2024/2025 SyracuseFan Fantasy Basketball

[orangenauburn]

My season story has been IL and sitting out games

It has sucked. I drafted a bunch of soft ass players.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

My season story has been IL and sitting out games

It has sucked. I drafted a bunch of soft ass players.

Gave it the laugh emoji because your description is funny, not because I'm making fun of you.

 

[orangenauburn]

Gave it the laugh emoji because your description is funny, not because I'm making fun of you.

No worries. I've done well in other leagues and did ok last year in ours. This group I drafted are just straight up why people hate the NBA.

Quigley has played nine games all year.

Nurkic? What happened there? He and coach hate each other so he got benched.

Ayton is off and on.

Markaanen has been nowhere near his levels from prior years in a year he was expected to take his game up a notch.

Schroeder gets traded and then benched. Bum.

And on and on and on.

Just a disaster all around.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

No worries. I've done well in other leagues and did ok last year in ours. This group I drafted are just straight up why people hate the NBA.

Quigley has played nine games all year.

Nurkic? What happened there? He and coach hate each other so he got benched.

Ayton is off and on.

Markaanen has been nowhere near his levels from prior years in a year he was expected to take his game up a notch.

Schroeder gets traded and then benched. Bum.

And on and on and on.

Just a disaster all around.

I've had a couple guys that have come off the IL, play one game well, and then sit out again. Not even a B2B. Not at all looking forward to the 2nd half.

 

[orangenauburn]

Just my third head to head victory of the season. I'm feeling spicy

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Just my third head to head victory of the season. I'm feeling spicy

I went from 2nd to 5th.

 

[jncuse]

I can't remember the last time I didn't have 3 or 4 players hurt (its been at least a month). Had to drop an injured player at one point (Kuminga). At least lebron pretty much players every day which is good for a star player at this point. He does drama queen it every day by always being a GTD before every game, but he ends up playing so I have to watch my roster.

The entertaining part of it is you get to pick up some new players that might turn out to be valuable... I find that fun, even if frustrating. Right now love my pickups of Kalel Ware and Amen Thompson... that being said I picked up Mark Williams and then stupidly dumped him a few games later when I had to many healthy players at one point as guys came back for a few games. That will probably be a dump that I really regret.

Should have kept Williams and got rid of Kris Middleton, but I keep hanging on to Middleton -- have come close to dumping him several times.

 

[jncuse]

I went from 2nd to 5th.

Its pretty bunched up around the 2-5 spots right now.

 

[jncuse]

Only doing my own, but here are my ins and outs for the year (not all my moves but just as it stands today). If others would do a self assessment

Still on my Team from Draft Night
Anthony Edwards (round 1, #7) season rank #15 / avg rank 31 (disappointing)
Steph Curry (round 2, #14), season rank 28 / avg rank 17 (a tad disappointing)
Lebron James (round 3, #27) rank 31/ 29 (on par)
Evan Mobley (round 4, #34) rank 29 / 33 (on par)
Jalen Duren (round 5, #47) rank 83 / 117 (major disappointing)
Pascal Siakam (Round 6, #54) rank 26 / 49 (a bit above expectations)
Cam Thomas (round 7, #67) rank 233 / 91 (disappointing + injuries)
Coby White (round 8, #74) rank 72 / 88 (on par)
Jalen Suggs (round 11, #107) rank 99 / 78 ( a bit above expectations)

I didn't feel great about the team after draft night... fit, age. And overall they have not been great -- more disappointments than overachievers. In fact I don't think I drafted an overachiever.

Draft Night Grade: C- or D, especially since I didn't get any value from round 9, 10, 12, 13 who were all released

Started With / Gone (OUT)
Jonas Valanciunas (round 9, #87) Released,
Herbert Jones (round 10, #94) Released
Terrance Jackson Davis (round 12, #114) Released
Tyus Jones (round 13, #127) Released

None of these guys really burned me after being released

IN ** (all free agents)

Amen Thompson, last 30 rank #52 (by avg #15)
Russell Westbrook, last 30 rank #51
Kalel Ware, last 30 #31
Kelly Oubre, last 30 rank #64
Khris Middleton, last 30 rank #262

In season Acquisitions: B+. I'm really happy with Thompson, Westbrook, Oubre, Ware who have all been huge for me at points in the last month or weeks. Thompson has had stud games lately. Ware could be an outside ROY candidate if he keep at this pace after sitting to start the year. Oubre has played well for a decimated Sixer Team. Westbrook was meant to be a streamer addition -- but he had a good game, then another, then another. To be fair many of the additions were like that. Have had him for over a month, and he is shooting 56% for me based on the game log which is unlikely for him.

But I have FA in/out regrets that take my grade below an A . Mark Williams had hoarded on my IL, but then had to many injuries and let him go after he played a few games... he has been huge when he has played. Also gave up on Malik Monk.

I have come close to releasing Middleton about a half dozen times.

Remaining Team - "Streamers" for injuries, these guys are short-term most likely.
Toumani Camarra
Vit Krejci
Ausar Thompson

 

[HakAttack]

Did you also add IL+ spots to 5? That might be essential as we get deeper into the real life season and guys get randomly rested for load management.

I agree with everyone else who's said that fantasy basketball is super hard right now with little continuity because of all the injuries.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Did you also add IL+ spots to 5? That might be essential as we get deeper into the real life season and guys get randomly rested for load management.

I agree with everyone else who's said that fantasy basketball is super hard right now with little continuity because of all the injuries.

But, if they are only sitting out one game then the IL+ won't matter. Don't they still have to miss three straight?

I got screwed this week. One guy went on the IL at the very last moment. And then another guy came off the IL at the very last moment and it was too late to start him. And, of course, he had a productive game.

Seems like we should have a one hour window to react. I've seen tweets saying so and so is playing or sitting and then Yahoo doesn't react to it.

 

[HakAttack]

Here's my own take on jncuse post.

Still on my Team from Draft Night
SGA (#4) season rank #1 - how did he drop to 4? He's carried my team
Scottie Barnes (#17), season rank 75 - he's had a LOT of injuries but when he's been on the court he's been a top 25-30 guy
Dame (#24) season rank 14 - another cornerstone guy who's outperformed his ADP.
Desmond Bane (#44) season rank 52 - has also dealt with injuries but has been solid.
Mikal Bridges (#57) season rank 40 - definitely coming into his own the last two months or so.
Nic Claxton (#64) season rank 147 - MASSIVE BUST. Absolute bum.
Jabari Smith Jr (#77) season rank 160 - another MASSIVE BUST. Injured but is also a bum. Currently on IL.
Austin Reeves (#84) season rank 63 - definitely outperformed his ADP. Solid player.
Donte DiVincenzo (#97) season rank 123 - has struggled, I've dropped him a few times. Currently on IL.
Clint Capela (#117) season rank 115 - about what I expected from him. Late round pick. Hasn't killed me but doesn't offer much.

My team seemed to be pretty solid on draft night. Barnes was seen as a high-upside young early round pick, and my bigs were supposed to be solid. I get a B+/A- probably for the best value pick of fantasy basketball this year, Josh Hart at #124 who is currently ranked #8 and I was able to combine with Bam Adebayo for Haliburton and LaMelo who were selected #9 and #16 overall. This was a hard choice to move Hart after basically getting first round value for him all season long with my last pick, but Adebayo has struggled and I wanted first-round upside the rest of the way while going all-in on small guards in my team build.

Draft Night Grade: B+/A- - Josh Hart makes this an A- draft.

Started With / Gone (OUT)
Bam Adebayo (#37) - traded.
Terry Rozier (#104) - released.
Josh Hart (#124) - traded.

None of these guys really burned me after being released/traded although the jury is still out on my trade.

IN **

Haliburton, last 30 rank #7 (season by avg #18) - trade.
LaMelo, last 30 rank #48 (season by avg #25) - trade
Norman Powell, last 30 rank #57 (season by avg #35) - if it wasn't for Hart this would be the pickup/move of the year.
Okongwu, last 30 rank #62 (season by avg #92) - fantasy players have wanted him to start for YEARS and now we're seeing what he can do!
Dinwiddie, last 30 rank #126 (season by avg #174) - playing much better recently as Dallas waits for Doncic to get healthy.
Edey, last 30 rank #223 (season by avg #172) - will be a drop as soon as I get healthier.
Sexton, last 30 rank #103 (season by avg #115) - another guy on the cusp of a drop.

In season Acquisitions: A. Haliburton and LaMelo was a "swing for the fences" trade. It really stung to give up Hart, who as a Knicks fan, I KNOW his value both in real-life and fantasy (I drafted him last round in ALL my leagues this year). Getting Powell off waivers early was great. He's a top 35 guy I got for free. Okongwu was a "stash and see" guy who is finally getting PT and making the most of it.

Overall: A-. While my big men had the chance to be an anchor and pull my team down, my great guard play allowed me to make a big trade in-season to strengthen the core of my team. While I'm not competitive in the PF/C categories, I'm banking on winning most weeks due to the fact that I'll be almost impossible to beat in the other categories. Play to your strengths. And I'm all-in with guards this year. Just hoping LaMelo's ankles can hold up!

 

[HakAttack]

jncuse Ware has been a great pickup for you. I had my eye on him but reacted too late.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Here's my own take on jncuse post.

Still on my Team from Draft Night
SGA (#4) season rank #1 - how did he drop to 4? He's carried my team
Scottie Barnes (#17), season rank 75 - he's had a LOT of injuries but when he's been on the court he's been a top 25-30 guy
Dame (#24) season rank 14 - another cornerstone guy who's outperformed his ADP.
Desmond Bane (#44) season rank 52 - has also dealt with injuries but has been solid.
Mikal Bridges (#57) season rank 40 - definitely coming into his own the last two months or so.
Nic Claxton (#64) season rank 147 - MASSIVE BUST. Absolute bum.
Jabari Smith Jr (#77) season rank 160 - another MASSIVE BUST. Injured but is also a bum. Currently on IL.
Austin Reeves (#84) season rank 63 - definitely outperformed his ADP. Solid player.
Donte DiVincenzo (#97) season rank 123 - has struggled, I've dropped him a few times. Currently on IL.
Clint Capela (#117) season rank 115 - about what I expected from him. Late round pick. Hasn't killed me but doesn't offer much.

My team seemed to be pretty solid on draft night. Barnes was seen as a high-upside young early round pick, and my bigs were supposed to be solid. I get a B+/A- probably for the best value pick of fantasy basketball this year, Josh Hart at #124 who is currently ranked #8 and I was able to combine with Bam Adebayo for Haliburton and LaMelo who were selected #9 and #16 overall. This was a hard choice to move Hart after basically getting first round value for him all season long with my last pick, but Adebayo has struggled and I wanted first-round upside the rest of the way while going all-in on small guards in my team build.

Draft Night Grade: B+/A- - Josh Hart makes this an A- draft.

Started With / Gone (OUT)
Bam Adebayo (#37) - traded.
Terry Rozier (#104) - released.
Josh Hart (#124) - traded.

None of these guys really burned me after being released/traded although the jury is still out on my trade.

IN **

Haliburton, last 30 rank #7 (season by avg #18) - trade.
LaMelo, last 30 rank #48 (season by avg #25) - trade
Norman Powell, last 30 rank #57 (season by avg #35) - if it wasn't for Hart this would be the pickup/move of the year.
Okongwu, last 30 rank #62 (season by avg #92) - fantasy players have wanted him to start for YEARS and now we're seeing what he can do!
Dinwiddie, last 30 rank #126 (season by avg #174) - playing much better recently as Dallas waits for Doncic to get healthy.
Edey, last 30 rank #223 (season by avg #172) - will be a drop as soon as I get healthier.
Sexton, last 30 rank #103 (season by avg #115) - another guy on the cusp of a drop.

In season Acquisitions: A. Haliburton and LaMelo was a "swing for the fences" trade. It really stung to give up Hart, who as a Knicks fan, I KNOW his value both in real-life and fantasy (I drafted him last round in ALL my leagues this year). Getting Powell off waivers early was great. He's a top 35 guy I got for free. Okongwu was a "stash and see" guy who is finally getting PT and making the most of it.

Overall: A-. While my big men had the chance to be an anchor and pull my team down, my great guard play allowed me to make a big trade in-season to strengthen the core of my team. While I'm not competitive in the PF/C categories, I'm banking on winning most weeks due to the fact that I'll be almost impossible to beat in the other categories. Play to your strengths. And I'm all-in with guards this year. Just hoping LaMelo's ankles can hold up!

Here is my season to date recap. I'm going to list my original guys with four numbers: Where drafted, preseason ranking, current ranking and last 30 day ranking.

I was very happy with a lot of my picks and had a real nice run in first place. But if you look at my last 30 day rankings, you will see a lot of poor rankings due to IL stints and missed days in general. As of right now, I'm just out of 2nd place and my goal is to get healthy again.

NIKOLA JOKIC 1/1/2/1
JALEN BRUNSON 20/18/24/51
ALPEREN SENGUN 21/12/34/97
JAREN JACKSON JR 40/35/11/26
DERRICK WHITE 41/29/27/89
DEMAR DEROZAN 60/56/46/58
MILES BRIDGES 61/82/135/87
JOHN COLLINS 101/84/103/300 IL
CAM JOHNSON 120/66/61/260 IL

PICKUPS CURRENTLY ON ROSTER
preseason rank/season rank/last 30 day rank

MALIK MONK 89//60/25
ANDREW WIGGINS 144/82/95
TYUS JONES 94_65/157 Recently picked up
KLAY THOMPSON 149/107/160 Very recently picked up
ANFERNEE SIMONS 85/72/45
GOTA BITADZE 250/87/216 Just came off IL

GUYS I ORIGINALLY DRAFTED, BUT CUT OR TRADED
COLLIN SEXTON
BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC
JONATHAN KUMINGA
AUSAR THOMPSON

So I guess I am still open for a trade. I don't really have any glaring weaknesses, but just need everything healthy.

 

[jncuse]

Did you also add IL+ spots to 5? That might be essential as we get deeper into the real life season and guys get randomly rested for load management.

I agree with everyone else who's said that fantasy basketball is super hard right now with little continuity because of all the injuries.

The IL+ increase to 5, and the 5 roster additions per week, were to be effective after the All Star Break as I announced on post #2.

Certainly still moving to 5 additions post ASB.

I've been debating the IL+ to 5 in a few posts above in response to player pool issues that were raised by a few members. That being said waivers have helped a decent bit in improving the player pool. A few weeks back I was sort of inline with others who wanted to keep it at 4, but now I am back to thinking 5 might work.

We will keep the debate open until next week, to see what the majority want. But per my rules like waivers posting above, a mid-season rule change has a full veto. (majority for offseason, but not in season) And the initial rule at the start of year was its moving to 5 spots in about 10 days. So for it to stay at 4, no one would have any objections.

 

[jncuse]

But, if they are only sitting out one game then the IL+ won't matter. Don't they still have to miss three straight?

I got screwed this week. One guy went on the IL at the very last moment. And then another guy came off the IL at the very last moment and it was too late to start him. And, of course, he had a productive game.

Seems like we should have a one hour window to react. I've seen tweets saying so and so is playing or sitting and then Yahoo doesn't react to it.

Hi Clifton, perhaps I am misreading your post, but IL+ allows you to put any player who is designated as "O" or "GTD" on your IL+ list. So missing that one game, or potentially missing it, is the trigger.

I have a feeling I'm misunderstanding your point.

 

[jncuse]

jncuse Ware has been a great pickup for you. I had my eye on him but reacted too late.

I suspect Ware was just initally a streaming choice, so a bit of luck... he had many adds that day in transaction trends. But he played well, so I kept him. Seems like he is the getting the benefit of the Butler minutes and his shooting is on fire.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Hi Clifton, perhaps I am misreading your post, but IL+ allows you to put any player who is designated as "O" or "GTD" on your IL+ list. So missing that one game, or potentially missing it, is the trigger.

I have a feeling I'm misunderstanding your point.

Ok, I was not aware of that. I'll have to check it out next time I have someone O or GTD, which will probably be tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[jncuse]

Ok, I was not aware of that. I'll have to check it out next time I have someone O or GTD, which will probably be tomorrow. Thanks.

I think its pretty much everyday.

 

[jncuse]

Ok, I was not aware of that. I'll have to check it out next time I have someone O or GTD, which will probably be tomorrow. Thanks.

I'm sure it happens everyday.
Wish I had answered this for you earlier - it should certainly help with your team - great that you managed to stay 2nd playing with this disadvantage.

That was the change from IL to IL+ I made at the beginning of the season. It got rid of having to wait 3 games to put a player on IL which is very frustrating... it does have its own quirks though that you will see and manage.

 

[gbo]

Here we go

Still on my Team from Draft Night
Sabonis (12) season rank 9 - I have no idea how this man doesn't make all-star teams. Stud.
Maxey (29), season rank 13 - Stud.
Jalen Williams (32) season rank 15 - Stud.
Ruby Gobert (49) season rank 55 - Stats down from last year but still solid.
Nikola Vucevic (52) season rank 6 - I don't know how he does it but he just does. Stud.
Keegan Murray (72) season rank 65 - Solid.
Jordan Poole (89) season rank 58 - Found his love for the game again. Solid
Jakob Poeltl (92) season rank 38 - Playing like his life depends on it. Very solid.

Drafted but no long with us
Tyrese Haliburton (9) - Traded.
Orange Julius (69) - Traded.
Jerami Grant (109) - Traded.
Keyonte George (112) - Dropped.
Bobby Portis (129) - Traded.

Yahoo had my draft at C- or something like that.

IN **

Fred VanVleet (ADP 35) season rank (37) - Not sure how this happened. Waiver Claim.
Dyson Daniels (ADP 144) season rank (21) - Contender for DPOY and steal master. Best pickup this year. Free Agent.
Daniel Gafford (ADP 113) season rank (54) - Lively breaks ankle and the rest is history. Free Agent.
Ivica Zubac (ADP 65) season rank (44) - Acquired in trade with Tatum for Hali and Randle.
Jason Tatum (ADP 5) season rank (8) - Acquired in trade with Zubac for Hali and Randle.
Jimmy Butler (ADP 43) season rank (164) - IR. Acquired in trade for Jonas Valanciunas. Suspended indefinitely. Will he or won't he be traded.
Brandon Ingram (ADP 68) season rank (243) - IR. Acquired in trade for Grant and Portis. Softest player in the league. Has only played in 18 games this year and not once for me. Not sure what I was thinking.

In season Acquisitions: B+. Grabbing VanVleet, Daniels, and Gafford was an incredible haul and the trade for Zubac and Tatum was a small upgrade. What kills the rating is trading for a guy who is refusing to play unless traded and a guy that may never walk again.

Overall: B. I love this team minus Ingram.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Here is my season to date recap. I'm going to list my original guys with four numbers: Where drafted, preseason ranking, current ranking and last 30 day ranking.

I was very happy with a lot of my picks and had a real nice run in first place. But if you look at my last 30 day rankings, you will see a lot of poor rankings due to IL stints and missed days in general. As of right now, I'm just out of 2nd place and my goal is to get healthy again.

NIKOLA JOKIC 1/1/2/1
JALEN BRUNSON 20/18/24/51
ALPEREN SENGUN 21/12/34/97
JAREN JACKSON JR 40/35/11/26
DERRICK WHITE 41/29/27/89
DEMAR DEROZAN 60/56/46/58
MILES BRIDGES 61/82/135/87
JOHN COLLINS 101/84/103/300 IL
CAM JOHNSON 120/66/61/260 IL

PICKUPS CURRENTLY ON ROSTER
preseason rank/season rank/last 30 day rank

MALIK MONK 89//60/25
ANDREW WIGGINS 144/82/95
TYUS JONES 94_65/157 Recently picked up
KLAY THOMPSON 149/107/160 Very recently picked up
ANFERNEE SIMONS 85/72/45
GOTA BITADZE 250/87/216 Just came off IL

GUYS I ORIGINALLY DRAFTED, BUT CUT OR TRADED
COLLIN SEXTON
BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC
JONATHAN KUMINGA
AUSAR THOMPSON

So I guess I am still open for a trade. I don't really have any glaring weaknesses, but just need everything healthy.

My top four players all made the NBA All Star game, so I just need them to keep playing to their potential and not miss any games.

 

[jncuse]

Here we go

Still on my Team from Draft Night
Sabonis (12) season rank 9 - I have no idea how this man doesn't make all-star teams. Stud.
Maxey (29), season rank 13 - Stud.
Jalen Williams (32) season rank 15 - Stud.
Ruby Gobert (49) season rank 55 - Stats down from last year but still solid.
Nikola Vucevic (52) season rank 6 - I don't know how he does it but he just does. Stud.
Keegan Murray (72) season rank 65 - Solid.
Jordan Poole (89) season rank 58 - Found his love for the game again. Solid
Jakob Poeltl (92) season rank 38 - Playing like his life depends on it. Very solid.

Drafted but no long with us
Tyrese Haliburton (9) - Traded.
Orange Julius (69) - Traded.
Jerami Grant (109) - Traded.
Keyonte George (112) - Dropped.
Bobby Portis (129) - Traded.

Yahoo had my draft at C- or something like that.

IN **

Fred VanVleet (ADP 35) season rank (37) - Not sure how this happened. Waiver Claim.
Dyson Daniels (ADP 144) season rank (21) - Contender for DPOY and steal master. Best pickup this year. Free Agent.
Daniel Gafford (ADP 113) season rank (54) - Lively breaks ankle and the rest is history. Free Agent.
Ivica Zubac (ADP 65) season rank (44) - Acquired in trade with Tatum for Hali and Randle.
Jason Tatum (ADP 5) season rank (8) - Acquired in trade with Zubac for Hali and Randle.
Jimmy Butler (ADP 43) season rank (164) - IR. Acquired in trade for Jonas Valanciunas. Suspended indefinitely. Will he or won't he be traded.
Brandon Ingram (ADP 68) season rank (243) - IR. Acquired in trade for Grant and Portis. Softest player in the league. Has only played in 18 games this year and not once for me. Not sure what I was thinking.

In season Acquisitions: B+. Grabbing VanVleet, Daniels, and Gafford was an incredible haul and the trade for Zubac and Tatum was a small upgrade. What kills the rating is trading for a guy who is refusing to play unless traded and a guy that may never walk again.

Overall: B. I love this team minus Ingram.

I think you graded your team too low.
Your draft was an A, given how many have surpassed expectations.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

Still on my Team from Autodraft (season / avg ranking)
Luka- 99/6. Get that calf healthy
KAT - 5/5 - better than expected
Tobias Harris - 66/104 - durable which I need
Lavine - 43/50 - consistent and I’ve been pleased
Hartenstein - 167/68- really good value, needs to stay healthy
Trey Murphy - 57/18 - best auto pick and I was actually patient with his IL time
Scoot Henderson - 186/221. I’m a hopeless romantic.

Drafted but no long with us
Kyrie (30/19), Jalen Johnson (51/25), Draymond (175/155) - traded for Giannis (74/61), Jamal Murray (33/35) and Embiid (246/30). Win, now that Johnson is out for the year. Solid trade for both sides before that.
Jimmy Butler (164/55) - traded for DeJounte Murray (107/47). Win for now even though Murray hasn’t been strong.
Anfernee Simons (78/103) - trade for Nick Richards (276/254). Lost. Hoping PHX will let Nick eat but at the time of the trade I had a healthy Luka and one healthy C/PF rostered
Amen Thompson - early and bad drop. Tooo impatient with about six ILs to open season

Waiver Players

Eason - 110/58… just needs to stay healthy. dropped KCP as Eason should fill the steals and other categories better.
Beasley - 86/128 - #2 overall in 3pts, don’t care about anything else.

Horrendous start to the season. I had 10 category wins going into week 6. I have two to three categories that I can’t seem to win ever (FT [Giannis], Blocks and TO [Doncic, Giannis].

Once Luka and if Embiid ever gets healthy then I should make a good run. Just need to make the playoffs.

 

[gbo]

I think you graded your team too low.
Your draft was an A, given how many have surpassed expectations.

Yea you're right. I'm a bit more critical then I should be...