Up and coming NBA players
 

My fantasy basketball season is starting up again (it's a year-round 16-team dynasty league complete with salary cap and developmental roster spots). I figure I'll draw on the collective forum wisdom.

Two questions:

1. What are some sleeper players who really figure to break out next year? These could be regular starters who really are coming around and could be top notch guys, young bench players who figure to get more PT, etc. I'm looking for guys 27 years old or younger. Known players who still have upside count, Joe Johnson or Larry Hughes for example.

2. Who are some quality guys in the draft that you think will be solid NBA players. I want guys who will likely contribute somewhat in their first year. Think 20 mpg or more.

If it matters, we 9 categories:

FT% FG% 3pt%
rebounds assists blocks steals points turnovers.

To help the discussion, here are some guys I'm already looking at (many of whom I couldn't acquire for all the tea in China). Comments on them are appreciated.

In no order

Al Jefferson
Josh Smith
Chris Bosh
Primoz Brezec
Andre Iguodala
Chris Kaman
Jameer Nelson



For the record, here is my roster (we start 12):
C Dampier
C Lorenzen Wright
C Brian Grant
C Vlade
C Francisco Elson

F Battier
F Brand
F Chandler
F Garnett
F Prince
F Tim Thomas
F Austin Croshere

G Arenas
G Rick Brunson
G Cassell
G Ben Gordon
G Hinrich
G Devin Brown

Developmental squad:
C Mario Kasun
G Carlos Delfino
G Quinton Ross

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Sebastian Telfair will most likely get a lot of playing time next year, as well as Joel Pryzbilla.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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as well as Joel Pryzbilla.

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What about Theo? Also, is there a chance they play Zach at the 5 ala Amare?

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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as well as Joel Pryzbilla.

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What about Theo? Also, is there a chance they play Zach at the 5 ala Amare?

[/ QUOTE ]I think Joel proved himself down the stretch to be better than Theo last year. As for Zach, his shoulder is [censored] up ala Jamal Mashburn. I would expect to see him playing PF and not center. Although, I think there is a good chance that Portland makes a few trades and dumps some of their older players. Remember, Damon will be gone, so will Van Exel and Shareef.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

All the Celtics young guns. I hope that Ainge cleans us out of all the old men and lets the young guys play more.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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All the Celtics young guns. I hope that Ainge cleans us out of all the old men and lets the young guys play more.

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Who other than Allen and AlJef?

Do you think Allen can really be an NBA starter? What about his shooting?

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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All the Celtics young guns. I hope that Ainge cleans us out of all the old men and lets the young guys play more.

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Who other than Allen and AlJef?

Do you think Allen can really be an NBA starter? What about his shooting?

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I think given some PT, Perkins could develop into a great center. He is very large, very intense, and probably just needs to work on conditioning.

Delonte is a natural player who does everything well.

TA is VERY athletic, crashes the boards, plays great D, and will probably spend a lot of time working on shooting this offseason.

All AlJef needs to do to become an elite PF is work on conditioning (playing 40 min/game is what I'd like) and work on his skills in double teams. Again, this is achievable.

IMO, Banks is already there and just needs to be given the reigns to the team. His head may be a little screwy as it was clear that the C's did better when GP was on the court then Banks (although GP is an elite PG and has TONS of experience).

So basically I think that out of the bunch only AlJef will contribute this year, but I'd look at TA and Perk as long term guys. Banks and Delonte are both great in their own ways, but I prefer Banks although Delonte is probably a better leader at this point.

For fantasy contribution I don't think TA will be that good this year, but maybe towards the end of the season we will notice him as a more controlled, better shooter.

Edit- to be more concise here's how long until they're solid contributers to the roster:
AJ: Next year (20-30 MPG)
Delonte: Depends on the status of GP but I think he could get 10-15 this year and when we finally get rid of Pierce, be a good 6th or 7th man off the bench
Banks: This year depends on GP, but I could see him being the starting PG and being very, very good. I have very high hopes for him and just think he needs to mature a tiny bit more.
Perkins: Will be a GREAT center as soon as he's in top shape/the Celtics management realizes how good he is.
Allen: Will either be a starter or quick off the bench this year, but will put up solid minutes either way. He's only a jump shot away from being an elite 2 guard.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Nick Collison really started to impress late last season.

You know that I loathe Phil, but I think Lamar Odom will really flourish under Jax.

I love Igoudala...what about Dalembert?

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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think given some PT, Perkins could develop into a great center. He is very large, very intense, and probably just needs to work on conditioning

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Cool. That's the kind of stuff that really helps. I won't have a roster spot for him as he's too much of a project and our developmental spots are only for first or second year players, but he's a guy I can keep my eye on for future deals.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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Nick Collison really started to impress late last season.

You know that I loathe Phil, but I think Lamar Odom will really flourish under Jax.

I love Igoudala...what about Dalembert?

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Dalembert is nice. I doubt I could acquire him at a reasonable price though.

Collison though, I could get him. I just pulled in his stats - he was top 100 in our league over the last month. That's very very nice for a 24 year old who's basicically a rookie. Nice call Josh.

Odom has a HUGE salary in our league.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

For the interested (I'm guessing no one) here are the top 50 players from last year under our fantasy system, on a per game played value.

1-10
Garnett,Kevin
Artest,Ron
Nowitzki,Dirk
Marion,Shawn
Stoudemire,Amare
Miller,Brad
Kirilenko,Andrei
James,Lebron
Duncan,Tim
Brand,Elton

11-20
Johnson,Joe
Nash,Steve
Carter,Vince
Camby,Marcus
Ming,Yao
Billups,Chauncey
Stojakovic,Peja
Pierce,Paul
Lewis,Rashard
Hill,Grant

21-30
Marshall,Donyell
Simmons,Bobby
Abdur-rahim,Shareef
Mobley,Cuttino
Terry,Jason
Wade,Dwyane
Marbury,Stephon
Gasol,Pau
Ilgauskas,Zydrunas
Thomas,Kurt

31-40
Webber,Chris
Gooden,Drew
Jones,Damon
Arenas,Gilbert
Bosh,Chris
Miller,Mike
Ginobili,Manu
Wallace,Ben
Korver,Kyle
Hughes,Larry

41-50
Bibby,Mike
Allen,Ray
O'neal,Jermaine
Haslem,Udonis
Howard,Dwight
Brown,P.j.
Kidd,Jason
Lafrentz,Raef
Knight,Brevin
Boozer,Carlos

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

I did not think Rashard was ranked that high. Interesting. Plus Artest, wow. I still think the Pacers beat the Pistons this year with Ron.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Wow, was Marshall really that good? I remember him being very good 2 years back, but it looks like he got a lot worse.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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I did not think Rashard was ranked that high.

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He gives you a little of everything, which is important. 1.0 stl, 1.0 blk, low turnovers at 1.7 and all while hitting over 40% from 3pt while taking a lot of them (over 6 attempts/game).

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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Wow, was Marshall really that good? I remember him being very good 2 years back, but it looks like he got a lot worse.

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He was almost top 10 last year. He's another who does a lot of everything. Similar line to Lewis, but a higher 3pt% and an astounding 0.6 TO/game. Fewer points though.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Awesome.

Some known players who are about to break out:
Dwight Howard
Chris Bosh
Ben Gordon
Tyson Chandler

Sleepers:
Devin Harris, 22- Great young PG, and now that Dirk has Jason Terry on his shitlist, I expect Harris to get plenty more time to shine. Go Badgers.

Al Harrington, 25- Playing for the Hawks again, getting comfortable as a leading scorer, he's going to put up big numbers.

Udonis Haslem, 25- Hopefully he doesn't get a bloated contract, or let go. He had solid stats this year, and will probably improve next year.

Caron Butler, 25- Great stats this year, and he will only improve under Jackson.

Luke Walton, 25- Not going to be a big time player, but he will get a lot more PT this year because of the return to the triangle offense.

Luke Ridnour, 24- Great shooter, great assist to turnover ratio. He's all upside.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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Some known players who are about to break out:
Dwight Howard
Chris Bosh
Ben Gordon
Tyson Chandler


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Don't most consider Gordon and Chandler very good players already? FWIW, I think Chandler will be as good if not better as Wallace next season.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

I think Devin Harris is going to have a good 2nd year at Dallas. Jason Terry isn't a true point gaurd, and isn't nearly as quick or as good as a defender as Harris. Plus Avery Johnson borught him along slowly last year as he didn't want a rookie PG in his 1st season as a coach, but I think that will change next year as Harris reminds me of Steve Nash, perfect for Dallas.

A huge sleeper is Ndudi Ebi of the t-wolves. They got a new coach and are cleaning house this year. I think they are going move to a younger quicker lineup and with the wolves salary cap sitatuion Ebi a former 1st rounder might be one of there few options. Plus, I know it was garbage time but he played the last two games last year and look good (avg 15pts 8 Boards)


Also what about Reggie Evans of Seattle. He is a monster on the boards?

Btw the way your centers are trash. Well, I guess all centers in the league suck, so on second thought nevermind.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Phoenix beat me to Devin. [censored]'em Bucky.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

If they keep Gordon on the bench next year I'll eat my hat. Last year was the introduction, next year is going to be his coming out party. He will become an elite player next year, whereas he was more of a second or third tier star this year.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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Phoenix beat me to Devin. [censored]'em Bucky.

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I'll third Devin Harris. Guy is nasty and with Avery's help could develop into a great PG.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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If they keep Gordon on the bench next year I'll eat my hat. Last year was the introduction, next year is going to be his coming out party. He will become an elite player next year, whereas he was more of a second or third tier star this year.

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I agree. I don't know for sure but I think that Chandler and Curry are both FA's (don't recall if it's restricted or unrestricted) this summer? Or is it next? Also, what's the deal with Curry's health? If they can get both back, I am certain they'll win the East.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

I actually traded Caron Butler for Ben Gordon midway through the year last year. Ridnour is a great call, I think he'll keep getting better.

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I'll keep my eye on Ebi. He could be a good roster-filler-outer for the league minimum. Nice tip, thanks.

Reggie gets rebounds, but almost nothing else and he kills your FT%.

Yeah, my centers stink. I'm trying to find a way to justify moving Chandler to Center but it'll be hard if they bring back Curry.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

A guy from Wisconsin traded for Devin Harris late last year (he way way overpaid - gave up the 3rd pick in this years draft for him). No way can I get him.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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If they can get both back, I am certain they'll win the East.

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Biiiig stretch. The Pacers are winning the East next year, guaranteed. If Pat Riley takes some kind of coaching role in Miami, the Heat become the second strongest team in the league. If the Pistons keep Larry Brown, they'll win as many games as they want to, again. Who knows what Lebron is going to do in his third year? And lets not forget about the New Jersey RJ/VC/JK experiment, which could make a lot of noise. Unlike this year, the East is looking to be stacked up top next year. Chicago is going to have to overachieve just to take third. I still like them for 50+ wins though, if they retain both big men.

Sorry for the thread tangent Clark.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

The danger with ridnour is he's on a team with all free agents. I dunno what your league schedule is like, but try to watch how the sonics shape up.

When you have great shooters like rayray and rashard and flip murray, it's easy to drive and dish. it's also easy to post guys up, because you can't double down. I guess i'm saying i like ridnour, but he was in the PERFECT situation for him last year. next year may be much different.

josh

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Clark,

Sleepers:
-Nenad Krstic, C
-Mike Sweetney, F
-Trevor Ariza, F
-Rasual Butler, F
-Shaun Livingston, G (when healthy)
-TJ Ford, G (when healthy)
-Juan Dixon, G
-Nazr Mohammed, C (I think he may have just turned 28 but isn't old)
-Ronald Murray, G (if Ray Allen doesn't resign with Seattle)
-Joel Pryzbilla, C
-Sebastian Telfair, G
-Jamaal Tinsley, G (this guy is so far under everyones radar)

Solid Draft Contributors:
-Chris Paul
-Danny Granger
-Fran Vasquez
-Andrew Bogut (more likely to pick it up after allstar break)
-Raymond Felton

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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I'll keep my eye on Ebi. He could be a good roster-filler-outer for the league minimum. Nice tip, thanks.

Reggie gets rebounds, but almost nothing else and he kills your FT%.

Yeah, my centers stink. I'm trying to find a way to justify moving Chandler to Center but it'll be hard if they bring back Curry.

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I know this is off topic clark, but do you have any word on Curry's heart thing, I'm in a similar('keeper') league and have him on my team....

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

I'd say some sleepers are Nenad Krystc, Juan Dixon (when/if Larry Hughes leaves), and Raymond Felton (if he starts in the NBA fairly early in his rookie year).

Watch out for Anderson Varejao (Brazillian forward from the Cavs) in 1 or 2 years, he's gonna be sick.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

I don't think Gordon will be a first tier star next year at all. He shoots the ball well, but it seems he forces way too much (barely 40% FGs), and his all-round game isn't very good. He doesn't rebound the ball and has more TOs than assists.

He is definately good, but a little overestimated this season IMO.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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I don't think Gordon will be a first tier star next year at all. He shoots the ball well, but it seems he forces way too much (barely 40% FGs), and his all-round game isn't very good. He doesn't rebound the ball and has more TOs than assists.

He is definately good, but a little overestimated this season IMO.

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The main thing that gave Gordon so much publicity was his amazing 4th quarters. If he could play like he did in the 4th over the course of a game he'd be a fantastic player. For some reason in his rookie year the only time he seemed to put it all together was the 4th.

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I don't think Gordon will be a first tier star next year at all. He shoots the ball well, but it seems he forces way too much (barely 40% FGs), and his all-round game isn't very good. He doesn't rebound the ball and has more TOs than assists.

He is definately good, but a little overestimated this season IMO.

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The main thing that gave Gordon so much publicity was his amazing 4th quarters. If he could play like he did in the 4th over the course of a game he'd be a fantastic player. For some reason in his rookie year the only time he seemed to put it all together was the 4th.

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This is because he was a bench player. That means that for most of the 1st/3rd quarters, he'd be riding pine. The second quarter would also be spotty play, based on foul trouble, effectiveness.

But because he was so clutch, Skiles would have him on the floor in the 4th consistently.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

The real deep FBB Philly sleeper is Willie Green. Igoudala is nice, and Cheeks will love the way he plays, so Green might not get the PT he needs if Cheeks plays Korver as much as O'Brien did.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Good stuff guys. Keep it coming.

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JR Smith should get more time this year and he started doing well at the end of last season. He will probably average 15 or so a game this year

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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JR Smith should get more time this year and he started doing well at the end of last season. He will probably average 15 or so a game this year

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I saw him his senior year of HS, he was amazing. Before the game he was dropping three's from half court and doing amazing dunks. I have no doubt he's going to be sensational.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

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Josh Smith

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Probably going to be overrated, but will get lots of playing time, because, well, there's no other draw in Atlanta.

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Chris Bosh

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Jameer Nelson

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I really don't know how to feel about him. I think he's a good solid PG, but will be hard pressed to find playing time with Francis there. If you want a sleeper G, who will get more PT, look at Bogans over on the Bobcats.

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Luke Ridnour, 24- Great shooter, great assist to turnover ratio. He's all upside.

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I wouldn't consider Ridnour a great shooter. He is a good playmaker and can score if needed (as well as an EXCELLENT free throw shooter), but his outside jumper (especially from behind the line) still needs some work.

His offensive game actually reminds me a lot of Gary Payton in his first couple of years- quick, creative around the basket, but not a great jump-shooter. If Luke ever starts knocking down open jumpers consistently, he will be really good.

Good call on Collison- he is a smart player with a huge upside IMHO.

Reggie Evans is a 1 trick pony. Rebounding is all he can do.

Re: Up and coming NBA players
 

Well I haven't watched too many Sonics game this year, but Ridnour's .376 3 point percentage is better than decent. At 40th in the league, he even has Ray Allen beat. I would agree that he could improve on that though. His FG% is pretty weak overall.