In standard-sized fantasy leagues, we can usually scrape around the wire and find production. But in the real NBA, that almost never happens. Throw in the fact that Jeremy Lin went to Harvard, is Asian-American and is now playing for the Knicks, and we have one of the most interesting stories the sports world has seen of late.
Over the last four games, Lin is averaging 28.5 points, 8.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds. The Knicks are 4-0 in that span and 8-15 in all other games. So can he sustain it? Well, no. No one can. When Carmelo Anthony (groin) and Amare Stoudemire (personal) return, Lin will have the ball less and get less shots up. The league will also get a scouting report out on him. Still, I’m not selling on Lin. He’s locked into the starting role (even when Baron Davis returns) and will still rack up the assists. Just expect his points to come down.
OK, let’s get on to some guys that may actually be available in your league right now.
1. Greivis Vasquez, PG, NO – Jarrett Jack is back on the shelf with knee issues. In four starts this year, Vasquez has averaged 14.0 points, 7.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
2. Rudy Fernandez, SG, DEN – Thanks to Danilo Gallinari’s month-long injury, the Nugs are in desperate need of Fernandez’s 3-point shooting ability.
3. JR Smith, SG, FA – Smith’s Chinese team has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. He could be in an NBA uniform — the Knicks? — as soon as the end of this month.
4. Tristan Thompson, PF/C, Cavs – Anderson Varejao broke his wrist on Friday night. Thompson, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, is going to get plenty of burn now. He can at least rebound at the NBA level.
5. Jonas Jerebko, F, Pistons – Jonas is hot again and pushing Jason Maxiell for the starting power forward job. Nice mix of blocks, steals, boards and treys for deep-leaguers.
