yesterdays preseason game.

10/25 Preseason Notes

Mike Bibby had 28 pts, 4 reb, and 4 asts.  He is coming off a down year by his standards where he shot only 40%.  So far in the preseason he is shooting only 37% FG despite hitting 47% of his three point attempts.

Brevin Knight had 7 pts, 8 asts, and 2 steals which is what I had expected from him coming into the preseason but have only seen it this once.

In 7 preseason games, Chris Kaman is averaging a respectable 11 pts, 7.2 reb, and 1.4 bl.  His stock is low coming into this season after last year’s performance.

In his second preseason game Brandon Roy had 22 pts despite 6-12 FT.  He should normally be much better from the line.

LeMarcus Aldridge had 31 pts and 13 rebounds adding further support to predictions for a breakout year.

In 6 preseason games Martell Webster has averaged 18 ppg including a 52% three point percentage.  These marks show he has the potential to be substantially improved this year.

Hilton Armstrong has had a strong preseason averaging 12 pts, 7 reb, and 1.3 bl.   Those with Tyson Chandler in deeper leagues should consider Armstrong to back him up.

Morris Peterson has shot only 25% FG in the preseason causing his stock to drop.  It is possible of course he still starts the season hot – provided he can get on the court.

Peja Stojakovic has participated in 6 preseason games which is a good sign as he tries to bounce back from a poor year.

While potential Rockets starting PF Luis Scola has averaged 7 pts and 7 reb in the preseason he has also led the team in turnovers with 3.2 per game.

Rudy Gay has been showing stud potential in the preseason with averages of 20 pts, 5 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 1.2 spg, and 53% treys.

Yesterday Eddie Curry had 6 TO and 4 PF in 17 minutes, the sum of which exceeded his point and rebound totals. 

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10/24 Preseason Notes

Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, and Wayne Simien and a conditional first-round draft pick were traded to Minnesota for Ricky Davis and Mark Blount. The trade from a Timberwolves perspective seems more motivated by improving team chemistry by removal of Davis and Blount more than any particular desire to acquire a player like Walker whose potential attractiveness is possessing a shorter contract than Mark Blount.  I do not anticipate Walker getting much more opportunity in Minnesota considering the glut of young players such as Corey Brewer, Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes, and Gerald Green that they would rather develop.

The trade presents an interesting opportunity for Theo Ratliff who prior to the trade seemed to be deserving of minutes at center.  Now with Blount gone he will be certainly getting playing time making him an even stronger late round (deep league) consideration for blocks.  Rookie Corey Brewer will also have a greater opportunity to play and produce with Ricky Davis gone.

As it turns out, Miami will likely need Ricky Davis to score so I think there is a chance he could maintain most of his pre-trade value.  Even with Shaq around, he should be the second option offensively when Wade returns.

Leandro Barbosa is day to day with a rib injury.

Richard Hamilton is day to day with a sprained ankle.

Lamar Odom will miss the beginning of the season with a shoulder injury.

From last night…

Earl Watson had 8 pts, 14 ast, and 3 stl.  This performance would lend itself to him getting more regular season playing time at the expense of Luke Ridnour.

In a double OT game, Kyle Lowry had 21 pts, 11 reb, and 12 ast.  A game like this will certainly get one’s attention.  The point guard situation in Memphis is not clear making the acquisition of Mike Conley a risky move.  Normally a PG drafted as high as him is a safer bet.

Tony Allen was given an opportunity and produced with 6 steals, a known strength of his, but was only 2-15 FG.

Brandon Bass continued his strong play with 10 pts, 8 reb, and 2 bl.  With an unproven player such as him, it would not be a surprise for him to disappear once the regular season begins.

Charlie Villanueva had a strong game with 21 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast, and a trey.  I see a scenario playing out where both Jianlian and Villanueva are both on the floor.

Monta Ellis has recovered enough from his neck injury to play and get 15 pts and 3 ast but had 8 TO.

10/23 Preseason Notes

Marvin Williams continues to have a strong preseason averaging 18 ppg including 6.6 FT/g at 85% and 5 reb per game. I have increased his FT and scoring projections. His contributions outside of scoring though have been minimal. 

With Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson cold, Nate Robinson had 20 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 1 st, and 2 TO.  While this is a very nice line, the fantasy manager should not value him as if this will be a frequent occurrence.  For him to break the 24 mpg it will likely take an injury in the Knick starting backcourt.

Gilbert Arenas recently had a procedure to drain fluid from the need that apparently was a success and he feels well.  However for a player that will be taken in the first round, it is news the fantasy owner does not like to hear.

Anderson Varejao continues to hold out for more money as does Aleksander Pavlovic.  One must assume as some point they will give making them a late round consideration in deep leagues.

10/22 Preseason Notes

Adam Morrison has joined Seam May with a season ending injury.  This should translate into far more minutes for Walter Hermann than was anticipated before both went out.  Yesterday Herman played 37 minutes and had 14 rebounds although not much else.  It seems though it is now fairly certain he will be a part of the regular season rotation.

Devin Harris had his best game of the preseason with 19 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, and 1 st.  While Eddie Jones presents a threat to the playing time of Harris, I anticipate Jones will eventually settle in as a bench player with an insignificant role particularly when you consider the Mavs gave Harris a considerable contract in the offseason.

Travis Outlaw had a fairly disastrous game with 7 TO, 4 pf, and only 4 pts.  This should only contribute to Martell Webster earning more minutes as he continues to play consistently.

Brevin Knight, once considered a potential sleeper, does not appear as if he will be an important part of the Clipper rotation judging from how things have gone in the preseason.  Dan Dickau appears to be the leading candidate to backup Sam Cassell.  Knight, you would think, will get an opportunity at some point because of injury to Cassell.

Jordan Farmar has had a solid preseason averaging 10 ppg, 3.4 apg, and 1.6 spg in 18 mpg.  Although Derek Fisher will likely start, Farmar is showing he deserves consideration in deeper leagues.

10/21 Preseason Notes

Rookie Jason Smith had a productive game for the Sixers with 16 pts, 9 reb, and 1 bl.  Those with Samuel Dalembert in deep leagues should consider Smith as his playing time will go up if Dalembert is not able to play because of his foot. The Sixers other backup center Calvin Booth has been unimpressive in the preseason.

Rookie Al Thornton had 23 pts and 2 treys.  He has been consistent throughout the preseason including hitting 1 trey per game from the PF position.  His projections have been nudged up.

Stromile Swift had 16 pts, 6 reb, 1 st, and 1 bl in 19 minutes.  The path for him to start at center is wide open but he has a history of inconsistency.

Kevin Durant had 25 pts (9-20 FG) and 2 st but only 2 rebounds.  The shooting performance is one of his better ones of the preseason.  It is expected his rebounding will improve considering how he dominated in that area in college.

Delonte West improved his chances of getting regular season playing time with 22 pts, 7 ast, and 1 st.  Of the guards vying for playing time with the Sonics I personally feel he has the most talent and should do well if he can stay healthy.

Primoz Brezec returned to the Hornets likely ending rookie Ryan Hollins chances for having fantasy value.

Shawnee Williams, who will be suspended for the first three games of the season, had an outstanding game with 22 pts, 5 treys, 6 reb, 5 ast, and 2 st.  Anyone who can come up with this kind of stat line, even in the preseason, deserves to be watched in the regular season.

Rookie Corey Brewer finally showed some potential with 27 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast, 2 st, 2 bl, and 3 treys.  He has previously only totaled 18 pts in his past 5 games.

Yi Jianlian had a nice game with 15 pts and 12 rebounds and seems to be coming around now putting the playing time for Charlie Villanueva in question.

Adam Morrison left yesterday's game with a knee injury that has the potential to be serious.

10/20 Preseason Notes

In a double overtime game, potential sleeper Craig Smith had 20 pts, 7 reb, 3, and 10-12 FT.  I think those who acquire him in later rounds could be pleasantly surprised during the season.  In the same game Jeff Foster had 20 reb, 12 pts, 2 st, and 2 bl while Jermaine O’Neal and Troy Murphy DNP.

Rookie Aaron Gray is leading the Bulls in scoring during the preseason.  He is averaging 11 ppg including 10-12 FT and 5 rpg.  While Ben Wallace is the entrenched starter, the Bulls may find it appealing to give Gray minutes when they are in need of more offense.

So far in the preseason Morris Peterson is averaging only 5 ppg in 23 mpg.  I have removed him from the sleeper list and lowered his projections.

Dallas PF Brandon Bass is averaging 12 pts and 7 reb in 24 mpg in six preseason games.  With the Mavs thin in the front court, he could end up earning some minutes for the Mavs if he keeps it up.

Potential sleeper Travis Outlaw finally had a good game with 24 pts, 6 reb, and 2 bl.  His competition for playing time, Martell Webster, also had a good though leaving their battle for playing time up in the air.

Brandon Roy played in his first game but was not that productive with only 9 pts.  I have been easing his projections down in the preseason over concerns about his heel.

10/19 Preseason Notes

Yesterday Al Horford had 22 pts and 12 rebounds and for the preseason he is averaging 12 pts, 9 reb, and 1.3 bl.  He has shown that he may be NBA ready and along with the performance of Marvin Williams in the preseason has been causing Shelden William’s projections to be progressively reduced throughout the preseason.  Josh Childress has also been playing well contributing to the obstacle for Shelden Williams to earn playing time.

Gerald Wallace has been a stud in the preseason averaging 23 pts, 6 reb, 2.8 st, and 1.5 bl.  Also of importance for the career 64% FT shooter is that he is shooting 76% from the line during the preseason.

Signs during the preseason point towards Walter Hermann not being part of the early season Bobcat rotation and his projections have been reduced.

Nenad Krstic played in his first preseason game scoring 11 pts on 5-5 shooting in 15 minutes.  This is an encouraging sign for those mining for a mid-round or affordable center.

After now averaging 18.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg during the preseason it is getting a little more difficult to ignore Kelena Azubuike but one must assume when the Warriors begin the regular season there will be a big drop in production.

Make a note that GSW second year center Patrick O’Bryant is averaging 5.5 pts, 6.5 reb, and 1.8 bl in only 14 mpg in the preseason.  He has some potential on a team that does not have many conventional centers on the roster.

Yesterday Bonzi Wells had 11 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, and 2 st.  After his performance last season he is a sleeper this year.  Having Jeff Gundy gone can only help him.

Andrew Bynum has looked strong in the preseason averaging 13 pts and 9.3 reb in 21 mpg although he has not been blocking too many shots.  That should come around during the regular season.

Josh Howard will miss the first two games of the regular season with a suspension.

Troy Murphy could miss the beginning of the season with a strained achilles.

10/18 Preseason Notes

Jason Maxiell strengthened his potential sleeper status with 25 pts (11-15 FG), 12 reb, 3 bl, and 1 st in 33 minutes.

Piston rookie Rodney Stuckey had 17 pts, 7 reb, and 6 ast in 40 minutes.  This is a strong performance but came as a result of Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton not playing.

Mike Conley had 11 pts and 10 ast.  Due to the glut of guards in Memphis, I am uncertain exactly how much playing time Conley will actually end up receiving this season giving his selection an element of risk.

Rudy Gay will have a diverse game this season as demonstrated by his 22 pts, 3 bl, and 1 trey performance yesterday.  He will be an excellent mid round acquisition.

Pacer’s Marquis Daniels is showing signs of life in the preseason.  Yesterday he had 24 pts, 4 stl, and 9 reb.  He has been rebounding well in the preseason averaging 6.7 rpg in three games.  He is an intriguing prospect since really he only needs to compete with Mike Dunleavy for playing time.  The Pacers may find Dunleavy does not have the quickness to defend opposing SG giving Daniels some in-season upward potential.

Yesterday Paul Pierce had 22 pts and 5 ast in the Celtics blow out of the Knicks.  With Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett playing with him, he could see a boost in assist output and could easily lead the team in that category.

Sixers Reggie Evans had 12 rebounds in 25 minutes.  He should be able to average double digit rebounds this season.

10/17 Preseason Notes

With Ryan Gomes not playing because of a sprained foot, Gerald Green had one of his better preseason games with 15 pts, 1 st, and 1 bl.  The Minnesota roster is full of unproven players as a result of the Kevin Garnett trade that brought in a number of prospects.  Later round picks could be used on many of them such as Green, or another strategy would be to watch the early regular season games to see if someone emerges.

With the media milking Kobe’s comments for as much as they can, trade rumors are flying.  The fantasy manager should just anticipate that if a trade does happen, it would be in the form of the Kevin Garnett trade where the Lakers would get a bunch of players.  This could pose a threat to the remaining Laker players who would have more players to compete with.

Kenyon Martin made an appearance in a preseason game which is good news for fantasy managers taking a chance on him in later rounds.  He managed 11 pts and 5 reb in 14 minutes.

With Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson not playing, Nick Young had 16 pts, 1 st, and 1 bl. So far in the preseason he is shooting only 35% and will likely have limited fantasy value during the regular season.

Andre Blatche had another promising game with 14 pts and 3 bl.  Also note the big man is 13-15 FT during the preseason.

So far Devin Harris is not showing signs in the preseason that he will break out this year.  He may also find he has more competition for playing time this season in the form of Jose Juan Barea.

The fantasy manager should realize that Ron Artest is suspended for the first 7 games of the season.  This has been built into his projections.

Potential sleeper Acie Law is day to day with a sprained wrist.  This can work two ways-  1) Help to keep him a secret from other fantasy managers or 2) Make his prospective owner a little more nervous about taking him as a result of a lack of playing time or evidence of his potential.

10/16 Preseason Notes

Josh Boone’s recent 20 minute 0 rebound run has prompted me to pull back from endorsing him as a potential sleeper.  N. Krstic is recovering from ACL surgery and has not played in a preseason game.  Boone has an opportunity to play more until he is recovered.

B. Nachbar continues to assert himself offensively.  Yesterday even with Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson in the lineup he had 19 pts.  Although he was only 4-14 FG, he is showing aggressiveness offensively.

After last season I somewhat dismissed Adam Morrison as someone who does not have the skills to be a valuable fantasy player.  In the preseason he is at least showing he can be effective offensively by shooting over 50% and averaging 14.5 ppg in four games.  I still think he won’t ever be a desirable fantasy player but at least he is showing signs he could have use for his points.

Ike Diogu is a player who in the past has shown fantasy potential but has never been a regular in a playing rotation.  Yesterday he demonstrated his potential with 19 pts and 5 reb in 24 minutes.

Theo Ratliff is playing in the preseason which is a good sign and showing he still has shot blocking skills.  On a young Minnesota team he could be a part of the playing rotation.

Juan-Carlos Navarro showed his offensive potential with 22 pts and 5 treys but I see obstacles for him in terms of competition for other point guards on the Grizzlies roster.

Paul Millsap had 16 pts and 7 rebs.  This is notable since the Jazz had Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Andrei Kirileko playing also.

Raja Bell has played in all of the Suns preseason games averaging 17 pts.  He appears to be recovered from offseason knee surgery.

10/15 Preseason Notes

Third year player Andray Blatche has been the Wizards most productive player in the preseason. He is averaging 9.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 bpg, 1.0 spg, and shooting 82% FT.  With Etan Thomas likely out for the season, his chances for meaningful playing time are strong.

Jeff Green is 8^th for the Sonics in scoring in the preseason despite being second only to Kevin Durant in field goal attempts.  Yesterday however he did score 14 on 5-14 shooting.  How he adjusts to the NBA is uncertain (as with most rookies) but at the 5^th overall selection the chance of him eventually getting playing time for the Sonics is pretty good.

Kevin Durant is 6 for 13 on treys in the preseason and as a minimum will provide good point production for a rookie during the season.

Ronnie Brewer is averaging 21 pts and 2.3 steals in three preseason games for the Jazz and is shooting 64% FG.  His projections have been increased.

Through 4 preseason games, Jarvis Hayes is leading the Pistons in scoring at 14.8 ppg solidifying his role as a key reserve.

Rookie Al Thornton is leading the Clipper in the preseason in playing time and points with 17 ppg.  I assume Tim Thomas will fall back into mediocrity (as he has throughout his career) and not stop Thornton from having solid value as a rookie.

LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 20 pts and 7.7 rpg in the preseason but oddly has not blocked a shot yet.

Joel Przybilla is 4^th in the league in the preseason in rebounding at 10 rpg.  He should be able to help in deep leagues with rebounds and blocks.

10/13 Preseason Notes

With Carter, Kidd, and Jefferson not playing, the Nets relied on B. Nachbar for offense.  He ended with 35 pts and 6 rebs.  While he may continue his emergence that began last season, he typically will not be the go-to guy.

Josh Boone had 13 pts, 11 reb, and 2 blocks.  He should have the opportunity to get meaningful minutes for the Nets this season.

L. Williams had 33 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast, and 3 stl in 39 min.  Williams is listed at 6-1 which may make it difficult for him to get minutes at the shooting guard in NBA regular season games.  He is working to play PG some but has a shooters mentality.  With the Sixers young and perhaps in need of scorers, Williams should find decent time on the court.

Rookie Jason Smith demonstrated he has shot blocking skills with 4 in 39 minutes but had only 4 rebs.  He will have the opportunity to get playing time particularly if Dalembert's can not play because of his foot.

J.J. Redick continues to be effective with 3 treys and 19 pts yesterday.

H. Turkoglu should get plenty of playing time this season with the departure of Grant Hill, Darko Milicic, and Tony Battie (injured).

R. Brewer could end up as the Jazz starting SG.  Yesterday he had 18 pts and 6 reb.

P. Millsap had 15 pts, 8 reb, 1 st in 31 minutes.  Carlos Boozer did not play for personal reasons.  I like Millsap's potential but he is not projected to start.

J. Hayes, who plays for the Pistons now, had 16 pts and 4 reb.  He will not start but could be a key guy off the bench.

K. Durant was only 5-22 but it is likely he will be the focal point of the Seattle offense in the regular season.  He also had 7 reb and 2 st 25 minutes showing he has stat sheet filling fantasy potential.

Second year player S. Brown led the Cavs in scoring with 19 pts, 11 of which came from the FT line. He is not projected to be a key guy at this time.

J. Barea has had two strong preseason games averaging 15 pts and 4 ast.  He is projected to be a reserve for the Mavs.

Tyrus Thomas has the potential to fill out the stat sheet and seems to be flying under the radar at least in the expert leagues I have been in so far.  He could be a starter for the Bulls

10/12 Preseason Notes

Grant Hill had 17 pts and 8 reb in 24 min in his first game with the Suns.

Amare Stoudemire who recently had arthroscopic knee surgery did not play.

Rasheed Wallace was given two technicals and ejected in a signal that his issues will continue into another season.

J. Maxiell led the Pistons in playing time with 33 minutes but his numbers were not that impressive.

D. Gibson had 3 assists and 7 turnovers in 30 minutes. He will need to improve his ball control to earn more regular season minutes.

Dwayne Jones had 6 pts, 13 reb, and 5 blocks.  Jones is in his third NBA season and will likely backup Ilgauskas. Anderson Varejao is still unsigned and this could lead to some more minutes for Jones.

Kelenna Azubuike scored 22 points, 5 reb, 4 ast, and 2 stls.  This is his second consecutive strong preseason game.  He has had the opportunity with Monta Ellis out with a sprained neck.

Rookie M. Belinelli had 18 pts and 2 steals.  The magnitude of his regular season role remains uncertain.

C. Mihm had 11 pts, 5 reb, and 1 bl in 18 minutes.  This is a good sign as he comes back from an injury.

L. Walton had 8 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, and 1 stl.  He has the potential to average 4-5 assists.

Second year player Q. Douby had 17 pts, 3 treys, and 2 steals.  He will be King’s back up shooting guard during the season and perhaps get some PG minutes.

A. Law played 38 minutes and had 10 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, and 3 steals. 

A. Morrison 20 pts, 5 reb, and 1 stl.  His preseason has been encouraging so far.

10/11 Preseason Notes

Rashard Lewis left the Magic's exhibition game versus Charlotte Bobcats with a sprained ankle after playing only eight minutes and is listed as day-to-day.

Chris Bosh is day-to-day with a sore knee.

Etan Thomas will have heart surgery and miss the regular season.  This could translate into more minutes for Brendan Haywood.

R. Rondo had 4 steals in 26 minutes.  He is the likely starter at PG for the Celtics which could result in him being a league leader in steals this season.

R. Allen had 28 points in 26 minutes including 5-8 treys showing he will still have offensive potential.  But note he had a total of only 2 rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals giving evidence he will become a three point specialist for the Celtics.

R. McCants played 24 minutes and had 11 points.  As a young player who is coming back from a major injury he could have some value in deep leagues if he is fully recovered.

R. Foye had 3 TO and 2 fouls in 7 minutes.  His competition for playing time, Sebastian Telfair, fared somewhat better.  I have been projecting that Foye will emerge this season but he will need to give some signs in the preseason.

H. Armstrong had another strong game with 16 pts, 6 reb, and 2 blocks. Note that Tyson Chandler did not play in this game and include the presence of David West will put a limit on the minutes he can be projected for in the regular season.

Third year play D. Granger had 11 pts, 8 reb, 2 bl, and 2 ast.  He should be counted on someone who can give well rounded output.

With Jermaine O’Neal not playing, J. Foster had 12 pts and 13 reb but during the regular season will fall back into a rebounding specialist with little value.

Adam Morrison will be attempting to show he belongs in the NBA this season. He had 13 pts in 19 minutes but did little else.  He has the potential to average 16 pts but have no fantasy value.

Rookie R. Hollins will be given an opportunity to earn playing time.  Yesterday he led the Bobcats in playing time with 36 minutes but managed only 5 reb.

J.J. Redick had 17 pts and 5 treys as he led the Magic in playing time.  This will help his chances to earn playing time.

A. Foyle continues to demonstrate he is sleeper material with 14 pts, 8 reb, and 3 blocks.  We knew he could rebound and block but his points in the first two games have been atypical.

M. Williams had been productive at scoring from the free throw lines and is showing signs of living up to his potential.

Speedy Claxton continues to shoot poorly giving more opportunities for AC Law to take over at PG.

J. Childress had 25 pts and 4 rebs.  He has the ability to be a well rounded player similar to Granger.

With 6 blocks and 2 steals yesterday, D. Wright’s potential will start to get more attention.

U. Haslem had 22 pts and 12 rebounds.  With lower output from Shaq and Wade not beginning the season, he could have some strong early season games.

Although somewhat improved in his second game, Y. Jianlian struggled offensively making only 4-11 FG.  He will be competing with Charlie Villanueva which I see as “advantage Charlie.”

A. Thornton had 18 pts, 10 reb, 1 stl, and 1 bl.  As perhaps the best true PF, he could prosper with the Clippers.

S. Cassell had a strong preseason game but projections will remain low for him. 

M. Webster’s strong 28 point performance shows that he could be a threat to the potential sleeper Travis Outlaw.

Jarret Jack and Steve Blake both started for the Blazers as a result of Brandon Roy not playing.

10/10 Preseason Notes

Gilbert Arenas played in the Wizard’s first preseason game which is good news considering he is coming off an injury from last season.  His shot was off but he did have 4 steals.

Daniel Gibson is a candidate to start at PG for the Cavs.  He led them in scoring in their preseason game which is a good sign considering he had a low per minute scoring average last season that limited his fantasy value.

Luis Scola is a candidate to start for the Rockets at PF.  In his first preseason game he had 8 pts and 7 reb but also 5 fouls and 5 TO.

Second year player H. Armstrong had a strong preseason game with 12 pts, 6 reb, and 4 bl.

Potential sleeper Morris Peterson was 0-6 FG in his first game.

Yi Jianlian fouled out in only 15 minutes.  I will be quick to lower his projections as I am concerned about how he will transition to the NBA.

Matt Bonner had a strong game with 14 pts and 9 rebs but needs to do this again to start getting any real attention.

Tim Thomas had 19 pts and 7 rebs. He could benefit with the absence of Elton Brand.

Al Horford was given significant playing time (34 minutes) in the Clippers first preseason game.

Marcus Camby had 23 rebounds in 24 minutes.  Too bad he can only be counted on for a fraction of the season.

R. Swift is a potential sleeper candidate if he can show he has fully recovered from his injury as the Sonics do not have a lot of competition for him at center.

B. Miller had a strong preseason game and will be trying to bounce back from an off year where he was apparently out of shape.

Vladimir Radmanovic had 20 points for the Lakers.  His is coming back from a season shortened by injury.

Javaris Crittendon had a good preseason game with 18 pts but will likely have limited fantasy value due to Derek Fisher.

10/9 Preseason Notes

J.J. Redick will be given an opportunity to earn more playing time for the Orlando Magic with no established shooting guard on the team.  In the Magic’s first preseason game he led the team in playing time with 30 minutes and had 10 pts.  His upside potential is to be a good three point specialist like Kyle Korver.

Acie Law is a potential sleeper as a result of a lack of an established point guard in Atlanta.  In his first preseason game he did nothing to hurt his sleeper status as he had 7 pts, 5 ast, and 3 st in 29 minutes. 

Marvin Williams started and made 17 trips to the free throw line.  Rookie Al Horford had 9 pts, 7 reb, and 1 bl in only 23 minutes.  Shelden Williams was unimpressive in 16 minutes giving me reason to reconsider (lower) his projections.

Adonal Foyle could end up as a sleeper for the Magic due to their lack of front court depth.  Normally a shot blocking specialist, he had 11 points in only 15 minutes to go along with 6 rebounds.

David Lee led the Knicks with 18 points. He is looking to bounce back from a season where he played only 58 games.  Of some risk for him is the addition of Zach Randolph.

Potential sleeper J. Maxiell had 11 pts and 10 reb for the Pistons.  His value is somewhat. contingent on whether Chris Webber succeeds in re-signing with Detroit.

Potential sleeper D. Wright had a very nice game for the Heat filling out the stat sheet a little bit everywhere including 9 pts, 3 bl, 2 st, 5 ast, 4 reb, and a trey.

Potential sleeper L. Williams had 16 pts for the Sixers including 8-8 FT.  A question for him is whether at 6-1 he can play SG.  Realize Andre Miller will log the majority of the Sixer PG minutes.

Eddy Curry will miss two weeks with a torn labrum in his shoulder, meaning he may not play in the preseason.

October 8^th Preseason Notes

Sean May will miss the season after opting for microfracture surgery on his knee that has been a source of injury for him throughout his first two seasons.  May has only played in 58 of 164 games in his two year career.  This injury will leave Charlotte without much depth in their front court.  It is likely whoever starts next to Okafor will get many more minutes than they did last season which of course is the makings of a sleeper.  Candidates are Othella Harrington (who is out for the preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery), Primoz Brezec (has yet to report camp to tend to a family matter), and Ryan Hollins (who was a second round pick last season).   Rookie Jared Dudley, the 22^nd overall pick from Boston College, will likely get more minutes than typical for someone selected later in the first round.  The Bobcats preseason box scores will be checked to see if someone can emerge.

Monta Ellis is day to day after spraining his neck in a workout.  This is nothing to get too concerned about as of yet.

Ray Allen had only 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the Celtics first preseason game.  This is not something to react to as of yet.  It is important to note that Tony Allen played in this game and looks like he will be ready for the start of the regular season. 

Dwyane Wade, according to the Miami Herald, will not be involved in contact drills until mid-November.  Even missing much of November Wade is still worth taking in the late first round.  Fantasy leagues with a playoff system to determine the league champ can be more apt to take a chance on him since you just need to qualify for the playoffs and would bank of Wade being fully healthy by then.

October 5 Preseason Notes

In practice last Tuesday Brandon Roy experienced an irritation in the talus bone in his heel.  It was the same condition that caused him to miss 20 games early last season.  There are generally two courses of action that can be taken to treat the injury;   1) Surgery, which would cause Roy to miss a couple months of the season and 2) Rest.  

The Trail Blazers have opted for “rest” in the form of Roy missing all preseason games.  The intent of this action is so Roy will be ready for the more important regular season games.  However the news of an injury combined with missing preseason games is a one-two punch that gives the fantasy manager reasonable cause to pass on Roy in their draft.  Realize the injury occurred immediately at the beginning of the preseason after one must assume was about 5 months of off-season rest.  Wasn’t that rest enough?  How much will an additional three weeks help?  With a clean bill of health, Roy is typically a third to fifth round pick so you don’t want to lose him early.

As last season’s Rookie of the Year, Roy showed he had the ingredients of a good fantasy basketball player.  The basis of his value comes from strong offensive output as a result of shooting good percentages across the board.  He also gives healthy contributions in rebounds and assists from the guard spot and has steal potential.

In response to the news of Roy’s injury his projections will be lowered.  At the same time the fantasy manager will want to speculate on who may benefit in the worst case scenario for Roy of missing a couple months as a result of requiring surgery.  Players with upside would include Martell Webster, Jarrett Jack, and Steve Blake.  In a situation like this I do not increase the projections for the players who may step up since if the starter remains healthy you end up over-valuing the player.  One approach would be if you do end up with Roy, to take in later rounds one of the other players (at a reasonable “price”) as a form of insurance.

October 3 Preseason Notes

Etan Thomas has been diagnosed with a heart condition and is out indefinitely. Last season Thomas split time with Brendan Haywood.  There is actually a chance that Thomas will not be able to play basketball again.  This possibility would give upside to Haywood if he can command the majority of the center minutes.  But I think a likely scenario would be Haywood falling into a time share with third year player Andray Blatche making elevating Haywood’s value risky.

Amare Stoudemire underwent surgery on his knee yesterday in what was described as a successful procedure. While he is expected to return to basketball activities in two to three weeks, it gives me concern when you consider to get Stoudemire you need to use your first round pick.  With this selection you typically want a player with no risk involved. To Stoudemire’s credit, he was able to recover with a more serious procedure on his other knee.

The Magic lost Tony Battie for the season due to injury and Darko Milicic to free agency.  This leaves a hole at power forward assuming Dwight Howard plays center.  Adonal Foyle could end up as a deep league sleeper for his potential in shot blocking and Hedo Turkoglu could also see a boost in playing time.

Oct 2 Preseason Notes

A poll currently posted at www.HoopsKlyce.com shows the most popular number one overall draft selection is either Kevin Garnett or LeBron James.  Kobe Bryant is close behind them and no one else is close behind Kobe. This is different from last season when Lebron was the consensus number one pick.  My projections are currently showing for a standard eight category league with FT% the top three as Kobe, Arenas, and Dirk Nowitzki.  James has a weakness in FT% and I have concerns about how Garnett will transition to Boston in terms of losing some scoring to Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

If you are in a league with FT% and sitting with the number 3 pick, you could potentially end up with the number one overall player.  Considering the uncertainty this season about who will be the top performing player, I think it is a good year to not be picking first or second overall so you can get the benefit of an earlier pick in the second round.

Other likely first round selections are Dwayne Wade and Amare Stoudemire.  But both have some injury concerns.  Wade for his recovery from surgery (he will likely miss some games at the beginning of the season) and Stoudemire who will be recovering from minor arthoscopic surgery.  These factors add some risk to their selection.

Arenas also has gone through an offseason recovery progress although news seem to point to him being fully recovered.  He is a player who has the potential to be a top rated player yet fall anywhere to between 5 and 10 in a draft.  I have been in two expert league drafts and he has gone 5^th and 6^th.

My current projections for the top three for 8 category leagues with FT are Lebron, Kobe, and Arenas.  Once again Arenas has the potential to be undervalued for this scoring system.