Scanning the current NBA individual statistic leaders, there aren't many surprises. Houston's James Harden is scoring the most points, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook piles on the assists and the usual crew of centers is right there in rebounding.
But check out the blocked shots and there's a new name: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant is first in this noted big-man stat not only on a per-game basis, but he has the most blocks overall. And Durant, scheduled to return from his latest absence Wednesday night, has
Durant, of course, was one of the most coveted players in fantasy basketball this season and, thus, not the least bit available on waiver wires or probably in trades. He's awesome and, if he continues his current production, is a serious threat to end up the top option on the ESPN full-season Player Rater. He's currently No. 6, nestled between other more seasoned shot-blockers, but hey, it's not so easy to find helpers in this category. A mere 10 guys are averaging more than 1.5 blocks per game, the same number as last season.
I just thought it was interesting that Durant, who averaged 1.6 blocks per game last season and is currently doubling his career mark, was doing something new at the age of 29, in his 11th NBA campaign. We appreciate it!
Since it's not always so easy to procure one of the top shot-blockers if one needs aid in the category, here are some others a bit more readily available (at least 50 percent availability) who can help:
Mason Plumlee, PF/C, Denver Nuggets: Plumlee didn't do much with the added minutes after the Paul Millsap injury, but he's been more consistent of late, especially on the boards. And Plumlee has averaged 1.6 blocks over the past month, with eight rebounds per and a strong field goal percentage.
John Collins, PF/C, Atlanta Hawks: The 20-year-old rookie was a strong shot-blocker at Wake Forest, and his skills are translating. He's not a big scorer yet or consistent, but one would think the lowly Hawks would keep his minutes rising, especially if/when veterans like Ersan Ilyasova and Kent Bazemore are dealt. His teammate Dewayne Dedmon, just back from injury, can also chip in a block or two some nights.
Bismack Biyombo, C, Orlando Magic: Nikola Vucevic is still another month away from returning from a broken hand, and Biyombo has piled on the rebounds and blocks. He's obviously limited in what he can provide, but Biyombo is contributing enough in scoring to make the occasional multiblock performance worth it.
John Henson, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks: His statistical uptick was predictable after the Greg Monroe trade, and it's enough as a fill-in, but it's still a bit disappointing that he's never really emerged as a consistent 14-and-8 guy. Still, he's averaging 11 and six over the past month, with 1.2 blocks.
Marquese Chriss, PF, Phoenix Suns: He is currently dealing with a hip injury but has played well the past few weeks, with five consecutive games with 12 or more points and several multiblock outings. The real breakthrough is likely a season-plus away, but this guy is worth acquiring in a dynasty format.
Kyle O'Quinn, PF/C, New York Knicks: The veteran bruiser has double-doubles in two of three games, which isn't likely a harbinger of much, but he should be good for a block per game, and in some leagues that can be a difference maker.
Lucas Nogueira, C, Toronto Raptors: Can't make much of a case for him unless his minutes go up, and there's little threat of a helpful scorer here, but perhaps he can be like Biyombo. Nogueira blocked four shots in Monday's game and has eight during his past three contests. The 7-foot Brazilian remains so raw, but he's getting minutes.
Jerami Grant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder: Depth guy has been sneaky source of blocks during his four NBA seasons, and he posted three of them in a game at the Clippers last week. His teammate Josh Huestis offers far less in scoring and rebounding but has a similar skill, with two blocks in five of 10 games.
Random thoughts:
Like many others, I really thought we'd see more from Indiana Pacers big Myles Turner this season. Turner hasn't progressed in any area. His season was delayed a bit due to a concussion, and he's dealt with other ailments as well, but he should be an 18-and-8 guy easily. Not sure I'd buy low, though, for this season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle has been so good lately, and the return of Brook Lopez from injury hasn't hurt his numbers one bit. It's strange how long it took Randle's minutes to match what was earned. He should be averaging 15 and 10 over 28 minutes a night.
It can happen in football and baseball as well, I suppose, but it sure is odd to see Gerald Green go from unemployed to scoring 20 per night with the Houston Rockets so quickly. It's 3-pointers and little else, and I'd sure see if someone will overpay for him with Harden on the mend.
Now isn't a bad time to trade for Paul George in a dynasty league, because next season's numbers elsewhere figure to be better than this. And George is doing OK, averaging 20 and 5 with 2 steals, but more was expected.
What a monster free fall by the Magic. It doesn't mean it will delay the return of Vucevic, if tanking is the organization's top thought, but it is surprising that Mario Hezonja and Jonathon Simmons aren't doing more. I'd invest in Hezonja first in a deeper format.
Only one Philadelphia 76ers game this week and Joel Embiid will play in it, and the next time the team has back-to-backs isn't until the last Sunday/Monday of January. This is a good thing!