Crtical Time of FBA Action

Players On Suspect: I made the decision to cut Danilo Gillarni for the time being for a couple of reasons, mainly he plays in New York where whoever has the hot hands play. The NBA is quickly figuring out that this kid can shoot but my question is, why isn't he shooting more? DG is only getting 28 minutes a game and he 6' 10" and plays small forward. He reminds of an unpolished Andrea Bargnani but still has a lot of potential growth. That being said, potential doesn't get you squat in fantasy and unless you're a top 5 pick you have to keep your a game at a consistent level if you plan on being a young fantasy staple in the FBA.

Channing Frye, I expect is going to come back down to earth at some point. By now everyone out there in fantasy land knows he figured out how to shoot the three, but can he keep up with Phoenixes' high paced offense for an entire season? I know I'd struggle. Still he's going to be a top 50 player this year but if someone in your league is willing shell out someone big for him, you may want to take your time and seriously think about selling while his value is out the roof. EARTH TO FRYE!

PROPS: If you listened to my advice back when I started keeping this FBA info, Brandon Jennings is still killing it. I'd like to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back while Jennings' is still averaging 21.8 point 6 assists and making 2.4 threes a game. With that being said I like to give a shout out to the PEE WEE KIRKLAND squad in my fantasy league who beat me to the free agent list. Bob you wanna trade?

DROPS: Memet Okur has a place in my basketball heart being a part of the Pistons 2004 championship team, but I'm struggling right now with the idea of cutting him. He got off to a terrible start and with the Carlos Boozer being in his contract and playing like a man possessed there just aren't enough points and boards going around for Memo to be a contributor in fantasy. If anyone in my league is reading this, my office is open.

AT THE BUZZER: As football season is slowing down the NBA is going to be the league that will grab some attention. With the free agent class of 2010 is going to be interesting to see how the league situates itself next season. Based on what I'm hearing the east looks like it will grab most of the big names out there. It looks like it'll be the New Eastern Conference vs. The Kobe Conference next season. I am out.

Inspiration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raj6e2pSpEQ

At this point the 76'rs are stuck with Elton Brand. He signed that ridiculous contract and hasn't played anywhere near what his bank account shows. He had his best performance of the season finishing with 19 points and 10 boards. This was his first double-double of the year. He also had six blocks as well but don't let this loaded line inflate his value. He has a few injuries on him that tend to act up as the year goes on and the fact of the matter is that he isn't even the second option in Philly score anymore. Most of the looks are going to be on Iquodala and the young cats Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young. I guess it sad to say that Brand is done in fantasy world.

Stepping it up so far this year in fantasy is Hawks' forward Al Horford. This kid till now is making his fantasy value known. He's just about a top ten player in most leagues with his ability to efficiently score and grab boards, that not to mention he's averaging just about two blocks per game this year. Atlanta is tied for the best record in the NBA at 10-2 with the Suns. They have a nice dynamic game. Joe Johnson sticks 3-pointers, Horford cleans glass and Josh Smith does just about anything you ask him.

The biggest question is will the draft class of 1996 ever get old? By now most of the coveted draft class is done with the league but the ones that do remain are still killing it. Steve Nash is a averaging 12 dimes and 17 points, honestly with this guy ever get old. There was a lot of talk about why Phoenix payed him they money they did but those talks stopped after game two. Nash had 20 assists and 18 points and has met the 20 assists mark twice this year. This guy needs and NBA title, but for now don't think about trading him, he is simply incredible.

Take a look at these guys if your team is really bleeding: Tyreke Evans, Roy Hibbert, Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and the ageless Grant Hill

Player in focus: Chris Kaman has gotten off to a really good start. Averaging just over 21 points and a hair under 10 boards he looks like a fantasy work horse for the time being. Kaman though is someone you hope you can only hope and pray can stay healthy enough to give you this production all year. Last year it was the foot or a sprain or a fingernail, but play him as often as you can until he falls apart. It's clear that the front court in Clip town in crowded with Camby, Smith, Jordan and eventually No. 1 pick Blake Griffin, who after returning from injury likely will take away from Kaman's production.

Speaking of fantasy centers seeing early success, Marc Gasol is coming out of the gate fast and racking up points and boards. He currently is averaging 14 points, 10 boards and almost two blocks per game. To me that is real solid production on a team that is getting surprisingly better. According to ESPN's fantasy player rater, the only center having a better start to this young season in terms of his fantasy value is Chris Bosh and he really isn't a center.

Note: Adding players that give you the flexibility to play either the guard and forward position or the forward and center position just add even greater value. On those nights were the whole league plays you don't want to be pinned down and have to leave someone out just cause you can't get them off the bench.

- I like to take the chance and apologize to all the Shaq lovers out there. He is old. He is terrible a shooting free throws . Shaq now is only a shade of what he once was and with his decreasing minutes and skill goes his fantasy value. His style play leaves a lot to be desired, the guy 340 pounds and 7 foot tall but his absolute lack of touch kills his fantasy numbers. I'm sorry Shaq but it's over.

- Breakout player of the year in fantasy, if he hasn't already is Carmelo Anthony. With the addition of Chauncey Billups last season and now embarking on their first full season together, both will have big fantasy years. Chauncey is going to demand a lot of attention on defense and with his ability to pass the ball means a lot of return for Anthony owners in fantasy.

-Young players to take a look at in your league: Johhny Flynn, he's looks good early on as he'll look to make a campaign for rookie of the year. Corey Brewer, here is a guy that may not look to score 30 a night, but has the skill set to pick up block and steals on the regular. Spencer Hawes, I like his game. He can stretch the floor with his outside jumper, can hit threes and rebounds the ball well. He reminds he of a younger Troy Murhphy out in Indiana and murphy has proven that power forwards that can shoot the three ball are extremely valuable in fantasy. Roy Hibbert, with the lack of talent and the absence of both Murphy and the grossly hated Jeff Foster look to Hibbert to fill the void. He has the size and his rookie year under his belt, you should expect big things.

-To Shaq or not to Shaq? Well certainly not in till the later rounds, but if you can get Shaq with sixth or seventh round pick you've gotta take him. You know exactly what you're getting with Shaq: extremely poor free throws, 2/3 of the season started. but also, solid blocks, boards and high field goal percentage. This year I think he's going to get a significant amount of assists because lets face it Lebron is a big target and the traveling rule doesn't apply to him. Take Shaq if you have a good center to help whens Shaq gets hurt.

-What's the deal with everyone hating Charlie Villanueva? The guy has gotten better every year despite playing on one of the worst franchises in the NBA. This guy could have made the leap from high school he has that much talent. At the small forward position he poses a difficult match up at 6'10".

-Blake Bust: Allen Iverson. Stay away everyone if you can. Memphis is searching for something to put their franchise on the map, but guess what? A.I. couldn't be further away from the answer...had to put that one in there. There's a reason that the real contenders in the playoffs didn't pick up Iverson. There no secret on what the answer brings...turmoil.