Rotowhine’s 2008-09 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft (Part II)

By Jeff Andriesse and Greg Fox for FantasyFanatics.com

Jeff and Greg are back to tackle rounds 6-10 of the earliest 2008-09 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft. To see their selections in the first five rounds, click here.

ROUND 6

51. Stephen Jackson, GS
JA: Jackson is having a career year, and it isn’t a coincidence that it’s his first full one in Golden State. Outside of a poor field goal percentage, his numbers are fantastic. There isn’t much reason to believe this will change in ‘08-09. Jackson is averaging 39 minutes per game this season, one of the lucky few who has pinned down a full-time spot in a Don Nelson rotation.

52. Corey Maggette, LAC
GF: He sits out way too many games, but Maggette is an underrated fantasy star. This season without Elton Brand, he is averaging 22 ppg. This number could dip a bit next year. But he will remain one of the league’s best at getting to the foul line and he has improved drastically from 3-point range. Free throws are a tough category and he ranks just below the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron and Kobe.

53. Ron Artest, SAC
JA: Always a candidate to be shipped out of whatever situation he’s in, Artest nevertheless finds a way to put up fantasy numbers that make anyone with a discerning eye swoon. While his percentages remain iffy at best, he is one of the top few steals guys in the league and a three-point threat who can average a 20-6-4. Artest is the kind of crazy fellow who can win you a fantasy title if he plays a full season, and lose you one just as easily if he reverts to receiving orders from the planet from which he originates.

54. Tyson Chandler, NOR
GF: Although his block totals have been a disappointment (1.0 bpg), Chandler remains among league leaders in rebounding (12.3) and field goal percentage (.600). He has upped his scoring average to nearly 12 per game and rarely turns the ball over. He is certainly not flashy, but with the dearth of centers in most leagues, he is a commodity.

55. Jermaine O’Neal, IND
JA: Meanwhile, in one of the leagues we share a team in, I think Corey Brewer is both a point guard and a center. Which leads naturally to our disturbingly stupid choice to draft Jermaine O’Neal so early in that league. It will probably cost us the championship. As for O’Neal, he has been one of the biggest fantasy busts this season. He’ll be back next year though, and probably a candidate to average 17 and 10 with two blocks. Yes, he may play only 50 games or so. No, I don’t think either of us will be picking him next year unless at gunpoint.

56. Emeka Okafor, CHA
GF: I’d rather have Jermaine Jackson than O’Neal. Jeff and I have taken turns drafting Okafor the past few years and he never ceases to disappoint. But I for one will temper my enthusiasm for him next year and expect a more reasonable 13, 10 and 2 blocks… quality center numbers for the middle of the sixth round. I’m sure Jeff and I will stay away unless he drops another round.

57. Mike Miller, MEM
JA: I always have guys in their worst seasons. I have Okafor this year when he is averaging 1.7 blocks. Next year he’ll be back to two and a half blocks a game with no explanation. What’s up with Mike Miller? He’s not himself without Gasol inside to collapse the defense. Still, Miller hasn’t been healthy either, so next year he should provide excellent numbers across the board. I’m particularly impressed with his efficiency. One shouldn’t expect a three-point specialist like Miller to shoot 50 percent from the floor, but he does.

58. Richard Jefferson, NJN
GF: Jefferson’s injuries are pretty much a thing of the past as he is quietly enjoying a huge year. Not only is he producing 23 ppg, he is connecting on nearly one three per game and is one of the league’s best at getting to the foul line. His rebounding is way down, but this could be a great value pick as we near the end of the sixth round.

59: Rasheed Wallace, DET
JA: Sheed is eligible at center in many leagues, and his periferal numbers - 1.7 blocks, 1.3 steals, 1.4 threes - are unique for a big guy. Not a sexy pick, but you could do a lot worse. Wallace is getting old, but there’s no one who will supplant him if he stays healthy next year.

60. Tony Parker, SAS
GF: Point guards who turn the ball over infrequently and shoot 50 percent from the field just don’t exist, so Parker is truly in rarified air. He is still a much better real-life point guard, but 18.7 points to go along with the unheard of qualities that I just mentioned render him a steal this late. This season, he was averaging better than 20 points per game when hoof injuries got the better of him. He’s even knocking down a three every now and then.

ROUND 7
61. Greg Oden, POR
JA: You have to wonder if Oden can keep producing as he enters his 40s… wait, he’s only 20? Microfracture surgery sure can make a seven-footer appear well-aged, and Oden, who already looks at least 40, will probably take some time to get going next year. There’s no reason to rush him back, but with an upside of a double-double and a couple of blocks, he’ll be flying off the draft board soon enough. Oden has already started to practice in non-contact drills, so this is a good sign for his returning next year in good shape.

62. Andre Miller, PHI
GF: Steady as they come, Miller is having one of his best seasons at age 31. Consistently one of the league’s top assist men, he is averaging a career-best 17 ppg and is remarkably shooting a shade under 50 percent from the field. If he connected on some threes, we’d be talking about him a few rounds earlier. There always seems to be talk of him being traded, but wherever he lands, he’ll be starting in some team’s backcourt.

63. Lamar Odom, LAL
JA: Odom is playing his best basketball now, so he’ll be a little undervalued as his final numbers won’t tell the true story. Always a good bet to give you production across the board, he is nevertheless an injury risk and possibly the fourth option on Los Angeles next year. Odom may have truly turned over a new leaf. Over the last two months, he is shooting over 60 percent from the floor. Fantasy owners everywhere will welcome a more efficient Lamar even if his scoring goes down a little bit.

64. Josh Howard, DAL
GF: By Jove, we’ve done it again. Drafting Howard in the fifth round this season, I felt like I pulled one over on the rest of my league. In vintage fashion, he has turned in the most disappointing season of his career. Formerly a steals machine, this season he is averaging a robust 0.7. Despite the debacle that has been the 2007-08 version of Howard, ‘08-09 has to be better. His defense will keep him on the floor and getting on the same page with Jason Kidd should lead to plenty of easy buckets.

65. Ray Allen, BOS
JA: Speaking of guys we’ve jinxed, why wouldn’t Ray Allen suck after I nearly wet myself with joy when he fell to me in the sixth round this year? I even got to see him slide across the court and injure his heel in person the other night. Allen still relies on craftiness to get his share of points, but competing with Pierce and Garnett has left him a shell of his former self. He still produces big-time in the three-point category, so he’s a solid option in the middle of the seventh.

66. Mike Bibby, ATL
GF: Bibby has been plagued by injuries the past two years, but since returning to the court as a member of the Hawks, he hasn’t been his old self. I can almost guarantee he’ll revert to his 18-point, 6-assist ways, while also shooting a disgusting percentage from the field. He does convert plenty of threes and could provide similar value as Chauncey Billups for much less of a price tag.

67. LaMarcus Aldridge, POR
JA: Certainly Aldridge’s value increases in leagues where he’s center-eligible. His numbers are decent, but he could drift even further from hoop with Oden taking up most of the space in the middle. Aldridge probably won’t improve immensely, but a nice little uptick in field goal percentage and blocks would be welcome. He’s earning a valuable year of experience, hopefully en route to better things.

68. Mike Dunleavy, IND
GF: By simply perusing Indiana boxscores, One would think that Dunleavy was battling LeBron and Kobe for the league scoring crown. Averaging slightly above 18 per game, his mediocre rebound and assist totals belie the fact that he drills close to 2 threes per game, while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 83 percent from the line. It has taken him a while, but Junior has finally hit his stride.

69. Jamal Crawford, NY
JA: Crawford has, not surprisingly, put up career numbers this season. With Starbury done, Crawford has hogged the backcourt shots for himself and seen the dividends pay off statistically. Averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 assists and 2.1 threes, he’s quietly turning in a stellar fantasy year for a two-guard. His field goal percentage and rebounding will kill you, but there’s no reason to believe Crawford won’t continue to have free reign next year.

70. Randy Foye, MIN
GF: Prior to the season, I talked up Foye like it was my job. Slow to recover from a knee injury, he hasn’t gotten it going until recently. The point guard job in Minnesota is officially his to lose. He is bursting with skills, and unless he is beset by further injuries, next year will be the year in which he breaks out with a vengeance. The T’Wolves need a second option to Al Jefferson and Foye could be it. Fifteen points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and a host of threes are not out of the question.

ROUND 8

71. Michael Beasley, TBA
JA: Beasley is the consensus No. 1 pick and could have a lot of value on a Memphis, Minnesota, Miami, Seattle or Milwaukee. The Kansas State freshman is averaging better than a 26 and 12 and is showing the ability to hit from outside, block a few shots and steal the ball. He’ll be coveted by the eighth round at least depending on where he ends up.

72. Samuel Dalembert, PHI
GF: Not too many NBA centers average a double-double with more than 2 blocks. Dalembert is far from an elite player, but he is a member of this elite group. He has found his niche in a Philly situation with no other frontcourt players of substance. His defense keeps him on the floor and he shoots a good enough percentage from the field and the line that his offensive lapses don’t destroy you. After Dalembert, we’re probably fresh out of quality shot-blocking big men.

73. Rafer Alston, HOU
JA: Yes, Rafer Alston. I’d say Houston has found their point guard. Alston has been phenomenal lately, and of all the point guards still available at this point, he offers the best combination of three-pointers and steals. His percentages are poor, but even with Yao Ming back next year he’s solidified his position and should have the best year of his career. I’m guessing 14 and six or seven assists and two threes and 1.5 steals? Out of the question?

74. Zach Randolph, NYK
GF: Alston has been outstanding of late, but I think he’s already beyond 30 and I also think he’s one of those guys who will be great when you least expect it and awful when good things are expected. Speaking of awful, do you think Randolph has any regrets about coming to the Ringling Bros., I mean, the Knicks? Despite a year similar to Eliot Spitzer’s, Randolph is putting up 17.5 points and 10.3 boards, likely his absolute bottom. A return to 20 and 10 with a bunch of free throws is a distinct possibility next season.

75. Ben Gordon, CHI
JA: To this point, Bulls have been toxic - and with excellent reason. Gordon hasn’t been immune to the suckiness emanating from Chitown, and will likely slip next year. Don’t let him fall too far. While his points are down a little - 21.4 to 19.6 - his other numbers are about the same as the year before. And he entered the year as a fourth or fifth-round pick. Gordon has also turned himself into a superior free throw shooter (90.9 percent as of this writing).

76. Beno Udrih, SAC
GF: It’s not often that one finds starting point guard production in the middle of the eighth round. Since taking over the reins in Sacramento, Udrih has been the epitome of solid. With the backing of his coach, Reggie Theus, more good things are in store for this pass-first leader. He possesses a nice stroke from long range and takes good care of the ball. A season of 14 points, 7 assists, a steal and more than a three per game is not out of the realm.

77. Richard Hamilton, DET
JA: Hamilton has experienced some slippage this season, but at this point there isn’t a more reliable two-guard remaining. He knows how to not hurt you more than really help you in most categories, but writing as someone who as experienced tons of hurt, I’m a little biased. Drafting Hamilton is like popping a couple of codeine.

78. Raymond Felton, CHA
GF: It’s surprising to find another starting point guard of pretty good quality in this part of the draft. Felton has remained healthy this season and is putting together an imressive overall line (14.3 ppg, 7.0 apg, 1.3 spg). His 3-point shooting is way down from his first two years in the league, but he is getting to the line more, where he is shooting 79 percent. His field goal percentage (.409) is an atrocity, but consider the Carolina product a steal at this juncture.

79. Devin Harris, NJ
JA: Harris’ numbers thus far with New Jersey: 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 threes. That’s a pretty good sign, and next year he’ll get the minutes he never quite managed in Dallas. He’s taken 14 shots per game for the Nets, compared to only 10 with the Mavs. All signs point to Harris being a solid third option on the Nets and providing good value here.

80. Rajon Rondo, BOS
GF: I’m going to stick with the small guard theme and go with Rondo. He’s having a terrific sophomore year while igniting the Cees, and with each of the Big Three already in their 30s, he will continue to garner big minutes in ‘08-09. His numbers should spike across the board as he has worked tirelessly on his shooting. He is averaging 1.6 steals this season to rank among league leaders, but his potential in this tough-to-come-by category is much greater. There are lots of 12, 5 and 8s with 4 steals in his future.

ROUND 9

81. Brad Miller, SAC
JA: I’ve been trying to avoid typing Miller’s name for several rounds but I’m unable to hold off any longer despite my blood pressure rising by the second. It has been quite a bounce-back year for Miller. Rumors of his demise seem to have been greatly exaggerated. I’d still exercise caution, but anyone looking for a No. 2 center has to consider him with a pick this late. I year ago I wouldn’t have taken him in the 99th round.

82. Luol Deng, CHI
GF: Seeing Miller’s name just induced my hiatal hernia to act up. I don’t see what all the fuss was about with Deng, but he was everyone’s darling heading in to this year’s fantasy drafts. He of course hasn’t lived up to expectations and that’s for two reasons: 1. He’s been hurt 2. He’s not that good. But he is also not that bad. In a healthy year and with a more settled team in Chicago, the Duke grad is capabale of close to 20 points and 8 rebounds a night. He should also shoot a pretty decent percentage and get to the line at a high rate. He’s worth a gamble this late.

83. Al Horford, ATL
JA: Horford is flirting with a double-double every night in his rookie season. While his stats other than rebounding are weak at this point, he’ll bring them up slowly but surely. His value is solid as it is, but he may even be eligible at center in a lot of formats. He’ll certainly be one of the better rebounders in the game next year and beyond.

84. Kirk Hinrich, CHI
GF: Owning Chicago Bulls is the equivalent of owning Denver Bronco running backs. But Hinrich is a solid player in real life and whomever the next coach is should realize this. His upside is 16 points, 7 assists, 2 threes and a steal per game. His downside is what has been happening the past few months - 35 minutes one game and 18 the next. Something has to give next season, but I find it hard to fathom that Hinrich will have to give way for Chris Duhon to play the lion’s share of the point guard minutes.

85. Mehmet Okur, UTA
JA: Mehmet is picking it up lately, averaging close to a 17 and 10 over the last two months. Overall he’s been a disappointment, but his awakening from a slumber gives us renewed enthusiasm for next season. Okur just needs to board more to move back into the upper tier of centers. We know he won’t block shots but he makes up for that with three-point shooting.

86. Jose Calderon, TOR
GF: This is one of the best and very few pure point guards in the NBA. While teammate T.J. Ford was on the mend this season from his latest heinous neck injury, Calderon stepped into a starter’s role and consistently produced double-digit assist nights. His shooting percentages are staggering. This season, he is converting 53 percent from the field, 45 percent from 3-point range and 92 percent from the line. He probably can’t match those percentages given a full-time load, but if Ford didn’t exist, at the very least he would be a third round selection.

87. Andrei Kirilenko, UTA
JA: Kirilenko’s fall from grace has been quite tragic, but at least he’s stepped it up this season compared to his brutal 2006-07. He’s averaging about an 11-5-4 with 1.6 blocks and shooting a career-best 49.7 percent from the floor. He’s no longer the stud that he was, but numbers like these make him a serviceable fantasy starter in larger leagues.

88. Stephon Marbury, NYK
GF: There can’t be a bigger phony in professional sports than Starbury, who fancies himself a team player. He has missed most of the ‘07-08 season following surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, but should be healed by training camp. Regardless of whether he remains a Knick or ends up somewhere else, he will play a minimum of 30 minutes per game and he still has the talent to deliver decent numbers. I don’t want any part of him, but towards the end of the ninth round this isn’t a bad grab.

89. Leandro Barbosa, PHO
JA: Barbosa has slipped a little this year as his inconsistencies have shown through. With Grant Hill mostly healthy, Barbosa’s minutes are down, as are his shots per game. He also has fallen from 4.0 assists as year ago to 2.7. As Phoenix gets older and older, they’ll need Barbosa’s energy and scoring. He just can’t be relied on to fill up the box score night in and night out.

90. Hakim Warrick, MEM
GF: This may be a bit of a stretch given the Grizzlies’ state of confusion, but Warrick has played well since the egregious trade of Pau Gasol. He has averaged nearly 17 points and 8 rebounds over the past five weeks and is still getting better. His length and athleticism could lead to some nice block and steal totals. If he is guaranteed a starting job next November, the end of the ninth round would be a sweet place to pounce on him.

ROUND 10

91. Andris Biedrins, GSW
JA: It seems like Biedrins has been a slight disappointment this season, but in reality he is putting up similar numbers. His blocks have fallen from 1.7 to 1.1, a disturbing trend, but he’s right around 10 points and nine boards per game while shooting a ridiculous 63 percent from the field. It is hard to know exactly what you’ll get out of Biedrins when you look at a Golden State box score, but as a center he should be owned as a borderline weekly starter.

92. Mike Conley, MEM
GF: Injuries and inexperience were partly to blame for Conley’s slow development in ‘07-08. With a year under his belt, the starting point guard spot in Memphis should be his. Next season would only have been his junior year in college, so hopes for a monster year should be quelled immediately. Double figures in scoring to go with about 5-6 assists and more than a steal per game is not an unreasonable expectation.

93. Jason Terry, DAL
JA: As Terry’s role shrinks in Dallas (he’s been in and out of the starting lineup and is not much more than a spot-up shooter at this point), his fantasy numbers have no doubt suffered. He is still good for close to two three-pointers per game, but his assists are way down from 5.2 to 3.1, numbers not likely to change with Jason Kidd in town. Terry is now a Barbosa-type shooting guard who will play 25-30 minutes per game as his career winds down.

94. Peja Stojakovic, NO
GF: The 6′10″ sharpshooter’s back has remained healthy for the most part in ‘07-08. He is no longer the big time scorer he was in Sacramento, but is still capable of 15-17 points with a bevy of threes. As a matter of fact, he ranks among league leaders with a shade under 3 threes per game and is shooting a Rick Barry-like 93 percent from the stripe.

95. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, CLE
JA: The Big Z has really had a great year no matter how you cut it. Pulling down a career-best 9.5 rebounds, averaging 13.5 points and blocking 1.7 shots a game is normally enough to take him much higher. But Z is getting older and creakier by the minute, and with Ben Wallace in town next year’s rotation is up in the air. Ilgauskas will probably come back closer to Earth next season, so expect something more along the lines of 11 and 8 with 1.5 blocks.

96. Drew Gooden, CHI
GF: Gooden was a more than adequate power forward with the Cavs, but the trade to Chicago has suited him well. He has posted six double-doubles in the past 11 games and has averaged an un-Gooden like 1.9 blocks over this period. He is a hard worker who is not going to wow his owners on the offensive end. What you see is what you get with the Kansas product and hopefully the dysfunction in Chicago won’t stifle his progress.

97. Derrick Rose, TBA
JA: Expected to be drafted among the top two or three picks, Rose is considered the next great young point guard. There are a few teams that will be more than happy to add Rose to their roster and give him the reins immediately. Minnesota, Seattle and Miami come to mind, and on any of these clubs he’ll put up decent numbers. There will be growing pains, as with most rookie NBA point guards.

98. Kenyon Martin, DEN
GF: Talk about a career that just came off life support. Every time I look at a Denver boxscore it seems like the old days for Martin in the steals and blocks departments. Not relied upon to score with the ever selfish Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony in the fold, Martin fits in well with the Nuggets. He provides the little things such as tough man-to-man defense and put-backs and his stats across the board this season have been a pleasant surprise.

99. David Lee, NYK
JA: Wouldn’t you know it? Lee has finally moved to the starting lineup, something Knick fans have been clamoring for since he first burst on the scene - and he’s been so-so statistically. If Lee does indeed start next year - no sure thing given this coach and roster - his upside is a double-double. It would be nice if Lee’s peripheral numbers improved, but his field goal and free throw percentages are well above average for a power forward. This pick could really end up paying off.

100. Marvin Williams, ATL
GF: If the Hawks didn’t have so many quality young players who commanded the ball, Williams would already be a 20-point scorer in the NBA. As it is, he averages around 16 per game and a little under 6 rebounds. He gets to the foul line at a steady rate, but isn’t the 3-point shooter we all thought he would be out of Carolina. Don’t be surprised to see him up his scoring average in ‘08-09 to better than 18 per contest.

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*
*