Because the NBA playoffs aren't completely set yet, I had some major trouble
finding guys who completely bombed out last week. Absolutely ZERO
superstars had a bad week because they are all playing their butts off to
ensure their team gets a spot in the top eight, but there are a few lower-end
players that didn't do so hot. So here are your Busts of the Week:
Andrea Bargnani, TOR: Granted, Bargnani hasn't
had a stellar sophomore season, he again put together a terrible week last
week. He averaged 6.2 points, one assist and 2.6 rebounds in 14.6
minutes. Ick. Despite his poor play, Toronto managed to lock the
seventh spot in the East and head to the playoffs for this fifth time in
franchise history. Don't count on Bargnani as you set your lineup
for Championship Week here in fantasyland. He hasn't done well all
season and after not scoring a single basket against New Jersey in nine minutes
of play, I'd say he's going to be rested this week.
Gerald Wallace, CHA: Charlotte's star hasn't had
much of an impact since returning from a concussion less than a month
ago. Last week wasn't that great either since he averaged just
15.3points, 2.3 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2 turnovers in 35.3
minutes. Compare that to his season averages, and it's not what fantasy
owners expect from G-Force. He also left the game
against Toronto on Friday with a groin injury and even though he didn't
return, the Bobcats won their 29th game this season. Charlotte is pretty
much out of the playoff running, so you may see Wallace's minutes cut in
favor of Jared Dudley. Because of who he is, I would still keep him in
your lineup this week unless you have a better option.
Kirk Hinrich, CHI: Hinrich is owned in
95% of leagues, but that doesn't mean fantasy owners are starting
him. He's usually consistent, although he's had some injury problems this
season so his game has been a little off. Last week he averaged
just 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 turnovers
in 24.6 minutes. He's not the kind of guy you wanted in your lineup
last week, and if you had him and lost, he probably factored into the
equation. I wouldn't expect too much from him this week either, so go
with a better option at guard if you can.
Smush Parker and Brevin Knight, LAC: Okay, neither
of these two players have hardly any fantasy value, but I saw their numbers and
had to throw them in. The Clippers are looking for that point guard who
can back up Shaun Livingston now that Sam Cassell is gone. It's not going
to be either one of these two, I can tell you that. I was even going to
mention Dan Dickau, but he has absolutely zero fantasy value as it is, so I
didn't want to waste your time. Last week, Parker and Knight combined for
19 points, 20 assists, seven rebounds, eight steals and seven turnovers in 101
minutes over three games. Look at the stat line again and remember that
we're talking about TWO players. So let's average it out, shall we?
Two players averaged 6.3 points, 6.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals
and 2.3 turnovers in 33.6 minutes. Cut it in half and that's what
you have per player. Pathetic. Let's all hope that Livingston is
back next season or the Clips are in trouble.
That's all I've got for you this week, make sure you check
back next week to see who cost you the Championship!