Anthony Stalter (under TheScoresReport) and I (under fantasytips) will be tweeting throughout Week 3. Feel free to ask us questions, call us names, whatever…
Author: John Paulsen (Page 118 of 937)
Funny story out Springfield, Massachusetts, via ESPN:
Williams, 23, had just been sent down to the NBA D-League’s Springfield (Mass.) Armor — punishment for being late to Nets practices, shootarounds and meetings — when he encountered Gonzalez, an Armor ballboy.
“I was nervous,” said Gonzalez, who approached Williams before his first game with the Armor. “But I just wanted to help him. I thought to myself, ‘Wow I’m actually meeting an NBA player, and I wanted to give him a heads up.’
“I told him, ‘You made a mistake and you shouldn’t feel like you’re down here because you’re not a good ballplayer. You need to learn from it.’ If I was him, I wouldn’t want to be down here. I’d do anything to stay in the NBA.'”
Williams gave his recollection of the conversation to the Newark Star-Ledger.
“I was like, ‘Do you watch the NBA?’ ” said Williams, who was called up Tuesday and played 26 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. “He said, ‘Yeah, you’re one of the players I [like to] watch. Why would you blow it?’
“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ He said, ‘Why would you want to have an attitude, and be late — the simplest things you can control? And you get to be in the NBA? I would die to do that, so don’t blow it.’
“That’s a [13]-year-old telling me that,” Williams told the Star-Ledger, adding that his mother had called him in tears after his demotion, asking if he had been kicked out of the NBA. “So I think that and my mom crying was what really got to me. So down there, I decided to take everything serious, like I was here, as far as practicing and playing in a game.”
On one hand, it’s a shame that it took this demotion and these words from a 13-year-old to convince Williams to shape up. Players with his kind of talent often live in a bubble and don’t realize how a bad attitude is perceived by the regular joe, who would die to play in the NBA. The Nets are just asking him to be on time for his job, which is something that every single working person in this country has to do.
On the other hand, it’s nice that Williams didn’t brush the kid off or give him any attitude. He had a conversation with the ballboy and that conversation opened his eyes. Hopefully, he’s a changed man.
Williams rejoined the Nets on 12/9 and scored six points in 26 minutes on 3-of-8 shooting.
Asked if Romo would be ready for the Cardinals, Jones said: “In my opinion, he will be.”
“I want to do anything we can to win those games. (The decision) will be based on what gives us the best chance to win,” Jones said. “And, when he’s ready to go, he’s going to be ready. I shouldn’t be concerned about additional injury to his shoulder.”
“And, when he’s ready to go, he’s going to be ready.”
Wow, profound.
I’ve advised fantasy owners to feel comfortable cutting Romo, especially when the Cowboys were truly eliminated from the playoff hunt. Even if they were in position to make the playoffs, why would you replace Jon Kitna, who would obviously be playing well in that scenario?
I think it’s irresponsible to bring Romo back to play two games. As recently as last week, the quarterback was experiencing considerable pain, and collarbone injuries are known to recur, so why risk it? Romo isn’t a rookie — he doesn’t need every single snap from an experience standpoint, so why rush him back?
Regardless, if Jones has his way, Romo will be under center in Week 16 in a great matchup with the Cardinals. If you have a roster spot, go ahead and stash him for a week or two and see how things play out. He might be useful.
Percy Harvin looking iffy to play on Sunday. Not only are the migraines an issue, but Leslie Frazier believes it would be tough to get him up to speed in terms of the game plan. I have him ranked #44 this week for that reason. If he were able to go, I’d probably put him in the mid-30’s. Generally-speaking, if you have a decent option, you should go with it this week. The migraines are one thing, but he also has a bad matchup against a good New York pass defense.
Matt Cassel is doubtful for Sunday. I believe this hurts Dwayne Bowe, but Rotoworld argues that Brodie Croyle will target his #1 receiver early and often. He could have a very nice day, but I’m leery anytime there’s a change at QB. Plus, the matchup is bad and he’s coming off a goose egg in W13. He’s a pretty solid WR2 this week, in my opinion.
Mike Shanahan won’t name a starter at RB. Surprise, surprise. Shanahan is wreaking havoc in the world of fantasy football. Signs point to Ryan Torain returning to the starting role, but Skeletor said that he plans to exercise caution since it’s Torain’s first game back. The matchup is very good, so I think Torain can be productive if he gets 12-15 carries, and is fairly likely to score.
Both Steve Smith 2.0 and Hakeem Nicks are listed as questionable. I’m expecting both guys to play based on what I’ve read this week, though I’m not terribly excited about either player. Smith 2.0 will probably be limited in terms of the number of snaps he plays and Nicks seems a little more iffy to play at all. The Vikings are playing better defense later, so I’d only use these players if there aren’t any other good options available. Nicks’ big-play ability is tantalizing, however.
Mike Williams (TB) is listed as probable. Great news for his owners who were no doubt wondering if the talented rookie would be available for his great matchup with the Redskins. I have him ranked #15 and would definitely recommend him this week unless there’s horrible weather in Washington come Sunday. This is also a big boost to Josh Freeman owners who plan to use him this week.
Mike Sims-Walker is probable. I wouldn’t start him this week, but this is good news for David Garrard and Mike Thomas, who won’t have to deal with Nnamdi Asomugha this week, though the star CB is still gimpy with a sore ankle. Even with MSW’s return, the Jags have featured Maurice Jones-Drew with great success the last few weeks, and that trend will no doubt continue against the Raiders, who have had trouble stopping the run this season.
It’s nice of Ray-Ray to make the shot after Rondo’s ridiculous pass.
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