FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jason Williams: Logs Big Minutes Thursday
Update: Williams played 41 minutes in the season opener on Thursday night. He finished with 11 points, nine assists and seven boards.
Analysis: The Heat actually deployed Williams and Smush Parker simultaneously on Thursday night, as Parker played 25 minutes. If Williams is 100 percent healthy as the team has maintained heading into the season, he'll figure into the mix for 35-40 minutes each night.
Udonis Haslem: Double-Double Thursday
Update: Haslem scored 14 points and grabbed 10 boards in Miami's season-opening loss to Detroit on Thursday night.
Analysis: He logged 31 minutes before fouling out, so Mark Blount saw some extra playing time as a result. Look for Haslem to get the bulk of the minutes at power forward, while averaging close to a double-double at least until Dwyane Wade returns to the lineup as he'll be a bigger part of the offensive game plan.
Shaquille O'Neal: Foul Trouble in Opener
Update: O'Neal played 29 minutes around foul trouble on Thursday night while finishing with nine points, seven rebounds and four turnovers against Detroit.
Analysis: Even without lengthy stretches of playing time, O'Neal needs to be more involved in the offense (4-for-6 FG), especially while Dwyane Wade is out of action to open the season. Don't push the panic button because of one bad game, but Shaq didn't look good on Thursday.
Beno Udrih: Inks with Kings
Update: Udrih, who was recently released by Minnesota, signed a one-year contract with Sacramento on Thursday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The fourth-year point guard brings championship experience to a team in dire need of some leadership. In three seasons in San Antonio, Udrih appeared in 207 regular season games, averaging 5.2 points and 1.8 assists, and collected two NBA title rings in the process. With Mike Bibby (thumb) out of action for 10-12 weeks, he will compete for time in his absence. Udrih has injury problems of his own as he won't be available to play for at least a week after breaking a finger on his shooting hand in Spurs training camp.
Kirk Hinrich: Played Limited Minutes Due to Foul Trouble
Update: Hinrich battled early foul trouble and played just 25 minutes, while ultimately fouling out, in the Bulls' 112-103 overtime loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: In case you were wondering why he played so few minutes despite the game going to overtime. He scored 14 minutes while handing out three assists and grabbing three boards despite the limited playing time.
Joe Smith: Came Off Bench in Season Opener
Update: Tyrus Thomas and not Smith (swollen right knee) started at power forward in the Bulls' 112-103 overtime loss to New Jersey, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Smith replaced Thomas two minutes and six seconds into the game when Thomas drew two quick fouls. Coach Scott Skiles reiterated that the starting spot could change frequently, which ultimately hurts both players' value. Smith had six points and five rebounds in 22 minutes while Thomas finished with four points and six rebounds also in 22 minutes.
Ben Gordon: Contract Extension Not Reached by Deadline
Update: Gordon (sprained right ankle) did not sign a contract extension by Wednesday's deadline as the Bulls never moved off their initial five-year, $50-million offer, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gordon was not surprised that he failed to reach an agreement with the team, as his negotiations were more contentious than that of Deng's and the expectation was that he was looking for a lot more than $50 million. A rumored three-way deal in which Kobe Bryant would have ended up in Chicago, Gordon to Sacramento and Ben Wallace and Ron Artest to LA fell through, so for now, Gordon stays in the Windy City and will be a restricted free agent next season. Gordon led the Bulls with 27 points on just 8-for-25 shooting in the team's 112-103 overtime loss to New Jersey, rebounding from a 3-for-10 start to score 16 points in the thrid quarter. He added eight rebounds and four assist but had six turnovers as he was forced to be the primary ballhandler for part of the first half with Kirk Hinrich in foul trouble.
Luol Deng: Failed to Reach Terms on Contract Extension by Wednesday Deadline
Update: Deng did not sign a contract extension by Wednesday night's deadline as the Bulls never moved off their initial five-year, $50-million offer, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng expressed disappointment that a deal did not get done and will become a restricted free agent after the season. He did not let the breakdown in talks affect on the court, posting 22 points and 11 boards in the Bulls' 112-103 overtime loss to New Jersey.
Ramon Sessions: Will Be Sent to the D-League.
Update: Sessions will be sent to Tulsa of the NBA's Development League, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: The Bucks feel that Sessions will have a better chance to improve his game by playing in the D-League. He may be back with the Bucks later in the season if there is an injury on the team.
Cedric Simmons: Cavs Exercise Option
Update: The Cavs exercised the contract-option on third-year player Cedric Simmons.
Analysis: He will now be under contract through the 2008-2009 season.
Troy Murphy: Sits Out Season Opener
Update: Murphy (strained Achilles' tendon) sat out the Pacers' season-opening win over the Wizards, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Coach Jim O'Brien said that he wasn't sure whether Murphy could play on Friday against the Heat.
David Harrison: Contract Not Extended
Update: The Pacers opted not to extend Harrison's contract beyond this season before Wednesday night's deadline, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Harrison has had such a hard time staying healthy and out of foul trouble, the Pacers pretty much had to make this a make-good year for Harrison before committing any future money to him.
Primoz Brezec: Vincent Confirms Lineup
Update: New head coach Sam Vincent confirmed his rotation for the season, reaffirming that Primoz Brezec will start at center to open the season, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Raymond Felton and Jason Richardson will start at guard, Gerald Wallace and Emeka Okafor are the forwards with Brezec in the middle. Matt Carroll, Jeff McInnis, Jared Dudley, Jermareo Davidson and Ryan Hollins will rotate off the bench. For now, anyway, veteran Derek Anderson and second-year player Walter Herrman, a pair of productive players from last year, are the team's final reserves.
Raymond Felton: Vincent Sets Statistical Goals
Update: New coach Sam Vincent would like to see Felton produce a four or five to one assist-to-turnover ratio and an average of at least seven assists per game this season, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Vincent is not too worried about Felton's scoring, which will come mostly on fast-break points in the up-tempo offense. In the preseason, Felton averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 turnovers and 27.0 minutes in eight games, numbers Felton and Vincent would like to see improved in the regular season.
Jorge Garbajosa: Limited Court Time on Wednesday
Update: Garbajosa played under seven minutes on Wednesday, and failed to record a point or get a rebound.
Analysis: While he's physically recovered from last season's gruesome broken leg, he has yet to regain his edge on the court. Minutes will be tough to come by for Garbajosa until he does.
Jason Kapono: Quiet Debut As a Raptor
Update: Kapono played over 23 minutes as the Raptors' starting small forward Wednesday, scoring nine points on 4-for-5 shooting.
Analysis: He hit his only three point attempt, and added three rebounds, but Carlos Delfino ended up seeing more court time. Delfino has a better all-round game than Kapono, but Kapono's three point accuracy is a better fit for the Toronto offense, so the playing time division between the two will likely fluctuate based on matchups and game situations.
Emeka Okafor: Contract Deadline Passing
Update: The deadline to sign Okafor to a long-term contract extension passed without him and the Bobcats reaching a deal, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Okafor, a fourth-year player, will go into the 2008 offseason as a restricted free agent, giving the Bobcats four options: 1) They can allow Okafor to pursue another contract offer with another team and match it; 2) They can allow Okafor to sign elsewhere and let him go by failing to match; 3) They can sign him to a one-year qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2009; 4) They can reach a long-term deal with the 6-foot-10 center who won 2005 NBA rookie of the year honors.
Carlos Delfino: Solid Debut As a Raptor
Update: Delfino played over 30 minutes off the bench Wednesday night, scoring seven points with six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a three pointer.
Analysis: He ended up getting more court time than Jason Kapono, the Raptors' starter at small forward. Delfino has a better all-round game than Kapono, but Kapono's three point accuracy is a better fit for the Toronto offense, so the court time division between the two will likely fluctuate based on matchups and game situations.
Jose Calderon: Big Game Off the Bench Opening Night
Update: Calderon scored 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting in the Raptors' 106-97 win over the 76ers Wednesday.
Analysis: He hit his only three point attempt, and added four assists. This is a big year for Calderon, who's playing for a new contract and potentially an offer to start on another team, so don't be surprised if he tops last season's career highs of 8.7 points and 5.0 assists per game.
Quincy Douby: Thinks He's Ready for Spurs
Update: Douby (mild concussion) said he was confident he could play Friday at San Antonio, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The second-year point guard was injured during Sacramento's opening-night loss on Wednesday. He ran full-bore into Hornets center Tyson Chandler who was setting a screen.
Maceo Baston: Inactive on Opening Night
Update: Baston was one of the Raptors' three inactive players Wednesday night.
Analysis: There are about six players on the Toronto front court depth chart ahead of him, so this will probably be a common occurance for Baston.
T.J. Ford: Opening Night Double-Double
Update: Ford scored 14 points and added 12 assists in the Raptors' 106-97 win over the 76ers Wednesday.
Analysis: Perhaps more importantly, he committed only one turnover. Ford, who averaged a career-high 7.9 assists a game in '06-'07, has more weapons available to him this season with the addition of Jason Kapono and the development of Andrea Bargnani and could easily top that average.
Chris Bosh: Stamina An Issue Opening Night
Update: Bosh (knee) played just under 26 minutes on Wednesday, scoring 16 points on 6-for-14 shooting while pulling down just four rebounds.
Analysis: He did add two blocks, but otherwise it was an underwhelming performance from the Raptors' franchise player. Bosh clearly ran out of gas in the second half, and conditioning could be a factor in the early going as he plays catch-up from the time he missed in camp due to his knee injury.
Andrea Bargnani: Big Opening Night
Update: Bargnani led the Raptors with 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting in Wednesday's 106-97 win over the 76ers.
Analysis: He was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and added five rebounds and two blocks for good measure. The Raptors are expecting a big step forward from Bargnani this season, and the returns from opening night are definitely positive.
Arron Afflalo: Expected to Start Thursday
Update: Afflalo is expected to start at shooting guard in place of Richard Hamilton on Thursday night against Miami, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: Hamilton did not make the trip to Miami in order to deal with "family issues" involving his child. He's considered probable for Friday's game against Orlando, although we're not expecting Afflalo to play the bulk of Hamilton's minutes on Thursday anyways.
Richard Hamilton: Won't Play Thursday
Update: Hamilton (ankle) did not travel with the Pistons to Miami for Thursday's game against the Heat, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Rookie Arron Afflalo is expected to get the start at shooting guard for Detroit, while the team is citing "family reasons" for Hamilton's absence rather the ankle injury that was bothering him last week. We'll have more information as it becomes available on his status.
Jameer Nelson: Struggles From the Field
Update: On the same day he signed a $35 million extension, Nelson only scored 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting in Orlando's season-opening victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Most of Nelson's points came at the free throw line, where he made six of his seven attempts. He also had seven assists and three rebounds in the game. Nelson's poor field goal percentage has plagued him in the past, so he must improve his shooting if he hopes to continue seeing big minutes.
Stephon Marbury: Looking for More Shots
Update: Marbury is looking to be more aggressive with the ball this year. "I'm looking way more for my shot this year than last year," said Marbury. "When I'm aggressive, it just opens things up for other players as opposed to me last year, I was sitting back," Marbury told the New York Post.
Analysis: Well, someone has to take the outside shots for the Knicks this year. With Jamal Crawford struggling this preseason, Marbury could be that guy. At the very least, he should see a spike in assists this year passing the ball inside to Zach Randolph and Eddie Curry.
Robert Swift: Team Passes on Contract Extension
Update: Swift (knee), who was inactive in Wednesday's season opener and is not expected to play in Thursday's home opener, was not offered a contract extension by Sonics by the Oct. 31 deadline, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Sonics like Swift's potential enough that they were reportedly unwilling to give Swift up for the much-coveted Rajon Rondo in this summer's Ray Allen trade with Boston. But team apparently wants Swift to prove himself before it invests long-term money in him. Swift, who will earn $2.6 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie contract, will be a restricted free agent after this season.
Dwight Howard: Monster First Game
Update: Howard showed on Wednesday night why he is one of the best young big men in the league, scoring 16 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking seven shots.
Analysis: Up to this point of his career, the biggest knock on Howard's game has been his poor free throw percentage. On Wednesday, he shot an impressive 8-of-10 from the line. If he can shoot a respectable percentage from the charity stripe this season, Howard will take another step towards both NBA and fantasy basketball stardom.
Darius Songaila: Key Reserve for Wizards
Update: Songaila scored six points (on 2-of-8 shooting) and added four rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes of action in Wednesday's season opener.
Analysis: As a key reserve, Songaila's fantasy value is limited as long as Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler are healthy. If something happens to either of them though, he'd be worth a pickup.
Nick Young: Limited Minutes in Opener
Update: Young scored three points (on 1-of-2 shooting) in seven minutes of action in Wednesday's season opener.
Analysis: The Wizards figure to ease Young into the mix, but as the season rolls along -- and injuries hit -- he'll have a chance to deploy his promising talent on offense more extensively.
Hedo Turkoglu: Impressive Opening Night
Update: Turkoglu scored 24 points on 8-of-15 shooting to go along with five rebounds and two assists in Orlando's victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Analysis: Turkoglu made three 3-pointers and was 5-of-5 from the free throw line. The Magic had planned to look at younger players in the preseason, but injuries to those players helped Turkoglu keep his starting spot for the season opener. As long as he's starting and seeing consistent minutes, Turkoglu will continue to be a viable fantasy option.
Andray Blatche: Quiet in Opener
Update: Blatche scored two points (on 1-of-4 shooting) and added two assists and two blocks in in 14 minutes of action in Wednesday's season opener.
Analysis: Like the Wizards, fantasy owners will need to exercise some patience with Blatche. Still, the upside is there once he gets a chance to play more, which will likely be when an injury hits one of the Wizards' big men.
Jameer Nelson: Agrees to Five-Year Contract Extension
Update: Nelson's contract extension is believed to be for five years and $35 million, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Nelson can opt out of his new deal after the fourth season. The contract doesn't kick in until next season, so he will be under Orlando's control until at least the 2012-13 season.
Wally Szczerbiak: Limited Action in Season Opener
Update: Szczerbiak had five assists in 17 minutes in Wednesday's season opener but scored just two points.
Analysis: The Sonics have a glut of small forwards. Szczerbiak will get minutes at shooting guard, as he did Wednesday, as well. But it likely will take some time before a consistent rotation shakes out. Szczerbiak is a proven scorer, though, so he figures to see better minutes.
Brendan Haywood: Solid in Opener
Update: Haywood scored 10 points (on 4-of-8 shooting) and added 13 rebounds in 30 minutes of action in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: With Etan Thomas out indefinitely, Haywood has a chance to see steady playing time as long as he can hold off the likes of the promising Andray Blatche. That alone gives him some fantasy value considering the position scarcity that often exists at center. His performance in the opener was good, but keep in mind that he is option No. 4 or 5 on offense for the Wizards and that consistency has never been his forte.
Jeff Green: Decent Debut in Limited Minutes
Update: Green finished with five points and two rebounds Wednesday in the season opener in just 18 minutes.
Analysis: The Sonics have a glut of small forwards, and with Damien Wilkins (35 minutes) having a good night there wasn't much room for Green or Wally Szczerbiak. Wilkins likely will see consistent minutes at the three as he's the team's best defender and can score. Green is going to have to scratch out some minutes at shooting guard and power forward, as he did Wednesday, to see healthy minutes. The coming weeks will give a better indication of Green's role as the rotation shakes out.
Antonio Daniels: Fills in for Stevenson
Update: Daniels scored four points and added three assists in 29 minutes of action in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: Daniels saw more court time than he normally would with starting SG DeShawn Stevenson tweaking his knee in the game. Since it does not appear that Stevenson's injury is serious, look for Daniels to continue in his role as first guard off the bench for the Wizards.
DeShawn Stevenson: Tweaks Knee in Opener
Update: Stevenson, who tweaked his left knee early in the game, scored three points on 1-of-3 shooting in 18 minutes of action Wednesday's regular season opener.
Analysis: That helps explain why Antonio Daniels was on the court for 29 minutes in the game. The injury to Stevenson, who ended up sitting for most of the second half, does not appear to be anything serious though as coach Eddie Jordan considered deploying him to contain Jamaal Tinsley down the stretch Wednesday, the Washington Post reports.
Luke Ridnour: Doesn't Get Off Bench in Opener
Update: Ridnour (nose) did not play in Seattle's season opener Wednesday, though he claims he is healthy.
Analysis: Coach P.J. Carlesimo is concerned about Ridnour playing effectively wearing a protective mask. Whether by design or coincidence, Ridnour's benching allowed Carlesimo to get a good look at Earl Watson and Delonte West, who evenly split the PG minutes. At some point, Ridnour will get a chance before Carlesimo settles on a rotation. West outplayed Watson on Wednesday, and most of West's minutes are going to come at the point as the Sonics have a glut of two- an three-type players. That's not good new for Ridnour, whom the Sonics tried to trade this offseason.
Linas Kleiza: Hits Five 3s in Opener
Update: Kleiza (ankle) came off the bench to score 18 points on 6-of-12 FGs including 5-of-10 3-pointers during the Nuggets opening night win over Seattle.
Analysis: With Nene and J.R. Smith out Kleiza saw 27 minutes of action and did not disappoint. He also grabbed six boards and dished out three assists and his sprained ankle did not appear to be a factor.
Kenyon Martin: Starts, but Minutes Limited
Update: Martin (knee) got the start at power forward on Wednesday against Seattle but, as expected, was limited to just 18 minutes of floor time by the team.
Analysis: It was a productive 18 minutes for Martin who posted seven points, five rebounds and three blocks. The knee appeared to hold up fine but the club will most likely continue to limit him through the first month of the season.
Marcus Camby: Plays 34 Minutes in Opener
Update: Camby, who had been struggling with back spasms, started and played 34 minutes on Wednesday and snaggged 15 boards in the process.
Analysis: Camby's back seemed fine as he also added five blocks, four points and three assists in the win over Seattle.
Carmelo Anthony: Has Solid Opening Night
Update: Anthony had a team-high 32 points on 10-of-21 FGs (3-of-6 3pt) and 9-of-10 FTs during the Nuggets opening night 120-103 win over Seattle.
Analysis: Anthony also added five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block with only three turnovers in his 39 minutes of action.
Louis Amundson: Missed Wednesday Night's Game
Update: Admunson (hip) did not play in Wednesday night's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Admunson is considered day-to-day and should resume practicing next week but he should not be on fantasy radars right now.
Samuel Dalembert: Started and Played 24 Minutes Wednesday Night
Update: Dalembert (foot) played 24 minutes Wednesday night in a loss to Toronto and finished with four points (2-8 FG), six rebounds, two assists and four blocks.
Analysis: Dalembert did everything except score points in his return to the lineup. He had only played in one preseason game so this showing wasn't half bad. He did not suffer any setbacks with his foot so expect Dalembert to attempt to resume practicing next week.
Andre Iguodala: Led the Team with 23 Points Wednesday Night
Update: Iguodala led the 76ers with 23 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3PT, 5-8 FT), added eight rebounds and two assists but also had seven turnovers in 39 minutes Wednesday night in a loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Besides the turnovers, this is what you can expect from Iguodala on a daily basis. The numbers are right in line with last season.
Andre Iguodala: Fails to get Contract Extension from the 76ers
Update: The 76ers and Iguodala failed to reach a contract extension by the Oct. 31 deadline that could have extended the rising star up to five more seasons after this season, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Now, Iguodala and the Sixers must wait until July 1 to reopen negotiations, at which point Philadelphia will hold a right of first refusal on any offer from another team. It's good news for fantasy owners as Iguodala will play for a new contract all season long.
Francisco Elson: Has 11 Rebounds in Win
Update: Elson had four points (2-of-5 FG) and 11 rebounds in the Spurs' win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Analysis: Elson looks much more comfortable in his second year with the Spurs. He is running the court well and providing good energy off the bench.
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