We are close to one month into the season, and in what was one of the most deep drafts we have seen in a long time, the fantasy output hasn’t quite lived up to that billing. Here is the current top 10 rookies, and others that should be on your fantasy radar:
- Kevin Durant- No surprise. The super talent has been very close to the advertised version of the “Next Great Thing”. He has the green light in the Sonics offense and that has resulted in 19 ppg, 4 rpg and over a steal and three per game. His only weak point has been FG% which is currently less than 38%.
- Al Horford- Another player coming in as advertised as a tough inside player who will rebound and block shots. Horford should give you center status and is producing 9 points, 10 rebounds and almost 2 blocks per game. The blocks put him over the top as the best rookie after Durant. His FG% is at 50%, so category by category he will help your team more than Durant if you need blocks and boards.
- Jeff Green- Started the season slowly with a gimpy ankle but has come on strong lately and earned his first start in Seattle’s last game. He also has some freedom on this young Sonics squad and has room to make mistakes and keep playing. With more minutes recently he has brought his stats up to 10 ppg and 5 rpg, but expect those to improve if he can keep starting and playing 30+ minutes each game.
- Yi Jianlian- If Yi proved more consistent he would probably be number 2 on this list, but while he goes for 20 points and 10 rebounds one night, he will disappear the next. Overall though he has been contributing well in points, rebounds and blocks as expected. Yi has already proven he can play in the NBA, he just needs to get his legs and be in synch for every matchup.
- Jamario Moon - Who? Moon what? Moon, the 27 year old former globe trotter rookie has come out of nowhere to be a legitimate fantasy force in recent games. While he is not a scorer, he is a hustle player who will provide very good steals and blocks. If he continues to get 30+ minutes as in recent games, you can expect around 10 points with a three or two to go with those hustle stats.
- Sean Williams- Was not even considered early in the year playing behind Kristic, Magloire and Collins, but with Kristic still trying to regain his form and Magloire and Collins relatively ineffective, Williams has stepped in and shown some life in the New Jersey frontcourt for a change. Williams has started the last two games and had a breakout 22 point, 8 rebound 2 block game, and followed it up with 10 points, 4 boards and 3 blocks. In the last 5 games once he started to get minutes, he has 16 blocks alone. Jersey needs a hustle impact defensive player like this so expect Williams to continue to get time.
- Acie Law - Would be higher but Law is currently out with a sprained ankle. Expect 5-10 points per game and 5 assists a game when he is playing, but make sure his ankle is healthy before giving him a look. Should be back within the next three games and return to his starting role.
- Juan Carlos Navarro - With player hurting in Memphis, Gasol’s buddy Navarro is suddenly getting minutes and showing he can produce. He will mostly contribute points and threes for your lineup, as shown in his first start where he dropped eight threes to go with 28 points, but playing the point he is good for around 4 assists per game as well. The back court is crowded in Memphis, but Navarro should continue to get about 24 minutes a game and that should give you 10 points, 4 assists and 2 threes.
- Corey Brewer- The combination of McCants and Jaric has been playing so well for the Wolves, it hasn’t left many minutes for Brewer to show off his many skills. He has been getting 20+ minutes per game in the recent stretch and has managed around 5 points and 3 boards with that time. Hardly fantasy worthy unless your league requires a rookie, but he is worth watching as he is certainly in the Wolves long term plans.
- Al Thornton- The preseason top rookie has had a tough go to begin the season. While he couldn’t miss in preseason, he hasn’t found that same range in the “real” games. Now with Maggette out for 2-3 weeks and an opportunity to earn minutes again, Thornton also went down with a sprained ankle. Thorton was only getting 16 minutes before the injury so expect it to take awhile before he earns back any serious playing time.
Radar Rookies:
Mike Conley Jr - Out with an injury for 3-4 weeks.
Daequan Cook - Has had some good games, but Wade is back.
Marco Bellinelli - Not currently in the rotation, and even further back with Stephen Jackson’s return
Jason Smith - Watch closely if Dalembert ever goes out for an extended period of time
Glen Davis - Should get more minutes as the season goes on for the Celtics