subject: Fantasy Basketball Pickups Jan. 2011 [print this page] Fantasy Basketball Guru Matt BFantasy Basketball Guru Matt B. giving you some great NBA players to pickup off waivers for your fantasy basketball league. These guys should help you tally some wins in the next few weeks/months. They have a chance to benefit from situations and playing time:
Tyler Hansbrough [available in 77% yahoo, 94.2% ESPN]: Probably the most acclimated player entering the draft in NBA history, T.H. holds the ACC record for most free throws made- shooting almost 85% his senior year. His play reminds me of Andersen Varejao; Varejao hustles and draws fouls on the defensive end, Hansbrough does it on the offensive end, and finishes at the line. Many critics wrote off his game saying he can only succeed at the college level; now the only thing holding Hansbrough back from reaching his full potential in the NBA: key word- health.
Derrick Favors [available in 81% yahoo, 91.4% ESPN]: I talked about him as a sleeper, and after 33 games as a substitute, Favors steps into a starting role many expect he will succeed at for many years. His game reminds me of Elton Brand with a ton of athleticism. A trade will bode well for Favors, as NJN coach Avery Johnson refuses to unleash the beast. Sure he gets into foul trouble, but thats what most rookies do. Look for Favors to provide owners with steady boards, blocks and FG% post all-star break.
Rodrigue Beaubois [available in 94% yahoo, 99% ESPN]: Projected to be the Mavs' starter preseason before he went down with a broken ankle. Upon his return, there will be many plenty of minutes available for Roddy to make an immediate impact. There are also some quiet trade rumors going around involving Beaubois (Toronto, Cleveland anyone?) that could also prove to be fantasy friendly. This is a guy you will want to keep a close watch on as he could prove invaluable down the stretch.
Patrick (Patty) Mills [available in 98% yahoo, 99% ESPN]: An intriguing speculative add with trade rumors circling the Blazer's veteran point guard Andre Miller. Portland is on the cusp of playoffs, and even if they do make it they dont stand a chance in the deep Western Conference. The Blazers' front office may choose to rebuild now with so many injuries lingering (all-star Brandon Roy, former #1 overall draft pick Greg Oden, Pryzbilla) and let their youth get more reps in together.
Gerald Henderson [available in 99% yahoo, 99% ESPN]: Another interesting situation posed in Charlotte. With the supposed trade rumors swirling franchise power forward Gerald Wallace and plenty of needs for Michael Jordan's 'Cats to become relevant include a more polished point guard and/or a presence at the center position they've lacked since trading away Emeka Okafor. If Interim head coach Paul Silas gets his way, Augustine stays and Wallace goes that leaves a starting 5 including: Augustine, Henderson, Jackson, and could try to swindle Chris Kaman or Zach Randolph and Hasheem Thabeet from their current employers.
Bonus pickups: Kirk Hinrich, Manny Harris, Mehmet Okur, Corey Maggette, Tracy McGrady, Tony Allen
