I play Yahoo! fantasy b-ball every season... and there's nothing like a good old mock draft during the offseason to see everyone's opinions before the season starts. So you get the #1 pick in your fantasy league... who do you pick? Chris Paul? Lebron? Kobe? Where do the fantasy monsters of a few seasons ago like Marion and KG stand? Decisions, decisions... Who do you think will be draft busts or more injury-prone players (ie: Brand and Arenas last season). Everybody list their top 10 preferences in order: (1) Chris Paul - absolute beast in every category and is only going to get better. (2) Lebron James - FT's are bad but let's hope he improves this offseason. Everything else is off the charts.. massive triple doubles. (3) Kevin Garnett - His #'s have taken a hit since his Minnesota days... but he still gives you everything. His drive and intensity should not let down after his first championship. I would take him over Marion bc I think Marion's #s won't be as good bc of two reasons: 1. no Steve Nash and 2. slower pace basketball. (4) Amare Stoudamire - good shooting %'s for a big man and a good numbers. Still played well alongside Shaq... will need Nash to be healthy. (5) Kobe Bryant - I hate him... and I dislike picking players I hate to be on my fantasy team. But.. if he falls to 5... (6) Dirk Nowitzki - see #5 (7) Deron Williams - maybe a little high... but he REALLY stepped up his game at the end of last season. I only see him getting better... (8) Caron Butler - the new-age Shawn Marion (less blocks, more assists)... I don't expect his #s to take a hit with Arenas returning except for maybe his point totals. (9) Dwight Howard - questionable pick with his atrocious FT% and TO... but his Points, Rebs, Blk, and FG% are just so monstrous. Be sure if I make this pick, I'll follow it up with some damn good FT shooters. (10) Steve Nash or Al Jefferson or Elton Brand - I can't decide..... Busts: • Shawn Marion - numbers have been going down every season, injuries, no fast paced offense with Steve Nash... he was once a #1 pick in my book but is now a second round pick. • Marcus Camby - I had Camby for BOTH of my leagues last season (stole him in the 3rd round too) and I absolutely loved the stats he brought for my team. He is rebounds and blocks MASTER. Once again, because of not playing in a high paced offense and having to compete with Kaman on the boards/blocks will have a negative impact on his #s. Also, I think his confidence took a shot with that trade to the Clippers...
Oh, and here's a link to Yahoo's fantasy draft: http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blo...nl5lmEJcJSJfvy_hwloMghNC5kB?urn=fantasy,94523 Here's their top 10, btw: 1. C. Paul 2. K. Bryant 3. A. Stoudamire 4. L. James 5. K. Garnett 6. S. Marion 7. D. Nowitzki 8. E. Brand 9. C. Butler 10. M. Camby
D. Howard at 9 is tough. Depends on the league rules IMO. He kept me at #1 in a 20GM league last season. But I think I will shy away from him in the future. Especially when you can get a Reggie Evans or Jeff Foster to give you rpg without sustaining any kind of hit. BLKs are tough to come by though.