Fantasy Basketball: Round Six

61. Thaddeus Young

62. Ben Gordon

63. Mo Williams

64. Trevor Ariza

65. Andrea Bargnani

66. Charlie Villanueva

67. Manu Ginobili

68. Ray Allen

69. Emeka Okafor

70. Zach Randolph

71. Luis Scola

72. Jason Richardson

This round featured players that had breakout years (Young, Ariza, Bargnani, Villanueva, Scola).

My Strategy

I was expecting to see Bargnani gone in the fifth round, but was pleased when he was still there in the sixth. He had a career year in 2008-09, averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 threes, and 1.3 blocks per game.

In a two center league, I can pair him with Troy Murphy, who is center eligible. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2006 needs to increase his rebounds, but his blocks, threes, and free-throw percentage carry value, especially for a center.

Best Pick

I like the Williams pick because he is flying a little under the radar. The starting point guard for the Cavs averaged 17.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 threes, 0.9 steals, and shot 91 percent from the foul line in 2008-09. The additions of Shaq and Anthony Parker could increase his assist total.

Other picks I like this round are Allen, Scola, and Richardson. A healthy Manu is a fantasy beast and is worth taking this round. This was the third straight player Team Wilson selected that had an injury last year (Jameer Nelson, Andrew Bynum).

Questionable Pick

Randolph is a double-double machine, but is a streaky shooter and does not block many shots. He is an injury risk, as the most games he has played over the past three seasons is 69. Team Cincotta wants to dominate the rebounds—he has selected Kevin Garnett, Elton Brand, Marcus Camby, and Randolph.

Riskiest Pick

Okafor has not missed a regular-season game in the past two years, but has a toe injury that has limited him this preseason. This injury could affect his game shape and play to start the season. His drawbacks are a low free-throw percentage (59 last season) and lack of three pointers and assists.

However, he will grab over 10 rebounds and block close to two shots per game. He was traded to the Hornets in the offseason and playing with Chris Paul can only help. I still thought he went one round early. Team Melnick pairs him with Tim Duncan, which makes a formidable rebounding duo.