A few blogs back I reviewed who I thought were key offseason sleepers - see here.  That list included Foye, Milicic, Magloire, Charlie Bell, Monta Ellis, Jason Maxiell, and Corey Maggette.  The only update needed at this time from that list is that Monta Ellis suffered a serious fall in practice, hurting his neck, but it turned out to be just a sprain which should affect little of preseason for him. 

Now that training camps have moved into preseason games, a few new faces are popping up on the radar.  It is still quite early on, so I plan on doing a wrap up as preseason comes to a close, but with many fantasy drafts taking place in the next couple weeks, this will be a good time to watch the following players:

Peja Stojakovic, Hornets - For the first time in three years Peja is declaring himself pain free in his back.  Not 100% in shape, but pain free.   We expected him to be rusty, as it was reported that he has barely been playing the last 6 months, and was not around the NBA scene at all, but early preseason games have him looking very sharp.  This is a guy who once averaged 25+ from mostly behind the arc, so if he is ready to put in close to a full season he could have serious impact on any roster for points and threes.  See if any injuries crop up as he plays more in preseason.

JJ Redick, Magic- With Rashard Lewis just signed to play PF, and Hedu at small forward this team is loaded with outside shooters, but Redick is looking great in the early part of 2007, and getting a lot of minutes in the rotation so far.  After being hurt heading into preseason last year, Redick was never able to really get in a groove.  With one year experience, expect this kid with the range to get some minutes.  The back court is thin in Orlando, and a pure shooter can work in any offense, and open up the floor for Howard and Lewis to go to work.

Brad Miller, Kings- Brad Miller, the center who won’t get you blocks, but could get you 10 assists, lost 25 pounds this offseason in an effort to get back into ideal game shape.  After letting himself “go” a little, coasting in Sacramento for two season as the team went nowhere, it lead to injuries and more poor play.  But remember Miller was ringing up triple doubles as a center just three seasons ago.  Now, with the current Kings team, I don’t expect those stats, but all indications from early preseason are the 25 pounds lost have put him in the right direction for a solid season.

Rudy Gay, Grizzlies - Gay had a fairly successful rookie season.  So far in training camp and the first couple preseason games, he has been flying above everyone.  With Gasol on the court for a full season to draw the double teams, and a new point guard who can run with him and get him the ball where he needs it, watch for Gay to take a big step this season to being a serious fantasy contributor.

Andrew Bynum, Lakers- Bynum had decent stats in his second year, but those stats were averages from inconsistent performances.  Bynum was very much about highs and lows, where he could be the star of the game in the first half and completly disappear in the 2nd half and not be seen for 2 more games.   But the highs showed so much promise, that with him now entering his 3rd season and reports of heavy offseason workout plan, Bynum should be ready to play starter minutes and average 10-12, with 8-10 rebounds and 1-2 blocks.  It is right there for him, if he is ready to be motivated each game.  Follow his progress in preseason and gauge from there.

Robert Swift, Sonics - I had Swift on my DEEP SLEEP list, but I am moving him up to the must watch list.  He is still unproven and coming off a knee injury, but this kid put 40 pounds of muscle on his small frame this offseason, to be able to bang with the other centers, and worked on his post moves constantly.  He has great touch around the hoop and is in line to get the starting center gig for a young team whose offense will be based around Durant and whoever is hot each night.  If he puts in a solid preseason, he is in line for a good year.

Joel Pryzbilla, Trailblazers- I haven’t been able to read many game/ training camp reports on the Pryz situation yet but he has two things going in his favor.  1 - With Oden out, he is basically only battling Channing Frye for minutes, so even with Aldridge the sure starter, between the three of them there will be lots of minutes to go around. 2 - An intense offseason workout plan has Pryz healthy again and in the “reported” best condition of his NBA career.    If those reports are true, Pryz and you see him getting minutes this preseason, he is a valuable fantasy commodity for rebounds and blocks, much more so than Frye who like to shoot outside jumpers rather than bang in the paint.

Rajon Rondo, Celtics- Rondo is already on most sleeper lists, but I have to mention him.  He is going to score very little, think 8 ppg.  He is only going to get moderate assists because the ball is not going to be in his hands as much as you would expect and he is not a playmaking guard, so think 6 assists a game and be very happy with 7 - BUT the steals, the steals.  He is an absolute thief on defense, so once you combine his modest points with decent assists and then outstanding steals, you have a decent point guard sleeper to watch for.