NBA Training camps are just about to open, so it is a good time to predict who is looking to make a surprise impact on your fantasy roster this season, or who might be going lower on the rankings sheet than they really should be. 

Randy Foye - I predict by half way through preseason, Randy Foye will be on every list as a sleeper of the year.  That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get him if you pay attention to your draft, but I am also warning about taking him to high.  Yes, Foye should be much improved over last season, and they basically have handed him the PG reigns, but on a team that is now completely being rebuilt that doesn’t mean the stats will follow.  The ball is going to have to be shared amongst Al Jefferson (option #1), Ricky Davis (option #1a if he stays), Gerald Green, McCants and Corey Brewer. As Foye is not really a playmaking guard it will be interesting to see how he runs this offense.  He should have a decent season, but do not reach for him.

Darko Milicic - How many years has Darko been on the sleeper lists heading into your draft.  Last year for sure, as everyone expected him to blow up playing next to Dwight Howard.  Well, he didn’t as he still only got 22-24 mins a game in Orlando and was basically a disappointment for the 4th year in a row.  Enter 2007/ 08 and I think he is in a better situation in Memphis.  It is a more veteran team with Gasol and Mike Miller as the team leaders, so there is little pressure on Darko.  I expect him to have a solid season with averages of 12 points - 8 boards - 2 blocks, with the bonus that some weeks he will carry your team in blocks by himself.

Jamal Magloire - The Big Cat is going to New Jersey, a team in desperate need of a big man.  That alone is a good thing.  I am not expecting Magloire to return to all-star status, but I expect him to play very similar to his years in Milwaukee as a 10-10 type guy, with maybe a boost in points since he is playing with Jason Kidd.  Rank him according to those numbers and don’t forget about him on draft night.

Charlie Bell - As long as Bell goes to Miami where it seems he is destined at the moment, he could be a great producer for threes and points.  He will be a combo guard who plays the point on occasion, but his main strength is shooting from behind the arc.  The Miami situation is good for him right now for three reasons: 1) Shaq usually makes shooters better, because he demands the double team and but unlike most post men, Shaq will kick the ball out.  That results in a lot of wide open looks for Bell.  2) He is playing behind Jason Williams.  J-Will has game, but he is always hurt, and isn’t fully healthy right now after a full offseason.  There could be a lot of minutes for Bell.  3) Wade will miss the first few weeks of the season, allowing Bell to get extra minutes early and comfortable in the offense, hopefully proving himself in the process.  If you need threes, watch for where Bell is sliding in your draft.

Monta Ellis - Ellis is probably going to be drafted failry high after his performances last season.  He isn’t a household name yet, but his highlight plays have him on the TV enough that he won’t be forgotten.  He makes this list because, with the departure of Jason Richardson, Ellis actually becomes more valuable than he was last season.  He should have the starting SG spot to himself, and will spell Baron Davis at PG at times.  Ellis and Baron seem to have a great connection, with Ellis being the finisher in the fast break.  Ellis loves to get up and down the floor and will get you 4-5 hoops alone just outrunning everyone. 

Jason Maxiell - I am really big on this kid and his potential in Detroit this season.  Last season, with Ben Wallace gone, the Pistons lacked that toughness inside.  Maxiell brings back that toughness but also brings youth to run up and down the floor and an offensive game in the post.  Webber’s status is unsure, and Rasheed is another year older, so there should be playing time available for Maxiell this season.  All he did was produce in limited minutes in last season’s playoffs, so I expect him to take that to another level with regular playing time.

Corey Maggette - Maggette was a 20 ppg scorer in the past, why is he on a sleeper list?  Well Maggette went from one of the Clips starting options two seasons ago, to somehow coming off the bench much of last season to completely dominating fantasy games by the end of last season.  Enter 2007/08 and he is back without Brand even around to compete for shots.  Maggette should be the entire Clipper offense this year, and given how he gets to the line, boards and get steals, he will fill up the boxscore everynight.  My biggest knock on Maggette is his health.  Given this opportunity to lead, he has to stay healthy for once.