If you know the concept of basketball, then Fantasy Basketball holds that meaning. Each teams consist of guards (point and shooting), forwards (small and power), and centers. Centers are like Catchers in baseball...very limited on talent on this position, so you can go high or go low on this position in the draft. Guards and Forwards have the most depth in basketball, but you have to pick your superstars early as possible. Here's a standard game of fantasy basketball...
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
3-Pointers Made
Points score
Rebound
Assists
Blocks
Steals
Turnover
These are the standard categories in either Head-to-Head (Matchup against other team week-by-week) or Roto (you against the league everyday).
- Pay attention to last year stats of those players, as they can determine what type of players they are.
- Always use your first 3-4 picks of your draft to get a All-Star caliber player, no matter what happens.
- If there is a big drop-off in a position after a certain number, make sure to pick a player or 2 before the drop-off and come back to other positions later that are more “stacked”.
- Getting the draft right is extremely important. Stay focused and scan for opportunities. A good pick late in the draft can go a long way. Compare different rankings around the web.
- Check for roster changes. A players stats are going to be affected by any changes. But don't presume additions to the roster will hurt a player. Sometimes they might even help.
Here are the top-10 NBA players heading into the 2008-2009 Season...
1) Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
Paul has himself a MVP-type of season for Fantasy players, as he accumulated 21 points and 11 assists a game, along with 3 steals a game. He won't help you in blocks but Paul makes up for everything else on a nightly basis.
2) Amare Stoudamire, FC, Phoenix Suns
This could be his last year he has eligibility at C, so he'll likely be the first center to be chosen in the draft. He had a decent year with 25 points and 9 rebound a game, but his good percentage (FG and FT) for his position makes him over-the-top the best pick around. As long as Steve Nash is passing him the ball, Stoudamire will continue to produce.
3) Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
What more can I say? He helps out on every category but he's an injury risk right now as he reluctantly announcing his date to have his pinky surgery he suffer at the Olympics. The sooner he get the surgery, the more ready Kobe will be ready for this season. Of course, having a full season with Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum could have his assist number spike but his scoring will go down a bit. Still, Bryant is the most dominant player in his position.
4) LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Like Kobe, LeBron can help you with every category on a nightly basis. After all, he was the NBA leading scorer (30 points a game) last season. The acquisition of PG Mo Williams could cut his assists but he is still the man in Cleveland.
5) Kevin Garnett, F, Boston Celtics
A double eligibility at small and power forward, Garnett is not going to score as much, but he is one of the better all-around player, as he can help you with every category and playing just barely at 30 minutes a night means that he can stay healthy for the time being.
6) Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
He might not help you in Blocks or Steals, but he is one of the best offensive forwards around, having 3-Point range in his position (a rare case in the NBA). A full season with Jason Kidd means more open shot for Dirk and better numbers.
7) Elton Brand, FC, Philadelphia 76ers
Brand has double eligibility at power forward and center, but he only play 8 games last season due to a tear on his knee that kept him out for most of the season. Still, he's a double-double (Points and Rebound) machine, but not the 20 point average with Andre Igoudala around. He might not reach 10 rebounds playing with Samuel Dalembert around, but he can be a good 19 point, 9 rebound, 1.5 blocks season with above average FG% if he stay healthy.
8) Marcus Camby, FC, Los Angeles Clippers
He doesn't score that much (9.1 points a game last season) but he can certainly help out defensively (13.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 3.6 blocks) and on occasion at FG%. Camby will still be the same defensive force in Los Angeles and reach at least 10 points a game with this offense. His value doesn't change but he does have eligibility at Power Forward this season, but many draft him as the number one Center.
9) Shawn Marion, F, Miami Heat
Don't be fool by his 15.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game last season. He was battling injuries and was traded mid season from Phoenix in the Shaq trade. A full healthy season with Miami could lead him back to being the number one fantasy player he is, as he can give you a Kevin Garnett-type of production on a nightly basis. A big plus on his game is that he doesn'