Special - December 2, 2006
Fantasy Basketball
For those of you that participate in Fantasy Basketball, Matt Amitrano is going to be by to offer tips and insight...take it away Matt.

The first few weeks of the NBA have come and gone. This means that is now time to answer some of those early season fantasy basketball questions. Some of these answers may make you smile while others may make you want to cry (remember there’s no crying in baseball but there is plenty of crying in Fantasy Basketball). Regardless of your reaction, these questions must be answered before it is too later.
           
The first question brings us to Shaq. While most of his career has been described with “! marks” only “? marks” remain. With Shaq’s latest knee injury knocking him out of action is it time to give up on the “Big Aristotle?” Before the season I would have said to only draft O’Neal in the later rounds if he was still available. I never believed that he would be able to hold up for an entire NBA season nor would you be able to survive his low Free Throw percentage. Now we can clearly see that his body is deteriorating and his days as even a serviceable fantasy player are over. If you can still receive value back in a trade make the deal if not you may have to face reality and release the big fella. Players that are still available that can help replace Shaq’s rebounds include Ryan Gomes, David Lee, and Erick Dampier.
           
Another question mark has been Stephen Marbury and his lack of production. Should he too be dealt or cut? I would say deal him if you would be able to receive fair value in return which you most likely would not be able to. Marbury despite some early struggles will still be a decent fantasy point guard when all is said and done. Whether he stays with the Knicks or is traded to Minnesota as has been rumored, he still will compile points, assists, and three pointers. If possible, keep him on your bench until his production improves. However, if you insist on going against my wisdom, players who are still available that could help with assists are Sebastian Telfair, Tyrone Lue, and Devin Harris.
           
The final question we will answer is who are the players to watch over the next few weeks? While you should always keep an eye on players that are available in your league, the ones to watch that can make a considerable impact on your team are Speedy Claxton, Raja Bell and Alonzo Mourning. Claxton has battled injuries up to this point. However, once healthy and playing starter minutes, he could help you in not only assists but a hard to fill category in steals. Bell is another player that once healthy can help drastically in threes while also contributing in points. Finally, with Shaq hurt, ‘Zo will see enough minutes to be considered a quick fix in the blocks department.
           
Remember that while it is far too early to panic if things are not going well, it is wise to fix the small leaks on your ship before you sink to the bottom of the standings.

Sell High (players that should be traded while their stock is still higher than it should be)
   
  *Zachary Randolph-while his points and rebounds will remain among the league leaders, you cannot survive with a big man who cannot block shots or at least steal the ball on occasion. Still only make a deal if you can get a first tier player in return.
      
*Allen Iverson-dominates in points, steals, threes, assists but is never healthy when he is most needed.
      
*Emeka Okafor-a tremendous player off to a tremendous start. Trade him while his overall numbers are still high enough to cover up the assault on your free throw percentage.

Buy Low (direct opposite of selling high)
   
 
    
*Fred Jones-is now a starter for Toronto and is a good source of three pointers while shooting better than 90% at the charity strip. His low FG% does hurt, however.
    
*Devin Harris-continues to fly under the radar despite running the point for the high powered Dallas offense.
    
*Brad Miller-should be returning shortly from injuries. A rare big man, who can help in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, and even assists.

-Matt Amitrano

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