|
|
Hits: 40  0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
The assists and steals (11.0, 2.8) are what grab you. The terrific supporting scoring (23.0) and percentages (50, 85 in lots of attempts) are what make him the best. He's young and just getting better and better. |
Negatives/Downside:
He doesn't block shots, but what point guard does? His one 3 per game is fine for a point guard, but some other points double him up there. |
Analysis:
The big question here is where you draft him, first or second. It depends on what you believe will happen with your second and third round picks (and beyond). We believe that Paul is the roto league pick and James is the points league pick, as James outscores Paul in the standard points systems of CBS, Yahoo!, and ESPN leagues, and the deficiencies of your other point guard choices are more glaring in roto scoring. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 1 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
 |
$ |
68 |
 |
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 44 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Truly does it all. Massive scoring (28.8). Incredible assists at SF (7.5). Nice 3s, rebounds, and blocks (140-7.7-1.2). Good enough percentages with high volume (49, 77). He's young and just getting better and better. |
Negatives/Downside:
So he turns the ball over (3.1). What elite player doesn't? |
Analysis:
The big question here is where you draft him, first or second. It depends on what you believe will happen with your second and third round picks (and beyond). We believe that Paul is the roto league pick and James is the points league pick, as James outscores Paul in the standard points systems of CBS, Yahoo!, and ESPN leagues, and the deficiencies of your other point guard choices are more glaring in roto scoring. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 2 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
65 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 34 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Everything! Great scoring of course (29.8), percentages you can live with (48, 76), and excellent across-the-board RB-AST-STL-BLK numbers for a SG (4.8-7.2-2.0-1.1). |
Negatives/Downside:
He is hopefully past his injury bug now, but he did only play 51 games each in the two seasons before last. Huge turnover numbers (3.9). |
Analysis:
Wade went nuts last year. He should regress a tad but still be the easy choice at the #3 slot in your draft. Take him there without hesitation (except perhaps consider Kevin Durant or Kobe Bryant first in leagues that penalize turnovers). If heat teammates Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers can develop further, and Jermaine O'Neal can stay on the court, all the better. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 3 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
63 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 44 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Nice dual-position eligibility. Could improve even more, entering third year in NBA. Exceptional FTP (86), scoring (27.4), and steals (1.6). Solid FGP-RB-AST-BLK (48-6.8-3.2-0.9). |
Negatives/Downside:
Turnovers would be his only Achilles heel (3.1), but you'd expect that from a player that touches the ball so much. |
Analysis:
Not much to say here... Durant is a stud and should absolutely be drafted in the #4 slot in all roto leagues and most points & h2h leagues. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 4 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
|
|
$ |
55 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 39 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Of course he's a great scorer (27.2), but also a serious FTP anchor (560 FTM with 85 FTP) and above average in threes (130) and steals (1.6). His FGP (47) is solid for his number of attempts, and his 5.5 assists are nice from the SG slot. His 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 turnovers aren't even bad for a first-round guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
No blocks (0.4) but who cares, considering everything else he does. |
Analysis:
Kobe is a solid, dependable selection at the #5 position in fantasy drafts. A healthy Andrew Bynum and a feisty Ron Artest can only help matters this season. Draft him with supreme confidence. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 5 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
52 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 42 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Last year's most improved player is still improving. Well past his knee injury now. Rested this off-season. Clearly the go-to player on his NBA team. Awesome scoring (25.9), threes (200), and blocks (1.6). Solid rebounds and steals (5.5-1.1). Turnovers not terrible for a go-to type player (7). He's even PF and SG eligibile in Yahoo leagues. |
Negatives/Downside:
If you nit-pick, in order to approach the top 3, he'd need to improve his FGP (45) and assists (2.8). |
Analysis:
I'd still go with Kobe at #5 for the extra FGP, AST, and STL, but Granger is a great #6. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 6 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
48 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 43 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Dirk's scoring (24.8), FTP (500 FGM at 90%), threes (75), and turnovers (just 2.0!) are fantastic for a power forward. His 48 FGP, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks are all solid. |
Negatives/Downside:
Generally no center eligibility for this season (to start with at least). Steals are a bit weak for a first-rounder (0.7), but otherwise, no complaints at all. |
Analysis:
Dirk is a pretty clear choice in the #7 slot this season. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 7 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
44 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 47 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Will wear goggles, so don't worry about a re-occurrence of the eye injury. Terrific scoring (), high-volume percentages (58, 82), and RB-BLK (9.7-1.7). 1.0 steals is good enough. 2.7 turnovers isn't great, but it's not bad from a player that touches the ball so often. He's the perfect #1 fantasy center. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 2.0 assists, but we don't care. Knee injury, then eye injury... still, you take the risk as the reward is great. |
Analysis:
Amare's stats are outstanding. He'd likely go higher if not for last season's eye injury and the knee injury before that. He is elite. Take him at #8 in all formats. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 8 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
40 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 45 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Elite PTS-RB-BLK (23.3, 11.0, 1.6), which is what you want from your star center. A nice, low 1.9 turnover rate for an elite big man. Solid, high-volume FGP (51). Decent enough FTP (75) and steals (0.9). Even has power forward eligibility in CBS and Yahoo leagues. |
Negatives/Downside:
Yeah, um, that serious knee injury. No threes and just 1.7 assists, but we expect that from big men. |
Analysis:
He's looked good in the pre-season. Given his talent level, you have to assume the injury risk and draft him anyway. He could go 40-20-5 in a game or two this year, not to mention a few 30-15s. Take him at #9. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 9 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
39 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 40 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Excellent points (23.2), high-volume percentages (50, 83), and rebounds (10.5). Solid STL-BLK (0.9-1.2). 2.2 turnover rate not bad at all for first-round big man. Young, gunning for big contract. Addition of Hedo Turkoglu should take some pressure off Bosh on offense. |
Negatives/Downside:
Not center-eligible in CBS (though he is in ESPN and Yahoo). Doesn't dish (2.6 assists) or drain treys (10), but what elite power big man does? |
Analysis:
Bosh tends to have trouble reaching the 80-game mark, but so do other elite bigs (Stoudemire, Al Jefferson). His positives far outweigh his negatives, so don't hesitate to draft him at the #10 position in your draft. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 10 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
38 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 48 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Massive high-volume 59% FGP, 13.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. Decent 0.9 steals. He's young and can theoretically improve the FTP. |
Negatives/Downside:
Awful high-volume 59% FTP. 3.1 turnover rate (though expected for an early-round pick that touches the ball so much). Of course, no help in threes (0) or assists (1.5). |
Analysis:
The ONLY reason he's ranked down at #11 in roto leagues is the free throw percentage. If you look at his fantasy point projections, you see how he is a Top 5 player in points leagues. You can even try to make up for his FTP in roto leagues, if you're up for the challenge. Team him with a couple of high-volume, high-FTP players like Kevin Martin and Paul Pierce early and Corey Maggette very late, be careful with the other FTPs you draft, and you can end up with a respectable aggregate FTP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 11 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
37 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 41 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Great AST/TO rate (3.5/1.8) for a center, and top-notch, high-volume 58% FGP. Solid 79 FGP and good PTS-RB-BLK (18.6-9.5-1.2). |
Negatives/Downside:
Weak 0.6 steals. No threes, but that's expected from this type of player. He's on a loaded Lakers team. With Lamar Odom back, Andrew Bynum healthy, and Ron Artert in tow, Gasol's points, rebounds, and blocks could take a hit, especially if his minutes are cut back. |
Analysis:
Pau Gasol is a very solid choice at the end of the first round or early in the second in roto leagues. Even if his minutes/numbers diminish a bit, he's still a very good #1 fantasy center. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 12 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
36 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 36 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Young, improving each year. Elite 10.5 assists. Very solid, fairly high-volume percentages (48, 84). Good points (20.0) and good enough threes (85) and steals (1.1). |
Negatives/Downside:
Awful turnovers (3.5), even for a first or second-rounder. No REB-BLK (2.9-0.3), but that's expected from a point guard. |
Analysis:
It depends if you are in a ten or twelve team roto league, but if you're picking 8-12, look closely at your draft slot and who might be available in the second round. In a ten team league, I might consider taking Deron at #8 and then one of the bigs ranked ahead of him (whoever is left) with my #13 pick. In a twelve team, I'm more likely to take Stoudemire at #8 and come back with Chauncey Billups, Devin Harris, or Jose Calderon at #17. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 13 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 41 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Awesome assists (10.0) and percentages (51, 94) plus 130 threes. Back in an up-tempo, running offense after a slow start last season. |
Negatives/Downside:
16.4 scoring not great for a second round pick, but with those assists, you can't complain. Weak 0.7 steals for a point guard plus the expected weak PG RB-BLK-TO (3.3-0.1-3.5). At 35 years old, he's no spring chicken. Nagging injuries wouldn't be a surprise this season. |
Analysis:
He has his deficiencies, but he represents your last chance at double digit assists, so if he's sitting there at #14, you take him. Actually, taking Deron Williams 12 and Nash 13 in a twelve team league would be quite a coup! (Easier to get big men like Andrew Bynum and Kevin Love later than to get big assists late.) |
| Recommended Draft Position: 14 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 40 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Young, across-the-board contributor gunning for new contract. Excellent scoring (23.0), assists (5.6), solid, high-volume percentages (48, 83), and low turnovers (2.0) for a top shooting guard. Good enough threes (90) and rebounds (4.8). |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 0.4 blocks, but that's expected for a shooting guard. Weak playoff schedule for Portland in H2H leagues (3-3-3 in weeks 22-23-24). |
Analysis:
Consider Roy "Kobe Lite" at this point. We only have him down at 15 in 8-cat roto leagues because of the value of elite C/PFs FGP-RB-BLK-PTS and top PGs AST (and STL), but in any other league he could be considered at the tail end of the first round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 15 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 39 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Consistency over recent years. Extreme, high-volume 90% FTP, and low 2.1 turnover rate plus solid assists (6.8) and threes (150). Nice enough points (18.0) and steals (1.2). |
Negatives/Downside:
Low, high-volume 43% FGP. Expected, PG-typical low RB-BLK (3.1-0.2). |
Analysis:
He's a nice, solid PG to grab early in standard roto leagues, but you can certainly wait on him in other formats. He'd also be a good player to pair with Dwight Howard for the excellent, high-volume FTP. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 16 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 41 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Four very strong categories in high-volume FTP (82) and PTS-AST-STL (21.8-6.7-1.6). 75 threes not awful but not great. Young and improving. Very much "the man" now with Vince Carter gone. |
Negatives/Downside:
PG-typical low FGP-RB-BLK (43-3.5-0.2) and high TO (3.2). Apparently prone to injury thus far in his career. |
Analysis:
Harris is a good upside PG to nab in the second round of standard roto drafts. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 17 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 39 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Big assist numbers (9.1), great percentages (51, 96), and low turnovers (2.1). Acceptable steals (1.2) and threes (90). |
Negatives/Downside:
PG-typical low power numbers (2.9-0.1 RB-BLK). Low scoring (13.8). Hamstring injury last year. |
Analysis:
Calderon is a good upside PG to take in the second round of standard roto drafts. Hopefully he can make it through the year without another hamstring injury. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 18 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
30 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 40 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Big-time assists and steals (8.7 and 1.8). Very nice rebounds and blocks for a point guard (6.0 and 0.4). Good threes (120). Solid 81% FTP, but not significant, with only 90 FTM. 2.5 turnovers not terrible. |
Negatives/Downside:
Putrid scoring (9.0 PPG). Low 41% FGP, but it's fairly low volume (255 FGM), so not a killer. |
Analysis:
Kidd's scoring can be made up for later, but it's a tough pill to swallow in the second or third round. Still, in standard roto, given the elite AST-STL plus nice un-PG-like RB-BLK and decent threes, you take him around #20. He's aging but still well worth taking, and the Mavs' addition of Shawn Marion can only help Kidd. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 20 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 40 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Elite PG numbers in the high-volume 81% FTP, 21.9 (at least) points, 6.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. 4.5 rebounds nice for a point guard. We have no idea how many threes he will attempt and make this year based on his recent "I won't shoot threes in 09-10" statement, but he should at least drain 80 with the potential for more. |
Negatives/Downside:
PG-typical low FGP (42, but could go up if he cuts down on three-point attempts) and blocks (0.1) plus high turnovers (3.5). |
Analysis:
He's ranked lower most other places, but we couldn't see dropping him down any further. If he's over his knee injury, which he apparently is, he could return first-round value. In his last full year before the injury, he drained 205 threes and averaged 28.5 points per game! He's talking about not shooting threes this season, but he's still a risk worth taking at the end of Round 2. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 19 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 41 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Johnson is one of the best out there at threes (160). Also solid in scoring (20.8), assists (5.6), and FTP (81). For an elite shooting guard, his 4.5 rebounds are average and 1.0 steals and 2.4 turnovers not too bad. |
Negatives/Downside:
High-volume, low 44% FGP (610 FGM). Just 0.2 blocks, but we expect that for a shooting guard. |
Analysis:
Johnson will probably go a tad earlier in your draft, but we prefer our elite point guards. The improvement of teammates (Marvin Williams, Josh Smith) could help his FGP and assists. His playing for a new contract could help his scoring. JJ does a little bit of everything and isn't a bad choice in the second or third round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 22 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 49 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
You draft him high for his elite AST-STL (8.9-2.0) numbers and youthful upside. He also has very solid FGP (49) and rebound (5.3) numbers for a point guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
Of course, typical low PG BLK (0.2). The atypical low FTP (66) and threes (20) for a PG don't help. Low scoring average (13.0), though that could improve as he gains experience. |
Analysis:
Yes, we rate Rondo higher than the Big Three (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen). This young point guard has had some atypical point guard problems thus far in his career (poor FTP and threes), but he's a young star on the rise. He had some amazing games in the second half of last season and the playoffs, and we expect him to build off of those performances. The point guards after Rondo all have chinks in their armor. Go with the young stud in the late second or early third round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 21 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 46 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Extreme 1.8 steal and nice 5.4 assists. Solid scoring (19.3) and threes (90). Nice blocks from a shooting guard (0.5). |
Negatives/Downside:
Merely average percentages (46, 74). High turnovers (2.8). |
Analysis:
Iggy had a solid year last year and is still maturing, so he could reach new heights this season. With Andre Miller out of town, it's possible his assists could rise, depending on how Lou Williams does taking over at point guard. He's a good choice in the late second or third round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 23 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 42 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Extreme scoring (23.7) plus solid, high-volume 80% FTP. Nice rebounds (7.0), assists (3.5), steals (1.2) for a SF. Decent enough threes (70) and blocks (0.4). |
Negatives/Downside:
Low, high-volume 45% FGP (650 FGM). Poor turnovers (3.1). |
Analysis:
Anthony's scoring dipped last year during the regular season but rose again in the playoffs. Take him in the third round for his scoring and all-around contributions if you were able to get elite PG and C/PF types with your first two picks. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 24 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 38 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Excellent high-volume 52% FGP (490 FGM) and 8.8 rebounds. Solid 1.2-1.2 steals/blocks combo, and 1.8 turnovers is a low rate at this point in the draft. 82% FTP is low-volume for a third-round pick, but it works. 16.1 points doesn't hurt. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 2.8 assists these days, but what do you want from your power forward? Coming back from his knee injury, his minutes could be limited early in the season as he gets back into the swing of things and late in the season as the Celts get their regulars some extra regular season rest in preparation for the playoffs. |
Analysis:
Despite the likelihood of limited minutes and limited production, he's still better than most of the other power forwards in the league. Just carefully look at your other options before selecting him. It's always better to go younger and healthier if possible. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 25 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 39 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Elite high-volume 50% FGP (560 FGM), 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, plus a solid 19.2 points and just 2.1 turnovers. 3.4 assists nice from a big man. Qualifies as a center in Yahoo and ESPN (but not CBS). |
Negatives/Downside:
He is aging, and his balky knees require occasional rest through the season, resulting in surprise DNPs here and there. His minutes could be slightly reduced this year, as well, especially with Antonio McDyess and Richard Jefferson in town. Low, high-volume 69% FTP (320 FTM) and low 0.5 steals. No threes, but that's expected from a power forward. |
Analysis:
Despite the negatives, hes still a solid early round pick this year. You might consider the younger Brook Lopez or David West, but Duncan should still earn his elite status for one more year at least. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 26 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 36 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Best high-volume FTP in the NBA (86% on 610 FTP in 70 games). Prefect complement for Dwight Howard. Elite 25.0 points and 140 threes, as well. 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals not bad for a shooting guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
3.0 turnovers, high-volume 44% FGP, 2.8 assists not very helpful. 0.1 blocks about as bad as it gets in that department. |
Analysis:
If you can stomach the injury risk, Martin is a solid selection in the third round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 29 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 32 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
High-volume 82% FTP (420 FTM). 20.0 points, 120 threes. Solid (but not great) 5.5-3.9-1.0 RB-AST-STL. |
Negatives/Downside:
45% FGP could be better. 2.9 turnovers, 0.3 blocks don't help. |
Analysis:
Peirce is now a boring but solid fantasy player. You know what you'll get with him - nothing more, nothing less. He should just about match what he did last season. He's a good one to select in Round 3 of your draft. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 30 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 36 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Excellent high-volume percentages (48, 86) and rebounds (8.7). 21.0 points, 1.0 blocks, and 2.2 turnovers all solid. |
Negatives/Downside:
2.4 assists not terrible but not great. 0.7 steals a bit lacking. Just 5 threes, but that's expected from a big man. |
Analysis:
West is one of those solid, boring players, where you know what they're going to do night in and night out, which is a good type of player to nab in your third round. Little upside, but little downside. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 27 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 38 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Great rookie year last season. Top-notch, high-volume 52% (570 FGM), 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and just 2.0 turnovers. Our projected 16.8 points could even be low for him this season, with Vince Carter out of town. 78% FTP is good, too. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 1.4 assists and 0.7 steals. No threes, of course, as is the standard for most centers. |
Analysis:
The center position is so thin, it's nice to get one early. Take Lopez with confidence in the third round (or late second if you really want to fill your center position early). |
| Recommended Draft Position: 28 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 47 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
He's definitely a player with youthful energy and upside. Elite 1.7 steals. Nice, above-average combo of 20.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 80% FTP (260 FTM). 4.5 rebounds not bad for a PG/SG. |
Negatives/Downside:
Coming off major injury. 46% FGP not terrible, but not very helpful. Low 25 threes and 0.3 blocks. High 2.9 turnovers. |
Analysis:
As far as we can tell, the ankle is healed, and big things are in store for Monta Ellis this this season. He's an excellent upside pick in the third or fourth round of your draft and should have his best year ever in 09-10. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 33 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
|
|
$ |
25 |
|
$ |
0.0 (0) |
|
|
|
Hits: 48 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
Elite 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a beautiful 2.5 blocks. Solid 48% FGP (490 FGM), 16.7 points, and 3.0 assists. |
Negatives/Downside:
Fairly high-volume, low 66% FTP (290 FGM). Just 30 threes. 2.8 turnovers. |
Analysis:
Smith regressed in nearly every category last year. He's still young, though, and can easily get back to his 07-08 level of play, which was pretty exciting. We're projecting that for 09-10. Confidently take him as an across-the-board producer in the third round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 31 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
25 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 53 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Elite 7.5 assists. Nice, high-volume 48% FGP (595 FGM) for a point guard. Nice 80% FTP. 4.0 rebounds is good for a point guard. 2.7 turnovers in a vacuum isn't good, but it's not terrible for a point guard, especially a rookie. |
Negatives/Downside:
0.9 steals isn't terrible, but could be better from the PG position. Just 0.2 blocks is expected from the position, but only 20 threes is weak. |
Analysis:
Coming off a great rookie season, expect even more from Rose in 09-10. He's an excellent choice in the third or fourth round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 34 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
25 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 44 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Elite 7.8 assists and 1.5 steals. 15.8 points (with the potential for more). A solid 100 threes. 0.4 blocks isn't bad for a point guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
Low percentages (39, 71), high turnovers (3.0). Not many rebounds (3.5), but that's typical for a point guard. |
Analysis:
It's hard to tell if Baron had an off year because of injury last year or is declining at age 30 or didn't play well in his first year with the Clippers or won't ever score again with the Clippers like he used to elsewhere. The fact is, though, that he's one of the last point guards available in the third or fourth round that can approach 8.0 assists. Feel your league out for point guards, and you can usually wait until the fourth-through-sixth round to take him, but do consider taking the risk in order to roster those assists. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 32 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
25 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 38 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Helpful 81% high-volume FTP (330 FTM). Excellent 19.4 points, 120 threes, and just 2.0 turnovers. Solid 5.0-4.3-1.0-0.4 REB-AST-STL-BLK. 45% FGP won't kill you. |
Negatives/Downside:
None! Well, just the fact that you never really know what you'll get when a player plays in a new environment. Sometimes there's a bit of an adjustment period. |
Analysis:
Carter's numbers should hold steady in his new locale. Expect another good year from Vinsanity, playing alongside Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis now. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 36 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
24 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 41 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He's the best player on his team. Excellent across-the-board stats. Elite 1.9 steals and above-average 18.0-7.6-0.9 power numbers (PTS-REB-BLK). His 46-78 percentages aren't bad, and neither are his 50 threes, 2.8 assists or 2.2 turnovers. |
Negatives/Downside:
He gets hurt often. Otherwise, none, statistically speaking. |
Analysis:
You can look past the injury problems with Wallace and draft him anyway. His skills are too good to pass up on in the third or fourth round. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 37 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
24 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 41 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Elite high-volume 87% FGP (330 FTM) and 1.9 steals. Good 20.6-6.6-4.0 PTS-REB-AST. Solid 75 threes. Acceptable 46% FGP. |
Negatives/Downside:
Seems to constantly be battling nagging injuries (67, 58, and 63 games played over the last three seasons). 3.0 turnovers doesn't help. 0.3 blocks not the best, but okay for his swing man position. |
Analysis:
Butler is solid pretty much across the board. His biggest bug-a-boo is his proclivity for missed games. If you can stomach that aspect of his being, he's a nice player to have on your fantasy roster. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 35 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
24 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 36 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Elite 11.0 rebounds and 150 threes. Solid 46 & 80 percentages, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 turnovers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 2.2 assists, but that's par for the course with power forwards. 0.5 blocks is low for a power forward. |
Analysis:
Murphy is a good player, but I never seem to end up with him, as there's always somebody else in Round 4 or 5 that I end up wanting more. He also hasn't topped 75 games played since the 2002-2003 season, so there's the games played issue. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 41 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 33 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Awesome 55% FGP and 11.0 rebounds. Average 15.5 points, 78% FTP, and 0.9 assists. 1.9 turnover rate not terrible. |
Negatives/Downside:
Could be better in blocks (0.4), for his position. No threes and just 2.0 assists, but we expect those kinds of numbers from big men. |
Analysis:
Lee should basically repeat what he did last season. He's in a very fantasy-friendly offense in New York and will certainly earn his Round 4 selection position. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 39 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 37 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Very nice FGP (49% on 610 FGM) and 18.0-7.7-1.0-1.1 PTS-REB-STL-BLK. Just 1.6 turnovers is a good rate. 77% FTP is not bad at all for a big man. |
Negatives/Downside:
No threes and low assists (2.0), but he's a power forward, so that's expected. |
Analysis:
As power forwards go, Aldridge is one of the best. Too bad he no longer qualifies at center. No matter, though. He's still an excellent pick in Round 4 of your fantasy draft. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 38 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 36 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
A unique, elite combo of an 84% FTP, 150 threes, and 1.3 blocks. 16.3-5.6 PTS-REB is acceptable. We can live with his 1.9 turnover rate. He is still developing and could very well exceed expectations. |
Negatives/Downside:
44% FGP hurts a bit, and just 1.3 assists and 0.5 steals don't help. |
Analysis:
Perhaps his best attribute is the fact that he would be the best player on the team if they end up trading Chris Bosh away. Regardless, he's a rising young star. Catch him on the way up and enjoy the ride. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 42 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 39 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Strong 80% FTP and 120 threes for a big man. Solid 16.6-7.9 PTS-REB. Respectable 47% FGM, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 turnovers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Tends to get dinged and miss time (72 games in each of the last two years). Low assists, but that's expected for a center. Low blocks for a center (0.6), but the threes make for a nice trade-off. |
Analysis:
Okur is a fine pick in general in Round 4 or 5, but he's better there in 2-center and/or 12-team leagues, given his deficiencies. Weigh your options in 10-team, 1-center leagues. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 40 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 32 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Elite 88% FTP to go along with solid 48% FGP, 120 threes, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, just 2.0 turnovers, and 16.0 points. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 3.4 rebounds and 0.1 blocks, but that's expected for a point guard. |
Analysis:
Your league-mates could very well under-value Nelson this season based on just 42 games played in 08-09. If the devalued perception exists, take advantage. At the least, excess quality at the point guard position can always be traded during the season. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 45 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
22 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 34 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Very nice 49% FGP on 635 FGM. Solid 20.0-7.0 PTS-AST combo. 76% FTP and 0.9 steals are acceptable. 2.5 turnovers is not a terrible rate for a lead point guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
The low 3.0-0.1 REB-BLK combo is expected for a point guard. Just 25 threes from the position hurts, though. |
Analysis:
Scoring could drop a bit with Richard Jefferson in town, but assists could rise to make up for it. Parker is still a solid choice once the more complete point guards are off the board. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 43 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
22 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 36 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Nice, high-volume 80% FT% to complement 17.0 points, 6.5 assists and 1.4 steals. 5.0 rebounds is fantastic for a point guard. |
Negatives/Downside:
The low 0.2 blocks are expected for a point guard, but the 42% FGM and 3.4 turnover rate numbers hurt. Just 40 threes is weak for a guard. |
Analysis:
Westbrook has gone up, up, up the rankings this preseason, and with good reason. He could easily surpass our projections in several categories. Buy him for his upside - maybe even a little earlier than #44. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 44 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
22 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 32 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Big 59% FGP, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. Solid 16.1 points and 1.8 turnovers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Just 1.7 assists and no threes expected from a center, but his 0.5 steals rate is a low, as well as his 72% FTP. |
Analysis:
Bynum is a great one to target this year. Others will be scared off by last year's injury, but all signs point to a big 09-10 season, so get him on your team in Round 5. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 46 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
21 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 39 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Big 53% FGP, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Solid enough 73% FTP, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 turnovers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Low 13.3 points. Typical lack of threes (0) and assists (2.0) from his position. |
Analysis:
He is looking to score more this season and is as as solid as they get when it comes to C/PF combos at this point in the draft. Select Horford with confidence. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 48 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
21 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 36 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
59% FGP, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks are just what you want from your #1 center. 1.0 steals and 1.9 turnovers aren't bad. |
Negatives/Downside:
57% FTP is bad, but not terribly high-volume (135 FTM). It would be nice if he scored more (just 11.5 points), and he offers typically low assists for a center (2.0). |
Analysis:
He only played 62 games last season, but he's young, and he just missed six games the previous season and played all 82 the year before that. Take him for his solid power numbers, youth, and upside. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 47 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
21 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 42 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Nice 52% FGP and 20-10 points-rebounds. Solid 1.1 steals. Acceptable 2.6 assists (for a power forward). |
Negatives/Downside:
Zero threes and just a 72% FTP, but that's expected from a big man. 2.4 turnover ratio is a bit high. Just 0.4 blocked shots isn't enough for a power forward. |
Analysis:
After owning Boozer in past years, the 20-10 looks nice, but we're not impressed. He no longer fits in Utah and will likely be traded, but how will he fit in on his new team. Wa also want our PF to block shots. And can he stay healthy after playing in only 37 last year, 33 in 05-06, and 51 in 04-05. Try Elton Brand (more blocks) or somebody else similar here or later (like one of the young Kings Spencer Hawes or Jason Thompson). |
| Recommended Draft Position: 52 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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$ |
19 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 28 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Nice big man numbers in 50% FGP, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. should bounce back with 18.0 points, 0.7 steals, and a 75% FTP. |
Negatives/Downside:
Typical low threes (0) and assists (2.0) for a big man. 2.4 turnovers is a high rate for a power forward. |
Analysis:
Brand disappointed in 08-09 due to injury and adjusting to his new team. He should be much better on both accounts in 09-10 and could easily out-earn his draft position. Give Brand a try this season, if you can get him. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 51 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
19 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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