Talk » commissions with their own rules a

Welcome back to another entertaining fantasy basketball marathon. In the Forecaster, we seek to prepare you for each week in fantasy basketball with appraisals of specific emerging assets and notable team trends. We also canvas the schedule each week with an eye on identifying matchups and metrics we can leverage toward successful lineup strategies and roster management.Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff learned this past summer that the sun rises in the east. When it comes to fantasy basketball, however, there is a rising Sun in the west, as Phoenixs Devin Booker is an ascendant playmaker. The second-year Kentucky product doesnt even turn 20 until later this month but is already emerging as a special NBA commodity.If you havent drafted yet -- I still have a few drafts over the weekend and into the first week of the season -- securing shares of Booker is highly encouraged. Booker is leading the NBA in scoring this preseason at 21.5 points per game in just 25.3 minutes. Some encouraging team trends support his undeniable breakout potential, as the Suns lead the NBA in pace this preseason, and were seeing increased drive rates and free throw production from Booker (hes hitting an astounding 95.7 percent of his free throws in the preseason).With elite upside in points, 3-pointers, free throw rate and steals, Booker is one of my favorite emergent assets in this imaginary basketball game we enjoy so much.It must be a Western Conference trend among second-year guards, because we also find star potential in DAngelo Russell of the Lakers. Coach Luke Waltons Warriors -- er, Lakers -- are mimicking Golden States up-tempo scheme this exhibition season.? Given the awesome success Walton enjoyed as the substitute head coach last season for the Warriors, its fitting to see the Lakers ranked just behind the Warriors this preseason at fourth in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game and seventh in the league in pace at 103.75 possessions per 48 minutes. Often in the doghouse and mired in former Lakers coach Byron Scotts stodgy old-school scheme, Russell is now poised to shine.Russell is ninth in the preseason in scoring and is lofting 6.6 3-pointers per game -- fourth most in the league -- thanks to the rare play-making freedom Walton is affording him. With rich potential in steals, dimes and 3-pointers, Russell is a steal as a mid-round pick. Loading up on shares of Booker -- going 52nd on average in ESPN drafts -- and Russell (55th), could prove pivotal and profitable in both season-long and daily fantasy competition this season.After perusing this abbreviated first week of the NBA schedule in the downloadable forecaster chart below, check out our trendspotting notes from the preseason below, as we delve into several rising players and intriguing new schemes.Access the downloadable forecaster chart PDF hereMatchup ratings are based on a scale from 1 (poor matchup) to 10 (excellent matchup). These are calculated using a formula that evaluates the teams year-to-date and past 10 games statistics, their opponents numbers in those categories and their performance in home/road games depending on where the game is to be played. The column to the left lists the teams total number of games scheduled, as well as home games, and lists the overall rating from 1-10 for that teams weekly schedule.Ratings roundupWe suggest you take our ratings system as merely subtle guidance this week, as its influenced by last years data and will soon populate with more accurate information as this seasons sample develops.What we can glean from this opening week is the Oklahoma City Thunder are well-positioned against three up-tempo opponents with serious defensive flaws, based on last seasons metrics. The San Antonio Spurs are the lone four-game team this week, so make note of their full weekend slate if you plan on maximizing games played in head-to-head weekly formats.The New York Knicks face a particularly unfavorable stretch in a two-game slate against sound defensive teams based on last seasons data, while the Chicago Bulls are also in a compromised setup, given they net just two games and face capable defensive foes. This doesnt mean we should avoid using our stars on these rosters, just that these arent ideal teams to identify for streaming or maximizing games.Specialists to target earlyWhile Im a huge fan of sourcing players with diverse statistical skill sets, its also imperative to consider the resourceful contributions of specialists in roto games. Its fine to target a few players who only contribute in one or two categories, as long as they provide differentiating rates in those elements. Whether its shooting, boards or blocks, we need single-stat mavens, just like we rely on superstars, to deliver winning fantasy rosters.With this in mind, which widely available players could offer distinctly helpful contributions based on preseason results?As for shooting experts, Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets is lofting 5.5 3-pointers per game in just 20.5 minutes of exposure, suggesting he could offer top-10 overall production from deep as the complementary combo guard alongside the bearded one, James Harden. Reasonably priced shares of Gordon against the pace-driven Lakers on Wednesday night could prove particularly productive in daily fantasy.For those seeking some out-of-position support from beyond, the Charlotte Hornets Frank Kaminsky III shot 37.7 from 3-point range over the last 22 games last season and is eighth in the league with six attempts per game this preseason. With Al Jefferson in Indiana, Kaminskys usage rate and shooting freedom should surge this season.Blocks are among the scarcest of stats, so finding a reliable source for the end of your roster can prove really helpful, which is why I dig Bismack Biyombo of the Magic. The defensive stalwart is third in both blocks per game and boards and earned sleeper status, given his rare rates in these helpful categories. The Rockets Clint Capela is another name of note for help in blocks and on the glass.For those seeking an assist in the assists department, the New Orleans Pelicans Tim Frazier is third behind only Harden and Chris Paul in dimes per game this preseason and should earn meaningful minutes to start the season in a depleted New Orleans backcourt. With Michael Carter-Williams shipped down I-94 to Chicago, Milwaukees Matthew Dellavedova is impressively sixth in the league in assists per game in the preseason.Team trendspottingWeve already celebrated the added value Walton and DAntoni offer their respective NBA teams, but some significant strategic shifts are also underway in two under-the-radar markets.Brooklyn bombersIts no surprise to see the space-and-pace Rockets leading the league this preseason in 3-point attempts per game in DAntonis seven-seconds-or-less offensive scheme, but it is unanticipated to find coach Kenny Atkinsons Brooklyn Nets second with 33.7 attempts from beyond in the exhibition season.The Nets are actually running at a faster pace than even Houston, as only the Suns have a higher pace -- the rate of team possessions per 48 minutes -- than Brooklyn this preseason. Loading up against the Nets could be fun this season in DFS and in season-long play, while getting cheap looks at Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Bojan Bogdanovic and Trevor Booker are fine angles for cheap production.Memphis movementCoach David Fizdale is bringing 3-point shooting and increased pace to Memphis, a team that was 28th in pace and 26th in attempts from beyond the arc last season. The Grizzlies are sixth in the league in attempts from beyond the arc and 11th in pace this preseason. I advise looking into wingman James Ennis while hes still widely available, as his 3-and-D skill set matches this new scheme well.Fantasy FreshmenThe debut of Phillys Joel Embiid is what the world needs. Or its just what makes me and other Sixers fans happy, either way; it will prove riveting to see how the 76ers find time for their talented, but murky, frontcourt rotation. I? particularly like the shooting and scoring help Buddy Hield could immediately offer, while Kris Dunn ranks in the top 20 in steals in the preseason. For more on this new class of talent, John Cregans feature on rookies offers helpful insights into the top rookies for fantasy purposes. Babe Siebert Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. Joe Juneau Jersey . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. https://www.cheapbruins.com/2212m-joakim-nordstrom-jersey-bruins.html . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. Patrice Bergeron Jersey . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Herb Cain Jersey . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Middleweight titleholder Daniel Jacobs, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, and has boxed regularly in his hometown at Barclays Center since it hosted its first card in October 2012, was recently named the face of the arenas Brooklyn Boxing branded merchandise and clothing line.His selection made perfect sense given where he is from, his exciting style, growing popularity and friendly demeanor.But when Jacobs faces Sergio Mora on Sept. 9 in a rematch of Jacobs second-round knockout win 13 months ago, when Mora fractured his ankle and was unable to continue, they will not be fighting at Barclays Center, site of the first fight. Instead, they will square off at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania.One of the reasons is because, as of Thursday, it became onerous for promoters to put on boxing events in New York thanks to a bill that went into effect that dramatically increased insurance premiums that promoters must pay in order to run a show.In April, the New York State Assembly legalized mixed martial arts in the state following years of lobbying efforts by UFC. Part of the bill included higher insurance rates for all combat sports. They went from $10,000 to $50,000 for general medical coverage per fighter on each card. Most dont view that as overly problematic, but the bill also included a new $1 million minimum requirement for each fighter in the event one suffers a traumatic brain injury. That does happen -- Magomed Abdusalamovs high-profile case comes to mind -- but it is rare.With the new rates becoming law this week, promoters say they will no longer be able to afford to put on shows, particularly smaller cards in which every dollar counts, in New York and will be taking their business elsewhere.Promoters Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment and Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing have kept boxing alive on a regular basis in New York for the past several years. While they have promoted their share of major events at venues such as Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden they run monthly club shows at smaller venues. They say an increase in costs would be detrimental to their ability to do as many shows or employ as many fighters, if they can even find somebody to write a policy.Others also promote regularly in New York, such as Bob Arums Top Rank and promoters who put on events as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series. But promoters say those days are a thing of the past unless the law is amended.Despite protests from boxing promoters, the NYSAC approved the changes during its meeting on Wednesday in the final step in making the bill intended to legalize MMA law. While UFC, which recently sold for $4 billion, will be able to afford the larger premiums, the same cant be said for boxing promoters.DiBella and DeGuardia both have spoken out against the new law and voiced their opinion during the 45-day public comment period before Wednesdays final approval by the commission.We respectfully request that the NYSAC eliminate the life-threatening traumatic brain injury limit set forth, they wrote in a joint statement given to the commission. They also called the $1 million figure unnecessary and arbitrary.Even a bigger company such as Top Rank said it will stop promoting in New York because of the new law.Arum said he has no issue with the increase in the general medical coverage minimum because he said Top Rank has already been taking out $50,000 policies for many years.For the last at least 10 years weve had $50,000 in coverage for the fighters and thats appropriate, so that part of the law has no impact and I think its a good change, Arum said. It costs like an extra $400 or $500 a fighter. Its reasonable.But he said that is not the case for the $1 million brain injury insurance now required.I dont know how you can afford that, Arum said. Paying the premium on that policy is probably more than the gate receipts you can take in on some cards so if that stands we couldnt do shows there. I dont even know if they can find a company to write a policy for that. If they cant, thats sayonara for New York boxing.According to the commission, however, there are insurance companies about to enter the market with a willingness to underwrite those policies. Some have estimated that it could cost a promoter about $10,000 extra to get a policy to cover all of the fighters on a 10-bout card, but others believe it will be much more. That would not be that big of a deal on a major card but would still present issues when it comes to club cards in which that amount of money might be the difference between profit and loss.Arum said UFC was responsible for having the language put into the bill during its lobbying efforts as a way to force boxing out of the state so it could claim prime dates and venues.UFC, which is a monopoly and instituted the legislation, will absolutely freeze out any MMA competitors and destroy boxing in the state the way this is written, Arum said. These things dont happen by accident. But if it stays this way we cannot go to New York and promote fights. Its as simple as that.ddddddddddddUFC has denied the charges.No, UFC did not advocate for the insurance language in the statute, UFC told ESPN.com in statement. The organization learned of the proposed policies at the same time as the legislature and the other promoters. We pride ourselves on the initiatives we have put in place to continuously elevate athlete health and safety in the sport of mixed martial arts, and have consistently provided accidental insurance above and beyond any state requirement.Regardless of who proposed the new insurance regulations, Arum said Top Rank will not put on shows in New York until they are changed.We were planning events for next year at Madison Square Garden and booking dates and now well have to unbook those dates, Arum said. For Top Rank to miss out on a few shows in New York, OK, but the guys I feel for are the ones who have kept boxing alive in New York: DiBella and DeGuardia.Arum, known for getting emotional when something is bothering him, was quite calm when talking about the situation. He said it was because he believes the language will eventually be changed once it is clear that the law has driven so much boxing business out of the state.I dont want to blow my stack like I usually do because I hope reason will prevail and theyll make a change, Arum said. I assume down the road therell be major changes. If not, theyll have a few UFC shows and an athletic commission sitting on their ass with nothing else to do, and the promoters will be going elsewhere, like over the bridge to New Jersey.But the commission said no changes are planned even though it does have the power to adjust the amount of insurance needed at its discretion.The New York State Athletic Commission voted to approve the final regulations governing combat sports in New York State. NYSACs primary objective is to ensure the safest environment for combative sports in the nation so that combat athletes competing in New York State incur the fewest and least severe injuries possible, commission spokesman Laz Benitez told ESPN.com in a statement. While some combative sports industry professionals expressed concern over the premiums for the $1 million coverage, these amounts are as yet determined. However, from discussions with insurers about to enter the market, we believe the costs will be reasonable.Ultimately, the frequency and severity of life-threatening brain injuries incurred in New York State will drive the premiums. NYSAC believes the best way to keep premiums down is to keep injuries to a minimum.Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark, who runs Barclays Center and has made boxing a cornerstone of the programming at the building, said he believes that even with the increase in insurance costs there still will be regular boxing at a high level at his arena. In fact, he said he plans to announce two major cards in the coming weeks, both of which would take place before the end of the year, regardless of whether the commission changes the insurance language.I feel very confident that the major championship fights we have hosted will continue, Yormark said. As far as my commitment, it will continue at the highest level. I dont think the ruling by the state will have a great impact on our boxing programming, but I cant speak for the smaller fights even though I am very supportive of all the promoters.DeGuardia, who has used his club cards at the Paramount in Huntington on New Yorks Long Island to develop fighters, most notably former junior welterweight titleholder Chris Algieri, has Oct. 14 on hold for a card there. But he said he will cancel it next week without a change in the rules.We didnt schedule a show for September because of this situation but if there is no change by next week -- and there probably wont be -- I will tell the Paramount to scratch it and move the show out of state. Ill move it to Connecticut, New Jersey or Pennsylvania or Ill go to one of the New York casinos, where it will be outside the jurisdiction of the commission.At casinos in New York, such as Turning Stone in Verona, a regular host of boxing, the sport is overseen by tribal commissions with their own rules and regulations.The law gives the commission the power to adjust the amount of insurance needed for a traumatic brain injury, but that was not done on Wednesday, DeGuardia said. You would hope they will adjust and realize the damage done to the state financially because of the impact it has on fighters and everybody else that has a financial stake in events that take place in the state of New York. Unfortunately, although the new rules might have been done with good intentions, the road is not going to lead to where they think.Its going to make it much more difficult to promote boxing and MMA, for the smaller MMA promoters, and the result will be the reverse of what they desired, which was to bring MMA in and increase revenue for the state. ' ' '