The younger teams are looking to make an impact in a division that has been dominated by veterans.
Minnesota and Oklahoma City were two of the worst teams in the league last year; but don’t let that turn you off when playing fantasy basketball since Al Jefferson and Kevin Durant were top players on each of those teams, respectively. Of course there are the big guns in Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy, and Deron Williams, but don’t forget about former 6th man, J.R. Smith, who will break into the starting rotation after his seven game suspension. Then there's the massive Paul Millsap who saw his minutes increase by 10 per game this past year. A lot of veterans are back, but make sure to always keep a few young sleepers (Aaron Afflalo and Nicholas Batum, for example) in your back pocket for when all of your favorite players come off the board.
DENVER NUGGETS
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| Will Brandon Roy's numbers fall off with the addition of a veteran point guard to the Trail Blazers? Photo Credit: Keith Allison |
KEY ADDITIONS
Ty Lawson (PG/SG)
Arron Afflalo (SG)
KEY LOSSES
Dahntay Jones (SG, IND)
Linas Kleiza (PF, Greece)
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
PG: Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Ty Lawson
SG: J.R. Smith (after suspension), Arron Afflalo
SF: Carmelo Anthony, Renaldo Balkman, James White
PF: Kenyon Martin, Malik Allen
C: Nene Hilario, Chris Andersen, Johan Petro
FANTASY STARTERS
CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (PG)
2008-09 Stats: 17.9 PTS, 3.0 REB, 6.4 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.2 BLK, 2.1 3PT, 42.0 FG%, 91.3 FT%, 2.3 TO
Billups should put up consistent numbers similar to what he had last year. If Smith gets more playing time, Cahuncey’s points may go down a couple but his assists would also increase, which is more of a positive for a point guard.
J.R. SMITH (SG/SF)
2008-09 Stats: 15.2 PTS, 3.7 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.2 BLK, 2.2 3PT, 44.6 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 1.9 TO
Smith will miss the first seven games of the season, but he’s always a threat to score and can supply plenty of three-pointers when needed, especially since his playing time is likely to increase.
CARMELO ANTHONY (SF)
2008-09 Stats: 22.8 PTS, 6.8 REB, 3.4 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.4 BLK, 1.0 3PT, 44.3 FG%, 79.3 FT%, 3.0 TO
Obviously a starter in all leagues, Anthony should see the same production this year, if not better as he is entering his prime.
NENE HILARIO (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 14.6 PTS, 7.8 REB, 1.4 AST, 1.2 STL, 1.3 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 60.4 FG%, 72.3 FT%, 1.9 TO
A newcomer to starting rosters, Nene put up the first quality numbers of his career last season. It wasn’t just points and rebounds, but he got blocks and shot a high field goal percentage, as well.
WORTH DRAFTING AS RESERVES
KENYON MARTIN (PF)
2008-09 Stats: 11.7 PTS, 6.0 REB, 3.4 AST, 2.0 STL, 1.1 BLK, 0.2 3PT, 49.1 FG%, 60.4 FT%, 1.6 TO
Martin is an injury risk, but is still roster worthy because he has quality numbers across most categories. He is more of a defender, but his lack of rebounding ability is a hindrance at his position.
CHRIS ANDERSEN (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 6.4 PTS, 6.2 REB, 0.4 AST, 0.6 STL, 2.5 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 54.8 FG%, 71.8 FT%, 1.6 TO
With the limited minutes that Andersen gets coming off the bench, he can get you blocks and a decent amount of rebounds. If you’re in need of either of these, and have an open spot on your roster, this is your bird, man.
PLAYERS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
ARRON AFFLALO (SG)
2008-09 Stats: 4.9 PTS, 1.8 REB, 0.6 AST, 0.4 STL, 0.2 BLK, 0.6 3PT, 43.7 FG%, 81.7 FT%, 0.6 TO
Even though Afflalo isn’t a prolific scorer, he can score when needed, netting 10.3 PTS as a starter in eight games last year with the Pistons. He is set to start the first seven games for the Nuggets this year, but if he plays well, he may keep the spot as J.R. Smith does not have the starting position locked.
FROM THE BLOGS
The Denver Stiffs take a look at Nene’s rise to becoming a formidable center for the Nuggets.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
KEY ADDITIONS
Ramon Sessions (PG/SG)
Damien Wilkins (SG/SF)
KEY LOSSES
Randy Foye (PG/SG, WAS)
Mike Miller (SG/SF, WAS)
Sebastian Telfair (PG, LAC)
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
PG: Ramon Sessions, Jonny Flynn, Antonio Daniels
SG: Damien Wilkins, Wayne Ellington, Aleksandar Pavlovic
SF: Ryan Gomes, Corey Brewer
PF: Kevin Love, Oleksly Pecherov, Brian Cardinal
C: Al Jefferson, Ryan Hollins, Mark Blount
FANTASY STARTERS
RAMON SESSIONS (PG/SG)
2008-09 Stats: 12.4 PTS, 3.4 REB, 5.7 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.1 BLK, 0.1 3PT, 44.5 FG%, 79.4 FT%, 1.9 TO
Sessions will have the job of taking over Foye’s spot, but could move to SG shortly if Flynn proves worthy enough. Still, only in his third year, his minutes should increase along with his numbers.
KEVIN LOVE (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 11.1 PTS, 9.1 REB, 1.0 AST, 0.4 STL, 0.6 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 45.9 FG%, 78.9 FT%, 1.5 TO
While averaging just over 25 minutes per game in his rookie season, Love put up respectable numbers. However, with an increased role this upcoming season, he should average a double-double.
AL JEFFERSON (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 23.1 PTS, 11.0 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.8 STL, 1.7 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 49.7 FG%, 73.8 FT%, 1.8 TO
As the highest paid player on the team, Jefferson provides the numbers to justify the money. He has averaged a consistent 11 REB for the past three years. Look for that to continue along with similar point totals.
WORTH DRAFTING AS RESERVES
JONNY FLYNN (PG/SG)
2008-09 Stats: Rookie
If Flynn shows the ability to jump right into one of the starting guard spots, he could provide quality assist numbers, and may be able to crack a spot as a PG1 toward the end of the season.
PLAYERS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
RYAN GOMES (SF/PF)
2008-09 Stats: 13.3 PTS, 4.8 REB, 1.7 AST, 0.8 STL, 0.3 BLK, 1.3 3PT, 43.1 FG%, 80.7 FT%, 1.6 TO
Gomes started 76 games last year, but may see a drop in numbers as Brewer will be back after tearing his ACL last year. Keep an eye on how this situation plays out.
FROM THE BLOGS
Update from the Twolves Blog; With one of the youngest roster’s in the league, the Timberwolves have been using Sessions a lot as the shooting guard, which will lead to more playing time for Flynn at point guard.
LORENZO'S SENSE AND CENTS: The Northwest is known mostly for it's youthful exuberance. With players like Kevin Durant, Al Jefferson, Brandon Roy and Deron Williams the Southwest boasts four guys under the age of 26 who will be perennial first-round talents for years to come. Carmelo Anthony (25 years old) will do his best to make his case as a top-20 talent this season. There is also plenty of young talent with high fantasy ceilings: LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, and even Greg Oden. Again, this division is defined by it's youth, so get to familiar with these names if you aren't already.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
KEY ADDITIONS
James Harden (PG/SG)
Etan Thomas (PF/C)
KEY LOSSES
Desmond Mason (SG/SF, SAC)
Damien Wilkins (SG/SF, MIN)
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
PG: Russell Westbrook, Shaun Livingston, Kevin Ollie
SG: Thabo Sefolosha, James Harden, Kyle Weaver
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Jeff Green, Nick Collison, D.J. White, Serge Ibaka
C: Nenad Krstic, Etan Thomas, B.J. Mullens
FANTASY STARTERS
RUSSELL WESTBROOK (PG)
2008-09 Stats: 15.3 PTS, 4.9 REB, 5.3 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.2 BLK, 0.4 3PT, 39.8 FG%, 81.5 FT%, 3.3 TO
Westbrook provided more than sufficient numbers last year for whoever drafted him. He should only improve on them this year, as Oklahoma did not do too much to bolster their roster.
KEVIN DURANT (SG/SF)
2008-09 Stats: 25.3 PTS, 6.5 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.7 BLK, 1.3 3PT, 47.6 FG%, 86.3 FT%, 3.0 TO
Durant made a huge stride by shooting 47.6% from the field last year. He was the silent assassin, scoring the fifth most points in the league. His totals should only increase with another year under his belt.
JEFF GREEN (SF/PF)
2008-09 Stats: 16.5 PTS, 6.7 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.4 BLK, 1.2 3PT, 44.6 FG%, 78.8 FT%, 2.2 TO
Yet another young gunner on the Thunder, Green is a beast on the court and shouldn’t be taken lightly. With even a slight improvement, he will be able to jump into the next tier of forwards.
WORTH DRAFTING AS RESERVES
JAMES HARDEN (PG/SG)
2008-09 Stats: Rookie
Harden has had a rough start to training camp, but he will be in a constant battle with Sefolosha throughout the season for the starting two-guard position. If Harden can’t get a spark early in the season, look to Sefolosha to have an increased role for the team.
PLAYERS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
NICK COLLISON (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 8.2 PTS, 6.9 REB, 0.9 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.7 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 56.8 FG%, 72.1 FT%, 1.0 TO
By no means is Collison a power center, but he is a better rebounder than Krstic, and should continue to produce more consistently than him in that area.
FROM THE BLOGS
Talks around Loud City consist of higher expectations for the upcoming season, and with this, comes the continued improvement of Durant, Green, and Westbrook, with Harden looking to make an impact early in the season.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
KEY ADDITIONS
Andre Miller (PG)
Dante Cunningham (SF/PF)
KEY LOSSES
Sergio Rodriguez (PG, SAC)
Channing Frye (PF/C)
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
PG: Andre Miller, Steve Blake, Jerryd Bayless
SG: Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez
SF: Nicholas Batum, Travis Outlaw, Martell Webster
PF: LeMarcus Aldridge, Juwan Howard, Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph
C: Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla
FANTASY STARTERS
ANDRE MILLER (PG)
2008-09 Stats: 16.3 PTS, 4.5 REB, 6.5 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.2 BLK, 0.2 3PT, 47.3 FG%, 82.6 FT%, 2.4 TO
Coming over from a less talented Philadelphia team, Miller should see a dip in scoring, but if he gels well into the offense, his assists should stay the same, or even increase.
BRANDON ROY (PG/SG)
2008-09 Stats: 22.6 PTS, 4.7 REB, 5.1 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.3 BLK, 1.1 3PT, 48.0 FG%, 82.4 FT%, 2.0 TO
Roy is a top player who will continue his success with the Trail Blazers, and the addition of Miller should increase the looks he gets, but it may also lead to a drop in his assists.
LEMARCUS ALDRIDGE (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 18.2 PTS, 7.5 REB, 1.9 AST, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK, 0.1 3PT, 48.4 FG%, 78.1 FT%, 1.5 TO
Aldridge is in danger of becoming a top big man, and if Oden ever lives up to his potential, he will find more room inside and outside, which can only mean good things.
WORTH DRAFTING AS RESERVES
GREG ODEN (C)
2008-09 Stats: 8.9 PTS, 7.0 REB, 0.5 AST, 0.4 STL, 1.1 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 56.4 FG%, 63.7 FT%, 1.4 TO
Everyone knows that Oden is really 30 years old, but does he have any post moves to show for it? Only time will tell, but even if he improves a little bit from last year, he should average at least a double-double.
PLAYERS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
NICOLAS BATUM (SG/SF)
2008-09 Stats: 5.4 PTS, 2.8 REB, 0.9 AST, 0.6 STL, 0.5 BLK, 0.8 3PT, 44.6 FG%, 80.8 FT%, 0.6 TO
Another young player with potential on the Trail Blazers, however there may not be enough bread to go around for everyone as he has to compete with three other multi-talented players in the starting lineup.
FROM THE BLOGS
Bust a Bucket believes that a bulked up Aldridge will breakout even more this year. Owners will be pleased even if he improves slightly, as he averaged a steady 18 PTS and 7.5 REB last year.
UTAH JAZZ
KEY ADDITIONS
Eric Maynor (PG/SG)
KEY LOSSES
None
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
PG: Deron Williams, Ronnie Price, Eric Maynor
SG: Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver
SF: Andrei Kirilenko, C.J. Miles, Matt Harpring
PF: Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap
C: Mehmet Okur, Kosta Koufos, Kyrylo Fesenko
FANTASY STARTERS
DERON WILLIAMS (PG)
2008-09 Stats: 19.4 PTS, 2.9 REB, 10.7 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.3 BLK, 1.0 3PT, 47.1 FG%, 84.9 FT%, 3.4 TO
Since his rookie season, almost all of Williams’ stats have increased gradually (that’s four years of basketball), however it will be very difficult to top his 10.7 AST last year, but hey, I’m not doubting it.
CARLOS BOOZER (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 16.2 PTS, 10.4 REB, 2.1 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.2 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 49.0 FG%, 69.8 FT%, 2.1 TO
Boozer had a rough time with injuries last year and it showed in his numbers, as he dropped 4.9 PTS from the previous season. He may not get back to the days of 21.1 PTS, but his rebounds should be consistent.
MEHMET OKUR (PF/C)
2008-09 Stats: 17.0 PTS, 7.7 REB, 1.7 AST, 0.8 STL, 0.7 BLK, 1.3 3PT, 48.5 FG%, 81.7 FT%, 1.8 TO
Three-baller Okur was lights out last year, shooting 45 percent from behind the arc, roughly a 6 percent increase from any of his previous years. As long as he keeps the stroke going, don’t look for a decrease in numbers even with the emergence of Millsap.
WORTH DRAFTING AS RESERVES
RONNIE BREWER (SG/SF)
2008-09 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 3.7 REB, 2.2 AST, 1.7 STL, 0.4 BLK, 0.3 3PT, 50.9 FG%, 70.2 FT%, 1.4 TO
Brewer was one of the most reliable players on the Jazz last year, starting 80 games, and it showed in his numbers. He is not an entirely dominant threat on offense, but he can still play defense and get you steals, while shooting a steady 51 percent from the floor.
PAUL MILLSAP (SF/PF)
2008-09 Stats: 13.5 PTS, 8.6 REB, 1.8 AST, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK, 0.0 3PT, 53.4 FG%, 69.9 FT%, 1.7 TO
Millsap busted onto the scene last year when the Boozer got hurt, and he’s not looking back. He poses a threat on the boards and in the paint, something the Jazz will continue to use as a counterpart to Boozer. Should Boozer get traded or injured, Millsap's value will shoot up.
PLAYERS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
ANDREI KIRILENKO (SF/PF)
2008-09 Stats: 11.6 PTS, 4.8 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.2 STL, 1.2 BLK, 0.3 3PT, 44.9 FG%, 78.5 FT%, 1.8 TO
Kirilenko (AK-47) has had an up and down career, but he seemed to have regained most of his form last year. His offensive numbers may deceive you, but when adding in his steals and blocks he can be a legitimate threat to throw in when needed.
FROM THE BLOGS
In a contract year, the Jazz Bots try to find out the likelihood of Boozer’s numbers increasing or getting hit by the injury plague again.
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