Another week gone by in the NBA, once again its time for everyone’s favorite column, and here I will do everything I can to save your fantasy seasons with my brilliant fantasy analysis.

Three Who Have Impressed

Mickael Pietrus, Golden State Warriors

Week Four Games: 11/20 - @ New York; 11/21 - @ Boston; 11/23 @ Washington; 11/24 @ Philadelphia; 11/26 Phoenix

Despite having missed three of Golden State’s eight games so far this year, the hard working Frenchman has started strong. Over his first four years in the league, he was known for his defensive prowess, and as a liability on the offensive end. Maybe its because he did not get any impressive offers as a free agent in the offseason, but his shooting is markedly improved. He is swishing over 60% of his shots and 47% of his threes to the tune of 10.4 points/game. With Stephen Jackson returning to the lineup his minutes look to go down, but I think he’s a better bet to still play a lot than Kelenna Azubuike.

Matt Carroll, Charlotte Bobcats

Week Four Games: 11/21 - Washington; 11/23 @ Orlando; 11/24 Boston

As an un-athletic white guy, how will Carroll really help your fantasy team? At the “charity stripe,” (aha, I’m funny) of course, where Matt is amongst the league leaders, sinking 92% of his attempts from the line. Nice thing about Carroll, though, is in addition to being your best free throw shooter, he’ll also get you 10 points and a couple boards/game. Plus, if Richardson or Wallace ever get hurt, it will be an excellent opportunity for him to put up some really big games.

Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies

Week Three Games: 11/21 - Toronto; 11/23 @ San Antonio; 11/24 - Washington;

For whatever reasons Conley has been buried on the depth chart behind Damon Stoudamire and Kyle Lowry. Although the pair has been playing well, Conley was the #4 pick in the draft for many important reasons. Rare times when coach Marc Iavaroni finally releases Conley from the bench, he has made the most of his time, averaging as many, if not more, assists/game (4.2) than Lowry (4.2) or Stoudamire (4). This despite playing almost 10 minutes less per game than Lowry is. November 10th against Utah, Conley was good for 10 points and nine assists in only 23 minutes. In keeper leagues, Conley is a must have; in regular leagues, pick him up soon before its too late.

Three to Digress

Antonio Daniels, Washington Wizards

Week Four Games: 11/20 - Philadelphia; 11/21 - @ Charlotte; 11/23 - Golden State; 11/24 - @ Memphis; 11/26 - @ Dallas

I know I have been hard on Wizards guards this season, picking on DeShaun Stevenson and Gilbert Arenas in weeks past, but I cannot help myself. They are just playing some of the worst ball in the NBA, and Antonio Daniels is no different. Making less than 30% of his shots and not even 17% of his threes, the 32-year-old may finally be over the hill. Arenas will have many knee problems so he should be worth picking up for that reason, but still I would say back away.

Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks

Week Four Games: 11/20 - @ Cleveland; 11/21 - Lakers; 11/24 - Dallas

I do not care if management promised Chinese sensation Yi Jianlian a starting spot, he would have earned it anyway over Villanueva given how the third year forward has played. Still failing to live up to the lofty expectations of his rookie year, he is only grabbing 4.7 boards and scoring 8.8 points/game. Defensively he is a complete non-factor, only getting .1 steals per game and nearly no blocks despite being athletic and 6-11. The seventh overall pick of the ‘05 draft has talent, its time for him to start delivering. Until then, try to pick up that Chinese kid.

Bonzi Well, Houston Rockets

Week Four Games: 11/21 - Dallas; 11/23 - @ Miami; 11/24 - Denver; 11/26 @ Clippers

I really thought this would be a big year for Bonzi, now that he has reunited with coach Rick Adelman. Especially considering his first year with the Rockets was such a bust, and as a 31 year-old, he should still have some game left in his legs. Scoring at only a 13.5-points/40 minutes pace, while shooting 33% is far from a rebound year. At least he is not playing as bad as fellow over-the-hill Rockets guard Steve Francis is, but that is the equivalent of saying at least he’s not dead (in a career sense).