As preseason was just beginning I wrote about all the key rookies and what I thought each brought to the table heading into the season. There have been some key changes to a few players and simply more time to evaluate others, so I wanted to update my previous reports as preseason comes to a close:
- Corey Brewer- Well in my previous rookie report, I stated that everyone expected Ricky Davis to get traded, and he was, to Miami. This really opens up the rotations at SG/ SF for the Wolves, and Brewer who has had some excellent preseason games, will be the main benefactor. Watch for Brewer to be the 3rd best fantasy rookie available behind Durant and Thornton, as he provides both defensive and offensive punch. Upgrade.
- Yi Jianlian- The Bucks have definitely tried to showcase Yi as a starter so far, but my gut feels with the way Charlie V. and Bogut are playing, that Yi gets the least minutes of the three. He simply looks too inconsistent and lost on defense so far, for the young Bucks to stick with him. They can bring him along slowly and still win. Slight downgrade.
- Rodney Stuckey - Broke his hand. Another casualty of preseason injuries when it looked promising for him to earn minutes. Downgrade
- Mike Conley Jr.- Before the season began everyone was ready to hand the reigns over to this kid. He is more on the pace I predicted in my previous report. Right now he is behind Stoudamire and on par with Kevin Lowry. While I expect Conley to eventually earn the starting job, and that to happen this season, the first few months he will be contributing little to fantasy teams. Downgrade
- Al Thornton - WOW. If the preseason is any indication, this kid is ready to step into Brand’s shoes now. He has led the Clips in scoring in the preseason at a tune of 18+ a game, and has done so from behind the arc, slashing to the hoop and from the line. With the opportunity to play right away, Thornton could push Durant for ROY honors early on. Right now he is the 2nd best fantasy rookie on the board. Upgrade
- Kevin Durant - Other than a preseason ankle injury which may slow him the first few games, Durant has the green light to score, and will be getting the most minutes of any rookie. He will put a hit on your FG%, but he is the best rookie available - no surprise. Still #1.
- Glen “Big Baby” Davis - The Celtics second rounder may make more contributions than you think. Kendrick Perkins is constantly in foul trouble, and currently Davis is the first big off the bench. To keep Perkins in the game late, the C’s may have to sub him frequently with Davis. Also, if the Celtics play as well as expected, there may be a number of games with garbage time points/ stats available where they won’t hesitate to get Davis on the floor so he can get real floor experience which will be valuable late in the season or playoffs. Upgrade
- Brandan Wright - Is still stuck in idle mode. We have seen very little of his game in the preseason, so I don’t expect him to have any impact early in the year. Watch him if you are in a keeper league, but he is not worth a look on draft night right now. Downgrade
- Al Horford - I said the Hawks finally picked a big man who was NBA ready, and Horford did everything to impress during the preseason at a pace of 12 points and 9 boards. He should be center eligible in most leagues, and that is a huge bonus for the 4th best rookie available. Upgrade
- Marco Belinelli - Belinelli is a shooter, plain and simple. He loves to run which is perfect for the Golden State offense. He is only going to contribute points and threes (with very low assists and steals) but he could have some very decent nights scoring which makes him worth a flyer. If anyone in the rotation goes down to injury and he begins to get serious minutes, he could be a valuable SG for your team. On par
New On the Radar:
- Luis Scola - Was drafted in 2002 by San Antonio, but Houston finally lured him to the NBA. Is starting for Houston right away, and that alone has to make you take notice. Averaged nearly 9 points a game in limited minutes during the preseason.
- Aaron Gray - Seemed like a token big man pick in the second round by the Bulls, but has shown he can score around the hoop (at least against preseason opponents). Will be tough for him to get any serious playing time behind Ben, Tyrus and Noah, but a seven foot center is worth watching.
- Juan Carlos Navarro - Had a great preseason scoring wise, and is immediatley in synch with the Grizzlies star player Gasol as they play for Spain’s national team. Another tough rotation to crack with Stoudamire, Conley Jr., Gay, Lowry and more, but if Gasol wants him on the floor for minutes it will happen.