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Fratello’s Fantasy Pick: Kemba Walker

November 19 by Mike Fratello Leave a Comment

The Charlotte Bobcats lost their last 23 games of the 2011-2012 season and finished 7-59. They were arguably one of the worst teams in NBA history.

In the 2011 draft, Charlotte selected guard Kemba Walker of UConn 9^th overall after he led the Huskies to the NCAA title and earned Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

Like many other top NBA rookies, Walker went from a winning collegiate team to a struggling pro squad fighting for very few victories while attempting to gather talent. The transition is difficult at best and soul-sucking at worst, especially for a rookie whose team winds up with a winning percentage of .106.

Walker played in all 66 games his freshman season and started 25 times. He averaged 12.1 ppg, 4.4 apg, 3.5 rpg and .9 spg in 27.2 mpg.

This season Walker appears to be getting better in all aspects of the game, and his numbers have risen across the board. So far through 8 games Walker is averaging 18.8 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.9 rpg and 2.5 spg in 36.6 mpg.

The sophomore has scored in double digits each night, and he’s achieved game highs of 30 points, 8 dimes (2X), 6 boards and 8 steals. He is an excellent free throw shooter at 86%, and his field goal percentage has risen from .366 last year to .423 this year.

Walker appears to be taking on a greater leadership role in Charlotte, and he’s gained a better understanding of how he can help his teammates win – they’ve already notched four W’s.

Kemba Walker is a good fantasy pick-up right now as his overall production will continue to improve along with the young Bobcats’ good fortune.

Fratello’s Fantasy Pick: Nate Robinson

November 12 by Mike Fratello Leave a Comment

Chicago signed one-time Bull Kirk Hinrich to fill the temporary void left at the lead guard spot after franchise player Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL in the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

When Hinrich left Saturday’s win over Minnesota with a hip injury, ninth-year sparkplug Nate Robinson finished out the contest for coach Tom Thibodeau at the 1. Robinson played a season-high 31 minutes and scored a season-high 18 points.

Rose is not expected to return until April or May of 2013, and Hinrich is currently listed as day-to-day. With enough floor time, Robinson is capable of making a significant fantasy impact.

The 21^st overall pick in the 2005 draft and 3X NBA Slam Dunk Champion has career highs of 45 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists. The ultra-athletic Seattle native scores, rebounds, passes, hits threes and gets steals.

So far in six games Robinson is averaging 11.5 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.5 rpg, 1 spg, and he’s shooting almost 50% from the floor. Robinson has season highs of 18 points, 12 dimes, 5 boards (3X) and 3 steals.

The Bulls have enough talent to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference while they wait for their star’s return. With a tremendous head coach and a talented, stable, veteran core, a player like Robinson can slide into the rotation, whether in the first 5 or as the backup PG, and accumulate healthy, nightly numbers for a fantasy roster.

Filed Under: Fratello's Fantasy Picks Tagged With: Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson

Fratello’s Fantasy Pick: Tyson Chandler

November 5 by Mike Fratello Leave a Comment

For fantasy owners looking to make some early adjustments to their rosters, 2012 NBA Defensive Player of The Year Tyson Chandler of the Knicks could be a valuable addition. The 2001 second overall pick out of Dominguez High School in Los Angeles won his first NBA title in 2011 with the Mavericks.

Last season, a three-team trade landed the 11th-year veteran in Gotham City, where he joined Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. Together these three formed one of the most potent frontcourts in the league.

Playing in 62 of the lockout-shortened schedule of 66 games, 7’1” Chandler averaged 11.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.4 bpg and almost 1 steal per contest. He posted game highs of 25 points, 17 boards (3X), 6 blocks and 4 steals.

Chandler’s partner in the paint, 6X NBA All-Star Stoudemire, missed 19 of the 66 contests due to injury. When Stoudemire was out of the New York lineup, Chandler’s numbers soared, especially on the boards.

On Wednesday, October 31^st, Stoudemire had left knee surgery and won’t be available to coach Mike Woodson until the new year at the earliest. Even then, his effectiveness will be a question, and initially he’ll carry a limited workload.

The Knickerbockers will need Chandler to help pick up the slack left by Amar’e’s absence, so look for Chandler’s numbers to get a boost across the board.

Filed Under: Fratello's Fantasy Picks Tagged With: Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks, Tyson Chandler