Top 20 NBA Fantasy Players in 2006

Falling Off the List:

Shaq Diesel is 33 years old and hasn't played a complete season since 1999. Also, the numbers steadily get worse every year for the aging giant. If it wasn't for Dwayne Wade, Shaq would not have been half as good as he was last year. This year will be no different as he got injured in the very first game. Big Shaq Daddy=Big Liability

The List:

Webber is playing like the Webber of old. He's averaging a healthy double-double with a few assists. The problem is he could break down midseason like he always does.

#19 Andre Kirilinko

We all know that AK47 is a defensive machine. He can also be a solid scorer and rebounder, but his average of 2 steals and 3 blocks over the past two years is straight nutty. What are they feeding those Russians these days? Also he posts 3 assists per game, so AK47 is an all-around weapon in fantasy leagues. The only problem is his health. Who knows if the league's leading blocker will play the whole 2006 season?

#18 Lamar Odom

Two years ago, Odom was a triple double threat every night. Well this year, Odom is playing a point-forward position similar to Scottie Pippen's previous role on the Chicago Bulls. Expect a huge boost in assists, as Phil Jackson works him into the triangle offense.

#17 Jermaine O'Neal

People forget that when Jermaine O'Neal is healthy, he is major fantasy contributor. On an average day he will put up a double-double with a couple blocks. He is center eligible and is the main scoring threat on a very dangerous Indiana squad.

#16 Baron Davis

A year ago Baron was one of the few elite fantasy players. Also, getting out of the gutter in Charlotte helped his fantasy value. But his health is a huge question mark as Davis has been in street clothes for 35 percent of his team's games over the past three seasons. That's not very solid. Although a big gamble could equal big payouts.

It seems like JKidd is the only player that manages to record triple-doubles like it ain't no thang. The only concern is his heath, although he looked very sturdy in his comeback last year. So don't be fooled; the Nets need to play him big minutes if they want to make the playoffs in what is a tough Eastern division. Kidd is their man, and Lawrence Franks knows that without him their offense will stuggle. So expect Kidd to lead the NBA in triple doubles and be among the top 3 in assists.

#14 Gilbert Arenas

With Larry Hughes out, look for Arenas to CARRY the Washington Wizards. When Hughes got injured last year, Arenas stepped up and posted HUGE numbers in his absense. He is surely capable of filling the stat sheets in almost every category. And does anyone realize that Arenas knocked down 205 three-pointers? He should easily lead all point guards in threes this season. Look for Gilbert to take a lot of shots and score a lot of points.

#13 Steve Nash

Your regular season MVP, Steve Nash, showed us why he's for real with a breakout season in 05. The Suns are the perfect fit to bring out the best in Nash. Last season, he posted 11.5 assists per game and single-handedly broke Magic Johnson's record by recording double-digit assists in 14 straight games. Unfortunately, the loss of Amare Stoudamire will erase a few easy assists, but this will also cause him to shoot more. This is good, because he shoots a high percentage especially from three. So don't be shy.. draft this little Canadian hoopster.

#12 Paul Pierce

Pierce is killin' em softly this season. As he flies under the radar, Paul is quietly having the best season of his career. Don't sleep on him. We know what he's capable of.

#11 Tracy McGrady

You can't go wrong drafting this elite fantasy guard. TMac has an unstoppable jumper, hits threes, rebounds, assists.. he does it all. The problem is back spasms seem to be a reoccuring setback.

#10 Dwayne Wade

Yeah... Wade definantly has the best one-on-one moves as he "flashes" through the defense like a beam of light passing through a transluscent window. Complemented by his amazing above-the-rim acrobatics, Wade can punish defenders. Last year, Dwayne posted 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Although what really stands out was his 1.1 block per game average for a guard! Wade is the next big thing, so look for him to continue to feed Shaq Daddy and knock down big 4th Quarter shots in 06.

#9 Kobe Bryant

Last year, Kobe and the Lakers struggled. The coaching was probably to blame, as it seemed like they never ran an offense. This year should be different with Phil back in L.A. Michael Jordan averaged 30 points as the focal point in Phil's offense, so who knows.. maybe Kobe will.

#8 Marcus Camby

Camby is an excellent fill at the center position averaging a tremendous amount of blocks and steals. Also, the Nuggets will need to give him big minutes with Nene out for the year. Camby's rebounding improves every year, so if he stays healthy, he will be the top center in 2006.

#7 Tim Duncan

If Duncan can stay healthy, he's a steal. The veteran center has always been a fantasy elite. You just can't ignore what he's capable of doing. The problem is that the Spurs will bench him when they're blowing out the Hawks or some other shit team. Also, you can't depend on his durabilty. So if you think he'll stay healthy, go ahead and draft the NBA finals MVP in the first-round.

#6 Elton Brand

With the acquisitions of Sam Cassel and Cuttino Mobley, the LA Clips are contenders this year. Elton Brand has consistently posted 20 points 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks over the past 6 years (his entire career). He's excited to be healthy and is in store for the best fantasy season of his career. Posting big fantasy numbers is not "Brand" new for the former Dukie, so don't be the fool that sleeps on him during the draft.

#5 Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk took a big hit this year as he has lost his center eligibility. But with Michael Finley sent down the road to San Antonio, Dirk will get more shots. This year his three point touch has significantly improved, so look for Dirk to be Dirk.

#4 Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson is the Answer. The reason I would take him this early is because he averages 24 shots a game. He will surely lead the league in scoring again if he continues to hog the ball, which he will. Also, his move to point guard last year has caused his assist totals per game to go up from 6 to 8. The little thief also has a career average of 2.4 steals per game. A.I. is so tough that I don't expect his health to be a big concern. Big things come in small packages, remember this on draft day.

#3 Shawn Marion

With Amare Stoudamire out, this boosts Marion's fantasy value. He's finished number 1 in rotisserie for 2 straight years by being an absolute monster in every category thinkable. And you can hate on his little "flick" shot, but hey... it goes in, doesn't it? And with Nash still running the show in Phoenix, J.J. gone to Atlanta, and Amare out with injury look for Marion to step up and have a HUGE role in 06.

#2 Lebron James

Consider yourself lucky if you get the number two pick, because you cant go wrong with K.G. or King James. Yeah, K.G. is great, but Lebron has more upside. From his first year to his second year, he improved from 21, 6, and 6 to 27, 7, and 7. Not even M.J. put up numbers like Lebron did his second season. Also, with the addition of Larry Hughes, Damon Jones, and Donyell Marshall, he won't be double-teamed as much, and when he dishes out passes his teammates can actually knock down shots. Plus, he has been working on his three point touch. Lebron is the most talented player in the NBA so take him at number 1 or 2.

#1 Kevin Garnett

Two years ago this would be simple. But, I would still have to grab the efficient Kevin Garnett at number 1 overall. K.G. does it all averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals, over the past three seasons. He is a very long, athletic player who is actually one of the league's most efficient scorers. Draft K.G. with your number one pick.

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