Hey everybody!  Sorry for taking so long to post, but I have been busy at work, like crazy busy, and haven't had time to post. I know you are all dying to read Rare Combinations Part 2 and I will get that finished as soon as possible.
 

Since Thanksgiving was just a few weeks ago, I feel it is time to discuss players I am not thankful for. So, here it goes...
 

Stephon Marbury - Many of you, including myself and many experts predicted that Marbury would return to his old self of averaging 20 points and 9 assists (career averages). Well ladies and gentlemen, I was wrong. I simply hate Marbury right now. He isn't even performing better than most players you can find hanging around your waiver wires for gosh sakes! However, I am not telling you to drop him. Instead I am telling you in all league formats to hold on to him. Why? Well, I hope and pray that somebody (Francis or Marbury) gets traded or just starts producing like they should. The problem with Marbury now is he needs the ball in his hands to do stuff, but with the Knicks the way they are, as soon as he passes the rock once, he never gets it back again. Isaiah is on thin ice in N.Y. and should start leaning on Marbury more. The potential here is too great so bench Marbury until he has 4-5 great games in a row.
 

Elton Brand - Yes I know Brand is top 20 if not top 10 material, but right now the guy is not hitting his FGs or FTs like he should and he is even not rebounding as well as last year. I hate to say it, but I think playing a lot this summer has worn him down. I recommend trading him for top 10/15 talent and moving on. I keep hoping he will break out but I don't think he will be close to last years stats by the end. Write it down now, because I said to trade him for top 10-15 value. No...do not accept any 2 for 1 trades for Brand.
 

Marcus Camby - I love Camby I really do. He is a fantasy beast when healthy, the only problem is that one never knows for how long he will be healthy. I guess if you can stomach getting 60 games out of your stud and being content then keep him. I just can not ride the Camby rollercoaster. Go trade him for a young Biedrins and another 3rd-4th round guy and and walk away laughing all the way to the championship.
 

Zach Randolph - I didn't think people not named Kidd were supposed to perform like this after a new surgery like theirs. I guess this makes all the Stoudemire owners hopeful of his future. I think the reason I am not thankful for him is he is crazy inconsistent and he is a Blazer. OK, OK, maybe being from Washington state makes me a little biased, but seriously does this guy turn the ball over a lot or what? Also, for a big guy where are the blocks? Arghh...his 30 points and 10 rebounds are tempting, but stay away!
 

Carlos Boozer - Last year not many players averaged 12+ rebounds. Yet this year Boozer came out of no where and is averaging 12.2. Man I wish I had him on my team, maybe that is the reason I am not thankful for him now. I seriously thought rebounds was gonna be one of my strengths, but not this year. Heck even Bosh is averaging 12+ rebounds.
 

Last but not least I am not thankful for the new ball. Do turnovers seem to be up this year, or is it just me? OK, here are some numbers: 11, 8, 8, etc. These would be good assist or rebound numbers...but not TOs. In fact, Bibby had the 11 and he normally is right around 2 per game. Not this year, though, as he's up above 3. Ming is normally at 2.5 and he is pushing 4 this year. By the way, he was the one who had multiple games of 8. I think players will adjust like Mark Cuban has suggested, but I also think it is gonna hurt us in fantasy in the meantime. Who am I to argue with Shaq when he complains about the ball, right? I really think this affects the entire league. Come on! Ming get a grip on the darn ball or hold it up high so nobody can get to it for gosh sakes!! Bibby...rest a few games if your wrist is still bothering you. Until next time. Peace.