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Toine No. 59 out of Top 100 Fantasy Players
http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/brian_doolittle/20000824.html
The Sporting News : NBA - TSN Expert
Brian Doolittle
Another list for the list: NBA's Top 100 fantasy players
September 1, 2000
Brian Doolittle
The Sporting News
One thing we earthlings all have in common is that we love lists. The top
10 albums of all time. The Grateful Dead's top 5 tour years ('69, '74,
'77, '87 and '91). The top 50 NBA players of all-time. The 10 best
shortstops of all-time. You name it, there is a list for it.
So it is obligatory that we thrust yet another list into your
consciousness. With NBA fantasy drafts on the horizon, we submit to our
fellow fantasy freaks our top 100 NBA fantasy players. We have taken into
consideration recent performance with this season's projections, factoring
in the bevy of offseason player movement.
Though many of you will scoff and mutter to yourself musings on any
imperfections, we stand by this list -- even Nos. 32 and 43. Also, the
recent trade activity resulted in some tweaking from the list you'll find
in TSN's NBA Yearbook. We'll provide position-by-position rankings later
on this month. Enjoy.
TOP 100 FANTASY PLAYERS
TOP 30
1. Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves: The leader of the new wave of taller small
forwards, Garnett was the MVP of many fantasy leagues. He is a legitimate
triple-double threat and shoots around 50 percent. Garnett averaged 22.9
ppg and 11.8 rpg last season.
2. Shaquille O'Neal, Lakers: His free-throw flaw is no longer a basis to
pick Mourning ahead of him. He is coming off of his best season and only
injury will prevent him from another MVP-type season. He finished first in
points per game and field goal percent, second in rebounds and third in
blocks per game.
3. Alonzo Mourning, Heat: He is always one of the most sought-after
fantasy players. He can be counted on for a 20-10 season, with top-three
finishes in shooting percent and blocked shots.
4. Kobe Bryant, Lakers: His confidence keeps soaring as Bryant has become
comfortable in the Triangle offense. He has no statistical soft spots and
his numbers are improving each season in nearly every category. He could
approach 25 ppg next season, along with around six rpg, five apg and more
than 100 steals.
5. Gary Payton, Sonics: His numbers make fantasy owners drool. He finished
in the top eight in four prominent categories: points per game, assists
per game, 3-pointers made and steals. His 177 3s ranked No. 1. Expect
Payton to have another MVP-caliber season.
6. Grant Hill, Magic: He is coming his highest-scoring season by far,
averaging 25.8 ppg. With Orlando, he might shoot slightly less, but that
will only increase his shooting percent and assists. Brilliant all-around
numbers.
7. Tim Duncan, Spurs: A fantasy star no matter what players surround him.
He stands out in five categories; Duncan finished third in rebounds and
No. 7 in blocks. He also puts up good shooting percentages.
8. Chris Webber, Kings: He fills up the box score nearly every game.
Webber was almost a 25-11 player and was in the NBA's top-20 in steals and
blocks. He is also a solid shooter who gets 4.6 apg.
9. Vince Carter, Raptors: He became one of the elite NBA scorers (25.7
ppg) last season -- his second in the league. Carter should top 100
3-pointers made this season and he is strong in blocks, steals, rebounds
and even assists.
10. Michael Finley, Mavericks: Dallas' workhorse led the NBA in minutes
played last season, when he averaged 22.6 ppg and 5.3 apg. Finley also had
99 3-pointers and 109 steals. His 82 percent from the line boosts his
value.
11. Karl Malone, Jazz: He is an all-time fantasy stalwart who is always
around 25 ppg and 10 rpg. Malone is always in the top 10 in field-goal
percentage and gets plenty of assists.
12. Eddie Jones, Heat: An established fantasy star that led the league in
steals per game (2.7) last season. Jones was also in the top-20 in points,
free throw percent and 3-pointers made (128). He needs to increase his
overall field goal shooting, however.
13. Ray Allen, Bucks: One of the NBA's elite shooters, Allen can be
counted upon to be in the top-10 in free throw and 3-point shooting. He
drained 172 three's last season, second in the league. With 100-plus
steals and 22 ppg, Allen is a legit fantasy star.
14. Steve Francis, Rockets: He is quickly becoming the centerpiece of the
new-look Rockets. His tireless play will produce big numbers this season.
Expect 20 ppg, 7 apg, 6 rpg, 125 3-pointers and 150 steals.
15. Stephon Marbury, Nets: He should be revitalized after last season's
early struggles. Marbury wants to prove he can be a leader and his numbers
should reflect more efficiency. He'll be in or near the top 10 in points,
steals and assists per game.
16. Jason Kidd, Suns: Injuries and poor shooting hindered his fantasy
production, but he should bounce back. He was still No. 1 in assists and
fifth in steals. Plus, he is not Mr. Triple Double for any reason; Kidd
finished at 14.3 ppg, 10.1 apg and 7.2 rpg.
17. Dikembe Mutombo, Hawks: He still manages to be one of the elite
specialty players despite toiling in a rather turbulent environment. Count
on another top-five finish in blocks, field-goal percentage and rebounds
-- where he was No. 1 last season.
18. Antonio McDyess, Nuggets: His main weakness is that he tends to shine
most in the season's final months. McDyess, another accurate shooter,
should make a run at a 20-10 season.
19. Sam Cassell, Bucks: He finished No. 2 in assists and No. 9 in free
throw shooting at 87.6 percent. Figuring in his projected 18-20 ppg and
100-plus steals, he is an elite point guard.
20. Paul Pierce, Celtics: Only his inconsistent field-goal shooting
prevented him from being a fantasy star. Pierce finished No. 2 in steals
(2.1 spg) and he scored 19.5 ppg. He is also a solid 3-point shooter.
21. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Grizzlies: He was a member of the exclusive 20-10
group last season and as his supporting cast gets better, his numbers will
only rise. He shot 81 percent from the line last season.
22. Tracy McGrady, Magic: McGrady is determined to expedite his rise to
star status by bolting clear of Vince Carter and his fantasy numbers will
reflect that this season. McGrady might be the only NBA player to top 125
steals and blocks and should be at or above 18 points per game. Like Hill,
he will benefit from Orlando's run-and-gun style.
23. Elton Brand, Bulls: He kept improving as his rookie season progressed.
His relentless work ethic keeps his numbers consistent; Brand finished
right at 20 ppg and 10 rpg. He might shoot 50 percent this season.
24. Vlade Divac, Kings: One of the most versatile centers in the NBA,
Divac is good for 12-14 ppg and 8 rpg. Plus, he shoots 50 percent and
racks up high numbers in assists, steals and gets 100-plus blocks.
25. David Robinson, Spurs: His numbers keep diminishing slightly, but he
still is an elite NBA center. He scored nearly 18 ppg and finished in the
top 10 in three categories.
26. Jalen Rose, Pacers: He no longer is a player on the verge; Rose is the
Pacers' best player. He is strong in all three shooting categories and
should be an 18-5-5 player this season.
27. Terrell Brandon, Timberwolves: He was in the top-10 in three
categories: steals, assists and free throw shooting. His value is further
bolstered by his 17 ppg. A high-level point guard.
28. Clifford Robinson, Suns: He is doing some amazing things at this stage
in his career, including playing some center. He will average around 18
ppg, make 100-plus 3-pointers, get 90-100 steals and he shoots well in
every category.
29. Rasheed Wallace, Blazers: If he begins to be more consistently
assertive on offense, his value could rise even more. He should be at
least an 18-8 player who shoots over 50 percent and gets 125 blocks.
30. Darrell Armstrong, Magic: A fantasy star the past couple of seasons,
Armstrong has four strong categories: steals, assists, free throw shooting
and 3-pointers. His scoring might decrease to 14 ppg, but he'll be in the
top-10 in steals and assists.
THE REST
31. Andre Miller, Cavaliers: A rising star and a triple-double threat.
32. Allen Iverson, 76ers: No, we're not crazy. Great scorer, but average
in other categories except steals.
33. Larry Hughes, Warriors: He is poised for a breakout season and could
average 20 ppg.
34. Raef LaFrentz, Nuggets: He can play forward and center and is a rare
combo of a 3-point shooter, scorer and shot blocker.
35. Antawn Jamison, Warriors: He should be fully recovered and will
approach a 20-10 season.
36. Jerry Stackhouse, Pistons: With Hill gone, Stackhouse will score 25
ppg, but his efficiency will decrease.
37. Glenn Robinson, Bucks: Still a sharp shooter who scores 20-plus ppg
and hits the 3.
38. Latrell Sprewell, Knicks: He produces all-around numbers and is a lock
to play big minutes.
39. Lamar Odom, Clippers: His efficiency will increase and his scoring and
rebounding is enough to warrant a high draft pick.
40. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks: He is becoming an elite scorer and a
high-level 3-point shooter who could top 20 ppg this season.
41. Penny Hardaway, Suns: He does several things well and he should be
more relaxed this season after a great postseason.
42. Patrick Ewing, Knicks: Easily still a top flight center who is a lock
to produce a 15-10 season with decent block numbers.
43. Keon Clark, Nuggets: We like to go out on a limb; Clark can play
forward and center and we feel he'll be a 13-9 player with high shooting
percent and blocks.
44. Keith Van Horn, Nets: He'll avoid a slow start this season, putting up
the high numbers fans saw in his final two months of last season.
45. Scottie Pippen, Blazers: Though he often cruises for a chunk of the
regular season, his all-around numbers are solid enough.
46. Derrick Coleman, Hornets: He was Charlotte's best player for much of
last season. Expect a 17-9 season and a top-20 finish in blocks.
47. Allan Houston, Knicks: He shoots well in all three categories and will
be right at 20 ppg.
48. Bob Sura, Warriors: He can score, rebound, pass, get steals and he
nails the 3.
49. Kenyon Martin, Nets: He has already been named a starter, so look for
a 16-8 season with around 150 blocks.
50. Wally Szczerbiak, Timberwolves: He'll improve from his rookie season;
expect good shooting along with 15 ppg.
51. Austin Croshere, Pacers: A tenacious rebounder with an expansive
offensive game. Expect a 16-8 season with 90-plus 3-pointers.
52. Michael Dickerson, Grizzlies: He will score 18-20 ppg with 125-plus
3-pointers and 125-plus steals.
53. Anthony Mason, Heat: Part of the nicely revamped Miami starting
lineup, Mason should post his normal all-around numbers.
54. Reggie Miller, Pacers: Once again, Miller will post 18 ppg and be in
the top-5 in 3-pointers made and free throw shooting.
55. Shawn Kemp, Blazers: His field goal percent will bounce back, but
don't expect more than a 14-10 season.
56. Cuttino Mobley, Rockets: He'll complement his 16-18 ppg by topping 10
in both steals and 3-pointers.
57. Rashard Lewis, Sonics: He should pick up where he left off in the last
season's playoffs.
58. Lindsay Hunter, Bucks: One of the best role players, Hunter usually is
in the top-20 in 3-pointers and steals.
59. Antoine Walker, Celtics: Though not consistent and efficient, he pits
up big numbers on average.
60. John Stockton, Jazz: Still a strong fantasy player with his prowess in
assists, steals and shooting.
61. Mike Bibby, Grizzlies: He keeps improving and is primed for a 16-9
season.
62. Mike Miller, Magic: He'll fill up a box score with Orlando's fast
style.
63. Nick Van Exel, Nuggets: A 16-9 player who will be near the top-10 in
3-pointers.
64. Theo Ratliff, 76ers: He might lead the NBA in blocks, plus will be a
13-8 player.
65. Arvydas Sabonis, Blazers: He still posts plenty of double-doubles and
shoots accurately.
66. Shawn Bradley, Mavericks: Merely a specialty player who has durability
issues.
67. Othella Harrington, Grizzlies: He keeps improving and could average 15
ppg this season; he always shoots well.
68. James Posey, Nuggets: A starter whose numbers will all rise in his
second season. He'll top 100 in both steals and 3-pointers.
69. Jim Jackson, Hawks: He has always produced throughout his strange
career.
70. Dale Davis, Blazers: The questions are: his knees and how he'll fit
into Portland's deep rotation.
71. Vin Baker, Sonics: A fast start is the key for this former All-Star.
72. Tyrone Hill, 76ers: A solid fantasy reserve who accumulates plenty of
double-doubles.
73. Ron Artest, Bulls: A good all-around player who should improve in his
second season.
74. Mark Jackson, Raptors: He remains a decent point man and will get more
minutes in Toronto.
75. Rod Strickland, Wizards: MJ will ensure an overdue improvement from
last season.
76. Antonio Davis, Raptors: A F-C player who is good for a 13-9 season.
77. Elden Campbell, Hornets: He had an awful start last season, but should
bounce back as a four-category player.
78. Kenny Anderson, Celtics: He started every game and will post good
numbers in Boston's up tempo offense.
79. Christian Laettner, Mavericks: He also started each game last season,
but must earn his minutes in Dallas.
80. Marcus Camby, Knicks: Injuries are a concern, but he produces when he
plays.
81. Jason Caffey, Bucks: He'll be a starter and a solid 13-8 player.
82. Jamal Mashburn, Hornets: He moves way up if he can find a grove early
on with his new mates.
83. Rodney Rogers, Suns: He will score 15 ppg and help owners in steals
and 3-pointers.
84. Derek Anderson, Spurs: He is San Antonio's top backcourt offensive
threat.
85. David Wesley, Hornets: He is a good three-category player, but Wesley
must play well to get minutes ahead of Baron Davis.
86. Donyell Marshall, Warriors: He just needs to stay healthy and be more
consistent.
87. Cedric Ceballos, Pistons: He has always been known for putting up big
numbers in short periods of time.
88. Lamond Murray, Cavaliers: A talented scorer coming the best of his six
NBA seasons.
89. Maurice Taylor, Rockets: He has shown improvement in each of his three
seasons, but is yet to prove he can be a high-level rebounder.
90. Stromile Swift, Grizzlies: He will rack up the blocks and his
quickness in the post will allow him to score near the basket.
91. Tim Hardaway, Heat: High turnovers are a problem, but Hardaway's
assists and scoring are solid when healthy.
92. Travis Best, Pacers: Without Mark Jackson, all of his numbers will
rise.
93. Toni Kukoc, 76ers: Though inconsistent, he makes an impact with
all-around offensive play.
94. Eric Snow, 76ers: Potential to be a 10-10 player; likely to be in the
top-10 in steals.
95. Gary Trent, Mavericks: If he makes a complete return form injury,
he'll produce.
96. Steve Smith, Blazers: A safe player who does little to hurt a fantasy
team.
97. Shawn Marion, Suns: He does many things well and should have a
breakout season.
98. Bryon Russell, Jazz: A 14-5 player who stays around the top-20 in
steals.
99. Marcus Fizer, Bulls: A big-body scorer who is very nimble from 18-feet
in. He will surprise people with his long-range shooting.
100. Doug Christie, Raptors: He does not excel in one area, but helps a
team in many ways.