Darrell Arthur teased us with a big night on the boards, though I figure Jason Thompson is the more viable option at forward. Mario Chalmers is Miami's point guard, as you've noted, seeing as how he has been added in 9.1 percent of ESPN leagues this week. It certainly looks like he'll pile up assists. O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love have had moments so far, and should gain fantasy value throughout this season. Rudy Fernandez, his game forged on the world stage, could short out scoreboards with his offense off the bench.
Intriguing rookies all, but those guys at the top of the 2008 NBA draft board? They're already good.
After shooting just 9-of-23 in his first two games, Derrick Rose filled it up on Saturday, scoring 26 points while going 11-of-20 from the floor. Sure, Memphis was the opposition, but the first overall pick can play against anyone. He'll have plenty of 20-point nights this season, and if the first three games are any indication -- 4, 4 and 6 boards -- his rebounding will be a nice bonus as well. If you drafted Rose (I did, but, alas, only in one league), congratulations. If not, don't fret. Take action.
Michael Beasley, who went second after Rose in the draft, was just a point behind the Bulls guard on Saturday. The 19-year-old put up 25 on the Bobcats, and he too made more than half his field goal attempts (10-of-16). Beasley also contributed a 3-pointer and two blocks. He's now had two strong games out of three in the young season, though I'll be interested to see what the next week brings for him. Miami opened with a cake schedule: New York, Sacramento and Charlotte. It gets more interesting this week when the Heat face Philadelphia, San Antonio and New Orleans.
Under the boards
Yes, that was Ramon Sessions starting, scoring 12 points and dropping nine dimes against the Raptors. Unfortunately, unless Sessions is already on your roster, you probably won't be able to capitalize on this situation. The Bucks travel to New York on Sunday, and Sessions will start again in place of an injured Luke Ridnour. However, Ridnour, who has been dealing with back spasms over the past week (including Milwaukee's first two games, when he played but struggled), should be back in the lineup Nov. 5 versus Washington. Give Sessions credit for taking advantage of an opportunity, but I don't think anything has changed in Scott Skiles' eyes: Ridnour remains the Bucks' point guard. … A temp starter with greater short-term fantasy value is Marquis Daniels, who had a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds), two steals and two blocks in 39 minutes against Boston. Knee tendinitis caused Mike Dunleavy to miss essentially the entire preseason, and his return is uncertain. … Deep-leaguers should watch Nick Young. The second-year player scored 23 points off the bench Saturday, after contributing 10 points in 17 minutes in Washington's first game. With Gilbert Arenas sidelined, the Wizards view Young as this year's Roger Mason. While he lacks Mason's touch from beyond the arc, the athletic Young can get to the basket, as evidenced by his 11 trips to the line (and 11 makes) against Detroit. … Tyson Chandler missed Saturday's game versus the Cavaliers, but Byron Scott told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that the center could play in the Nov. 5 game against Atlanta. The Hornets coach did not offer a timetable for the return of Peja Stojakovic, who, like Chandler, has a right ankle sprain. … Speaking of injured stars, Deron Williams should miss at least one more game. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Williams won't play Monday against the Clippers, but he could come back against Portland on Nov. 5. … And Marcus Camby could play as soon as Monday. The Clippers may need him even more than your fantasy team does. … Through three games, Anthony Carter is averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 69.2 percent shooting. The 32-year-old journeyman will never keep this up, but with Golden State, Memphis and Charlotte coming up in Denver's next four games, maybe it's worth riding his hot hand. … Terry Porter's presence in Phoenix might not bode well for Leandro Barbosa. After scoring 18 points in 26 minutes in the opener, the Brazilian Blur is more like the Brazilian benchwarmer. He's played just 21 and 18 minutes in the Suns' past two games.
