News: Denver center Melvin Ely was expected to play Thursday in Phoenix, but did not make it off the bench. He received a DNP - coach's decision in the Nuggets 116-97 win over the Suns. Ely had sat out five straight games with a sprained ankle.
Analysis: It's unclear if Ely's ankle is still bothering him, but with Denver being such a deep team right now, he'll likely be either inactive, get a DNP or see mop-up duty the rest of the year. Fantasy owners should go on ignoring Ely in all formats as he doesn't warrant any attention at this time.
News: The Denver Post reports Nuggets center Melvin Ely is expected to play Thursday against the Suns after missing five straight games with a sprained ankle.
Analysis: Ely is playing just 12.5 minutes per game this season, so he doesn't have much of a chance to contribute to the Nuggets cause. His chances have even come down more since the team became one of the deeper squads in the west after the Carmelo Anthony trade. Ely remains a player to be avoided in Fantasy play.
News: Denver center Melvin Ely hasn't played since Jan. 31 as he's been dealing with a sprained ankle. The team is considering him day to day, but he's been inactive for weeks now.
Analysis: Ely probably won't see the court even when he's healthy as the Nuggets are extremely deep since trading away Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. With other big men ahead of him on the depth chart, Fantasy owners should ignore Ely the rest of the year -- even when he gets healthy.
News: Though he wasn't ruled inactive heading into the game, Denver center Melvin Ely missed Thursday's game against the Jazz while continuing to deal with a sprained right ankle. He's now missed every game since January 31.
Analysis: Ely continues to miss games, but the Nuggets are set in the frontcourt after acquiring Timofey Mozgov and Kosta Koufos at the trade deadline to backup Nene and Chris Anderson. Ely is not needed at this time, and it would be foolish for Denver to rush him back. Even when healthy, he is a player to be ignored in all Fantasy formats.
News: Denver center Melvin Ely hasn't played since Jan. 31. He continues to miss time with a sprained right ankle. He missed Wednesday's outing versus the Bobcats.
Analysis: The Nuggets are a very deep team after trading Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the Knicks. That being said, once Ely is healthy enough to play he'll likely remain inactive as he's the low-man in the depth chart. He can be ignored in all Fantasy formats.
News: Denver C Melvin Ely remains out with a sprained right ankle. Ely missed Monday's game against Atlanta and last played on Jan. 31 in New Jersey.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy value when healthy. Ignore him in all leagues even when he returns to the court.
News: The Nuggets official team website reports Friday that center Melvin Ely is out for Friday's game at Portland due to a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy value when healthy. Ignore him in all leagues even when he returns to the court.
News: Denver C Melvin Ely has seen a bump in minutes in his last two games with Chris Andersen banged up. Ely played 29 minutes on Saturday and went 1 for 1 to score two points with three rebounds and three blocks. In the game prior, against Miami, he played 22 minutes, shot 4 for 7 and scored 10 points with six boards.
Analysis: While Ely's minutes have seen a recent boost, we don't expect it to continue. Even if it did continue, he doesn't produce enough to matter in Fantasy.
News: The Nuggets were so decimated by injuries on Wednesday at Minnesota with Nene, Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin all out, they had to start Melvin Ely at center. Ely played 20 minutes and scored four points with six rebounds. He shot 2 of 3 from the field.
Analysis: Ely has averaged 11.3 minutes per game on the year to this point and puts up two points and three boards. He has little Fantasy value and will return to the bench as soon as possible for Denver.
News: Nuggets center Melvin Ely played just eight minutes on Sunday against the Grizzlies. He didn't play in Friday's contest because of a chipped tooth that required him to get a root canal. He would go 1 for 2 from the field, finishing with two points and grabbing one rebound. Ely added a steal for the Nuggets, as they held off the Grizzlies, 108-107.
Analysis: Ely's two points could be considered the difference in the game, but we all know that's not the case. He averages just 15 minutes off the bench for Denver and has played in just nine games this year. His Fantasy value is extremely low, which is why owners should ignore him in all formats.
News: Nuggets forward Melvin Ely did not play in Friday's game against the Clippers after chipping his tooth. Ely had a root canal on earlier on Friday and is listed as day to day.
Analysis: Ely averaging just 3.0 points and 3.9 rebounds a game and is buried at the end of the bench. He can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Nuggets C Melvin Ely got the start in Friday's game against the Clippers after Nene was unable to go due to a strained groin.
Analysis: Ely has scored three points in 16 minutes this season with three rebounds and one assist. He could see some decent playing time while Nene is injured but he still poses minimal Fantasy value. Continue to ignore Ely in all leagues.
News: New Orleans C Melvin Ely played three minutes against the Bulls on Saturday and scored one point with two boards. Ely had been out with an illness for some time and likely was only sitting because he's not a major part of the Hornets' game plan.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy value when healthy and should be ignored in all Fantasy leagues whether healthy or not.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely was unable to play against the Bulls Saturday due to an illness. He remains questionable for Monday against the Rockets.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy value when healthy and should be ignored in all Fantasy leagues whether healthy or not.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely was unable to play against the Bucks on Friday due to an illness. He remains questionable for Saturday's game against the Bulls.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy value when healthy and should be ignored in all Fantasy leagues whether healthy or not.
News: Hornets center Sean Marks and swingman Melvin Ely did not participate in Wednesday's shootaround because of flu-like symptoms and both missed the night's game against the Wizards. Both players are day to day with the illness.
Analysis: Marks and Ely have minimal Fantasy value when healthy and should be ignored in all leagues at this current time. They are expected to be back against the Bucks on Friday.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Hornets center Sean Marks and swingman Melvin Ely did not participate in Wednesday's shootaround because of flu-like symptoms. Marks, coach Byron Scott said, should be available to play Wednesday night at Washington.
Analysis: Marks and Ely have minimal Fantasy value when healthy and should be ignored in all leagues even if they do play against the Wizards.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely saw game action for the first time in three nights on Wednesday in a win over Orlando. Ely played 19 minutes and was 3-for-3 from the floor for 11 points. He added eight rebounds and had four fouls.
Analysis: Ely certainly made the most of the minutes he played on Wednesday. Still, he doesn't see game action often enough and for enough minutes to warrant Fantasy use at this time.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely did not play in Monday's game against Philadelphia with Hilton Armstrong returning from his injury.
Analysis: Ely had been filling in with both Armstrong and Tyson Chandler injured, but his appeal in Fantasy was never very high. He returns to being an obsolete option now.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Hornets coach Byron Scott said Saturday that he does not expect Tyson Chandler (ankle) to return until possibly after the All-Star break in mid-February. Chandler badly sprained his left ankle in Monday's win against the Indiana Pacers. Hilton Armstrong, Melvin Ely and Sean Marks should split time in his absence.
Analysis: Armstrong is dealing with a sore left knee and may not be ready for Monday's game against Philadelphia. That would leave Ely and Marks as stopgap measures for the Hornets, but neither is much of a Fantasy option. Monitor this situation to see if anyone emerges.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Hornets C Melvin Ely made his first start of the season, in place of injured Tyson Chandler and Hilton Armstrong, and had season-highs in minutes played (30) and field goal attempts (12), but made just three shots and finished with six points and four rebounds.
Analysis: With Chandler possibly missing another couple of games, Ely will have a chance to start and get some minutes. His upside at this stage in his career is not very high, however, and he will only be worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues that use two or three centers.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that Melvin Ely may be needed to start Wednesday's game at center with Tyson Chandler and Hilton Armstrong both injured.
Analysis: With Chandler possibly missing another couple of games, May will have a chance to start and get some minutes. His upside at this stage in his career is not very high, however, and he will only be worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues that use two or three centers.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely returned Thursday at Denver after missing three games because of a tooth infection. He had eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Ely plays a minimal role off the bench for the Hornets and doesn't deserve a place on any Fantasy rosters.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely returned to action Friday against the Thunder after missing seven games following dental work. He had one point and one assist in six minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Friday's stat line just goes to show you how much New Orleans missed Ely while he was recovering from what appeared to be the most recovery time ever for dental work. Ely has had some nice games, but still has little to no Fantasy value.
News: New Orleans C Melvin Ely (dental) remained out for Wednesday's game against the Kings. He has now missed seven straight games.
Analysis: Ely had some dental work done in early November, but has yet to return from the procedure. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely (mouth) did not return to action Saturday against the Rockets. He has now missed six straight games.
Analysis: Ely had some dental work done in early November, but has yet to return from the procedure. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely (mouth) did not return to action Friday against the Trail Blazers and missed a fifth straight game. He remains questionable for Saturday against the Rockets.
Analysis: Ely had some dental work done in early November, but has yet to return from the procedure. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely remained out on Wednesday against the Lakers because of a dental work issue. He should return shortly.
Analysis: The fact Ely is owned in zero percent of Fantasy leagues means he has been hardly missed. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets F Melvin Ely (dental work) remained out for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. He remains questionable for Wednesday against the Lakers.
Analysis: The fact Ely is owned in zero percent of Fantasy leagues means he has been hardly missed. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets F Melvin Ely (dental work) did not dress for Friday's game against the Bobcats. He remains questionable for Saturday against the Heat.
Analysis: The fact Ely is owned in zero percent of Fantasy leagues means he was hardly missed Friday. Ely has played well this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds, but Fantasy owners can still do much better.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely got a start at power forward Sunday at Detroit in place of the injured David West (ankle). He shot 7-for-11 from the field and scored 15 points to go with 5 rebounds.
Analysis: Ely played well, but is likely headed back for the bench. West is considered day to day and could return as soon as the team's next game on Monday. Keep Ely reserved.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely had a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench Monday against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Ely averages 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, so don't look too much into this one performance during a lopsided affair. He should remain on waivers in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Hornets backup C Melvin Ely had 11 points with two rebounds in Friday's win over Charlotte. It was the first time he had over 10 points in a game since Nov. 21 vs. Indiana.
Analysis: Unless you are willing to wait around for another two months, Fantasy owners should leave Ely on the waiver wire.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely was back in the lineup Wednesday against the Lakers after missing 12 games with a fractured left eye socket. Ely managed three points, five rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Ely averaged about 12 minutes per game before getting injured and plays just a minor role off the bench for New Orleans. He has little to no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely, who has missed 10 games with a fractured left eye socket, was cleared Friday to begin full contact work, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Ely will have to wear a protective mask while he practices. "I'm going to need the next three days to get back in shape," Ely said. "I'm happy to be out there, because it's time to bring the bench back up."
Analysis: Scott said Ely might play Wednesday night against the Lakers, but he pretty much has zero Fantasy value at this point. Leave him on the wire.
News: Hornets coach Byron Scott said C Melvin Ely will not need surgery on his left eye socket, fractured when he took an elbow from Kenyon Martin last week in Denver. Ely won't return until mid-January, however.
Analysis: Ely is not a viable Fantasy option even when healthy, so he should just remain on waivers throughout his recovery.
News: Hornets center Melvin Ely continued to sit out with a fractured left eye socket Saturday against the Suns. Coach Byron Scott said he could miss as much as a month.
Analysis: Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. He's not a viable Fantasy option even when healthy, so he should just remain on waivers throughout his recovery.
News: New Orleans center Melvin Ely has a fractured left eye socket that will keep him out of the lineup when the Hornets play at Dallas on Friday night. A Hornets spokesman said Thursday that a timetable for Ely's return will be set following further examination.
Analysis: Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. He should not be starting in Fantasy leagues even when healthy at this point. Keep him reserved until further notice.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely was elbowed by Nuggers F Kenyon Martin with 9:49 left in the first half Wednesday and had a bruised left eye. He did not return. Martin was hit with a technical for the elbow, one of three technicals by the Nuggets in the game. Ely had two points and one rebound in six minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Ely is a key contributor off the bench for the Hornets, but he is a play that is far more valuable to his real team than Fantasy owners. He won't see extensive action until Tyson Chandler or David West go down with a serious injury.
News:The Sports Xchange reports with Tyson Chandler's return Friday against the Jazz, Melvin Ely played less than seven minutes and finished with six points, snapping his streak of three straight games of scoring in double-figures off the bench.
Analysis: Ely won't become a viable Fantasy option until Chandler is down for an extended period of time. Continue to keep him out of active Fantasy lineups.
News: Hornets C Melvin Ely is averaging 5.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg in three preseason appearances.
Analysis: Ely isn't exactly pushing down the doors for a considerable role off the New Orleans bench this preseason. He isn't a player we recommend drafting in Fantasy play.
News: Melvin Ely received no guarantee of playing time with the New Orleans Hornets. If the former Fresno State star finally fulfills the promise that made him a 2002 draft lottery pick, he won't have to worry about riding the bench, coach Byron Scott said. "It's a challenge," Scott said Thursday, when the Hornets formally announced they had signed Ely to a two-year free-agent contract.
Analysis: The 6-foot-10, 260-pound Ely, who has bounced around during his first five seasons from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Charlotte Bobcats and then the San Antonio Spurs, said what New Orleans had to offer was "perfect." It was an odd choice of words considering that the Hornets already have two younger lottery picks - Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons - battling for backup roles at center and power forward behind starters Tyson Chandler and David West. At this point, he has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Spurs F/C Melvin Ely averaged just 3.0 ppg and 1.8 rpg in 30 appearances during the 2006-07 regular season.
Analysis: Ely was a part of the Spurs' championship team, but he did not participate in any of the team's playoff games. Don't pay him much attention in Fantasy drafts this fall.
News: Melvin Ely, who has played in just three games since being acquired from Charlotte in mid-February, has been on the inactive list for the past two games because of an ankle injury.
Analysis: Even upon his return, Ely won't see much playing time. Not enough to use him in Fantasy leagues anyway. Keep him on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: While the rest of the Spurs enjoyed a relaxing All-Star weekend, newly-acquired Melvin Ely spent time in San Antonio, working out at the team's practice facility. Ely, acquired on Feb. 14 from Charlotte in a trade for Eric Williams and a second-round pick, hadn't been playing much for the Bobcatsm so he figured he might as well get right to work with his new team. "I was at home like a kid getting ready for Christmas," Ely said. "I couldn't go to sleep. I'm excited to play for a great team. Who wouldn't want to play with Tim Duncan?" It remains to be seen how much playing time Ely will get for San Antonio, particularly since Francisco Elson recently returned from injury and Matt Bonner returned to action on Tuesday against Denver. Ely, who was not activated for Tuesday's game, said he would need about a week to learn San Antonio's offense.
Analysis: It remains to be seen how much Ely will play in San Antonio. Keep an eye on his status, but for now keep him reserved.
News: Spurs power forward Melvin Ely, acquired Tuesday in a trade with Charlotte, did not suit up for the Detroit game and will debut as a Spur in the first contest after the break, when the Nuggets visit San Antonio.
Analysis: Keep Ely reserved for now unless he gets immediate playing time after the break.
News: The San Antonio Spurs traded forward Eric Williams and a draft pick to the Charlotte Bobcats for forward-center Melvin Ely in an exchange of veteran backups. The Spurs said Tuesday that the draft pick is a second-round selection in 2009.
Analysis: The 6-foot-10 Ely has averaged 2.9 points and 1.6 rebounds in 24 games for Charlotte this season. Ely is in his fifth NBA season, including two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. The 6-8 Williams has averaged 2.6 points in 16 games this season, his 12th in the NBA. The Spurs traded center Rasho Nesterovic and cash to the Toronto Raptors last summer for forwards Williams and Matt Bonner and a second-round pick in 2009. Neither player is worthy of being on any Fantasy roster at this stage.
News: If Melvin Ely's gift is scoring, you wouldn't know it Friday. He didn't take a shot from the field, scoring one point on a free throw in 18 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option at this time.
News: Even with the Bobcats shorthanded for big men, Melvin Ely and rookie Ryan Hollins did not play against New York on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Bobcats got an excellent defensive game from reserve center Jake Voskuhl (eight points, 11 rebounds and a block). This does not bode well for the Fantasy value of either Ely or Hollins and both players should be kept on the waiver wire for now.
News: The Bobcats got Jake Voskuhl and Melvin Ely back Friday, who both missed Wednesday's home loss to the Detroit Pistons with illness. Voskuhl played, but Ely did not in an overtime win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Ely should be healthy enough to play soon, but is not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: The Bobcats were missing five players to injury, four of them big men, yet still outrebounded Detroit 42-31 Wednesday. Primoz Brezec (back), Othella Harrington (knee), Jake Voskuhl (illness) and Melvin Ely (illness) joined point guard Brevin Knight (abdominal surgery) in street clothes.
Analysis: When healthy, Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option. He is considered day-to-day.
News: Bobcats F Melvin Ely (calf) returned to action Wednesday night vs. New Jersey. He logged seven minutes and finished with two points off the bench.
Analysis: Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option even when healthy. He does not see regular minutes.
News: According to The Charlotte Observer, Bobcats F Melvin Ely might return for Wednesday's home game against the New Jersey Nets. Ely (calf) practiced on Tuesday and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff said he is hopeful that Ely will be ready to play the Nets.
Analysis: Ely has now missed four games with a calf injury. He has recently asked the team to trade him since he is not getting that much PT, but there has been no word if the team has seriously been considering that option. When healthy, Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Bobcats F Melvin Ely missed his fourth straight game on Monday with a strained right calf.
Analysis: When healthy, Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Bobcats F Melvin Ely missed his third straight game on Saturday with a strained right calf.
Analysis: When healthy, Ely is not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Charlotte Bobcats forward Melvin Ely is still smiling and joking with his teammates. He has nothing but good things to say about coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff. He's probably one of the happiest players ever to have asked to be traded. Ely said on Monday he asked to be traded before a game against the Lakers on Dec. 29. "You do that and normally coaches get upset. But the way it was handled, I ended up playing a whole quarter of the Lakers game. I'm playing here and there especially when guys aren't handling their business on the court."
Analysis: Ely doesn't hide his disappointment. The 6-foot-10 power forward turned down sign-and-trade offers from Golden State and Phoenix before the start of training camp. The restricted free agent then signed a one-year qualifying offer with Charlotte worth just more than $3 million. He is not someone who should be owned in Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Nets have been in trade discussions with with the Charlotte Bobcats about Jeff McInnis for the past two days.
Analysis: It is logical to assume the Nets have asked for 6-10 forward/center Melvin Ely in return. But it is also safe to speculate that the Bobcats, who must clear a roster spot to make room for a backup point guard, believe that the return is too low -- which is often the case when you swap big for small. Ely may be a fourth-string power forward on a bad team, but he is an adequate post scorer (albeit a clumsy one) when he gets the minutes, and the Nets don't have one of those. He is not someone who should be owned in Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Melvin Ely played 23 minutes against the Mavericks on Tuesday, but his 1-of-6 shooting won't cut it. Ely is on the floor to score in the low post and he did not do so on Tuesday. He did have five rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Ely is not someone who should be used in Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Bobcats F Melvin Ely did not play Friday vs. Utah.
Analysis: Ely is not a part of the team's regular rotation and should not be considered a Fantasy option at this time.
News: Big men Melvin Ely and Jake Voskuhl both sat out Wednesday's game vs. San Antonio.
Analysis: Neither player is worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this stage.
News: Melvin Ely is falling so far out of the rotation that you have to wonder what his future is with this team.
Analysis: He is not a recommended Fantasy option at this point.
News: Charlotte Bobcats starting center Primoz Brezec will miss the first two weeks of the season because of exhaustion and dehydration. Brezec missed a portion of training camp and sat out three of Charlotte's eight exhibition games because he wasn't feeling well and had been losing weight. In the offseason, he played for the Slovenian national team at the world championships. "We feel that rest is the best overall care for Primoz," said Dr. Joe Garcia, the team physician, on Wednesday. "With this period of rest, Primoz should be back to 100 percent strength for the remainder of the season."
Analysis: Brezec, selected by the Bobcats in the 2004 expansion draft from Indiana, averaged 12.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 79 games last season. Sean May, Othella Harrington, Jake Voskuhl and Melvin Ely are expected to split time at center in Brezec's absence. But really, May is the only Fantasy player with big upside.
News: The Bobcats will enter the season with guards Matt Carroll, Alan Anderson and Kevin Burleson, small forwards Bernard Robinson and Walter Herrmann, big men Ryan Hollins, Melvin Ely, Othella Harrington, Sean May and Jake Voskuhl coming off their bench.
Analysis: The Bobcats have enviable depth at power forward and center. May and Voskuhl will play a lot and rookie Ryan Hollins is a find -- a springy 7-footer to block shots and dunk emphatically. Ely -- a fine low-post scorer but deficient rebounder -- could be the odd man out. Carroll had perhaps the best preseason on the roster. Burleson could be the last cut, although Bickerstaff is reluctant to go with two point guards, particularly while Brevin Knight is hurt.
News: Sean May dropped 10 pounds over the summer and Melvin Ely gained 10 pounds. In both cases, those were positive developments.
Analysis: May averaged 8.2 pg and 4.7 rpg after being the 13th pick in the 2005 draft. But he blew out his knee four days before Christmas and he had to undergo two surgeries. Remember that second-year players are usually great breakout candidates, so consider May a nice sleeper in the later rounds. Ely should see an improvement on the glass as a result of his work in the offseason, but still remains too spotty to consider a regular starter.
News: The Charlotte Observer notes that Melvin Ely chose a one-year, $3 million qualifying offer from Charlotte Monday over a multi-year deal with Phoenix. "I know coach's system and I know what he wants," he said. "Why start over somewhere else?"
Analysis: Ely will have to battle for playing time with a large group of forwards, including Emeka Okafor, Sean May, Othella Harrington and Walter Herrmann. Ely averaged 23.6 minutes per game last season, but he benefited from injuries to other players at his spot. He has gained 10 pounds of muscle and he remains one of the Bobcats' top low-post scorers, but he'll need to score more than 4.9 ppg to help you in Fantasy.
News: Melvin Ely signed a one-year, $3 million qualifying offer with the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday after turning down offers from Golden State and Phoenix.
Analysis: Ely, a 6-foot-10 power forward, had until Sunday to accept the Bobcats' offer or work out a sign-and-trade deal with another team. Ely said the Suns were prepared to give him a multiyear deal while the Warriors were offering a one-year contract. He remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues until further notice.
News: Melvin Ely (flu) was in the lineup for Thursday's game at New Jersey. He scored eight points and grabbed eight boards in 25 minutes off of the bench.
Analysis: Ely's solid performance might get him out of the doghouse for some additional minutes down the stretch. He remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Melvin Ely continues to sink into the depths of the Bobcats' bench, not playing at all against the Cavaliers. He's played less than 20 minutes in each of his last five appearances.
Analysis: He's not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Melvin Ely (migraine) returned to action on Friday in Miami and scored four points in 14 minutes.
Analysis: He hasn't done much this month and is a shaky Fantasy option.
News: According to the Charlotte Observer, both Gerald Wallace (calf), Brevin Knight (sore groin) and Melvin Ely (migraine) are expected to be able to play Friday at Miami.
Analysis: Ely is averaging just 8.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg in the month of March. Don't rely on him in head-to-head playoffs if you can avoid it.
News: Melvin Ely figures to go back into the starting lineup if Gerald Wallace misses games with a calf-muscle strain.
Analysis: He could have a very nice scoring period.
News: According to the Charlotte Observer, Melvin Ely sprained his ankle during the second half of Wednesday's game vs. Portland. He had no feel for how serious the injury is.
Analysis: Consider healthier options until he is able to play a full game without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Melvin Ely says he can't wait until the Feb. 23 trade deadline, because he wants no part of leaving the Bobcats. He considers coach Bernie Bickerstaff a mentor who saved his career after he disappeared on the end of the Clippers' bench. "I'm extremely content here. I get a lot of playing time, I know what the coaches want, I know my role. And as long as I've been here, my role has expanded... As soon as that deadline passes, I can sleep at night."
Analysis: Ely scored 15 points on Wednesday vs. New Jersey and he is playing very well in February in the absence of forwards Emeka Okafor and Sean May. He is averaging 13.8 ppg and 7.1 rpg during the month. A trade could benefit in the long run because his numbers could dip once Okafor returns to the lineup at some point down the stretch.
News: The Bobcats, again playing without their top three scorers because of injuries, got 21 points from Melvin Ely on Saturday night. Ely added seven rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: The Charlotte frontcourt is brutalized with injuries right now and Ely is getting a lot of extra opportunities. He has the potential of becoming a consistent contributor down the stretch. Pick him up if he's still available.
News: Melvin Ely scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half Wednesday night to help the Bobcats rally past the Philadelphia 76ers 100-92.
Analysis: The Charlotte frontcourt is brutalized with injuries right now and Ely is getting a lot of extra opportunities. He has the potential of becoming a consistent contributor down the stretch. Look to add him if he's still available.
News: Melvin Ely scored a career-high 23 points on Monday vs. Seattle. He finished 11-for-16 from the floor and he added five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Analysis: The Charlotte frontcourt is brutalized with injuries right now and Ely is getting a lot of extra opportunities. He has the potential of becoming a consistent contributor down the stretch. Look to add him if he's still available.
News: Melvin Ely got another start and scored 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting on Saturday in Washington.
Analysis: The Charlotte frontcourt is brutalized with injuries right now and Ely is getting a lot of extra opportunities. He has some decent short-term value.
News: Forward Melvin Ely returned Friday at Charlotte after missing three games with the flu, he was too weak to put up much of a defense on Elton Brand (38 pts, 17 reb).
Analysis: Ely scored only eight points and grabbed three rebounds. Keep him reserved through the week in larger leagues. The Charlotte frontcourt is brutalized with injuries right now so he should see some more time next week.
News: Bobcats forward Melvin Ely returned to the lineup Friday night after a bout with the flu left him bedridden for six days. Ely, who lost eight pounds while he was ill, missed three games. "I'm a little fatigued, but I can play," Ely said. "It wouldn't be fair to the team to play if I wasn't up to it."
Analysis: Ely will go back to being a mediocre No. 4 forward in 12-team leagues.
News: After missing a game due to the flu, Primoz Brezec returned to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Analysis: Brezec is averaging decent numbers this year and warrants starting as a No. 2 center in all formats. Melvin Ely, who started in his place, returned to the bench and now has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Primoz Brezec was unable to play on Friday at Philadelphia because of the Flu. Melvin Ely started in his place and scored 13 points in 28 minutes of action.
Analysis: Melvin Ely started the game in his place. Consider Brezec day-to-day.
News: After missing give games with a shin injury, Melvin Ely was able to return to action on Wednesday. He scored five points and grabbed four rebounds in 14 minutes of action.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy appeal even now that he is healthy.
News: Melvin Ely (shin) was unable to play for the third straight game on Wednesday against the Pacers.
Analysis: Ely remains on the inactive list and is considered day to day. When healthy, he has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Melvin Ely (shin) was on the inactive list for Tuesday's game at Orlando.
Analysis: When healthy, Ely has minimal Fantasy appeal in most leagues. He is considered day to day.
News: Charlotte C Melvin Ely (shin) did not play Saturday in Miami.
Analysis: Ely is questionable for Nov. 15 at Orlando with soreness in his shin. He scored in double digits in four of his six games this season, and could be ready for a nice season once he fully recovers.
News: Melvin Ely had 16 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in Wednesday's game against the Hawks. He shot 8-for-10 from the line in his 37 minutes.
Analysis: Ely has some Fantasy value in the team's final four games with Primoz Brezec out of action. Consider using him in daily-lineup formats.
News: The Charlotte Observer reports Melvin Ely sat out the second half of Tuesday's contest against the T-Wolves with a sore knee. He's listed as day to day at this time.
Analysis: Ely has decent Fantasy value when Primoz Prezec or Emeka Okafor are out of action. He gets minimal playing time when both are healthy though.
News: Melvin Ely was back to the bench on Tuesday against the Bucks with Emeka Okafor (ankle) back in action.
Analysis: Ely scored 12 points and he posted six rebounds in 29 minutes, but he is only worth using in larger Fantasy leagues unless Okafor suffers another long-term injury.
News: Melvin Ely had 20 points and 17 rebounds in Wednesday's game against the Pacers. He shot 7-for-19 from the field and 6-for-6 from the line in 42 minutes.
Analysis: With Emeka Okafor on the I-L, Ely has averaged 15.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG and 3.0 BPG in five contests. Okafor is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat, so Ely could provide some more value in daily-lineup formats.
News: Melvin Ely scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Saturday's loss at Seattle. He also had three swats.
Analysis: Ely has been fantastic in Emeka Okafor's absence, averaging 19.0 PPG and 10.0 RPG over his past two starts. He is only worth using as a short-term replacement in larger Fantasy leagues however.
News: Ely went 0-for-3 from the floor and 0-for-2 from the line in Tuesday's game against the Celtics. He played 12 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Ely is not worth using in any Fantasy league at this time. Primoz Brezec and/or Emeka Okafor would have to miss time for Ely to have Fantasy worth.
News: Melvin Ely scored 14 points with 11 rebounds in 33 minutes during Wednesday’s game against the Pacers. He shot 6-for-14 from the floor in the start at center.
Analysis: Ely has talent, but has never shown the ability to consistently showcase it. He registered season-highs in both points and boards in this contest while starting for Primoz Brezec, who missed the game due to the flu.
News: Melvin Ely scored nine points with five rebounds in Tuesday's game against the Bobcats. He blocked two shots as well.
Analysis: Ely is consistently getting around 10 points and five boards in five games in December. His Fantasy value would increase only if Emeka Okafor was sidelined.
News: Published reports indicate that Melvin Ely returned to Charlotte to have his left foot examined and will not be with the team in Boston Friday.
Analysis: With Melvin Ely sidelined, Emeka Okafor is expected to see more playing time.
News: Melvin Ely missed Wednesday's game at Milwaukee due to a foot injury.
Analysis: Ely is considered day to day. He might be able to return on Friday at Boston.
News: Melvin Ely was unable to practice on Tuesday due to a foot injury. He is questionable for Wednesday's game at Milwaukee.
Analysis: If Ely is unable to suit up, Jahidi White might be called on to play extra minutes in his absence. Neither is useful from a Fantasy perspective.
News: Melvin Ely (abdominal) returned to the court in Friday's preseason game against Portland. He was held to four points in 19 minutes.
Analysis: Ely is competing for time in the Bobcats frontcourt. Primoz Brezec appears to have beaten him out for the majority of playing time at center for the initial part of the season, but Ely could have some Fantasy value as the season progresses.
News: The Charlotte Observer reports Melvin Ely suffered an abdominal bruise in a collision with Jahidi White in a scrimmage Thursday. He was sent to a doctor Friday to make sure his bladder wasn't injured, and there was no evidence of damage.
Analysis: Ely is in store for regular minutes with the NBA newest franchise. He is the favorite to win the starting power forward position at this time and should be considered a sleeper candidate on Draft Day.
News: The Charlotte Bobcats picked up the option on Melvin Ely for the 2005-06 season. He's expected to be a key player for the NBA's newest franchise.
Analysis: With the lack of proven talent on the Bobcats' roster, Ely has the potential to log quality minutes. He is a solid sleeper candidate this season.
News: The Charlotte Observer reported the Clippers will trade Melvin Ely to Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for future draft picks.
Analysis: Looks like the Clippers are clearing cap space to make a serious run at Kobe Bryant. Ely will continue to have little Fantasy appeal.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Melvin Ely could get traded to the Bulls along with Marko Jaric for Marcus Fizer.
Analysis: Ely's Fantasy value would drop because he would join an already crowded frontcourt in Chicago.
News: Melvin Ely (shoulder) scored only two points and grabbed two rebounds in only five minutes of play Sunday against Minnesota.
Analysis: Now that Elton Brand is back and Chris Wilcox (groin) was playing well before his injury, Ely should no longer be on any Fantasy teams.
News: Melvin Ely (shoulder) was able to play on Friday, scoring nine points in 31 minutes at Denver. He also pulled down eight rebounds.
Analysis: Ely is best used as a reserve in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Melvin Ely (shoulder) will be rotated in to replaced Elton Brand (foot) along with Chris Wilcox. Predrag Drobnjak and Chris Kaman will also log time as well.
Analysis: Ely will probably be the most useful from a Fantasy standpoint, but not until he heals. Keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: Melvin Ely (shoulder) was only able to play three minutes Friday against Seattle. He made one shot from the field.
Analysis: The team will rely on Ely when he is healthy for his low-post presence now that Elton Brand (foot) is out for a month.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Ely (shoulder) might start at power forward for the Clippers while Elton Brand (broken foot) heals. Ely is questionable for Friday's game against Seattle.
Analysis: Ely should be used in most leagues for his rebounds and blocks.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Ely (shoulder) missed practice Tuesday and is doubtful for the regular-season opener against Seattle.
Analysis: Ely has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Ely hurt his shoulder in the fourth quarter against Golden State Friday. He left the game and is considered day to day.
Analysis: Ely is a reserve forward with a chance to make some noise later this season. Expect rebounds and blocks later this season from the rookie. Consider the rookie for a reserve spot in larger leagues.
News: Ely continues to see more playing time, according to the Los Angeles Times. "He's a rookie and he's going to make mistakes," coach Alvin Gentry said. "He's brought a certain level of aggressiveness. I don't even look at his numbers. I think he's been very good." Ely might be worth picking up in larger Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: With Michael Olowokandi on the injured list, Ely started at center Sunday. He had six points and six rebounds in 16 minutes, but Sean Rooks played 33 minutes at center. Nevertheless, consider picking Ely up if you need a center. He should be an adequate No. 2 center or reserve.
Analysis:
News: Ely was activated from the injured list Tuesday. Ely was placed on the injured list Oct. 28 because of a sprained left foot and missed the Clippers' first 14 games. He will be used mostly as a reserve and has minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: The L.A. Times reports that Ely was placed on the injured list. He is suffering from tendinitis in his left big toe. Ely won't provide much help in Fantasy leagues now, but has the potential to be a good player.
Analysis:
News: Ely might begin the season on the injured list. The Orange County Register reports that the Clippers are exploring this option since Ely is still suffering from soreness in his left big toe. Ely has minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Ely missed Wednesday's preseason game. He is still recovering from tendinitis in his left big toe. Ely is day to day and has no Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: The L.A. Times reports that Ely aggravated tendinitis in his right big toe during Tuesday's preseason game. His status is uncertain. Ely will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. He will be used mostly as a reserve and has minimal value.
Analysis:
