a post I made in Yahoo answers basketball section (This will make you really think)

I've been hanging out in Yahoo Answers basketball section alot lately. The other day someone asked just for fun name your All NBA team, but I decided to take a different approach. I looked to put together a true "team" one that wouldn't be completely outrageous. I think what I came up with is fairly realistic, but feel free to disagree and send me your ideas at realfantasynba@gmail.com or in the comments space provided below..

From Yahoo Answers:
I'm not going to pick an All Star team (an NBA team averages around 80 field goal attempts a ballgame, most of the lists I've seen compiled the players average over 150 attempts a game it's not realistic)... picking an All Star team really doesn't make you think and it doesn't produce the best team either. I'm going to try and get a team that defends well, shoots a high percentage at the free throw line, and has defined roles for each player so there's not alot of turmoil in the locker room.

Starters
PG Jason Kidd (I'm tempted to go with Steve Nash, but I can't give up that much on the defensive end. Nash would provide better shooting, but Kidd also rebounds better than any guard. I took a second look at Deron Williams, but Kidd has the edge again in defense and free throw shooting)

SG Andre Iguodala (Since I'm going with Dirk at the PF I didn't want the traditional #1 scoring option at SG. So that eliminated Ray Allen. I thought about Kevin Martin, but Iguodala is able to give more in the way of assists and rebounds plus he plays better defense)

SF Shane Battier (You can argue Josh Howard, Caron Butler, or Lebron James here, but Battier is the ultimate role player, he's just so good in his role it's hard to leave him off.

PF Dirk Nowitzki (Thinking defense first it was hard to go with Dirk over the likes of KG, Elton Brand, or Tim Duncan. Dirk has upgraded his defense from horrible to below average and that's a big improvement. What's more impressive his transformation from All Star to MVP)

C Marcus Camby (Ben Wallace was the only other center I even considered. Camby when healthy is the more complete player. He rebounds, blocks shots, shoots the ball better than Wallace, and even registers a few assists)

Bench:
Jerry Stackhouse (The most important role on the bench is your 6th man, nobody is better at it than Jerry Stackhouse. He pretty defines class with his team first attitude, plus he's tough as nails and instant offense)

Kyle Korver (Every team needs a pure shooter and I can't think of many better than the former Creighton Bluejay)

Tony Allen (Before his knee injury Allen was really having a breakout season. He's always had a little something. I like his range of skills a good defender and very explosive on the offensive end)

Alonzo Mourning (I don't think there is any question Zo is the best backup center in the League)

Quinton Ross (an exceptional defender, Ross blends speed and quickness with nice size at 6-6. He's pretty much the perfect defender to call on if you want to give guards like Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady another look)

Nick Collison (With noted injury concerns regarding Camby and Mourning you have to have another Center with at least decent ability on your roster. Collison is also able to spell Dirk some minutes at Power Forward)

Devin Harris (Arguably the best defensive guard in the Western Conference. Harris has made major strides this season defensively, but also understanding the offense and how to run it effectively)

Wheeling and Dealing

Are you stuck in a fight for those final playoff spots in your league standings? Well I’m here to help you with some second half trade tips that can make an impact on your team. Let’s get down to business:

Buy Low
Paul Pierce: There is still a window to buy low on Pierce. His 29-point game on Sunday may have risen his value, but his strained hip brought it back down a bit. But won’t the Celts’ bad record have him sitting a lot of games in the 2nd half? Last year, Pierce only sat the final 3 games of the season during Boston’s losing season. The All-Star Break is your final chance to buy low on Pierce. Potential players to trade for him: Tayshaun Prince, Ricky Davis, Danny Granger.

Andrei Kirilenko: AK47 has had a down season, no doubt, and has been on numerous buy low spots. But his defensive #’s (1 Steal/game, 2.1 Blocks/game) are still stellar. Chances are most of his owners have been frustrated for some time, so the window on AK will be there. Potential players to trade for him: Charlie Bell, Chris Wilcox, Marc Blount.

Jarrett Jack: This underrated and undervalued PG has quietly put up solid averages of 12.5 points /2.5 boards/5.5 assists with 1.3 Steals/game. Many thought the emergence of Brandon Roy would hurt his #’s, but Jack has developed a chemistry with Roy to maintain his averages of 12/3/6 over the last 10 games. Potential players to trade for him: Earl Boykins, Chucky Atkins, Luther Head.

Sell High
Earl Boykins: Now is prime time to sell the 5’5” speedster at his peak value. He has managed to put up averages of 14/2/4 despite coming off the bench, which can only help the sell high cause. Also, with Michael Redd due back any game now, the window to sell Boykins is closing fast. Potential players to trade him for: Luke Ridnour, Jamaal Tinsley, Brent Barry.

Jason Kapono: This is more of an opportunity to trade Kapono to an owner who may overvalue him. Over his last 10 games, Kapono has gone for 15.5/3.5/1. I’m not saying to go out and trade him definitely, but if you can pull off a trade for a player with much better value, you have to jump at it. Potential players to trade him for: Mike Dunleavy, Anthony Parker, Kyle Korver.

Nick Collison: With the return and eventual adjustment to excellence by Rashard Lewis, Collison’s #’s will take a hit. In Lewis’ 2 games back, Collison has averaged 8.5/4/0.5. Those #’s are just a sign of what’s to come. It’s time to jump ship with Collison. Potential players to trade him for: Andrew Bynum, Chris Webber, Chris Kaman.

That’s it for now. I hope this can help you in your quest for the playoffs.

- Article Written by The Second Coming -

A Few Injury Updates

The most important thing to remember when approaching injury problems is taking everything into perspective. Make rational decisions, not decisions based on your gut. Wait till you know what happens (timetables for return) and if you cannot and you take a risk, make sure you are willing to pay the price too.

The biggest story of the night, if you didn't already know is that after missing the past 4 games the 30th ranked fantasy basketball player this season is having knee surgery tomorrow.

Baron Davis - That's right folks, B. Davis is having knee surgery on Tuesday. After a career of injuries, here comes another one for him. No sources provide a timetable for return for Davis, but it could be anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. Without knowing, I would have to say 6 weeks, myself. Advice - If you are in a roto league do not worry about it yet, but be weary if you are in a head to head league. Davis will take up a valuable spot and if you need to move up in the league to get into the playoffs, than you might have to drop him.

Steve Nash - It was announced today that Nash will not play this week or in the NBA All-Star Game because of inflammation in his right shoulder. Nash will have missed the 4 games preceding All-Star break, including on Wednesday the 14th, against Seattle. If you have Nash it is important to NOT panic and not sell him low, you will regret it, and remember the NBA season is long. On the same note if you need some assists or want Nash throw his owner in your league a quick trade proposal and try to under-pay for him.

Allen Iverson - A.I. has only played in 1 of Denver's last 8 games because of a right ankle sprain. But don't just read the first sentence, A.I. was reported questionable for tonight's game by George Karl and will be back before or for the All-Star game. Just keep your eye on this situation, but when A.I. comes back some players such as J.R. Smith might lose some value.

Michael Redd - like everyone is saying, just hang tight, he should be back anyday now.

Marcus Camby - After missing two games, he was back in action tonight. Give him a few games after the All-Star Break to get back into the swing of things.

Andres Nocioni - Nocioni's gosh darn Right Plantar Fasciitis is really starting to annoy me, as I have him on one of my best teams. Nocioni should (and better) be back in the week following the All-Star Break. Wait till you know more, if you can.

Other Random Updates
-In his two games back, Brevin Knight has shot a combined 0/9 - thats a....oh wait 0 % FG.
-If you have Luke Walton, unless you are his relative, stop letting that beautiful roster spot go to waste. Walton hasn't played since January 26 after landing on Bynum's foot in a 106-97 Loss to CHA. He has missed the last 9 games and will miss at least 2 more.
-Pat Riley is set to return to the Miami Heat following All-Star Weekend, but will this change the Heat's fate. No, Wade will still be sent to the foul line every possible chance.
-Recent Trade Rumors across the NBA world include Kidd to the Lakers, Kidd to the Cavs, Peterson to the Pistons, Bibby to the Cavs, Gasol and just plain out of Memphis.

confused

Weekly Top 10 Pickups

I always hear guys complaining about how bad their fantasy basketball teams suck, but they never do anything about it. This board of ten guys will be made weekly to help you guys know who to pick up and why. Once a player becomes 'mainstream' and is taken in most of our leagues, they will be ineligible to be on the next weekly pickup board and another player will replace him.

With that let's go shopping boys and girls:
1)Darko Milicic - After a mysterious injury report on Tony Battie, Milicic has had the chance to start the last 3 games. After averaging just 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds a game for most of the season, he has taken his new starting position to heart averaging 10.0 ppg, 6.25 rpg, 2.6 bpg, over 31 minutes. As long as this guy keeps starting you want him in there. And don't look now but after 43 % FG for most of the season, little Donnie Darko is finally learning how to shoot with a 52 % FG in the last 5 games. Long story short get him if you can.

2)Steve Blake - Denver Version. And if you didn't know that Blake got traded than welcome back to reality. Blake is finally settling into his new home averaging 11.8 ppg on 47 % FG and 9.3 apg (almost 6 more than his 3.9 season avg.) As Blake stays in the starting lineup because of A.I.'s injury just be weary of his turnovers. He is a great small guard pickup. He's almost like a little white Earl Boykins.

3)Devin Brown - This undrafted gem is brought to you by the back surgery of Peja Stojakovic. He has started every game for the Hornets since the beginning of the year and is averaging 13.9 ppg, 1.9 three pointers, 4.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, and almost a steal per game in the last month of his play. He has made something from downtown in every game in the last month and scored in double digits in every game except one, which are both stats that help you to understand his consistency. With all of those positives, you can get past the fact he is shooting 44 % FG in the same time frame.

4)Jose Calderon - Calderon has been very important to the recent Toronto surge of wins averaging 13.2 ppg on 56 % FG and 8.5 apg in the last ten games. Not too much to say about him, other than he has been a very reliable fantasy point guard recently.

5)Andray Blatche- Blatche can give big punch, hug, or whatever he prefers to teammate Etan Thomas for punching fellow teammate Brendan Haywood. Thomas was suspended two games and is giving Blatche a chance to start and play. Even so in 4 games since a recent string of injuries Blatche has averaged 7.25 points and rebounds per game. Keep the punches coming Etan Thomas.

6)LaMarcus Aldridge - Breaking News out of Washington where the story of the game was not Gilbert Arenas, but instead another younger rookie. Aldridge scored 18 points on 9-13 shooting, grabbing 10 rebounds and solidfying that his play will demand more minues while Raef LaFrentz is out with strained right calf. If nothing else at least keep an eye on this former Longhorn.

7)Paul Millsap - This Utah Jazz rookie has really come on to the scene with Carlos Boozer out with an injury. Tonight in the Jazz's OT win against the Knicks he logged over 37 minutes of action, his most of the season. He has averaged 12.6 points, 1.5 blocks, and 9.6 rebounds over the past 6 games. Call it coincidence if you want, but Millsap is playing great and the Jazz are on a 4 game winning streak, including wins over San Antonio, Phoenix, Chicago, and the Knicks tonight.

8)Brent Barry - Barry has started the past 5 games and is doing his classic Barry stuff. 10 ppg, 2.6 three pointers per game, and with great shot selection shooting on the dot 50 % FG.

9)Jason Kapono - you may be wondering where James Posey has gone in the world of fantasy basketball. Well, Kapono is the new Posey. Over the past month Kapono has averaged 14.6 ppg, 2.5 three pointers, 3.6 rebounds, all while maintaining a 54 % FG. Now is that P-O-S-E-Y-L-I-C-I-O-U-S or what?

10)Jorge Garbajosa - At the very end of the board this will be the most controversial name on this list. A lot of people may argue that Garbajosa has been around all season and therefore is not 'pickup' material. This may be true but look at his stats from Jan 2 - Feb 3 - better yet I will tell you them. In 14 games he shot 40 % FG or below in 11 games and averaged a measley 5.9 ppg. Since than how has he done, you may ask. He hasn't exactly been reborn in the last 4 games, but he has shot a combined 17-34 (50 % FG), made 1.75 three pointers per game, and 11.5 ppg. If you absolutely refuse to pick him up, at least keep an eye on Garbajosa.

If you agree or disagree with us we want your feedback - realfantasynba@gmail.com

1) Darko Milicic
2) Steve Blake
3) Devin Brown
4) Jose Calderon
5) Andray Blatche
6) LaMarcus Aldridge
7) Paul Millsap
8) Brent Barry
9) Jason Kapono
10) Jorge Garbajosa