Fantasy Basketball: 25 Key Questions Heading Into the 2010-11 NBA Season
The NBA regular season is less than two weeks away and millions of fantasy basketball owners are preparing to rule their leagues.
Though reading this won't guarantee that you'll get Kobe Bryant or Kevin Durant with your first pick, it can't hurt.
So whether you've already drafted your team or not, these 25 questions are sure to prepare anyone for the coming fantasy basketball season.
Will Yao Ming's Foot Hold Up All Season?
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Houston Rockets center Yao Ming hasn't played in an NBA game since May 2009; a conference semifinal loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He sat out all of last season after recovering from foot surgery, and the Rockets have said that they plan on limiting Yao's minutes throughout the regular season. But the question is, will Yao's foot hold up long enough for him to return to his All-Star form?
When healthy Yao is one of the NBA's top rebounders as well as one of the league's highest scoring centers.
How Will The Loss of Amar'e Stoudemire Affect Steve Nash?
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When Amar'e Stoudemire left the desert for the Big Apple this summer many were wondering how Stoudemire would fare without two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash feeding him easy buckets on the break, and in the pick and roll.
But the new scenario in Phoenix also raises some questions regarding Nash's production. For instance, how will Nash fare as one of the league's top point guards without All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire to finish for him on the pick and roll?
Nash's impact on fantasy teams has always been huge considering he has lead the league in assists for several seasons.
Can Kevin Durant Repeat His Performance From 2009-10?
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Kevin Durant, fresh off of winning a world championship for the United States in Turkey this past summer, looks to improve on last season with another superb campaign.
Durant was other-worldly last year, becoming the youngest player to bring home the regular season scoring title with just over 30 points per game (30.1).
But that kind of performance begs the question, can Durant repeat it?
How Will The Trade Rumors Affect Carmelo Anthony?
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All summer long Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of never-ending trade rumors. Some have him heading to New Jersey to play for a billionaire owner, while others have him shipping off to New York to join forces with newly acquired Knick Amar'e Stoudemire.
Regardless of where Carmelo ends up, his performance is sure to depend heavily on his attitude.
So the question becomes, how will all these trade rumors affect Carmelo if he begins the season in Denver?
How Will The Acquistion Of Al Jefferson Affect Deron Williams?
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By now most NBA fans know that long-time Jazz player Carlos Boozer is in Chicago, and former Timberwolves center Al Jefferson has since replaced him in Utah.
Essentially the Jazz have exchanged one big man for another, two very different big men that is. Boozer was a staple of Utah's deadly pick-and-roll offense which started with All-Star point guard Deron Williams.
Now Al Jefferson, a great low-post scorer and rebounder, will try to fit in with Williams and the Jazz, so every fantasy owner wants to know, how will Jefferson affect William's assist numbers as well as overall offensive performance?
Does Chris Paul Have Enough Support Around Him in New Orleans?
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A lot of people have forgotten about Chris Paul's off-season trade demands from the New Orleans Hornets, but they happened, and for good reason.
Since Paul and the Hornets bowed out to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2008 playoffs, New Orleans has been a mediocre basketball team at best and the talent around Paul has faded rapidly.
Now Paul enters the season healthy and optimistic, but will the lack of support around him hold him back as one of the league's top point guards?
Is The Rest of The League Prepared to Stop Rajon Rondo?
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Arguably one of the league's most unique players, Rajon Rondo enters the new season hoping to heal sore wounds caused by the Los Angeles Lakers in last seasons' Finals loss.
Rondo has quickly evolved into one of the NBA's elite point guards, filling the stat sheet, and making hustle plays that often sway momentum in big games.
Now that Rondo is no longer a secret, is the rest of the league prepared to stop him?
Will Joe Johnson Live Up to The Giant Contract He Signed This Offseason?
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Joe Johnson, a quiet player with a game that is anything but, signed a maximum deal this offseason with the Atlanta Hawks.
Johnson is an All Star and one of the league's best guards year in and year out, but will he be able to live up to the more than $100 million he's guaranteed as long as he wears a Hawks' uniform?
It's very likely he will be a solid player this season, but hardly good enough to carry a fantasy team.
Is Tim Duncan Over the Hill?
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The Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan, has been a scoring and rebounding genius for the Spurs' franchise for over a decade now.
It would seem as if he and the Spurs have seen better days after getting swept by the Phoenix Suns in last years conference semifinals.
But Tim Duncan's game has translated quite nicely into his 30s and as long as he has that bank shot in his back pocket, I wouldn't count him out.
Still I have to ask, is Duncan over the hill as an elite NBA power forward?
Will T-Mac Experience a Rebirth In Detroit?
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Tracy McGrady has been bouncing around the league for some time ever since his tenure with the Houston Rockets, but now he has found a home in Detroit.
Though it hasn't been pretty so far this preseason for McGrady and the Pistons, it is preseason and McGrady is still a very talented and experienced forward.
After the way things went down in Detroit last season, the most optimistic question one can ask is will T-Mac be reborn this season with the Pistons?
Is Stephen Curry Ready to Be The Man in Golden State?
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One of the league's breakout stars a year ago, Stephen Curry quickly made a name for himself playing in Don Nelson's uptempo style offense.
A deadly accurate shooter that can create for others just as well, Curry will likely be the target of many fantasy owners this season.
But with names like Monta Ellis and David Lee on the Warriors' roster, will Curry be the man in Oakland this year?
Can Blake Griffin Bounce Back From Injury?
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The first-round pick from a year ago never even played a minute in the regular season. After a devastating knee injury in the preseason last year Griffin was forced to watch the Clippers struggle in dress clothes from the bench.
There aren't a lot of details needed here, it's a simple question, can Blake Griffin bounce back and contend for rookie of the year?
Will Dirk Nowitzki Continue to Carry The Mavericks?
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Dirk Nowitzki has been the Dallas Mavericks' leading scorer since the 2000-01 season; 10 years.
The Mav's front office has done its best to surround Dirk with enough talent to win a title, but still has nothing to show for it.
But fantasy owners don't care about rings, just production, and that's why Nowitzki is an excellent prospect. But if Dirk's supporting cast doesn't step up, can he continue to carry the franchise?
Can Kobe Handle The Wear and Tear?
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The guy everyone wants on their fantasy squad, Kobe Bryant, Finals MVP of the back-to-back champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Though it seems like Kobe plays through injuries every season, without much drop off, he isn't getting any younger, and he has played in nearly 200 playoff games on top of a lengthy regular season year after year.
With much focus on his knee and dinged-up fingers, the question must be asked, can Kobe handle the wear and tear of another 82 game season?
Will Amar'e Stoudemire Be a Star in New York City?
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The prized free agent acquired by the underwhelming New York Knicks this offseason, Amar'e Stoudemire, is looking for a fresh start under former coach Mike D'antoni.
Stoudemire is a unique player in that he has been a bookend of one of the best pick-and-roll tandems in league history with former teammate Steve Nash and never the solo weapon.
What shall we make of Stoudemire's talents? Are they simply the product of Nash's brilliance and no more? Or will his impact be enough to brighten the big apple?
Are There Any More Triple-Doubles From LeBron in Miami?
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A fantasy god, LeBron James' past few seasons in Cleveland have singe-handedly won fantasy owners a championship. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to bring a title to LeBron's real team.
Now LeBron tries to start over in his pursuit of a ring in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. No surprise here, his production will likely take a hit with those guys around, but will it be enough to keep us from witnessing any more triple-doubles from the King?
Can Tony Parker Stay Healthy?
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It's hard to believe that Tony Parker is only 28 years old, but its true. And that's what's reassuring to many NBA fans about all of his recent injuries.
Rumors after the Spurs' playoff loss to the Suns had San Antonio sending Parker to New York, but those have since died and Tony is still in San Antonio.
He will look to stay on the floor this season, something he hasn't done in a while, but undoubtedly the biggest question surrounding Parker and the Spurs is can they stay healthy?
Will The Back Court Of John Wall and Gilbert Arenas Work For The Wizards?
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One of the most exciting players in recent memory for the Wizards, John Wall, joins forces with estranged superstar Gilbert Arenas in the DC back court.
Though both could play point guard for the Wizards, their talent will likely equal an explosive back court combo.
John Wall should win rookie of the year, but the question is, will the tandem of Wall and Arenas get Washington back to the postseason?
Has Dwight Howard Developed?
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Dwight Howard has always been one of the league's best rebounders and shot blockers, but will he ever become the scorer he is capable of being?
No one knows for sure, but there is no doubt he is one of the most physically gifted athletes in the NBA and has the potential to be just as good on the offensive end as he is on defense.
But heading into the this season, has Dwight Howard developed his offensive game any?
Who Is The Man in Cleveland?
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The King has since been exiled to Miami on his own terms and now Cleveland faces the challenge of replacing his production.
So who will be the guy for the Cavaliers? Will it be point guard Mo Williams? Or last season's trade deadline pickup Antawn Jamison? Regardless, there are several questions to be answered in Cleveland this season.
Is Brandon Jennings Ready to Be Elite?
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An overlooked draft pick heading into last season, Brandon Jennings proved many scouts wrong last season while leading the Bucks to a playoff appearance.
A solid point guard who isn't shy when it comes to taking shots, Jennings' offensive production is key for Milwaukee's success.
But as with any great performance, we will always wonder, is there more to come? Or will we see a sophomore slump?
Will Marcus Camby Continue to Be a Rebounding Machine?
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The Portland Trailblazers traded for Marcus Camby at the deadline last season and it was without a doubt the right move.
Camby is a great one on one defender as well as a gifted rebounder. He always seems to lead the league in boards season after season, but Camby isn't getting any younger.
Can Marcus Camby still be one of the NBA's top rebounders at age 36?
Is Chris Bosh Enough For The Heat Front Court?
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Chris Bosh, just one of many new faces in South Beach, is one of the league's most unproven superstars.
Bosh was a fantasy monster in Toronto, but that was when he was the go to guy and the focus of the offense on most nights.
Now in Miami, and sharing the floor with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the question becomes clear, is the presence of Chris Bosh enough for the Heat front court?
How Will Carlos Boozer Shake Out in Chi-Town?
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A hero in Utah, Carlos Boozer now calls Chicago home, a city with more sports heroes than skyscrapers.
Boozer will look to team up with point guard Derrick Rose and gritty center Joakim Noah to lead the Bulls to a deep playoff run this season.
But without Deron Williams, and playing with a score-first point guard in Derrick Rose, how will the Boozer experiment turn out in Chicago?
Is Tyreke Evans Better Than Derrick Rose?
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Arguably two of the league's youngest and most talented point guards, Tyreke Evans, and Derrick Rose, both understudies of John Calipari at Memphis, look to take the NBA by storm this season.
The question is, which one is better? Some would argue Rose is more experienced, while others would tell you that Evans is a physical specimen at 6' 6".
Regardless, you can't go wrong picking either guy in your fantasy draft.
Any questions you can think of that aren't on this list? Leave a comment.
Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.
