Stock Watch – Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum has had a pretty good season so far, averaging 10.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 minutes of play. Well, the injury to Kwame Brown should only help Bynum’s fantasy value. In fact, he started tonight against the Pacers, here’s his line:

17 pts, 10 rb, 1 stl, 4 blk, 100% FG Shooting 5 of 6 from the line in 29 mins

Granted, he played against a horrible defensive team in the Pacers with the likes of Troy Murphy and a hobbled Jermaine O’Neal guarding him, but he still impressed me. What I like the most is how BIG Bynum is playing. Yes, he’s 7′ and 275 lbs, but for the first time in his young career he is utilizing that size. If Andrew is within 5 feet of the basket, he’s dunking it. He simply reaches over his defender or extends around him and throws it down. He also has a very soft touch around the rim and a nice midrange jumper to compliment it. He has the ability to be a force on the defensive end with his super long arms, but still has a lot of work to do there; the 4 blocks tonight are a sign of that promise. That was the reason Kwame was starting; he’s the best lowpost defender the Lakers have.

We are starting to see his potential and why The Lakers have refused to trade him. I would expect Andrew to average 12 points and 10 rebounds with 1.5 blocks and good percentages with the increased role. I know that’s not too far off what he’s currently averaging, but I simply don’t expect him to take that leap yet because he is so young and still has a lot to learn. That being said, he’s improving and could be setup for a big second half, especially if Kobe gets traded.

Waiver Wire Pickup – Jeff Green

Jeff Green got the starting nod tonight against the Grizzlies, and it was just a matter of time. I mean, Seattle was going to make this move, once they realized how uncompetitive they really are this year. I figure they just didn’t think it would be this early. What did Jeff do in his starting role?]

11 points, 14 rebounds (8 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal on 4-12 shooting

Those are not great numbers, except for the rebounding, so why I am recommending you pick him up? Because he’s a very talented rookie who is going to get 30 minutes per night. Set you expectations accordingly, though. He will be up and down most of the year, just like Sean Williams. They will have good to great games followed by lousy ones. It’s just the way most rookies go. Even Kevin Durant is up and down; look at his stats for tonight.

That being said, I am a big fan of young guys with potential, especially if you are in a keeper league. You never know who will blow up, and this early on…. why not take the risk. Last time there was a super talented draft (2003) we saw players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all have good to great rookie years. I’m not saying 2007 is as good as that draft, not yet at least, but why can’t we have some special rookie performances from any other guys not named Kevin Durant? Look at how many rookies are already starting for their teams:

Kevin Durant
Al Horford
Jeff Green
Yi Jianlian
Acie Law
Sean Williams

That’s a pretty high number of rookie starters. Most of whom are probably already owned in your league, so I am just adding one more to the list; Jeff Green. Green is a great hustle guy who is willing to get his hands dirty and do what his team needs of him, without the glory. On a personal note, The Supersonics are my favorite team, so I hope he goes on to have a great rookie year, and I can enjoy watching him and KD develop!