2008 NFL Draft Recap

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long, OT Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams
Chris Long, DE Virginia
3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
4. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
6. New York Jets
Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State
7. New Orleans Saints
(from 49ers through Patriots)
Sedrick Ellis, DT Southern Cal
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
(from Ravens)
Derrick Harvey, DE Florida
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Keith Rivers, LB Southern Cal
10. New England Patriots
(from Saints)
Jerod Mayo, OLB Tennessee
11. Buffalo Bills
Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
12. Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady, OT Boise State
13. Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
15. Kansas City Chiefs
(from Lions)
Branden Albert, OG Virginia
16. Arizona Cardinals
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State
17. Detroit Lions
(from Vikings through Chiefs)
Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
18. Baltimore Ravens
(from Texans)
Joe Flacco, QB Delaware
19. Carolina Panthers
(from Eagles)
Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
21. Atlanta Falcons
(from Redskins)
Sam Baker, OT Southern Cal
22. Dallas Cowboys
(from Cleveland Browns)
Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
24. Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina
25. Dallas Cowboys
(from Seahawks)
Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
26. Houston Texans
(from Jaguars through Ravens)
Duane Brown, OT Virginia Tech
27. San Diego Chargers
Antoine Cason, CB Arizona
28. Seattle Seahawks
(from Cowboys)
Lawrence Jackson, DE Southern Cal
29. San Francisco 49ers
(from Colts)
Kentwan Balmer, DE North Carolina
30. New York Jets
(from Packers)
Dustin Keller, TE Purdue
31. No Pick
(New England Patriots forfeit)
32. New York Giants
Kenny Phillips, FS Miami

33. Miami
Phillip Merling, DE Clemson
34. St. Louis
Donnie Avery, WR Houston
35. Washington
(from Raiders through Falcons)
Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State
36. Kansas City
Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech
37. Green Bay
(from Jets)
Jordy Nelson, WR Kansas State
38. Atlanta
Curtis Lofton, LB Oklahoma
39. Seattle
(from Ravens)
John Carlson, TE Notre Dame
40. San Francisco
Chilo Rachal, OG Southern Cal
41. New Orleans
Tracy Porter, CB Indiana
42. Buffalo
James Hardy, WR Indiana
43. Denver
Eddie Royal, WR Virginia Tech
44. Minnesota
(from Panthers through Eagles)
Tyrell Johnson, FS Arkansas State
45. Chicago
Matt Forte, RB Tulane
46. Detroit
Jordon Dizon, OLB Colorado
47. Cincinnati
Jerome Simpson, WR Coastal Carolina
48. Philadelphia
(from Vikings)
Trevor Laws, DT Notre Dame
49. Washington
(From Texans through Falcons)
Fred Davis, TE Southern Cal
50. Philadelphia
DeSean Jackson, WR California
51. Arizona
Calais Campbell, DE Miami
52. Washington
Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
53. Jacksonville
(from Buccaneers)
Quentin Groves, DE Auburn
54. Pittsburgh
Limas Sweed, WR Texas
55. Tennessee
Jason Jones, DE Eastern Michigan
56. Baltimore
(from Seahawks)
Ray Rice, RB Rutgers
57. Green Bay
(from Browns)
Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
58. Miami
(from San Diego)
Chad Henne, QB Michigan
59. Tampa Bay
(from Jaguars)
Dexter Jackson, KR Appalachian State
60. Indianapolis
Mike Pollak, OT Arizona State
61. Green Bay
Patrick Lee, DB Auburn
62. Dallas
Martellus Bennett, TE Texas A&M
63. New England
Terrence Wheatley, CB Colorado
64. N.Y. Giants
Terrell Thomas, CB Southern Cal

65. Detroit
(from Dolphins)
Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida
66. St. Louis
John Greco, OT Toledo
67. Miami
(From Chiefs through Lions)
Kendall Langford, DT Hampton
68. Carolina
(from Jets)
Charles Godfrey, CB Iowa
69. Atlanta
Chevis Jackson, CB LSU
70. San Diego
(From Raiders through Patriots)
Jacob Hester, FB LSU
71. Chicago
Earl Bennett, WR Vanderbilt
72. Baltimore
(From Ravens through Bills and Jaguars)
Tavares Gooden, OLB Miami
73. Buffalo
Chris Ellis, DE Virginia Tech
74. Kansas City
(from Broncos through Vikings)
Jamaal Charles, RB Texas
75. Carolina
Dan Connor, OLB Penn State
76. San Francisco
Reggie Smith, DB Oklahoma
77. Kansas City
(from Lions)
Brad Cottam, TE Tennessee
78. Cincinnati
Pat Sims, DT Auburn
79. New England
(from Saints)
Shawn Crable, OLB Michigan
80. Houston
Antwaun Molden, CB Eastern Kentucky
81. Philadelphia
Bryan Smith, OLB McNeese State
82. Arizona
Early Doucet, WR LSU
83. Kansas City
(from Vikings)
DaJuan Morgan, S North Carolina State
84. Tampa Bay
Jeremy Zuttah, OG Rutgers
85. Atlanta
(from Redskins)
Harry Douglas, WR Louisville
86. Tennessee
Craig Stevens, TE California
87. Baltimore
(from Seahawks)
Tom Zbikowski, FS Notre Dame
88. Detroit
(from Browns)
Andre Fluellen, DT Florida State
89. Pittsburgh
Bruce Davis, DE UCLA
90. Houston
(from Jaguars through Ravens)
Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia
91. Chicago
(from San Diego)
Marcus Harrison, DT Arkansas
92. Green Bay
Jermichael Finley, TE Texas
93. Detroit
(from Cowboys)
Cliff Avril, OLB Purdue
94. Indianapolis
Philip Wheeler, OLB Georgia Tech
95. New England
Kevin O’Connell, QB San Diego State
96. N.Y. Giants
Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
97. Washington
Chad Rinehart, OT Northern Iowa
98. Cincinnati
Andre Caldwell, WR Florida
99. Atlanta
Thomas DeCoud, FS California
100. Baltimore
Oniel Cousins, OG Texas-El Paso

101. Oakland
(from Dolphins through Cowboys)
Tyvon Branch, CB Connecticut
102. St. Louis
Justin King, CB Penn State
103. Green Bay
Jeremy Thompson, DE Wake Forest
104. Tennessee
(from Falcons through Redskins)
William Hayes, DL Winston-Salem State
105. Cleveland
(From Raiders through Cowboys)
Beau Bell, OLB UNLV
106. Kansas City
Will Franklin, WR Missouri
107. Baltimore
Marcus Smith, WR New Mexico
108. San Francisco
Cody Wallace, OL Texas A&M
109. Denver
Kory Lichtensteiger, OG Bowling Green
110. Philadelphia
(From Panthers)
Mike McGlynn, OT Pittsburgh
111. Miami
(From Bears)
Shawn Murphy, OT Utah State
112. Cleveland
(From Lions through Cowboys)
Martin Rucker, TE Missouri
113. Cincinnati
Anthony Collins, OT Kansas
114. New York Jets
(From Saints through Packers)
Dwight Lowery, CB San Jose State
115. Buffalo
Reggie Corner, CB Akron
116. Tampa Bay
(From Dolphins through Bears)
Dre Moore, DT Maryland
117. Arizona
Kenny Iwebema, DE Iowa
118. Eagles
(From Vikings)
Quintin Demps, FS Texas-El Paso
119. Houston
Xavier Adibi, LB Virginia Tech
120. Denver
(from Red Skins)
Jack Williams, CB Kent State
121. Chicago
(from Buccaneers)
Craig Steltz, S LSU
122. Seattle
Red Bryant, DT Texas A&M
123. Dallas
(from Browns)
Tashard Choice, RB Georgia Tech
124. New York Giants
(from Steelers)
Bryan Kehl, OLB BYU
125. Washington
(from Titans)
Justin Tryon, CB Arizona State
126. Oakland
(From Jaguars through Ravens)
Arman Shields, WR Richmond
127. Tennessee
Lavelle Hawkins, WR California
128. Indianapolis
Jacob Tamme, TE Kentucky
129. St. Louis
(From Packers)
Keenan Burton, WR Kentucky
130. New England
Jonathan Wilhite, CB Auburn
131. Pittsburgh
Tony Hills, OT Texas
132. Philadelphia
Jack Ikegwuonu, CB Wisconsin
133. Buffalo
Derek Fine, TE Kansas
134. Baltimore
David Hale, OT Weber State
135. Tennessee
Stanford Keglar, OLB Purdue
136. Green Bay
Josh Sitton, OT Central Florida

137. Detroit
(from Dolphins through Chiefs)
Kenneth Moore, WR Wake Forest
138. Minnesota
(from Rams through Packers)
John David Booty, QB Southern Cal
139. Atlanta
Robert James, OLB Arizona State
140. Denver
(from Oakland)
Ryan Torain, RB Arizona State
141. Kansas City
Brandon Carr, CB Grand Valley State
142. Carolina
(from Jets)
Gary Barnidge, TE Louisville
143. Vacated
(49ers pick voided for tampering)
144. Baltimore
(excercised in supplemental draft)
145. Chicago
(from Panthers)
Zackary Bowman, CB Nebraska
146. Dallas
(from Bears through Bills and Jaguars)
Orlando Scandrick, CB Boise State
147. New Orleans
(from Lions)
DeMario Pressley, DT North Carolina State
148. Cincinnati
Jason Shirley, DT Fresno State
149. Detroit
(from Saints)
Jerome Felton, FB Furman
150. Buffalo
Alvin Bowen, OLB Iowa State
151. Denver
Carlton Powell, DT Virginia Tech
152. Arizona
Tim Hightower, RB Richmond
153. Minnesota
Breno Giacomini, OT Louisville
154. New England
(from Buccaneers)
Frank Okam, DT Texas
155. Atlanta
(From Redskins)
Letroy Guion, DT Florida State
156. Jacksonville
(From Browns through Cowboys)
Matt Slater, WR UCLA
157. Pittsburgh
Kroy Biermann, OLB Montana
158. St. Louis
Thomas Williams, OLB Southern Cal
159. Chicago
Dennis Dixon, QB Oregon
160. Jacksonville
Roy Schuening, OG Oregon State
161. Tampa Bay
Kellen Davis, TE Michigan State
162. Indianapolis
Trae Williams, CB South Florida
163. New York Jets
Josh Johnson, QB San Diego
164. Seattle
Owen Schmitt, FB West Virginia
165. New Orleans
Carl Nicks, OT Nebraska
166. New York Giants
Jonathan Goff, LB Vanderbilt
167. San Diego
Marcus Thomas, RB Texas-El Paso

168. Dallas
(from Dolphins)
Erik Walden, DE Middle Tennessee State
169. Washington
(from St. Louis)
Durant Brooks, P Georgia Tech
170. Oakland
Trevor Scott, DE Buffalo
171. Kansas City
Barry Richardson, OT Clemson
172. New York Jets
Marcus Henry, WR Kansas
173. Atlanta
Thomas Brown, RB Georgia
174. Houston
(from Ravens)
Dominique Barber, FS Minnesota
175. San Francisco
Josh Morgan, WR Virginia Tech
176. Tampa Bay
(from Bears)
Geno Hayes, ILB Florida State
177. Miami
(from Lions)
Jalen Parmele, RB Toledo
178. Cincinnati
Corey Lynch, FS Appalachian State
179. New Orleans
Taylor Mehlhaff, K Wisconsin
180. Buffalo
Xavier Omon, RB Northwest Missouri State
181. Washington
(from Broncos through Rams)
Kareem Moore, DB Nicholls State
182. Carolina
Nick Hayden, DT Wisconsin
183. Kansas
Kevin Robinson, WR Utah State
184. Denver
(from Texans)
Spencer Larsen, OLB Arizona
185. Philadelphia
Mike Gibson, OT California
186. Arizona
Chris Harrington, DE Texas A&M
187. Washington
Colt Brennan, QB Hawaii
188. Minnesota
John Sullivan, C Notre Dame
189. Pittsburgh
Mike Humpal, LB Iowa
190. Seattle
(from Tennessee)
Tyler Schmitt, LS San Diego State
191. Cleveland
Ahtyba Rubin, DT Iowa State
192. Cleveland
(from Browns through Eagles)
Paul Hubbard, WR Wisconsin
193. San Diego
DeJuan Tribble, CB Boston College
194. Minnesota
Jaymar Johnson, WR Jackson State
195. Pittsburgh
Ryan Mundy, FS West Virginia
196. Miami
Donald Thomas, OG Connecticut
197. Indianapolis
Tom Santi,TE Virginia
198. New England
Bo Ruud, OLB Nebraska
199. New York Giants
Andre’ Woodson, QB Kentucky
200. New York Giants
Robert Henderson, DE Southern Miss
201. Philadelphia
Joe Mays, ILB North Dakota State
202. Indianapolis
Steve Justice, C Wake Forest
203. Indianapolis
Mike Hart, RB Michigan
204. Philadelphia
Andy Studebaker, OLB Wheaton
205. Miami
Lex Hilliard, RB Montana
206. Indianapolis
Pierre Garcon, WR Mount Union
207. Baltimore
Haruki Nakamura, FS Cincinnati
208. Cincinnatid
Matt Sherry,TE Villanova

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

Call it a tale of two drafts — the reason why the Giants win Super Bowls and why the Jets are still living in 1969.

The NFL Draft arrived in New York City for its annual catwalk of top college talent over the weekend, and as usual, the contingent of Jets fans was overwhelming. And as usual, Jets fans had a high draft choice to contemplate.

These fans cheered when the No. 6 pick came and New York selected Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston. But the reality is this defensive end was as much a reach as anyone in the top end of the draft. Upside? Yes. But Gholston has bust tattooed all over his massive biceps.

Just luck of the draw. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan went third and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden fourth. The top linemen were also gone by the time the Jets picked. So they took a guy that’s considered an enigma.

Then the Jets traded back into the first round (30th overall) to select a tight end. Really. Given the Jets’ history with drafting tight ends in the first round, Dustin Keller has already got a target on his back.

Compare that first round with that of Big Blue. The reigning Super Bowl champs used the last pick of the first round (31) to pluck an instant starter at safety with a pedegree worth respecting — Miami’s Kenny Phillips.

Then when the Giants reached, they took someone who could be a real star. That was Michigan’s Mario Manningham in the third round.

In case you are scoring at home, that’s two potential busts for the Jets versus two future Pro Bowlers for the Giants. Enough said.

Stolen Base Redux

By: Chris Starbonell

Update! Writer

Stolen bases: easily the most overvalued statistic in fantasy leagues. How else can you explain Jose Reyes being a consistent Top 3 pick in fantasy leagues? In some of the drafts I participated in it was crazy to see how fervently owners were targeting base running threats.

Even our own Update! draft was no exception. Brian Roberts went 50th overall, ahead of players like Brian McCann, Cole Hamels and Chipper Jones. Why? Roberts has scored over 100 runs only twice and has hit over .300 just once in his career. It is not like Baltimore Orioles’ offense is going to help pump his stats. Chone Figgins (54th overall) and Juan Pierre (99th overall) combined for three home runs last season, yet both were drafted within the first 100 players mostly because of their steals potential.

Fantasy owners seem to derive some sort of comfort by drafting for steals. But players with fast legs in one year can’t be counted on to keep stealing bases at the same clip. Dave Roberts swiped 49 bags in 2006 before stealing 18 fewer bases in 2007. Felipe Lopez had 44 steals in 2006 but just 24 last season. Even scrappy Ryan Freel looked like a speed-lock for fantasy owners following a 2006 season that saw him steal 37 bases in 454 at-bats, only to see him steal 15 in 2007.

The same thing will happen again this year. Eric Byrnes registered 50 steals last season, but had just 65 career stolen bases before that in 652 games. Do you really want to rely on the Crash Test Dummy for 40-plus steals again? Similarly, Shane Victorino swiped 37 bags in 2007, but had just four stolen bases in 2006.

This season feel free to toy around with some free-agents in your league. There are several waiver-wire players that can provide steals in bunches. Sure they may not excel in other areas, heck some of them will even hurt you in a category or two if carried for too long, but if you use them wisely, you could become very competitive in the steals category without having a 50-steal threat like Carl Crawford or Hanley Ramirez on your roster. Here are just a couple of names that could help you compete in the steals race:

Los Angeles Dodgers, OF
Comment: His playing time is a concern, but there is nothing wrong with his wheels. Even without everyday at-bats, Pierre should be good for 30-plus steals this season and who knows, maybe manager Joe Torre will give him an everyday spot in the lineup at some point this season.

WIDE BERTH

There are rotisserie heroes and fantasy goats. But some performances are so ugly, egregious or plain perplexing they demand a closer look. Here is Update’s seriously twisted moment this week.

For the first time since 1990, no wide receivers were selected in the first round of this weekend’s NFL Draft. If it sounds ominous, that certainly was the case back then.

The pickings were slim that season. The Dallas Cowboys used the first pick of the second round (26th overall) on Auburn wideout Alexander Wright. He combined to catch 33 passes in his first three NFL seasons.

Two picks later, the New York Jets drafted West Virginia’s Reggie Rembert, who then sat out the entire season with a contract dispute.

The best of the bunch turned out to be third rounders Fred Barnett (Arkansas State), picked by the Eagles, and Ricky Proehl (Wake Forest), a Phoenix draft pick.

Each had productive rookie seasons and NFL careers. But what does that mean moving forward, fantasy fans?

Stay away from rookie wideouts come August? That’s the smart money. Don’t be surprised if Devin Thomas holds out or Jordy Nelson and Aaron Rogers don’t hook up immediately.

If you want to gamble on a rookie wideout, think sleeper. Andre Caldwell anybody?

–JASON MOLINET

Power Plays

By: J.P. Del Monte

Update! Writer

Our weekly digest of everything fantasy hockey. Facts don’t lie and Power Plays is full of ‘em. Projections for the week of April 28 to May 4. Stats through April 26:

Philadelphia Flyers, C
Comment: Briere helped lead his team out of a very tough Game 7 and has come out on top as the points leader with 11 over seven games through the first round. He’s doing everything, as well, scoring six huge goals to go along with his five helpers.

Dallas Stars, LW
Comment: When you look at the quality left wings that remain in the playoffs Morrow stands out, even above the Henrik Zetterberg’s and the Ryan Smyth’s. Not only does he bring you balanced points (three goals and three assists) but he keeps an even rating and has 16 PIMs (eight more than Sean Avery).

Montreal Canadiens, RW
Comment: He’s not the eggshell that many remember him as. Kovalev has brought his excellent regular season into the playoffs and has been Montreal’s best player in these playoffs. Make sure you have him on your team as he’ll keep bringing it past this round if that Habs get through.

Detroit Red Wings, D
Comment: Now that Mike Green (WAS) and Dion Phaneuf (CGY) are both out of the playoffs we can remind ourselves that there are still some top-tier defensemen remaining. Kronvall is going to continue to be an assist machine in these playoffs. He won’t factor into the power play as much but with this series likely to go a full seven games you can expect Kronvall to get every opportunity to rack up the points.

Montreal Canadiens, G
Comment: Montreal has been one of the best squads (if not the best) in these playoffs and the thanks can rest on this young rookie’s shoulders. Of the remaining goaltenders, only Martin Biron has made more saves (228) than Price (215). The difference in goals against, however, goes to Price, who has only allowed 18 to Biron’s 24.

Colorado Avalanche, C
Comment: Seven games resulted in a measly three points for Stastny. With Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic in the mix, Stastny will have a hard time getting back into the limelight. Hopefully he can manage it.

Detroit Red Wings, LW
Comment: Something’s wrong here. Normally Holmstrom is one of the Wings’ best playoff performers but with only a single goal and two helpers in seven games it makes you wonder. The Wings are going up against some tough competition and will need him to grind out some garbage goals and start racking up those points.

Detroit Red Wings, RW
Comment: On a team that is top line heavy you would really hope that Cleary would start stepping out of the shadows. He’s got the speed and flashes of brilliance but has only managed two measly points in seven games.

San Jose Sharks, D
Comment: This one comes as no surprise. Aside from ending R.J. Umberger’s playoffs a few years ago, Campbell has done very little in his post-season career. He’s managed only three points in seven games and is a minus-1. He’ll likely be very quiet in this series as well.

Philadelphia Flyers, G
Comment: Here’s a quick warning: at this point in the season, all the remaining goalies are GREAT. This is just the bottom of the bunch. He’s let in the most goals and doesn’t have as solid a defense as the rest.

New York Rangers, C
Comment: Doobie has found himself in these playoffs. He’s handling top line duties with Straka and Jagr and is making the most of this great opportunity. With Drury playing solid checking and nothing else and Gomez clicking very well with the second line unit of Avery and Shanahan we can expect Dubinsky to stick to this top line in this series. In five games, Dubinsky has potted three goals and three assists on the world’s best goaltender, Marty Brodeur. I don’t see Marc-Andre Fleury being more of a roadblock than Brodeur.

San Jose Sharks, LW
Comment: Clowe has found himself playing alongside Big Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau and if he keeps up his solid play (four goals, four assists in seven games) he’ll keep it coming.

Philadelphia Flyers, RW
Comment: Things are heating up on Lupul’s end. He’s on a three game point streak with two clutch goals and is looking to continue the fine play well into this second round. Expect Lupul to be the playoff presence Philly fans were counting on.

Dallas Stars, D
Comment: With Zubov’s return you might worry a little bit about Robidas but don’t worry too much. He’s been a vital cog in this post season Dallas machine with his goal and five assists. He might not see significant points from the power play but he’s going to bring it hard to San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov.

New York Rangers, G
Comment: Do I think they will win this series? No. But I do think it will be a long series and, wins or losses, Lundqvist is going to be the best goaltender of the series. He’ll face more shots from the Penguin’s high powered offense and the games will always be close. In my eyes, only Evgeni Nabokov sits on top as the best goalie remaining.

San Jose Sharks, C
Comment: Yes, he seems to be heating up and he came up with some clutch goals but don’t count on him to be a solid producer. He’s a guy you want on your team when it is crunch time but he won’t be that consistent producer you’d expect to get you those pool points.

Colorado Avalanche, LW
Comment: Normally I don’t like to rest on this but Wolski’s numbers vs Detroit aren’t very flattering. He’s a minus-4 with nothing else in four games this season and will likely buckle under the pressure in this second round. He had a terrific first round but he’ll be pushed to play like this against Osgood and his amazing defense and will likely fall short.

Montreal Canadiens, RW
Comment: Here’s one good reason: He will be lucky if he sees one game in this second round. Unless someone goes down with an injury you can bet Ryder will continue to be the giant bust that he is.

New York Rangers, D
Comment: Rozsival’s brilliant start to the season came to a crashing halt around the midpoint where he basically fell off the map. He’s continued this into the playoff stretch and I don’t see any indication that he’ll bounce out of it.

Detroit Red Wings, G
Comment: The same rules as Ryder apply: Hasek will not see the ice. Chris Osgood has usurped the Dominator and the Wings will ride him for as long as they can.

 
248 248 post-season games for Chris Chelios puts him at the top above all others.

4 Consecutive years the defending Stanley Champions have either lost in the first round or not made the playoffs at all.

3 the Flyers have been eliminated three out of the four times they have faced the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs.

1 Game of Risk played and won by Joe Thornton in these playoffs.

NBA Hoop Scoop

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

Our weekly digest of everything fantasy basketball. Facts don’t lie and the Hoop Scoop is full of ‘em. Projections for the week of April 28 to May 4. Stats through April 25:

Cleveland Cavaliers, PG
Comment: The Cavaliers hoped for big things out of Gibson this season, but were let down by his play. He also missed some time with injury. But he has come to play thus far in the playoffs. He shot 47 percent from the field and is averaging 12 points per game as the catalyst for the Cavaliers.

Orlando Magic, SG
Comment: Lewis has been excellent in the first round for Orlando thus far, serving as a nice complement to Dwight Howard and company. He is averaging 15.5 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, which is a nice line for a shooting guard. He is an appropriate start as a high end No. 2 shooting guard in all fantasy leagues.

Denver Nuggets, SF
Comment: Kleiza has entered this category for the second week in a row and he has definitely earned it. In the first two games of the playoffs, Kleiza has absolutely lit it up for the Nuggets. While playing 36 minutes per game, Kleiza is shooting over 60 percent and is averaging 16.5 points per game. He is also averaging six boards and is an obvious start in fantasy right now.

Detroit Pistons, PF
Comment: Scola has been a huge part of Houston’s success this season and has continued it through the end of the season. He ended the season with two straight 22-point performances, and is on fire heading into the playoffs. After the Rockets lost Yao Ming for the season, it seemed like all was lost, but Scola and many others stood up to fill the void.

New Orleans Hornets, C
Comment: Chandler is on this list for the second straight week, and rightly so, because he is a big reason why the Hornets have a 2-0 series lead. He averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds per game in the regular season, and is now averaging 10 points and 13 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He’s shot 56 percent and also blocks some shots, making him a nice fantasy option.

Phoenix Suns, PG
Comment: Barbosa may have been the runner up for the sixth man of the year, but he is not playing up to those standards thus far in the first round of the post season. He has played 32 minutes per game and is shooting just 25 percent from the field. His six points and six rebounds per game are not impressive, and may justify his benching until he proves valuable again.

Philadelphia 76ers, SG
Comment: If Iguodala does not score, the 76ers are not going to defeat the Detroit Pistons in the first round. I am not sure how they managed to muster a win while AI is averaging only 10 points, six assists and five rebounds per game. He is going to need to kick his scoring into gear if he wants the 76ers to be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta Hawks, SF
Comment: Childress has been a bit disappointing since his stellar regular season came to an end. In the post season, Childress has averaged just seven points per game, and 6.5 rebounds per game. He needs to shoot the ball more, as evidenced by a mere eight shots he has taken in the two games thus far. Childress needs to be clicking for the Hawks to move on.

Utah Jazz, PF
Comment: Millsap was hoping to provide the Jazz with a little bit of spunk and scoring off of the bench, but thus far, the plan is not exactly going as he had hoped. While he is shooting an impressive 54 percent from the field, he has averaged just 6.5 points and 4 rebounds per game in the first two games of the post season. Look for other options at the position.

Denver Nuggets, C
Comment: While Camby has been a good contributor at times this season, he hasn’t really held up his end thus far in the playoffs. To this point, Camby is averaging a mere five points per game in the team’s first two playoff games. He is rebounding (12 per game) but fantasy owners need more out of him if they are going to consider him an option. I would sit him.

Houston Rockets, PG
Comment: While averaging 32 minutes per game thus far in the post season, Jackson has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank. He is averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal per game since the regular season ended. If a team is strapped at the point guard position, he could be a good option, considering that he is starting in Houston.

Los Angeles Lakers, SF
Comment: With all the frenzy that follows Kobe Bryant, people often forget that Luke Walton is capable of some pretty good things. While he was disappointing in the regular season, averaging just over seven points per game for the Lakers, he has come to play in the playoffs. So far, he is shooting a nasty 68 percent, along with 17 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, and 5 assists in only 28 minutes per game of play. Start him immediately.

Utah Jazz, SF
Comment: Kirilenko was one of the game’s most inconsistent fantasy players all season. He’s showing some signs of life in the playoffs however. Andrei is averaging 12 points and six rebounds in the opening series against Houston, while shooting 45 percent from the field. Utah would like to see him shoot a higher percentage from beyond the arc, but he can prove to be a real difference maker if he’s going well.

Philadelphia 76ers
Comment: This man has been quite the surprise thus far in the post season for the 76ers. He is averaging 12.5 rebounds and 12 points per game while shooting over 61 percent from the field in the post season. He as emerged has an excellent potential starter in fantasy if you need him to fill in for someone who is no longer in the playoff picture.

Washington Wizards, C
Comment: Haywood has done well for the Wizards thus far, and has earned himself a spot in my start em section. He has averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds 2.5 blocks and is shooting 75 percent from the field so far in the playoffs. He has emerged as a low end No. 1 center because he contributes to multiple categories.

Dallas Mavericks, PG
Comment: I know some people are going to call me crazy for making this call, but it is one that certainly needs to be made. While playing almost 35 minutes per game, the former Nets player has scored a mere nine points per game in the opening round. He has averaged 8.5 assists, but he needs to score also if the Mavericks are going to have any chance of advancing.

Toronto Raptors, PG
Comment: It’s funny how sports work. One week, a player could be so hot that you will burn yourself by just looking at him, and the next he’s colder than Alaska in January. Ford has averaged a mere 5.5 points and six assists per game in the first two games of the playoffs for the Raptors and it looks like Jose Calderon may have claimed the job.

Dallas Mavericks, SF
Comment: Stackhouse had an up and down fantasy impact during the regular season, but the post-season has not been too pleasant thus far. He has averaged just nine points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds per game, and it is quite apparent that he is just not the superstar that he once was. His shooting percentage is low, and it is time for you to try someone else.

Denver Nuggets, PF
Comment: Despite playing 22 minutes per game off of the bench for Denver, Najera hasn’t done much in the team’s first two playoff affairs. He has averaged just 5.5 rebounds per game and a dismal 2.5 points per game. Add this to the fact that he is shooting under 30 percent from the field thus far, and it becomes clear that he should not be in any fantasy lineup.

Cleveland Cavaliers, C
Comment: I gave him the award for the worst fantasy dud of the 2008 season and it looks like he is going to let that award speak for the regular and post season. He is shooting a whopping 60 percent thus far, but that would be more impressive if he took more than five shots. He is averaging six rebounds and four points per game. If you start him, you’re an idiot.

 
15 Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson has recorded at least 10 points and 10 assists in 15 games this season.

11 The Toronto Raptors lost 11 games with Chris Bosh out of the lineup this season (they won four).

10 Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has totalled 20 points and 20 rebounds 10 times (including the playoffs) this season.

4 Philadelphia 76ers small forward Andre Iguodala scored just four points in Game 2 versus Detroit.

Philadelphia 76ers, SF
Comment: Young has emerged as a positive contributor in fantasy due now that he’s starting for the 76ers. In the first two games of the playoffs, he scored in double figures, and is averaging 10.5 points and four rebounds per game. If you are in need for help at small forward, he may just be the guy who can help you out.

Sunday, April 27 7 p.m. ET, TNT
Right now this series is tied at one game apiece, and the 76ers need some serious scoring from Andre Iguodala if they want a chance to win. As the series moves back to their stomping ground, can the crowd be the 6th man of the year. Only time will tell. This should be an interesting one, but look for the Pistons to prevail and take the series in six games.

NFL Future Stars

By: Andrew Corselli

Update! Writer

NFL DRAFT FEMALES

You’ve got questions and Answer Gal has the knowledge:

With the NFL draft scheduled to go off this weekend at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, football fans have plenty to be excited about. But as the first round gives way to the second and you realize you have over an hour until your team picks next, here’s a little bit of fun you can have to divert yourself and kick the boredom blues. There are five types of women that attend the NFL Draft. See if you can spot them:

1. Usually dressed in a Sports Fans’ “Sunday best”, face paint and all.
2. Possibly spotted tailgating prior to the draft on the sidewalk of 6th Ave.
3. Easily recognized by the onslaught of drunken cheers / rants which will occur throughout each and every one of her team’s selections.

1. Wearing her normal garb.
2. Possibly spotted nodding off in the balcony or on her iPhone, complaining to her girlfriend about how her “Die Hard Sports Fan” took her to the NFL draft instead of Hairspray.
3. Will be looking at her watch every few minutes, counting down the seconds until she can leave Radio City.

1. Typically wearing her man’s college jersey.
2. Possibly spotted comforting and consoling her guy when he falls from his expected draft position.
3. Easily distinguishable from “Gold-Digging Girlfriend” (see below), due to her simple hair cut, basic pair of jeans and her genuine smile when Draftee gets selected.

1. Usually sitting behind the wives / girlfriends.
2. Bawling when her son is drafted and receives the requisite comfort from the draftee’s proud and beaming father.
3. Says the rosary while she impatiently waits to hear her son’s name called.

1. Wearing her best Gucci handbag, with hair and makeup perfect for the camera.
2. Spotted cursing and ranting when her man falls from his expected draft position.
3. Easily recognized by her gratuitous on camera close-ups.

Rebecca is a New York based entertainment and intellectual property attorney, an agressive fantasy player and an avid Knicks and Jets fan. Got a question for Answer Gal? E-mail her at: answergal@fantasysportsupdate.com

NHL Playoffs: Second Round Preview

By: J.P. Del Monte

Update! Writer

Round two of the NHL playoffs are here and NHL editor J.P. Del Monte has broken down each matchup to give you the inside edge on what’s happening. Who will advance to Stanley Cup Finals? Read on to find out:

No. 1 Montreal vs No. 6 Philadelphia
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 24 @Montreal. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 2 (April 26 @Montreal. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, VS.); Game 3 (April 28 @Philadelphia. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 4 (April 30 @Philadelphia. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS).
About Montreal: The Canadiens are riding quite the high after scrapping their way through a surprisingly tough series against the Boston Bruins. Many people believed Montreal would walk all over Boston, but the 8th seeded Bruins proved to tough opponent. The Canadiens are at full health to start the second round, but have to be prepared for a Philadelphia team whose talent level is much higher than Boston’s
About Philadelphia: The Flyers are also riding a Game 7 high, beating Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals in overtime. They have the leading playoff scorer in Daniel Briere, a team full of talented youth and a goalie who many think is much better than Boston’s Tim Thomas. This could prove to be an even tougher task for the Habs.
Prediction: Montreal in six games.

No. 2 Pittsburgh vs No. 5 New York
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 25 @Pittsburgh. 7 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 2 (April 27 @Pittsburgh. 2 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 3 (April 29 @New York. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 4 (May 1 @New York. 2 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS).
About Pittsburgh: The Penguins own the league’s best duo in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Both those stars are performing well in the playoffs, while their (currently) underdog goaltender, M.A. Fleury, is coming through in the clutch. The question now becomes: is this team all about hype or are they the real thing? Their first round decimation of the Senators was not a sound enough benchmark.
About New York: The Rangers are turning into everyone’s Eastern Conference dark horse and for good reason — they knocked down the best goalie in the league in less than seven games. Henrik Lundqvist and Jaromir Jagr will be the keys to their success, while the pest-like Sean Avery should have a tougher time getting under Pittsburgh’s skin. With the likes of Gary Roberts, Hal Gill and George Laraque (to name a few), this Penguins team is a much tougher squad than the Devils squad that allowed Avery to walk all over them.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in six games.

No. 1 Detroit vs No. 6 Colorado
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 24 @Detroit. 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: VS.); Game 2 (April 26 @Detroit. 3 p.m. ET. TV: NBC); Game 3 (April 29 @Colorado. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS.); Game 4 (May 1 @Colorado. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS.).
About Detroit: Hockey Town is playing like they have all season long and hasn’t shown any of their recent lackluster post-season play. With their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense currently the best in the playoffs, this squad will be tough to beat. As long as Chris Osgood keeps playing like it’s 1998, the Avs will have their hands full.
About Colorado: Peter Forsberg, Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny, Jose Theodore and Milan Hejduk. Those four names are all you need to know. They are healthy and they are playing incredibly well. Theodore’s rejuvination has helped carry this club into, and through, the first round while the big guns up front are providing the offense. Let’s not forget that this team has a solid defense with tons of veteran leadership to help them out too. These two teams hate each other and I’m picking this one to be the best series to watch.
Prediction: Colorado in seven bloody games.

No. 2 San Jose vs No. 5 Dallas
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 25 @San Jose. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 2 (April 27 @San Jose. 9 p.m. ET. TV: CBC); Game 3 (April 29 @Dallas. 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 4 (April 30 @Dallas. 9 p.m. ET. TV: CBC).
About San Jose: You’d think fighting through seven gruelling games against the Calgary Flames would be the toughest thing the Sharks would have to face this season. But now they’re tasked with facing the Dallas Stars, the team that knocked off last year’s champions. The Sharks, however, do boast the West’s most underrated goaltender in Evgeni Nabokov and have proven playoff competitors in Patrick Marleau and Jeremy Roenick. If Big Joe Thornton keeps up his strong play this team could truly do some damage.
About Dallas: The Stars are flying high right now after dominating the Anaheim Ducks in their first round matcup. They’ve got the firepower and a former Conn Smythe winner up front while Marty Turco continues to prove to his critics that he IS a playoff goaltender.
Prediction: San Jose in six games.

On the Clock

There are rotisserie heroes and fantasy goats. But some performances are so ugly, egregious or plain perplexing they demand a closer look. Here is Update’s seriously twisted moment this week.

Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins are on the clock. The NFL Draft is nearly here and there still is no consensus of who the Fish will select with the first overall pick — if they pick at all.

After months of speculation, we are no closer to knowing Miami’s draft day plans than we were after they locked up the um, honor, by virtue of a 1-15 season.

That’s right, when Commissioner Roger Goodell walks to the podium and declares this draft open come Saturday in Midtown Manhattan, what follows next is anyone’s guess.

There are holes everywhere along the Miami depth chart, exactly what you’d expect from a team coming off its worst season in franchise history.

Will the Fins trade down? Take a franchise quarterback? Select a rush end? Pick an anchor at offensive tackle? Or maybe a wall of a defensive lineman? Who knows?

But everyone has a stake in the outcome. What Miami does will have an obvious trickle down effect on the entire draft.

After months of hinting at taking one of the Longs (Virginia’s Chris or Michigan’s Jake) — either choice filling a glaring need and considered a safe return on the investment — The Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote this week called on the Fish to show some courage and take the player who could help turn around the Dolphins most dramatically.

Namely, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. And I agree. Miami has never had the luxury of picking first. This is no time for conservative play calling. Go out and grab a guy who could answer the one question that has lingered hauntingly over the franchise since the 2000 season.

Who will replace Dan Marino? Who indeed.

Ryan is no sure thing. But he’s already considered better than Miami’s penciled in starter John Beck (a second round pick in 2007) or free agent pickup Josh McCown (a journeyman at best).

The last regime in Miami lasted one season. And their biggest perceived gaffe was passing on another franchise quarterback in Notre Dame gunslinger Brady Quinn at No. 9.

Don’t make the same mistake twice, Big Tuna.

This franchise and its fans need a leader and posterboy, someone to hang Super Bowl hopes upon. And no lineman, no matter how dominant, can deliver on this promise the way a highly-touted quarterback can.

That makes Matt Ryan the only choice on draft day.

NBA Awards

By: Michael Ganci

Update! Writer

The regular season of the NBA has ended and the final grades are in. Who’s this season’s MVP? Who’s the top rookie? And which player has been the biggest fantasy bust this season? Update! NBA writer Mike Ganci hands out his end of the season award. Read on to find out who won:

Cleveland Cavaliers, C
Comment: Ben Wallace has been atrocious this season. He probably appeared in the Sit Em’ section of our daily Hoop Scoop more than anyone else in the league. He averaged just five points and 8.5 rebounds. He also was injured and inconsistent. He threw in a couple of good games, but they were too few and far between.

Big Names, Little Impact

By: Chris Starbonell

Update! Writer

You draft these players knowing full well the risk involved. If they pay off, it could mean the difference between a first place finish and a spot in the middle of the pack. But what happens if they don’t break out? What if you spend all season with a player fails to live up to expectations? What if you stubbornly held onto them anyway?

Fantasy owners can be a fickle bunch, jumping on waiver-wire trends and tweaking their lineup daily. But they can also be stubborn, holding onto players for far too long before realizing, destroying their team’s chances of winning.

Scan through fantasy baseball league(s) this season and you’ll notice plenty of players whose name value has eclipsed their actual value. Yet, somehow, they still remain on fantasy rosters. Well fear not, Update! compiled a list of big names and lets you know why they should be dropped this very instant:

NBA Hoop Scoop

BY MICHAEL GANCI
Update! Writer

Our weekly digest of everything fantasy basketball. Facts don’t lie and the Hoop Scoop is full of ‘em. Projections for the week of April 14-20. Stats through April 12:
 

EARL WATSON
Seattle Sonics, PG
Comment: Watson has been on an absolute tear as of late, including a 16-point, eight assist effort on Wednesday.Watson now has double-digit scoring in five of his last six games and he has finished with at least five assists in five of those games as well. Watson will continue to get minutes and is a solid option coming down the stretch.

J.R. SMITH
Denver Nuggets, SG
Comment: Smith has been remarkably consistent over his last 20 games. He has reached double figures 18 times and is averaging over 17 points over his last 10 games. Start him in all formats while he continues this torrid pace.

WILSON CHANDLER
New York Knicks, SF
Comment: The Knicks actually have a mini winning streak going and it is in big part thanks to Wilson Chandler, who has averaged 18 points over the past four games. This Knicks team is going to be completely renovated over the summer; Chandler is one of the few guys who has a chance to stay. Keep him in your lineup while he gets consistent minutes.

ZACH RANDOLPH
New York Knicks, PF
Comment: Randolph’s season was up and down to say the least, but he is closing it out on a high note, which is good for the Knicks. Randolph has averaged 17.9 points per game over his last ten games,. Maybe this late season surge will able the Knicks to trade him for something valuable. Only time will tell.

MEHMET OKUR
Utah Jazz, C
Comment: While Okur was an awful fantasy producer in Nov. and Dec., he has been a force ever recently. In his last five games, his lowest point output was 16. His excellent rebounding has been a major reason why Utah has been successful. Of course, having Deron Williams doesn’t hurt. 

JOSE CALDERON
Toronto Raptors, PG
Comment: Fantasy owners must be frustrated with the recent production of the Toronto guard. He has had single digits in scoring in six of the last seven games. He continues to produce assists, but his scoring has been woeful coming down the stretch. Start someone else right now, unless you are absolutely desperate for assists. His passing is the only positive thing about him right now.

RASHAD MCCANTS
Minnesota Timberwolves, SG
Comment: McCants has been rather inconsistent as of late, and his last game may have been his worst performance of the season. After committing two fouls in three first quarter minutes, McCants watched the rest of the game from the bench, which is something that must have had fantasy owners livid. Bench him.

STEVE NOVAK
Houston Rockets, SF
Comment: I felt the need to discuss Novak, because I know that a lot of fantasy owners are going to be compelled to pick him up after his 17-point performance on Wednesday night. He would be an obvious recommendation if Shane Battier and Tracy McGrady had injuries that would keep them out for the rest of the year. But that isn’t the case. Don’t be conned into taking him, because it will not benefit your team this season.

DONYELL MARSHALL
Golden State Warriors, PF
Comment: What a scrub Marshall has been in fantasy recently. In his last ten games, he is averaging only three points per game and has been nursing a sore knee. It is time to dump him as soon as humanly possible.

NAZR MOHAMMAD
Charlotte Bobcats, C
Comment: People who got excited about Mohammad’s big turnout on Tuesday night were most definitely disappointed by his showing on Wednesday against the Knicks. In just 19 minutes of play, Mohammad managed a mere three points and six rebounds. Many others on the Bobcats played well, but the big man just wasn’t able to consistently get it going tonight. There are plenty of better options.

GILBERT ARENAS
Washington Wizards, PG
Comment: Arenas has been a nice help since he returned from the injury that shelved him for much of the season, and he has been playing well enough to warrant a spot in most fantasy lineups. One thing to play close attention to is the fact that he misses a game here or there with his injury, so you may want to check up on him before starting him.

RAFER ALSTON
Houston Rockets, PG
Comment: After missing three games with an injury, Alston returned with a bang on Wednesday, finishing the game with 18 points and five assists. He has been a relatively good contributor in fantasy basketball this season, and he could be a guy worthy of starting for the rest of the season, as long as he stays healthy and produces in multiple categories.

RICKY DAVIS
Miami Heat, SG
Comment: We can all agree on one fact. It must really be hard to play for the Miami Heat when they are as terrible as they are. If there was one bright spot on the team, it’s Ricky Davis, who leads the team in scoring. Over his last ten games, he has averaged over 14 points per game and he continues to give his all even though his team loses every night. Start him.

JAMAL CRAWFORD
New York Knicks, SG
Comment: Crawford has had a career year on the underachieving Knicks.He’s shot the ball well of late and handed out plenty of assists with Stephon Marbury AWOL. Keep him active. He’s one of the few Knicks worth owning.

ANTAWN JAMISON
Washington Wizards, SF
Comment: The injury that Jamison suffered looked scary to the naked eye, but Jamison returned on Wednesday night and showed no ill effects. He finished with 27 points in an impressive showing against the Boston Celtics. This is an obvious start, and he will be beneficial to fantasy teams everywhere.

LUKE WALTON
Los Angeles Lakers, SF
Comment: Walton made his return from a two game absence due to a strained hamstring and he looked like a healthy man on a mission. In his return effort, Walton scored 18 points, five rebounds and four assists in an easy victory over the Clippers. If you were worried about his health in the last week of the season, don’t be. He’s fine and good to activate.

FRANCISCO GARCIA
Sacramento Kings, F
Comment: Garcia has been a godsend for the Kings so far this season, averaging over 12 points per game while playing stellar. His play has picked up recently, as he had over 20 points in three of his last six games, including a 38-point performance on Tuesday. If he’s out there, go get him, and if you have him, start him now.

HAKIM WARRICK
Memphis Grizzlies, PF
Comment: Warrick has really been on top of his game since Paul Gasol got traded to the Lakers. In his last six games, Warrick has finished in double figures in scoring. Warrick has turned in a solid season with a couple of bumps along the way, but he projects to be a good fantasy player moving forward.

RASHO NESTEROVIC
Toronto Raptors, C
Comment: He continues to be on fire, just as he was last week. Nesterovic has averaged just less than 17 points per game in his last ten, and has been a force to be reckoned with. Fantasy owners need to grab him if he is available, but most likely he isn’t. Keep your eyes open for him and monitor him closely.

AARON GRAY
Chicago Bulls, C
Comment: What a pickup this guy has been for the owners that may have given him a chance two weeks ago. In his last 18 games, dating back to March 2, Nesterovic has finished in double digits in scoring in 15 of them, a staggering number considering his production prior to that time. If you need a center, he is an excellent option right now. Start him

MO WILLIAMS
Milwaukee Bucks, PG
Comment: Congrats goes to Williams for his second straight week on the list. Sessions has played very well as his replacement since he got hurt, but even with Williams slated to return soon, no one is really expecting much out of him. Don’t bother putting him in your lineup. You are better off taking a chance on someone who gets a lot of minutes.

MIKE CONLEY
Memphis Grizzlies, PG
Comment: The Grizzlies are high on this rookie point guard and they should be. His recent 25-point outbreak against the Minnesota Timberwolves more than proves he can be a capable scorer. Don’t be fooled though. More often than not, Conley won’t provide owners with any reasonable sort of production.

DEVIN BROWN
Cleveland Cavaliers, SG
Comment: Brown finished with just four points in Wednesday’s game, and is beginning to anger fantasy owners everywhere with his inconsistent play. It’s impossible to know when he is going to do well and when he is going to fall flat on his face. I think he is too inconsistent to have a spot on your team, so take a chance on someone else for the time being.

RICHARD HAMILTON
Detroit Pistons, SG
Comment: As of right now, Hamilton is day to day with a hip injury, but Pistons coach Flip Saunders was quoted as saying that he has no intent of increasing Hamilton’s minutes before the end of the season. They are likely going to baby Hamilton in anticipation of making sure that he is alright for the playoffs. Look at other options.

COREY MAGGETTE
Los Angeles Clippers, SF
Comment: Maggette was very passionate about the thought of playing on Thursday night, but that just was not in the cards due to his health. Maggette once again missed the game due to an injured leg, and is likely done for the season. There is no reason for the Clippers to take any chances when they have nothing left to play for. Cut him if needed.

RON ARTEST
Sacramento Kings, SF
Comment: Artest is having a rough time recovering from his thumb injury and he continues to suggest that he will play again this season. I just don’t buy it. Also, Artest revealed that his four-year-old daughter is having recurrences of cancer, so his mind and body are just in another place right now. My guess is that he is done for the season.

BRAD MILLER
Sacramento Kings, PF
Comment: Brad Miller had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow and is obviously done for the season. He was again one of the better fantasy players at his position, and he should be a good mid round pick again next season.

YI JIANLIAN
Milwaukee Bucks, PF
Comment: Yi was scheduled to have an MRI today to see what the severity of his right knee sprain is. Fantasy players expected more out of him this season, but were let down by his lack of production. There is no reason to wait him out. Throw him into free agency, and maybe think about using a late round pick on him next season.

ANDREW BYNUM
Los Angeles Lakers, C
Comment: I have thought all along that the owners who were patient with Bynum’s status would be rewarded in the long run, but that doesn’t look like the case with the latest news on his status. Bynum saw a knee specialist in New York on Thursday, and not only was he not cleared to join the Lakers, but he also wasn’t cleared to participate in contact drills. It pains me to say this to all the people who were patient, but drop him if you need to.

JOSH BOONE
New Jersey Nets, C
Comment: Boone had a stretch in which he was a nice sleeper option for fantasy owners, but it looks like he has been bitten by the injury bug. He is supposed to be back soon, but with the Nets being practically out of playoff contention, they are not going to rush him. I think it is time for everyone to try someone else on for size and see if they are more beneficial for your team.

The Hype Machine

By: Chris Starbonell

Update! Writer

By now there has probably been a flurry of activity in your fantasy league(s). The waiver-wire has been white-hot with action, as numerous players have left stellar impressions after just a week of baseball. Some of these players are well worth the add and will live up to the hype. Others, however, are not as likely to pan out and deserve to be tossed back into the free agent heap. On the other side of the coin, we have players off to poor starts, and plenty of fantasy owners are worrying about who’s next on the chopping block. The hype machine creates an exciting vibe in the first few weeks of baseball and UPDATE! examined some notable names that have made waves (good and bad).