Forget about the yellow tap water and Bob Costas’s pinkeye. Try to ignore the repugnant killings of hundreds of stray dogs. Forgive Russia for the unfinished hotel rooms and Olympic venues. Put aside any disdain toward Russia’s anti-gay laws. Mask your fear of the threats of terrorism.
Amidst all of the drama that has coincided with this year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi is a $51 billion performance directed, written by, and starring Russian president Vladimir Putin.
No matter what curveball Sochi throws at us, the Olympic Games will still be the world’s preeminent sporting event; a time where nations can come together despite political differences to flaunt top tier athletic gamesmanship. The Olympics should not be a foreign affair where athletes become ambassadors.
I am not saying you should overlook all the injustices surrounding these Olympics; I am however, urging you to reflect on what this event is all about: competition, national pride and world-class athletes.
Now onto a different note: the NBA. With the football season having ended, I will leave you with my sell high, buy low list for fantasy basketball.
Sell High
Dwyane Wade (SG, MIA)–It is no secret that the Miami Heat are going to make it to the playoffs, especially in the weak Eastern Conference. The Heat can afford to sit the 32-year-old Wade, who has only played in 35 of Miami’s 48 games this season. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has learned from the San Antonio Spurs the value of resting veteran superstars for the playoffs. Don’t expect Wade to play more than 60 games this season.
Arron Afflalo (SG, ORL)–Arron Afflalo is off to a career best start, averaging nearly 20 points and two three-pointers per game. However, the Orlando Magic have the second worst record in the NBA. Tank-mode is in full effect and the Magic will value developing young talent over winning in the second half of the season. Look for youngsters Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris to have the ball a lot more in their hands, preventing Afflalo from maintaining his high rate of production.
Buy Low
Kawhi Leonard (SF, SA)–Leonard is out at least until after the All-Star break. The 22-year-old has loads of potential and can be a consistent contributor in steals, threes and rebounds when healthy. Coach Gregg Popovich is known for resting his veterans, especially after the All-Star break. With the absence of these veterans, Leonard will become the Spurs’ go-to guy on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Deron Williams (PG, BKN)–The Brooklyn Nets have a lot riding on this season. With the highest payroll in the NBA this season ($100,788,184) and veterans such as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett aging fast, the Nets’ championship window is now. Williams is just getting healthy and only recently returned to the starting lineup. The Nets will rely heavily on their star point guard, especially if they want to salvage their season. While he may not be able to produce similar numbers to those he produced two years ago, he will regain top 30 value.
Seth Coven can be contacted at [email protected].
