Movin on Up

A quick stroll up and down the player rater rankings to see who is on the rise. Some crazy movement by players this week.

Vince Carter (Last Week: #96, This Week: #56)
Wow. So we know at least one person in the U.S. really likes life in New Jersey. Carter jumps up 40 spots in the player rankings this week. Now, one could argue that Carter never belonged that low to begin with, and that would be correct, but for those of you out there who have held onto Carter through his half-assed, half-efforts this year, it looks like your patience is being rewarded. Over the past 5 games, he’s averaging 26 pts, 7.4 assists, 2 steals, 1.8 threes, and 1.8 blocks a game. That’s more like it. Now, if he could only work on that injury problem.

Udonis Haslem (Last Week: #98, This Week: #77)
Who would you rather have on your fantasy team, Udonis Haslem or Shaq? Shaq has played healthy AND well this year, but (considering FT%) he’s still only ranked #93 on the rater. Haslem meanwhile, is quietly putting together a solid sophomore season. No ESPN highlight reels from Haslem, but what he does give you is 12 points, 9 rebounds, 54% from the floor, and 83% from the line (Not bad for a big man - maybe he should give Shaq a few tips). You could do a lot worse than picking up Haslem for your team (again, Shaq for example).

Damon Stoudamire (Last Week: #74, This Week: #54)
The magic isn’t gone just yet. What does 20+ points, 4 threes, 5.4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 100% from the line get you? Why, a 20 place jump in the rankings. While there are problems in Blazerland, Stoudamire continues to burn it up at a pace his running mate, Nick Van Exel couldn’t sustain for very long. Stoudamire owners: Now might be the time to sell… but then again, what do I know.

Caron Butler (Last Week: #90, This Week: #73)
Remember that time when Kobe sprained his ankle and Lamar Odom took over the Lakers? What? That’s not what happened? Right, it’s been Butler, not Odom, who has picked up his game while Kobe’s been out with an injury. Over the last 5 games: 18 pts, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2 steals, and 93% from the line. The scary thing? That’s pretty much what he did as a rookie 2 years ago. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Kyle Korver (Last Week: #75, This Week: #59)
Hey, it’s a 3 point shooter who can actually shoot over 40%! Korver is known for the three (make that a game winner, please), but over the last 5 games, he’s averaging 15.6 pts, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a block per game. All solid, but not spectacular, numbers made much sweeter by the fact that Korver has 126 threes so far this year.