Stat’s All Folks will be a week-to-week stock market look at the standard cumulative categories – points, assists, rebounds, three-pointers made, steals, and blocks.  I’ll be calling out the “bulls” and “bears” in each category, in order to help you assess your portfolio of players on your fantasy basketball team(s) and whether you should sell, hold, and/or diversify your assets. 

Note that you won’t always see the superstar player written about in this column, otherwise it would be LeBron James or Steve Nash every week.  So, check out who’s bullish and who’s bearish coming into the week.

Statistics are from February 1 - February 8

BULLISH

Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 30.7 PPG; 51.8 FG%; 87.2 FT%

Next weekend Bosh will be going to the All-Star game for the first time in his career as a starter (Thanks, Mark!).  And looking at the trends for this season and his career, it won’t be the only time.  In the past week, CB4 has flexed his scoring muscle like he owned Hulk Hogan’s 24-inch pythons!  Check the scoring average trend for each month: November – 20.5 in 15 games; December – 20.5 in four games; January – 25.4 in 15 games; and 30.7 in three games thus far this month.  In his last game, Bosh scored a career-high 41 points in a Young Beasts Down In The Box matchup against the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard.  CB4 even showed some clutch game by scoring 31 of those 41 points in the second half to lead the Raptors to victory.  And if you have Bosh on your fantasy team, he’ll do the same for you.  Brother!!!

Other Blue-Chippers for the Week
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 3 G; 32.5 PPG
Amare Stoudemire, PF/C, Phoenix Suns: 3 G; 31.0 PPG
Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics: 3 G; 30.3 PPG

Keep An Eye On
Eddy Curry, C, New York Knicks: 2 G; 25.0 PPG
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers: 3 G; 25.0 PPG
Mehmet Okur, PF/C, Utah Jazz: 2 G; 24.5 PPG

BEARISH

Richard Hamilton, SG, Detroit Pistons
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 13.5 PPG; 46.3 FG%; 76.2 FT%

After scoring 20+ points in 12 of 15 games in the month of January, Hamilton has not broken the 20-point plateau in four games thus far in February, scoring 8.4 points less than his seasonal average.  It’s fair to question Rip’s ability to put the ball in the basket, especially if you are expecting him to hang 20 on the regular.  However, just consider it a lull that will turn back into a storm of jumpers just raining from all over the floor.  Rip has been getting the playing time and passing off more (6.3 assists per contest), but his main role is to score.  And if you play it off right by noting the negatives that I have, you may score the services of Hamilton in time for the storm.  Get the galoshes ready.

Other Duds for the Week
Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns: 4 G; 11.8 PPG
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 G; 9.5 PPG
Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets: 4 G; 9.0 PPG

Buyer Beware
Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs: 2 G; 25.0 PPG
Nene Hilario, PF/C, Denver Nuggets: 4 G; 19.5 PPG
Jason Kapono, SG/SF, Miami Heat: 4 G; 18.3 PPG

BULLISH

Rajon Rondo, PG/SG, Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 8.0 APG; 2.3 TO

Yes, yes, yes, at this point the Celtics are headed to having the most ping pong balls by the time the NBA Draft Lottery is held, but right now, their first-rounder from last year (acquired from the Phoenix Suns) Rajon Rondo is earning his burn!  Rondo was recently promoted to being a starter in the backcourt with Delonte West and he’s been doing a pretty good job scoring 13 points, grabbing 5.3 boards, and impressively dropping eight dimes and ripping 2.3 rocks per contest.  Yes, it’s a small sample size, but Rondo is showing the skills he put on display at the University of Kentucky.  If he’s on the waiver wire, pick him up immediately because I think he’ll continue to start for the rest of the season, even when Paul Pierce comes back from his injury.  Rondo is just rolling real well.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz: 2 G; 11.5 APG
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 9.3 APG
T.J. Ford, PG, Toronto Raptors: 3 G; 9.3 APG

Keep An Eye On
Steve Blake, PG, Denver Nuggets: 4 G; 9.3 APG
Earl Watson, PG, Seattle Supersonics: 3 G; 9.0 APG
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, 4 G; 8.3 APG

BEARISH

Shaun Livingston, PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 2.5 APG; 2.3 TO
. With Sam Cassell back in the starting lineup, Livingston is now coming off the bench and getting less minutes.  Many want Peoria’s Finest to continue to start and I have to admit I’m in that camp, but he’s still young and has time.  Unfortunately, fantasy basketball owners don’t have that time.  Livingston has been scoring, however, going for 19 points in his last game, but that’s not the primary category you’re looking for from Livingston.  Naturally, take it, but with being demoted and not getting a steady amount of minutes you have some things to consider.  At this point, I’d suggest holding to Livingston if you have him because Cassell’s heel problem can flare up again at any point in the season and Livingston’s upside is very high.  If you don’t have Livingston, no need to sweat trying to acquire him or picking him up unless you’re in a deep league.

Other Duds For The Week
Luke Ridnour, PG, Seattle Supersonics: 3 G; 3.0 APG
Antonio Daniels, PG, Washington Wizards: 3 G; 2.0 APG
Monta Ellis, PG, Golden State Warriors: 4 G; 2.0 APG

Buyer Beware
Damon Stoudemire, PG, Memphis Grizzlies: 7.0 APG
Richard Hamilton, SG, Detroit Pistons: 4 G; 6.3 APG
Ron Artest, SF, Sacramento Kings: 3 G; 5.7 APG

BULLISH

Amare Stoudemire, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 13.8 RPG

After such a disappointing season last year, if you can call three games a season, Stoudemire is having a stellar one this time around.  He is once again owning the block, scoring in all types of ways, rocking rims, flushing the pill, and grabbing boards to a big-time degree, for example his 23 rebound performance against the San Antonio Spurs last week.  And for all of you Shawn Marion owners, don’t worry, Amare’s Mr. Clean-like performance is not affecting the Matrix’s numbers as he’s rebounded 10.5 balls in the same span.  But, it’s obvious that Stoudemire is back and he’s a monster!

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Tyson Chandler, C, New Orleans Hornets: 4 G; 14.8 RPG
Lamar Odom, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 G; 13.7 RPG
Kevin Garnett, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 G; 13.0 RPG

Keep An Eye On
Samuel Dalembert, C, Philadelphia 76ers: 3 G; 12.0 RPG
Udonis Haslem, PF, Miami Heat: 4 G; 9.5 RPG
Andrew Bynum, C, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 8.7 RPG

BEARISH

Shaquille O’Neal, C, Miami Heat
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 4.5 RPG

In four games this month, O’Neal has been scoring 16.8 points per game, but isn’t rebounding much, at least for someone that big and able to set his position almost at will as Shaq can.  BUT, consider that the Diesel is only averaging about 23 minutes per game and your worries about his rebounding should disappear.  So, while I’m putting him in this “bearish” category, it’s more to make you aware that soon enough, Shaq will be putting on those bullhorns soon enough.  He just needs a little more time to work himself into shape.  So, if you’re a risk-taker, the Daddy’s value is at its lowest since he just came back from injury.  And just like the scoring, the boarding numbers will be impressive again.

Other Duds For The Week
Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers: 4 G; 6.0 RPG
Chris Wilcox, PF/C, Seattle Supersonics: 3 G; 5.7 RPG
David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets: 4 G; 5.3 RPG

Buyer Beware
Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, New York Knicks: 2 G; 9.5 RPG
Luol Deng, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls: 3 G; 9.3 RPG
Andray Blatche, SF/PF, Washington Wizards: 3 G; 8.0 RPG

BULLISH

Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 2 G; 3.5 3PTM

Two games is a small sample size, so let’s take a look at this by season.  In his fifth year in the league, Ginobili is taking the most three-point attempts (4.2) in his career, as well as triples-made (1.7), and shooting his best percentage (40.4%).  Also considering that he has a guy named Tim Duncan down in the post to draw off defenders, as well as a super-quick lucky guy, Mr. Eva Longoria, err, Tony Parker who penetrates with the best of them in the league and dishes to an open Manu, Ginobili is looking good to finish the season with his best numbers shooting from beyond the arc.  If you need treys, seriously consider Manu.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Mike Miller, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies: 3 G; 3.7 3PTM
Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics: 3 G; 3.0 3PTM
Kevin Martin, SG, Sacramento Kings: 2 G; 3.0 3PTM

Keep An Eye On
Tim Thomas, SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers: 4 G; 3.3 3PTM
Luther Head, PG/SG, Houston Rockets: 3 G; 2.7 3PTM
Wally Szczerbiak, SG/SF, Boston Celtics: 3 G; 2.7 3PTM

BEARISH

Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 2 G; 0.5 3PTM

Oh boy, here we go again.  Davis is injured with a bruised left knee and has missed the Warriors last two games.  But, in the two games he did play last week, Boom Dizzle only hit one three-pointer in eight attempts from downtown.  And when Davis gets back, he’ll be one of many perimeter shooters amongst Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, and the recently returned, Jason Richardson.  The Warriors need a pass-first lead guard, which is something that the Baron is perfectly capable of doing.  However, the question is, will he pass up a shot for a dime?  And, even if he doesn’t, does anyone like a 27.8 3PT% from a player?  Me neither.

Buyer Beware
Morris Peterson, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors: 3 G; 3.3 3PTM
Jason Kapono, SG/SF, Miami Heat: 4 G; 3.3 3PTM
Michael Finley, SG/SF, San Antonio Spurs: 2 G; 2.0 3PTM

BULLISH

Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 5 G; 3.2 SPG

The player known as CP3 is back!  After missing a month, Paul is seemingly back to normal – scoring, accumulating assists, and most of all, ripping rocks.  Last season, Paul led the NBA in total steals (175) as a rookie.  So, expectations wouldn’t be crazy for him to once again be one of the premiere thieves in the league.  Well, it’s happening.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Ron Artest, SF, Sacramento Kings: 2 G; 4.5 SPG
Caron Butler, SF, Washington Wizards: 3 G; 3.3 SPG
Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 G; 3.3 SPG

Keep An Eye On
Ruben Patterson, SF, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 2.7 SPG
Rajon Rando, PG/SG, Boston Celtics: 3 G; 2.3 SPG
Mo Williams, PG, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 2.3 SPG

BEARISH

Quinton Ross, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 0.3 SPG

Ross has once again been starting consistently, mostly due to his defensive ability.  However, he’s not staying on the floor, averaging only 13.8 minutes on the hardwood last week, which neutralizes the best fantasy aspect of Ross – steals.  As a starter this season, Ross averages 1.2 steals per game in only 26 minutes of play.  So, what to do about Ross?  You can hold on to him in the hopes that Corey Maggette gets traded in the next two weeks before the trade deadline and another swingman doesn’t come back to the Clip Joint.  However, for my money, I’d drop Ross right now if I don’t have a bench spot for him to stash him in (and I don’t).  You should have zero problems in dropping one-dimensional players like Ross.

Buyer Beware
Smush Parker, PG, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 G; 4.3 SPG
Derek Fisher, PG, Utah Jazz: 2 G; 2.5 SPG
Travis Outlaw, SF/PF, Portland Trailblazers: 2 G; 2.0 SPG

BULLISH

Pau Gasol, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 4.0 BPG

Gasol is playing the defensive lane like he’s angry.  What could he possibly be angry about, besides the fact that his team stinks, the organization’s goals for the season don’t match his, and Mike Miller looks funny in that headband.  Well, at least Gasol is taking out his rage productively on his opponents.  If you think last week’s production in rejections is good, last week’s five blocks per contest average in three games was even better.  Pau is just getting his hands on everything!  Just not the “Get Out of Jail” card.  But, as a fantasy owner of Gasol, you have to be liking the fact that he is the Grizzlies main man on both offense and defense.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets: 2 G; 6.0 BPG
Samuel Dalembert, C, Philadelphia 76ers: 3 G; 4.0 BPG
Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers: 3 G; 3.3 BPG

Keep An Eye On
Andrei Kirilenko, SF/PF, Utah Jazz: 2 G; 3.0 BPG
Adonal Foyle, C, Golden State Warriors: 2 G; 2.5 BPG
Dikembe Mutombo, C, Houston Rockets:3 G; 2.0 BPG

BEARISH

Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 0.3 BPG

This week, I end this edition with the player I began it with, Mr. Bosh.  We all love the scoring and rebounding, the great percentages from the floor, but what’s up with his lack of rejections?  For someone 6 feet 10 inches tall with his arm length, you would think that Bosh could block a bit more shots.  Maybe it’s an unfair statement since he does average 1.3 blocks for his career, but I guess I’m just waiting for that 2.2 rejection average he had his freshman and only year at Georgia Tech.  Man, us fantasy players are a greedy bunch, aren’t we?  C’mon, I know I’m not the only one!

Buyer Beware
Francisco Elson, C, San Antonio Spurs: 2 G; 2.5 BPG
Brad Miller, C, Sacramento Kings: 2 G; 2.0 BPG
P.J. Brown, PF/C, Chicago Bulls: 3 G; 2.0 BPG

Next week, in honor of NBA All-Star weekend, I’ll give you my All-Stars for each category.  And I’ll do it from a coaches point of view, but not just handing the Stat’s All Folks All-Star berth by popularity!  Catch you all on the rebound.

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