Fantasy Basketball: Dirk Nowitzki, Luis Scola, and 8 Solid-Not-Sexy Options
Who is going to be the owner that gambles on Gilbert Arenas? Will Yao Ming be productive enough to roster?
Invariably, there seems to be several players who slip further than they should in fantasy basketball drafts because nobody wants to take them. Owners don't want to be that guy.
Well, suck it up, because if you want to take home the title, you're going to have to start taking some chances.
Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas Mavericks
Despite being labeled as an automatic first-round pick for the last several years, it seems that owners have a hesitancy to select the big man with their first overall selection. Why?
The last time Nowitzki averaged less than 25 points per game was back in '07-'08, he rebounds the ball at a fairly strong clip, is capable of hitting from beyond the arc, and shoots the lights out from the free throw line.
While he won't blow you away on the defensive side, the blond German is good for about a steal and a block every night. He's a more productive fantasy player than Dwayne Wade.
Luis Scola, PF Houston Rockets
Continually drafted at a discount rate, Scola is the epitome of non-sexiness.
However, all Scola has done in his career is produce. A double-double machine, Scola makes up in rebounding what he lacks in shot blocking. If his play in the FIBA tournament is any indication, the undersized big man is going to make a quantum leap this season.
Already averaging 27 pts and 16 boards through his first two games this season, he'll be your favorite player by season's end.
Monta Ellis, PG Golden State Warriors
It's simply a shame that Ellis is being drafted as late as the third round.
Talent has never been a question for Ellis, but rather his dedication to the game. After suffering through an embarrassing situation with his ankle injury last season, Ellis is poised to prove to all of his critics that he's among the league's elite.
Dropping 46 in his 2010-11 debut will certainly go a long way toward that, and owners can get used to monster scoring lines from him all season long.
Joakim Noah, C Chicago Bulls
Noah is perhaps the ugliest player in the NBA, but luckily that doesn't limit his fantasy upside.
After breaking out in his third season and averaging a double-double, Noah's stats are in line to rise even higher despite the team's addition of PF Carlos Boozer.
A beast in field goal percentage, rebounds, blocks, and even points on occasion, Noah is going to wind up having the productivity of a third-round selection instead of a fifth round one, where he's currently being taken.
Jeff Green, SF Oklahoma City Thunder
One of the most under the radar players in the league, Green stands comfortably in the shadow of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City.
Despite being the third option in the offense, Green is a consistent member of the elite 1 block, 1 steal, and 1 three club. Additionally, Green is about to go off for 20+ on any given night despite the production of the above two players mentioned.
Green is an absolute steal in the sixth round or later.
Carl Landry, SF/PF Sacramento Kings
Landry is not the biggest, or the fastest, or the most athletic, but all he does is produce.
After struggling to find a niche in Houston, Landry has really come into his own with the Kings and carved out a significant role in the attack.
He's being taken well after the first-tier of power forwards are off the board despite out-producing many of them on the stat sheet.
Mo Williams, PG Cleveland Cavaliers
A rare point guard capable of both scoring and dishing the ball, Williams is going to be leaned on heavily this season in Cleveland.
Remember his days in Milwaukee? Williams is even better now and his game is set to skyrocket in the post-LeBron era. Although he continues to slip through the cracks in most drafts, don't let him fly under your radar.
Jarrett Jack, PG Toronto Raptors
While far too many seem to be fascinated with PG Jose Calderon, Jack is the man to own in Toronto.
Extremely productive when he's on the court, Jack surprised owners last season with his impressive numbers. Currently being selected after some backup players, Jack's value is much higher than where he's currently being taken.
Tim Duncan, PF San Antonio Spurs
While it's true he's a seasoned veteran, all Duncan does is produce.
A near lock for 20 and 10 on a nightly basis, Duncan's upside is limited with his recent health issues, but there is still something to be said for proven production.
Rather than gamble on Zach Randolph repeating last year's numbers, why not take good ole' Timmy D?
O.J. Mayo, SG Memphis Grizzlies
What other player can you get in the seventh round that averages nearly 20 points per contest?
Improving each year that he's been in the league, Mayo is an assassin from beyond the arc and gets plenty of opportunities to score. He's a given to play 36+ minutes on a nightly basis so long as he stays healthy, and he's much more attractive than Baron Davis.
