For the 2009-10 fantasy basketball season, there are a few players you should avoid in your fantasy draft. These players are currently overrated and aren’t likely to live up to the hype.
C Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
Many supposed fantasy experts are touting Andrea Bargnani as a sleeper. I simply don’t agree. He’s a streaky player and with more offensive options in Toronto, I think his slice of the pie will shrink. Look at his stats last year as his ceiling for this season.
PF Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
Since joining the Celtics, Garnett’s stats have suffered while his winning has improved. This year, …read more

According to various reports, Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets will miss the rest of the NBA regular season. His troublesome knee, which never got healthy this season, will need microfracture surgery.
This is a devastating blow to the Rockets, who thought their trio of McGrady, Yao Ming and Ron Artest could win a championship. Now Houston will have to scramble to replace McGrady.
The person most likely to step into a bigger role is Artest. He may be asked to shoot a lot more and also become the team’s main playemaker. Yao should also see an increase in touches.
Von Wafer has …read more

Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers made the All-Star team last season. This season, it appears as if he may elevating his game to superstar status. Against the Houston Rockets in a recent game, Brandon Roy hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Blazers the win in overtime. You can see a video of Roy’s miraculous shot at the end of this entry.
In the video, Roy puts the Blazers up by two points by hitting a shot over Ron Artest of the Rockets. Yao Ming responds with an impressive three-point play to put the Rockets up …read more

Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
Hedo Turkoglu has had a habit recently of alternating good seasons. Last year he played really well, so that’s not a good sign for the 2008-09 campaign. Additionally, the Magic will try to play more with Rashard Lewis at small forward, which could then force Turkoglu out of position. He should have a good season but last year was likely his peak.
Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
With Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol up front, expect the Lakers to try Lamar Odom at small forward. Odom has been pretty decent at small forward in the past but he could …read more

Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
Tracy McGrady has a lot of red flags going into the 2008-09 fantasy basketball season. First of all, he had offseason surgery and he has reportedly been slow to heal. Then you have to factor in Ron Artest getting a lot of his touches. Finally, McGrady’s wear and tear over the years looks like it is going to catch up to him sooner than later. Don’t be fooled by his name during your fantasy draft.
Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
Last season, most of Ray Allen’s stats dipped during the regular season. He struggled during much of the playoffs, however …read more

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Even though many feel Kevin Durant underachieved in his rookie season because he wasn’t Michael Jordan reincarnate, Durant was still good and should be even better in the 2008-09 fantasy basketball season.
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 …read more

1. Boston Celtics
With their Big Three returning and a championship ring under their belt, the Boston Celtics will be the team to beat until they prove they are no longer worthy.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant and company will once again try to win the Western Conference. Adding Andrew Bynum to a team that almost won it all without him is a scary thought.
3. San Antonio Spurs
It’s easy to forget about the San Antonio Spurs but when it is all said and done, the Spurs are seemingly always there in the end giving it their best shot.
4. New Orleans Hornets
The addition …read more

5) Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs
At 37, Bruce Bowen’s chance of taking home the Defensive Player of the Year award has probably come and gone. But if the voters want to give it to a player who has been close plenty of times but never got the award, Bowen is the one.
4) Marcus Camby, Los Angeles Clippers
Camby won the award just two years ago and now that he’s heading to a larger market, he may get some votes yet again. If he plays with a chip on his shoulder and stays healthy, he has a decent shot.
3) Chris Paul, New …read more

Houston Rockets fans are obviously excited about the addition of Ron Artest to their team. For proof, watch the Ron Artest video at the end of this entry that shows a rally the Rockets fans held at the Toyota Center.
Artest is seen as the missing piece that could turn the Rockets from pretenders into contenders. With a new Big 3 of Artest, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets will undoubtedly be a very formidable team during the 2008-09 NBA season.
Fantasy basketball wise, Artest should see his points dip a little bit but see a rise in rebounds, …read more

With the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games a thing of the past and training camp approximately one month away, let’s take a look at 2008 NBA power rankings:
1. Boston Celtics – The defending champs are the team to beat.
2. Los Angeles Lakers – The Lakers with Andrew Bynum will be tough.
3. San Antonio Spurs – The Spurs always seem to lurk near the top.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – With the addition of Mo Williams, watch out.
5. New Orleans Hornets – James Posey will add a mean streak in NO.
6. Detroit Pistons – The Pistons should once again win a lot of …read more