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Fantasy Thoughts - NBA Opening Week, Day 3
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There were two televised NBA games last night’s night schedule. The Bulls and the Nuggets both played impressive games as they beat the Spurs and the Blazers, respectively. These are just a few thoughts I had as I watched last night’s games.
Bulls' Balance – The Chicago Bulls had six players in double figures in their win over the San Antonio Spurs. Luol Deng returned from his injury to lead all scorers with 17 points and second year PG Derrick Rose added 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. I talked about what team depth does to fantasy numbers so from a fantasy standpoint we will have to keep an eye on this situation. Derrick Rose was just returning from an ankle injury and Luol Deng was returning after being out last year with injury. I have to think that despite the balanced numbers, those two players will be the most consistent fantasy options on the Bulls team.
No Help for Duncan – After scoring only 9 points in the opener, Tim Duncan returned to his normal self with 28 points and 16 rebounds in the loss to the Bulls. Manu Ginobili was the only other Spurs player in double figures with 12 points, but he was only 3-11 from the field. The Spurs still seem to be adjusting to their newly acquired depth and they seemed to be struggling last night. The player who seems to be struggling the most with this adjustment is newly acquired Richard Jefferson. Through the first two games he is averaging 7 points per game, while shooting only 25% from the field.
Where’s LaMarcus? – The Blazers lost a close game to the Nuggets last night after defeating the Houston Rockets on the opening night of the season. Prior to the start of the season, LaMarcus Aldridge signed a five-year extension for an estimated $65 million. Has he fallen victim to the “Curse of the Extension”? The “Curse of the Extension” is where a player who is looking for a contract extension will have a great year, but once that extension is signed, their numbers begin to drop. Aldridge averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last year but this season he is averaging 10 points and 6.5 rebounds through the first two games. He has become more of a jump shooter this year and only has three free throw attempts through the first two games. Fantasy owners who own Aldridge (me) will be expecting a vast improvement as the season continues.
Another Big Night – Carmelo Anthony had another big game last night scoring 41 points in a win over the Blazers. Charles Barkley calls him the best pure scorer in the league and he proved that last night scoring 19 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter. He showed that he can score anyway possible – postups, jumpers, three pointers, free throws – and has made an early case for MVP honors. Through the first two games he is averaging 35.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
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