News: The Minnesota Timberwolves released center Mark Blount Monday, giving him a chance to sign with a new team for the playoffs. Blount appeared in 20 games for Minnesota.
Analysis: Blount was only averaging 10 minutes per game and was racking up DNP-CDs. He could catch on with a playoff team, but is not expected to play a significant role. He can remain on waivers in most Fantasy leagues.
News:Mark Blount will not join the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have given his agent permission to seek a new team for the veteran center. Blount will not report to training camp or participate in the preseason, the Timberwolves announced.
Analysis: The team said the decision was mutual. Blount will stay at his Miami home while agent Mark Bartelstein tries to find a team where his client can get more playing time. The 7-foot Blount was acquired in a trade with the Heat last month for guard Quentin Richardson, but the move was merely for salary cap purposes. We do not anticipate him having a prominent role this season and consider him waiver wire fodder in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Miami Heat traded Quentin Richardson to Minnesota in exchange for Mark Blount Thursday. Richardson has been traded four times this offseason.
Analysis: Miami had four centers on the roster, and Blount was easily the most disposable of that group. Don't expect Blount to have much Fantasy value playing behind Al Jefferson and Kevin Love in Minnesota.
News: The Heat granted reserve C Mark Blount a leave of absence to tend to personal matters related to the death of a close relative in Haiti. He is out indefinitely for the rest of the playoffs for Miami.
Analysis: Hopefully for Blount everything is OK, but he has minimal Fantasy value when healthy. Ignore him in all leagues coming into next season.
News: Miami C Mark Blount, who was a healthy scratch on Wednesday against the Wizards, had a big night off the Heat bench on Friday in a losing effort against the Pacers. He scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench for the Heat who relied on their bench for much of their scoring in the game.
Analysis: Blount is now getting back into the Miami rotation although he did sit out in the team's previous game. A strong performance like this could earn him more playing time in the coming days, especially since the retirement of Alonzo Mourning. The Heat struggle at the center position, but Blount is probably not going to contribute consistently enough to be anything other than a low-end option.
News: Heat C Mark Blount poured in eight points and added four rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench Monday against the Hawks. Blount has averaged 19 minutes in the last two games after being a healthy scratch for the previous 18 games.
Analysis: Blount is finally getting into the rotation in Miami since the Heat haven't really had success at center. Blount has been very disappointing since leaving Minnesota in 2006-07. If he can get steady minutes, Blount might be able to contribute in Fantasy, but let's see some consistency first.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Mark Blount didn't play for the first time this season Monday against New Jersey. Instead the Heat used C Joel Anthony.
Analysis: Anthony is offensively challenged but is a shot-blocker. Udonis Haslem continues to start at center and is getting the majority of the minutes. Neither player is worth owning in Fantasy anyway.
News: In Fantasy Week 1 (Oct. 27-Nov. 1), the Heat will play a Knicks team that gave up 103.5 points per game last season, eighth most in the NBA. Their new head coach Mike D'Antoni coached a Phoenix team last season that gave up 105.4 points, five games. The Kings allowed 104.8 points and Charlotte gave up 101.3. This should be a good week for the Heat to get their feet wet with a new head coach and some changes in the starting lineup.
Analysis: Shawn Marion moves over to small forward to accommodate rookie Michael Beasley, who should start at power forward. The matchups in Week 1 figure to be high scoring, leaving plenty to go around for both players. At center, the Heat are going to go with either Mark Blount or Udonis Haslem. Haslem is the more productive Fantasy option and should get the majority of the minutes. Blount is merely a No. 3 Fantasy center option for now. Haslem should pick up center eligibility in leagues that allow multiple positions fairly early on in the regular season and would make a nice No. 2 Fantasy center. For now, consider him a fourth or fifth forward option in Week 1. And as far as Shaun Livingston is concerned, he's still too far off after just recently returning from his knee injury that sidelined him the last two seasons. He is a player to be monitored for now, but not started.
News: Heat center Jamaal Magliore will miss at least six weeks with a broken left hand, and could be sidelined even longer if surgery is required to repair the fracture. That leaves just Mark Blount, Joel Anthony and David Padgett as true centers on the roster. Udonis Haslem is a power forward, but is also an option to be used at the five.
Analysis: The Heat used Blount at center in the second half of the season due to injuries and after Shaquille O'Neal was traded. They could opt to play small with Haslem, but Blount gives them some much needed size. A season after averaging 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Timberwolves, Blount managed just 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds for Miami. Expect more or less of the same from him this year.
News: A season after averaging 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Timberwolves, Mark Blount managed just 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds for Miami.
Analysis: Blount did average 11.0 points and 4.7 rebounds as a starter once Shaquille O'Neal was traded and with Alonzo Mourning out for the season. But he was very spotty with his efforts and eventually tailed off after a decent run to begin his tenure as the starter. He heads into the 2008-09 season as the most likely option to start at center for the Heat, but that could change drastically in the offseason. His upside is that of a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Heat C Mark Blount continues to start at center, but he's been very unproductive from an offensive standpoint. He's scored just 12 points combined over his last three games.
Analysis: Blount isn't going to be benched only because the Heat have no other options. This season has been a far cry from last year's relative success (12.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Fantasy owners should look elsewhere if they plan on winning a Fantasy title.
News: Heat C Mark Blount continues to start for the Heat, but he's had just one double-digit scoring performance in his last four games. He's brought down a combined 13 rebounds in that span and has just one blocked shot.
Analysis: Blount has never been a consistent source for "big-man" stats because he doesn't rebound well and doesn't block shots, but now he's not even scoring. He continues to start at center for the Heat by default, but it appears his brief stint as a useful Fantasy center (he averaged 12.9 points over January and February) is over -- although he'll start by default in Miami.
News: Heat C Mark Blount had 10 points with 12 rebounds in Wednesday's loss to New York. He shot 4-for-14 from the field and also added a block.
Analysis: Blount has scored in double figures in three straight games. He's not going to produce too many double-doubles because he usually doesn't see more than five boards per night. He remains useful as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Despite the fact the Heat had just seven available players in Friday's 134-99 loss to Golden State and even with Udonis Haslem going down with an injury during the game, Mark Blount played just 18 minutes. He finished with 5 points and 3 rebounds.
Analysis: Blount hasn't played 20-plus minutes in a game since Feb. 29 despite the Heat being strapped for healthy and productive players. For whatever the reason, Pat Riley doesn't want to give him the minutes. Until that changes, reserve Blount in Fantasy.
News: Heat C Mark Blount scored only seven points in 19 minutes Sunday at Sacramento. He also pulled down three rebounds. He had only eight points and seven rebounds his last time out.
Analysis: Blount has also averaged only 22.3 minutes over his last three games. The Heat clearly prefer other options right now, so we have a hard time recommending Blount as a No. 2 Fantasy center. Don't cut him just yet, though.
News: Heat C Mark Blount shot 4-for-7 from the field in Thursday's loss at the Lakers. He scored 12 points with 6 rebounds, a block and an assist.
Analysis: Blount continues to start at center for the Heat and will do so as long as he remains healthy down the stretch. He's scored in double figures in 14 out of his last 15 games and has been a decent rebounder, although not what you would expect from a big man.
News: Heat C Mark Blount scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebouds during Thursday's game against the Rockets. He has scored in double figures for all but one of the last 12 games. He has three 20-point games in that span.
Analysis: Blount continues to play a pivotal role in the frontcourt for Miami now that the Diesel in the desert. Udonis Haslem is expected to return from an injury in the coming games and that might cut into Blount's production. Still, we envision him being a No. 2 Fantasy center the rest of the season.
News: Tuesday against the Nuggets, Heat C Mark Blount had 18 points and 13 rebounds to give him his second double-double of the season -- both in the last three games.
Analysis: Blount is growing comfortable in his new role as starting center. He clearly deserves a pickup in all Fantasy leagues, even though he won't normally help so much in rebounding.
News: Heat C Mark Blount had a team-high 22 points in Sunday's loss to the Lakers, shooting 9-for-15 from the field. He also added 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.
Analysis: Blount, in many ways, has already been a more productive Fantasy center than Shaq in his short time as the starter. It only makes you more frustrated that Pat Riley was going to Earl Barron over him earlier this season. While Blount won't help you much in the rebounding or blocks categories, he can be a decent No. 2 Fantasy center in head-to-head formats.
News: Heat C Mark Blount scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds during Thursday's loss to the 76ers. It was his first double-double this season, but he has now scored in double figures for eight straight games. He is averaging 15.9 points in that span.
Analysis: Blount has been filling in nicely for the injured Shaquille O'Neal, but learned earlier in the week he will now be the permanent replacement as Shaq was traded to Phoenix. Blount is not much of a rebounder, but is solid on the offensive end when he gets the rock. He has emerged as a reliable No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Heat C Mark Blount had 14 points Friday against the Nets, giving him five straight games with double-digit scoring. He only had four rebounds, though, giving him five straight games with no more than five.
Analysis: Those statistics tell you everything you need to know about Blount, who currently starts in place of the injured Shaquille O'Neal. He doesn't pull down the rebounds of most big men, but he does enough scoring to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy center while Shaq remains sidelined.
News: Heat C Mark Blount went 7 of 12 from the field and 6 of 9 from the free-throw line Tuesday against the Celtics on his way to 20 points. Blount, who also had five rebounds, has scored in double figures for three straight games. He is averaging 20.7 points in his last three games.
Analysis: Blount, who is now in the starting lineup with Shaquille O' Neal injured, is averaging a season-high 12.1 points in January and that has a lot to do with Shaq being sidelined. Blount will remain in the starting lineup as long as Shaq is out. With more performances like Tuesday, Blount will be a solid Fantasy option in no time. For now, take a flier on Blount and treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Heat C Mark Blount was not intimidated by the presence of Spurs PF Tim Duncan Thursday and poured in 23 points against the Spurs. Blount, who is now in the starting lineup with Shaquille O' Neal injured, hit 10 of 17 shots and went 3 of 5 from the free-throw line. He also had five rebounds and now has 20 of more points in two of his last six games.
Analysis: Blount is averaging a season-high 10.3 points in January and that has a lot to do with Shaq being sidelined. Blount will remain in the starting lineup as long as Shaq is out. With more performances like Thursday, Blount will be a solid Fantasy option in no time. For now, take a flier on Blount and treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News:Mark Blount likely will become Miami's new starting center, now that Shaquille O'Neal (hip) and Alonzo Mourning (season-ending knee and quadriceps injuries) are hurting. Centers Joel Anthony and Earl Barron are also on the Heat roster, although they've combined to play 207 minutes this season. Depending on how long O'Neal is out, coach Pat Riley said the team might try to add another big man for depth. "We'll talk about it," Riley said. For now, Blount - who started 81 games for Minnesota last year and who has averaged 5.7 points in 16 minutes per game this season - will be the primary pivot man Miami, which has the Eastern Conference's worst record at 8-32.
Analysis: When Blount was acquired before the season in a trade, he expected to spend the year playing alongside O'Neal and Mourning and helping the Heat get back to their championship form from two seasons ago. "It's been different," Blount said. "There's nothing I can do about that. Nothing you can really say. The team is looking at me to try to help them out right now. Of course, you want to be there with Shaq and be there with Zo, but that's not the situation right now." If O'Neal is out for any significant time, then Blount's Fantasy value would rise. Continue to monitor what develops, but now might be a good time to add Blount in all leagues.
News: Heat backup center Mark Blount had eight points and six rebounds Monday against Cleveland. He played 20 minutes off the bench, but Blount could see more time in the coming weeks. Starting center Shaquille O'Neal will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine if the severity of the lingering hip injury has changed. He could miss some time.
Analysis: If O'Neal is out for any significant time, then Blount's Fantasy value would rise. Continue to monitor what develops, but now might be a good time to add Blount in all leagues.
News:Mark Blount went from scoring a season-best 27 points on Jan. 11 against New Orleans to being held scoreless in 17 minutes off the pine Wednesday night with Shaquille O'Neal back from his hip injury.
Analysis: Shaq is back, so Blount returns to his very minimal role off the bench. He is once again a player to be reserved and cut in most Fantasy formats, but don't let him go too far. He's just another Shaq "vacation" away from being relevant again in Fantasy.
News: Heat C Mark Blount, making his sixth straight start for the injured Shaquille O'Neal on Friday at New Orleans, scored a season-high 27 points. He also had three rebounds and two assists. "I'm starting to feel comfortable out there," Blount said. "The guys are understanding where I am at on the floor and where we need to be to be successful together."
Analysis: Blount has emerged as a serviceable fill-in for Shaq, averaging 14.2 points over his last six games. He'll lose all his Fantasy value once the Diesel returns, of course, but if you need a quick fix at center, take a gamble on Blount.
News: Heat center Mark Blount has scored in double figures in all three games as a starter in place of an injured Shaquille O'Neal. He had 12 points Sunday against Memphis.
Analysis: As long as O'Neal (hip) is out, and he plans to miss the next three games of the current road trip before returning Jan. 16 against Chicago, continue to use Blount as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: In his second straight starting filling in for the injured Shaquille O'Neal, Heat C Mark Blount scored a season-high 17 points Friday at Dallas. He also grabbed six rebounds.
Analysis: Blount doesn't have much Fantasy value coming off the bench, but when an injury forces Shaq to the sidelines, he can serve as an adequate No. 2 center. We don't expect Shaq to miss too much more time, though, so leave Blount on waivers.
News: Heat C Earl Barron saw his most extended action all season Thursday night during an overtime loss to the Nets. He played 15 minutes and scored four points with three rebounds and a block. Mark Blount did not play at all.
Analysis: Most people expected Blount to get the bulk of the minutes behind Shaquille O'Neal now that Alonzo Mourning is out for the season. That wasn't the case Thursday, as Blount got absolutely no playing time. Continue to monitor this situation for possible Shaq insurance options.
News: Heat C Mark Blount has not played in a game since Dec. 3 at Utah, when he played just six minutes.
Analysis: Blount has been the victim of a very tight rotation used by Pat Riley. The trade to Miami virtually killed his Fantasy appeal and he should be left on the waiver wire.
News: Heat C Mark Blount had a fine performance in 14 minutes off the bench Tuesday at Charlotte. He scored eight points on 4-of-7 shooting, chipping in five rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Blount appears the man ready to take over if Shaquille O'Neal ever misses any time. With the likelihood of such a scenario, he's practically a must-have for O'Neal owners. On most days, though, he has little Fantasy value.
News: Heat C Mark Blount scored 11 points in Friday's loss at Indiana. He played 22 minutes off the bench and also added four rebounds. His 11 points were more than starter Shaquille O'Neal's eight. Shaq has not reached double digits in either of the team's first two games.
Analysis: We're pretty sure the Heat aren't going to unload Shaq so that they can start Blount, but it's important to keep in mind that the Big Diesel is almost a certainty to miss some time at some point this season. When he does, Blount could be of some use again in Fantasy. For now, as a backup, his value remains limited to the deepest of formats as a stopgap.
News: The Miami Heat traded F Antoine Walker, C Michael Doleac and F Wayne Simien to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday for former Heat G Ricky Davis and C Mark Blount.
Analysis: Blount struggled in the second half last season, but was still projected to be the starting center in Minnesota this season before the trade went down. With Shaq injury-prone and Alonzo Mourning not getting any younger, Blount will provide much-needed depth at the position in Miami, but his Fantasy stats will certainly suffer while O'Neal is healthy, as he won't get nearly as many minutes in Miami as he would have in Minnesota. He goes from a decent No. 2 center to a low-end reserve now with this trade.
News: Center Mark Blount would have been almost invisible, taking only two shots, scoring five points and grabbing three rebounds in 16 minutes, 39 seconds Friday at Golden State. But Blount was hard to miss, thanks to his six turnovers, which helped to thwart any flow in the Wolves' attack.
Analysis: The veteran jump-shooting center has been held to single figures in three consecutive games, scoring a total of 15 points while shooting 5-of-12. He's been nothing like the player he was in the first half of the season since the All-Star break, but could be about to bounce back soon with the Wolves facing some favorable matchups this week.
News: Center Mark Blount played more than 19 minutes against Atlanta Saturday but took only four shots, made just two and didn't grab a single rebound.
Analysis: Hardly what you'd expect from a 7-footer, except that Blount had been averaging 12.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in his first nine appearances since the All-Star break. Consider him a No. 2 center in all scoring formats, but he isn't playing as well as he had been prior to the break for some reason.
News: Minnesota center Mark Blount came out of nowhere to hit back-to-back-to-back three-pointers late in the game as the Wolves rallied from six down in the final 2-1/2 minutes to force the first overtime Tuesday against the Lakers. He finished with 18 points and six rebounds.
Analysis: The 18 points were the most Blount scored since gettins 24 on Feb. 14 against Denver. Consider him a No. 2 center in all scoring formats.
News: Minnesota center Mark Blount had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists Tuesday against Washington.
Analysis: Blount has played well this season and should be considered a No. 2 center at this point.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount enters the All-Star break averaging 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Analysis: Blount has been one of the season's biggest surprises. He has averaged more than 10 points per game since the get-go, but has also improved his numbers every month. In November he averaged 11.1 ppg; December 12.4; January 15.2; and in February he is at 19.1. He also enters the break scoring more than 20 points in four straight games. He has turned into an excellent Fantasy option and Fantasy owners should hope his strong play in the second half.
News: Centers for the Minnesota Timberwolves have been notable only for the length of their names. Guys like Rasho Nesterovic, Michael Olowokandi and Stojko Vrankovic have all tried and failed, to varying degrees, to take attention away from Kevin Garnett in the low post. Finally, it appears, the Timberwolves have found their man. Mark Blount scored 24 points, including eight in a row in the final 2:30, to lift the Timberwolves to 99-94 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. With the Nuggets leading 88-85 with under 4 minutes to go, the guy they call "Blizz" hit three jumpers and two free throws to give them a 93-92 lead with 1:28 to play.
Analysis: "Blizz is definitely stretching the defense with his ability to make the big shots and make the perimeter shots," Garnett said. "He's a forced to be reckoned with when we win. When we win, Mark Blount has always been a big part of it." Blount has scored more than 20 points in four straight games and has turned into an excellent Fantasy option.
News: Mark Blount led Minnesota with 25 points Friday in a loss to the Grizzlies. He also had nine rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Blount continues his career year with another outstanding performance Friday. Blount has been a real Fantasy find this season and should be starting as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: T-Wolves C Mark Blount had 22 points, six rebounds and two assists in a win over the Warriors Wednesday.
Analysis: Blount continues his career year with another outstanding performance Wednesday. Blount has been a real Fantasy find this season and should be starting as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Minnesota center Mark Blount had 22 points and a season-high 15 rebounds in a loss to the Pistons on Friday.
Analysis: Blount has been a real Fantasy find this season and should be starting as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Timberwolves are involved in discussions that could send guard Marko Jaric to the Pistons for center Nazr Mohammed. The Pistons finally got the confirmation they were looking for from free agent Chris Webber, who said Monday he will sign with Detroit after he clears waivers today. Webber's arrival could mean less playing time for Mohammed. Mohammed was pulled from the starting lineup last week and doesn't want to stick around if the addition of Webber means a more-reduced role for him off the bench. Whether a trade is consummated — a source said Saturday that Jaric is unhappy and asked to be moved — Jaric's future with the team clearly is in doubt. Jaric didn't play against Detroit, the third consecutive game he has missed with a sprained right thumb. Wolves coach Dwane Casey said before the game that Jaric isn't being held out to let the guard get healthy for trade purposes.
Analysis: Keep an eye on the situation because a deal could impact several players. Jaric would continue to have minimal Fantasy value, but Mohammed to Minnesota would impact center Mark Blount, who is playing well.
News: The Minnesota Timberwolves have gone from being a team with a losing record to one that's tough to beat -- especially in overtime -- in the new year. Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 14 rebounds, Ricky Davis scored 21 and Mark Blount made a key 3-pointer to give Minnesota a 94-90 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Blount's 3-pointer -- just his fourth of the year -- beat the shot clock with 12.8 seconds left to give Minnesota a 92-88 lead. "He had to shoot when he got the ball because of the shot clock, but give him credit for knocking it down," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. Blount finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Analysis: Don't expect Blount to become a 3-point threat anytime soon, but he is still good as what he does -- that is score down low and get rebounds. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists in a loss to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Analysis: Blount is averaging more than 21 points over five games in the new year to bring his season average above 13. Consider Blount a solid No. 2 center and hope his stellar play continues. This could also be a great time to trade Blount and bring back players to help your Fantasy team.
News: Mark Blount has become one of the most productive centers in Minnesota Timberwolves history. Averaging 21.5 points over four games in the new year, Blount has started every game this season and is third on the team with an average of 13 points. That's the sixth-best mark among all NBA centers. "I'm grateful for him. He's playing well," said perennial All-Star power forward Kevin Garnett. Some of Minnesota's previous centers are: Rasho Nesterovic, Michael Olowokandi, Ervin Johnson, Dean Garrett, Stanley Roberts, Cherokee Parks, Stojko Vrankovic, Andrew Lang, Sean Rooks, Luc Longley, Felton Spencer, and Randy Breuer.
Analysis: Consider Blount a solid No. 2 center and hope his stellar play continues.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount scored 21 points while grabbing 10 boards Sunday vs. Houston.
Analysis: Has there been a better waiver wire addition in Fantasy leagues this season? He's played to the level of a No. 1 Fantasy center and is still somehow available in 26 percent of CBS SportsLine leagues.
News: Wolves' center Mark Blount has averaged 18 points over his past seven games, raising his scoring average to 12.6, third on the team behind Kevin Garnett and Ricky Davis. "Mark is probably the best offensive player we've had in that spot," Wolves vice president for basketball operations Kevin McHale said. "He's unique in that he can really shoot the ball well." Blount had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Philadelphia on Friday.
Analysis: Blount doesn't get enough credit in Fantasy leagues as a solid No. 2 center. He has failed to score in double-figures just seven times this season and is averaging six rebounds per game. He is a solid Fantasy play right now and Fantasy owners should take advantage.
News: Mark Blount scored 28 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-101 in overtime on Wednesday night. He also had four rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Blount doesn't get enough credit in Fantasy leagues as a solid No. 2 center. He has failed to score in double-figures just seven times this season and is averaging six rebounds per game. He is a solid Fantasy play right now and Fantasy owners should take advantage.
News: Mark Blount continued his recent trend of hot starts, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the first quarter.
Analysis: Blount is a solid No. 2 center in most Fantasy scoring formats. That may not last long, so take advantage while you can.
News: Timberwolves enter Mark Blount scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half against Chicago on Tuesday, hitting all seven of his field-goal attempts. But Blount played only 10 minutes in the second half, in part because of the Minnesota coaches' adjustment to Chicago's smaller lineup in the final quarter.
Analysis: Blount has quietly put together a nice season, averaging 11.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Blount is a solid No. 2 center in most Fantasy scoring formats.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount scored 13 points with seven rebounds Sunday at Philadelphia. He shot 6-for-8 from the floor, adding two steals in the game.
Analysis: Blount is a solid No. 2 center in most Fantasy scoring formats. That may not last long, so take advantage while you can.
News: Center Mark Blount made the first three-pointer of his seven-year NBA career against Dallas Monday, spanning 469 regular-season and playoff games.
Analysis: It also was only the second three-point shot he ever had attempted, but it looked pretty big when it got Minnesota within 88-87 with 23 seconds left at Dallas. Blount is a solid No. 2 center in most Fantasy scoring formats.
News: Center Mark Blount needed three stitches to close a gap in his scalp that was opened up by one of LeBron James' elbows in the third quarter Friday.
Analysis: Blount, who said he never had been injured in that way before, returned to the game and is expected to be available against New Orleans Saturday at Target Center.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount scored 13 points off 5-for-8 shooting in Saturday's loss vs. Orlando.
Analysis: Blount is averaging 10.0 ppg and could be considered a decent No. 2 center in leagues of 12-plus teams at the moment. That may not last long, so take advantage while you can.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount shot just 3-for-11 from the floor in Wednesday's season-opening win over Sacramento. He finished with seven points and six rebounds.
Analysis: Blount has averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg over his career. Expect more of the same from him this season under similar circumstances.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount averaged 7.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg in eight preseason starts.
Analysis: Blount has averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg over his career. Expect more of the same from him this season under similar circumstances.
News: Timberwolves C Mark Blount averaged 7.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg in eight preseason starts.
Analysis: Blount has averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg over his career. Expect more of the same from him this season under similar circumstances.
News: Mark Blount entered the Nets' game Thursday averaging 12.6 points on 54 percent shooting over his past nine games, then got 18 on 6-of-12 shooting vs. New Jersey.
Analysis: Blount continues to provide Minnesota with a nice pick-and-pop option and even has been effective lately in post-ups. But his defensive rotations could be better and, though he grabbed nine rebounds Thursday, Blount had averaged just 4.7 boards in his first 27 appearances since coming over from Boston on Jan. 26.
News: Mark Blount scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting with five rebounds on Sunday vs. Memphis.
Analysis: Blount has a little value as No. 2 center while starting, but little is the key word.
News: Mark Blount is averaging just 21.6 mpg in February and only 6.4 ppg. He has just 4.4 rpg during that same span.
Analysis: Maybe he won't have Fantasy value in Minnesota after all. It's best to reserve him and see what happens.
News: Mark Blount has averaged just 16.2 minutes over his last five games. During that span, he's managed just 4.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg.
Analysis: Maybe he won't have Fantasy value in Minnesota after all. It's best to reserve him and see what happens.
News: Mark Blount only scored three points in 17 minutes on Saturday at Golden State.
Analysis: Maybe he won't have Fantasy value in Minnesota after all. It's best to reserve him and see what happens.
News: Newly acquired Timberwolves Marcus Banks and Mark Blount are both going to have value in the second half of the season. Banks, who could easily steal Marko Jaric's job, scored 20 points and handed out six assists on Monday vs. his former team, the Celtics. Blount scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting with 10 rebounds in the same game.
Analysis: Blount could be a nice No. 2 center in 12-team leagues over the remainder of the season and Banks is a great person to stash away on a Fantasy bench to see what happens.
News: Center Mark Blount came up big off the bench in just his second appearance with the Wolves. The former Boston 7-footer scored 18 points, grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots and had two steals, while avoiding foul trouble defending the Spurs' big men. Said coach Dwane Casey: " We knew he could do the pick and pop. And I like his post-up game. He gives us a high low situation either way with Kevin (Garnett)."
Analysis: It appears Blount could be a nice No. 2 center in his new environment.
News: Mark Blount was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves Ricky Davis, Marcus Banks, Justin Reed and two conditional second-round picks on Thursday night. The Celtics receive Michael Olowokandi, Wally Szczerbiak, Dwayne Jones and a future first-round pick.
Analysis: Blount had lost his starting job to Kendrick Perkins and was no longer a viable Fantasy alternative. He might get a fresh start in Minnesota, but his value remains limited.
News: Mark Blount hadn't played in two of the three previous games and sat for the first three quarters Wednesday, but he came in and scored 11 points in 9:29 of the fourth vs. Washington.
Analysis: Blount has lost his starting job to Kendrick Perkins and is not worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Center Mark Blount and guard Marcus Banks got into Saturday's game in the third quarter. It was the first time either had played since the second quarter of Wednesday's win over Minnesota. They were DNPs on Friday.
Analysis: Obviously, neither player is worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: According to reports, Boston center Mark Blount could be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Michael Olowokandi.
Analysis: If the rumors are true, then this would be a move that makes as much of a splash in the NBA as it does in Fantasy Basketball -- virtually none. Blount has been demoted to the bench and Michael Olowokandi has minimal Fantasy value. Neither would have much value even if the trade is made.
News: Mark Blount scored 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting on Monday night at Detroit. He also added three rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Blount was demoted to the bench recently in favor of Raef LaFrentz, but Blount is still playing more minutes than Blount. Consider him no more than a No. 2 center in the deepest of leagues at this point.
News: According to the Boston Herald, Celtics coach Doc Rivers has demoted Mark Blount to the bench in place of Raef LaFrentz.
Analysis: Neither LaFrentz nor Blount should be relied on in the deepest Fantasy leagues as anything more than a No. 2 center. The move is not considered permanent.
News: Mark Blount has committed 93 turnovers so far this season, good (or bad) for a career-high 3.1 per game. He's had at least one in every game this season, including eight in one game.
Analysis: Blount had five turnovers on Wednesday and four on Monday and he offsets his mediocre numbers (12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) in leagues that penalize turnovers.
News: Mark Blount scored just nine points while grabbing six rebounds on Saturday at the L.A. Clippers.
Analysis: Blount had a 21 point effort on Wednesday, but he scored just 10 and nine points in his last two games.
News: Mark Blount scored 21 points on 8-for-15 from the floor on Wednesday night at Golden State. He also added eight assists and four rebounds.
Analysis: Wow. Where did this come from? Pick him up if he's available in your league and look to see if he keeps this going. He's averaging 16.5 points in the past four games.
News: Mark Blount was back in the starting lineup for Boston on Saturday in Dallas and scored four points in 26 minutes. Raef LaFrentz was on the bench in the contest.
Analysis: Blount only managed one rebound, so it will be interesting to see if he starts again. Kendrick Perkins started alongside Blount and failed to score in 12 minutes.
News: Mark Blount played 31 minutes Monday night vs. Orlando after not playing in Boston's previous game.
Analysis: Blount scored six points on 2-of-7 shooting and grabbed six rebounds off the bench. He appeared to play hard and hustle, which is exactly what coach Doc Rivers didn’t think he was doing when he benched him. Monitor the situation if you own Blount because Kendrick Perkins got the start, it's unclear who will start in the middle for the Celtics in upcoming games.
News: After Mark Blount started the season's first 11 games, he was a DNP - coach's decision on Friday night. Kendrick Perkins has found himself in the Boston starting lineup because Blount is in coach Doc Rivers' doghouse. Blount apparently doesn't understand why he is being punished. "Anything you gotta say, call me, let me know what's up, that's it," said Blount. "Tell me what's going on. I would like to know, too, because no one has said nothing to me." Asked specifically if he had been told in advance of the Friday personnel decision, Blount said, "There was no explanation. I didn't know."
Analysis: "We're not going to have any meeting," Rivers said. "You earn your time on the floor. That's how we'll do it. When that happens, then he'll play." It's anyone's guess how long this experiment will last but Rivers is clearly sending a message to Blount. Perkins has decent short-term value as a No. 2 center in very deep leagues, but don't be surprised if Blount is starting again after a few games.
News: Boston C Mark Blount played 33 minutes Tuesday night in Detroit. He scored 15 points and blocked two shots but could only manage one rebound.
Analysis: It is unacceptable both in Fantasy and for the Celtics that Blount is averaging only 3.8 rpg.
News: Mark Blount scored 19 points and added five rebounds in Wednesday's opener against the Knicks.
Analysis: Blount is one of those centers who seems to fly under the radar in most Fantasy leagues, but he continues to produce solid numbers.
News: Mark Blount got the start on Sunday against Philadelphia in place of Antoine Walker (bruised left knee).
Analysis: Blount posted six points and nine boards in 37 minutes. He is a decent short-term pickup if you need a replacement for 'Toine.
News: Mark Blount had 22 points and six rebounds in Friday's game against the Rockets. He shot 11-for-16 in 27 minutes.
Analysis: Blount's numbers are down a bit from last season, but he remains a decent No. 1 Fantasy center option. Boston is scheduled for three games in Weeks 21, 22 and 23.
News: Mark Blount had 10 points and seven rebounds in Wednesday's game against the Hawks. He shot 5-for-8 from the court in 23 minutes.
Analysis: Blount has been removed from the starting lineup since the Celtics re-acquired Antoine Walker. He has now scored in double figures in three straight games, after failing to score 10 points in six straight contests.
News: Mark Blount scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting in Wednesday's game against the Clippers. He added eight rebounds in his 33 minutes.
Analysis: Blount continues to start at center in Boston. The Celtics play four times in Week 17, and three in Weeks 18 and 19.
News: Blount scored eight points and added seven rebounds in Wednesday's game against Golden State.
Analysis: Blount has averaged 8.0 PPG and 7.2 RPG over the past five games. He is a decent No. 2 center in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Mark Blount scored 18 points with five boards in 33 minutes during Friday's game with Utah. He hit 9-of-11 shots in the victory.
Analysis: Blount is a steady No. 1 Fantasy center. Boston is tabbed for three games in Week 8 and three in Week's 9 and 10.
News: Mark Blount scored 22 points on 11-for-15 shooting on Friday against Toronto. He grabbed four boards as well.
Analysis: Blount has been very steady. His numbers are very comparable to his breakout season season in 2003. Boston plays three gmaes in Week 6 and four in Week 7.
News: Mark Blount scored 18 points and was held to just three rebounds in Friday's game against Indiana. He was 8-for-18 from the field.
Analysis: Blount remains a quality No. 1 Fantasy center. He'll play just two games in Week 2 and will have three in Week 3.
News: The Boston Globe reports that the Celtics might not be able to re-sign Mark Blount next season. He has emerged as a player that could be one of the more hotly pursued big-men free agents this summer. "To me, Mark Blount is almost a replica of Brad Miller," said agent Mark Bartelstein, who also represents Miller. "He's gotten better and better. Starting the season you may have said he's a role player, but he's emerged. I don't think anyone will say anymore he's a bench player."
Analysis: Blount should be starting in all leagues and owners in keeper leagues should make an attempt to trade for him in the offseason. In March, he has averaged 15.2 points and 12.4 rebounds in 37.8 minutes. Since he will likely sign a fat contract, he will be forced to take a big role on whichever team he plays for.
News: Blount set career-highs with 28 points and 21 rebounds in Monday's game against Orlando. "I'm blue collar," he said. "It just shows that you just keep working hard and things will happen."
Analysis: Blount has averaged 17.2 PPG and 10.4 RPG in the past five games with five consecutive double-doubles.
News: Mark Blount scored 20 points to go with 10 rebounds against Milwaukee Wednesday.
Analysis: Blount has the occasional offensive outburst, but it's his defensive abilities that make him valuable in the NBA. Fantasy owners should be starting him as a No. 2 center in all leagues.
News: Blount scored 12 points and added 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season on Tuesday.
Analysis: Despite the solid game, Blount is not worth using in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Mark Blount was able to grab seven rebounds to go with 13 points and one assist against Toronto Friday.
Analysis: Blount is not consistent enough to be used in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Mark Blount (finger) played in Monday's game against New York. He posted seven points and two rebounds.
Analysis: Blount has minimal Fantasy value.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Mark Blount (finger) after receiving a cut on his right hand. He received stitches and is questionable Monday against the Knicks.
Analysis: Blount is not worth starting in larger Fantasy leagues since Raef LaFrentz (knee) will likely be activated Tuesday from the injured list.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Mark Blount will start at center over Tony Battie Wednesday against Miami. Battie will likely receive many minutes at both center and power forward. Raef LaFrentz is expected to see a lot of time at the position as well.
Analysis: Despite the announcement, Blount does not do enough to help most Fantasy owner.
News: Blount will return to the starting lineup Monday. He had been benched for two games, but the Rocky Mountain News reports that he will be back in the starting lineup. Blount is inconsistent and shouldn't receive much Fantasy attention.
Analysis:
News: The Denver Nuggets signed Blount to a one-year contract Thursday. The 7-foot, 250-pound Blount appeared in 44 games for the Boston Celtics last season, his second in the league, and averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. He will be used mostly as a reserve and has minimal value.
Analysis:
News: The Boston Celtics on Tuesday elected to exercise the option on the contract of Blount for the 2001-02 season. Originally signed by the Celtics as an undrafted free agent last August, Blount recorded a team-high 76 blocked shots in 64 games, including 50 starts. He is a good shot-blocker, but lacks the offensive moves to be a good Fantays player. Blount finished his rookie year averaging 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.19 blocks in 17.2 minutes per game.
Analysis:
News: The Celtics activated Blount from the injured list on Thursday. Before his injury, Blount had seen an average of only five minutes of playing time per game. The Celtics' center has no real Fantasy value.
Analysis:
