Fantasy Basketball Cheat Sheet

Behold, the ultimate fantasy basketball cheat sheet to bring to your 2011 fantasy basketball draft … Print it out, bookmark it on your smart phone, memorize it! My best advice is to print this out and write scribble some notes directly onto this cheat sheet, so you will know which players to target during each round of the draft. Here is an analysis of the top 50 NBA players as well as the top bonus picks to help you have a successful draft for the 2011-2012 season.

Note: These fantasy basketball rankings were created before the free agency period. Rankings could be affected by a major trade or free agency acquisition.

Rank	Point Guard (PG)	Shooting Guard (SG)	Small Forward (SF)	Power Forward (PF)	Center (C)
1	Chis Paul (NO) Contract years always bring out the best in players in every sport. I’m anxious to see what CP3 has to say about his value	Dwayne Wade (MIA) Widely considered Robin in the Miami equation, is it time for D-Wade to take back the reign of “his” team? Maybe at least in the 4th quarter	LeBron James (MIA) If at least 25/7/7 isn’t enough for you, King James is also approaching the elite 1/1/1 club. Solid Fantasy MVP candidate	Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) Gotta give it to Dirk, he earned his spot in the Hall of Fame. Now with a ring, what will be his encore? I predict more of the same: .500 FG/.900 FT/23 PTS/7 REB	Dwight Howard (ORL) D. Howard is the best center in the league, period. It’s eerie when you compare his stats to Shaq’s when he was in Orlando. Superman 2.0 may too bail on the Magic in his quest for a ring
2	Derrick Rose (CHI) The MVP has his sights set on another goal – a championship. What else will he add to his fantasy-friendly arsenal? I can see Rose averaging 30 points and 10 assists with close to 2 threes and 2 steals per game in the next couple of years	Monta Ellis (GSW) With a little guidance from his new head coach, and “if” he can curb his TO’s while being more efficient at the line, he’s a dark horse MVP candidate. The new GSW ownership seems determined to build a winner. Monta will try to prove he belongs in their future	Kevin Durant (OKC) Take your pick between Durantchula and LBJ as a top pick. Although his stats were down last year from the previous, Durant still led the league in scoring. I’m looking for KD to get back to averaging over 30 points per game	Kevin Love (MIN) Finally rewarded the playing time he felt he deserved, the reigning top rebounder is out to prove last year was no fluke. With Ricky Rubio in town the Wolves have a nice young team that Western Conference teams need to keep an eye on	Pau Gasol (LAL) Gasol is going to be a top 20 fantasy player. The question is – how well will the Lakers respond to incoming coach Mike Brown? If Kobe flips a lid, Gasol is going to have a rough season. But if Brown can put his stamp in LA, Pau will be a huge beneficiary
3	Deron Williams (NJN) Similar to CP3, Deron is also in a contract year. New Jersey will try to surround him with as much talent as possible for him to thrive and ultimately resign. They desperately need a face to their upcoming Brooklyn look	Kobe Bryant (LAL)  We might get to see a little old Kobe this year. With no Phil, the Lakers are going to be fighting for seeding and Kobe will demand (take rather) more shots and show more aggressiveness	Rudy Gay (MEM) Top 10 fantasy player before a season-ending shoulder injury. He played at a charity game recently, so he must be good to go right? Rudy is ready to take the Grizzlies back to the Western Conference Semifinals and maybe beyond	Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) The main reason he sits above the rest is because he is just 4 years removed from averaging .590 FG/.805 FT/ 25 PTS/9 REB/2 BLK and almost a steal. The two reasons he’s not the top PF are Melo and health	Al Jefferson (UTA) With Derrick Favors in town, that makes someone available…and that’s probably Millsap. My gut feeling is that Al will have a remarkable (short) season posting All-Star worthy stats
4	Stephen Curry (GSW) Hellllo Mark Jackson. Coach was fun to watch as a player, and can’t wait to see him coach this young Warriors team starting with the engine at PG. Curry is due for a breakout year, barring health of course	Eric Gordon (LAC) Blake will be the face of the franchise, but Gordon could very well be the backbone. Unless the Lakers pull off another Shaq or Gasol type trade in the next couple years, the Clippers have a real shot of being the hottest ticket in LA	Paul Pierce (BOS) The Truth shot lights out last year. This year I expect similar results as they will be fighting for elbow room in the crowded East. The Oakland native is primed for another solid (and benefits from a short) season	LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) After repeated seasons of carrying the load while his fellow bigs went down to injury, Aldridge finally became accustomed to being “the man”. Be wary of him though, as the arrival of Wallace could hamper his production	JaVale McGee (WAS) I’m going out on a limb and hoping McGee comes through to justify this rank. If used properly, McGee can be the “X” factor for your team. His maturity process is the key to his overall development and fulfilling his potential
5	Russell Westbrook (OKC) The UCLA alum really hit his stride last season. Look for a lot more of that as he drives the Thunder toward a championship birth in the ’11-’12 season	Manu Ginobili (SAS) Played a career high 80 games last season. Asking him to play 66 this year should be a cake walk. The Spurs will need Manu’s offense more than ever with the rapidly aging process of Tim Duncan	Carmelo Anthony (NYK) Melo got his wish-the bright lights, NY stage, Amar’e, an invite to CP3. Now he’s ready for his first FULL season to get underway…oh wait…	Al Horford (ATL) When you think of consistency, you think of Al Horford. That reason alone is good enough to justify drafting Horford over Amar’e or Aldridge	Joakim Noah (CHI) The presence of Boozer and the injury bug worry me a bit with Noah. Other than that he’s a beast that can hold it down for you at center. Worth a third round pick
6	Jason Kidd (DAL) I’m looking for Dallas to put up a strong defense of their NBA title. A big part of that is one of the best PG’s of all time who happens to be in his twilight years. A solid 2 three’s/10 pts/8 ast/7 reb/2 stl is very reasonable, and valuable	Kevin Martin (HOU) Health is always the main concern with the fragile K Mart (part deuce). A short season could play into his favor as the Rockets will be battling for a playoff spot. His FT %, PTS and 3′s should be what you’re looking for from a typical 2 guard	Danny Granger (IND) . Larry Bird has had about enough of the temped records in recent years. Wanting to shake things up, a potential blockbuster trade could be looming. Regardless, as long as you set the right expectations with him, draft away	Blake Griffin (LAC) Hard to ignore 22 points 12 rebounds as a rookie?! Those of you thinking he’s a 2 trick pony are fooling yourselves. He’ll be close to 1 steal and 1 block a game, while helping carry your field goal parentage (plus he’ll jump over a KIA, is that a stat?)	Nene Hilario (DEN for now) Proven he can be consistent, where will Nene take his act next? A lot of teams are knocking at the door. Wherever he lands, he will bring hustle stats with 1 steal, 1 block, about .600 FG and a ton of put-backs getting a communal fantasy cheer for the “rebound +2″ stat on one play
7	Rajon Rondo (BOS) Speculating trade rumors should not hurt Rondo’s value. An actual trade could. He fits perfectly into Boston’s system and I suspect they give it one more go with their core 4 (Pierce, KG, Allen & Rondo) rather than blow it up	Joe Johnson (ATL)   The hundred and twenty million dollar man was recovering from injury at the beginning of last season. Look for Joe to try and prove he’s worth at least most of the money Atlanta committed to him. He should return close to 20/5/5 with 1 three & 1 steal per game	Dorell Wright (GSW) Wright came out swinging in his first opportunity to start. He’s shown his ability to earn minutes on the court with his defense, and his 3′s are outstanding. Use him as your starting 2 or 3 with confidence	Kevin Garnett (BOS) Look for Doc & Co to give it one more shot. KG leads a championship veteran core that may have enough focus to steal one in this crazy year. Remember we’re talking about KG, former #1 pick in fantasy in his heyday	Brook Lopez (NJN) His play this year will drastically affect D. Williams’ decision on whether to resign or not. Brook did not show up on the glass averaging a career low 6 boards per game last year, despite averaging a career high in points (20). He needs to keep the PTS and raise his REB & BLKS
8	Steve Nash (PHO) Why Nash over someone like Wall? Because he consistently carries fantasy teams. Even on a bad fantasy team, the opponent dreads looking at the stats Nash compiles against them preventing a sure otherwise blowout	Ray Allen (BOS) The all time leader in 3 pointers made will be ready to go when the season starts. Great shooters age well, look for Ray to make it rain in 2012. His ability to spread the floor gives KG & Pierce room to operate in the middle	Gerald Wallace (POR)  If the remodeled Blazers can get any production from B. Roy & Greg Oden, they are a serious contender. I like the addition of Felton, and “Crash” always makes generous contributions in the 3′s+steals+blocks department	Josh Smith (ATL) Trade rumors, partly started by J. Smoove himself, could affect his stat line depending on where he lands. If he ends up in the desert with Steve Nash, look out. He could be like a ’05-’06 version of Matrix	Marc Gasol (MEM) My only concern with this pick is the suddenly crowded Grizzlies’ team. He will grab steady boards and block a couple shots, but I’m not sure if he’ll get the touches to make him a tier 2 center
9	Kyle Lowry (HOU) I always thought Lowry was a better fit in Houston than Aaron Brooks. Now he is putting up top 10 PG worthy stats. His durability will be key for owners looking for a solid #1 or #2 option at point	Wes Matthews (POR) Given an opportunity to start last year with an injury filled roster, Matthews took full advantage. He is a great wing player who won’t hurt you and should see plenty of action starting for Portland	Danillo Gallinari (DEN) He was the key piece that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York. There’s going to be an all-you-can-eat approach with Gallo and his shooting. After all, he is filling in for ‘Melo. I see him having a career year, worth a 5th round pick	Zach Randolph (MEM) Z-Bo carried the Grizzlies when All Star Rudy Gay went down for the season. Look for the two to pick right back up and win a home court playoff matchup	Macin Gortat (PHO) Set to start the season top of the depth chart for the first time in his career, Gortat will use what he learned practicing with D. Howard every day. BTW he gets to be set up by none other than Steve Nashty. A solid double-double and 2 blocks is on lock
10	Chauncey Billups (NYC) Of course a CP3 arrival would put the kibosh on Billup’s potential. To Billup’s credit, veteran players usually maintain a more disciplined offseason routine so he should still post solid numbers	Jason Terry (DAL) Although you can still draft starters around the 6th-8th round, no other available starter can be so reliable. Plus the “Jett” historically plays better after the all-star break, when it counts in fantasy. Try to combine him with a few 3 point specialists	Andre Iguodala (PHI) Iggy knows his time is most likely coming to an end in Philly. Where he lands will determine his true value. As of now, he’s still valuable for his multi-category contributions as well as his (except last year) durability	Chris Bosh (MIA) Playing third fiddle on a team with two mega stars, he’s by far the best 3rd option in the NBA. Bosh will be more comfortable in his role and that should show up in the box score	Andrew Bogut (MIL) If he can manage to get through this shortened season, he will pay dividends at a discounted price. He has the potential to lead the league in blocks while posting nightly double-doubles
2011 Bonus Fantasy Basketball Draft Picks
1	Tyreke Evans (SAC) After a rough sophomore season, look for our pal Tyreke Evans to bounce back in a major way. The reshaped Kings surrounded talent around their former ROY so he can do what he does best-take over games. Something like 20/6/6/2 is within reach	Arron Afflalo (DEN) He is a sneaky source of 3′s, gets half a steal and block per game, and helps out in both shooting percentages. If he stays in Denver or goes to Chicago (I don’t see him playing in any other city this year) he’ll make a fine rotation starter	Jared Dudley (PHO) This is a true “bonus” pick. Will pay off as one of your best ‘value’ picks due to his considerably cheap cost. He’s a starter playing next to 2-time MVP Steve Nash, I see some inflated numbers coming from Dudley	Paul Millsap (UTA) It is going to take a trade for Millsap to be able and repeat last years numbers. Either him or teammate Al Jefferson will probably get traded, positively affecting both player’s value. If Millsap ends up somewhere like Golden State, expect big numbers	Greg Monroe (DET) New ownership may reshape this odd accumulation of players and build around Monroe. He has shown he can hack it down low with the NBA’s best while also using his athleticism and finess on the offensive end
2	Raymond Felton (POR) I liked Felton when he began last season in NY. I hated him in Denver. I like him again at the beginning of this year in Portland…hopefully he stays put	Nick Young (WAS) I don’t see any team over paying for this restricted free agent who’s “just” a scorer. That’s about all Young has proven he can do thus far. And if you’re looking for late-er round points, look no further	Luol Deng (CHI) Teammate and reigning MVP D. Rose must have made a good impression on Deng. Last season he posted a career high in 3′s made, making more last year than all other seasons combined	David Lee (GSW) I’m still waiting to see if last year was a result of Lee not being able to keep up with the W’s tempo or simply hiding the fact he wasn’t 100% from injury. He is a solid starter who has the potential to post 20/20 games	Serge Ibaka (OKC) The presence of Perkins down low may impact Ibaka’s overall value. He will still be a blocks monster, but may have a tough time finding points and boards. Still, Ibaka can be useful as a starting forward, 2nd center or utility player
3	John Wall (WAS) I know, Calipari point guards, what can I say. But seriously, he was a bonus pick last year, and the only thing holding him from a top 10 appearance is the dreaded “sophomore slump”. It’s real	DeMar DeRozan (TOR) There is no real clear leader in Toronto. Last year DeMar showed some glimpses of some. I doubt he will assume the lead role, but a steady progression in his game is almost certain	Shane Battier (MEM) He has the defense Miami needs and the ice in his veins to knock down 3′s on a consistent basis. Wait and see where he ends up, but if he does wind up in south beach, I’d reach a little (8th – 10th round)	Elton Brand (PHI) Good to see Brand back into fantasy (and real life) relevance. He used to be one of my favorite players his last few years in LA. I smell Iggy is on his way out, and Philly will run actual plays for Brand	Roy Hibbert (IND) I’d take a gamble on Hibbert over any other remaining center for his upside. However, if he’s your first center taken, try to surround him with at least 1-2 more solid centers to back him up