Russell Westbrook: A faller or straight bust?

Russell Westbrook: A faller or straight bust?

Westbrook has been very shaky for fantasy owners as of late. You can start to mark his fall, so to speak, when his time ended with the Wizards and his time began with the Lakers. Russell Westbrook was not the same player he was back in his primal years featuring the Thunder, and he hasn’t fallen off of his game completely; so where do we put him?

Do we categorize him as a straight bust or a player that’s fantasy draft stock had fallen for this season? Is this season going to be a rocky, finding himself season, or is this season just going to make him out to be a straight bust?

My answer is going to be short, concise, and to the point. I am going to answer this question within the next few paragraphs; so with that being said, let us begin.

Russell Westbrook is a…

In short, the 33-year-old is a fallen player. He isn’t to the point of his career where we can classify him as a bust, but he is definitely falling off. Westbrook is a fallen player that’s value has suffered since joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Mainly last season we can pinpoint his snowball effect collapse. Honestly.

He isn’t a straight bust because he is still averaging good numbers, those numbers? Averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. Plus, averaging 44.4% from the field last season. Now, the main season why he has fallen is due to his stats falling off. His productivity is depleting, to say the least, and is making the Lakers and their fanbase more angry and confused as each passing day goes by.

Two seasons ago, when he played with Washington, the man averaged 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. Since his role has been changing, so has his productivity and what he feels comfortable doing.

Since joining the LakeShow, Westbrook’s value around the NBA and fantasy basketball has gone down tremendously. As the former superstar couldn’t hit his three-pointers or mid-range shots, which (when watching him play) was pretty pathetic. It wasn’t a few, it was reoccurring mistakes that killed him throughout the entire season with the Lakers.

There is another problem with Westbrook:

If the Lakers keep experimenting with Westbrook and make him come off the bench, then guess what? His fantasy points will go down, his productivity will go down, and his effectiveness and usefulness will go down tremendously. Making him almost invisible within Darvin Ham’s new system with the Lakers, which will end poorly for both sides if Westbrook’s act keeps failing.

If Westbrook comes off the bench, then you draft him later. His stats are already proving to us he is on a slippery slope of decline, this season is make-or-break for him. In what way? For fantasy owners, we will determine his value moving forward and if he truly is a bust at this point and time in his career.

If he can shoot, rebound, or pass as well as he used to, then what use does he have? That is why this is a make-or-break season for him, beyond fantasy but in real life.

Conclusion:

With all that being said, Westbrook is a fallen player and not (yet) a bust. If he keeps declining, then, yes, he will be a bust. However, for now, the 33-year-old will be a fallen player trying to redeem himself.

In the end, Westbrook is a bench player and should be drafted by the tenth and beyond round. Per CourtSideHeat’s calculated mock draft, I have him at round number eleven. The bench is his new friend and will be in real life and in fantasy.

Use caution if you go through with drafting him. Be smart and know what you are getting yourself into, just remember he is Russell Westbrook and he is a depreciating asset – for lack of a better phrase. Use your discretion wisely, I will be checking in on Westbrook throughout the fantasy season.

Avoid this player like the plague…

Avoid this player like the plague…

Fantasy basketball is coming right around the corner as CourtSideHeat has released their calculated mock draft breaking down all 13 rounds, and 130 players – 10 per round. Now within that mock draft, you knew there were going to be some sleepers and then there were going to be some busts.

However, and this may come to everyone as a shock, the biggest bust for this fantasy season would be Dejounte Murray. Yes, the same Dejounte Murray that got traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Atlanta Hawks. But why?

There are multiple reasons as many experts are saying not to select that guy, or, if you do, then you use him with caution. Again, why would we do that for a guy that has been on the up and up since joining the league? I’m going to discuss that starting in the next paragraph.

Why avoid Dejounte Murray?

Number one, he’s in a different environment than what he’s used to:

From being the number one option to now being the Robin of the team; that’s a difficult transition to make, why? Because one team desperately relied upon that singular player and now he is moving to a team that has many weapons that will have the touches shared equally – or at least somewhat proportional to their skill level.

He’s in a different system, with coaches and players having different mindsets than his previous team, and he will be asked to do different tasks than what he was previously asked to do by the Spurs.

It will take a while to get used to and that could cause his production to decrease, which is not good for real life or in the fantasy world. The reason why I believe that is going to be the case is due to the fact that he isn’t the star anymore. When DeMar DeRozan left, guess what? Murray was the star and the number one option, hence why his playing time and production picked up.

Now that he’s with a new team with a wholly different philosophy, it is going to take some time to get used to. But even then, I have a problem seeing his productivity staying the same consistency throughout the season or just downright dropping.

Number two, Murray is not going to be a two-way player, the coach will make him play one style:

Nate McMillian could force Dejounte Murray into being more of a playmaker than an active shooter, he may strip away the combo that Murray has become so good at. The reason why I put this as number two is that the backcourt already has playmaking and shooting, a two-way player, in Trae Young. It isn’t impossible to see, but it would be tough to imagine to see McMillian having two of his top players playing the same style – especially in the first unit.

I’m not saying it is going to happen, but just have that in the back of your mind. He may force Young, or most likely Murray, to focus on one part of their game better than the other. Not entirely eliminating one area, just focusing more on shooting (for example) and letting the other one play off of that skill.

The backcourt has to flow smoothly and properly so McMillian could see this as the perfect opportunity, since both players are like an identical mirror to each other, to play off one another with their most important skills.

Why am I bringing this up? I am bringing this up to say that production and his role may go down or be utilized in a different capacity.

Lastly, number three, his selected role will determine his productivity:

Dejounte Murray will have a different role than what he had in San Antonio, that is without question. Now, the real question comes when we break down what kind of role he receives amongst all these already good players in Atlanta.

He’s still going to be getting tons of minutes, and he is still an important player, but his productivity may decrease due to the good/great players increasing. If that makes sense. The coach is going to have to figure out how many shots players are going to take per game (what is their minimum and what is their maximum), what each player’s primary position/role is going to be, who’s going to be ball-dominant on the team, and different things along those lines.

Ultimately, Murray’s productivity will rely upon what kind of role he is put into and what that coach allows him to do. How long will his leash be? How much input does Murray initially have over this team and what he can do? That will be found out during the beginning of the season when we see him adjusting to the new system, team, etc.

Conclusion:

I love Dejounte Murray, from the time he got into the league until now. Everyone knows that I have been hyping him up when he got traded to the Hawks; as I believe he will be doing great things for that team, and he will thrive there. However, in the sense of fantasy basketball, he is going to be kind of a bust.

Yes, he is going to be spectacular for his team in real life. But I truly believe, along with other experts, he is going to have a hard time in fantasy. He is going to have great productivity in real life, but for us fantasy owners, it is not going to be the same.

Everything is going to be extraordinarily different and maybe even a little more unique when it comes to him finding his way in this brand-new system. Just something to think about as we are three days away from the NBA tip-off.

In conclusion, that is why I am writing him off as a bust – given the reasons I have provided. However, it does pain me in some ways because he is a talented player and I have ranked him very well in my mock draft. But I have to be realistic.

I’m still going to draft him, but I am going to do so with caution and already going into it that he is going to bust down and not be the greatest that we thought he was going to be when traded to Atlanta.

2022 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft

2022 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft

Head-to-head fantasy basketball drafts are one of the most common fantasy league options, besides root-leagues (of course). The H-2-H method is the one I will be participating in, but how do we go about it?

Currently, in a draft I am enlisted in, I am at seventh place. We talk about all these hot players to draft, these sleeper players, but depending on your drafting position that may be easier said than done. So, to get everyone ready for their drafts before the league starts in two days; let’s have a mock draft. 

By having this simulated mock draft you will be able to see where these top players, and all players, be drafted at in these 13 rounds. You will be able to see where these guys are projected to go and where we rank them. So, whether you are selecting first or last, you will now have the perfect chance in getting the most information when selecting and/or viewing these players. 

What to know:

This simulated mock draft will be featuring a default of ten teams, which means ten selections (picks) per round. Plus, this simulation will be having thirteen rounds to give a realistic feel of what a regular fantasy consists of. By the end of a regular draft, your team should have thirteen players on your entire roster.

With all that being said, let us jump right into the first round of this 2022 NBA Mock Draft!

First round:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
6. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
7. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
9. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
10. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Big things to know in the first round:

If you have the first pick, you are set with anyone that was listed from picks 1-4. Picks 5-10 showcase phenomenal players that deserve to go in the first; however, the players that will get you the most points for fantasy will come through our projected 1-4 players.

Second round:

11. James Harden, Philedelphia 76ers
12. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
13. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
14. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
16. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
17. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
18. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
19. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
20. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Big things to know in the second round:

Notable players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram were not selected in the second round due to the fact that they don’t beat out guys like Kyrie, Booker, Kawhi (even not playing for a long time), and LeBron. Those players are perfect for the third round, as the third round still has significant meaning. Why? Simply, it is only the third player you are selecting for your team – not your tenth or even last player selection.

Third round:

21. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
22. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
23. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
24. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
25. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
26. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
27. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
28. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
29. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
30. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

Big things to know in the third round:

These are all good picks as there may be only one questionable one, which one would that be? It would obviously be Zion Williamson with how his health may affect his play come this season, after missing significant time due to injury and injury recovery. To have your third player selected it should be one of these ten, even if you had the tenth pick, there are so many good players that it is bananas.

Fourth round:

31. CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans
32. Nikola Vuevic, Chicago Bulls
33. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
34. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
35. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
36. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
37. Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
38. Darius Garland, Cleveland Calivers
39. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
40. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Big things to know in the fourth round:

Look, if Sabonis slides to the fourth round then you got a steal. He should have been gone by the third, but with the depth of good/great players it isn’t hard to imagine him sliding to the fourth round. I would definitely pick up Mobley or Barnes, or Cunningham if you can’t get the other two, why? Because they are going to have even bigger years that is going to translate beautifully to Fantasy Basketball.

Fifth round:

41. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
42. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
43. Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks
44. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
45. Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
46. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
47. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
48. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
49. Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns
50. Julius Randle, New York Knicks

Big things to know in the fifth round:

No matter where you are in this round, it doesn’t matter. Honestly, it doesn’t for one second. These are all good picks as not one player is sketchy or bringing the potential of backfiring. I’d definitely look at all your options, but on paper, these ten right here will carry you through the Fantasy Basketball season.

Sixth round:

51. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
52. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
53. Josh Giddy, Oklahoma City Thunder
54. Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks
55. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
56. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
57. Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics
58. Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics
59. Kristaps Porzingis, Washington Wizards
60. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Big things to know in the sixth round:

Didn’t notice this until now, but this round has a lot of players that begin with a “J”. Good news for everyone is that these guys that start with that letter are very talented and will produce very well for your fantasy squads. Now, want to have a risky pick? Number 60 is locked in as Klay Thompson’s pick, why would I do that? Despite others waiting until the seventh, eighth, or even ninth round to draft him; I do not believe in waiting that long, I believe Thompson is going to ball out this season and will be a good asset to your team. But, if you don’t want to be risky, then select Jordan Poole.

Seventh round:

61. Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors
62. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
63. Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors
64. Jerami Grant, Detroit Pistons
65. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
66. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
67. Terry Rozier, Charlette Hornets
68. Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
69. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
70. Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets

Big things to know in the seventh round:

Even though we are getting up there in the later rounds, still some players to take that has high value. Poole, Wiggins, Herro, and others mentioned are very good. Now, remember Ben Simmons hasn’t played in forever and can cost you points – if you were comparing him to Myles Turner, or whoever else. Same goes with Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been dealing with injuries. So there are players you have to be cautious about, but in the long run it probably would be advised to pick up one of these two guys.

Eighth round:

71. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
72. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks
73. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
74. Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
75. Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
76. RJ Barrett, New York Knicks
77. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
78. D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves
79. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat
80. Josh Hart, Portland Trail Blazers

Big things to know in the eighth round:

The eighth round is where steals and busts start to begin, this is where you start to become a little riskier on who you want to select. The core rounds are the players you know that have performed very well in fantasy basketball, now we are entering a dangerous territory of players that may or may not thrive. Players that will thrive will be Barrett, Smart, and Hield. Players that may be questionable would be Green, Lowry, Hart, and Wagner. There are certain players you start to gamble with and some you don’t even touch.

Ninth round:

81. Saddiq Bey, Detroit Pistons
82. Dillion Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
83. Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets
84. Tre Jones, New Orleans Pelicans
85. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
86. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
87. John Wall, Los Angeles Clippers
88. Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers
89. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers
90. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors

Big things to know in the ninth round:

Are there some questionable picks made in this round? Yes, but I would still pick John Wall either in the ninth or tenth round. I believe, in the system and team he is on, fantasy owners will be happy with his progress throughout the season. Another name would be Jalen Smith; while his productivity for the Suns was underwhelming, for the majority of his tenure, he should pick it up with Indy. If you see Anunoby fall this far down, something is wrong. Should he have gone before the ninth? Yes, but I’m not too high on Anunoby when looking at the other players that have gone before him on this mock draft.

Tenth round:

91. Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
92. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
93. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
94. PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets
95. Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
96. Jaden Ivey, Detriot Pistons
97. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
98. Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans
99. Cameron Johnson, Phoenix Suns
100. Jordan Clarkson, Indiana Pacers

Big things to know in the tenth-Thirteenth round:

We are now entering the replacement rounds of this mock draft. These are players designated to be backups and fill-ins if someone goes on the H/S Protocols or gets injured. To be honest, all these players are good choices to be fill-ins and backups. When it comes to the bench, I just fill out accordingly to the pistons I need to fill the most. If I need another point guard, I select them. If I need another power forward, or small forward, guess what? I select that player. These final three rounds are filling out and putting the final touches on your roster. Those are the big things to understand for rounds eleven, twelve, and thirteen.

Eleventh round:

101. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers
102. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
103. Gordon Hayward, Charlette Hornets
104. Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings
105. Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic
106. Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat
107. Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks
108. James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors
109. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
110. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors

Twelfth round:

111. Jarred Vanderbilt, Utah Jazz
112. Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings
113. Mike Conley, Utah Jazz
114. Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
115. Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers
116. Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers
117. Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic
118. Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks
119. JaVale McGee, Dallas Mavericks
120. Deni Advija, Washington Wizards

Thirteenth round:

121. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
122. De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
123. Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
124. Reggie Jackson, Los Angeles Clippers
125. Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlette Hornets
126. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks
127. Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
128. Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
129. Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
130. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

Conclusion:

This is the end of CourtSideHeat’s mock draft as many great names went early, some slid, and we made our way to the absolute end. I just wanted to say, for anyone confused, this is just a recommended draft of how CourtSideHeat believes everything will play out. By no means are we predicting the future or this is our result of doing one live. This is just a mock draft that we calculated to be as accurate as possible through our data.

More Fantasy Basketball content will be coming out within the coming days; we will be continuing this until the 19th to give people who are late to drafting an extra day of prep.