ITT: Ask a Fantasy Basketball Expert (srs) Anything...

[DeanCainGainz]

Obviously pertaining to fantasy basketball would be nice. I make majority of my income being a fantasy basketball consultant/journalist. I will not mention who I work for as that would most likely expose my identity (sorry misc detectives).

I'm actually branching out and starting my own website pertaining to FBB as well as other fantasy sports.

Note: If you are going to ask me a question about your team (rate my team, who should I drop?, this guy or that guy etc.) please include the type of league, Roto or h2h, cats. included, any special scoring (are steals worth more than "1"?), number of teams and anything else that may help me help you.

Cliffs:
-Fantasy consultant
-will answer questions
-please include league info

[skizz]

Do you use twitter a lot? If so, who are the people that you should follow for player updates and team updates. So far the only fantasy guys I follow are Steve Alexander, Aaron Bruski, and Matt Buser.

What do you think about the SG/SF situation in Utah? I own CJ Miles in a 12-teamer and considering dropping him but I think its still to early to tell.

[DeanCainGainz]

Do you use twitter a lot? If so, who are the people that you should follow for player updates and team updates. So far the only fantasy guys I follow are Steve Alexander, Aaron Bruski, and Matt Buser.

What do you think about the SG/SF situation in Utah? I own CJ Miles in a 12-teamer and considering dropping him but I think its still to early to tell.

I haven't fully migrated to the twitter realm as of yet. I get a lot of pressure to but am so busy with other **** I tend to stay away. My new project will have a large twitter presence hopefully but even then I will most likely hire someone to run that part for me. I do have an account though where I just follow every NBA player I can find and check fairly frequently. All the guys you mentioned though are good fantasy minds.

As far as Miles goes in Utah. I'm really pretty low on him. They have 4 players that are about on an even keel skill wise. 5 if you count Jeremy Evans. His minutes will be very sporadic and, to tell you the truth, I wouldn't even be that high on him with increased minutes. Hold out a game or two and see how he does. Most likely there is a better player in the FA pool. If you could give me some examples I could help you decide who to aim for.

[blackberries]

First team: 12-team H2H standard 9-categories

PG Monta Ellis
SG Andre Iguodala
SF Joe Johnson
PF Kevin Love
C Andrew Bogut
G Ricky Rubio
F Carlos Boozer
U DeAndre Jordan
U Roy Hibbert
U Samuel Dalembert
B Trevor Ariza
B Derrick Favors
B Jeremy Pargo (dropped Anthony Morrow)

What should I do to improve? I'm trying to send a big man e.g. Hibbert or Bogut for a guard but who should I target?

[blackberries]

Second team: 12-team H2H standard 8-categories

PG Steve Nash
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Boris Diaw
PF Blake Griffin
C Marcin Gortat
G Ty Lawson
F Kris Humphries
U Roy Hibbert
U Caron Butler
U Carl Landry
B Andre Miller
B Spencer Hawes
B Derrick Favors

I'm trying to move Nash for Iguodala as I'm scared about Nash's health and have Lawson and Miller at PG. Wade is the only SG-eligible player I have. What other moves should I pull?

[DatFatWhale]

Second team: 12-team H2H standard 8-categories

PG Steve Nash
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Boris Diaw
PF Blake Griffin
C Marcin Gortat
G Ty Lawson
F Kris Humphries
U Roy Hibbert
U Caron Butler
U Carl Landry
B Andre Miller
B Spencer Hawes
B Derrick Favors

I'm trying to move Nash for Iguodala as I'm scared about Nash's health and have Lawson and Miller at PG. Wade is the only SG-eligible player I have. What other moves should I pull?

caron butler also a sg

[blackberries]

caron butler also a sg

Only SF in ESPN league.

[DeanCainGainz]

First team: 12-team H2H standard 9-categories

PG Monta Ellis
SG Andre Iguodala
SF Joe Johnson
PF Kevin Love
C Andrew Bogut
G Ricky Rubio
F Carlos Boozer
U DeAndre Jordan
U Roy Hibbert
U Samuel Dalembert
B Trevor Ariza
B Derrick Favors
B Jeremy Pargo (dropped Anthony Morrow)

What should I do to improve? I'm trying to send a big man e.g. Hibbert or Bogut for a guard but who should I target?

Damn you have a pretty stacked team. Looks like you have blocked shots by a mile.

It def. looks like you may need some help in assists.

Honestly, I've been telling a lot of people to target Steph Curry and Eric Gordon. They both are perfect buy low opportunities. Curry is a top 10 fantasy player, albeit when healthy, but I think a lot of people are freaking out more than necessary. He went through a lot of the same **** last year and still had an excellent fantasy season.

As far as Gordon, he is positioned to have a top 15/top 20 (if not better) fantasy season. Now is a perfect time to target him because of his surprise injury. In reality it is nothing more than a bone bruise and although those injuries can linger it seems as if N.O. is playing it safe and giving him plenty of time to recover. He's supposed to miss tonight's game too.

Those would be 2 excellent targets IMO with Steph taking the slight lead because of his assists (which you need).

I would sell high right NOW on Boozer. He will not produce like he did last night on a regular basis and we all know how he likes to collect injuries. I would try offering Boozer for Curry straight up and depending on who owns Steph, he may very well bite .

As far as your roster goes, Derrick Favors is lining up to be a giant bust and it seems as if Utah's coaching staff is doing everything to **** with the fantasy world's heads. He has started the first 2 games and put up miserable numbers. Not only is Milsap healthy now but they have also officially moved Favors to a bench role starting tonight.

Pargo, although you got the right idea with the Conely injury, it's quite a reach on your part and will most likely not do much for you. Although if there are no transaction limits or costs it's not the worst move and since there is also probably no position limits in your league, you might as well milk him for a couple games.

Hope I could help.

[DeanCainGainz]

Second team: 12-team H2H standard 8-categories

PG Steve Nash
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Boris Diaw
PF Blake Griffin
C Marcin Gortat
G Ty Lawson
F Kris Humphries
U Roy Hibbert
U Caron Butler
U Carl Landry
B Andre Miller
B Spencer Hawes
B Derrick Favors

I'm trying to move Nash for Iguodala as I'm scared about Nash's health and have Lawson and Miller at PG. Wade is the only SG-eligible player I have. What other moves should I pull?

Not mirin this team as much. Nash for Iggy would be epic but I don't see that happening unless ur playing with retards. Again I would say to target Gordon especially since you look a little weak in 3s.

[DeanCainGainz]

Also the best way too help you guys would be to list the players in the FA pool. Trades are often overrated and much harder to gain a significant advantage. The FA pool/waiver wire is where championships are won and based off what I've seen posted in this section there seems to be a lot of MUST OWN players in people FA pools.

It's most likely that a lot of you are playing free, casual leagues and it's not as serious as some of my big money leagues, however, if you still want to win I would be more than willing to help (I love my job).

Again it is very rare in a competitive league that a trade will simply transform your team. That is most always done through free agency.

[Hoop_Dreams]

I play in a deep H2H league and need help in the points category.. who do you like better going forward, Austin Daye or Marshon Brooks?

[ekonomikal]

Are you one of the top FBB experts in the profession? Would you consider yourself top 25? 10?

[lebronjames]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=140930671

help me bro

[blackberries]

Not mirin this team as much. Nash for Iggy would be epic but I don't see that happening unless ur playing with retards. Again I would say to target Gordon especially since you look a little weak in 3s.

Thanks for the advice on first team. Sent offer Boozer + Ariza for Gordon. Pretty sure Curry owner won't bite since he drafted Curry was his first pick. Also, not sure how I feel about having Curry and Ellis on my squad. On the bright side, it's unlikely that both would have an off game but could also fail miserably.

I agree that this second squad sucks in comparison to the first considering I drafted them within days of each other and they're both 12 team leagues. I'm really counting on Griffin to not completely tank his FT%. I think my mistake was taking the aging Nash in early 3rd round.

Thanks for the advice, bud. Will report back a few weeks in.

[DeanCainGainz]

I play in a deep H2H league and need help in the points category.. who do you like better going forward, Austin Daye or Marshon Brooks?

Damn how deep is your league? How many teams? How many on a roster?

Since you're just asking specifically between them 2 I would have to say Marshon Brooks for right now. Austin Daye is very likely a better player but Detroit has one of the biggest cluster****s of a roster in the NBA. One of my general rules for this year was not to draft anyone from the Pistons. Their rotation changes on a daily basis and will do nothing but frustrate you.

With that said, Brooks has probably had 2 of the better games he will probably have all season. He will probably have some better nights here and there just don't expect anything
like the past few games on a regular basis. However, due to the Nets propensity to get blown out on a regular basis he will probably get more shine than a lot of other fantasy experts are predicting.

I would def go with Brooks for now. I don't see Morrow starting for long and even though Stevenson would likely take his place first, there's a small chance Marshon may get 6th man type minutes at some point in the future.

Good luck!

[DeanCainGainz]

Are you one of the top FBB experts in the profession? Would you consider yourself top 25? 10?

I would like to think I'm the best....

[DeanCainGainz]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=140930671

help me bro

Responded and repped.

Good luck!

[DeanCainGainz]

Thanks for the advice on first team. Sent offer Boozer + Ariza for Gordon. Pretty sure Curry owner won't bite since he drafted Curry was his first pick. Also, not sure how I feel about having Curry and Ellis on my squad. On the bright side, it's unlikely that both would have an off game but could also fail miserably.

I agree that this second squad sucks in comparison to the first considering I drafted them within days of each other and they're both 12 team leagues. I'm really counting on Griffin to not completely tank his FT%. I think my mistake was taking the aging Nash in early 3rd round.

Thanks for the advice, bud. Will report back a few weeks in.

Yeah Nash is the 3rd round is a giant mistake. He was a 5th or 6th round guy in a lot of my leagues. I don't really see anything wrong with owning both Monta and Ellis but like you said Curry is one of those guys that tends to be unbuyable in a lot of fantasy leagues (just meaning he has a lot of fans who just want him cause they like him).

Good Luck. Let me know how the trade offer goes. I can help you with any counter offer that may occur.

[DeanCainGainz]

Second team: 12-team H2H standard 8-categories

PG Steve Nash
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Boris Diaw
PF Blake Griffin
C Marcin Gortat
G Ty Lawson
F Kris Humphries
U Roy Hibbert
U Caron Butler
U Carl Landry
B Andre Miller
B Spencer Hawes
B Derrick Favors

I'm trying to move Nash for Iguodala as I'm scared about Nash's health and have Lawson and Miller at PG. Wade is the only SG-eligible player I have. What other moves should I pull?

P.S. If there are position limits in ur league or there is someone not getting played tonight cause of Wade, just letting you know he may not play tonight. I say "may not" because that's what the reports are saying but if there is anything I know more than FBB it's the Miami Heat and since they are playing the Wolves, I would be shocked if he played.

just fyi...

[DeanCainGainz]

Another note: any Jameer Nelson owners beware, he will be sitting out tonight with a neck strain. Pick up Duhon for the night...

[DeanCainGainz]

Cmon guys....let's talk some ball...doesn't have to be fantasy related. Any heat fans?

Measlies for good discussions.

[blackberries]

Cmon guys....let's talk some ball...doesn't have to be fantasy related. Any heat fans?

Measlies for good discussions.

Where do you see Kevin Love in terms of end of year ranks? What about Blake Griffin?

[whoisthisguy]

10-Team 8-Cat Roto League

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Joe Johnson
SF: Paul George
PF: Blake Griffin
C: Al Horford

G: Andre Miller
F: DeMarcus Cousins
Util: Amir Johnson
Util: James Harden
Util: Jeff Teague

Be: Spencer Hawes
Be: Samuel Dalembert
Be: Kemba Walker

This is my current squad for a roto league is my friends. How does it look? I am a first time fantasy basketball owner so I'm pretty green about how to play my guys. I mean in terms of maximizing the stats and keeping in good pace with the games allowed. 66 per position I think. Right now I am so far ahead I think i ****ed up.

PG Games Played (GP) 4 (6.1%) 62 (93.9%) 99 (+33) 66
SG Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
SF Games Played (GP) 3 (4.5%) 63 (95.5%) 74 (+8) 66
PF Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
C Games Played (GP) 3 (4.5%) 63 (95.5%) 74 (+8) 66
G Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
F Games Played (GP) 2 (3%) 64 (97%) 50 (-16) 66
UTIL Games Played (GP) 7 (3.5%) 191 (96.5%) 174 (-24) 198

Did I dun goofed? How can I fix it.

Thanks for any help. Will reward with my measly reps.

edit: sorry for the messy stats thing. i tried to fix it.

http://games.espn.go.com/fba/tools/p...98528&teamId=5 here's the link if you wanna check it out

[skizz]

Thanks for the thread brah, hope you'll be around here throughout the season. As for my team here it is:12-team standard 9 categories

PG- Kyle Lowry
SG- Joe Johnson
G- John Wall
SF- Lebron James
PF- Josh Smith
F- Boris Diaw
C- Tyson Chandler
C- Samuel Dalembert
Util- Michael Beasley
Util- Louis Williams

BN- Derrick Favors
BN- CJ Miles
BN- Al Harrington

I'm probably going to drop CJ Miles pending tonight's performance and his minutes. Here are some notable players on the wire:
John Salmons, Mo Williams, Landry Fields, Austin Daye, Brandon Knight, Brandon Rush, Marvin Williams, Glen Davis, Jordan Crawford.

I'm probably going to drop CJ Miles and pickup Marvin Williams since he has a 5 game week. I'm also trying to sell high on Diaw for Steph Curry, since that team is hurting for bigs.

[DeanCainGainz]

Where do you see Kevin Love in terms of end of year ranks? What about Blake Griffin?

I'm really high on Kevin Love. Took him 7th overall in one of my personal roto leagues. I could see him finishing even higher if he can stay healthy. Blake Griffin is a 2nd rounder typically, although, a lot of people reached this year for him in the late first round. I don't see enough improvement, so far, in his game this year to say much more. I actually think the signing of Chris Paul and the emergence of Deandre Jordan hurt his overall value. Not to mention Chauncey and Caron in the mix. Don't really see much to warrant him being ranked any better than 15-20.

[DeanCainGainz]

10-Team 8-Cat Roto League

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Joe Johnson
SF: Paul George
PF: Blake Griffin
C: Al Horford

G: Andre Miller
F: DeMarcus Cousins
Util: Amir Johnson
Util: James Harden
Util: Jeff Teague

Be: Spencer Hawes
Be: Samuel Dalembert
Be: Kemba Walker

This is my current squad for a roto league is my friends. How does it look? I am a first time fantasy basketball owner so I'm pretty green about how to play my guys. I mean in terms of maximizing the stats and keeping in good pace with the games allowed. 66 per position I think. Right now I am so far ahead I think i ****ed up.

PG Games Played (GP) 4 (6.1%) 62 (93.9%) 99 (+33) 66
SG Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
SF Games Played (GP) 3 (4.5%) 63 (95.5%) 74 (+8) 66
PF Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
C Games Played (GP) 3 (4.5%) 63 (95.5%) 74 (+8) 66
G Games Played (GP) 5 (7.6%) 61 (92.4%) 124 (+58) 66
F Games Played (GP) 2 (3%) 64 (97%) 50 (-16) 66
UTIL Games Played (GP) 7 (3.5%) 191 (96.5%) 174 (-24) 198

Did I dun goofed? How can I fix it.

Thanks for any help. Will reward with my measly reps.

edit: sorry for the messy stats thing. i tried to fix it.

http://games.espn.go.com/fba/tools/p...98528&teamId=5 here's the link if you wanna check it out

Interesting league format. It's kind of hard to judge a squad overall like that but it looks well rounded. Can't really point out any real weaknesses. In shallow leagues like that it's a lot harder to rate a team overall. This being because everyone's team will be super stacked. The most challenging part of fantasy ball IMO is managing your lower tier players and working the wire. I can tell you one thing you really don't have a weak player. Amir Johnson maybe being the weakest but in standard 12 team or more leagues that would be incredible.

The best I can do is to tell you to see how things go and then you'll discover what areas you're weak in. Then maybe I can help you gain leverage through the wire (no kanye), through trades, or through lineup management since ur league has position limits. If you want to give me some examples of players in the pool, I could tell you if anyone's worth swapping.

As far as the position limits, you can't really read too much into it since the season just started. Some players are just going to have more games. The simplest way to fix it would be to simply be to slow down and maybe sit a weak player here and there if it becomes an issue. In this type of league your bench players shouldn't really start unless you some reason to do so. You shouldn't just play any guy cause he has a game. With that said, I would play either Sam or Spencer over Amir Johnson for right now.

[DeanCainGainz]

Thanks for the thread brah, hope you'll be around here throughout the season. As for my team here it is:12-team standard 9 categories

PG- Kyle Lowry
SG- Joe Johnson
G- John Wall
SF- Lebron James
PF- Josh Smith
F- Boris Diaw
C- Tyson Chandler
C- Samuel Dalembert
Util- Michael Beasley
Util- Louis Williams

BN- Derrick Favors
BN- CJ Miles
BN- Al Harrington

I'm probably going to drop CJ Miles pending tonight's performance and his minutes. Here are some notable players on the wire:
John Salmons, Mo Williams, Landry Fields, Austin Daye, Brandon Knight, Brandon Rush, Marvin Williams, Glen Davis, Jordan Crawford.

I'm probably going to drop CJ Miles and pickup Marvin Williams since he has a 5 game week. I'm also trying to sell high on Diaw for Steph Curry, since that team is hurting for bigs.

Yeah I would drop miles for either Salmons, Brandon Knight (large upside but horrible fantasy team), Marvin Williams or Jordan Crawford (had a great game tonight but will be inconsistent). So I guess to play it safe go either Marvin or Salmons.

I mean getting rid of Diaw would be sort of counterproductive to a balanced team since I think if anything your big men are slightly weak but if you can somehow pull Steph Curry then that would be the trade of the century.

Kyle Lowry is possibly my favorite fantasy player in the league. Not only am I simply a big follower of him, but he's in the top five on my sleeper list (basically a ratio of projected output to project draft position).

Overall nice team. Thick. Solid. Tight. etc.

[whoisthisguy]

wow thx dude.

[DeanCainGainz]

Most Alpha Fantasy Player of the Evening.....Derrick Rose.






Sell high...(notsrs)

[blackberries]

Who would you take going forward, Boozer or Humphries?