Top 10 NBA Fantasy Players: Who's Number 1?
As the NBA season begins next week, most fantasy players will be drafting their teams this weekend.
While each pick is important, it is most important to build your team around a dependable first round pick.
The consensus top two picks are Kevin Durant and LeBron James, but who should be No. 1 on your draft board?
Here are the top 10 fantasy players for the upcoming NBA season for those in head to head leagues.
10. Amar’e Stoudemire, PF/C, New York Knicks
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Back in Mike D’Antoni’s system, Amar’e Stoudemire will be the focal point of the New York offense. With a sharpshooter in Danilo Gallinari roaming the perimeter, it will be difficult for teams to double team Stoudemire regularly.
The loss of Steve Nash definitely hurts Stoudemire, but Raymond Felton is an above average point guard and will look to dish it to Stoudemire early and often in each and every game. Stoudmire has a lot to prove moving to New York.
His defense and rebounding skills have been questioned in the past. He will look to prove his doubters wrong.
Expect him to be among the league leaders in blocks, provide a very good field goal and free throw percentage and of course, put up a lot of points.
With a young, raw center by his side, Amar’e will be fighting for each and every rebound and should average a double-double in his debut Knicks season.
9. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
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Nowitzki is as consistent as they come for fantasy every season. He ranks this low on my list because I expect more from the top eight.
Regardless, Nowitzki is a fantastic, dependable first round pick and any owner will be lucky to have him. Nowitzki is a durable player despite getting hacked regularly by opposing defenders.
With his excellent foot work and mid range touch, he is a tough opponent for any forward.
He is too quick for centers, too big for small forwards and is simply a matchup nightmare. Nowitzki is also a deadly three point shooter, a major plus from the power forward position.
As the clear cut focal point of the Mavericks, Nowitzki will average a double-double easily and rank amongst the league leaders in points score at an efficient rate.
Nowitzki is by far one of the safest fantasy picks, arguably the third most safe behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James who are both fighting for the top pick.
8. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry lit up the league in the second half of his rookie season in Golden State.
Curry is a good passer on a fast paced scoring team so he will have plenty of opportunities to dish the ball. Heading in to his sophomore season, he is already one of the deadliest three point shooters in the entire league.
Curry’s efficiency, three point shooting, and passing ability means he will be one of the most effective fantasy players. The addition of David Lee will only aid Curry’s progression.
Stephen Curry has the supporting cast and all of the skills to be a potential top five pick next season.
7. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz
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In the 2009-2010 postseason, Deron Williams proved once again that he deserves recognition as one of the best point guards in the league and one could make a case for him being the best in the entire league.
Williams is a match up nightmare for most guards because of his incredible ball handling skills, quickness and size.
Williams isn’t a great three point shooter but can definitely get hot. He will rank among the league leaders in assists easily, and has added a great low post option in center Al Jefferson.
Williams is an efficient shooter as he is a great mid range shooter.
I love his tough-nosed style of play but this has led to some injuries issues in the past. Still, I believe he’ll rank among the top point guards in the league and even push Chris Paul as the No. 1 fantasy guard throughout the season.
6. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic
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Easily the most controversial ranking, I’m a big proponent of Dwight Howard being drafted among the league best for head to head leagues.
Howard is easily the most dominant center in the game and is improving each year. His improving foot work will help him score more points as he works on his low post offensive game.
Howard will always rank among the league leaders in rebounds and blocks. His field goal and free throw percentages will continue to improve and he is always a threat for steals.
Howard has been more dedicated than ever in the offseason. He will open the season more serious than he has in the past.
Howard appears ready to dominate and become a monster in the low post. His ability to put up numbers in multiple categories makes him one of my top options.
5. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
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Although Bryant’s minutes will be limited to open the season, Phil Jackson knows Bryant is still the key to the Lakers’ success.
The Heat’s acquisitions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh were the best thing to happen to Bryant’s potential fantasy owners. Kobe Bryant will be more determined than ever to dominate the league on both offense and defense despite the mileage and injuries.
Bryant is one of the best defenders and should rank among the league leaders in steals. His incredible shooting ability and knack for drawing fouls means he will be one of the best in scoring, field goal and free throw percentages. Bryant can dominate four categories and his minutes will gradually increase as he becomes healthier.
I’m not worried at all about Bryant’s injuries as he has proven to be one of the premiere warriors of the hardwood. With Kobe Bryant’s determination and dedication to the game, he is an excellent pick as he eyes his second MVP award, sixth NBA Championship, and to cement his place in the all time greatest discussion.
4. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat
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Dwyane Wade’s only knock is his injury concerns as he is one of the most complete players in the league.
With LeBron James and Chris Bosh now on the team, Wade will see less pressure than ever before. He is one of the best perimeter players in the game and will benefit greatly from the open room to work with on the court.
Wade will provide an excellent return in points, three pointers, field goal and free throw percentages and steals. Wade is an excellent pick as long as he can stay healthy. Wade usually gets hurt about once a year it seems so hopefully his hamstring injury, which isn’t expected to limit him to open the season, is the only injury he suffers in the 2010-2011 season.
Expect big things from Wade as he eyes his second Championship.
3. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
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Chris Paul has been bothered by injuries over the past few years, which prevents him from ranking in the top two for me.
When healthy, however, Paul is easily one of the best players in the league.
Paul has excellent ball handling skills and is one of the quickest players in the league. Paul will rank among the league leaders in assists, steals and will provide excellent value for field goal and free throw percentages.
It has been reported that Chris Paul is unhappy with the outlook of the New Orleans Hornets, but Paul is the focal point of the team and still has enough talent around him to be a major fantasy threat.
When healthy and on his game, Paul is almost unstoppable.
2. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Durant surpassed my expectations as I player. I knew he would be a great scorer, but last season Durant showed everyone that is one of the most complete all around basketball players in the world.
Durant became the youngest scoring leader in league history. As the focal point of one of the best young and rapidly improving teams in the league, Durant will be tough to dethrone. With his excellent sharpshooting skills from anywhere on the court, I highly expect Durant to keep his crown.
Last season, I saw a different player than the Kevin Durant we saw in the first two seasons. His court vision improved leaps and bounds. He is quickly become one of the better passers in the game and has legit threats around him to keep his assist totals rising.
Although he isn’t the strongest of the bunch, he is not afraid to get in the post and rebound.
Overall one of the most fun players in the league, Kevin Durant is a treat to watch play and a genuine player to root for. Durant is improving at a rapid pace and is rivaling LeBron James for the title as best player in the NBA.
I expect the Thunder to compete for a potential Finals spot this season as Kevin Durant continues to take the world by storm after his excellent work over the past calendar year.
1. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat
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The soon to be three-time MVP in three consecutive seasons.
Although he has yet to enter the prime of his life, LeBron James has been the best player for years now. He has been one of the most improved players each and every year since entire the league in 2003.
James’ overall shooting and efficiency has improved each season. His court vision is impeccable. James will also be playing with one of the best perimeter players in the game and easily the best he has ever played with in Dwyane Wade. He makes excellent passes and now on an improved team, his assists will increase as he handles the rock often for the Heat.
With LeBron’s size and speed, he can get to the rim whenever he desires. Now with Chris Bosh down low as a threat, LeBron will actually have more room to work because Bosh can also step outside and hit a longer mid range shot. LeBron gets fouled often.
While his percentage isn’t fantastic, he has improved his free throw shooting immensely over the years and will rank among the league leaders in points.
With the move to Miami, James has seen a backlash from fans, media and NBA players. We saw what James could do in the past in Cleveland. Now we’re going to see what he can do with a chip on his shoulder as he is livid at the NBA universe for his offseason treatment.
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