Elton Brand Out for the Season- Fantasy Impact

For the second consecutive season, Elton Brand’s season is getting cut short. After his shoulder was slow too heal, Brand decided to have season-ending shoulder surgery. He should be ready to go by the start of the 2009-10 NBA season.

Interestingly enough, the Philadelphia 76ers are arguably better without Brand. Without the power forward they signed in the offseason, the Sixers are able to play at a faster pace and with a more free-flowing offense. As long as the rest of their team stays healthy, making the playoffs is a very real possibility for Philadelphia.

In the fantasy basketball world, Brand being out has a dramatic affect on the Sixers. First of all, Andre Iguodala is much more valuable in fantasy basketball when he’s not playing next to brand. His points and assists go way up because the offense is run through him.

The other players who become more valuable are Thaddeus Young, Samuel Dalembert and Marreese Speights. Young will be able to start at power forward with Brand gone, which is great news for his fantasy value. Dalembert hasn’t played very well at times this season but as of late, he’s started to pick it up. His minutes will also be more consistent without Brand available.

The fantasy basketball sleeper in all of this is Speights. His per-minute numbers have been fantastic and he could see more and more minutes as the season progresses, especially now with Brand out of the way. If you have a roster spot and want to take a long-term gamble, consider picking up Speights.