Fantasy Basketball: Midseason Rankings

Can it really be the halfway point in the NBA season already? Even though it's hard to believe, teams have been through half of their schedule.

But before the second half begins, let's see where we are in the world of fantasy basketball.

Here are my Top 10 fantasy basketball players of 2008, as of January 30, 2008... 

10. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets 

Kidd has sort of slid under the radar in the fantasy world, hasn't he?

When his name is brought up in conversations it is probably about the possibility of his being traded to Dallas or Portland, rather than the good stats he has put up so far this year. The 34-year-old is probably not putting up numbers worthy of his $19.7 million dollar contract, but he is still quietly averaging 11.3 points per game, as well as 10.4 assists per game. On top of that, he is somehow snagging 8.2 boards per game as well.

Not awe-inspiring numbers at all, but if he gets out of New Jersey and into a team like Portland or Dallas, look for his numbers to take a turn upwards.

9. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns 

Nash, who some people consider the second best passer of all time (Pistol Pete?), is averaging a double-double in points and assists per game.

Surprised? I didn't think so.

I would've been shocked if he wasn't in any pre-season top 10 lists. He is shooting 48 percent from three-point-land, as well as about 91 percent from the line. While he has slipped down the totem pole a little, the former 15th overall pick is still putting up decent numbers. 

8. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns 

This 29-year-old is just a little bit away from averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. He is averaging 15.7 points per game, but only 9.9 rebounds per game.

This first round pick is taken as the sixth pick in most ESPN Fantasy Basketball leagues.

7. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors 

Practically the only reason he is ranked so high is because of how often he finds the net. He scores an average of 22.3 points per game, but both his rebounds and steals are down, at 4.9 boards and 2.5 steals per game.

A bright spot is his ability to find the open teammate. He is averaging 8.1 assists per game.

When Jon Hollinger of ESPN predicted the All-Star starting lineups, he put Davis as the "extra" point guard...after the backup and the starter.

6. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Bryant is averaging 27.8 points per game, while he only has 5.3 assists per game. Sounds to me like the perfect combination for a ball hog.

But, hey, does it really matter to fantasy owners?

Let him shoot 35 percent from the three-point line. Let him shoot 84 percent from the free-throw line. Let him grab 6.2 boards a game. His teammates may not love him, but his fantasy owners sure do.

5. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets 

All right, I know. But I don't care that 'Melo has sat out the last five games with an injury to his left ankle. He is still averaging 25.5 points per game and catching seven rebounds a game. While no other stat really pops off of the page at you, that doesn't mean that he isn't extremely important to this ball club.

He is.

4. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets 

He had a rare off day on the 26th, but he is still averaging a double-double in points and assists. He is scoring 20.6 points a game and finding the open man 10.7 times a game. He is shooting a good 89 percent from the free-throw line, and connecting on 35 percent of his three-pointer attempts. He is also averaging 48 percent from the field.

This Wake Forest product is showing Hornet fans that he's worth what the fourth overall pick from 2005 should get.

3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic 

While he struggles at the charity stripe (60 percent), he is soaring in the paint. He is averaging 21.9 points and 14.9 rebounds per game. He is shooting 60 percent from the field, though that should be expected from a post player like Howard.

The first pick of the 2004 draft is proving his worth, and should be the centerpiece in Orlando for years to come.

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers 

The only reason I put a picture of James at the top was because I couldn't find a good shot of Garnett...but who cares?

James is worthy of the picture, too.

He is averaging a huge 29.9 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists a game. He is practically carrying the Cavaliers on his shoulders, but, again, do we care?

Not if he keeps putting up the numbers he has been.

1. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics 

As a Timberwolves fan, I'm glad Garnett will finally get his long overdue Championship ring. It looks like it might just end up that way, doesn't it?

Garnett (though currently suffering through an abdominal strain) is putting up 19.2 points per game and 9.9 rebounds a game. Low, you say? Not when you have two other superstars to share the ball with.

Even though Garnett hasn't made a three-pointer all season, he is still shooting 80 percent from the free-throw line and 55 percent from the field.

Honorable Mentions

Allen Iverson

Al Jefferson

Deron Williams

Yao Ming

Caron Butler 

I'm sure I missed some great players. Please comment and tell me who you think should be on my Top 10 list.