B-Ball, B-Fast is a week daily look at what happened last night in the NBA from a fantasy perspective. Bookmark it and visit often. Cup of Coffee
How long could the Grizzlies really wait after Mike Conley, Jr., returned from injury to get him in the starting lineup? The correct answer would be "not long". Conley has started three straight games now for the Griz with Kyle Lowry coming into behind him and has looked pretty freaking good considering the 20 game layoff with a shoulder injury. He's a must add in almost any league -- he went for $51 in the 30 team league I'm in -- and his contributions in assists, steals and surprising rebound numbers are an asset to any fantasy team. Keeper leagues, obviously, should have already been all over this guy.
Hot Cakes
Another "rookie" (and we're using the quotes since he's older than I am) that deserves a second look from fantasy owners is the high flying former Seminole Al Thornton. Thornton was heavily prized by many an owner during draft season, but his early season performance saw him cast aside in fantasy waiver wires and the Clippers' rotation as well. Thornton's been "back" to a degree during his last two games, scoring in double figures. Tim Thomas is banged up, which has been the cause of Thornton's starting time, but if he can step up his play while Thomas is down he still has a chance to seize the gig. Take a flier but don't look for a plug in the starting lineup.You may have noticed that Jeff McInnis is also starting. You should even less excited than about Thorton. It's possible that the Bobcats believe Raymond Felton plays better in a passing two guard role -- the same place he found himself with Brevin Knight starting last year -- but McInnis doesn't fit the same mold as Knight. And while both guys are Carolina grabs (fake fist pumps all around), any chemistry that develops or any stats that emerge from McInnis have to be considered of the false front variety. Deeper leagues should make a play on him at least for the potential that he can help dimes and scoring to a degree, but look to sell high immediately. His time has come and gone.
In injury brief news, Tim Duncan banged knees with Corey Maggette last night, but both appear to be fine and shouldn't be dangers to miss any significant playing time (Duncan purportedly none at all). Shaquille O'Neal will sit out the rest of the road trip with the Heat and Raja Bell will be questionable tonight with the flu after missing practice on Wednesday.
Andrew Bynum put up 23 points, 14 boards and four blocks last night, continuing to make the Lakers look smart for refusing to deal him. You should take the same Kupchackian stance and hold him. He's legit and now you know it, Phil knows it and everyone in your league knows it. I own him cheaply in a keeper league and there's little to zero chance he's getting moved. Okay, just zero.
