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By Answerman

The Answerman is the unofficial, unauthorized, unrelenting, uncompromising, unpaid, unlicensed, uneducated though highly effective fantasy basketball advice columnist at Insidehoops.com. He also dabbles in matters of the heart. He is here to answer all your questions.

I'd like to wish a happy 2004 to all my loyal readers. Everyone's goal for 2004 should be the same: Win your league. Here are some of my resolutions to help you achieve your goal:

I will follow the teams that no one else is following. I will know exactly what the Wizards, Sonics, Heat, Clippers and Warriors are up to. However, I will not over-react to their benching and startings.

I will not over-value the players currently on my roster. However, I will continue to have faith in my draft.

I will read every box score every morning.

I will talk to the girl standing by herself at the bar.

I will talk trash at least once a week. It is so important at this time of year to maintain interest in your league. If you cannot think of anything else to do, at least think of something nasty to say.

I will pay attention when a talented young player (lets call him Frank Williams) suddenly gets minutes and begins producing in tough categories (like assists and steals).

I will turn over the remote to my significant other when no games are on.

I will not listen to anything anyone else in my league says.

I will begin to abandon the Answerman's beloved patient approach and become more aggressive in my moves.

I will talk to my significant other about my fantasy team until she takes an interest or falls asleep.

I will read beyond my own players' scores every morning. I will read beyond starters' productivity every morning.

I will be able to name 8 players on every team.

I will use one of the teams I am currently managing (assuming it's more than one) to experiment with different players - regardless of wins/losses.

I will find an unknown serviceable center and instantly tell my readers.

I will sleep with more guys (for my female readers).

I will make a 2-for-1 deal, and pick up a free agent that no one else knows about with my available spot.

I will visit InsideHoops every day. I will read the Answerman every day - though he only writes weekly.

I will try to care about fg% and 3 pointers.

I will watch more than I read and play more than I watch.

If I have any questions, I will write Answerman@insidehoops.net