2009 Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Ryan Lester by Senior Analyst Written on October 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 25:  Yi Jianlian #9 of the New Jersey Nets rests during a break in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 25, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 120-93.   NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Here are some fantasy basketball players who could make a big impact this year.

 

Lou Williams, PG, Philadelphia 76ers 

Now that Andre Miller has moved on to Portland, Williams steps in as the starting point guard.  He has shown an ability to score, and it could take some time for him to feel comfortable at the point.  However, he makes a nice value pick at the end of fantasy drafts.  Williams has PG & SG eligibility in both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

 

Corey Brewer, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves 

With Kevin Love out and a team that even die-hard Wolves fans (if there are any left) will struggle to recognize, Brewer has a chance to make a nice impact.  Even bad teams score points so don’t be scared away by what should be a horrible year for Minnesota.  Al Jefferson is coming off a knee injury and is dealing with an Achilles issue.  Randy Foye and Mike Miller (along with a couple dozen other guys) are gone.  Brewer should be in prime position to score around 15 a night, though consistency will likely be an issue.

 

Carlos Delfino, SF, Milwaukee Bucks 

It’s looking like Delfino is going to win the starting small forward gig for the Bucks because of his offensive ability.  He can score, drain the three, and be a decent rebounder.  He’ll make a nice addition to fantasy teams at the end of drafts.  With Joe Alexander (hamstring) out for a couple of months and Charlie Villanueva moving on to Detroit, Delfino’s primary competition is Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who is primarily a defensive specialist.  He makes another solid late round pick.  He qualifies as a SG in Yahoo! leagues and SG & SF in ESPN leagues.

 

Anthony Randolph, PF, Golden State Warriors 

His back and knee injuries should cause him to slide a bit in fantasy drafts, but Randolph has the potential to put up some serious numbers for the Warriors.  He finished the season strong (15.1 ppg/10.6 rpg in April) and when he’s healthy should build upon that.  Just realize that he will likely be a headache until he gets healthy.  He qualifies at PF in Yahoo! leagues and SF & PF in ESPN leagues.

 

Yi Jianlian, PF, New Jersey Nets 

Yi has struggled a bit adjusting to the NBA game, but has had a solid preseason for the Nets.  He passed on playing in the China Games so he could honor his commitment to the Nets.  He has a ton of upside, but consistency will likely continue to dog him.  Still, he makes a nice late round selection.  He qualifies at PF in Yahoo! leagues and SF & PF in ESPN leagues.

 

Roy Hibbert, C, Indiana Pacers 

Hibbert has had an outstanding preseason and should earn the starting center nod.  He will likely be inconsistent scoring the ball, but should be pretty stead in the rebounds and blocks categories.  He is a straight center in both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

2 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

1,910
reads

2
comments

written on October 23, 2009 Sports

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.