This NBA season has been full of injuries. Stars are returning while other ones are leaving. I think the entire basketball world would agree that above all of those is the injury to Derrick Rose. Losing an entire season to an ACL tear, just to return, play 10 games and suffer a torn meniscus in his other knee. Fantasy owners most likely drafted him either with their first round pick or early second round pick, and rightfully so. Heck, I considered drawing up a trade sending LeBron in return for Rose. Thankfully, I wasn’t too rash that early in the season. But aside from the loss of the injured MVP, the NBA has seen Andre Iguodala, Jimmy Butler, Tyson Chandler, Dwyane Wade, and Deron Williams go down and take time off. We’ve blinked an eye at Kobe, and we’ve yet to see Rajon Rondo. And that is exactly where I begin. 
Rajon Rondo is only owned in 92% of ESPN leagues. That’s just ridiculous. Rondo should be owned in any format, on any team, even in a four-team league. He’s the kind of guy that produces in almost every category, and well. If he’s available, grab him now. Take a break from reading this and check now.
Players to Sell High:
1. Andrea Bargnani – Bargnani is doing well for himself this season in Tyson Chandler’s absence. In Tyson Chandler’s absence. Chandler should be returning in a few weeks here if not sooner, and when he does, Bargnani will lose all fantasy relevance. He will return to his sub-par averages when that happens, so get rid of him before that happens.
2. Lance Stephenson – If somebody will buy high for this guy, take the offer, assuming it’s reasonable. Stephenson has posted two triple-doubles this season already. Coach Frank Vogel trusts him more, and rightfully so. However, it’s unrealistic to think Stephenson can keep up that elite level of play the entire season, especially with Paul George and George Hill dominating possessions. When Danny Granger returns, it will be even harder for Stephenson to get touches. The Pacers may choose to start George at the shooting guard and Granger at the small forward when this happens, making Stephenson your best bench player. While it is something to keep an eye on, there are better options out there than Stephenson coming off the bench.
Players to Pick Up:
1. Jimmy Butler – Undoubtedly, grab this kid. I guarantee he’s a better option than at least a few guys on any team. Butler will produce in every category. Butler went down while Rose was still playing, and now that he’s gone, Luol Deng is the heart and soul of the Bulls, and rightfully so… but he can’t do it on his own. Deng is the only source of offense for a defensive Bulls team, and Jimmy Butler can provide that spark they so desperately need. Boozer is on the decline, and Taj Gibson is on the rise. Either way, both power forwards are inconsistent, but Jimmy Butler isn’t. Even though he may be a smaller option at the 2- or 3-guard, he will be grabbing boards that these big men should be getting because of his hustle. Bottom line, pick him up.
2. Jeremy Evans – Many people don’t know much about the Utah small forward, but when you look at the statistics, it’s almost a gimme. Gordon Hayward is the first, second, and third option on a 4-19 Jazz team, and Evans is coming up. Tyrone Corbin has been putting more faith in Evans over the past few games/weeks, and there’s no reason not to. If you’re not buying it yet, keep an eye on him, but if someone picks him up while you’re watching, just know I told you so.
3. Omer Asik – The big guy is owned in only 38% of ESPN leagues, and understandable. He’s getting stuck behind a center like Dwight Howard and benched to Kentucky Wildcat Terrence Jones (pick him up if he’s available) and averaging a mere 18 MPG. Last season, he averaged about 10 PPG, 12 RPG, and a block in 30 MPG. Anywhere he gets traded, he will be worthy of 28-36 MPG, and giving you fantasy value in the meantime.
Other names to look for, although you might not find them, are absolute pick-ups in any 8-team or larger rotation: Kyle Korver, Terrence Jones, Amir Johnson (Rudy Gay is gone ladies and gents), Tyreke Evans, Shawn Marion, and Channing Frye.
Do what it takes to trade for Kobe if you can, still being sensible. He’s going to a monster on a team where there is little else. James Harden is a great trade option right now, but your window is closing. He didn’t start the season too strongly, but he’s found his game. Buy low for him today, and see if you can snag him. Same with Westbrook. People might be more inclined to keep him, but he’s been iffy, to say the least. Trade for him if you can.
I wish you all the best of luck in Week 8 in the world of fantasy basketball.
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