FANTASY NBA: Emerging Forces

SHALLOW LEAGUES

In my league (which is actually ridiculously deep or "subterranean"), someone dropped PG/SG Randy Foye. I'm sure this happened in plenty of leagues where patience is not a requisite for a league championship, so it deserves to be pointed out he should be picked up immediately if he's available.

You cannot teach a player to be clutch. Coaches rely on this intangible and players who have it get the opportunity to shine. Last night, Foye scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter against the Mavs. En route to victory against the Clippers Saturday he scored 14 of his 15 points in the fourth. He's stepping up in a big way against quality opponents while Kevin Garnett is occupies defenses. The other stats should fill out in time, which is awesome potential for the 13th man.


DEEP LEAGUES

Miami G/F Dorrell Wright is finally cracking the rotation. Drafted in 2004 out of high school, he barely saw the light of day on the Heat bench despite having some freakish athletic gifts. He developed a knowledge of the game, being coached by Pat Riley, playing with some legendary veterans and being part of a championship team. Now, he is budding into a star. With Riley calling out his team, Wright should continue to get minutes as long as keeps earning them.

In three games as a starter, his line: 8.7 PPG on 50%, 100% FTP, 11.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG and 1.0 TO.


SUBTERRANEAN LEAGUES

I was one of the many Knicks that attended the 2006 draft who booed Isiah Thomas' draft selection of SF Renaldo Balkman (for the record, Kenny Bloggins called Isiah drafting the most unconventional player possible). While PG Marcus Williams appears capable of being Jason Kidd's successor, Balkman is a high energy rebounder and shot blocker, who has the ability to lead the fast break.

Channing Frye will be inactive for five weeks and Quentin Richardson and Jared Jeffries are out for about a week apiece. Balkman will get more minutes too after coming off a truly spectacular game against Chicago.

In 20 minutes, his line: 10 PTS on 50% FGP, 1 3PM, 13 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK, 1 STL and 1 TO.

FANTASY NBA: One Small Step Last Night, One Giant Leap to Come

By Kenny Bloggins and Steve "Supreme Commander" Cernak

Every Weighed Bloggs staffer picked up New Orleans’s C Hilton Armstrong around midnight. He is an absolute stud-in-waiting playing alongside MVP candidate Chris Paul.

With Tyson Chandler injured, Byron Scott surprisingly started the 12^th overall pick in last June’s draft because of the athleticism he has is rare in a 6-foo-11 frame. Armstrong moves like a small forward and his long limbs don't get in his own way. And because he'll seldom be the focus of an opposing team's game plan and qualifies as a center, he's a must-have on your fantasy roster.

Armstrong emerged against the Detroit Pistons. In his first career start, he scored 17 and grabbed 9 boards. He also showed some guts and heroics in the final seconds, first sinking the winning free throw and then swatting away his own miss on the second attempt as time expired.

Remember, Armstrong was successful at UConn, along with fellow 2006 draftees PG Marcus Williams, SF Rudy Gay and PF Josh Boone. Now he's in a better position to succeed because of Paul's brilliance, SF Peja Stojakovic's zone-busting shot and he'll play alongside front court stalwart David West.