Recent Moves

Spoonful drop Landry for Brooks

With Alston out, and the gap-toothed, oft-picked-up-and-dropped Landry not turning into Paul Millsap, the Spoonful elected to get on the Aaron Brooks train for the second time. Brooks will again provide some points, 3s and AST. Expect 18 and 10 in Landry's next game

Judgment Haiku:

Bricks clang, whistles blow

Fouls and TOs aplenty;

Rockets never launch

My$hkin cuts DeShawn for Belinelli

Marco Belinelli is the next Rob Kurz - he started and scored 21 points, after two nice games off the bench. Remarkably, if I'm not mistaken, 11 Warriors are owned right now, and none of them are Wright or Randolph. DeShawn is still doing his thing, but remains upside-free.

Judgment Limerick:

A guard, Belinelli, a Warri-

-or has become a great I-talian story,

Once allowed on the floor,

He went off for 21, 4, and 4,

And Nellie exclaimed: "That's Amore!"

My$hkin drops Miles for Walton

Luke Walton is suddenly starting, sending VladRad to the bench - it seems to be working, as the Lakers have won 4 straight, and LukeLuke himself had a nice 14/5/2 line in his last outing. Miles and his fellow black starter, Ronnie Brewer were benched for most of the last Utah game by J-Slo, and some think his run as a starter may be close to an end. We think C.J. will be somewhat useful going forward

Judgment, in Prose: We like this move - Walton's always been intriguing, and, when healthy, can be a nice all-round contributor. He does have some competitiion (T-Ariz and VladRad) at SF, so keep an eye on his minutes going forward. For your poetry fix - check out C.J. Miles (the nba player, not the sexy filipina model) rapping...

Spoonful releases Rasho, picks up Marreese

This was another quick, though perhaps ill-advised, pickup by the Spoonful. E-Brizzle is out for a month with a separated shoulder, and Speights, discussed originally here, should see an uptick in PT. That might just mean more fouls and missed FTs, but Marreese is intriguing as a young, athletic big-man. Perhaps the Hosens would be interested in a Bonner/Speights package deal. Rasho's been OK, though annoyingly inconsistent and foul-prone, but has lost his starting gig to an unholy combination of Roy Hibbert and Jeff Foster. Fun fact - originally, the Hosen dropped Speights for Rasho back in October.

Judgment Haiku:

Rasho, piece of poop

Similarities abound.

Can Marreese be worse?

Da Juices!

Spoonful drop Mason jr. for Mike 'the juices' james

Again, in response to breaking trade news (James/Crittenton to WAS - A-Dan to NO), the Spoonful felt it was necessary to run out and make a move.

Roger Mason has been quite a productive waiver wire pickup for the Spoonful, but his production has slowed with the returns of Parker and Ginobili, the rejuvenation of Finley, the inclusion of George Hill in the rotation, and the sharpshooting of BonBon. He's still probably good for 10 pts and 1.5 3s per game, but very little in AST or REB to put flesh on those bones.

We, of course, love the Juices (as do the ladies), and fondly recall his glorious spring of '06 (25/3/7 with 3 3s). Those days are long gone, of course, and he's been useless for the last two years. This year, he's been basically 6th on the G depth chart in NO, behind Paul, Devin Brown, Posey, Mo Peet, and Roswell Butler. In fact, he hasn't played more than 12 minutes all season, and has DNP'ed 9 of the last 10 games. Some say young Crittenton is the future PG in WAS, but the Spoonful suspect he's not yet ready, and James will be the immediate beneficiary of the trade. He'll surely get more minutes, and we'll see if his 33 year old legs still have Juice.

Judgment: Looking more closely at the stats, in particular at James' poor record for the last two years, this may be quite a foolish move. If the Juices don't pan out, though, other folks are available, and Mason is quite replaceable at this point.

Rasho-mine!

Spoonful drops Posey for Rasho

 

Not much to say here: Posey (recently discussed here), performed as advertised in a week of games for the Spoonful, some 3s, some DREBs, that's about it.

Rasho, just dropped by the Hosens, had a nice game (despite a DISQ) on Sunday (14/4/3) against the Celtics. Despite rumors that Hibbert might get some starts going forward, Rasho is still a decent, if inconsistent, source of REBs, FG%, and maybe even BLK.

Judgment: Just a trade of 3s/STL for some OREBs/AST/BLK, along with some extra PFs and some DISQ-risk. With the decline of Mason and the disappearance of Morrow, competing in 3s seems unlikely, so this kind of fine-tuning to shore up some weaknesses is a wise, if unexciting, move.

Bonner and Kleiyde

Spoonful drop Kleiza, pick up Bonner

Kleiza's been in our news quite a bit lately - we suspect he'll be picked up many times as the year progresses.

But he'll also be dropped a lot for potentially hot commodities, as Matt Bonner has, in assuming the SAS starting C job, become. Now, starting C in SA is a notoriously poor position (since the Admiral's time, anyway) - Oberto, Nazr (the bad Nazr), FElson, MEly, Rasho, The Matrix (Kevin Willis), and even the great Cherokee Parks have graced the position during the PR2K years. But, unlike those big men, Bonner has the shooting touch, as well as the good looks, of a Brian Scalabrine, and can hit 3s. Right now he's averaging 7/4 with a 3, and his minutes have been increasing steadily in the last 2 weeks, even as the Spurs have gotten Manu and Parker back. 10/7 with 1.5 3s isn't out of the question, though neither is riding the pine..

Judgment: Kleiza surely has more long term upside, but BonBon has the opportunity, and should get both more rebounds and better Pcts, and may contribute a bit in BLK as well. He is more Foul/TO prone, but the 3-shooting big man is always exciting to have. Kleiza and J.R. Smith are alternating productive nights at this point, and, as mentioned in previous posts, isn't rebounding as much as we'd like.

Off the Morrow

Spoonful drops morrow, picks up Kleiza

Linas was recently dropped by thenopp, and discussed here. Morrow was picked up by the Spoonful during his 37/11 breakout, as discussed here.

Morrow's stock has fallen quite a bit, as Nellie has given him a couple DNP-CDs and very little PT overall. In fact, after his 37 pointer and his 25 pt follow-up, he hasn't gotten to double digits or shot more than 33% from the field. He doesn't do anything other than shoot 3s, and the arrival of JamsCraw in GS makes that less necessary. Nellie says that he's not playing Morrow because opposition teams have "started to guard him". Chances are they won't stop any time soon. He may have a hot night here and there, but it seems like he won't be a consistent contributor.

Kleiza's situation hasn't changed much, but he is good for 20 minutes and is in line for more minutes should any the Nugs get hurt.

Judgment: Being free from Nellie's gouty whims is delight enough for anyone, and the acquisitions of Posey and Kleiza should make the Spoonful a little more competitive in DREBs and help bolster the 3pt numbers.

Newsflash: Nellie is a gouty sack of poo

Spoonful drop Wright, pick up Posey

Don Nelson's inexplicable and ineffective lineup changes are, of course, extremely frustrating, and that his gimmicky bullshit passes for 'good coaching' explains a lot about why NBA basketball is so terribly unpleasant to watch. We realize he's won 1200 games in his 'illustrious career', and that he 'revolutionized the game' (meaning endless barrages of ill-considered 3 pointers, and lugubrious intentional fouling techniques), but, at least since his heyday in Milwaukee (in the mid 80s), his record is unimpressive, getting to the Conference finals just once in the last twenty years, with an underperforming Dallas team that featured two MVPs (Dirk and Nash) and Finley in his prime. After running his best players out of town (again), and getting 'his ass handed to him' by a terrible Knicks team last night, who knows what crap he'll pull out of his addled brain next? Unfortunately for Warriors fans and Anthony Morrow owners, because he went to the same rehab clinic as Warriors GM Chris Mullin, Nellie's job is apparently quite safe.

 

In any event, as his ego outstrips his will to win, and his gout flares up with more frequency, he continues to squander an abundance of talent in Golden State, and Brandan Wright, previously discussed here, is, unfortunately, one of the many victims, like Chris Webber and Terry Cummings before him.

James Posey was also discussed recently, and his circumstances have not changed much.

Judgment: The Spoonful are hoping that Posey is closer to 11/5 than 9/3, but are not terribly optimistic. Nonetheless, Posey offers more consistent production, if fewer BLK and less upside, than Wright at this point, and we commend the Spoonful for not dropping Carl Landry.

Stuckey on Repeat?

Spoonful drop Warrick, pick up Stuckey

Just for variety, the Spoonful dropped Warrick rather than Landry this time, to pick up formerly dropped Rodney Stuckey. Though consumed with regret after dropping Warrick last time (for Nicolas Batum), Warrick has frankly done nothing to justify that regret, or his roster spot. He had one really good 21/10 game, but is averaging only 9 and 5 on the season. We're honestly not sure why, as rookie Darrell Arthur hasn't been 'all that' either. It seems with Gasol and (in one game) Darko up front to rebound, and prolific scorers in Mayo and Gay, Warrick (generally offensive minded) just isn't useful. He may turn it around, but we doubt there will be (consistent) cause for regret.

Stuckey, the dropping of whom was not regretted at all, has also been poor, but he has improved his play (if not his shooting), of late, recording a 13/5/11 double double on Wednesday, showing a bit of what 'they say' he can do. He may start on Friday (since AI decided to skip practice), so that will give him a chance to earn his keep. If he reverts to his 5/2 with 4 TO form, he'll be back in the FAP by next week. With no regrets!

Judgment: This looks to us like a move-for-move's sake, though it would be a shame to miss out on Stuckey. It looks to us as if the Spoonful missed out on Blatche and on re-claiming E-Gord, and needed to shake things up in the locker room. The Spoonful still need rebounds, but neither player is providing much there. It might be Melvin Ely time sooner than we think...

Whoops!

Spoonful drops e. gordon, picks up landry...again

But this is the last time. We discussed E-Gord here, and Lando many times. Despite rushing to drop Landry for Gordon in the aftermath of the trade. Landry again demonstrated the power of the 'Brooks/Landry effect' - instant production from a recently dropped player, by having some fine games. This time, though, he's had 4 solid games in a row - bumping Hakim Warrick into the Spoonful's 'about-to-drop' doghouse. Gordon, however, went off, in his second game as the Clips SG (25 PTS! 4 3s!) and again in his third (24 PTS! 4 3s!). We're still skeptical - the kid's 19 and couldn't shoot in college - or in his first 13 games. He doesn't produce much outside of PTS and 3s, and will surely make a lot of rookie mistakes. Plus, when Z-Bo gets in the flow, no one else will be allowed to shoot. We predict 11 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, and 1.5 3s the rest of the way - but that's not bad!

Judgment: Clearly a mistake and a lack of patience on the Spoonful's part - the only saving grace is that Landry's REBs are more in line with team needs. But to negate a timely, if hastily managed, acquisition such as this, will haunt the Spoonful for some time.

Buckets-a-go-go

NBA trade causes Spoonful panic - landry for gordon

In moves involving three of the handsomest men in the NBA (see above), the Spoonful, reading about the exciting NBA trades between the Knicks, Clippers, and Warriors (more to come), flew, ill-considered, into action, dropping (for the 2nd time) semi-promising, gap-toothed HOU forward Carl Landry, profiled here, for Ricky Buckets, discussed previously, who may garner more minutes in LAC with Mobley gone. Then, realizing that Ricky Davis isn't good, dropped Davis for the higher upside of rookie Eric Gordon, dropped a while back by thenopp, as detailed here. The Spoonful are hoping that reuniting the brothers Gordon will help young Eric take advantage of the opportunity that may be coming his way.

Judgment: As was the case last time, Landry, upon being dropped, had a terrific game tonight - his first in weeks. We're entitling this widespread phenomenon 'the Brooks/Landry effect' in honor of Houston's two 7th men who have been prone to blowing up after being dropped. Gordon may prove useless, but one has to try to capitalize on NBA upheaval. Still, given the Spoonful's need for rebounds, patience with Landry might have been more prudent.

Quinn Dropped Again

Spoonful drops Quinn, acquires B. Wright

For the second time, the Lovin' Spoonful has dropped Miami PG afterthought Chris Quinn, profiled here. Quinn's still getting about 9 points and 2 3's per game, but that's about it. He's just not very exciting.

Brandan Wright, discussed here, is very exciting, however, at least until  he gets into instant foul trouble or is inexplicably benched. He offers great athleticism, and can block and rebound ferociously. He's very young and raw, however, and Nelson whim's will determine if he's useful or not.

Judgment: The Spoonful is extremely weak in REBs and BLK, and is hoping Wright can produce. The emergence of Anthony Morrow and the continued semi-strong play of Roger Mason makes Quinn expendable. Overall, this is a good risk.

Saturday Thoughts -- Week 3

More close matchups this week - thenopp and Spoonful are tied at 6, Les Digits lead odensque 8-7, and the Hosens lead my$hkin 8-6. As we predicted, tsaogrip is crushing Mongoose 10-5 (including an almost 300 PT lead), and Nor'Easter is comfortably ahead of the non-lineup-setting speakers, 9-5.

Sunday games:

Team	Games
Spoonful	8
thenopp	12
odensque	8
Digits	5
Hosens	6
flute	8
Nor'easter	7
speakers	1
tsaogrip	8
Mongoose	3

 

The biggest game advantages in competitive matchupes belong to thenopp (4) and to odensque (3). This could be trouble for odensque, as he might lose PFs (currently ahead by 5), and only has an outside shot at STL (down by 6). It's likely, though, that it will end 8-7 Digits.

Things look much better for thenopp, with all 12 players in action, including Kidd, Carmelo, JamsCraw, and Z-Bo. PTS are currently tied, but we'd have to give the edge to thenopp, based on the games. Thenopp's ahead by 8 FTs, 2 3s, and 9 OREB, and is only behind in FGM by 5, AST by 11, and BLK by 3. The Spoonful might lose all of these and be shamefully bested 9-5. The loss of little K-Mart and games deficits on both Thursday and Sunday have been difficult to overcome.

The Hosen's/my$hkin matchup.is quite interesting: the Hosen lead FGM by 15, AST by 14, and BLK by 11, and trail in PTS by only 6, and OREBs by 3. But the Hosen lead both %s by razor-thin margins (.004 in FG%, .001 in FT%). While it's only an 8-6 games advantage for my$hkin, it seems my$hkin has higher quality games: AI, Dirk, G-Wallace, Nene, versus the Hosens' Salmons, Haslem, Telfair, Love, Kwame, and Nate. We think this gives my$hkin the edge, though PCTs are, in particular, tricky to predict.(Note: we're assuming that Barnes and Barbosa are both out for PHX.)

Who can resist?

Spoonful drop Stuckey for unknown Morrow

Another Detroit 'sleeper' type is given up on by the Spoonful, following A.Johnson and Maxiell. Stuckey's the PG of the future in Detroit, but his poor shooting, heart trouble, and fouliness (and AI's arrival) have limited his minutes of late. Moreover, he's basically an non-3, shoot-first PG (think Tony Parker who can't finish), and is thus of limited fantasy utility at this point. He gets some steals (which is partly why he's so fouly), but until his shot drops consistently, or injuries strike the Pistons, he won't be too useful. We were hoping for 14/5, this year, but it looks like 9/3 is more the more likely average for the short term.

We have no idea who Anthony Morrow is, but he started at PG for GS today (over CJ Watson) and scored 37 points, 4 3s, and 11 rebounds (only one assist, but still). There is no doubt he would get scooped up by the end of the day, so acting quickly was warranted. But who is this 'Morrow' fellow? Apparently, he's an undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech. Somewhat disturbingly, Stephen Jackson has taken Morrow under his wing, even calls him "Little Steve." That's about all we know at this point, but 37/11 speaks for itself.

Judgment: Cutting the 'sleeper' types can come back to haunt one, but it is quite liberating. Morrow's not likely to be a super-genius very often, but a line like today's is difficult to pass up. If Morrow turns back into a pumpkin, having the rotatable roster spot will be useful for the Spoonful. Stuckey's points and steals are less valuable to the Spoonful, as they generally have an excess of them, and Morrow could be a nice source of 3s. On the other hand, REBs are a more pressing need, and Morrow may well be moved for a big man if he doesn't pan out.

It's 'Amir'acle he was owned at all...

Spoonful drop Amir johnson, re-acquire C.Landry

Sometimes it takes dropping a player to know how much you love them. Even though it feels a bit odd to drop ones 17th round draft pick for ones 19th, especially when the former is starting and the latter is not, higher ups in the Spoonful front office report that it's already a pleasure to have Amir out of their 'hair'.

Amir Johnson, like co-overhyped Spoonful/Piston Rodney Stuckey, got rave reviews in the pre-season; he was touted as a supposed 'sleeper'-type source of rebs and blocks by many so-called 'experts' on such things. However, foul trouble and the crowded Pistons frontcourt have conspired to limit Amir to fewer than 19 MPG.  6/5 with only 1 BPG and 3.5 PF/G isn't helping the Spoonful or the Pistons, and Amir's losing time Kwame Brown, of all people. He'll likely put it together to some degree and end up on a roster in a few months. Fun fact: Amir was the last high school player drafted in the NBA, this is actually his 4th season.

Carl Landry was discussed here - not much has changed, except that he went out and scored 20 the day after he was dropped, and has avoided foul trouble for two straight games. That will likely change when facing Amare and T-Dunc the rest of this week; we'll see if he gets dropped again.

Judgment: The Spoonful lose some BLK and maybe STL, gain points and fouls (in a good way), and probably stay even in rebounds. No great shakes here, but Landry should have more short-term upside due to his situation and strong recent play.

Going backwards?

Spoonful drop Brooks for Quinn

We have discussed Quinn and Brooks both previously.

The Spoonful dropped Quinn just 10 days ago, and picked up Brooks soon thereafter. Quinn does seem to have worked his way into the rotation - after 2 DNP-CDs to open the season, he's up to 20MPG, and is shooting an impressive (if unsustainable) 66% from 3. Brooks only played 9 minutes last night (0 points), and while he's had a few 14 point games, he doesn't offer much other than points, which the Spoonful have in abundance.

Judgment: Quinn has looked good for the last two days, but will likely only thrive until Chalmers starts to find his way more consistently. On the other hand, D-Wade's penetrate & dish style has made stars out of moderately good 3 point shooters before (remember Damon Jones?). Brooks could be useful, especially if Rafer continues to struggle, but he's not really a ballhandler or a steal-getter. The Spoonful are making an effort to become an uncharacteristic 3-Ballin' team, since they have serious weaknesses in DREB and BLK. All in all, these two are pretty similar players, but it looks to us that Quinn is the better pick in the short term.

T-Ariza heads to the Spoonful

Spoonful drops Landry for Ariza

Carl Landry is a hard working PF type in his second year out of Purdue. He racks up rebounds and other defensive stats, and gets garbage-type high PCT shots. However, he's a bit blocked behind Scola in HOU, and perhaps crowded further by Battier/Artest/Chuck Hayes. He will have value in case of an injury to Yao, but until then, he's a poor and inconsistent man's Paul Millsap.

Trevor Ariza has been discussed; his situation is not much changed (i.e., minutes questions remain), but he is quite talented.

Judgment: The Spoonful is hoping to trade some rebounds (already in short supply) for a more rounded contribution, and hopes that T-Ariz's upside lands him more minutes in the long run. They will need to add rebounding in some form (and Hakim Warrick ain't cuttin' it).

Hakim's Wild Weekend

Spoonful drop Dudley, pick up Warrick

I have nothing to say - the whole Warrick/Batum Batum/Dudley Dudley/Warrick thing was an embarrassment to us all. My apologies.

The Batum Hangover

Spoonful drops Batum for Jared Dudley

We've covered Batum previously -- he may have some spectacular games, but he's raw and buried on a deep team.

On the other hand, Jared 'Subway' Dudley is only behind Sean 'Fat' May, and is apparently starting today since May is (surprise) hurt. Larry Brown has already called out Fat on his conditioning, and Dudley was a fine rebounder when given the opportunity last year.

Judgment: Certainly this team needs rebounds, and Batum might have been picked up while management was slightly inebriated.

Note: I won't be able to post again until Sunday night - hope y'all hold down the fort!

If you can't Joinum...

Spoonful drop Warrick, pick up Batum

Hakim Warrick can score, but he is soft and doesn't play defense. This has not endeared him to coaches, and it seems he's presently buried behind Darrell Arthur, Marc Gasol, and perhaps Darko. He'll be rosterable at some point this year, but right now he's not getting it done.

Nicolas Batum is only 19, very raw, and, while he's quite athletic, he's on a deep Portland team, and will not be a consistent performer. However, he looks amazing tonight, plays with high energy, and should get 15-20 minutes while Oden is out, and do some stealing and blocking.in that time. It may be that Bayless is the Blazer rookie on the outside looking in.

Judgment: Worth a flyer, though this doesn't address any team needs (except bodies on the floor). Rumor is that the team is being renamed 'The Lovin' Sixthmen'. Warrick was needed for his rebounding, in particular, but he's not doing it. Millsap may end up on the Spoonful soon enough...

Sefo-'loser'

Spoonful drops sefolosha, picks up Brooks

Again, Thabo has been discussed recently.

Aaron Brooks is in his 2nd year out of Oregon; he's only 6'0, but is very fast, and can score. He was out with an ankle injury, but scored 14 last night. It's unclear what to expect from him, if anything, as he shot often and terribly from 3pt territory. He may, however, get playing time if Rafer continues to stink it up.

Judgment: The Spoonful is a touch desperate for PT, and is worried about the PG position, having lost Tony Parker to trade, and Marbury and Quinn to drops.Will Boobie Gibson be the next Spoonful pickup?

Good Riddance! Starbury set free.

Spoonful drops Stephon Marbury for Roger Mason Jr.

Another veteran cut loose! In our (12-team) 2005 draft, Marbury was a 2nd round pick, and Hughes a 3rd rounder.

Stephon Marbury, once a consistent 20 PT/8 AST man has been in decline for some time. His %s and his per minute PT/AST/STL numbers have faltered so that last year, even in 33 minutes per game, he only averaged 14/4.7 - not terrible, but it looks as if even that level of production is not in the cards this year. His attitude has never endeared him to coaches, and new Knicks coach D'Antoni has, for now, elected not to play him at all, so he'll be riding the pine with Eddy Curry. I assume Marbury has some stupid giant contract that makes him untradeable, but I'm not sure. Perhaps he'll find a new place, or injuries will give him a new opportunity in New York. Until then, he shall be a Spoonful no more!

Roger Mason Jr., is in his 6th year out of Virginia, and moved from the Wizards to the Spurs in the offseason. He's mostly a 3 point specialist, but contributes a tiny bit elsewhere. He really got his first chance to shine last year in Gilbert Arenas's absence. Coach Pop loves him, and, especially while Manu is out, he may see a fair bit of time at SG (sliding Finley over to SF). I think, during that period, he'll see 25 minutes, and get 10 pts with 2 3s per game.

Judgment: The Spoonful is not hesitating to cut bait this year - so watch out Hakim Warrick! Mason has a bit of upside, and will help shore up the team's woeful 3pt shooting. That said, he doesn't do a lot else, and may be quite limited when Manu returns. On the other hand, giving up a big fat zero in Starbury doesn't hurt much.