| RotoFreak.com: Chicago Bulls Fantasy Preview Authored by Craig Huffman - September 28, 2006 - 10:33 am
| Current Featured Columns | | Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
A Melo Behind The SuperstarsCarmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
 |
Maynor Using Utah’s Resources
Eric Maynor is an increasingly rare four-year, small college rookie. He sat down with RealGM to discuss how his first few weeks of NBA life has gone and what he has learned from Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan.
|
 |
Why LeBron To The Clippers Makes Sense
LeBron James already plays for a perennial underdog in Cleveland, but moving to the Clippers would allow him to do so in a huge market and with a core that will immediately compete for championships while also having an encouraging long term outlook.
|
 |
‘Home-Heavy Schedule’ Brings Question Marks
The Heat have been plagued by inconsistencies, making it difficult to determine how good they really are this season.
|
|
More from RealGM's Columnists
|
| |
Ben Wallace – Obviously, it's time to be aware that Big Ben is 32 years old and is due to start his fantasy NBA decline. But, it's not yet time to sound the alarm. His block and rebound totals have dropped for three consecutive years; however, much of that can be attributed to a decline in mpg. He's in a new city, he has more of an opportunity for touches on the offensive end which will help keep him motivated, and the Bulls lack depth down low. Big Ben will be just fine. 3's, PTS, TO and FT% will continue to limit his fantasy value, though... giving him an upside around 35 and a probable fantasy value around the 45th rank. His mpg will be capped around 35 or 36 (to save him for a playoff run); so, we're drafting Big Ben at last year's value.
Andres Nocioni – The Bulls could certainly use both size and a low-post presence at the 4; however, they currently don't have an ideal option. Obviously, Nocioni proved late last year (and in the playoffs) that he could definitely handle his own at the position, and his efforts will allow him to compete for that starting spot. But, that would make for an awfully small starting lineup. Obviously, he could start at the 3 as well, sending Deng to the bench. Either way, if he doesn't get the starting nod, the minutes will still be there. 30 mpg is obtainable - even off the bench - and would inch him close to 15 and 8. That alone would put him near the top 60. With the likelihood of Chicago pulling off a trade to fill that void at the 4 being high, and Nocioni's downside off the bench around the top 100, we're splitting the difference at 80. He is playing for a contract this year too; so, we won't fault you for taking him 10 spots earlier.
Luol Deng – The window is still not big enough for Deng to have a break-out year; however, it's good to see his game developing. His percentages went up from last year, and his turnovers decreased... once he adds a little more aggression to his game and bulks up a bit, we'll start to see some more strides. He's not a lock to start this year; but, it's hard to imagine that they'll stunt his progress. So, he'll get his 30+ mpg regardless. He has been working on his shot over the summer, and even got some tutoring from Hakeem Olajuwon; so, it's good to see the 21 year old motivated to improve. We're plugging him in around the 90th pick, a round later than Nocioni. If Skiles ends up starting Nocioni at the 4, Deng's minutes should be around 35 per, and you'll see solid return on this pick.
Ben Gordon – This time last year he couldn't shake off Duhon for a starting spot in the backcourt; however, Gordon is a lock to start at the 2 this time around. His fantasy game isn't exactly stellar... there just isn't much there outside of PTS and 3PTM. His minutes will be closer to 33 this year, which should boost his PTS to 20 per. With a solid FT% and above-average AST totals, his value should be around the top 100. Despite having pg eligibility, don't reach too far above that to grab him. There just aren't enough dimensions to his game right now to justify it.
PJ Brown – Whether he manages to eek out a starting spot or not, PJ's value will be dropping this year. He still has center eligibility and you can count on him for decent REB, FG%, FT% and TO numbers; but, his minutes should cave to around 25 per. Skiles could use a post-up player alongside Ben Wallace, and ideally PJ would be backing up Big Ben and getting a little run at the 4. Nonetheless, out of the gates, his role could be increased, and he should still hover around the top 150 in a backup role. So, we're looking for him around 135. If he comes out strong, look to sell high.
Chris Duhon – Chris had everybody running to the wire in mid-November of last year to pick him up. He was near 34 mpg, and averaging 10 PTS, 1.8 3PTM, 1.3 STL, and 5.5 AST, with solid percentages. Gordon eventually claimed that starting spot alongside Hinrich, and not long after that, most managers threw Duhon back to the wire. With Gordon still starting and the Bulls' backcourt a little bit deeper, it will even be difficult for Duhon to match his 2nd-half value of last year (140). He is the main beneficiary if Hinrich or Gordon goes down with an injury, and we've seen the upside. So, we'll still draft him around 140 and just hope for the best.
Tyrus Thomas – He's an intriguing prospect in fantasyland - he's a decent ballhandler and passer, and has the athleticism to tally up quality rebound, steal and block totals. His height, strength and maturity are playing against him right now, though... the team is looking to groom him into a PF and Ty is more of an NBA 3 right now. So, that will take some time to sort itself out, and with the Bulls looking to compete now, Ty will be hard-pressed to make an immediate impact. As of now, he's hovering around our top 200... we'll snatch him off the wire if he starts making any kind of noise.
Mike Sweetney – He'll get as many minutes as he can handle, and once again, that's not a good thing. Yeah, he's a little bit of a chunk... but he is productive in his minutes. So, we won't dismiss him completely. Just keep a distant eye on him.
Thabo Sefolosha – The Swiss native is more NBA-ready than most think. He's a terrific defender, his ballhanding is good enough for him to play some point, and he'll eventually have the size to defend 3's. So, keep an eye on him in the future.
This article appears courtesy of RotoFreak, your source for fantasy basketball analysis |
