By Answerman

The Answerman has been in fantasy basketball leagues since Shawn Kemp was the next Moses Malone. He's won a few, lost a few, and made some remarkable comebacks. He's here to answer all your fantasy basketball questions.

Trying to Rise writes:

What's up Answerman............ I play in a 10 team, 10 player (5 protectable) roto league with 8 categories..... my studs are Payton, Allen, B. Wallace, Big Dog, Jordan, Odom, & Malone (also Admiral, Artest, & Kittles)..... I'm in 5th place and struggling in scoring, 3's, ft%, & blocks (1st place in stls & rebs)......... who do you suggest I shop to make a move this year, taking into account my protected list for next year ???? I made an offer to the 1st place team for Kobe, offering Payton & Artest.....but not sure he'll do it. Please answer. Thanks alot

Dear Rise:

I'll take the last part first. Never Never Never make an offer to the best team in the league. The best team doesn't need your crappy players and will only take advantage of you.

Its like going up to the hottest girl in a bar. She knows exactly how hot she is and will make you buy her drinks until she leaves - without you. You will have better results going up to her less-hot friend.

Asking for Kobe is like asking hottie for a three-way. It ain't happening.

On to the first part: You built your team - showing remarkable sophistication - with an eye towards "other categories". D.Rob, Payton, Wallace, Jordan, Odom, and Artest are all guys who are not as great at scoring as they are helping out in other ways - rebounds, assists, etc.

Continue in that mode. Find another shot blocker to compliment Wallace (Adonal Foyle is a good choice and should be an FA in your league - Diop's been blocking when getting minutes). 3's and ft% should both come from the same guy. Go for any of C.Billups, Wes. Person, Atkins, or Garrity who is an FA. Can drop Kittles. He's not been producing.

Don't go looking for a scorer now, they are overpriced and overrated - just like the hottest girl in the bar.

Good luck.

Any fantasy questions send to Answerman@insidehoops.net


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