Wednesday, November 25, 2009

3 Things I Learned About Allen Iverson's Retirement

Is this it for Allen Iverson? Is he really retiring? Well, here's 3 questions for the Answer, himself:

1) Iverson claimed that he felt like a rookie again and had a lot to prove this season before joining the Memphis Grizzlies, but does he really have much to prove?

Answer:

At 34, he may be older than we all thought. Steve Nash is still going strong at 35, as is Jason Kidd at 36. But wait, they play entirely different games than Iverson. While Kidd and Nash can still break some Assist records, Iverson appears to have peaked among the all-time scoring leaders. He realizes that he's not advancing on the Total Points scoring list any time soon. (17th all-time, 24,020 pts) So, from a scorer's perspective, he doesn't have much left to prove, not that he did before this season. In addition, he's currently tied with Jerry West for 5th all-time in points per game. (27.0 ppg all-time) Why risk jeopardizing that?

2) Does Iverson have any potential suitors left that would offer him the playing time he wants?

Answer:

Possibly teams in playoff contention looking for a late-season piece to push them over the edge. Meaning, he could still win a ring with the Cavaliers or Celtics to really cap off his spectacular career. Ask yourself this, who do the Celtics have playing behind Rondo? Who do the Cavs have playing behind Mo Williams? Answer: Exactly.

3) If Iverson returns, will he stick around for more than just this season?

Answer:

It's up in the air. On one hand, why risk coming back when he could dig his reputation into an even deeper hole. I mean, who would want to remember A.I. as the guy who spent the last days of his career coming off the bench in a support role, with the Pistons and Grizzlies mind you? However, it would make sense for him to at least try to end his career on a positive note and what better way to do that than to come back in a sixth man Jason Terry-type of role and unload on defenses every night. Bottom line, he hasn't even surpassed the 20-point mark this season. Is that really how he intends to go out?

Perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding the man formally known as the Answer: What is he considering to do with himself following his retirement?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

GURUilla's NFL Week 12 - Fantasy Pickups

1) Rock Cartwright, WAS - RB

2) Justin Snelling, ATL - RB

3) Danny Ware, NYG - RB

4) Jamaal Charles, K.C. - RB

5) Alex Smith, S.F. - QB

6) Mike Wallace, PIT - WR

7) Felix Jones, DAL - RB

8) Lex Hilliard, MIA - RB

9) Brady Quinn, CLE - QB

10) Laveranues Coles, CIN - WR

Sunday, November 22, 2009

GURUilla's NFL Week 11 - Fantasy Pickups

1) Bernard Scott, CIN - RB - He's filling in for the injured Cedric Benson. Playing against a generous Oakland Raiders' rush D spells bountiful fantasy points. Even if Larry Johnson plays, he's not up to speed with the Bengals offense, hence Scott should get a substantial workload. What's not to like?

2) Ladell Betts, WAS - RB - It's a running back fantasy pickup type of week in Week 11. If you're lacking a runner, look no further. Betts is surprisingly available in 60% of Yahoo Fantasy Football leagues and nearly 75% of ESPN Fantasy Football leagues, so chances are you can still grab him. He's had a TD in each of the last two weeks he's filled in for Clinton Portis, who could be out through Week 12 after sustaining a concussion. Even though the Cowboys can contain the run fairly well, don't be discouraged from starting Ladell Betts in Week 11.

3) Justin Snelling, ATL - RB - Both Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood are out. Snelling had 18 carries for 61 rushing yards and a score last week and is the expected starter in Atlanta against the New York Giants. It helps that the Giants are in the bottom-7 for rushing touchdowns allowed this season, letting in 12 scores already to opponent runners.

4) Cincinnati - DEF - Double digit fantasy points in the past 3 weeks? Playing Oakland's offense this week with Bruce Gradkowski at QB. Danger. Cincy's D is available in far too many leagues around fantasy sites, so go pick them up now if they're still around in your league. What are you waiting for?

5) Beanie Wells, ARI - RB - Beanie Wells is playing the St. Louis Rams and despite having to share some of the workload with teammate Tim Hightower, the Rams are letting up 142.3 rushing yards per game! Do the math that's 71.2 yards per back on average. Wells is a strong fantasy play in Week 11.

6) Pierre Garcon, IND - WR - The Colts will be using 3-WR sets this week against Baltimore. Yes Indianapolis is playing the Ravens, but if you know Peyton Manning, you know he'll get the ball to his teammates regardless of what defense he's playing. Expect Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark to get most the attention from the Ravens secondary, which should open up the field for Garcon on several deep-ball opportunities. Pick up Pierre Garcon in Week 11 and hold on to him until Anthony Gonzalez returns.

7) Justin Forsett, SEA - RB - Julius Jones is sidelined for Week 11, which opens the door for the versatile Forsett. Last week he registered 149 yards from scrimmage with a touchdown, however, he plays Minnesota's stout run defense this week. If Jones misses more time,Forsett could be a valuable fantasy pickup against the St. Louis Rams in Week 12.

8) Phil Simms, DEN - QB - Don't expect Denver to resort to strictly a ground-based attack against the Chargers simply because Kyle Orton is down. Simms has shown good chemistry with wide receiver Brandon Marshall this week in practice. Marshall has even noted that he's in love with Simms' arm. Phil Simms is a worthy QB-filler this week.

9) Brandon Gibson, STL - WR - With Steven Jackson catching fire, Rams wide receivers could see more down field opportunities. Targeted 9 times, Gibson had 7 receptions for 93 yards in Week 10, so look for him to continue to produce against an Arizona defense that places in the bottom-5 for pass D ineptitude.

10) Mike Bell, N.O. - RB - Mike Bell or Felix Jones?...Mike Bell or Felix Jones?...Mike Bell it is, and not just because it's a toss-up for the 10th spot. Dallas owner Jerry Jones wants to get Felix Jones more involved in the Cowboys offense; however, Dallas already has two other running backs who could potentially take fantasy value away from him. Mike Bell, on the other hand, faces a similar scenario with backfield clutter, but Reggie Bush is not playing in Week 11 against Tampa Bay who allows 167.3 yards per game on the ground. Ring the Bell, Mike Bell it is.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

3 Things I Learned About John Calipari's Point Guards

Kentucky Wildcats head coach, John Calipari, really knows how to pump out one-and-done lottery talents:

1) Derrick Rose (2007-08 Memphis Tiger PG) - No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft

2) Tyreke Evans (2008-09 Memphis Tiger PG) - No. 4 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft

And this year, drum roll please...

3) John Wall (2009-10 Kentucky Wildcat PG) - Projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft

3 Things I Learned About the New York Knicks

Allen Iverson may not necessarily be the "Answer" in the Big Apple for New York Knicks Fans.

Here's three other notable scorers Donnie Walsh brought in that I learned, as should have you, didn't quite pan out:

1) Stephon Marbury

2) Jamal Crawford

And if history is any indication, we're soon to see Allen Iverson on this list. Ah, what the heck, let's just make it an even three things I learned, I'm putting A.I. down right now.

3) Allen Iverson (TBA)

But let's be honest, will Iverson be any different than the previous two gunners? Will he have the intention of winning ball games for New York or will he simply just demand minutes and shots?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

3 Things I Learned Today in the NBA

1) Dikembe Mutombo officially became the global ambassador for the NBA today (November 17, 2009). Congrats, Deke!

2) LeBron James still thinks he can play football, which he mentioned before tonight's game against Golden State. He noted that he's in football shape, but would just need to get used to taking hits. Furthermore, he drew comparisons between himself, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark. Here's the kicker, he said he would dominate.

3) Former NBA player, Steve Smith, stated that Anthony Morrow is the best shooter in the NBA after Ray Allen.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

GURUilla's NFL Week 10 - Fantasy Football Pickups

1) Chris Chambers, K.C. - WR

2) Ladell Betts, WAS - RB

3) Tennessee Titans, DEF

4) Mike Wallace, PIT - WR

5) Johnny Knox, CHI - WR

6) Andre Caldwell, CIN - WR

7) Darren McFadden, OAK - RB

8) Josh Johnson, TB - QB

9) Kolby Smith, K.C. - RB

10) Danny Ware, NY - RB

Saturday, November 7, 2009

GURUilla's NFL Week 9 - Fantasy Pickups

1) Jamaal Charles, K.C. - RB - Not much is really known about Charles, but of the little information we have on him; he's a fairly intriguing prospect. He averaged 20 receiving yards per game as a backup running back. Furthermore, in that reserve role, he showed signs of turning what little carries and receptions he had into substantial gains. Charles has totaled 37 carries and receptions in five games this season; of those play attempts he has compiled Longs of: 26 yds, 24 yds, 20 yds, 17 yds, 15 yds, and 10 yds. So, what's this all mean? It's quite simple actually, Jamaal Charles' numbers thus far suggest that he'll get a first down or more almost one out of every four play attempts. Still not convinced? Well, I could've told you this earlier, but I figure I'll drop it now. He averages a whopping 5 yards per carry. There's no question about, Jamaal Charles is an absolute must-start this week with the absence of Larry Johnson. As an added bonus, if he can manage a solid game against Jacksonville in Week 9 (which happens to allow 375.3 total ypg), he could potentially lock up the starting job in Kansas City until season's end.

2) Sam Aiken, NE - WR - With Joey Galloway no longer with the team and Julian Edelman sidelined with a broken arm, you can expect Aiken to perform in a similar fashion as the Colts' replacement receivers. The 7-year vet is averaging 17.4 receiving yards per game off 7 receptions this season and has shown the ability to go deep; catching a 54-yarder in Week 7 for a score.

3) Ryan Moats, HOU - RB - Ryan Moats is officially the starting running back for the Houston Texans; however, Steve Slaton will give him a run for his money to regain what is rightfully his. While this is great news for Moats owners, don't get too excited as there's good reason Ryan Moats has been a career backup. Slaton may turn the ball over more than you can imagine; however, he's had some very big games, statistically speaking, this season. Both backs will share carries, but look for Moats to make the most out of this opportunity. We expect him to hover around the double-digit fantasy point mark this week, especially in the Texans' explosive offense, which could now rely more heavily on the run with the absence of Owen Daniels.

4) Fred Davis, WAS - TE - Yes, Davis has made the cut again a second consecutive week in our rankings. And that's because we're very high on him. Washington loves to throw the ball to its tight ends and with Chris Cooley out with a broken ankle, Fred Davis takes over as the team's starter. Granted he's only had one good week (8 receptions, 78 yards, and a touchdown in Week 7 against Philadelphia), he has great hands and the Skins are sure to utilize him quite a bit. We expect him to play a big role against the Falcons this week, who are now the 26th ranked yd-allowing pass defense.

5) Kevin Walter, HOU - WR - Owens Daniels is down. We repeat, Owens Daniels is down. Kevin Walter has been quiet ever since Week 3. We repeat, ever since Week 3. Andre Johnson is still dinged up and the Colts secondary is missing two key starters. We're not going to repeat that, you get the point. Put this all together and you no longer have the same Kevin Walter you've seen in the past five weeks. Rather you have a renewed wide receiver who's going to have to step it up for the Houston Texans in the coming weeks if they want to reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Welcome back, Kevin "Big Play" Walter.

6) Pierre Garcon/Austin Collie, IND - WR - With defensive backs Marlin Jackson and Bob Sanders both out for the season, the Colts secondary is likely to give up a lot more big plays, which could translate into less time on the field for the entire defensive unit. In turn, this will once again put Peyton Manning on the spot to keep the team alive in offensive shootouts. Anthony Gonzalez has opted for surgery on his right knee and his status for the remainder of the season is doubtful, which gives Manning no choice but to throw to Garcon and Collie all season long. Collie has consistently been productive in the past weeks, so look for Garcon to maybe step it up. Nonetheless, both are stellar fantasy plays.

7) Laurence Maroney, NE - WR - Miami is a top tier run defense (6th - 92.4 ypg allowed) and a substantially worse pass defense (21st - 251.7 ypg allowed), so right away we can assume the Patriots will pass on a good portion of their total plays. In addition, Maroney has never carried the ball more than 16 times in a game this season. He could hit double-digit fantasy points this week, but the probability for him to reach this mark is much lower than for him to score below it.

8) Alex Smith, S.F. - QB - He's playing the Titans, who are ranked dead last in pass defense, which should be great news. However, the Titans were able to keep the Jacksonville Jaguars in check last week, holding David Garrard to a meager 139 passing yards with no touchdowns and two picks. Not to discredit his decent Week 8 performance against the Colts, Week 9 will really be a test for Smith, proving how well he handles the seemingly easy weeks.

9) Steve Breaston, ARI - WR - Breaston is hit or miss this week, but more towards a hit rather than the latter. Anquan Boldin's ankle injury is still lingering, so that's good news if Breaston is still available in your league. However, the Cards face a tough Bears secondary this week, meaning that even if Breaston gets more opportunity, his fantasy production could still be fairly limited. Although we recommend using him as a No. 3 fantasy WR in Week 9, he could be a better play in the weeks following.

10) Chad Henne, MIA - QB - If the Patriots are expecting a Wildcat-based offensive attack all game long, it would only be logical for the Dolphins to do the opposite. What better way to confuse Bill Belichick? Of course, being the mad genius that he is, he's already been prepping for this aspect of the Phins offense all week long, but if he chooses to put more players in the box to stop the run, Henne could have a few big plays. However, don't expect too much from the Dolphins passing game. After all, the team's strength does lie in its ground game. Henne should only be used under the necessity to fill in for a starting quarterback.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

GURUilla Grab of the Day - November 3, 2009

Brandon Jennings, MIL - PG - He's no fluke when it comes to fantasy basketball, Jennings is the real deal. When you put up averages like 22 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 rpg, and 1.7 spg in your first NBA season, you're no longer rookie material. Jennings is a starter for the Bucks and doesn't appear to be losing any time to teammate, Luke Ridnoir. He's shooting 48% from the floor and 50% from downtown with seven threes already on the year. Impressive by any standard.

Fantasy Spin: The 20-year-old is a must-have for all fantasy basketball formats. His rebound and assist numbers have dipped the past two games, but they should get back up to the four or five range. On that note, Jennings proved in his season debut that he's capable of posting a triple-double, even as a rookie. He's not the biggest guy on the floor, but at 6 foot 1, 189 pounds, his elite athleticism allows him make plays that other veteran point guards struggle with. Jennings is a must play for all fantasy owners in his two upcoming games against Minnesota and New York. Both teams have average backcourts that shouldn't give him any trouble defensively.

Monday, November 2, 2009

GURUilla Grab of the Day - November 2, 2009

Ryan Moats, HOU - RB - Who? We're well aware of the fact that most of you don't know who this guy is or maybe even what sport he plays. With that in mind, we decided to give you a brief history lesson. Moats is a fifth year vet in his third year with the Houston Texans; all of which featured him in a reserve role. At 5 foot 8, he's only an inch taller than fellow backfield companion, Steve Slaton.

Fantasy Spin: Enough with the facts, time to bring out the fantasy football analysis. Moats replaced Slaton after he turned the ball over for the fifth time this season. Yes, in case you're unaware, Steve Slaton has a bit of a fumbling problem. And yes, it was bad enough for head coach, Gary Kubiak, to yank him from the game and put his faith into a lifetime backup running back. Knowing he had to make the most of this opportunity, Ryan Moats had himself a career day, scoring 3 touchdowns that would eventually set a franchise record for most touchdowns in a single game for the Texans. Whether or not Ryan Moats has earned himself the starting job in Houston remains to be seen, nonetheless, he is worth picking up on your fantasy team when the Texans take on Indianapolis next week. The Colts give up an average of 112 yards on the ground each week to opposing rushers and Moats is expected to play a prominent role in the Houston backfield.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

GURUilla Grab of the Day - November 1, 2009

Great news! Starting today, GURUilla.com will begin giving our viewers a daily player to pickup for Fantasy Basketball and Fantasy Football. This player will be someone who we believe will breakout the following game in their respective sports. As always, stay tuned and enjoy!

GURUilla Grab of the Day
:
November 1, 2009

Danilo Gallinari - He's registered 18 treys in his first 3 games with a 50 percent field goal percentage. Furthermore, Gallinari is averaging 22.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg in that span despite coming off the bench. While he's already playing starter's minutes, look for him to start in the very near future as head coach, Mike D'Antoni, would like him to develop as a star in the Knicks' front line rather than in a sixth man role.

Fantasy Spin: His stock has risen dramatically in these past few days and it will only continue to increase. He is a must have for any fantasy team, as he fits in nicely as a scoring threat and a three-point option.

On the subject of three's, Danilo Gallinari's three-point shooting simply cannot be ignored. 82% of all his field goals made come from beyond the arc. He single-handedly has outscored a majority of NBA teams from long distance.