Francisco Garcia, Sacramento Kings
With Ron Artest now in Houston, Francisco Garcia should see a lot of starts during the upcoming season. When he gets time, he has proven to be a player that can help in a whole list of categories.

Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Josh Childress signing in Greece should help Marvin Williams stay on the court. Childress ate up some of his time in the past but this year, Williams could emerge as a very good fantasy basketball player. He’s definitely a sleeper small forward as of right now.

Wilson Chandler, New York Knicks
With Mike D’Antoni in town, everyone knows the Knicks will be running and gunning. While it’s far from a certainty that Wilson Chandler will start at small forward, he could put up really good stats if given the opportunity. During summer league, Chandler was oftentimes the best player on the court.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

C Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors
People don’t realize how much of a stud this guy is and how good he can become. He’s only 21 years old and last year he averaged over nine points, nine rebounds and nearly two blocks. The most exciting part is he did all that in under 30 minutes per game. Biedrins is still a baby as far as his NBA development and he has the potential to take his game up a few notches. If he does and gets added minutes, he’s a player you want on your side this season.

PF LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Although he didn’t get much love last year when it came time to talk about the best rookies in his class, there’s a good chance Aldridge will become the best player of the 2006 draft. His potential should start to be realized this year as the Blazers’ offense should go through him. He’s a guy who could easily average 18 points, 8 rebounds and over a block a game. Don’t sleep on him.

SF Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Williams has been great in preseason for the Hawks and is on schedule for a breakout year this season. Through eight exhibition games, he’s averaging 17.1 points and over five boards. His numbers are going to take a jump in each area this season and he’s a lock to be a starter all season. For being such a young player, Williams is actually a very solid pick in a fantasy draft. He’s going to produce for you night in and night out.

SG Corey Maggette, Los Angeles Clippers
This is a contract year for Maggette, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll get his best effort. He has always been a mega talent but hasn’t always played with fire. With his contract expiring, you shouldn’t have to worry about that this year. Plus, with Elton Brand sidelined, Maggette suddenly becomes the team’s go-to scorer in some situations. The good thing about Maggette is not only does he score but he also rebounds and gets to the free throw line.

PG Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
I wrote about Williams a while ago but he’s worth writing about again. Williams is going to have a monster season. He took a giant step from his rookie year to his sophomore year and I expect another big step this year. He has few weaknesses in his game and he’s quickly becoming Utah’s best player. He should be one of the first point guards off a draft board but for some reason he’s not. If you can get Williams around his average draft position, he’s a fantastic pick.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

Aldridge in summer league play …

Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Much like Aldridge, Williams has had a solid career to date. And like Aldridge, expect Williams to really blossom this year. He seems to have a starting spot locked down and should be able to put up nice all-around numbers. Against Portland, Williams had a team leading 18 points and seven rebounds. With Williams and Josh Smith manning the forward position for Atlanta, expect Williams to get a lot of rebounds due to the lack of a true power forward.

Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
Blatche had an active summer in which he got arrested and followed that up by signing a new contract. If Blatche can keep his mind on improving his basketball game, this guy has tons of natural ability. He’s big enough to play power forward and quick enough to play small forward. If he gets consistent minutes this year, he’s a guy who could put up numbers across the board. For example, in Sunday’s preseason action, Blatche finished with ten points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers
Thornton is a rookie who is looking good in summer league. Against the Warriors, Thornton had a team-high 24 points in 27 minutes of action. He shot 11-for-15 from the field and also pulled down five rebounds. It’s unlikely that Thornton starts this season but he could carve out a role as a scorer off the bench for the Clippers.

Post from: Expert Fantasy