DALLAS MAVERICKS
Devin Harris / Josh Howard
Harris and Howard have been pleasant surprises for their fantasy owners this season as both players stats have surged upward compared to last year, which made both of them steals during draft day. Josh Howard is very consistent and is slowly showing the fantasy world that he is not just a poor man’s Shawn Marion. His numbers are 21.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks – an improvement of all production except from steals and blocks. But don’t despair, it’s just a matter of time until Josh Howard catches up with his steals and blocks production last year. Which means if you have Howard right now, keep him until the end of the season – he is worth it. As for Devin Harris, his situation is similar to Howard as his numbers have vastly improved from last year. Harris is currently averaging 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.8 steals. What impresses me most is that Harris is averaging 1.8 steals! That’s big in the fantasy world! By the end of the season, Harris’ assists production will reach to 6 assists per game which makes him another player to keep until the end of the season.
Brandon Bass
Brandon who? Bass has been a good support off the bench for the Mavericks this year and in the month of November, Bass nearly averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game, along with decent percentages. Bass will have another “November Surge” during the coming months and might be worth a look for deep leagues.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Yao Ming
The real NBA question is if Houston Rockets can win with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming while the real fantasy question is if Yao Ming can perform without McGrady. Yao has a tendency to have sub par performances without Tracy but I expect Yao to break out of that slump and learn to stand and carry his team on his own. In addition to that, with trade rumors circulating around the Rockets – the pressure is really on Yao because McGrady will be the player traded when that time comes (Editors note: Particularly if the Rockets aren't in shape to reach the playoffs!).
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
A Big Second Half
The Memphis Grizzlies are horrible right now, and they have a current win-loss standing of 8-22 but I predict the Grizz will turned it around during the 2nd half of the season and will end up with either the last spot of the playoff spot or the 9th or 10th spot of the Western Conference. The reason? The continuous consistent play of Rudy Gay, the aggressiveness of Pau Gasol and the effectiveness of Darko Milicic. Pau Gasol will average 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 2008. Darko Milicic’s numbers will improve and will reach 10 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks which means one thing both Darko and Pau Gasol are buy low candidates whom you must get now if you can.
Mike Conley Jr.
Conley, Grizzlies’ 3rd pick will be given minutes starting January 2008 and will have some value if you are in a deep league. Conley can contribute as high as 5-6 assists together with a steal per game.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Tyson Chandler
Chandler is currently averaging 11.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game and shooting 61% from the field. He is tremendously efficient and effective fantasy player if you need rebounds and at the rate he is playing - believe it or not - he is not yet playing up to his potential, which means Chandler is another buy low candidate that you should keep an eye on. (Editor's note: I traded for Chandler in two of my leagues earlier in the season, and I'm reaping the benefits!) Last season, during the month of February and March, He averaged a monstrous 12 points, 16 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. I expect no more or no less for another similar production in the 2nd half of this season.
Chris Paul and David West
The 20-11 standings of the Hornets came no surprise when you have the number one Yahoo fantasy player in your team. Wow! Chris Paul is just amazing, and is probably the best point guard right now in the NBA. Congratulations to the people who had foreseen Paul’s explosion and drafted him – with a decent enough supporting cast, you are surely winning your fantasy leagues!
The biggest benefactor to Paul’s amazing game is David West. Honestly, I tried to avoid David West during draft day due to his lack of boards and blocks as a big man, but West’s numbers improved across the board! West is currently ranked 32 in Yahoo leagues but was ranked 52 before the start of the season. He is currently averaging 19 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Both Paul and West will continue their tremendous play and will have great value all season long, barring injuries.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Tony Parker
Tony Parker is the Spurs’ finals MVP and season MVP. Parker is playing the best ball of his career and it’s just hard to imagine that Parker is just in his 7th season and is just 25. Parker is averaging 20 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. His growth potential is tremendous and next season Parker would probably go on and average 22+ points and 7.5 assists per game, with great FG%. Love them or hate them, the Spurs will go on to the Finals and be a force to be reckoned with.
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