Shannon

Brown

There is talk that he could start for the Cavs next year, but we’re not sure that’s a possibility. He may have some fantasy value next season though, so follow his progress in camp and look to target him near the end of your fantasy draft.

Brown will receive $1.68 million for two years. The Cavaliers hold options for the third and fourth years. He could see some playing time for the Cavs in his rookie season, but isn’t expected to have fantasy value.

Both of them deserve consideration as spot-starters, though in a game like this it will be a crapshoot as to who will gobble up all the remaining minutes.

Hill was very close to playing, but he was still feeling a little soreness and having trouble moving laterally. The Suns decided to take no chances. It sounds like Hill is a strong bet to start on Sunday, kicking Shannon Brown back to a bench role.

He blew up for a career-high 32 on Tuesday, but was more like Shannon Brown tonight. Hill’s injury isn’t serious, so Brown should soon go back to being a fantasy afterthought.

Suns head coach Alvin Gentry said that “more than likely we’ll start Shannon [Brown]” and mentioned additional minutes to come for Josh Childress and Ronnie Price. Brown will be the player to own for the next few weeks. Hill is expected to be out until the last few games of the season, at the earliest.

Brown is turning the ball over a lot (2.8 per game over his last four contests), and unless you’re punting that category he’s probably not worth owning in 12-team formats and he’s definitely not worth starting. Conversely, in 8-cat leagues he is worth starting consideration depending on your squad’s needs.

The Suns probably have to win out to make the playoffs, so there’s no reason to keep anything in the tank. Hill figures to play off the bench behind Shannon Brown and his minute count will depend on how that knee responds to game action.

Hill was tentatively expected to play, but this clearly shows that he is not really ready for NBA action at this time. The Suns are in a fight for the No. 8 seed with the Rockets and Jazz, each separated by a half-game before tonight. Shannon Brown has typically performed well without Hill, but last night he put up an empty seven-point line.

He’s not shocking the world with his play, but has been effective. Unless there’s a glaring hot free agent available, Brown should continue to be owned in most fantasy leagues. Jared Dudley continues to start at SF and had 15 points, six boards, three assists and a 3-pointer tonight.