Chris Paul, New Orleans
Although he turns the ball over more than three times a game, he easily makes up for it by posting more than 11 assists per game. In fact, Paul is the only player in the NBA who is currently averaging double-digits in assists. At 11.8 assists per game, there’s little to suggest that Paul will slow down anytime soon.

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
Not only is Calderon second in the league in assists at 9.5, he amazingly turns the ball over only 1.9 times per game. Last year he put up a similar ratio for the entire season, so this stretch is definitely not a fluke for Calderon. The Raptors point guard knows how to create shots without turning the ball over.

Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
Billups went to the run-and-gun Nuggets and has turned around their whole culture. Now Denver takes good shots each possession and they don’t make nearly as many mistakes. Billups averages 7.2 assists and only 1.6 turnovers to give him an assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 4-to-1.

Chris Duhon, New York Knicks
Don’t look now but Chris Duhon is doing his best Steve Nash impersonation in New York. Playing for Mike D’Antoni, Duhon has been asked to create as many shot opportunities as possible. In his last five games, Duhon is averaging more than ten assists per game — including games of 23 assists and 13 assists in back-to-back affairs.

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First of all, Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph both appear to be safe bets. Crawford has been very consistent over the last few years and should put up similar stats this year. Don’t expect to see a big jump in his production because although he has a green light this year, he’s always had a green light. Randolph, on the other hand, should see his production rise — due partly to D’Antoni and partly to Eddy Curry being out of the way.

At power forward, David Lee and Wilson Chandler are both interesting options. Lee is a player who can give you ten points and close to ten rebounds a night. He also shoots for a high percentage and does little to hurt a fantasy basketball team. Chandler, however, has the higher fantasy ceiling as he’s a multidimensional player who could really thrive in D’Antoni’s system.

Other players to keep an eye on are Nate Robinson, Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson. Robinson could see his scoring numbers improve as he’s playing a lot of minutes off the ball this year. Duhon is the Knicks’ version of Steve Nash, although he’s not going to give you nearly the production. Still, Duhon is a solid fantasy option who should explode for a few big games this season. QRich, if he can get in shape and stay healthy, could produce a lot of three-pointers — just like he did previously under D’Antoni when both were with the Suns.

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While Duhon was only a spot starter in Chicago, he could become the opening night starter at point guard for the Knicks. With new coach Mike D’Antoni in charge, the Knicks needed a pass-first point guard who can distribute the ball. Enter Duhon.

While Duhon isn’t much of a scorer, he is a good passer. He makes smart passes and doesn’t try to force the issue too much. When it comes to scoring, Duhon relies on three-pointers and catch-and-shoot jumpers.

Although Duhon fantasy basketball stock won’t be overly high heading into the 2008-09 season, he definitely is a sleeper. D’Antoni helped Steve Nash turn into a Hall of Fame point guard. While Duhon doesn’t have that sort of potential, he could turn into a player who averages around ten points, eight assists and a good amount of steals and three-pointers.

Can Mike D’Antoni work his point guard magic with Chris Duhon?

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Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brewer’s offensive numbers have been ugly so far in his NBA career. His shooting percentages are poor and it looks like he’s going to have a tough time scoring on this level. That said, he can block shots, get steals and rebound rather well.

Brevin Knight, Los Angeles Clippers
Knight showed up to camp out of shape and that understandably angered his coaches. However, now he’s played himself in shape and is playing well. With Sam Cassell up there in age, Knight could easily win the starting gig before long.

Chris Duhon, Chicago Bulls
If Kirk Hinrich continues his horrible play, the Bulls may be forced to turn to Duhon full time. He’s a bit of a weak offensive play, but he’ll give you decent enough stats in points, assists and rebounds if he starts to get extended minutes.

Fabricio Oberto, San Antonio Spurs
If you are in a deep league, Oberto is a very safe player to pick up. He shoots for a great percentage, gets points and rebounds, and doesn’t turn the ball over. He’s also consistent in his production on a night to night basis.

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