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Week 23 Fantasy Stockwatch

 
 
 
 

Each week, we'll survey the Fantasy Basketball landscape and provide you with a list of players whose Fantasy value has increased or decreased over the course of the past week. The arrows indicate which way a player's stock is heading, but you'll have to read what we have to say to know whether you should hold on to a player, or make a move to trade him -- or trade for him.

Al Jefferson, C, Minnesota
Think the Timberwolves have missed Kevin Garnett? Think again. Jefferson filled the role of go-to guy for Minnesota this year by averaging 20.9 points and 11.4 rebounds. Garnett last year averaged 22.4 points and 12.8 rebounds for Minnesota, but he was on the downside of his career. Jefferson is only going to keep getting better and has turned himself into a potential first-round draft pick in Fantasy leagues next season. Now if only Jefferson can get some help around him, he might see his scoring rise because right now opposing defenses can focus solely on him.
Ben Wallace, C, Cleveland
Wallace has become almost non-existent in Fantasy leagues down the stretch, which is a bad precursor for next season. He is only averaging 8.6 rebounds this year, which will be the first time since 1999 that he did not average double figures in rebounds. If Wallace isn't hitting the glass, he has no Fantasy value. Now that he's in Cleveland, Wallace will have to share time with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and LeBron James is also pretty good at grabbing rebounds. It's time to look at Wallace as a backup center in Fantasy leagues.
Hedo Turkoglu, F, Orlando
Something clicked for Turkoglu this year and hopefully he can keep it up the rest of his career. He went from a marginal Fantasy option to a potential second- or third-round draft choice in most leagues next season. He is on the verge of setting career highs in points (19.5), rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.8). Coach Stan Van Gundy made a smart move by using Turkoglu as a starting power forward and also allowing him to handle the ball. It always helps as a shooter if you have a solid big man to work with, and Turkoglu certainly has that with Dwight Howard.
Marvin Williams, F, Atlanta
Williams has turned things around a little in March, but his scoring average has dipped from 18.1 in December to 11.7 in February. He's back up to 13.2 points in March, but Williams is lost in a talented starting lineup of Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and potentially Mike Bibby if he stays with the Hawks next year. Williams may eventually live up to his potential, but it might not happen in Atlanta. Go into next season with Williams as a No. 4 Fantasy option, but the safe move is to draft him as a reserve.
Peja Stojakovic, F, New Orleans
If you took a risk on Stojakovic as a starting Fantasy option this year it paid off because he's at 67 games and counting. Stojakovic only played 13 games last year and 84 the past two years because of injuries, but he appears back at 100 percent. His scoring is down this year at 16.3 points, which is his lowest average since 1999, but he is still a solid source of three-pointers (202) and scoring. He also chips in with 4.3 rebounds, but the biggest thing is keeping him on the court. Unless a serious injury occurs between now and next season, go into the year with Stojakovic as a starter once again.
Ben Gordon, G, Chicago
It's unknown if Gordon will return to the Bulls next season, but his Fantasy value won't be the same if he does. Gordon is still averaging 19.1 points for the year, but he's at 17.7 points for March. Since all Gordon really does is score, and since the Bulls now have Larry Hughes on the roster, Gordon's point production will take a hit. Luol Deng's future could also impact Gordon, but he has gone from a must-start Fantasy option to a marginal producer heading into next season. Now, all that could change if Gordon leaves the Bulls, so keep an eye on what happens this offseason.
Devin Harris, G, New Jersey
As Jason Kidd used to know before leaving for Dallas, it helps to play with two talented scorers like Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Harris is finding out for himself and thriving with the Nets. Since coming to New Jersey, Harris is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games, which is an improvement on his season totals with Dallas (14.4 points, 5.3 assists). Next season, Harris will be a definite starting Fantasy option and a solid sleeper. You can probably draft him in Round 5 or later, and he will produce like an elite option if he stays in this offense.
Jason Terry, G, Dallas
Whether it's been the addition of Jason Kidd or just a continual downward spiral this season, Terry has suffered this year. His 14.7 average is his lowest point total since 2004 and the third-lowest mark of his career. Terry suffers coming off the bench, and with Kidd now on board that likely will continue next season. Terry also is just a scorer, so when his points are down, he's not helping your Fantasy team in other ways. Go into next season with Terry as a reserve and hope he can eventually crack your starting lineup with improved play.
Monta Ellis, G, Golden State
Ellis is one of the rising stars of the NBA. In three years, his scoring average has gone from 6.8 as a rookie to 16.5 last year to 19.9 this season. And he could get better next season if Baron Davis leaves as a free agent. That would allow Ellis more freedom in the offense. Aside from scoring, Ellis also rebounds (4.8) and gets assists (3.8). In keeper leagues, Ellis is one of the top players, and next year you will want to draft Ellis in the first two rounds of most scoring formats. He will only continue to get better as his career blossoms.
Ray Allen, G, Boston
Allen is on his way to his lowest scoring average since 1998 with 17.9 points this season, and it will likely only continue to decline next year. Allen might help the Celtics win an NBA title, but his days of being a regular contributor in most Fantasy leagues are near an end. Allen will be 33 to start next season, and his scoring will probably remain below 20 points per game the rest of his career. He is still a solid source of three-pointers (164) and a good scorer. But he averages less than four assists and four rebounds per game. Go into next season with Allen as a Fantasy reserve and hope he can start for you at certain points during the year.

Do you have a trade you'd like reviewed by our experts, or feel that we're missing someone from our Stockwatch? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyBasketball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Stockwatch in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware we do not guarantee personal responses to all questions.

 
 
 
 
Jamey Eisenberg
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