Fantasy Hoops: Richardson, Frye, Lowry, Durant
Congratulations to those of you still competing in the championship round of your league! Hoops Rumors aims to help you bring home the crown. For those of you who are not as fortunate, we want to help you dominate in the daily fantasy realm. Here are some fantasy notes and analysis from around the league:
- Josh Richardson has seen his value rise while Dion Waiters sits on the sideline. He’s a nice streaming option for those season-long owners looking for blocks and steals, as he’s snatched 1.4 steals and swatted 1.6 shots per contest since Waiters went down. His price in daily is starting to creep up to his value, but he’s still a decent tournament play.
- Tristan Thompson will miss the next couple games with a sprained thumb. Channing Frye will start in his place and becomes a valuable cheap option in daily.
- Over the last 10 games, the Suns have given up 26.5 points per game to opposing point guards, which is the most in the league. Over that stretch, Phoenix has also allowed the highest field goal percentage to the position. Phoenix takes on Stephen Curry tonight and Russell Westbrook on Friday. Both players are worth the price tag in fantasy.
- The Sixers have placed minutes restrictions on another player. Dario Saric, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis, will be limited to 24 minutes per night down the stretch. You’re still playing him in season-long leagues, but he’s a risky play in daily fantasy.
- Kyle Lowry is suiting up tonight for the Raptors after missing time with a wrist injury. He’s playable for those still in the fantasy playoffs, but may not be the best play in daily until we see what kind of minutes/role he’s handed.
- I don’t expect Kevin Durant to return good value in daily fantasy when he returns to the court from his knee injury. That is until at least playoff time. He’s expected to play on Saturday, but he’ll be on a minutes restriction. Take a wait-and-see approach with him.
Fantasy questions? Take to the comment section below or tweet me at @CW_Crouse.
Statistics are current through Wednesday afternoon.
Kyle Lowry Returns To Court For Raptors
Kyle Lowry will suit up for the Raptors in their game against the Pistons tonight and he’ll do so without any minutes restriction, according to Michael Grange of Rogers Sportsnet (Twitter link). Lowry hasn’t played since the All-Star break because of a wrist injury.
The point guard did some light shooting earlier this week and at the time he said his goal was to be ready by playoff time. He told reporters that he still had pain in his wrist, but added that he wouldn’t need medical clearance to play.
“No no no. It’s me, Kyle Lowry, who’s going to clear me. That’s who’s going to clear me,” Lowry said.
Lowry was playing exceptional basketball prior to being sidelined, as I detailed in an early season edition of Fantasy Hoops. The 3-time All-Star was averaging 22.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 41.7% from behind the arc on nearly eight attempts per contest. He was also sporting a career-high 23.0 player efficiency rating and had true shooting percentage of 62.4%, which is also the best in his career.
NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 4/4/17
Here are Tuesday’s D-League assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- The Cavaliers have assigned Larry Sanders to the Canton Charge, according to the team’s website. Cleveland’s D-League affiliate is in the playoffs and Sanders will be available for Wednesday’s game.
Pacific Notes: Pelinka, Buss, Ulis, Bender
Rob Pelinka’s deal with the Lakers is for five years and it’s worth over $20MM, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com (h/t RealGM). Los Angeles hired Pelinka to be the team’s GM last month. Windhorst adds that lucrative deals are becoming typical for high-ranking members of teams’ front offices.
Here’s more from the Pacific Division:
- A judge ruled that Jeanie Buss will retain controlling ownership of the Lakers, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com (ESPN Now Link). It was previously reported that Jim and Johnny Buss would try to take over control of the team.
- Tyler Ulis continues to impress in a starting role for the Suns, Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic writes. “I knew Tyler was pretty special quickly,” coach Earl Watson said. The rookie is averaging 14.8 points, 9.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest since becoming the starter in mid-March.
- Dragan Bender is back on the court after recovering ankle surgery and while his minutes are limited, the Suns like what they see, Bordow adds in the same piece. “He’s just a straight basketball player,” Watson said. “He goes out there, he just plays the game. He takes what the defense gives him.”
Sixers Rumors: Saric, Fultz, Poythress
The Sixers have no plans to trade Dario Saric this offseason, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Sources tell Pompey that Philadelphia has not discussed a Saric trade with any rival team, including the Magic. Orlando recently had a board of its potential trade targets leaked and it contained a note that suggested the team would swap Aaron Gordon for Saric. The Sixers don’t want to move the power forward; they view him as one of their top players.
Here’s more from Philadelphia:
- Saric sees being on Orlando’s board as a sign of respect, Pompey adds in the same. “Every team got rights to think about their future, to put it on board. But to comment, I don’t have something. It’s ok. To me, you are doing good if they have you on [their] mind like an option,” Saric said.
- Markelle Fultz is in attendance at the Sixers‘ game tonight, Jake Pavorsky of SB Nation relays. Fultz is projected to be the top selection in the draft and the Sixers currently own the fifth spot in our Reverse Standings, meaning the team has an 8.8% chance at obtaining the No.1 overall pick via their own selection. Philadelphia could also nab the top pick if the Kings win the lottery (4.3%) since the franchise acquired the right to swap first-rounders in the Carl Landry trade.
- The Sixers recently signed Alex Poythress and the small forward is already proving his worth, Pompey opines (Video link). Poythress
Draft Notes: UNC, Jackson, Enechionyia
Congratulations to the North Carolina Tarheels for winning the National Championship! Coach Roy Williams has now brought home three championships since arriving at Chapel Hill and he’s done so without having a single NBA All-Star come through the program. In tonight’s Community Shootaround, we asked who’s the best NBA player Williams has ever coached at UNC?
Justin Jackson may earn his way into the conversation once he enters the league, as he’s expected to be a top-10 pick if he decides to declare for the draft. That decision should come over the next few days and as we wait for that news, check out some notes on the upcoming draft:
- Obi Enechionyia will declare for the draft, but will not hire an agent, Marc Narducci of Philly.com relays. The Temple Owl explains his reason for declaring. “I didn’t see any negative in doing this, and I thought why not,” Enechionyia said. “I know my parents and some old coaches have talked to a few teams and scouts and I know there are some teams that are interested in me.”
- USC guard Shaqquan Aaron has declared for the NBA Draft, E. Carchia of Sportando relays. Aaron has not hired an agent.
- Wright State’s Mark Alstork has declared for the draft but has also not hired an agent, according to Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News. The guard averaged 19.0 points during his junior season, which led the team.
And-Ones: Goodwin, Lopez, Harrell
Archie Goodwin, whose second 10-day deal with Brooklyn will expire tonight, is on the verge of signing a two-year deal with the Nets. Coach Kenny Atkinson is excited about the opportunity to bring him back, as Brian Lewis of the New York Post relays.
“I think Archie has shown some really good things. Even in [his short stints], it’s like, ‘Man, I want to see more,’” Atkinson said. “Archie, he’s been showing good things. Let’s find a way to get him in.”
Here’s more from around the league:
- Brook Lopez, who has long been the subject of trade rumors, is shooting more than ever from behind the arc, SB Nation’s Net Income details. Lopez entered the season with just three made 3-pointers in his career, but Atkinson installed an offense that emphasizes the 3-ball and the center now has a chance to break a record for most long distance swishes by a 7-footer. Lopez has 129 made 3-pointers for the Nets this season and with 23 more made buckets, he’ll break Dirk Nowitzki‘s single season record of 151 made shots.
- With both Sam Dekker and Ryan Anderson sidelined, the Rockets‘ void at power forward might suggest that Montrezl Harrell will get more of an opportunity to play the four. Coach Mike D’Antoni said that won’t the case, as Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle relays. “I like guys who space the floor,” D’Antoni added. Harrell played power forward during Sunday’s win over Phoenix, but he missed all three of his 3-point attempts.
- Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer explains how the next five games will determine the Sixers‘ chances of getting a top-3 pick. Philadelphia currently owns the fifth spot in our Reverse Standings.
NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 4/3/17
Here are Monday’s D-League assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- The Raptors have assigned Bruno Caboclo and Pascal Siakam to the Raptors 905, the team’s D-League affiliate, according to their Twitter feed. Siakam is one of the many 2016 first-round picks who have seen action in the D-League this season, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors detailed.
- The Cavaliers have assigned Kay Felder to the Canton Charge, according to the team’s Twitter feed. The rookie has appeared in 11 games for Cleveland’s D-League affiliate, scoring 29.9 points per contest.
- The Clippers have recalled Brice Johnson from the Salt Lake City Stars, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times relays (Twitter link). Los Angeles doesn’t have its own D-League affiliate, so Johnson played for the Stars via the flex assignment rule.
Community Shootaround: UNC Players In The NBA
University of North Carolina coach Roy Williams came to Chapel Hill in 2003 and he’s led the school to four national title games. During his time at the program, he’s sent countless UNC prospects to the NBA, but not one of the players have made an All-Star game, as Jonathan Tjarks of the Ringer notes.
That led Hoops Rumors to wonder: Out of all the Roy Williams-coached UNC players in the NBA, who’s the best?
Ty Lawson may be the leading candidate. The Nuggets traded away Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony at the 2010/11 deadline and the move gave Lawson an opportunity to take control of the franchise. From 2011 to 2015, Lawson averaged 16.5 points and 8.0 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and he helped Denver reach the playoffs each season. However, the franchise never won a playoff series while Lawson was the starter.
Danny Green is the most accomplished choice. He has a championship ring with the Spurs and he’s one of the best active UNC products. His role in San Antonio should allow him to be productive for the next several years, giving him longevity over players like Lawson. However, he’s never been an NBA team’s top option, which hurts his candidacy for the distinction.
Marvin Williams is another excellent role player who could be considered the best. He’s never lived up to his No.2 overall draft pick status, but he’s currently one of the Hornets’ most important players.
Harrison Barnes has the potential to be the best NBA player who Roy Willaims coached at UNC. He didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his all of his ability until he signed with the Mavericks this past offseason. He’s scoring 19.5 games in an expanded role in Dallas and he’s sporting an auspicious 16.6 player efficiency rating.
Does Raymond Felton belong in the conversation? How about John Henson? Let us know who you think is the best NBA player to play under Roy Williams at UNC. Is it one of the aforementioned names or is there another player who should be considered the best? Take to the comment section below to share your thoughts. We look forward to what you have to say!
Jrue Holiday On His Future, Fit With The Pelicans
Jrue Holiday is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, but he hasn’t yet begun to evaluate his options outside of New Orleans, as William Guillory of the Times- Picayune relays. “I haven’t thought about it, not even a little bit,” Holiday said.
Holiday’s teammates want to see him in a Pelicans’ uniform next season. “He’s huge for what we want to do here. I look at the situation, and if we have a full season, I’m pretty sure we’re in the playoffs,” Solomon Hill said. “He’s a game-changer. He’s top-10 in assists, defensively he’s one of the best point guards on both ends of the floor. That’s everything, I think that’s the main goal this offseason is to get him to re-sign and to get him to sign as long as he possibly can.”
The point guard believes he’s a good fit in coach Alvin Gentry’s system and he’s optimistic about the future of the franchise. “It’s been fun to play,” Holiday said when asked about the Pelicans‘ offense since the team traded for DeMarcus Cousins. “Obviously, we’ve been winning more frequently, put some streaks together. It’s been really good. Obviously, we added a big piece and we want to win more frequently, or whatever, but it’s been fun.”
Gentry has recently given Holiday more of a combo-guard role, playing him alongside point guard Tim Frazier in the starting lineup.
“I think that’s when he’s at his best,” said Gentry. “It’s not a negative, it’s more of a positive that, when we have two ball-handlers out there, we can create situations for Jrue where all the responsibility is not on him. I think Jrue is at his best when he’s thinking about scoring also.
“With DeMarcus [on the team], he has a tendency to want to be this ‘point guard’, but I want Jrue to always be aggressive offensively because we need those 16, 17 points that he gives us pretty much on a nightly basis.”
Holiday’s 2016/17 salary is worth slightly under $11.3MM. He’ll almost certainly see an annual salary above that figure on his next deal.