subject: Fantasy Basketball Pickups [print this page] Fantasy Basketball Pickups Fantasy Basketball Pickups
A third of the way through the season, you should have a pretty good idea of what your team strengths and weaknesses are. Some tough matchups or untimely injuries may have you ranked a spot or two behind where you'd like to be. Rest assured
Here are a few guys I think could help you tally some wins in the next few weeks/months. They have a chance to benefit from situations and playing time:
Jodie Meeks (SG) PHI [available in 84% yahoo, 91% ESPN]: The former Kentucky Wildcat has the IQ and shooting touch to be an effective shooting guard at the NBA level. In his sophomore year, Meeks was given his first starting opportunity and has taken full advantage posting 17.5 points with an amazing 4.3 3-pointers made while shooting 56.1% from the field. He may not be able to maintain the 3-pointers made, but he'll still get plenty of looks and his point total should stay around 15 per game.
Reggie Williams (SG/SF) GSW [available in 62% yahoo, 95% ESPN]: A former D-League player put on the map courtesy of former head coach Don Nelson, Reggie has fallen into the perfect role with the Warriors. He is a high energy, instant offense type player who doesn't play much defense. With starting point guard Steph Curry out indefinitely, Williams steps into a starting role with one of the most potent offenses in the league. Though I expect Monta Ellis to step up his shot attempts, there will still be an extra 15 or so shots per game.
Mike Miller (SG/SF) MIA [available in 73% yahoo, 68% ESPN]: Still available on most waiver wires, Miller should be a fantasy gem come playoff time. His arrival couldn't come sooner for a Miami team that is just starting to figure things out. His deadly outside shooting will open things for Wade and LeBron better than Jones and House were able to do. Miller can also pass and rebound well for his position. If you can afford the roster space, picking up Miller now will pay dividends later.
Greg Monroe (PF/C) DET [available in 91% yahoo, 99% ESPN]: In his first career start, Monroe posted 8 points and 15 rebounds along with a block and a steal in 35 minutes. With the Pistons franchise in limbo, they'd be wise to develop their young players and let their first round draft pick play starter minutes to become acclimated with the NBA speed. Big men are scarce this time of year, so monitor Monroe's status in the next couple of games before jumping the gun.
Here are some other fantasy football pickups that are worth considering: Jonny Flynn, Jordan Farmar, Steve Blake, Jason Thompson, Thabo Sefolosha
The players listed below are on the fringe of having any fantasy relevance at this point in the season. If you're considering a pickup, think about one of these guys to drop in their place:
JJ Hickson (PF/C) CLE: Pre-season, Hickson was a breakout candidate for the 2010/2011 year. But he was recently replaced in the starting lineup by Antawn Jamison. His only real contribution was in the points category, but I expect more out of my power forwards in the rebounds/blocks/steals categories.
Jeff Teague (PG) ATL: Teague figured to take over the Atlanta starting point guard spot at some point this season. So far, it doesn't look like Teague can take over as the first guard off the bench. With the Hawks' playing for home court advantage in the playoffs this year, they will continue to play guys who give them the best chance to win now. Teague may still get an opportunity later in the season, but unless you're in a keeper league feel free to cut dead weight.
Chris "Birdman" Andersen (PF/C) DEN: Unless you're in desperate need for a few extra blocks per week, and can afford little to no contributions elsewhere from Andersen's starting slot, drop him in favor of someone who will play a more of a consistent role on a nightly basis. The "Birdman" made his season debut only to get injured 5 games in. Andersen's rebounds have dipped to the point of irrelevance, although he is still a feel-good story and fan favorite.
Travis Outlaw (SF/PF) NJN: Outlaw has been too inconsistent to be relied upon on a weekly basis. He can explode for 21 points one night and immediately follow up with a 2 point effort. He does little else to support that kind of output. The combination of Terrence Williams' recent return from his D-League stint and sharing minutes with Anthony Morrow and now rookie Damion James makes Outlaw expendable.
