Expert Fantasy » anthony-johnson

Jameer Nelson Injury Update: Finals Return?

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:47:43 +0000

Jameer Nelson has watch the Orlando Magic make it all the way to the 2009 NBA Finals without him. Now there are rumors circulating that Nelson can return from his shoulder surgery in time to play in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jameer Nelson - Could he return against the Lakers (Image: Zuma Press)

If you are hooping it up in playoff fantasy basketball, Jameer Nelson’s injury update could have a lot of impact. Named to the All-Star team, Nelson was having an amazing season prior to his shoulder injury. He was averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 assists and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 50.3% from the floor and 45.3% from beyond the three-point arc.

However, even if he is able to return, it’s all but certain that he’d come off the bench. Rafer Alston hasn’t been amazing but he’s been good enough to retain the job for the rest of the way.

Nelson’s return would most likely result in replacing Anthony Johnson in the rotation. He would also cut into Alston’s minutes if he plays well.

For fantasy purposes, take a wait and see approach with Nelson. If he returns and then looks decent on the court, that’s when you start considering him for your fantasy basketball team. Prior to that point, he’s more of a tease than a sure thing.

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Jameer Nelson Injury Update – Torn Labrum

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:51:07 +0000

Jameer Nelson was having a fantastic season, easily the best of his career. Now his season may be over after an MRI showed that he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Both the Orlando Magic and fantasy basketball owners have to be crushed by this news.

How long Nelson will be out depends on whether or not he has surgery. If he has surgery, Nelson will most likely miss the rest of the season. If he doesn’t have surgery but instead tries to rehab, he could possibly return in a few weeks. However, without surgery, he will be susceptible to re-injuring his shoulder.

With Nelson out, Anthony Johnson will take the reins in Orlando. The veteran point guard isn’t much of a fantasy producer but he plays solid defense and knows how to run the show. In the fantasy world, he may be a decent stop gap if you are scrambling to replace Nelson.

If Nelson is indeed out for the season, expect the Magic to go out and trade for a point guard. Jamaal Tinsley could possibly be a fit or maybe a player like Earl Watson. Though Johnson is solid, the Magic would need a better player at the position to stay in the championship hunt.

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Mike Bibby to Hawks – Fantasy Perspective

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:04:16 +0000

The Sacramento Kings traded Mike Bibby to the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend for Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright and Shelden Williams. Bibby goes to Atlanta trying to give the team the solid point guard it hasn’t had in years.

In Bibby’s first game with the Hawks on Tuesday, he injured an ankle. The extent of the injury isn’t immediately known. When healthy, Bibby will be a good addition for the Hawks. He’ll make life easier for the scorers around him including Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. He should also feed Al Horford for easy baskets around the rim.

For Bibby himself, this shouldn’t help him or hurt him in the fantasy world. Expect his stats to be similar to what they were when he was with the Kings. He’s a good shooter and an average playmaker. Bibby can get hot and score with just about any point guard in the league.

With regards to the Kings, the only player they received who could have long-term fantasy appeal is Shelden Williams. The other three players they received are all expiring contracts. Williams, even though there’s a chance that he’s just a draft bust, could find a defense and rebounding role with the Kings off the bench.

With Bibby gone, expect Beno Udrih to resume his job as the team’s starting point guard. Udrih as a starter played well for the Kings. The Slovenian struggled when coming off the bench behind Bibby, which dropped him off the fantasy radar. If you need a point guard, go pickup Udrih.

If something were to happen to Udrih, Anthony Johnson is likely the next in line to start in Sacramento at point guard.

Read another perspective on the Bibby trade.

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Fantasy Basketball: Sleeper Point Guards

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:14:56 +0000

Anthony Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Johnson has been starting for most of the season for the Hawks. However, as of late he has really elevated his game. In the last two games, he’s been fantastic. Against the Utah Jazz, Johnson had 17 points and 14 assists. Against the Miami Heat, Johnson had 21 points and nine assists. Pick him up if you have the room to see if he can keep this up.

Luke Ridnour, Seattle Supersonics
Ridnour isn’t a very good fit with the Supersonics. However, there’s rumors picking up steam that Ridnour could be on his way out of town. If he gets traded, Ridnour could find himself in a very good situation. He’s a good playmaker who is also a sneaky scorer. If he gets traded, pick him up.

Louis Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Williams has been slowed as of late with a broken toe but he’s starting to play better. While his playing time is erratic because he comes off the bench, his stock will skyrocket if starter Andre Miller gets traded. And if the Sixers find themselves out of the playoff chase, there’s a real chance that Miller could be sent out as the team looks to rebuild.

Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets
Alston has been starting all year for the Rockets but hasn’t been much of a fantasy option to date. However, Alston has started to shoot the ball better, which is helping his fantasy stock immensely. In his last game, Alston had 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in one of his better games of the year.

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