Author: TJ Streett

Deep League Help- Ekpe Udoh

Ekpe Udoh has at least one blocked shot in nine of his last ten games. The 6’10” big man is becoming a premier shot blocker despite his lack of minutes.

Analysis: Ekpe Udoh has averaged 2.5 blocks per game in that ten game stretch. The fact that he’s averging 2.5 blocks per game in just twenty-two minutes of floor time is impressive. His minutes have been on the rise and so has other areas of his fantasy game. Udoh has six steals in his last six games to go along with some improved free throw shooting.

Obviously, Ekpe Udoh can hurt you in some fantasy categories. His points production is awful but big men aren’t on your roster to light up the score sheet. Where he can really hurt you is the rebounding. Udoh is only averaging 3.5 rebounds per game in nineteen minutes this year. His field goal percentage has not been stellar either but he only takes less than four field goal attempts per game. It certainly is a mixed bag when it comes to Ekpe Udoh but he is blocking tons of shots lately and he cannot be ignored in deeper leagues from here on out.

Stock Rising- Corey Maggette

Corey Maggette has played very well this week since his return from a hamstring injury.

Analysis: Corey Maggette is five games into his return from injury but his last four games have been the most telling. Maggette has averaged an impressive 17.0 points per game in his four game hot stretch as well as 1.0 steals per game and 3.75 rebounds per game. Maggette’s minutes have been north of twenty-five per game since his return and all signs point to Maggette returning to form. With Gerald Henderson set to return to action in four days there are some questions regarding Maggette’s fantasy value. His hot play of late certainly merits enough playing time to put up some solid numbers. Also, keep in mind that Henderson isn’t expected to chew into Maggette’s minutes but rather Reggie Williams’.

Maggette is and will always be a scorer with solid rebounding for a small forward. He seems to be back on track and you can count on him in those two areas especially. He is still available in over half of fantasy leagues and he certainly has some value considering his minutes should not take much of a hit with the return of Gerald Henderson around the corner.

Brook Lopez’s Return Is Near

Brook Lopez participated in a practice with contact with the New Jersey Nets today for the first time since breaking his foot in the preseason.

Analysis: With Brook Lopez being available in thirty to forty percent of fantasy leagues, his return is a big deal to all fantasy owners. Lopez averaged over twenty points per game last year, that’s impressive from a fantasy center. His career averages of 7.6 RPG and 1.7 BPG will be a welcome addition to any and all fantasy squads.

Brook Lopez finished eighth among fantasy centers last year and with his return in sight, it’s time to pick him up before it’s too late. There really isn’t much he can’t do as a fantasy center…he’s a career 80% free throw shooter. He may not be an elite rebounder, but he’ll get his share of double-doubles. It isn’t often that a top ten center is available at any point in a fantasy season but his preseason injury has made all of this possible. There is a mad scramble going on in nearly all leagues for Lopez and it doesn’t make any sense to wait.

Three Ball Help- Michael Redd

Michael Redd’s minutes have been on the rise recently and so has his three ball production.

Analysis: Michael Redd has averaged twenty minutes per game over his last five contests. In those five games, Redd has hit eight three pointers or 1.6 3PM per game. Redd has been taking over five three point shots in that stretch which is great news for deep league fantasy owners looking for some three ball help.

Michael Redd isn’t going to do much in the steal or assist department as an aging shooting guard but he has some value. Redd is a career 84% free throw shooter and he has averaged over twelve points per game over the last week. If his minutes continue to stay in the twenty minute range he will be a fantasy asset in the three ball category. Redd is only owned in two percent of fantasy leagues so there is plenty of time to monitor his minutes and production. The Bucks’ Carlos Delfino is another shooter to keep an eye on. Delfino has hit eleven threes in his last three games. Delfino’s minutes in those three games have been north of thirty per.

Last Call On Chris Kaman

Chris Kaman is two games back into action for the New Orleans Hornets after trade talk speculation shelved the big man for nearly two weeks.

Analysis: Whether Chris Kaman is traded sooner or later makes little difference in his fantasy value. Kaman is a must own yet he is available in over forty percent of fantasy leagues. The power forward/center really does offer the rebounding and shot blocking you need from a fantasy big man. Kaman is averaging a solid  7.1 rebounds per game to go along with 1.4  blocks per game in just twenty-three minutes of floor time per night.

What makes Chris Kaman an unusual fantasy big man is the free throw shooting. Kaman is shooting 82% from the stripe this year and 74% for his career. He may not be a lock for fifteen points every night but the increase in minutes will help his value out a ton but it all really depends on what team he lands on. In Kaman’s two games back he’s put up 13.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG and 2.5 BPG. It really is the last call on Kaman as I do not see him being available in any leagues this time next week.