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Welcome to The CT Store, a basketball resource for card collectors and fantasy poolers of the world. I invite you to browse a dynamic collection of basketball cards while I share some thoughts on the ongoing 2009/10 fantasy basketball season and my beloved Toronto Raptors. I can be reached via ebay messaging or by ctstore@live.ca for any questions.
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Basketball Food 4 Thoughts – November 3rd, 2009
State of the Toronto Raptors
So the Raps are 1-2 in the season, it's all over right?
I must admit that their games have been so far entertaining. The Cleveland win made me believe in Santa again. The Memphis loss made me believe in reality again. The Orlando loss left me both confused (1st half) and hopeful (2nd half). Once thing that became clear to me is that a) the Big Three of Bosh, Hedo and Bargnani has all the potential in the world to become an offensive nightmare for opponents; b) Bargnani MUST find a way to rebound at any costs, whether it involves clawing, pile drivers or fouling out, whatever. Just make it happen and c) I'm really really looking forward to seeing Reggie Evans back since the team could use a boost in brute energy.
A 1-2 record is interesting in that the best the Raps could do after 4 games is 2-2 and at worst 1-3. I usually find that the first 4 games of an NBA season is a great indicator of things to come for a given team, a bit like being dealt a nice poker pair before the flop:
4 Wins - 0 Losses = Pair of Kings - Great poker hand, ''should'' lead to a win although you never know what could happen as the game progresses
3 Wins - 1 Loss = Pair of Queens - Solid poker hand, nothing guaranteed
2 Wins - 2 Losses = Pair of Jacks - A sleeper hand that could go one way or another
1 Win - 3 Losses = Pair of 4s - Avoid betting your best friend's house over this pot
0 Win - 4 Losses = Pair of 2s - Just close your eyes and everything will be allright...
There are of course exceptions since the Raptors started last season 3-1 while Cleveland is currently sitting at 2-2. I still find this system pretty useful and the same principle is even better at the 7-games mark (7-0, 5-2, 4-3, 2-5, 0-7, etc).
The CT Store's Top 5 Rookies to watch (2009-10) - October 21st, 2009
Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
The kid has flair and likely has gained valuable lessons while overseas. I made sure to draft him in one of my leagues and would be happy to see him average around 6-7 assists per game this year.
Blake Griffin, PF, L.A. Clippers
I will be the first to admit that I was one of the rare doubters out-there. His athleticism is undeniable, yet I was unsure about his potential to use it properly, especially on the defensive end. My opinion changed during summer league when I noticed the number of assists he was racking up, a good sign of his level of understanding for the game. He’s been rocking it in pre-season to, so he’s made a believer out of me. A nice source of rebounds if all goes well.
James Harden, G, OKC Thunder
Why? Just a hunch. He seems like a guy that fits nicely into his team’s roster and he has the attributes to contribute in a few interesting cats, mainly points, rebounds, assists and maybe even steals.
Tyreke Evans, G, Sacramento Kings
Little surprise here. Evans seems like an explosive prospect which got drafted in the perfect environment. I made sure to draft him this year, something along the line of 14pts, 4reb, 4ast would be real nice.
Jeff Teague, PG, Atlanta Hawks
I remember reading on RealGM how Teague could be a steal for the Hawks and likely could have gone higher in the draft. I now see why, he has been solid in pre-season and while it might be too early to pick him up, he might be someone worth monitoring over time.
Fantasy Basketball
League updates - November 23, 2009 2009
NBA Stock Exchange - Grand Prize: 3-day/2-night trip for two to one 2010 NBA Western Finals game
The CT Store - Overall Rank: #1375, Points: 3437.85
Bragging Right's League 122 - Rank #2/15
Rasho Bball League - Rank #12/47
Have a Fantasy Basketball question? Feel free to send me an email at ctstore@live.ca!
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