All-Star Thoughts & Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 16

For the past few years, All-Star Saturday Night has been a success. There was Josh Smith over Kenyon Martin in a Dominque jersey. Nate Robinson with Spud Webb and his Krypto-Nate garb. Gerald Green with his cupcake. Dwight Howard with the sticker, Superman cape and Phone Booth.

Now, we all know that the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night is the Slam Dunk Contest. This year, that gem was pretty much a bust, pwet ng baso. Yes, Derozan and Robinson did come up with good dunks (off the side of the backboard-windmill to the reverse side and off the backboard-reverse double-pump, respectively), but the overall lack of competitiveness and creativity in the field took away all the excitement the other events generated.

Simply put, the Slam Dunk Competition needs people who can bring in the hype and even if they fail, at least the "upset" tag can be used for the result. LeBron, You've been the best basketball player (Real and Fantasy) this year, but I am blaming you.


The Director
Louis Williams (PHI) - 1.5 3FGM, 21.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG [2]

The Skywalker
Stephen Curry (GSW) - 7.0 3FGM, 36.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 13.0 APG, 3.0 SPG [1]

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 1.5 3FGM, 32.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 12.0 APG, 1.5 SPG [9]

Captain Lionheart
Lamarcus Aldridge (POR) - 18.5 PP, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG [1]

Tower of Power
Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 19.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.5 BPG [2]

Fantasy NBA: Players of the Week 4

I got my first convincing win (7-2). My two other leagues are pretty competitive, as I sported 4-5 and 5-3-1 records. As with all leagues, the manager who is able to take advantage of injuries and suspensions with timely pick-ups and drops will succeed more often than not. Normally, that's the case... For my league though, it was a messed up pick that somehow made it's way into the starting 5...

The Director
Louis Williams (PHI) - .929 FT%, 2.3 3PM, 24.0 PPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG

Williams surprises this week with a signifcant bump up in scoring and steals. With the their shortage of big men due to Speights' injury, the Sixers are playing a fast pace with their already energized offense.

The Skywalker
Kobe Bryant (LAL) - .941 FT%, 29.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 6.7 APG

The return of Pau Gasol was actually beneficial for Kobe. Not that his numbers increased, but that the Lakers not leaning on him allowed him to play through the groin injury. Also, with the number of free throws he shoots, 94% will already carry you through the week. His 0.3 3's are a downer though.

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 1.8 3FM, 34.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 9.3 APG

Delonte West has now been put into the doghouse, and seemingly will no longer get consistent minutes. Thus, LeBron has had to take on more playmaking duties, thus the increase in assists. However, the turnovers are also getting higher.

Captain Lionheart
Elton Brand (PHI) - 19.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.7 SPG, 3.7 BPG

Speights, please do not come back! In one of my leagues, where yahoo disconnected me from the draft and I ended up with Elton Brand from the big board. I dear hope that Speights does not come back if Brand keeps on pace like his injury-free Clippers self.

Tower of Power
Brook Lopez (NJN) - 18.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 4.0 BPG

There have been only 3 good points for the Nets this year - Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts and that they were able to ditch VC's contract. Sideshow Bob's twin brother is bringing it consistently and they're hoping he, Harris and Jay-Z could lure LeBron to Brooklyn.