1. LeBron James, Cleveland
There is no exaggeration in saying that King James is the best fantasy player… ever. He is near perfect in every single category, and unlike any normal hero, he has absolutely no weakness. James’ field goal percentage has never dipped below .450, plus he has a lifetime three-point field goal average of .327, which is outrageous considering how much time this living legend spends attacking the lane. He is no J.J. Reddick, but he manages to make about 75% of his attempts at the charity stripe. He grabs nearly 7 rebounds per game (more than most centers), and distributes nearly 6.5 assists per game (more than most point guards). In case anyone has caught amnesia, King James can simply drop forty whenever he pleases, but if he is feeling humble, he usually never scores below 27. Just for added theatrical effect, he averages 1.8 steals per game and 0.7 blocks per night. Last summer, LeBron proved that indeed he is the supreme ruler, and every other opponent is his unworthy subject. Become a part of the kingdom, and pick him first in this year’s draft.
Now no one can come close to that, so when thinking of a prime example for a small forward, take LeBron, divide by twenty, and that is the next best. Small forwards are bred to score, and should be the primary scorers on your team, unless you have taken Kobe Bryant or Gilbert Arenas of course. A small forward’s Achilles heel is usually the assist and steals columns, however, that is accounted for with plenty of rebounds. In some situations, only a shooting guard is more important, so make sure that a small forward has already been selected by the Round 3. Of course what is above this paragraph is the idealization of the small forward and the exception to all of these rules, but there is a guarantee that everyone below fits the bill as well.
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Call him a ball-hog, and call him selfish, but ‘Melo is one of the purest scorers in the NBA. Since his rookie year, Anthony has not averaged less than 20 points per game, and is always a threat to drop 35 every night. Besides lighting up a defense, ‘Melo also has exceptional rebounding skills, grabbing around 6 boards per game. Nevertheless, his shoot-first mentality puts a damper on the assist column, where he has a wretched career average of 2.9 per game. Hopefully, these numbers will not remain static, as Allen Iverson is now Anthony’s perimeter support. Such a polished offensive player as Iverson should provide enough reason for Anthony to pass out of a triple team.
3. Shawn Marion, Phoenix
The glue that holds the Phoenix Suns together, and ironically this X-Factor wants out of Arizona. Mostly because no one truly appreciates what Marion brings to the table. He finishes at the basket and averages around 18 points per game. Not incredibly high, but strong enough considering that he also grabs nearly 10 rebounds per game. Everyone else on the Suns is too lazy to display some form of defense, so this hustler consistently retains an incredible average of 2 steals per game. 1.5 blocks per game catapults Marion into one of the best statistical defenders in the game, and makes him a sure-lock for the obscure categories. He may have one of the ugliest shots in the history of man, but rebounds, steals, and blocks will always be his domain. The front office in Phoenix cannot understand that… maybe fantasy owners will.
4. Tracy McGrady, Houston
A total bust in the playoffs, but T-Mac is the best example of why fantasy basketball is over by the postseason. McGrady is an amazing scorer, and as he displayed a couple of years ago when he exploded with 13 points in 30 seconds, T-Mac is always on the verge of a forty-point game. Perhaps his famous lazy eye fools defenders because he has always averaged over 24 points per game. As long as McGrady can stay healthy, he will produce astounding numbers, and given that last season he played in 77 games, McGrady’s injury-ridden days are long gone.
5. Paul Pierce, Boston
As stated plenty of times before, the Boston Celtics are going to be the team to beat, and will have one of the most productive offenses in the Eastern Conference. At the helm is Paul Pierce, who is now finally healthy after missing almost half the season last year with injury. Pierce will be the inside/outside man for the Celtics new dynamic trio. He has the ability to drain the jumper from beyond the arch (.360 career average) in order to soften up defenders when driving to the basket, and will also benefit the most off defenders occupied about Kevin Garnett in the post as well as defenses having to worry about Ray Allen on the perimeter. Each member of the “Tremendous Trio” perfectly compliments each other, and each member’s stats will bolster this season.
6. Luol Deng, Chicago
The Chicago Bulls were the surprise of the Eastern Conference last season when they swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. What was even more shocking was a mysterious player toasting Miami for over 30 points and taking D-Wade to pre-school. Well there is no more shock, and Deng is now a legitimate fantasy stud. Last season was his best yet in his young career, racking up 18.8 points per game and snatching 7.1 rebounds per game. Perhaps what is most promising about Deng is not only that he has an abundance of talent, but that he is experiencing success at such a young age. Coming out of Duke, he is entering fourth season and a possible double-double average may not be too far out of reach. Deng has the potential to be a great steal in any fantasy draft, that is unless another owner recognizes his prodigious skills and selects him by Round 3.
7. Josh Howard, Dallas
Many may remember him as the poor soul who ignorantly called a timeout in Game 5 of the 2006 NBA Finals, but few actually regard Josh Howard as an actual legitimate fantasy player. Start considering. Howard is successful under the same principle of Paul Pierce – he has a big man inside relieving pressure. Last season, Dirk Nowitzki delivered an MVP season, and Howard’s stats splurged as a result. He averaged a career high 18.9 points per game, and complimented his incredible scoring with nearly 7 rebounds per game. Nowitzki may not have as great as a season this year, but still expect defenses to zone in on the lanky German. This leaves Howard on an island on the perimeter with a great opportunity to add to his outstanding .385 three-point average from last year.
8. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia
Who is on the 76ers besides Andre Iguodala? After the departure of Allen Iverson, it was Iguodala’s turn to shine, and he produced so well that the fans in Philadelphia might now be asking “Allen who?” Consider this – in his first season, Iguodala averaged a mere 9.0 points per game… then two seasons later, his average jumped up to 18.2 ppg. Not only is he an amazing dunker/scorer, but he rounds out his stats columns with stellar averages in both rebounds and assists (5.7 in each). With A.I gone, expect this young star to explode this season, and look to steal him in the 6th or 7th Round of your fantasy draft.
9. Mike Miller, Memphis
Miller is the prime example of a veteran with a hard offseason work ethic, and the disciplined regimen improved his game in the regular season. Miller averaged 18.5 points per game last year, a huge leap from his 13 points per game average the season before. In addition, Miller grabbed 5.4 rebounds per game last season. Most importantly, Miller has a ridiculous career average of nearly .400 from beyond the arch, showing just how hard this late-round steal works.
10. Rashard Lewis, Orlando
After a colossal blockbuster trade, Lewis finds himself in a new home with a new fan base, coach, and front office to impress. One huge positive that surrounds Lewis is his ability to score, as in the past three seasons he averaged over 20 points per game. That will not flounder as a result of him moving to central Florida, but something needs to be done about his rebounding. Sure, a 5.8 career average is not that horrendous, but considering that Lewis stands at a tall 6’10”, it should result in better numbers in the rebounds per game.
Other Notables: Gerald Wallace (CHA); Peja Stojakovic (NO); Richard Jefferson (NJ); Kyle Korver (PHI); Corey Maggette (LAC) |
