NBA Fantasy Basketball 2011-12: 8 Important Tips to Win Your League

Owners are often looking for sleepers to fill fantasy basketball rosters with, but helpful draft tips can be just as important to a successful season.

It's important to remember that although fantasy hoops is constructed off of what happens in reality on the court, there are certain players who don't hold the same value on both sides of the ball.

While some might think their team looks good on paper, in no way does that indicate a championship season is on the horizon.

However, following these tips might just help get you to that crown.

Don't Reach for Rebounds

Who drafted Kris Humphries in fantasy leagues last season prior to him breaking out as the starting power forward for the Nets?

The big man was a beast for owners, and it wasn't because of his ability to score or block shots, but rather a proclivity to secure double-digit rebounds with regularity.

There's no reason to reach for someone who only contributes in the scoring and rebounding departments when there are a plethora of players who fit that mold exactly available during the latter rounds of the draft.

Understand Positional Depth

Many people hear the name Rajon Rondo and get excited about an elite source of assists and steals and draft him far too early, but this season is different for the point guard position.

Rondo is at the back end of the top 10 in at his position, and while many would be quick to draft him early on name alone, there's just too much depth this year to burn an early pick on him.

He cripples free-throw percentage and doesn't do anything from beyond the arc. There are more well-rounded players available to field a better balanced squad.

Look for Specialty Contributors

A lot of owners like to go with the "safe" pick at or near the end of the draft, but those guys drafted are unlikely to make it through a full season on the same roster.

Why not try and find someone you know will be reliable in at least one category throughout the season? A target like Anthony Morrow (three-point specialist) is readily available toward the back end of the draft, and he's a slam dunk to contribute from beyond the arc.

Not every player on your roster has to do it all if the pieces fit together. It's important to remember that as the draft moves past the initial rounds.

Don't Be Afraid to Reach

There are certain guys that owners have to reach for in order to make sure that they are available when on the clock. If you have to reach for a player you really believe in, do it.

While it would be foolish to reach for someone like Jeff Teague in the fourth round, if you're on the fence about nabbing him in the seventh round, don't hesitate—pull the trigger.

Not every pick one makes in a draft is going to turn out as envisioned at the onset of the season. Without taking a gamble or two, it's awfully difficult to contend throughout the season.

Look at Depth Charts

Playing time is a huge factor when it comes to enjoying fantasy success, and Anderson Varejao is a prime example of exactly that.

The Brazilian big man is unchallenged for playing time in the middle for Cleveland; he has just an inexperienced Semih Erden behind him in the reserve unit.

As long as he stays healthy, Varejao is going to be a nightly threat to post a double-double and register a couple of blocks.

Who doesn't welcome that type of contribution?

Don't Get Caught Up in the Name

This isn't meant to be an anti-Blake Griffin campaign, but the fact that he's going in the first round of some drafts and definitely gone by the second of others is just too high.

Yes, he will have some seriously exciting plays with Chris Paul now as his point guard, and yes, he'll post some ridiculous double-doubles, but he doesn't do much outside of that.

Griffin is abysmal from the foul line, offers nothing in the blocks or steals department and his turnovers have to improve in order for him to qualify as a top-15 fantasy player.

Contract Years Are Important

Take note of players in contract years, as it is typically a big factor in motivating some guys to play their best game on a consistent basis.

Nick Young is just one example of a player who is operating on a one-year deal, and there are several others who have expiring contracts due to come off the books in 2012.

A lot of athletes will be looking to land a serious payday in a 2012 offseason when a plethora of teams have cap space available, and this season is going to be the determining factor in securing a big-time deal.

Don't Sleep on Bounce-Back Candidates

Joe Johnson was a monumental bust for owners who used a high draft pick on him last season, but he's a much better player than he showed last season.

While some of his regression can be chalked up to age and decreased efficiency, it would be foolish to ignore the injuries he dealt with last season and brush off any impact that may have had on him.

He's falling from his previous draft position and getting overlooked by a lot of owners, but those willing to take the gamble on his ability to bounce back on a Hawks team that needs him to produce should not bypass him.