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 January 26 - February 1

BULLISH

Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 29.5 PPG; 44.1 FG%; 76.2 FT%

To all the head coaches in the Western Conference that did not choose Anthony as an All-Star reserve, I agree with you.  That one punch and immediate backpedal against the New York Knicks was enough to sully all the hard work Melo had put forth in cleaning his rep beforehand.  But, this is fantasy and whether you love him or hate him in real life, it doesn’t matter here.  What also doesn’t matter is that Allen Iverson is now on the same team as Anthony because Melo is still getting his looks and scoring near his seasonal average since coming back from serving his suspension – 30 ppg in six games.  In fantasy, you shouldn’t snub Melo, even with the Answer in Denver.

Other Blue-Chippers for the Week
Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 G; 35.3 PPG
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 32.5 PPG
Joe Johnson, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: 4 G; 30.5 PPG

Keep An Eye On
Gerald Wallace, SG/SF/PF, Charlotte Bobcats: 4 G; 26.0 PPG
Al Harrington, SF/PF/C, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 20.7 PPG
Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs: 4 G; 20.0 PPG

BEARISH

Stephen Jackson, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 13.3 PPG; 55.6 FG%; 75.0 FT%

After a less than innocent stay with the Pacers, Jackson needed a change of scenery, which he got when he was shipped out West to the Warriors.  He had an impressive debut with his new team, sinking five triples on his way to finishing with 29 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but has been inconsistent since.  In his next five games, Jackson scored 13, 7, 17, 6, and 17 points respectively.  Talk about yo-yoing.  Consider that Jason Richardson will be coming back soon, it’s going to throw a wrench into the rotation and the up and down performance of Jackson could continue.  Or it could become consistent.  Consistently bad.  If you can move Jackson, I’d do so now while the iron is lukewarm.

Other Duds for the Week
Tayshaun Prince, SF, Detroit Pistons: 4 G; 12.3 PPG
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 G; 8.0 PPG
Wally Szczerbiak, SG/SF, Boston Celtics: 3 G; 7.3 PPG

Buyer Beware
Jamal Crawford, SG, New York Knicks: 4 G; 30.8 PPG
Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls: 2 G; 25.5 PPG
Austin Croshere, PF, Dallas Mavericks: 2 G; 17.0 PPG

BULLISH

Jose Calderon, PG, Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 9.7 APG; 3.0 TO

Calderon has been benefiting from T.J. Ford’s sore right knee, by getting five starts in a row and contributing 16.2 points and 9.6 dimes in that time, which are better than what Ford has been doing for the season – 14.9 and 7.6.  Is there going to be a point guard controversy up in the T-Dot?  I don’t think so.  In Calderon’s last start, Ford came off the bench, but only because he told Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell to start Calderon so that T.J. can work his way back onto the hardwood at his own pace.  Doesn’t sound like a player worried about his starting spot.  So, see if Calderon still has any value, maybe even to the Ford owner in your league.  Play up Ford’s injury history and see if he bites.  In deep leagues, hold on to Calderon.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns: 4 G; 15.0 APG
Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 10.0 APG
Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz: 4 G; 8.0 APG

Keep An Eye On
Delonte West, PG/SG, Boston Celtics: 4 G; 6.5 APG
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers: 4 G; 5.5
Lamar Odom, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 5.0 APG

BEARISH

Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 1 G; 2.0 APG; 0.0 TO

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.  Paul was coming off an ankle injury and missed a month of ball.  I just wanted to note that Paul came back, okay?  He played 29 minutes and only dished out two dimes, which was surprisingly low to me, but whatever.  We all know how good CP3 is and when healthy he is one of the better point guards on the planet, not only in the NBA, but the planet!  So, if you held on to Paul and suffered during his absence, take comfort in knowing CP3 is back!

Other Duds For The Week
Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets: 3 G; 5.3 APG
Luke Ridnour, PG, Seattle Supersonics: 4 G; 2.3 APG
Shaun Livingston, PG, Los Angeles Clippers: 3 G; 3.0 APG

Buyer Beware
Brad Miller, C, Sacramento Kings: 4 G; 7.0 APG
Joe Johnson, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: 4 G; 6.0 APG
Ben Gordon, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls: 2 G; 5.5 APG

BULLISH

Tyson Chandler, C, New Orleans Hornets
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 14.5 RPG

Chandler has been a beast on the boards, his hands around the glass like an optometrist and just hauling in rebounds like he was a fat kid grabbing candy.  He’s also been rejecting shots in the block to the tune of 4.3 get that junk out of here’s per contest in the past week.  Currently Chandler is sixth in the league in rebounds per game and is providing the Hornets what he was paid for during the offseason.  Don’t expect much to change with Chandler – boards, blocks, and bricks.  And by bricks I’m talking about his 50.9% “accuracy” from the charity stripe this season.  But, if you need boards and/or blocks and can stomach rim clangs, trade for Chandler, a mid-level type player because of his aforementioned free-throw deficiency and low point totals.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Ben Wallace, C, Chicago Bulls: 1 G; 15.0 RPG
Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs: 4 G; 14.3 RPG
Emeka Okafor, PF/C, Charlotte Bobcats: 4 G; 13.8 RPG

Keep An Eye On
Paul Milsap, SF/PF, Utah Jazz: 4 G; 10.8 RPG
Troy Murphy, PF/C, Indiana Pacers: 3 G; 10.7 RPG
Andrew Bynum, C, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 9.3 RPG

BEARISH

Dwight Howard, PF/C, Orlando Magic
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 6.0 RPG

Howard is currently the third-leading rebounder in the league and only 0.3 boards per contest away from the leader, Kevin Garnett.  Well, if he hopes to catch up and take over KG, Howard needs to do better than average a mere six boards a night in the past week - which is less than 50% of what he’s averaging for the season (12.1 rpg)!  Eh, every player is deserving of an off-week on the court, especially ones that will make their first-ever All-Star game appearance.  This should be the first of many for Howard and you shouldn’t sweat anything here.

Other Duds For The Week
Andris Biedrins, PF/C, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 6.7 RPG
Udonis Haslem, PF, Miami Heat: 4 G; 5.8 RPG
Mark Blount, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 G; 4.5 RPG

Buyer Beware
Luol Deng, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls: 2 G; 11.5 RPG
Antonio McDyess, PF, Detroit Pistons: 4 G; 8.8 RPG
Vladimir Radmanovic, PF, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 G; 7.3 RPG

BULLISH

Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 4.0 3PTM

I’m not sure why, but it seems that Kidd is growing very fond of shooting from beyond the arc.  In November, Kidd attempted 3.2 treys, hitting 0.9 of them and in December it was 3.8 attempts and 1.3 makes.  However, in January, Kidd went off and got all cowboy on us basically firing a six shooter, attempting 5.5 triples and making 2.6 of them.  Relatively speaking, Clint Eastwood would be proud.  The weird part – Kidd, not exactly known for his percentages from the floor had his best percentages – 48.0 FG% and 47.0 3PT% - for a month this season.  Could it be he’s relieved he’ll be set free from Joumana soon?  Well, whatever the reason may be, make sure YOU don’t set him free if you’re lucky enough to have this Kidd.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Mike Miller, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies: 4 G; 5.0 3PTM
Raja Bell, SG, Phoenix Suns: 4 G; 3.8 3PTM
Jamal Crawford, SG, New York Knicks: 4 G; 3.3 3PTM

Keep An Eye On
Luther Head, PG/SG, Houston Rockets: 3 G; 3.0 3PTM
Daniel Gibson, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 G; 2.8 3PTM
Matt Carroll, SG/SF, Charlotte Bobcats: 4 G; 2.0 3PTM

BEARISH

Raymond Felton, PG/SG, Charlotte Bobcats
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 0.5 3PTM

Felton only made two of 13 three-point attempts this past week, but he still remains one of the better lead guards to own thanks to everything else he brings to the table – points, assists, and steals.  But despite having a rough last week in January, the month was actually his best in triples – 1.5 makes per contest.  With Brevin Knight coming back this weekend, reportedly, Felton may be able to ease up and spot up a bit more in transition to help him get his three-point stroke back to the way it was earlier in January.

Buyer Beware
Anthony Parker, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors: 3 G; 4.0 3PTM
Austin Croshere, PF, Dallas Mavericks: 2 G; 3.5 3PTM
Eddie Jones, SG/SF, Miami Heat: 2 G; 3.0 3PTM

BULLISH

Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 2.3 SPG

Plain and simple, Shawn Marion does not get enough publicity!  Sure he gets love, for the most part, from us fantasy basketball heads, but I’ve seen it enough times where Marion gets passed over for a sexier name in fantasy drafts.  I’d pick him first every single time, but I’ve been a long-time Matrix fan.  His selection to the All-Star team shows that the coaches recognize Marion’s skills and I want to give him more shine.  You’re the man, Shawn!!!  Okay, nuff said.  That’s it.  I have nothing else to add.  Recognize.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Kevin Garnett, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 G; 3.8 SPG
Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls: 2 G; 2.5 SPG
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 2.3 SPG

Keep An Eye On
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, Indiana Pacers: 3 G; 2.3 SPG
Smush Parker, PG, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 2.3 SPG
Larry Hughes, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 G; 2.0 SPG

BEARISH

Andrei Kirilenko, SF/PF, Utah Jazz
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 0.3 SPG

Sigh.  How many times can fantasy owners hang their heads and think, “What happened?” when Kirilenko and his depressing season comes up.  AK-47 has been extremely frustrating because he’s not contributing the way we all thought/hoped before the season.  Kirilenko is just straight up shooting blanks, so I suggest trying to trade for him now!  Even with Carlos Boozer suffering a leg injury, which will sideline him for about month to six weeks, everyone is talking about picking up Paul Milsap and that’s justifiable.  However, I think AK-47 will take advantage of Boozer and his absence in the low-post could open things up for Kirilenko.  Considering how consistently low his value has been for the whole season, now’s a great time to take a chance on AK-47 starting to shoot nets down and balls back in offensive player’s faces.

Buyer Beware
Sean May, PF, Charlotte Bobcats: 1 G; 3.0 SPG
Mikki Moore, PF/C, New Jersey Nets: 3 G; 2.3 SPG
Michael Doleac, C, Miami Heat: 3 G; 2.0 SPG

BULLISH

Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 5.5 BPG

Monster!  Duncan was not a nice guy this past week as he owned the paint and blocked almost everything in sight.  His big game came against the Memphis Grizzlies when he blocked nine shots, but was consistent with subsequent games of 3, 5, and 5 block production.  Now all TD needs to do is add some sort of scowl after a devastating rejection.  A finger wag, maybe?  How about going nose to nose and staring at the player he just rejected?  Okay, not Duncan’s style.  Some people are just satisfied with winning.  And if you have TD, you can too.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Pau Gasol, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies: 3 G; 5.3 BPG
Tyson Chandler, C, New Orleans Hornets: 4 G; 4.3 BPG
Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets: 4 G; 3.5 BPG

Keep An Eye On
Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers: 3 G; 2.7 BPG
Shaquille O’Neal, C, Miami Heat: 2 G; 2.5 BPG
Darko Milicic, PF/C, Orlando Magic: 3 G; 2.0 BPG

BEARISH

Al Jefferson, PF/C, Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 0.5 BPG

The youngster had an off-week in regards to blocks.  Point production was consistent.  Rebound contribution in particular remained strong.  The kid’s having a breakout year and perhaps the distraction of trade rumors as being a part of a package to bring Pau Gasol to Beantown is getting to him a bit.  Either way, if you have Jefferson it’s a no-brainer to hold on to him, even if he is traded to Memphis.  Look for his play to settle down after the trading deadline has come and passed.

Buyer Beware
Kelvin Cato, C, New York Knicks: 1 G; 2.0 BPG
Chris Webber, PF/C, Detroit Pistons: 4 G; 2.0 BPG
Rawle Marshall, SG/SF, Indiana Pacers: 2 G; 1.5 BPG

I’ll be here every week during the regular season, trying to become the Gordon Gekko of fantasy basketball.  Be my Bud Fox.

If you want to see the Sports Illustrated version of this for some reason, you can click here.

And a hearty congratulations to regular reader and poster, Four Twenty, in welcoming Two Ten.  Congrats, buddy.