With Fantasy Basketball creeping up on fantasy fanatics, here’s a draft board for players you should choose and try to ignore for the 2013-14 season:
First Round:
Kevin Durant, Small Foward, Oklahoma City Thunder – If you’re the first pick in the draft or if the three time scoring champion is still available by the second or third pick, choose Durant. Bottom line. The 5’10 scoring machine for the Thunder is arguably the best scorer in the National Basketball League and with All- Star point guard Russell Westbrook out until about December, Durant will have the ball in his hands a lot this year. Expect Durant to average close to 27-29 points a game and improve his assists and rebound numbers. (Projected: 1-2)
Lebron James, Small Forward, Miami Heat – This one should be pretty obvious. James is not only the best player in the NBA, but is arguably the best/second best fantasy option. Between his scoring, vision and defensive skill, it’s hard to deny James value on a fantasy level. (Projected: 1-2)
Chris Paul, Point Guard, Los Angeles – With new shooters JJ Reddick and Jared Dudley on offense, CP3 will have his hands full distributing the ball to the high octane offense of the Clippers. Despite his struggles in the playoffs, Chris Paul is still one of the best point guards in the league and new head coach Doc Rivers will make sure Paul commands the offense masterfully this year. The point guard averaged 9.6 assists and 2.6 steals last season and with more perimeter shooters, his numbers will increase. Long story short, choose Paul without hesitation. (Projected: 3-5)
Carmelo Anthony, Small Forward, New York Knicks – Those who select Melo should understand that they are taking a great chance. I know it can be enticing to choose last year’s scoring champion, who averaged 28.7 points per game and lead the Knicks to a second seed in the Eastern Conference, but Carmelo is certainly a gamble. Not only did he not have surgery on his injured shoulder over the summer, which may affect his shooting form, the Knicks did not improve over free agency. Carmelo may score your team points off 45 percent shooting, but defenses will zone on the ten year pro this season. (Projected: 4-6)
James Harden, Shooting Guard, Houston Rockets – With the acquisition of Dwight Howard over the summer, Houston will be under the microscope all season long. Not only will coach Kevin McHale have to piece Howard into the Rocket’s offensive schemes, he will have to finger out how to keep Harden the focal point of the offense. Despite his incline in value, be cautious on picking up Harden right away. He is the star of this team, but I wouldn’t put him in the top-four fantasy option, as Howard’s pick and roll offensive game might diminish Harden’s scoring average. Still, Harden is a great fantasy pick for those in the middle of the pack. (Projected: 5-7)
Derrick Rose, Point Guard, Chicago Bulls – The 2011 MVP will finally hit the hardwood after a 18 month hiatus from basketball. Rose showed his agility and vintage acrobatic moves in the preseason before sitting out the last few games, as his return will either make or break the Bulls. Like the two before him, Rose isn’t exactly a sure shot in terms of fantasy options. He will play well, but be carefully of his knee, as I highly doubt Rose will play a full 82 game season. If Harden or Anthony are on the board take them instead. If not, Rose will fill the role, but you might want to pick up another solid guard. (Projected: 6-8)
Stephen Curry, Point Guard, Golden State Warriors – In a guard driven league, it’s easy to forget about guys like Curry. The Warrior’s point guard, who averaged 45.6 fantasy points per game last year, will look to maintain his sniper mentality. Curry is a safe pick in the latter first round/early second round and even though he hasn’t showed the consistency of the top tier guys, pick him up if you’re in the six-nine range. (Projected: 6-8)
LaMarcus Aldridge, Power Forward, Portland Trail Blazers – To round out the top players of the first round, Aldridge is a sleeper pick for most drafts. Even though majority of fantasy owners will not pick up power forwards or centers in the first round, Aldridge has proven that he is a stable starter in any fantasy league. With 21.1 points per game, 9.1 rebounds per game and a block, Aldridge’s fantasy value would be ranked higher if he wasn’t a big man. If you have the chance, pick a guard, but don’t sleep on the Trail Blazers big man if your draft position is late in the first round or early second round. (Projected: 7-9)
