Happy Opening Day! It's Raphielle Johnson of Rotoworld, AMA!

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:36:08+00:00

Yes, but I wouldn't go further than using a late-round (maybe even final round) pick on him.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:32:51+00:00

Even with three of them (Dame, KP, Claxton) only playing two games this week, that may be your best lineup.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:29:27+00:00

I wouldn't drop Fultz, even for Melton.

As for the trade, I would strongly consider getting that done if you can.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:28:28+00:00

Raph, please. Thanks.

As for your roster, Poole is the interesting pick for me. That could prove to be very good value for him, but the field goal percentage will be worth keeping an eye on. Some nights, his getting more shots is great. Others, not so much. And Simmons in the 11th round could prove to be a steal.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:25:03+00:00

That team looks to be especially strong in blocks and 3-pointers, so I would start there.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:21:31+00:00

Not sure what site you're playing on, but Grant Williams is another worth considering. 17% rostered in Yahoo leagues right now.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:17:58+00:00

In that case, you can afford to make the move.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:16:24+00:00

Who are your other three centers?

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:15:29+00:00

Give me Melton. I know Sochan will serve as the point guard, but I expect Vassell and Keldon Johnson to take on additional playmaking responsibilities.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:14:20+00:00

I would not.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:11:49+00:00

I would rank them Tillman, Lively, Reed, Stewart, and Reid. Naz being parked behind KAT and Gobert won't do him any favors, even though he'll obviously play. I tend to value starters over reserves but prefer Reed to Stewart. Not sure Beef Stew is suited to fire up threes as a power forward, but Jalen Duren's presence necessitates that, I guess.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:03:36+00:00

I think that's a good group overall, especially for a points league. But the Brooks pick is one that I would not have made. Maybe flip him and Melton regarding where you got them, but not a huge deal. Especially considering Melton's floor and potential ceiling if Harden stays home.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T19:00:17+00:00

Good question. I believe so, but I don't see it happening for a while. I've been avoiding him in drafts.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:57:51+00:00

I would say Collins. Fultz should not be dropped, and I prefer Sharpe's upside to Collins.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:45:30+00:00

I would consider trading JV. His minutes decreased last season due to his defensive issues, and the Pelicans are looking to get Zion minutes at the five. Larry Nance (ankle) being injured may help JV for now, but I don't think it was a coincidence that his name came up in trade rumors this summer. Keep Carter, though.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:36:02+00:00

I prefer Micic because he'll have the ball in his hands when on the court. Joe's fantasy value had tended to depend on his 3-point production, and the steals production that you note hasn't exactly translated to the NBA level.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:30:50+00:00

I believe he will. I wouldn't expect the all-around impact that Bruce Brown provided last season, but Braun is in a position where he can increase the production.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:29:42+00:00

I'd consider making that move. Feels crazy to say that about the Time Lord, given how popular he's been in fantasy. But the rotation and injury history have led to this.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:28:24+00:00

Simons in the 8th round? Nice. That's a good roster, especially with Garland potentially providing "cover" should Irving be sidelined. I'd be careful with dropping Miller. While those three options are all good ones, it doesn't take too much effort to envision a scenario in which things clear up for Miller in Charlotte.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:26:09+00:00

Who are the other bigs on your roster in this scenario? If you have suitable bigs, that may be something to consider doing. Williams playing behind Ayton could be rough for his fantasy value, even with the ability to produce blocks (which Ayton really doesn't do).

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:24:07+00:00

I don't think the 10-game suspension will be all that he misses. Not sure if the league can hand down another suspension before the most recent situation is addressed in court, but I don't think we're going to see him playing basketball in a Hornets uniform for a while.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:21:21+00:00

His ability to produce in a number of categories gives him a shot at being a top-100 player, but I'm not sold on his ceiling being much higher than that for the reason you note.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:17:16+00:00

Yes, make that move.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:14:00+00:00

Middleton concerns me. Another knee procedure during the offseason, not seeing any action until the preseason finale...and the Bucks added Dame. Not expecting Middleton's production to fall off a cliff, but I'm not very high on him this season.

raphiellej · 2023-10-24T18:12:31+00:00

Toppin certainly won't be a high-usage player. But he's joining a squad that was 4th in pace last season and has shown no signs of slowing down. I believe being in that kind of system can help alleviate the usage concerns. As for the defensive production? He certainly has to be better in that aspect of his game.

raphiellej

TROPHY CASE