Bye Bye By-Num

Just when you thought Andrew Bynum was taking the next step of becoming the second best Center in the Western Conference behind Yao Ming, he dislocates his left kneecap on Sunday, January 13, 2008 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

 Over the last 14 games Bynum was Averaging: 16.4 points on 70 percent shooting, 10.4 boards, and 2.4 blocks a game. He was growing in production and confidence. Bynum has basically doubled his production from last year while only playing less than 10 more minutes from a year ago.  All that work with Lew SkyHookWalker has payed off.

Bynum’s injury does not only cripple his confidence for the next couple of months, it hurts his fantasy owners. How can you replace a Center in fantasy basketball who averages 13 points, 10 rebounds, 64 percent shooting, 2 blocks and 70 percent from the free throw line, all of this in less than 30 minutes a game. It hurts, period.

While it hurts his owners, it creates more value for Kobe Bryant, as you can see from his January 14th game againt the Seattle Supersonics. Bryant exploded for 48 points. Whoever has Kobe, congratulations. Whoever was trying to deal for Mr. Bryant, oh well, too late.

 Bynum’s injury does not only help Bryant but it also helps Odom who has become just an average fantasy producer this year. But, with this injury, Odom becomes the 2nd scoring option and lets him grab more rebounds. So if you have Odom, keep him. If you can strike the right deal for Odom, grab him.

Do not give up on Bynum. Hold onto him untill he gets healthy. Untill then, try to replace him with Joel Przybilla who can get you a steady 8 rebounds and 7 points with some blocks or take a risk on Andray Blatche…who? Yeah the not so used backup Center for the Wizards. When Haywood gets in foul trouble or hurt, Blatche plays very well.

~ by mrsfantasysports on January 15, 2008.