By Jeff Andriesse
Rotowhine.com Editor
Oct. 9, 2009
In the latest Rotowhine Fantasy Basketball Preview article, Jeff takes a look at several fantasy “hot spots” around the NBA where a team has two players crowding one key position. Who emerges will no doubt aid a fantasy team or two this season. There are more than a few battles worth noting. Let’s get to it.
Delonte West vs. Daniel Gibson vs. Sasha Pavlovic for Starting Shooting Guard in Cleveland
I’m watching this closely. The Cavs felt the need to upgrade at point guard with Mo Williams, but do they really want to bench their next-best player, West? West will back up Williams, but why not play them together? West has shooting guard skills, and while he can’t hit the three like the other guys, he’s a far better defender and playmaker. Keep an eye on West. He could be a nice sixth-man at least.
Linas Kleiza vs. J.R. Smith for Sixth Man in Denver
This really isn’t a preseason battle, since both will be key reserves. Both could end up being 30-plus minute contributors, but Kleiza has the added bonus of Kenyon Martin and Nene entering the season as the starters. Both Martin and Nene have maxed out their team’s insurance policies and are major injury risks. Smith can benefit from Allen Iverson’s ability to play the point instead of Anthony Carter, so get ready for a possible lineup of Iverson, Smith, Kleiza, Carmelo Anthony and Nene or Chris Andersen. This would be great for both guys. Why fight about it, fellas? Go both be great.
Antonio McDyess vs. Amir Johnson for Starting Power Forward in Detroit
Did you watch McDyess in the playoffs last year? He never missed a shot. Ever. Small sample, apparently. McDyess was a 48.8 percent shooter during the year, so maybe it just seemed much higher when he was playing my Celtics. Now, McDyess might be getting pushed to the side to make room for rising third-year pro Johnson, a relative unknown who is a major shot-blocker. He might play center with Rasheed Wallace moving to power forward. Stay tuned to developments here.
Marcus Williams vs. C.J. Watson for Starting Point Guard in Golden State
Monta Ellis is out for a while, tragic news for fans of the NBA and fantasy players. Marcus Williams was brought into Golden State just in the nick of time. Williams should enter the season as the starting point guard, although Don Nelson, ever the prankster, is talking up Watson. Who the hell knows what he’ll do? I like Williams to win out here, but keep in mind he’s not above average in much other than assists.
Chris Quinn vs. Marcus Banks vs. Mario Chalmers for Starting Point Guard in Miami
The battle to see who’ll be the guy Dwyane Wade won’t let shoot is wide open. Quinn has the edge as of this writing, but he and Banks are both career backups. Chalmers is an interesting case, although he’s far from ready to run an NBA team. I’m not sure what Miami will do here. They could indeed keep trying to get Stephon Marbury. Expect Wade to run the point for 10-15 minutes a game.
Luke Ridnour vs. Ramon Sessions for Starting Point Guard in Milwaukee
Those of us who were lucky enough to have Ramon Sessions on our teams last March are weeping into our High Lifes (or is it High Lives?) that Ridnour is the starter going into the season. Luckily, Ridnour never keeps his job, so stash Sessions on the bench, if for no other reason than the 16 points and 12 assists he’ll average in the dog days of March ‘09.
