Pleasant Surprises
Jeremy Lin Knicks – A true waiver-wire gem, Lin is averaging 22 points, nine dimes, four boards, 2.5 steals and 1.2 3-pointers per game in 11 starts. Yes, he’s also at 6.1 TOs in those games, but I don’t care. And while Thursday’s disaster against the Heat is alarming, I’m not too worried about it. But if someone offers you Josh Smith, or some other big name for him, do it.
Nikola Pekovic Timberwolves – Pekovic is averaging 15.6 points, 9.9 boards, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks in his 14 starts and has even played through injuries. Darko who?
Anderson Varejao Cavaliers – Varejao was a beast before going down with a wrist injury, averaging 10.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks. Not bad for a late-round afterthought.
Kris Humphries Nets – Despite all the boos, Humps is at 13.6 points, 10.5 boards and 1.2 blocks per game, a nice improvement over last year’s breakout numbers.
Nicolas Batum Blazers – Batum is suddenly the man and is averaging 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers in his seven starts. He’s poised for a monster second half.
Isaiah Thomas Kings – Thomas is averaging 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, .5 steals and 2.3 3-pointers, along with shooting 51 percent from the floor, 45 percent from downtown and 93 percent from the line in his four starts. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but he’s quickly become a must-start player, at least for now.
Jose Calderon Raptors – Calderon’s managed to stay healthy and is averaging 11 points, 3.5 boards, 8.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 3-pointers with solid percentages.
James Johnson Raptors – Johnson’s not flashy, but has been a solid fantasy role player with 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks and 0.3 3-pointers.
MarShon Brooks Nets – Brooks is as smooth as they come offensively and despite missing nine games due to foot problems, is averaging nearly 15 points, four boards, two assists, a steal and more than a 3-pointer per game. He should also be ready for a big second half.
Al Harrington Nuggets – Harrington is coming off the bench but is still averaging 14 points, six boards, a steal and 1.4 3-pointers on the season, a nice improvement over last year.
Biggest Disappointments
Dorell Wright Warriors – Wright went scoreless in back-to-back games recently and has struggled to shoot it confidently all season. After averaging 16 points, 1.5 steals and 2.4 3-pointers per game last year, he’s at 10.7 points, 0.9 steals and 1.8 threes this year. He’s also shooting less than 42 percent from the floor and is sub-80 percent from the line. Having said that, there’s still a good chance he’s better over the second half.
Amare Stoudemire Knicks - Amare was taken in the late-first or second round in most drafts, making his averages of 17.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks almost laughable. And to add insult to injury, he's shooting less than 45 percent from the floor after hitting over 50 percent over the last five seasons.
Jrue Holiday Sixers – Holiday is surprisingly averaging nearly 14 points per game, which is what he scored last season, but his assists are down to 4.5 per game from 6.5 a year ago. I bet he bounces back in the second half.
Carmelo Anthony Knicks – Melo was struggling before the emergence of Jeremy Lin, averaging 21.4 points per game after racking up more than 26 a game last year. He’s also missed 10 (and nearly 11) games and the Knicks only play twice next week. He’s been on my bench as much as he’s been in my starting lineup, which is not what I was planning on from my second-round pick.
Stephen Jackson Bucks – Jackson has scored in double figures in just 12 games this season and is in Scott Skiles’ doghouse. Unless he’s traded, it looks like a lost season. And moving that ridiculous contract is easier said than done.
Raymond Felton Blazers – Felton’s been so bad he lost his job to a non-point guard recently after averaging 10 points, two boards, six dimes, a steal and a 3-pointer. He’s shooting it just 25 percent from downtown, shoots less than 80 percent from the line and is at just 37.7 from the field this season.
Devin Harris Jazz – Harris averaged 15.8 points and 5.4 assists in 17 games with the Jazz last season, but those numbers are down to 9.1 and 4.6 this season, despite shooting nearly 46 percent from the floor. I’m guessing he’ll at least be a serviceable point guard the rest of the way.
David West Pacers – West’s scoring is down from nearly 19 points per game to just over 12 this season, and he’s hauling in less than seven boards and less than a block per game. I’m not too surprised since he is coming off major knee surgery, but the numbers have been pretty poor – especially considering he hasn’t even missed a game yet.
Lamar Odom Mavericks – Odom’s sudden departure from the Lakers has been disastrous for both parties and he’s averaging just 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 36 percent from the floor. Yuck.
Michael Beasley Timberwolves – Beasley has had some big games this season, but is scoring 12 a game after averaging over 19 points last season. He’s also scored eight or less points in five of his last seven games and needs to be traded if he’s going to hold fantasy value over the second half. He’s also missed 11 games this season.
Injury Buzz Kills
Andrea Bargnani, Eric Gordon, Zach Randolph, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Andrew Bogut, Manu Ginobili, Danilo Gallinari, Andray Blatche and Spencer Hawes.
Here are some hot pickups as we head into the All-Star break. I lifted this nearly straight from the Thursday Pickup of the Day column that appears daily in Season Pass, as the information is relevant, and it didn’t make sense to re-write it. After the hot pickups, I give out some midseason fantasy awards. Enjoy.
I will also be Tweeting my All-Star Weekend experience live from Orlando, as well as (hopefully) turning in a couple columns this weekend, so please join me for the adventure. It’s going to be crazy. The last All-Star Weekend I attended was in Indy in 1985, when I bought a dunk contest ticket for $5 and watched Dominique Wilkins win it from unbelievable seats, and then sat next to Herb Williams and Granville Waiters at the All-Star Game with tickets courtesy of my buddy (and dunker) Terence Stansbury. This weekend will be a little different, as I’ll be an adult, as well as have full credentials to work with, and my goal is simply to not do anything too stupid.
Bismack Biyombo C Bobcats - Biyombo blew up for nine points, 10 boards and six blocks on Wednesday and the Bobcats simply have to give him as much run as he can handle the rest of the way. Coach Paul Silas is a fan and Biyombo is worth a pickup by any owner in need of a center. The Bobcats don't have the greatest schedule going forward, but do have a 5-game week for Week 16, and he could be a very good center by then.
Isaiah Thomas PG Kings - Last call. After a quiet first half Thomas got hot and finished with 18 points, six dimes and a steal, but missed all four of his 3-pointers on Wednesday. He's been outstanding in five straight games and is a must-add in all leagues, despite being taken with the last pick of last summer's draft.
Jordan Crawford SG Wizards - Crawford had 32 points and three 3-pointers on 12-of-19 shooting Wednesday and is averaging 21 points, three boards, three assists, a steal and nearly two 3-pointers over his last five games. He'll cool off at some point, but looks like a great add in all leagues right now.
Josh Howard SF Jazz - Howard made another start for injured Raja Bell on Wednesday night and had a season-high 19 points, with six boards, a steal and a three. If he takes over the job full time, and he should, he's going to be a must-add. The question is, can he stay healthy?
Gustavo Ayon PF Hornets - Ayon went off for nine points, a career-high 17 boards, four assists, two steals and a block on Wednesday after struggling on Tuesday. I'm a little worried about what happens to him when Emeka Okafor and Jason Smith return just after the break, but there's a decent chance he'll keep the starting PF job going forward.
Nikola Vucevic C Sixers - Vucevic came off the bench for a career-high 18 points to go along with eight boards, a steal and three blocks on Wednesday. Lavoy Allen started, but played just 17 minutes, and after saying last night that it looked like Allen might be the guy to own until Spencer Hawes returns, I am changing my tune. Vucevic had just 2 & 8 points in his previous two games, but it now looks like Doug Collins is going to roll with Vucevic until Hawes is ready. Allen could continue to start and the two will share time, but Vucevic answered some questions with last night's performance.
Tristan Thompson PF/C Cavaliers - Thompson had 10 points, 10 boards and a steal in just 16 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. He's not likely to start anytime soon, but Thompson has double-doubled in two of his last three, and he has a lot more upside than starter Semih Erden. Hopefully the minutes are coming soon.
Kenneth Faried PF Nuggets - Faried had 12 points, nine boards, two steals and a block on Wednesday and is averaging 10 points, eight boards and more than a steal and block over his last five. If George Karl could find it in his heart to leave Faried as the starting PF and put Nene at center once he's back, Faried could be a solid fantasy option the rest of the way.
Jason Thompson F/C Kings - Thompson had nine points, 11 boards and a block in his last game after going for 16 & 10 on Tuesday. He's inconsistent, but is turning it on, averaging around eight points, eight boards and a block over his last five.
Devin Harris PG Jazz - Harris had 10 points, eight assists and two steals Wednesday night and is averaging 10 points, five dimes a steal and a 3-pointer over his last five. He's still not great, but could help if you need a point guard.
Ekpe Udoh C Warriors - Udoh is battling a very sore knee right now, but is battling through it. After a career night of 19 points, eight boards and two blocks in his previous game, he had just four boards, a block and no points in his finale before the break. But he could easily start over Andris Biedrins the rest of the way, assuming his knee problem isn't serious, and is worth a look if you need a center and miss out on Biyombo.
Grant Hill G/F Suns - Hill had a full stat line on Wednesday and is averaging 14 points, three boards, three dimes, and a steal over his last five, and has hit double digits in scoring in four of those.
Jose Juan Barea G Timberwolves - Barea had a season-high 22 with five 3-pointers on Wednesday and while he'll share time with Luke Ridnour the rest of the way, is at least worth a close look in deeper leagues.
Steve Novak F Knicks - Novak had five 3-pointers and 17 points in Wednesday's blowout win over the Hawks, and while he's inconsistent, he's hit 15 3-pointers over his last five games. If you need threes in a Roto league, grab him.
Midseason Fantasy Awards
Eastern Fantasy All-Stars
PG – Deron Williams Nets – Williams gets the nod over Derrick Rose for not only posting monster numbers all season, but because he has played in 34 of his team’s 35 games.
Runner up – Derrick Rose Bulls – Rose has missed 10 games with toe and back issues.
SG – Dwyane Wade Heat – Wade’s missed nine games and only hit one 3-pointer this season, but his steals and blocks are gold, Jerry. Gold!
SF – LeBron James Heat – LeBron and Wade have been the only folks capable of slowing down the Jeremy Lin train thus far, and no one has been able to slow LeBron down. James was brilliant last season, and his numbers are up in every single category with the exception of turnover and assists, which are just barely off last year’s pace. It’s early, but we’re witnessing LeBron’s best season.
PF – Ryan Anderson Magic – Anderson was drafted very late, or not at all, and has given his owners first-round value all season. His scoring is up from 10.6 to 16.1 points per game, he’s averaging 7.3 rebounds, nearly a steal and three 3-pointers on the season. He’s also shooting 44 percent from the floor, 43 percent from downtown and 84 percent from the line.
Runner up – Josh Smith Hawks – Smith has been pretty awesome this season and could have a monster second half after his All-Star snub. Smoove’s numbers look great all the way across the board, except that he’s hitting just 55.4 percent of his free throws and 28.6 percent of his 3-pointers.
C – Dwight Howard Magic – Yes, I know his free throws and turnovers hurt, but you can lose those two categories and still win with Dwight, who has seven games this year of 20 & 20 games, including the one when he ate Andris Biedrins, had Ekpe Udoh for dessert and dropped 45 & 23 on the Warriors.
Runner up – Tyson Chandler Knicks – Chandler’s quietly averaging nearly 12 points, 10 boards and a steal and block per game.
Western Fantasy All-Stars
PG – Kyle Lowry Rockets – Lowry has cooled off after a hot start, but has missed just two games and is at 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 threes per game.
Runner up: Chris Paul Clippers & Russell Westbrook Thunder – Paul has missed five games and Westbrook, along with Deron Williams and John Wall, leads the league in TOs at 4.2 per game.
SG – Kobe Bryant Lakers – Despite a painful wrist injury that would have shut some guys down, Kobe hasn’t even missed a single game, is leading the league in scoring at 28.4 points per game, with most of his other numbers up across the board.
SF – Kevin Durant Thunder – Durant is second in scoring at 27.7 points to go along with 8.1 boards, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.2 blocks, 1.7 threes and is shooting over 50 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the line. Wow.
PF – Kevin Love Timberwolves – Love’s averaging 25 points, 14 rebounds, a steal and 1.5 3-pointers per game. Remember when Kurt Rambis was messing with his minutes last year? Yeah, that was cute.
Runner up – LaMarcus Aldridge – Aldridge has turned into a beast with 22 points, eight boards, three assists, a steal and nearly a block per game, along with shooting 50 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the line.
C – Marc Gasol Grizzlies –Gasol just might be better than his brother and is at 15 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and two blocks per game. He’s shooting it 49 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the line and hasn’t missed a game.
Runner ups: – Al Jefferson Jazz, Andrew Bynum Lakers & Marcin Gortat Suns – All three have been great, although a suspension slowed Bynum down early, and Jefferson’s tender ankle remains a minor concern going forward.
Fantasy MVP
LeBron James Heat – Not much to say here, other than that he is a beast on a mission.
Fantasy Rookie of the Year
Ricky Rubio Timberwolves – Rubio is much better than most of thought he would be and is averaging 11 points, four boards, eight assists, 2.4 steals and a 3-pointer per game. His field goal shooting is poor at 37.5 percent, but he’s better than 81 percent from the line.
Runner up: Kyrie Irving Cavaliers – Irving is scoring, but Rubio’s numbers are better across the board in fantasy, in my opinion.
Fantasy Sixth Man
James Harden Thunder – Harden’s at nearly 17 points, four boards, four assists, a steal and 1.7 3-pointers per game, while shooting it well across the board. The fact he’s doing that off the bench and for a team with Durant and Westbrook is nothing short of amazing.
Fantasy Coach of the Year
Erik Spoelstra Heat – This was a no-brainer, but finding a coach that NEVER screws with his fantasy studs isn’t all that easy to do.
Runner up: Keith Smart Kings – Smart has managed to make DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton fantasy studs, as well as allow the guy taken with the last draft pick (Isaiah Thomas) to run the point and put up monster numbers over the past 10 days.
Worst Fantasy Coach of the Year
Kevin McHale Rockets – His handling of Kevin Martin and Samuel Dalembert is simply a head scratcher, but at least he’s got the Rockets winning.
Runner up: Scott Skiles Bucks – Skiles has ruined Stephen Jackson and is starting Shaun Livingston. Enough said.
Pleasant Surprises
Jeremy Lin Knicks – A true waiver-wire gem, Lin is averaging 22 points, nine dimes, four boards, 2.5 steals and 1.2 3-pointers per game in 11 starts. Yes, he’s also at 6.1 TOs in those games, but I don’t care. And while Thursday’s disaster against the Heat is alarming, I’m not too worried about it. But if someone offers you Josh Smith, or some other big name for him, do it.
Nikola Pekovic Timberwolves – Pekovic is averaging 15.6 points, 9.9 boards, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks in his 14 starts and has even played through injuries. Darko who?
Anderson Varejao Cavaliers – Varejao was a beast before going down with a wrist injury, averaging 10.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks. Not bad for a late-round afterthought.
Kris Humphries Nets – Despite all the boos, Humps is at 13.6 points, 10.5 boards and 1.2 blocks per game, a nice improvement over last year’s breakout numbers.
Nicolas Batum Blazers – Batum is suddenly the man and is averaging 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers in his seven starts. He’s poised for a monster second half.
Isaiah Thomas Kings – Thomas is averaging 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, .5 steals and 2.3 3-pointers, along with shooting 51 percent from the floor, 45 percent from downtown and 93 percent from the line in his four starts. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but he’s quickly become a must-start player, at least for now.
Jose Calderon Raptors – Calderon’s managed to stay healthy and is averaging 11 points, 3.5 boards, 8.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 3-pointers with solid percentages.
James Johnson Raptors – Johnson’s not flashy, but has been a solid fantasy role player with 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks and 0.3 3-pointers.
MarShon Brooks Nets – Brooks is as smooth as they come offensively and despite missing nine games due to foot problems, is averaging nearly 15 points, four boards, two assists, a steal and more than a 3-pointer per game. He should also be ready for a big second half.
Al Harrington Nuggets – Harrington is coming off the bench but is still averaging 14 points, six boards, a steal and 1.4 3-pointers on the season, a nice improvement over last year.
Biggest Disappointments
Dorell Wright Warriors – Wright went scoreless in back-to-back games recently and has struggled to shoot it confidently all season. After averaging 16 points, 1.5 steals and 2.4 3-pointers per game last year, he’s at 10.7 points, 0.9 steals and 1.8 threes this year. He’s also shooting less than 42 percent from the floor and is sub-80 percent from the line. Having said that, there’s still a good chance he’s better over the second half.
Amare Stoudemire Knicks - Amare was taken in the late-first or second round in most drafts, making his averages of 17.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks almost laughable. And to add insult to injury, he's shooting less than 45 percent from the floor after hitting over 50 percent over the last five seasons.
Jrue Holiday Sixers – Holiday is surprisingly averaging nearly 14 points per game, which is what he scored last season, but his assists are down to 4.5 per game from 6.5 a year ago. I bet he bounces back in the second half.
Carmelo Anthony Knicks – Melo was struggling before the emergence of Jeremy Lin, averaging 21.4 points per game after racking up more than 26 a game last year. He’s also missed 10 (and nearly 11) games and the Knicks only play twice next week. He’s been on my bench as much as he’s been in my starting lineup, which is not what I was planning on from my second-round pick.
Stephen Jackson Bucks – Jackson has scored in double figures in just 12 games this season and is in Scott Skiles’ doghouse. Unless he’s traded, it looks like a lost season. And moving that ridiculous contract is easier said than done.
Raymond Felton Blazers – Felton’s been so bad he lost his job to a non-point guard recently after averaging 10 points, two boards, six dimes, a steal and a 3-pointer. He’s shooting it just 25 percent from downtown, shoots less than 80 percent from the line and is at just 37.7 from the field this season.
Devin Harris Jazz – Harris averaged 15.8 points and 5.4 assists in 17 games with the Jazz last season, but those numbers are down to 9.1 and 4.6 this season, despite shooting nearly 46 percent from the floor. I’m guessing he’ll at least be a serviceable point guard the rest of the way.
David West Pacers – West’s scoring is down from nearly 19 points per game to just over 12 this season, and he’s hauling in less than seven boards and less than a block per game. I’m not too surprised since he is coming off major knee surgery, but the numbers have been pretty poor – especially considering he hasn’t even missed a game yet.
Lamar Odom Mavericks – Odom’s sudden departure from the Lakers has been disastrous for both parties and he’s averaging just 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 36 percent from the floor. Yuck.
Michael Beasley Timberwolves – Beasley has had some big games this season, but is scoring 12 a game after averaging over 19 points last season. He’s also scored eight or less points in five of his last seven games and needs to be traded if he’s going to hold fantasy value over the second half. He’s also missed 11 games this season.
Injury Buzz Kills
Andrea Bargnani, Eric Gordon, Zach Randolph, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Andrew Bogut, Manu Ginobili, Danilo Gallinari, Andray Blatche and Spencer Hawes.