By Justin Yang
As the 2013-2014 NBA season is gradually approaching, spectators and fanatics across the nation have started joining fantasy leagues. This thrilling season, full of highly anticipated returns of all-stars, such as Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Russell Westbrook, has caused an overwhelming commotion. Although there may be many stars to choose from in this year’s fantasy draft, the key to winning a league is to not only boast explosive starters, but possess a versatile bench as well. So as you are frantically searching for recommended picks online five minutes before the draft, be sure to remember the sleepers of this season who could potentially rise and play at a higher value.
Guards (Point Guard and Shooting Guard): Look out for the assists, steals, and points category!
Eric Bledsoe (SG): Although Bledsoe had been described as a “mini-Lebron” due to his exceptional athleticism, he could not show off his talents as he was always in the shadow of another star. Now, his worries are finally over as he found a new home in Phoenix with the Suns where he will hold a starting position. He is projected to have a stat line of around 13 points per game, 5 assists per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 2 steals per game, but he may rise and contribute more.
Greivis Vasquez (PG): I guess finishing third in assists in the NBA last season doesn’t really get you much attention as Vasquez is still ranked in the later rounds. Vasquez is a highly underrated player as he had averaged around 14 ppg, 4 rebs, and 9 ast last season. Especially with his move to the Sacramento Kings, he will have more scoring options to dish the rock to with DeMarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore to name a few. If Vasquez just duplicates his stats from last year, he will be a steal.
Victor Oladipo (SG): The favorite for Rookie of the Year, this young stud will rise and develop his talents as he will most likely receive plenty of minutes and start for the Orlando Magic. Oladipo is a solid overall player who mostly plays as a shooting guard, but can also make the plays as a point guard. In only his first three preseason games, he averaged around 13 ppg, 8 rebs, 5 ast, and 2 stl.
Forwards (Small Forward and Power Forward)/Centers: Focus on rebounds, points, and blocks category!
Jeff Green (SF): Although the Celtics have traded away future hall-of-famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett angering many Boston fans, this has opened up new opportunities for other players to rise and take over. Green is one of these unproven talents who is anticipated to be the next face of the Celtics alongside Rajon Rondo. He is expected to receive whopping 37 minutes per game, putting up stats of around 18 ppg and 6 rebs.
Derrick Favors (PF): Thanks to powerhouse Paul Millsap signing with the Atlanta Hawks, Favors will be promoted to starting power forward for the Utah Jazz. This new role will make him not only a threat in points, but rebounds and blocks as well. With a per 36 stat line of around 14 ppg, 11 rebs, and 2.6 blocks, this double-double machine will be a advantageous steal, who may very well be the x-factor to your team.
Kelly Olynyk (C): This dark-horse for the rookie of the year, made an impressive showing during the Summer League averaging 18 ppg, 7.8 rebs, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 stls while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor in just 24 minutes per night. Although it is debatable whether Olynyk will take over the starting position for the Celtics, it is highly probable that he will, as there isn’t a much better option. Currently he’s receiving more minutes than teammates Jared Sullinger, Kris Humphries, and Brandon Bass.
Whatever player you decide to draft, whether he may be on this list or he may be of your own choosing, remember to look for athletes who will compliment your team, rather than just choosing big names. Good luck and have fun!
Caption: 1. Victor Oladipo sinks a free throw in a summer league game.
2. Derrick Favors drives by Blake Griffin on his way to the rim.
No comments:
Post a Comment