Lights Out!

Since Mr. Flambo seems to think that reviewing one’s draft on a fantasy basketball blog is narcissistic and self-congratulatory, I thought I would apply my basketball acumen on some analysis of the competition. As a background note, Mr. Blount has been a bottom feeder in this league quite often, and as I’m sure EJ will point out sooner or later, holds the record of futility which he set last year with a 30-something percent win rate.

In his first year in the league, his team name was Simply the Best. This moniker has never been seen since.

But since each new season brings new hopes, let’s take a look at the Blount-man’s team this year and evaluate his chances.

Round 1, Pick 7: Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk gets bashed a lot, but he’s a great player. His 3’s were down a bit last year, but he produces in all categories you’d expect from a PF, with 3’s and a high FT% to top it off.

Round 2, Pick 14: Caron Butler
Had a great season last year. Looks to start the season again without Gilbert Arenas. I like Caron a lot, but was unwilling to take him this high because he had such a great year last year. At this pick, he’s priced to perfection, and anything less than a repeat performance of last year will be a letdown.

Round 3, Pick 27: Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo’s a great player who contributes across the board. Not much to say here, but at this stage in the draft, the Dark Knight is loaded at the F positions.

Round 4, Pick 34: Brandon Roy
I like Brandon Roy a lot as a player. But in fantasy, he doesn’t particularly stand out. He doesn’t get a lot of 3’s, doesn’t shoot particularly high percentages, and gets about a steal a game. Five ASTS a game is good, but not great for a PG starter.

Round 5, Pick 47: Michael Redd
Another scorer, so Dark Knight is looking good in the PTS category with this pick. Also gets a lot of 3’s and another strong FT% player.

Round 6, Pick 54: Tyson Chandler
I’m not a big fan of this pick, but a double-double PTS/REBS is ok. With Dark Knight’s strong FT% from the earlier rounds, might be able to absorb Chandler’s terrible free throw shooting. Won’t be getting a lot of blocks from his first C, though.

Round 7, Pick 67: Samuel Dalembert
Another C. Dalembert played well last season and is a great source for blocks. Good FG%, another low double-double guy. Remains to be seen if playing with Elton Brand helps or hurts Dalembert.

Round 8, Pick 74: T.J. Ford
Another PG. Has decent upside as the man in Indiana. Great pick at 74 if he can get 7+ ASTS a game, which is very probable. Good value for round 8.

Round 9, Pick 87: Rajon Rondo
Probably a feeling here of needing to firm up his G-spots. I don’t blame him. With no G providing standout numbers in a given category, the Dark Knight will need all his players to produce. Rondo played will last year, but he’s another terrible free throw shooter, and a guard who doesn’t get 3’s.

Round 10, Pick 94: Al Thornton
This guy’s a gunner. Should improve as he gains more experience. But another average to middling guy who doesn’t really excel anywhere. Could see his number boosted by the departure of Elton Brand.

Round 11, Pick 107: Monta Ellis
I like Monta a lot, but his 30 game suspension (co-inciding with his moped injury), keeps him out of effectively 50% of the fantasy regular season. I feel this is a wasted pick, as this roster spot won’t produce until after the New Year. He’s great when he plays, but could be picked up off of waivers in the future. But the Blount-man has shown he likes drafting injured guys and hoping they dig him out his inevitable early season hole.

Round 12, Pick 114: Chris Wilcox
Another C (actually PF/C). Probably feeling the need to shore up this position, and not much left on the board.

Round 13, Pick 127: Luis Scola
Yet another PF/C, bringing the total to 4. I like Luis, though. Probably some upside here. If not, an easy drop.

My overall evaluation of this team is that it is very average. Collectively, there aren’t a lot of standouts in any category to ensure Ws week to week. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!