Sleeper Centers – February 2008

Robert Swift, Seattle Supersonics
If you read between the lines, it’s pretty obvious that Robert Swift is the player the Sonics envision as the team’s center of the future. While he’s missed a whole lot of time after tearing up his knee, Swift is just now getting back onto the court. If he remains healthy, his minutes will increase rapidly.

Stromile Swift, New Jersey Nets
Always one of the most athletic players in the league, Stromile Swift is now in the perfect situation with the Nets. With Jason Kidd around to let Swift fully utilize his athleticism, there’s no excuse for Swift not to finally blossom. Kidd will allow Swift to finish alleyoops and easy dunks in the line. If Swift starts, he could put up relatively big numbers before too long.

Nenad Krstic, New Jersey Nets
Nenad Krstic is another player who has come back slowly from a knee injury. He played a bit earlier this season but he was horrible. The Nets shut him down and have brought him back slowly. Now that he’s getting playing time again, Krstic has a chance to live up to the potential he showed in his first couple seasons in the league.

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are a disaster right now and Joakim Noah has been a part of the problem. His excitable personality has gotten him into some hot water this season. That said, he’s arguably the best bigman on the Bulls already. He should see a lot of minutes down the stretch run of the season, especially if the Bulls fall out of playoff contention.

Shaquille O’Neal, Phoenix Suns
Yes, the Big Diesel is somewhat of a sleeper in the fantasy basketball world. Most everyone runs away from the idea of picking up O’Neal. His strengths this season have been negated by his weaknesses. But if he’s available on your league’s waiver wire, you may want to think about picking him up. Shaq will be motivated to bring Phoenix a ring and his level of play should improve greatly playing next to Steve Nash.