Fantasy : Fantasy Stock Watch : The 6th Man

You have to love fantasy basketball, it’s all about what have you done for me lately. Last year’s stats don’t mean squat unless you can equal or surpass them this season, which leads to the point of this column. The Fantasy Stock Watch. Every couple of weeks I’m going to analyze the stock of different players, without further ado.

Stock Going Up: Larry Hughes. Everyone thought he was in D’Antoni’s doghouse and wouldn’t get big minutes. Well Hughes is starting for the Knicks and his coach believes he will for the next while. What more can you ask for then a player starting for a terrible team with the green light to shoot. Hughes will be a solid contributor in most categories except for FG% but he deserves to be owned, which he isn’t in many leagues.

Going Down: Elton Brand. This is worse than last season when Brand looked out of place before shutting it down for the season. 11 and 5? Hasn’t scored in double figures in 3 straight games? This is going to get ugly in Philly. To add injury to insult Brand is also banged up and might miss some time. Hold on to him for a bit longer but don’t tolerate this performance all season.

Going Up: Brandon Jennings. Not only is the guy smart with his cash, but he’s also looking like the steal of the draft. Minnesota took 2 point guards at 5 and 6 and Jennings is better than both of them right now. I expect him to continue those impressive averages and really avoid the rookie wall that plagues most rookies. 18, 4 and 4 seem about right.

Going Down: Ray Allen. Yes he played well in New Jersey but don’t expect that every night. Allen is at an age where his skills and speed have eroded to the point that he’s really only useful for 3s and some assists. 15 points a game and a few 3s are all he’s going to give you at this point and when his shot is not falling like in the Philadelphia game, look out.

Going Up: Gilbert Arenas. Yes hes back, those who gambled on Arenas early (like myself!) were rewarded for taking the plunge. Agent 0 seems to be back to the same dynamic scoring guard that we all knew and loved, getting 25.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, and 5.5 apg. I guess hes feeling ok.

Going Down: Charlie Villanueva. Maybe he should stop tweeting and start hitting some shots. You think Joe Dumars regrets giving him 45 million? 13 and 5, with a combined 1.2 spg,apg,bpg number is not going to do it. He showed some life on Friday night getting 28 against the Magic but he’s got to do it more consistently to prove to owners that he’s for real.