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 12 - January 19th.

BULLISH

Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 34.5 PPG; 51.6 FG%; 87.5 FT%

How does Nowitzki come back from a poor 11-point performance against the less than impressive Portland Trailblazers?  Score a season-high 43 points the next game and continue to hang points on the opposition in the next three games, which Dirk did in the past week.  Not only has he been impressive shooting the ball, but rebounding it as well averaging 10.8 glass cleaning in the same period.  Nowitzki is going good right now in all facets of his game, which is helping his stroke.  Obviously, don’t ever worry about low-scoring performances from Dirk (did you know he had two games where he only scored six points!) because he isn’t an elite fantasy player for nothing and will definitely come back strong.

Other Blue-Chippers for the Week
Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics: 2 G; 38.0 PPG
Tracy McGrady, SG/SF, Houston Rockets: 3 G; 31.3 PPG
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 30.5 PPG

Keep An Eye On
Chauncey Billups, PG, Detroit Pistons: 1 G; 26.0 PPG
Eddy Curry, C, New York Knicks: 3 G; 23.0 PPG
Willie Green, SG, Philadelphia 76ers: 4 G; 21.3 PPG

BEARISH

Antawn Jamison, SF/PF, Washington Wizards
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 13.5 PPG; 38.9 FG%; 80.0 FT%

Jamison fell off last week, thanks to some bad shooting from the floor, as well as teammates Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler getting more looks at the basket.  No worries, however, as the Wizards have a three-headed offensive monster where any of the three aforementioned players can lead the team in scoring from game-to-game.  Of course it’s usually Agent Zero, but Jamison will get his chances, so hold tight and look for the scoring come back up in no time.

Other Duds for the Week
Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers: 3 G; 7.7 PPG
Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets: 2 G; 7.0 PPG
Ben Wallace, C, Chicago Bulls: 1 G; 3.0 PPG

Buyer Beware
Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, New York Knicks: 3 G; 19.7 PPG
Steve Blake, PG, Milwaukee Bucks: 2 G; 19.0 PPG
Kelenna Azubuike, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 16.7 PPG

BULLISH

Sam Cassell, PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 9.3 APG; 1.7 TO

He’s baaaaack.  Cassell hit the hardwood just as good as before succumbing to a heel injury and Shaun Livingston owners need to monitor this situation.  Sam I Am will take away minutes from Peoria’s Finest, but the injury Cassell suffers from is the dreaded plantar fasciitis, an injury that will linger and bother him the rest of the way.  So, days off here and there are almost guaranteed.  Because of this Livingston owners, hang on to the young phenom and Cassell owners, I’d try to trade him for someone a little steadier without the injury concern and a player that can easily cover for his loss.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns: 3 G; 12.3 APG
Earl Watson, PG, Seattle Supersonics: 2 G; 11.5 APG
Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 10.3 APG

Keep An Eye On
Jason Williams, PG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 7.8 APG
Jason Terry, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks: 4 G; 7.5 APG
Earl Boykins, PG, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 6.7 APG

BEARISH

Luke Ridnour, PG, Seattle Supersonics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 2 G; 1.0 APG; 1.0 TO

Obviously, getting benched is not suiting Ridnour well at all.  It’s sort of like Earl Watson playing the role of Uncle Owen not allowing Luke Skywalker to go into Toschi Station, but instead of power converters, Watson is saying no to getting playing time and subsequently, playing time.  For Ridnour to only get two assists in two games is in vast contrast to the true ability that Ridnour has to drop dimes.  Unless Luke can actually use the force and work a Jedi Mind trick on head coach Bob Hill, Ridnour’s value is way down. 

Other Duds For The Week
Jannero Pargo, PG, New Orleans Hornets: 2 G; 3.0 APG
Smush Parker, PG, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 2.8 APG
Mike James, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 G; 2.8 APG

Buyer Beware
Tracy McGrady, SG/SF, Houston Rockets: 3 G; 9.0 APG
Sergio Rodriguez, PG/ SG, Portland Trailblazers: 3 G; 8.3 APG
Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics: 2 G; 8.0 APG

BULLISH

Al Jefferson, PF/C, Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 15.0 RPG

Finally, finally, finally!  Jefferson, the young frontline stud we’ve all been waiting for to come out of that shell called potential is doing his thing consistently!  I’ve been holding off on really spotlighting Jefferson to see if he could keep up the production on the regular and he has been.  If you’re in a keeper league, feel free to trade for this youngster.  In seasonal leagues, if you can get Al, do it.  Sell that Jefferson has only been doing it well this season and inconsistency can fall back into Jefferson’s play, but you’re willing to take that chance.  I don’t see Jefferson falling off, so take that chance.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets: 2 G; 19.0 RPG
Andrew Bogut, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 14.3 RPG
Carlos Boozer, PF/C, Utah Jazz: 4 G; 13.0 RPG

Keep An Eye On
Samuel Dalembert, C, Philadelphia 76ers: 4 G; 9.8 RPG
Brendan Haywood, C, Washington Wizards: 4 G; 9.3 RPG
Chris Wilcox, PF/C, Seattle Supersonics: 2 G; 8.5 RPG

BEARISH

Drew Gooden, PF, Cavalier Cavaliers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 5.3 RPG

Coming out of college where Gooden starred for the University of Kansas, there were a lot of expectations for him.  For the most part, overall, he’s been more Drew Okayden.  Yet, one thing that Drew was/is always adept at was rebounding.  However, there is always the threat of sparkplug reserve, Anderson Varajao who averaged more rebounds per game than Gooden with a 8.7 board grabs average.  However, Gooden’s value should remain steady for the whole season, so if you have him, keep him.  If you don’t, don’t worry about it.

Other Duds For The Week
Brad Miller, C, Sacramento Kings: 4 G; 5.5 RPG
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, PF/C, Sacramento Kings: 4 G; 4.0 RPG
Zaza Pachulia, C, Atlanta Hawks: 2 G; 2.5 RPG

Buyer Beware
Matt Barnes, SF, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 9.3 RPG
Josh Childress, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks: 3 G; 9.3 RPG
Mike Dunleavy, SF, Indiana Pacers: 2 G; 9.0 RPG

BULLISH

Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 2 G; 5.0 3PTM

Naturally, the owner of the season record for three-point buckets made (269 last year) should always be considered a bullish commodity.  It’s as obvious as it rains a lot in Seattle.  However, with Rashard Lewis being out with a hand injury for about the next couple of months, Allen will be the only consistent perimeter threat and with the evolution of Nick Collison and Chris Wilcox down low, Allen should get his fair share of shots from beyond the arc.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Raja Bell, SG, Phoenix Suns: 3 G; 5.0 3PTM
Joe Johnson, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: 3 G; 3.7 3PTM
Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, New York Knicks: 3 G; 3.3 3PTM

Keep An Eye On
Jason Kapono, SG/SF, Miami Heat: 4 G; 2.8 3PTM
Matt Carroll, SG, Charlotte Bobcats: 4 G; 2.8 3PTM
Charlie Bell, PG/SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 2.7 3PTM

BEARISH

Adam Morrison, SF/PF, Charlotte Bobcats
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 0.3 3PTM

For the season, Morrison is averaging 1.1 triples made per contest.  However, he only made 1-for-11 three-pointers last week, effectively proving that there wasn’t much power in the ‘stache.  Inconsistency should be expected from most rookies, but the thing is that there was so much expectations for Morrison that he was supposed to be special.  He still could be, but he’s on a down cycle right now.  This is not a buy low opportunity as Morrison’s endurance should still be questioned since he’s a rook, but add the fact that he’s asthmatic, I’d stay away.

Buyer Beware
Steve Blake, PG, Denver Nuggets: 2 G; 4.0 3PTM
Kelenna Azubuike, SG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 2.7 3PTM
Gerald Green, SG/SF, Boston Celtics: 3 G; 2.7 3PTM

BULLISH

Brandon Roy, PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 3.0 SPG

A rookie that I’d be more than happy to acquire, however, is Roy.  Sure he missed a month of play earlier in the season, but that may work out to his advantage as he should be pretty well rested and not hit that rookie wall too early, if at all.  How good has Roy been?  Here are the game average numbers for the month of January (nine games): 15.2 points, 4.6 boards, 3.0 assists, 96.7 FT%, and 1.9 steals.  If you can deal for Roy, I wholeheartedly approve this move because I’ve watched him in collage at the University of Washington where he defended the one through four positions, as well as being able to slash to the basket almost at will.  It looks like Roy’s abilities are translating well to the NBA.  I think he’ll have some Rookie of the Year hardware to make room for on his mantle.

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat: 4 G; 3.5 SPG
Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns: 3 G; 3.3 SPG
Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G: 3.0

Keep An Eye On
Charlie Bell, PG/SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks: 3 G; 2.7 SPG
Rajon Rondo, PG/SG, Boston Celtics: 3 G; 2.7 SPG
Monta Ellis, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 2.3 SPG

BEARISH

Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 4 G; 0.5 SPG

Obviously Bryant has been focusing on more important things last week like scoring (28.3 points), dishing out assists (7.0) and shooting well from the floor (52.6 FG% and 91.7 FT%), but not anything defensive.  Bryant a career l.5 rock ripper per game did not get it done in this category last week.  However, the fact that Bryant is an excellent defender tells you that this was an anomaly of production and frankly, sometimes, being a shut down defender as KB24 is, you limit your chances to steal ball because you’re denying your man to even have the ball in his hands.  So, don’t worry about Bryant - unless you have to defend him or he’s defending you!

Buyer Beware
Adrian Griffin, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls: 2 G; 4.5 SPG
Devin Brown, SG, New Orleans Hornets: 2 G; 3.0 SPG
Chris Wilcox, PF/C, Seattle Supersonics: 2 G; 2.5 SPG

BULLISH

Josh Smith, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 4.3 BPG

Oh, Mr. Smith, you’ve been missed!  J-Smooth is back in the building and he’s blocking the heck out of any ball in his general defensive area and that’s the way we Smith owners like it!  Smith is this season’s version of vintage Andrei Kirilenko as he is averaging 2.7 blocks per game and 1.6 steals.  He’s upped his scoring average and hitting a little more threes.  But, a good chunk of his value is in blocks and he’s proving worthy.  Even if he has that other AK47 quality of missing chunks of time during the season because of injury. 

Other Blue-Chippers For The Week
Emeka Okafor, PF/C, Charlotte Bobcats: 4 G; 4.5 BPG
Alonzo Mourning, C, Miami Heat: 4 G; 3.8 BPG
Kevin Garnett, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 G; 3.5 BPG

Keep An Eye On
Samuel Dalembert, C, Philadelphia 76ers: 4 G; 2.8 BPG
Andrew Bynum, C, Los Angeles Lakers: 4 G; 2.0 BPG
Andris Biedrins, PF/C, Golden State Warriors: 3 G; 1.7 BPG

BEARISH

Kendrick Perkins, PF/C, Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Numbers of Note: 3 G; 0.3 BPG

Along with Al Jefferson, Perkins is one of the future bright spots for the Celtics.  But, that future did not show up last week as across the board, Perkins’ production was missing.  Especially in the blocks category where he should be contributing a significant amount for fantasy teams.  However, thanks in part to Jefferson’s development, rookie Rajon Rondo getting a very good amount of playing time off the pine, and Michael Olowokandi’s presence, it seems that Perkins is bright future is getting a little bit dimmer.

Buyer Beware
Tyrus Thomas, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls: 3 G; 3.3 BPG
P.J. Brown, PF/C, Chicago Bulls: 3 G; 2.7 BPG
Dale Davis, C, Detroit Pistons: 4 G; 1.8 BPG

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