Connect with us

NBA

Luka Doncic takes top spot, Ja Morant cracks the…

Published

on

Inspiredlovers ja-morant-luka-doncic_16y24v6r6ch61coqnw260t5lu Luka Doncic takes top spot, Ja Morant cracks the... NBA Sports  NBA News Memphis Grizzlies Luka Doncic Ja Morant Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic takes top spot, Ja Morant cracks the…

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Four of last season’s top 10 Fantasy performers were point guards and floor generals are sure to be crucial to Fantasy success in 2022-23. While it doesn’t appear likely that any will knock the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic from the top spot, quite a few will be high-impact players this upcoming season. Most stars at the position are stat sheet stuffers, and we’ve ranked the top 50 to help Fantasy managers prioritize certain targets in their upcoming drafts.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Which players are worth grabbing in the first round? What players seem likely to take big leaps? What players could fall short of expectations? You can get an idea about how I think the season-long standings will pan out by checking out my rankings below:

The Top Five

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

This year’s MVP favorite is likely to finish as the most productive Fantasy point guard in 2022-23 as long as he’s healthy. The Mavericks star played nine fewer games than Trae Young last season and still finished second overall among floor generals. and averages of 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game seem like a given for Doncic at this point, and he appears poised to return from international duty in the best shape of his young NBA career. Jalen Brunson’s departure will leave Dallas with even less legitimate point guard depth. Doncic averaged 32.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in the three games he played without Brunson last season. Nobody should compete with him for the top spot if he eclipses 70 games for the second time this year.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

2. James HardenBrooklyn Nets

Harden was still an elite fantasy option last season despite his ups and downs. While many seem skeptical about his ability to fill it up as a premier scorer, his skill set and the personnel around him is ideal for a resurgent campaign. He averaged 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game after the Brooklyn Nets sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers and showcased impressive chemistry with his co-star, Joel Embiid, after being thrown into Philly’s offense on the fly. Harden’s had plenty of time to deal with the health issues that hampered 2021-22 and his pick-and-roll prowess should lead to easy stat padding on a nightly basis. Only Nikola Vucevic scored more points per game as a roll than Joel Embiid last season. Harden will continue to operate as the 76ers’ primary initiator on offense and feast thanks to the gravity of his superstar big man.

3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Young finished as last year’s top Fantasy point guard after posting career highs in points (28.7) and assists (9.7) per game. While he gained a dynamic backcourt partner over the summer in Dejounte Murray, he’ll still run the show in 2022-23 as his team’s most gifted scorer and creator. The crafty guard has finished among the top five at his position in three consecutive seasons. Murray will help hide some of the Oklahoma product’s defensive shortcomings while providing relief as a ball handler when Nate McMillan chooses to stagger the minutes of his two best backcourt players. Young should at least flirt with the top five in points and assists per game in 2022-23.

4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Lillard was struggling before suffering a season-ending abdominal injury in 2021-22 but has had plenty of time to recover ahead of 2022-23. His shooting was streaky last year, but he’ll be asked to do a lot now that CJ McCollum has vacated Portland for New Orleans. Several young, unproven players will step into the starting lineup and will be looking for guidance from the vet, who has averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game without McCollum over the previous five seasons. He’s said he’s feeling stronger than ever and Portland’s playoff hopes rest on his shoulders. Don’t let recency bias force you to underestimate Lillard.

5. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Morant caught a lot of people by surprise in his third pro season and showed tremendous improvement as a scorer. The explosive guard bumped his 2021-22 scoring average up by more than eight points on one more minute per game while blossoming into one of the league’s best finishers around the rim. Morant only appeared in 57 games but scored at least 40 points six times while posting season averages of 27.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The Grizzlies’ backcourt rotation might get a little thinner with Tyus Jones moving into the clear favorite to back up Morant. Morant averaged more Fantasy points per game than two of the guards who cracked last season’s top five. I think improved health will help him break into the next tier in 2022-23.

Point guard rankings

1. Luka Doncic, DAL
2. James Harden, PHI
3. Trae Young, ATL
4. Damian Lillard, GS
5. Ja Morant, MEM
6. Stephen Curry, GSW
7. De’Aaron Fox, SAC
8. LaMelo Ball, CHA
9. Darius Garland, CLE
10. C.J. McCollum, NOP
11. Tyrese Haliburton, IND
12. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
13. Kyrie Irving, BKN
14. Fred VanVleet, TOR
15. Chris Paul, PHO
16. Cade Cunningham, DET
17. Dejounte Murray, ATL
18. Jrue Holiday, MIL
19. Jamal Murray, DEN
20.Terry Rozier, CHA
21. Jalen Brunson, NYK
22. D’Angelo Russell, MIN
23. Russell Westbrook, LAL
24. Ben Simmons, BKN
25. Josh Giddey, OKC
26. Jordan Poole, GSW
27. Tyrese Maxey, PHI
28. Kevin Porter Jr., HOU
29. Lonzo Ball, CHI
30. Kyle Lowry, MIA
31. John Wall, LAC
32. Collin Sexton, CLE
33. Marcus Smart, BOS
34. Monte Morris, WAS
35. Mike Conley, UTA
36. Spencer Dinwiddie, DAL
37. Malcolm Brogdon, BOS
38. Jordan Clarkson, UTA
39. Reggie Jackson, LAC
40. Markelle Fultz, ORL
40. Jalen Suggs, ORL
41. Jaden Ivey, DET
42. Derrick White, BOS
42. Cole Anthony, ORL
43. T.J. McConnell, IND
44. Devonte’ Graham, NOP
45. Donte DiVincenzo, MIL
46. De’Anthony Melton, PHI
47. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, UTA
48. Immanuel Quickley, NYK
49. Derrick Rose, NYK
50. Ricky Rubio, CLE

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

NBA

Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant

Published

on

Inspiredlovers i-2 Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant NBA Sports

Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Ja Morant is a former Rookie of the Year, a Most Improved Player and a two-time All-Star. When at his best, he’s proven to be one of the top players in the NBA, a potential MVP candidate and a rising star who can carry not only the Memphis Grizzlies but also fantasy teams.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

And right now, as he serves his 25-game suspension due to multiple gun-related incidents, he’s a bit of an afterthought.

He is eligible to return as soon as the road game against New Orleans on Dec. 19, which is less than four weeks out, and that’s worth paying close attention to in your fantasy league.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Why, you might ask?

Because there may never be a better time to add him to your roster than now.

Fantasy managers with Morant could be eager to deal
The face of the franchise since he was drafted No. 2 overall in 2019 — one pick after Zion Williamson — Morant has averaged 22.4 points per game in his career, the highest of any player in Grizzlies history.

Even with fantasy managers knowing Morant’s tremendous on-court abilities, the star point guard still fell in virtually all fantasy drafts this season. He wasn’t drafted until after pick No. 60 in most leagues and fell even further, past pick 70 or 80, in plenty of other leagues.

It’s easy to understand the hesitation from many fantasy managers.

Taking a player like Morant, knowing he’d miss essentially a third of the fantasy basketball calendar, was one thing. As a suspended player, though, Morant also couldn’t be stashed in an IR slot, so drafting him meant essentially giving up a bench spot until late December — a non-starter for many fantasy managers.

Fast-forward to today and many of those who did draft Morant find themselves low in their league standings, trying to figure out a way to turn around their fortunes.

They’ve been patient, and in many cases, they’ve yet to be rewarded. That’s a nice way of saying that the season is rapidly getting away.

Now ask yourself what those fantasy managers might do when they see that trade offer for Morant hit their inbox? Even though they’ve already waited out half of his suspension, certainly the temptation will be there to move on before they’re too far back in the standings.

Yes, there is risk
It’s important to remember that even if you want Morant on your team, there’s no guarantee it works out. In fact, there are several pretty major risks.

First of all, he may be rusty and need some time to acclimate; after all, he hasn’t played in a game since April 28, 2023. Fantasy managers must be comfortable with fluctuating statistical production, at least in the first few weeks he returns to the court, and possibly longer.

Secondly, Morant’s overall availability is a legitimate concern when you consider his injury history. So far, he hasn’t played 70 regular season games in any of his first four NBA seasons.

Lastly, Memphis’ record could also adversely affect Morant’s fantasy value in the second half of the season if the team is not in playoff contention. Since the league expanded its playoffs to 16 teams back in 1984, 65 teams have started the season with an 0-5 record, like the Grizzlies, and only 10 of them reached the playoffs. If the Grizzlies fall deep out of playoff contention, there’s a chance he could miss games or be shut down as the team turns its attention to next season.

Waiting will only raise Morant’s trade value
If you’re willing to take on the risk that comes with trading for Morant, doing so sooner rather than later is the way to go.

The reason is simple.

Every week that passes and Morant is closer to getting back on the court, fantasy managers will become more apt to hold on to him and see what his return does for their team.

If you’re looking to get a deal done here, offering two intriguing mid-tier players who are currently playing well in exchange for Morant — and another month of waiting things out — is the way to go and could be too much to pass up for Morant managers.

The key with all this, again, is to move fast.

Other factors to consider
Without their star, the Grizzlies are unrecognizable, and their 3-10 record puts them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Barring a drastic turnaround, things will be even worse by the time Morant steps on the court.

What’s clear is that there’s a massive difference between last season and this one, and not just due to the absence of Morant. Tyus Jones and Dillon Brooks leaving meant some of the Grizzlies’ young talent would have an opportunity to step up, and so far that hasn’t been the case. With Jones gone, Memphis’ backcourt lacks consistency and reliability, and Brooks’ loss has negatively affected the team’s defense.

While Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain on the Grizzlies’ roster, Marcus Smart was a solid offseason addition but is already sidelined with a foot sprain that is expected to keep him out another 2-4 weeks. The Grizzlies rank 27th in points scored per 100 possessions and have an effective field goal percentage of 50.7%, third lowest in the league.

All this highlights the integral role Morant has in this Grizzlies’ offense, which ranked 11th in points scored per 100 possessions last season. It’s clear they are lost without him, and the injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke don’t help, either.

Morant’s return can’t come soon enough for Memphis, and he should get off to a fast start. In training camp, he didn’t work with the starters since the Grizzlies needed to prepare them to start the season without him. However, he’s been practicing and traveling with the team during the regular season.

Final thoughts

Morant averaged 26.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, 5.9 RPG and 1.1 SPG in 32.0 MPG last season, playing 61 games, and right now he can be had for a discount in many fantasy leagues. We have him projected to average 26.3 PPG, 7.9 APG, 5.7 RPG and 1.1 SPG this season across 50 games.

He is the epitome of a risk-reward player, and though better suited for points leagues than category formats, he has the potential to provide second round value.

Is that a risk you should take? Really, it comes down to your risk tolerance and the situation your team is in.

Just know this — playing it safe won’t help you win a fantasy basketball championship, and if you want Morant now is the time to get him.

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Continue Reading

NBA

Steph Curry reportedly made $35M for 60 hours for doing this

Published

on

Inspiredlovers 2022-12-21T025913Z_1712399895_MT1USATODAY19660850_RTRMADP_3_NBA-GOLDEN-STATE-WARRIORS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS Steph Curry reportedly made $35M for 60 hours for doing this NBA Sports  Stephen Curry NBA World NBA News

Steph Curry reportedly made $35M for 60 hours for doing this Inside the Controversial Endorsements: Curry and Brady’s $90 Million Deal with Failed Cryptocurrency Exchange

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

In a shocking revelation, acclaimed author Michael Lewis has exposed the behind-the-scenes dealings of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, shedding light on a controversial $90 million endorsement deal with NBA star Steph Curry and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Background: The Failed FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange

FTX, a once-prominent cryptocurrency exchange, faced a major downfall, with Bankman-Fried at the center of the storm. Facing federal charges including wire fraud and money laundering, the ex-billionaire’s trial coincides with the release of Lewis’ new book, providing an insider’s perspective into the scandal.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Steph Curry reportedly made $35M for 60 hours for doing this

The $90 Million Endorsement Deal: Curry and Brady’s Involvement

Lewis revealed startling details about Bankman-Fried’s extravagant spending on celebrity endorsements. According to Lewis, Curry was paid a staggering $35 million, and Brady a whopping $55 million, for their roles as FTX ambassadors. These endorsements, totaling $90 million, showcased the extent of Bankman-Fried’s desperation to salvage his failing exchange.

The Ad Campaign: Curry and Brady’s Promotions

Although FTX’s official channels have removed the ads, remnants of Curry and Brady’s promotions can still be found online. Curry’s ad emphasized FTX’s user-friendly approach to crypto, highlighting how even non-experts could thrive in the crypto world. Brady, on the other hand, portrayed himself as an everyday guy excitedly discussing FTX with friends. Their involvement in these ads further deepened the controversy surrounding the failed exchange.

Bankman-Fried’s Unlikely Bonds with Celebrities

Lewis revealed the peculiar dynamics between Bankman-Fried and the celebrity endorsers. Despite Bankman-Fried’s nerdy persona, Brady seemingly adored him, forming an unexpected friendship. Lewis described Bankman-Fried as a unique character, even among nerds, making Brady’s fondness for him all the more surprising.

Inspiredlovers Lakers-win-LeBron-James-1st-meeting-with-Kevin-Durant-in-5-years-with Luka Doncic takes top spot, Ja Morant cracks the... NBA Sports  NBA News Memphis Grizzlies Luka Doncic Ja Morant Dallas Mavericks

READ MORE: Lakers win LeBron James’ 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with…

Legal Ramifications: Curry’s Class-Action Lawsuit

While Curry hasn’t erased his FTX ties from his social media, he finds himself embroiled in a class-action lawsuit against the failed exchange and its endorsers. The lawsuit, filed by affected parties, implicates Curry and other celebrities in the aftermath of FTX’s downfall.

In summary, Lewis’ revelations have pulled back the curtain on the controversial world of celebrity endorsements, showcasing the lengths to which Bankman-Fried went to salvage his tarnished reputation. As the trial unfolds, the public awaits further insights into this high-stakes crypto drama.

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Continue Reading

NBA

Lakers win LeBron James’ 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with…

Published

on

Inspiredlovers Lakers-win-LeBron-James-1st-meeting-with-Kevin-Durant-in-5-years-with Lakers win LeBron James' 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with... NBA Sports  NBA World NBA News Lebron James Lakers

Lakers win LeBron James’ 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with… In a thrilling match that showcased the enduring brilliance of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious over the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 100-95. This showdown marked the first regular season meeting between the two basketball titans in over five years, and it certainly lived up to the hype.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Despite missing key players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Durant led the Suns to an impressive double-digit lead by the end of the third quarter. A victory against the star-studded Lakers would have been a massive statement for the Suns, but their offense crumbled in the fourth quarter. From the start of the final period until the last two minutes, the Suns managed to score only three points, courtesy of a Durant 3-pointer. The Lakers capitalized on the Suns’ struggles, outscoring them 19-3 during this critical stretch.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Lakers win LeBron James’ 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with…

Durant, who finished the game with an outstanding 39 points and 11 rebounds, tried to keep the Suns in the game during crunch time. However, it was LeBron James who sealed the victory for the Lakers. James exhibited his all-around brilliance, contributing 21 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Anthony Davis also made a significant impact, tallying 30 points, 13 assists, three blocks, and three steals, silencing his critics after a tough season opener against the Denver Nuggets.

Inspiredlovers Kings-PG-DeAaron-Fox-sign-with-Stephen-Curry Luka Doncic takes top spot, Ja Morant cracks the... NBA Sports  NBA News Memphis Grizzlies Luka Doncic Ja Morant Dallas Mavericks

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

READ MORE: Kings PG De’Aaron Fox sign with Stephen Curry Help Rival Reach Billionaire Status After Under Armour Deal

Despite the pressure and criticism, James remained unwavering in his support for Davis, emphasizing that the team is resilient against external opinions. “We don’t give a s*** about criticism about AD. We don’t care. Nothing bothers us. AD doesn’t care,” James declared, highlighting Davis’ focus on the game and his minimal presence on social media.

Looking ahead, the Lakers, bolstered by their recent victory, will face another challenge against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Suns have a few days to regroup and recover before their matchup against the Utah Jazz. As the NBA season unfolds, fans can expect more intense battles and spectacular performances from these basketball icons and their respective teams.

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Continue Reading
Verified by MonsterInsights