NBA Rookies That Will Make an Impact
With the 2009 NBA Draft over and done with, it’s time to see witch rookies will have any fantasy impact for their new teams.
Blake Griffin, F Clippers:
This guy should be a star in the NBA right from the start. Yes the Clippers do currently have a crowded frontcourt with Marcus Camby, Zach Randolph, and Chris Kaman, but Blake has the body and athleticism to contribute right away. There is no way the organization is just going to sit him on the bench. He’ll get to play plenty and I could see them dealing one of their other big men to create more playing time. As for his fantasy impact, I could see him averaging 25-30 minutes and a double-double in points and rebounds a game. That’s very good for a rookie! His only problem will be free throws, as he was never good at them in college. Other than that he has the athleticism to be a good defender and average a block and steal per game. That’s if he commits to playing defense of course. With NBA rookies you never know.
Fantasy Value: High
Stephen Curry, G Warriors:
Curry was one pick away from landing in a dream situation for both him and the Knicks fans. He would have been perfect for the Knicks up-tempo style. With that being said he did probably end up in the next best thing. The Warriors also play a up-tempo style and because they have a point guard he could be a good scorer from the shooting guard position. He shouldn’t have a problem earning ample minutes as a rookie for head coach Don Nelson. He’s a great shooter and scorer so I wouldn’t be surprised if he had Eric Gordon type numbers from the very start. That’s averaging about 15 points, 2 3-pointers and a steal a game.
Fantasy Value: High
Hasheem Thabeet, C Grizzlies:
Fantasy owners are already salivating at the shot-blocking and rebounding potential that Thabeet could offer as a rookie. Though it looks like he will offer just about nothing on the offensive end as a rookie. The Grizzlies are pretty thin in the frontcourt aside from Marc Gasol, so the minutes should be there from day one. Some experts have question whether he will ever get a real offensive game, but you should just value him for his shot blocking and rebounding, which there is no doubt NBA ready. I see him being near the league lead in shot blocks and averaging around 10 rebounds per game. That’s good for a center. Thabeet’s presence hurts Marc Gasol’s fantasy stock a bit,, but I could see Gasol sliding over to power forward so both can be on the floor at once.
Fantasy Value: Medium
James Harden, G Thunder:
I believe Harden was one of the most under rated players in the draft by experts. Watching him in college many times his play reminds me a lot of Brandon Roy. He is just a solid all around player that can help fantasy owners in many categories. In fact he’s my pick for rookie of the year. He’s going to a good young team where he can step into the 2-guard position right away and get plenty of minutes. The Thunder will actually be fun to watch next season with all their young talent. Look for Harden to average around 30 minutes a game scoring plenty and averaging above average for 2-guards in rebounds and assists. He’s D is not bad either so steals will come also.
Fantasy Value: High
Terrence Williams, G-F Nets:
After trading Vince Carter to the Magic there was no doubt that the Nets were targeting T-Will at #11. Well, they got their man and he should be the starter at small forward from day one. Like Harden, T-Will has a very versatile game that should help fantasy owners in many categories. If he improves his shooting he could also be right there in the discussion for rookie of the year. Even if he doesn’t improve shooting he still has the all around game to be fantasy relevant.
Fantasy Value: Medium
Tyreke Evans, G Kings:
Evans like most rookies needs to work on his shot and shot selection, but he is a player with a lot of up-side. I don’t know how many minutes he will get from the start, but I believe by the end of the season he will be playing plenty. He’s a player you want to keep an eye on has a big contributor in the second half of the season if the Kings are out of contention. Just keep watch for him.
Fantasy Value: Sleeper
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