Fantasy Stars In The Making

Every year in fantasy hoops, there are a handful of players who rise above and beyond their draft day value.  Here are some of those players who seem to be on the verge of breaking out into fantasy stars this season.

Nate Robinson (PG, SG - New York Knicks)

Just about every New York Knick has seen a rise in their fantasy value under Mike D'Antoni's fast paced offense system.  Robinson has seen his fantasy game take a step to the next level.

Robinson has continued right where he left off before he went down to an injury.  He has had two incredible scoring performances of 27 and 33 points, since returning on December 13th.  He should continue to score in bunches under Mike D'Antoni.

Expect around 17 points, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 three pointers per game for the rest of the season.

Wilson Chandler (SG, SF, PF - New York Knicks)

Chandler, another product of the Mike D'Antoni system, is also enjoying a spectacular season. 

He may not overwhelm you in any particular fantasy category, but he has an all around solid fantasy game.  He can give you just about anything you need and is still improving his game.

Expect 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 three pointers, 1 steal and 1 block a game for the remainder of the season.

Jameer Nelson  (PG - Orlando Magic)

He may be overlooked by many, because he is the fourth best fantasy option on his own team.  However, Nelson is climbing the point guard ranks and seems to be getting better and better as the season goes on. 

In his latest performance on December 15th against Golden State, he put up 32 points.  Don't expect too many scoring performances like this, but expect somewhere around 17 points, 6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 three pointers per game for the remainder of the season.  

Also, an added bonus to expect from Nelson is his great percentages.  He is averaging a career high in field goal percentage at 50% and free throw percentage at 94.3%.

A big reason why Nelson may continue to put up solid numbers is because he has no real threat at the point guard position on his team to take away big minutes from him.  So you don't have to worry about Nelson losing any playing time in the future.

Jeff Green (SF,PF - OKC Thunder)

Green is vastly improving his numbers from his rookie season last year.  He has had his ups and downs in his sophomore year, but the future looks bright for Green, as he should continue to improve his game.

On December 14th, Green dropped 33 points on the San Antonio Spurs.  It was the eighth time that Green has poured in 20+ points in a game this season.

Green is the second best scoring option on his team and will continue to play big minutes on a horrendous Oklahoma City Thunder team.  

Expect somewhere in the range of 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1 steal, 0.5 blocks and 1 three pointer per game for the rest of the season. 

DJ Augustin  (PG - Charlotte Bobcats)

Nobody really knew what to expect from DJ Augustin when he was drafted by the Bobcats.  It wasn't really clear as to how the Bobcats would use the point guard duo of Felton and Augustin before the season began, but the situation is almost crystal clear now. 

With Jason Richardson's departure, it has opened up a bit more playing time for Augustin.  In Charlotte's most recent game, DJ logged over 45 minutes of playing time, while newly acquired Raja Bell only played a measly seven minutes in an overtime victory against the Bulls.

It looks like head coach, Larry Brown, may be using Augustin more at the shooting guard, as well as a backup to Felton at the point guard in the future. 

He has had a 28 and 29 point performance within the last week.  Augustin's quality play may start to earn him some significant playing time. 

Expect 16 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 three pointers and near 1 steal a game for the remainder of the season.

Russell Westbrook (PG - OKC Thunder)

On NBA draft day, Westbrook was considered by many, a big reach for the Thunder to take with the fourth overall pick.  However, he is starting to live up to the hype.

Since Westbrook was inserted into the starting lineup, he has logged over 30 minutes in all but one game.

He had an impressive 30 point effort against the Heat back on December 6th.  Westbrook seems to be a pretty good source of points, assists, steals and even rebounds from a point guard standpoint.  

Expect 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals per game for the rest of the season.