Damion

James

James is out for the season and the Nets are not expected to bring him back next year. The 2010 No. 24 overall pick will have to prove his health in a training camp next season.

The Nets are a mess. DeShawn Stevenson started at SF in their last game, and Shawne Williams played more minutes off the bench, but there are no fantasy winners in this situation.

Morrow hasn’t had a challenge to his minutes yet since he has become a productive player once again, and that challenge will come when Damion James (foot) and DeShawn Stevenson (knee) return to the fold. If Morrow can survive having MarShon Brooks bumped into the SG slot, he’ll be much more consistent going forward. As it stands, he is worth a look for the chance he keeps it up.

James continues to sit out and will miss his fourth straight game on Wednesday. Shawne Williams will see an increase in playing time with DeShawn Stevenson also out for New Jersey, but the real beneficiary is MarShon Brooks, who will play all the minutes he can handle.

Williams turned down the Knicks after the team seemed ready to replace him with Jamal Crawford. He will have a great opportunity to contribute in New Jersey given the shallow depth on the team, and he is certainly capable of accruing more fantasy value playing for the Nets than he held with the Knicks.

James’ minutes have steadily dwindled since he played 38 minutes in the Nets’ opener, but this could earn him a bit of goodwill from coach Avery Johnson. His starting job isn’t guaranteed to last, however, as Shawne Williams could eventually overtake him.

He apparently had minor wrist surgery a couple months ago after injuring it punching a bag in a gym, and his hand is said to be broken. Outlaw proved last year that he shouldn’t be starting in the NBA, and if sidelined, Damion James and Anthony Morrow would both benefit greatly. Additionally, Outlaw was already a serious amnesty candidate, and the Nets might have some other options since he was injured during the lockout.

James had just two points in 18 minutes, and may not play in the second half. His absence would likely benefit DeShawn Stevenson and Anthony Morrow the most.

He’s not playing well enough to be owned in most leagues, but is worth keeping an eye on as long as he’s starting for the Nets. Consider him day-to-day for now.

James is comparing his foot injury to the one that hobbled Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw for a few weeks this season. He was starting before his injury, but has been “Pipped” by wildly impressive rookie MarShon Brooks.