Post by fnamazin on Oct 25, 2006 14:46:02 GMT -7
Atlanta Hawks
Speedy Claxton (hand) is surprisingly ahead of schedule and ready to go for opening night. Outside of Lorenzen Wright being suspended for opening night, the Hawks have remained nearly injury free through camp. Shelden Williams is also playing much better and I think I've changed my mind on him. Don't draft him early, but if you need a PF late, he is probably a decent pick. Speaking of PF, Sekou Smith, ATL's beat writer, says Josh Smith will start at the 4 this year, with Marvin Williams at SF. Don't sleep on Smith, as he's not likely to last past the third round in your draft. And Zaza Pachulia is fine for a very late pick, but don't reach for him, especially with Wright around.
Boston Celtics
Theo Ratliff (back) and Delonte West (back and toe) have concerning injuries, but it sounds like both will be ready to go for opening night. Neither has played much yet, but West should play this weekend. Theo, on the other hand, may not see any preseason action, but still looks like a decent late-round center pick. But Kendrick Perkins should start and see about 30 mpg at center. Paul Pierce (hip) is a little dinged up, but nothing too serious. And Wally Szczerbiak is being held out of games simply to rest his knee. Doc Rivers says there's no plan to rest him on back-to-backs, but don't be surprised to see it happen.
Rajon Rondo has been very impressive and is climbing everyone's sleeper list at a high rate. We heard he couldn't shoot, but he's proving his critics wrong and if you need a late point guard, Rondo's not a bad choice. Sebastian Telfair should start at PG, but Rondo could push him for a split in minutes.
Ryan Gomes is still penciled in my book as starting at PF over Al Jefferson. Not sure it will be that way all year, but Gomes has clearly been outplaying Jefferson in camp and should be taken before Jefferson in drafts.
Charlotte Bobcats
Brevin Knight is already hurt (ankle) and questionable for the opener. This is Raymond Felton's breakout year and I'm less worried about BK buzz-hassling his value than I was a few weeks ago. Primoz Brezec lost some 15 pounds with an illness early in camp and is still not functioning at 100%. And with the league's sudden infatuation with "small ball," it's possible Bernie could start a front line of Emeka Okafor, Sean May and Adam Morrison, with Gerald Wallace and Felton in the backcourt. I'm not a big fan of Morrison for fantasy teams this year, as he's too one-dimensional. But Wallace has been shooting lights out thus far and has been rapidly climbing up draft boards for the last 10 days. Wallace and Atlanta's Josh Smith look ready to explode and they're both going in the third round of drafts right now.
Chicago Bulls
No major news out of Chicago. Big Ben is ready to rock and roll, Andres Nocioni and Luol Deng are likely to split time at small forward and Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon are entrenched in the backcourt. Tyrus Thomas has looked good and is worth a late-round flyer, well ahead of Atlanta's Shelden Williams. And P.J. Brown may be worth a late pick, while Thabo Sefolosha qualifies as a deep sleeper.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Larry Hughes' finger will never be right again, but he's playing through the pain and says he's going to play 82 games this year. I don't believe him, but hopefully he can stay healthy. Drew Gooden has been dealing with a quad strain, but should be a double-double machine this year. Rookie Daniel Gibson has been impressive and could eventually start at point guard this year. I like him as a deep sleeper also. Oh, and then there's the No. 1 overall pick in your draft. Need I say more?
Dallas Mavericks
Devin Harris (hamstring), Jerry Stackhouse (knee), Jason Terry (foot) and Dirk Nowitzki (rest) have spent very little time on the court thus far. Harris scares me just because of his injury history, and having Anthony Johnson around doesn't help either. He's still worth a shot in the later rounds, but the breakout year may not be coming. Dirk will be fine and should go in the first six picks in drafts. Terry is going to be ready for opening night, but shouldn't be taken in the first five rounds this year. And Josh Howard (and Avery Johnson) says he's going to focus on adding more assists and steals this year, making him look very appealing in fantasy leagues. Don't bother drafting Stackhouse, but you might want to pick him up after the season starts.
Denver Nuggets
It's an injury bonanza in Denver. Carmelo Anthony (mouth), Kenyon Martin (leg), Nene (knee) and Marcus Camby (foot) are all currently hurting. Melo is ready to rock this year, but I don't trust the other three farther than I can throw them. At least Nene finally played last night.
Also, J.R. Smith has failed to live up to expectations thus far and there's a chance he may not even start at shooting guard. Linas Kleiza qualifies as a deep sleeper here.
Detroit Pistons
Nazr Mohammed has looked fantastic and shoots FTs well for a big man. I like him this year, but in a chat with Rick Kamla this morning, he thinks Antonio McDyess is going to see a lot of time at center and negatively impact Nazr. I disagree, and reader Stuart B solidified my decision with the following email today:
I was just doing a little research and found that in the games in which he averaged at least 30 minutes last year, Nazr Mohammed averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block. He even gets a few steals (and hits free throws).
I think he gets his 30 minutes, or at least close to it, and should be a late-round steal this year.
Golden St. Warriors
Troy Murphy has a broken nose, but should be ready for the opener. He's going to play center this year, making him an excellent sleeper candidate. Baron Davis looks great, but despite having him on one team already, still scares me to death. Jason Richardson is out after knee surgery and I'm not sure I'd draft him this year. He certainly has value, but is a bit of a mystery. I love Mike Dunleavy (playing PF) to breakout this year, so don't hesitate to jump on him. And keep an eye on Dejuan Wagner. Don Nelson loves him, he has looked great thus far and could see nice minutes while JR is hurting.
Houston Rockets
Yao Ming and his toe injury look fine. Tracy McGrady also seems to have karma working in his favor and I like him as a second-rounder this year. He could make or break your fantasy team. Shane Battier is getting a lot of love, but I need to see it happen on the court before I'm sold. It still seems like he has to have late-round value though, especially in Roto leagues. Rafer Alston is underrated and should be a nice value pick if you need a starting point guard after the big names are gone. Luther Head is the big sleeper in Houston. Also keep your eye on Steve Novak, who has been shooting lights-out. Don't draft him, but you might want to pick him up if you find yourself in need of threes. And Bonzi Wells should probably be drafted, but we just don't have a feel for what he's going to produce this year, plus he's still not fully over his groin injury.
Indiana Pacers
Jermaine O'Neal (hammy, Achilles'), Danny Granger (hip), Al Harrington (hip) Jamaal Tinsley (mouth) and Stephen Jackson (run over by a car, legal woes up the wahzoo) are all banged up. I honestly think the only Pacers I would draft this season are Granger, who's a popular sleeper pick, and Harrington, but that's just me.
L.A. Clippers
Chris Kaman is trying to figure out whether to accept the Clips' $50 million offer or not. Sam Cassell has been out with a calf injury, while Shaun Livingston has been playing well. It looks like Livingston will be the starter, but Cassell will split time with him when healthy. Tim Thomas has a back problem and I'm just not sold on drafting him this year. Corey Maggette could start due to Thomas' injury, while Cuttino Mobley looks solid. Yes, he volunteered to come off the bench, but I doubt Mike Dunleavy goes that route. And Elton Brand is a rock-star pick in the first round. Anywhere from 6-12 works for EB.
L.A. Lakers
Kobe Bryant's knee officially has me concerned. Rick Kamla has him somewhere around 22. I'm concerned, but not crazy. Kobe should still probably be taken in the first six picks, but he won't see action until the regular season (and that's even still up in the air) and his knee is unproven, if anything. He's a high risk-high reward player if there ever was one.
Vladimir Radmanovic (hand) and Kwame Brown (shoulder) are hurting too, as both await results of an MRI. I'm not a big fan of Radmanovic and his inconsistent shooting, and this injury makes me even more leery. I think Kwame will be ok, but we'll have to see what the test says. Update: Just after I posted this, the news came down that Kwame will miss about a month with a shoulder injury. Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf and Brian Cook will probably all see time at center, but I'm not sure I'd want any of them on my fantasy team. Lamar Odom looks fine and should be taken in the first couple rounds. Andrew Bynum qualifies as a sleeper if Kwame and Chris Mihm (ankle) are unavailable, while Luke Walton is a sleeper who might see extended clock if Radmanovic and Kobe struggle with their injuries early. Smush Parker should be a late-round value pick, excelling in threes and steals.
Memphis Grizzlies
Pau Gasol (foot) shouldn't play before January, making it tough to take him in the first seven or eight rounds. Damon Stoudamire looks good on his rebuilt knee, but Jake Tsakalidis has struggled mightily as the team's only center. Nazr Mohammed (Detroit) looks much, much better to me. Alexander Johnson, Hakiim Warrick and Rudy Gay are all nice sleeper candidates, although Gay is currently slowed by a bruised chest. And even though I said I would never, ever go here again…Stromile Swift looks like a can't-miss PF this year. There. I said it. I'm sure he'll let us all down again, but he has to produce in Memphis. "Am I right, Dude?"
Miami Heat
Jason Williams isn't ready to go yet, but shouldn't miss more than a week or two as he recovers from knee surgery. I don't like Shaq this year, as I just sense a lot of missed games and free throws headed your way if you draft him. Dwyane Wade is money, although his nagging hand injury is a bit of a concern. He'll go in the Top 6 of most drafts this year, as he should. And be prepared to have Antoine Walker staring you in the face in the 10th round. The lure to pick him up will be tough to overcome and succumbed to the pressure in one draft. I mean, is he really a risk in the 10th round?
Milwaukee Bucks
Mo Williams (thumb), Bobby Simmons (heel) and Andrew Bogut (leg) are all hurting right now. I didn't drop Bogut too far, as he should only miss a couple weeks. Look for Brian Skinner to start at center in the meantime. Simmons' injury is a little scary and Ruben Patterson will start in his place. Williams is perpetually injured and will split time with Steve Blake at point guard. All of these problems appear to be setting Michael Redd and Charlie Villanueva up for big years, so don't sleep on them.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves are pretty healthy right now, outside of Rashad McCants' microfracture surgery. Randy Foye looks like he's coming off the bench behind Trenton Hassell, at least initially, as Dwane Casey is all about defense this year. Troy Hudson qualifies as a deep-sleeper, while Kevin Garnett, Mike James and Ricky Davis all look good to go. Marko Jaric could play some forward this year and is also a deep sleeper, while Mark Blount should be an acceptable third fantasy center.
NOK Hornets
Peja Stojakovic finally played on Wednesday, but his shooting was brutal. I am staying away from Peja again this year, as the vibes just aren't good with him right now. Tyson Chandler and David West have minor ankle injuries and should be fine, while Desmond Mason qualifies as a sleeper this season. Point Guard Chris Paul is going in first rounds this year, while Bobby Jackson should make for a nice late-round value pick.
New Jersey Nets
Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson all look good to go. Marcus Williams is going to be out for an extended time with a wrist injury, but was setting up to have some value before he went down. Nenad Krstic came back from a neck injury and had a nice game on Wednesday and Antoine Wright has looked great thus far. I like Wright as a late flier pick, and if he does well it will help me overcome the fact that I was too high on him last year. I should have known since he was playing behind a guy named Vince. Oh, wait…You mean he's still playing behind Vince? Hmmm.
New York Knicks
Stephon Marbury's lack of assists thus far is concerning, but he should get it worked out soon. Quentin Richardson looks like the starting SF with Jared Jeffries out two months with a broken wrist, and Steve Francis and Jamal Crawford should both be drafted while splitting time at SG. Eddy Curry should be in line for his best season ever, while David Lee should also have a little sleeper value helping to fill in for Jeffries. And if there was ever a bust candidate, it's Jalen Rose this year. He's been horrible whenever he's been on the floor and Isiah said something about him not having any gas left in the tank. Ouch.
Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard (who should qualify at center this year) looks like a beast thus far and if you can live with his FT%, is a great second-round pick. In one of my industry leagues that is drafting as we speak, I landed Shawn Marion at No. 5 and Howard with my next pick. (Josh Smith or Joe Johnson next? Hmmm). Jameer Nelson should be solid, but I see people reaching for him in the third round…He should not go before the fourth or fifth round in my opinion. Darko Milicic is dealing with a bruised back but should be ok. I like him after the sixth round and he could be starting before Thanksgiving. Grant Hill is finally healthy and I'm even supporting taking him in the ninth or 10th round. If he stays on his feet, he should be a steal, but that's a mighty big if. Hedo Turkoglu should start at SF, while Hill looks like the starting SG. Don't bother drafting J.J. Redick, who's dealing with several injury issues, but keep your eye on him after the first month of the season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Samuel Dalembert has a hamstring problem and is sitting out, trying to get healthy. If he is healthy, I really think he's going to be a great fantasy center this year. Of course, I said that last year, too. Chris Webber, Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala and Kyle Korver are all healthy and I like them all for fantasy use this season. But I don't think I'd draft Webber because he can only play on one leg for so long. Right?
Phoenix Suns
Amare Stoudemire has been hurting again lately, but has looked pretty good when he's played. I don't like the way Mike D'Antoni is talking about "having to learn to play without him" and will not be drafting Amare this year. Kurt Thomas qualifies as a deep sleeper because he's healthy and could see minutes on nights when Amare is out. Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw and Raja Bell all look great and Marion can even be taken with the first overall pick in your draft. I was ecstatic to get him at No. 5 a couple hours ago.
Portland Trailblazers
Jarrett Jack, Zach Randolph, Joel Przybilla, Jamaal Magloire, Brandon Roy and Martell Webster are all worthy draftees this year. Jack and Webster qualify as sleepers, but the other guys should all be drafted with confidence. Raef LaFrentz is out with a partially torn calf muscle and I don't like him with Magloire, Przybilla and Randolph around.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been very quiet thus far. Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Ron Artest are all solid this year, but don't take Artest too early, if for no other reason than the fact he's nuts. He's also dealing with nagging injuries, but has been playing through them. The fourth or fifth round sounds about right for him. Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas could spit time at PF and Kevin Martin and John Salmons will probably split time at SG, making them tough picks.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs look healthy and Tim Duncan went in the first round of one of my drafts. I like him better around the 14th pick, but he could be great again this year. Fabricio Oberto could end up starting at center if the Francisco Elson experiment doesn't work out, but right now Elson should be a nice late-round pickup. Oberto qualifies as a deep sleeper. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen will start alongside Elson and Duncan.
Seattle Sonics
Luke Ridnour is supposedly the starting point guard in Seattle, although I'm still in denial over that one. He's still got a thumb injury that is keeping him out right now and I'm more likely to draft Earl Watson first, but I'm not sure I can tell you to do the same. Everyone's favorite sleeper, Chris Wilcox, has been outplayed by Nick Collison this preseason, but I'm sticking with Wilcox as the guy with all the fantasy value. Johan Petro and Robert Swift are still battling for the starting center job, while Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen look good to go. Allen has a gimpy ankle right now, but it's not thought to be serious.
Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh has a mysterious heel injury right now and I am actually starting to get a little worried about it, thanks to Mark F's email this morning, that read:
As for Bosh, they keep saying the heel injury is no big deal, but I've seen too many players royally screwed by heel injuries that at first are coined "not serious".
Mark's right, as we have no idea what his prognosis is. However, I'm sticking with Bosh and still think he's a Top 15 pick in most leagues. Just beware that Mark told you so if Bosh's injury turns out to be serious. T.J. Ford, Morris Peterson, Fred Jones, Anthony Parker, Andrea Bargnani and Rasho Nesterovic all look to have some fantasy value, but outside of Ford and Peterson, you're rolling the dice. And keep your eye on Jorge Garbajosa and Kris Humphries, who have been tremendous this preseason. If Bosh is going to miss time with his injury, those two guys will help pick up his slack.
Utah Jazz
Derek Fisher's bruised tailbone will likely keep him out until the regular season, but he could miss some real games with it as well. I still like him late in drafts though. Andrei Kirilenko's back has been acting up and it looks like dark clouds may be forming over his head. He'll go in the second round of most drafts, but I'd prefer to spend a third-rounder on him at this point. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur all look good to go, although Okur (my super-sleeper of the year) has struggled with his shot this preseason. I still think Okur will be one of the most valuable centers when it's all said and done. Rookie Ronnie Brewer qualifies as a sleeper as well, but it will probably take an injury for him to have value.
Washington Wizards
Darius Songaila could miss significant time with a pinched nerve in his back and I have really cooled on him, to the point that he's probably not draftworthy this year. Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler all look strong, while Jarvis Hayes and DeShawn Stevenson will battle it out for the starting shooting guard job. Brendan Haywood has repaired his relationship with coach Eddie Jordan, and should start over Etan Thomas.
Speedy Claxton (hand) is surprisingly ahead of schedule and ready to go for opening night. Outside of Lorenzen Wright being suspended for opening night, the Hawks have remained nearly injury free through camp. Shelden Williams is also playing much better and I think I've changed my mind on him. Don't draft him early, but if you need a PF late, he is probably a decent pick. Speaking of PF, Sekou Smith, ATL's beat writer, says Josh Smith will start at the 4 this year, with Marvin Williams at SF. Don't sleep on Smith, as he's not likely to last past the third round in your draft. And Zaza Pachulia is fine for a very late pick, but don't reach for him, especially with Wright around.
Boston Celtics
Theo Ratliff (back) and Delonte West (back and toe) have concerning injuries, but it sounds like both will be ready to go for opening night. Neither has played much yet, but West should play this weekend. Theo, on the other hand, may not see any preseason action, but still looks like a decent late-round center pick. But Kendrick Perkins should start and see about 30 mpg at center. Paul Pierce (hip) is a little dinged up, but nothing too serious. And Wally Szczerbiak is being held out of games simply to rest his knee. Doc Rivers says there's no plan to rest him on back-to-backs, but don't be surprised to see it happen.
Rajon Rondo has been very impressive and is climbing everyone's sleeper list at a high rate. We heard he couldn't shoot, but he's proving his critics wrong and if you need a late point guard, Rondo's not a bad choice. Sebastian Telfair should start at PG, but Rondo could push him for a split in minutes.
Ryan Gomes is still penciled in my book as starting at PF over Al Jefferson. Not sure it will be that way all year, but Gomes has clearly been outplaying Jefferson in camp and should be taken before Jefferson in drafts.
Charlotte Bobcats
Brevin Knight is already hurt (ankle) and questionable for the opener. This is Raymond Felton's breakout year and I'm less worried about BK buzz-hassling his value than I was a few weeks ago. Primoz Brezec lost some 15 pounds with an illness early in camp and is still not functioning at 100%. And with the league's sudden infatuation with "small ball," it's possible Bernie could start a front line of Emeka Okafor, Sean May and Adam Morrison, with Gerald Wallace and Felton in the backcourt. I'm not a big fan of Morrison for fantasy teams this year, as he's too one-dimensional. But Wallace has been shooting lights out thus far and has been rapidly climbing up draft boards for the last 10 days. Wallace and Atlanta's Josh Smith look ready to explode and they're both going in the third round of drafts right now.
Chicago Bulls
No major news out of Chicago. Big Ben is ready to rock and roll, Andres Nocioni and Luol Deng are likely to split time at small forward and Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon are entrenched in the backcourt. Tyrus Thomas has looked good and is worth a late-round flyer, well ahead of Atlanta's Shelden Williams. And P.J. Brown may be worth a late pick, while Thabo Sefolosha qualifies as a deep sleeper.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Larry Hughes' finger will never be right again, but he's playing through the pain and says he's going to play 82 games this year. I don't believe him, but hopefully he can stay healthy. Drew Gooden has been dealing with a quad strain, but should be a double-double machine this year. Rookie Daniel Gibson has been impressive and could eventually start at point guard this year. I like him as a deep sleeper also. Oh, and then there's the No. 1 overall pick in your draft. Need I say more?
Dallas Mavericks
Devin Harris (hamstring), Jerry Stackhouse (knee), Jason Terry (foot) and Dirk Nowitzki (rest) have spent very little time on the court thus far. Harris scares me just because of his injury history, and having Anthony Johnson around doesn't help either. He's still worth a shot in the later rounds, but the breakout year may not be coming. Dirk will be fine and should go in the first six picks in drafts. Terry is going to be ready for opening night, but shouldn't be taken in the first five rounds this year. And Josh Howard (and Avery Johnson) says he's going to focus on adding more assists and steals this year, making him look very appealing in fantasy leagues. Don't bother drafting Stackhouse, but you might want to pick him up after the season starts.
Denver Nuggets
It's an injury bonanza in Denver. Carmelo Anthony (mouth), Kenyon Martin (leg), Nene (knee) and Marcus Camby (foot) are all currently hurting. Melo is ready to rock this year, but I don't trust the other three farther than I can throw them. At least Nene finally played last night.
Also, J.R. Smith has failed to live up to expectations thus far and there's a chance he may not even start at shooting guard. Linas Kleiza qualifies as a deep sleeper here.
Detroit Pistons
Nazr Mohammed has looked fantastic and shoots FTs well for a big man. I like him this year, but in a chat with Rick Kamla this morning, he thinks Antonio McDyess is going to see a lot of time at center and negatively impact Nazr. I disagree, and reader Stuart B solidified my decision with the following email today:
I was just doing a little research and found that in the games in which he averaged at least 30 minutes last year, Nazr Mohammed averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block. He even gets a few steals (and hits free throws).
I think he gets his 30 minutes, or at least close to it, and should be a late-round steal this year.
Golden St. Warriors
Troy Murphy has a broken nose, but should be ready for the opener. He's going to play center this year, making him an excellent sleeper candidate. Baron Davis looks great, but despite having him on one team already, still scares me to death. Jason Richardson is out after knee surgery and I'm not sure I'd draft him this year. He certainly has value, but is a bit of a mystery. I love Mike Dunleavy (playing PF) to breakout this year, so don't hesitate to jump on him. And keep an eye on Dejuan Wagner. Don Nelson loves him, he has looked great thus far and could see nice minutes while JR is hurting.
Houston Rockets
Yao Ming and his toe injury look fine. Tracy McGrady also seems to have karma working in his favor and I like him as a second-rounder this year. He could make or break your fantasy team. Shane Battier is getting a lot of love, but I need to see it happen on the court before I'm sold. It still seems like he has to have late-round value though, especially in Roto leagues. Rafer Alston is underrated and should be a nice value pick if you need a starting point guard after the big names are gone. Luther Head is the big sleeper in Houston. Also keep your eye on Steve Novak, who has been shooting lights-out. Don't draft him, but you might want to pick him up if you find yourself in need of threes. And Bonzi Wells should probably be drafted, but we just don't have a feel for what he's going to produce this year, plus he's still not fully over his groin injury.
Indiana Pacers
Jermaine O'Neal (hammy, Achilles'), Danny Granger (hip), Al Harrington (hip) Jamaal Tinsley (mouth) and Stephen Jackson (run over by a car, legal woes up the wahzoo) are all banged up. I honestly think the only Pacers I would draft this season are Granger, who's a popular sleeper pick, and Harrington, but that's just me.
L.A. Clippers
Chris Kaman is trying to figure out whether to accept the Clips' $50 million offer or not. Sam Cassell has been out with a calf injury, while Shaun Livingston has been playing well. It looks like Livingston will be the starter, but Cassell will split time with him when healthy. Tim Thomas has a back problem and I'm just not sold on drafting him this year. Corey Maggette could start due to Thomas' injury, while Cuttino Mobley looks solid. Yes, he volunteered to come off the bench, but I doubt Mike Dunleavy goes that route. And Elton Brand is a rock-star pick in the first round. Anywhere from 6-12 works for EB.
L.A. Lakers
Kobe Bryant's knee officially has me concerned. Rick Kamla has him somewhere around 22. I'm concerned, but not crazy. Kobe should still probably be taken in the first six picks, but he won't see action until the regular season (and that's even still up in the air) and his knee is unproven, if anything. He's a high risk-high reward player if there ever was one.
Vladimir Radmanovic (hand) and Kwame Brown (shoulder) are hurting too, as both await results of an MRI. I'm not a big fan of Radmanovic and his inconsistent shooting, and this injury makes me even more leery. I think Kwame will be ok, but we'll have to see what the test says. Update: Just after I posted this, the news came down that Kwame will miss about a month with a shoulder injury. Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf and Brian Cook will probably all see time at center, but I'm not sure I'd want any of them on my fantasy team. Lamar Odom looks fine and should be taken in the first couple rounds. Andrew Bynum qualifies as a sleeper if Kwame and Chris Mihm (ankle) are unavailable, while Luke Walton is a sleeper who might see extended clock if Radmanovic and Kobe struggle with their injuries early. Smush Parker should be a late-round value pick, excelling in threes and steals.
Memphis Grizzlies
Pau Gasol (foot) shouldn't play before January, making it tough to take him in the first seven or eight rounds. Damon Stoudamire looks good on his rebuilt knee, but Jake Tsakalidis has struggled mightily as the team's only center. Nazr Mohammed (Detroit) looks much, much better to me. Alexander Johnson, Hakiim Warrick and Rudy Gay are all nice sleeper candidates, although Gay is currently slowed by a bruised chest. And even though I said I would never, ever go here again…Stromile Swift looks like a can't-miss PF this year. There. I said it. I'm sure he'll let us all down again, but he has to produce in Memphis. "Am I right, Dude?"
Miami Heat
Jason Williams isn't ready to go yet, but shouldn't miss more than a week or two as he recovers from knee surgery. I don't like Shaq this year, as I just sense a lot of missed games and free throws headed your way if you draft him. Dwyane Wade is money, although his nagging hand injury is a bit of a concern. He'll go in the Top 6 of most drafts this year, as he should. And be prepared to have Antoine Walker staring you in the face in the 10th round. The lure to pick him up will be tough to overcome and succumbed to the pressure in one draft. I mean, is he really a risk in the 10th round?
Milwaukee Bucks
Mo Williams (thumb), Bobby Simmons (heel) and Andrew Bogut (leg) are all hurting right now. I didn't drop Bogut too far, as he should only miss a couple weeks. Look for Brian Skinner to start at center in the meantime. Simmons' injury is a little scary and Ruben Patterson will start in his place. Williams is perpetually injured and will split time with Steve Blake at point guard. All of these problems appear to be setting Michael Redd and Charlie Villanueva up for big years, so don't sleep on them.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves are pretty healthy right now, outside of Rashad McCants' microfracture surgery. Randy Foye looks like he's coming off the bench behind Trenton Hassell, at least initially, as Dwane Casey is all about defense this year. Troy Hudson qualifies as a deep-sleeper, while Kevin Garnett, Mike James and Ricky Davis all look good to go. Marko Jaric could play some forward this year and is also a deep sleeper, while Mark Blount should be an acceptable third fantasy center.
NOK Hornets
Peja Stojakovic finally played on Wednesday, but his shooting was brutal. I am staying away from Peja again this year, as the vibes just aren't good with him right now. Tyson Chandler and David West have minor ankle injuries and should be fine, while Desmond Mason qualifies as a sleeper this season. Point Guard Chris Paul is going in first rounds this year, while Bobby Jackson should make for a nice late-round value pick.
New Jersey Nets
Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson all look good to go. Marcus Williams is going to be out for an extended time with a wrist injury, but was setting up to have some value before he went down. Nenad Krstic came back from a neck injury and had a nice game on Wednesday and Antoine Wright has looked great thus far. I like Wright as a late flier pick, and if he does well it will help me overcome the fact that I was too high on him last year. I should have known since he was playing behind a guy named Vince. Oh, wait…You mean he's still playing behind Vince? Hmmm.
New York Knicks
Stephon Marbury's lack of assists thus far is concerning, but he should get it worked out soon. Quentin Richardson looks like the starting SF with Jared Jeffries out two months with a broken wrist, and Steve Francis and Jamal Crawford should both be drafted while splitting time at SG. Eddy Curry should be in line for his best season ever, while David Lee should also have a little sleeper value helping to fill in for Jeffries. And if there was ever a bust candidate, it's Jalen Rose this year. He's been horrible whenever he's been on the floor and Isiah said something about him not having any gas left in the tank. Ouch.
Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard (who should qualify at center this year) looks like a beast thus far and if you can live with his FT%, is a great second-round pick. In one of my industry leagues that is drafting as we speak, I landed Shawn Marion at No. 5 and Howard with my next pick. (Josh Smith or Joe Johnson next? Hmmm). Jameer Nelson should be solid, but I see people reaching for him in the third round…He should not go before the fourth or fifth round in my opinion. Darko Milicic is dealing with a bruised back but should be ok. I like him after the sixth round and he could be starting before Thanksgiving. Grant Hill is finally healthy and I'm even supporting taking him in the ninth or 10th round. If he stays on his feet, he should be a steal, but that's a mighty big if. Hedo Turkoglu should start at SF, while Hill looks like the starting SG. Don't bother drafting J.J. Redick, who's dealing with several injury issues, but keep your eye on him after the first month of the season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Samuel Dalembert has a hamstring problem and is sitting out, trying to get healthy. If he is healthy, I really think he's going to be a great fantasy center this year. Of course, I said that last year, too. Chris Webber, Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala and Kyle Korver are all healthy and I like them all for fantasy use this season. But I don't think I'd draft Webber because he can only play on one leg for so long. Right?
Phoenix Suns
Amare Stoudemire has been hurting again lately, but has looked pretty good when he's played. I don't like the way Mike D'Antoni is talking about "having to learn to play without him" and will not be drafting Amare this year. Kurt Thomas qualifies as a deep sleeper because he's healthy and could see minutes on nights when Amare is out. Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw and Raja Bell all look great and Marion can even be taken with the first overall pick in your draft. I was ecstatic to get him at No. 5 a couple hours ago.
Portland Trailblazers
Jarrett Jack, Zach Randolph, Joel Przybilla, Jamaal Magloire, Brandon Roy and Martell Webster are all worthy draftees this year. Jack and Webster qualify as sleepers, but the other guys should all be drafted with confidence. Raef LaFrentz is out with a partially torn calf muscle and I don't like him with Magloire, Przybilla and Randolph around.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been very quiet thus far. Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Ron Artest are all solid this year, but don't take Artest too early, if for no other reason than the fact he's nuts. He's also dealing with nagging injuries, but has been playing through them. The fourth or fifth round sounds about right for him. Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas could spit time at PF and Kevin Martin and John Salmons will probably split time at SG, making them tough picks.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs look healthy and Tim Duncan went in the first round of one of my drafts. I like him better around the 14th pick, but he could be great again this year. Fabricio Oberto could end up starting at center if the Francisco Elson experiment doesn't work out, but right now Elson should be a nice late-round pickup. Oberto qualifies as a deep sleeper. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen will start alongside Elson and Duncan.
Seattle Sonics
Luke Ridnour is supposedly the starting point guard in Seattle, although I'm still in denial over that one. He's still got a thumb injury that is keeping him out right now and I'm more likely to draft Earl Watson first, but I'm not sure I can tell you to do the same. Everyone's favorite sleeper, Chris Wilcox, has been outplayed by Nick Collison this preseason, but I'm sticking with Wilcox as the guy with all the fantasy value. Johan Petro and Robert Swift are still battling for the starting center job, while Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen look good to go. Allen has a gimpy ankle right now, but it's not thought to be serious.
Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh has a mysterious heel injury right now and I am actually starting to get a little worried about it, thanks to Mark F's email this morning, that read:
As for Bosh, they keep saying the heel injury is no big deal, but I've seen too many players royally screwed by heel injuries that at first are coined "not serious".
Mark's right, as we have no idea what his prognosis is. However, I'm sticking with Bosh and still think he's a Top 15 pick in most leagues. Just beware that Mark told you so if Bosh's injury turns out to be serious. T.J. Ford, Morris Peterson, Fred Jones, Anthony Parker, Andrea Bargnani and Rasho Nesterovic all look to have some fantasy value, but outside of Ford and Peterson, you're rolling the dice. And keep your eye on Jorge Garbajosa and Kris Humphries, who have been tremendous this preseason. If Bosh is going to miss time with his injury, those two guys will help pick up his slack.
Utah Jazz
Derek Fisher's bruised tailbone will likely keep him out until the regular season, but he could miss some real games with it as well. I still like him late in drafts though. Andrei Kirilenko's back has been acting up and it looks like dark clouds may be forming over his head. He'll go in the second round of most drafts, but I'd prefer to spend a third-rounder on him at this point. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur all look good to go, although Okur (my super-sleeper of the year) has struggled with his shot this preseason. I still think Okur will be one of the most valuable centers when it's all said and done. Rookie Ronnie Brewer qualifies as a sleeper as well, but it will probably take an injury for him to have value.
Washington Wizards
Darius Songaila could miss significant time with a pinched nerve in his back and I have really cooled on him, to the point that he's probably not draftworthy this year. Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler all look strong, while Jarvis Hayes and DeShawn Stevenson will battle it out for the starting shooting guard job. Brendan Haywood has repaired his relationship with coach Eddie Jordan, and should start over Etan Thomas.