Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves had to leave the game against the New Orleans Hornets prematurely due to a knee injury. While Jefferson hasn’t gotten an x-ray or an MRI yet, the immediate reaction didn’t look good.
After the game, Jefferson said he felt a pop in his knee. If he has any type of serious injury, you can expect the T’Wolves to shut him down for the rest of the season, especially considering Jefferson is their franchise player.
If Jefferson is forced to miss time, the player who could benefit the most is Kevin Love. The rookie out of …read more

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs – 22.46 PER
Quietly, Manu Ginobili is one of the best players in the NBA once again. In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Ginobili scored 30 points and hit 18-of-18 from the free throw line. If his minutes start rising, he could become a fantasy basketball power.
Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks – 19.98 PER
With Michael Redd out for the season, the door has opened for Charlie Villanueva. He’s starting now and should get plenty of minutes and plenty of shot attempts. He’s shown All-Star type ability at times in his career and he’ll get a …read more

Which fantasy basketball rookies are off to a good start in the NBA? Here’s a look at our early top five:
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Coming into the NBA, everyone knew Derrick Rose could pass the ball. What is surprising NBA scouts is his ability to score the ball. He uses his combination of quickness and strength to get to the rim and score against bigger defenders. Since he’s starting and already playing big minutes, he’s not only looking like a good fantasy basketball player but also the lead candidate for Rookie of the Year.
2. Michael Beasley, Miami Heat
Although he has …read more

David Lee, New York Knicks
A lot of speculation points to David Lee being worth less in fantasy basketball with Mike D’Antoni named head coach. However, with the faster tempo Lee’s stats should rise naturally and he should be able to hoard a lot of rebounds — especially offensive rebounds.
Nene, Denver Nuggets
With Marcus Camby traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, the starting job in Denver falls to Nene. Although he’s been more promise than production in his career, he has the ability to be a player who averages close to a double-double with a healthy amount of blocks.
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
If …read more

Who says Kevin Love can’t dunk? Check out this Kevin Love video where he emphatically finishes a muffed alleyoop.
Love is currently playing very well in the 2008 Vegas Summer League for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After three games, Love is averaging 20.7 points, 15 rebounds and two assists per game. He had 26 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday as the T’Wolves picked up their first win of summer league.
Here is the Kevin Love dunk video:

1. Michael Beasley – Beasley will be able to score and rebound right away.
2. Greg Oden – Don’t forget about Oden, who missed his rookie year.
3. OJ Mayo – Should score right away with the Grizzlies.
4. Derrick Rose – Expect him to start slow and then come on strong.
5. Rudy Fernandez – Expect him produce great numbers if a starter.
6. Kevin Love – Love has a very developed game and should shine.
7. Eric Gordon – Could score by the dozens with the Clippers.
8. Jerryd Bayless – The Blazers have three top rookies in the top ten.
9. Brandon Rush – Should …read more

With the Memphis Tigers in the 2008 National Championship game, Chris Douglas-Roberts has seen his 2008 NBA Draft stock rise and rise. Coming into the tournament, Douglas-Roberts was seen as a second round pick. Currently, the shooting 6-foot-7 guard is being projected by NBA scouts to be picked in the mid to late first round.
When looking at him, scouts have tended to let the negatives outweigh the positives. Douglas-Roberts is skinny, not very strong and his outside shot isn’t especially deadly. Many scouts have wondered whether Douglas-Roberts has the body to be an NBA player.
However, now …read more

While the UCLA Bruins have great guard play, Kevin Love is the player on the team that makes UCLA a legitimate championship contender. Love is a bruising low post player with a myriad of uniqueness skills.
NBA scouts have had mixed opinions about how well Love will excel on the NBA level. Some scouts point to his average athleticism and average foot-speed as reasons why he may flop in the NBA. Other NBA scouts think his basketball IQ and fundamental skills will allow him to play at any level.
Love’s most unique skill may be his outlet pass. When he gets the …read more