NBA
Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant
Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant
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.
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.
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.
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Stephen A. Smith has established himself as the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer for ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith has dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show has been number one in ratings from 2016 to 2023.
Recently Smith had the NBA community in a frenzy after he came to the defense of Lakers’ superstar LeBron James after the future hall of famer received backlash for the potential nepotism that took place regarding his son, Bronny James, being drafted to the storied franchise.
“When we think about the NBA and what it has become in the $76 billion, 11-year deal they recently signed with various television networks and streaming operations, I got news for you: Is that possible if it were not for LeBron James?” Smith asked on an episode of his Youtube show.
“You have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball?… And for him to have his son on the team with him, I got no issues with it whatsoever… LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith sharing this sentiment with his viewers shows that he acknowledges the impact that James has had on the NBA over the last 22 seasons. It’s clear that the celebrity sports personality knows that Bronny is still a rookie and has things left to prove.
However, Smith feels there should be a level of patience that the basketball community should give him.
“He’s done a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it ain’t about Bronny, it’s about Bron, as in Lebron… Stand back, fall back, chill the hell out, and let the man do his thing with his son, and let’s see what and how Bronny develops in the years to come.”
LeBron James has defied father time as he enters year 22 of his illustrious career and even now he continues to make history. This upcoming season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father and son duo will share the court together on the same team.
The backlash the James’ family has received for making history together stems from haters who have a disdain for LeBron, not his son, and it will be something that they will continue to overcome.
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LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
In the realm of NBA royalty, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have carved a niche for themselves, with their enduring relationship often under the spotlight. A recent TikTok video, however, has ignited discussions about Savannah’s preferences when it comes to taking fan photos, particularly the apparent divide between male and female admirers.
The King’s Queen: Savannah’s Photo Strategy Unveiled
LeBron James, often hailed as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, is no stranger to the adoration of fans. Yet, it’s his Queen, Savannah James, who recently took center stage in a TikTok video capturing her interaction with fans. The footage suggests a notable trend – a willingness to pose for photos with female fans while seemingly avoiding snapshots with their male counterparts.
Social Media’s Take on Savannah’s Actions
The TikTok video spurred a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on Savannah’s approach. The majority lauded her for maintaining a poised and respectful demeanor, commending her loyalty to LeBron James, her high school sweetheart. The top response on TikTok emphasized the need for respect in the face of potential misconceptions, garnering over 8,000 likes.
LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
Defending the Kingdom: Fan Reactions
Supportive comments flooded the video, praising Savannah for upholding a certain standard in public interactions. One fan noted, “That’s how you keep yall kingdom together salute,” underscoring the importance of unity in the face of external scrutiny. However, not all reactions were positive, with some fans expressing frustration, labeling James as “rude” or suggesting she was “overcompensating.” The authenticity of the video itself was also questioned, with speculation about the specific circumstances of the filmed encounters.
Unraveling the Debate: A Closer Look
While debates raged on, some users pointed out that the manner in which male fans approached Savannah could have influenced her response. Suggestions surfaced that a different approach might have yielded varied results, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. Whether or not the video accurately portrayed Savannah’s overall photo preferences remains uncertain, but its impact on public discourse highlights a recurring theme in LeBron James’ career – the maintenance of a scandal-free personal life, with his relationship with Savannah playing a pivotal role.
READ: Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
LeBron James’ Legacy: A Career Steered Clear of Scandals
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has skillfully navigated the challenges of fame, avoiding personal scandals that often befall high-profile athletes. The enduring bond with Savannah James has undoubtedly contributed to this narrative, with their relationship serving as a beacon of stability amid the often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Beyond the Lens
In the ever-watchful eyes of fans and critics alike, the dynamics of celebrity relationships, even in seemingly mundane scenarios like fan photos, become subjects of scrutiny. Savannah James’ approach, as captured in the TikTok video, has sparked conversations about respect, loyalty, and the intricacies of navigating public life as an NBA power couple. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear – in the world of the King and his Queen, every snapshot tells a story, whether through the lens of a camera or the lens of public perception.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon. Setting the Mood for 2024: Ayesha Curry Shares a Heartwarming Photo of Son Canon
On the dawn of the New Year, Ayesha Curry, the wife of NBA sensation Steph Curry, took to social media to share a heartwarming snapshot of their youngest son, Canon, enjoying a day on the golf course. The photo radiates joy as the five-year-old sports enthusiast mirrors his father’s passion, flashing a contagious smile that undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the Curry family.
“Great first day of 2024! This is my mood,” Ayesha expressed alongside the delightful image.
The Warriors’ Uphill Battle in the 2023/24 Season
While Ayesha Curry celebrates family moments, her husband, Steph Curry, faces on-court challenges with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023/24 NBA season. Despite Curry’s remarkable individual performance, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
As of now, the team holds a record of 15-17, securing the 11th position in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Warriors concluded the past year with a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” expressed Curry, reflecting on the team’s struggles.
Chris Paul’s Arrival and the Quest for Consistency
In an effort to fortify the team, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul in the off-season. However, despite this addition, the team continues to face challenges. Curry underscores the urgency of establishing a consistent starting lineup, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in overcoming their current hurdles.
“32 games in and any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team can answer that question [on who is the team’s best starting five]. We have to get to that point, for sure, before it’s too late,” emphasized Curry.
READ: Twitch and Kick fight for LeBron James as NBA star reveals the…
Looking Ahead: The Need for Swift Lineup Decisions
In the quest for redemption, Stephen Curry advocates for swift and decisive measures in determining the team’s starting lineup. The seasoned player recognizes the importance of this aspect for a team aspiring to be a serious contender in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, establishing a reliable starting five emerges as a key focus for the team’s leadership.
In Conclusion
As Ayesha Curry shares a glimpse into the warmth of family life on New Year’s Day, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture in the current NBA season. While Steph Curry continues to shine individually, the team’s struggle highlights the complex dynamics of professional basketball. With the spotlight on consistency in the starting lineup, the Warriors aim to turn the tide and regain their competitive edge in the league. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the Warriors, led by Curry’s unwavering determination, are poised to face the challenges head-on, seeking victory and redemption in the games to come.
Discover more about the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry’s journey here.
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