Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - Super Sized Playoff Tune Up

With the fantasy basketball regular season in its final week for most owners and the playoffs just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make a stop at Desperation Station because the pickings are slim. Given that we are entering a critical juncture in the fantasy season, FSE has rolled out a special double strength edition of DS highlighting a record nine players!

Let's get to it...

Bomb Squad

Vladimir Radmonovic, PF Los Angeles Lakers - With Andrew Bynum done for the remainder of the fantasy season and Pau Gasol still a week or so away from returning, Vlad Rad will be seeing plenty of playing time. He has started the last 6 games and averaged around 10 points, 5 rebounds and 1+ three pointers. Radmonovic broke out last game, dropping 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 three pointers on the Mavs; however, don't expect too many of those games from the inconsistent forward. As long as he is playing significant minutes, Rad's chief contributions will come in the three point department and he can also provide some help in points and rebounds. 

Juan Carlos Navarro, PG/SG Memphis Grizzlies - I discussed the virtues of the frequently added and dropped sharpshooter on NBARotoman's Fantasy Chat on Sunday. Navarro can really fill it up from the outside and in 27 games when playing 30+ minutes he is averaging around 16 points and 3 three pointers. Navarro has already put up 20 or more points in 11 games this season and should see good playing time late in the season, especially if the team decides to shut the less than 100% Mike Conley down.

Gordan Giricek, SG Phoenix Suns - Playing for his third team this season after being traded by Utah for Kyle Korver then bought out by the Sixers, Giricek seems to have found a home in the shooter's paradise known as Phoenix. In two games with the Suns where Giricek has seen 30+ minutes, he has put up a total of 41 points and hit on 4 threes. Giricek's key strength is in the three point category as he will get plenty of long looks in the Suns offense. Expect point totals in the low to mid teens and around 2 three pointers a night down the stretch if he gets proper burn.

Deshawn Stevenson, SG Washington Wizards - We discussed the Lebron Stopper in our piece about Gilbert Arenas yesterday. He is averaging nearly 2 three pointers a game on the year and will contribute primarily in points and three pointers with the ability to get decent assist totals from time to time.

Thank The Tank 

Wilson Chandler, SF/PF New York Knicks - Ladies and gentlemen, the new starting small forward for you New York Knicks! Understand that Team Titanic II is not willingly trying to tank as Coach Zeke is most definately fighting for his job right now. The fact of the matter is that they have been ravaged by injuries and are simply not a good basketball team. Chandler, the 2007 first round pick out of Depaul, has started the last 6 games and should continue to see ample playing time down the stretch. Chandler is coming off a career game against Indiana putting up 15 points, 8 rebounds and a three pointer in 33 minutes. He is an athletic swingman that can help in points, rebounds and has a decent three point stroke, keep an eye on this youngster. 

Earl Barron, PF/C Miami Heat - To say the Heat are tanking at this point is a gross understatement. Dwayne Wade and Udonis Haslem have been shut down, Shawn Marion is struggling with a sore back and even Marcus Banks has not played in over 2 weeks. Enter Earl Barron. After 5 DNPs, Barron has played 27 minutes a night the last two games and averaged 18.5 points and 5 rebounds. It appears the Heat are beginning to favor Barron over Mark Blount in the middle and if he continues to see around 30 mins a night, he can help you in points and rebounds.

Josh Powell, SF/PF/C Los Angeles Clippers - Powell is another guy I discussed on Fantasy Chat and given the Clippers ridiculous number of injured forwards (Brand, Kaman, Paul Davis) he has started the last 5 games. Powell has good position versatility and his biggest contributions will come in rebounds. In addition, he has the ability to put up point totals in the low teens. Unfortunately, Powell doesn't shoot a great FG% and doesn't block many shots.

Dishin' But Not Much Swishin'

Antonio Daniels, PG Washington Wizards - Daniels has been starting fairly regularly since early January and has quietly been a good source of assists in Gilbert Arenas' absence averaging around 5 a game this season. With Gil's return in question, Daniels has the ability to put up around 5 assists a night to go along with point totals in the low teens and a steal. Hey, there are worse options out there.

Club Dread

Mikki Moore, PF/C Sacramento Kings - Quietly, the Kings have won 4 of their last 5 games beating the Lakers, Warriors, Blazers and Raptors. At the center of the Kings' success has been Moore who is enjoying an excellent March averaging around 12 points and 7 rebounds while shooting a hot 68% from the field. He should continue to start and see plenty of playing time the rest of the way and appears to be an excellent option in your fantasy frontcourt.

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - 3/13/08

I hope this stop at Desperation Station finds you well. In this edition, we take a look at a few rookies and a that could provide you with some assistance at this critical juncture of the fantasy season.

Nick Young, Washington Wizards SG/SF - The rookie first round pick out of USC has worked his way deeper into the Wizards' rotation this month. He has enjoyed  his most productive month as a pro averaging 13.6 points, 4 rebounds, 1+ three pointer and 1 steal in around 22 minutes a night. With Arenas out for another 2-3 weeks, Young should continue to see around 20 minutes a night going forward. He can be a nice short-term stop gap option and contribute in points and threes while grabbing a few boards.

Daequan Cook, Miami Heat PG/SG - Yesterday, GM/coach Pat Riley cited Cook as one of the Heat's core players heading into 2008. With Miami fully entrenched in tank mode, the rookie guard from Ohio State should see ample minutes down the stretch.  Cook has started and played nearly 40 minutes a night over his last two games putting up productive numbers. On Monday against the Clippers, Cook was impressive scoring 23 points and hitting on 5 threes. He followed that up with only 6 points and 2 threes Wednesday, although he did grab 8 rebounds in a losing effort versus the Knicks. If he continues to see big minutes, Cook can contribute effectively in points and threes while helping out in rebounds and assists here and there. Be aware that Cook is a young, inexperienced player and will have good nights as well as bad down the stretch.

Sasha Pavlovic, Cleveland Cavaliers SG/SF - Pavlovic returned to the Cavs starting lineup tonight after missing the last 23 games with a foot injury. Pavlovic looked good scoring 24 points and nailing 5 threes in 28 minutes. Pavlovic should continue to start down the stretch and barring injury he can be a solid contributor. His strengths are scoring and three point shooting however he can help out a little in rebounds and assists as well.   

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - Yao Injury Special Edition

The season ending injury to Yao Ming, a consensus first or second round pick, has left many fantasy rosters in a state of disarray. Unfortunately, the center position is not particularly deep and the waiver wire tends to be absent of quality big men at this point in the season. 

Earlier today we highlighted Carl Landry and Luis Scola as the Houston players who emerge as decent fantasy options in the wake of Yao's injury. Now, let's take a look at some stopgap options who can fill in at center for you and help weather the storm. 

Top Options

Mark Blount, PF/C Miami Heat - Despite averaging over 14 points and 6 rebounds in 9 February games, Blount is only owned in 26% of ESPN leagues and may very well be available on your waiver wire right now.  Blount is the unquestioned starting center on a bad Heat team and is consistently seeing 30+ minutes a night. With the Heat on the verge of tanking and nobody on the roster challenging him for the starting role, Blount should be a productive fantasy center the rest of the way. Yao owners, snatch him up immediately.

Josh Boone, PF/C New Jersey Nets - We have spoken about Boone extensively in the past and mentioned him as a good replacement option in our first Yao post of the day. His minutes continue to be a bit inconsistent despite landing the starting role, but as has been the case all season, when playing 25+ minutes he has produced. Over the months of January and February Boone is putting up around 10 points, 8.5 rebounds and shooting 55% from the field.  As the Nets continue to rebuild on the fly, Boone should see more minutes and can help fantasy owners in points, rebounds, FG% and blocks. 

Specialists

Rebounds

Jeff Foster, PF/C Indiana Pacers - Foster is averaging 8.6 rebounds a game on the season and over 9 a night in the month of February. Foster consistently sees 25+ minutes a game and can also contribute in FG% and steals. 

Erick Dampier, C - With Desagna Diop in New Jersey, Dampier is the Mavs only legitimate center option. Dampier is playing a season high 27 minutes a night in February and grabbing 8.4 rebounds a night. The big man out of Mississippi State should continue to see ample playing time and be a force on the boards while adding around a block a night. 

Kurt Thomas, PF/C San Antonio Spurs - Thomas averaged 8.8 rebounds a night in Seattle and picked up where he left off in his first game with Spurs grabbing 9 boards in only 13 minutes. Thomas should see 20-25 minutes a game with the Spurs and continue averaging close to ten rebounds a contest. KT also has the ability to contribute some in defensive categories. 

Blocks

Darko Milicic & Sean Williams - Both youngsters have struggled of late; however, they are each averaging 1.8 blocks a game. With some consistency in playing time, Darko and Williams can be an excellent source of blocks and put up good rebounding numbers.  

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - 2/23/08

Welcome back to Desperation Station where we provide you with the best stopgap options to keep your fantasy basketball team up and running. This week, we highlight a Detroit rookie flying under the radar, the latest Milwaukee Bucks player to emerge as fantasy relevant and one of King James' newest teammates. 

Rodney Stuckey, PG/SG Detroit Pistons - If Stuckey was seeing 30 minutes a night on a bad team, he would have already joined the ranks of FSE's Ballers On The Brink. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the 15th overall pick out Eastern Washington is playing on a deep Detroit Pistons team with a starting lineup that is set in stone. Stuckey has seen added burn in February, averaging a season high 21 minutes a night and has responded, producing the best numbers of his young career. In 8 games this month, he is putting up around 10 points and 4 assists a night. Further, in games where he has seen 20+ minutes, Stuckey is averaging around 13 points and 5 assists. Stuckey can help owners desperate for points and assists; however, with added playing time this kid could be an excellent option down the stretch.

Desmond Mason, SG/SF Milwaukee Bucks - After missing all of January, the versatile Mason is enjoying a solid February averaging around 12 points and 5 rebounds. Mason has worked his way back into the Bucks' ever-changing rotation and is getting significant playing time this month averaging nearly 30 minutes a contest. In 7 February games Mason has put up double digit points in his last 5 games and grabbed 5 or more rebounds 4 times. Clearly scoring and rebounding are Mason's strengths; however, he can also contribute some in steals and blocks as he is an aggressive defender.

Delonte West, PG/SG Cleveland Cavaliers - West showed some ability on the Celtics last season but has been buried on the Sonics bench much of this year, making him a non-factor in fantasy. Thursday's trade to Cleveland is a godsend for West who will now be able to display his three point shooting touch playing alongside Lebron James. The injury to Daniel Gibson which has him missing approximately 4-6 weeks leaves Cleveland thin in the backcourt and should give West ample playing time. If he receives 25-30 minutes a night West could help you fantasy team in points, threes and assists while also contributing in steals. Production along the lines of 12 points, 4-5 assists, 2 threes and 1 steal a game aren't out of the question for West who should push incumbent point guard Eric Snow a bit for his starting job. 

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - 2/10/2008

This week in Desperation Station, we highlight a veteran point guard, forgotten forward, young combo guard/forward and a former #1 overall pick that can provide your depleted fantasy basketball roster with some immediate assistance.

Charlie Villanueva SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks - Once an emerging fantasy forward, Villanueva has slipped into obscurity this season as the Bucks continue to dedicate their free agent and draft resources to cutting his playing time. With Yi and the artist formerly known as Bobby Simmons dealing with injuries the past week, Villanueva received his first three starts of the season, putting up averages of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Both guys returned in limited roles versus the Knicks Saturday night to watch Charlie V drop 21 and 13. Look for Villanueva's playing time to decrease soon as the Bucks frontcourt reverts back to resembling a NYC subway station at rush hour.

Dorell Wright SG/SF, Miami Heat - Wright has had a solid week, averaging around 15 points and 8 rebounds over his last four games. When he is getting 30+ minutes, Wright is a pretty good fantasy contributor in points and rebounds while providing some help in defensive stats as well. Unfortunately, the acquisition of Shawn Marion coupled with the impending return of Udonis Haslem should take away playing time from Wright. Luckily, Haslem won't be back until after the allstar break, so Wright should see good burn over the next 2-3 games. 

Joe Smith PF, Chicago Bulls - From #1 overall pick to a stopgap option residing in Desperation Station, at least Joe Smith can take solace in the fact that he isn't named Kwame Brown or nicknamed the "Kandi Man." Smith has been a good fantasy option this week, getting ample playing time on an injury-ridden Chicago Bulls team. Smith has started the last four games averaging around 20 points and 8 rebounds over that time. With Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich all banged up, Smith should see continue to see 30 or so minutes a night over the next 3-4 games. However, at some point in the next two weeks the Bulls starters will return and young guys like Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas should take more frontcourt minutes from Smith.

Damon Stoudamire PG, San Antonio Spurs - With Tony Parker out until after the allstar break, the recently signed Stoudamire should accrue plenty of playing time at point guard in San Antonio. Although he will be splitting time with Jacque Vaughn, Stoudamire's ability to score makes him the better option to account for Parker's lost offensive output. Playing alongside guys like Duncan and Ginobili, Stoudamire should be a decent fantasy contributor in points, assists and steals. 

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - 2/3/08

Welcome back to Desperation Station fantasy basketball owners, your destination for stopgap fantasy options to get your through the coming week. In this edition, we focus on a few forwards benefitting from injuries as well as a former Marquette sharp shooter.

GUARDS

Travis Diener, PG/SG Indiana Pacers - As we documented in Market Watch on Friday, Jamal Tinsley is hurting and it is clearly effecting his game. In last night's game against Orlando, Tinsley actually came off the bench and played only 23 minutes. Travis Diener is the primary beneficiary of Tinsley's nagging injuries and has started the past 5 games averaging around 30 minutes a night in that time. Diener is an excellent shooter and can help fantasy owners in three pointers and points while putting up around 5 assists or so as long as he gets ample minutes at the point. 

FORWARDS & CENTERS

Ronny Turiaf, SF/PF Los Angeles Lakers - Turiaf has seen increased playing time since Andrew Bynum went down with a knee injury. His minutes have risen to around 27 minutes a night and Turiaf he has taken advantage of the added burn averaging 10.5 points, 5 rebounds and a paltry 2.6 blocks. The recent acquisition of Pau Gasol shouldn't effect Turiaf in the short-term, in fact Turiaf's rugged style of play is a good complement to Gasol's finesse game. The departure of Kwame Brown puts Turiaf in position for plenty of minutes in Bynum's absence. He has the potential to be a well-rounded fantasy option providing significant contributions in blocks, shooting over 50% from the field and putting up decent points and rebounds.

Ime Udoka, SF San Antonio Spurs - With Brent Barry out approximately 3 weeks, Udoka is getting increased burn and making the most of it. In a season high 30 minutes in Phoenix on Thursday, Udoka put up admirable numbers across the board - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and a three pointer. Udoka is a solid defensive player with the ability to shoot from long range. His skill set is a good fit for the Spurs system and he should provide fantasy owners with help in threes, rebounds and steals while adding some scoring until Barry returns.  

Fantasy Basketball Desperation Station - 1/27/08

Welcome to Desperation Station, your weekly destination for stopgap fantasy basketball options to get you through the week. Check out this column every weekend to get you prepared for the fantasy matchup ahead. 

Guard:

Jannero Pargo - PG, New Orleans Hornets

Pargo has had a good week averaging around 15 points and 4 assists a night. An adept scorer, Pargo put up serviceable numbers last season when he started in place of an injured Chris Paul. January marks the first month Pargo has averaged over 20 minutes a night this season as his solid play has made him one of the first guys off of Byron Scott's bench. He has responded to the increased burn putting up nearly 12 points a game along with 4 assists, a steal and a three pointer this month. Pargo is a decent option for fantasy owners looking for help in points and three pointers; some contributions in assists and steals are also possible. 

Forwards & Centers:

Kurt Thomas - PF/C, Seattle Supersonics

Thomas has seen ample playing time for the young Sonics, averaging 27 minutes a game this month. Old crazy eyes is your classic fantasy specialist, having the ability to provide owners with double digit rebounds on any given night; he's averaging 9.4/game on the season. Thomas can also provide minimal contributions in defensive stats and shoot a solid FG%. However, don't expect much in the way of points from the former college basketball scoring king, those days are behind him.

Nazr Mohammed - C, Charlotte Bobcats

Mohammed was actually a fairly hot add earlier in the month after stringing together a few solid outing following a spike in playing time. However, Nazr came back down to Earth mid-month and is now a free agent once again in many leagues. Although he doesn't do anything exceptionally well, Mohammed has 10-12 point 7 rebound potential on his better nights and can help owners in both statistics. In addition, he shoots a high FG% and can offer limited contributions in defensive stats. 

For added insight, keep an eye out for our weekly Market Watch column which highlights players on the rise and decline.