duncan228
07-25-2008, 11:26 PM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Page_2_-_David_Kendrick_Pure_Fantasy0726.html
From Nash to Duhon, the D’Antoni effect being felt
David Kendrick: Pure Fantasy
When Mike D’Antoni left Phoenix for New York, it marked the first time in recent memory that a coach’s move was so big in fantasy circles.
D’Antoni’s high-octane offense helped the Suns lead the league in scoring from the 2004-05 season through 2006-07, and they ranked third last season. Nobody benefited more from the system than Phoenix’s point guards.
Steve Nash went from a good fantasy player to one of the best — he had never averaged more than 8.8 assists per game before D’Antoni but averaged at least 10.5 in each season under the coach. Leandro Barbosa, meanwhile, sped to the basket and hit open 3-pointers to the delight of owners.
Both players’ value should go down as the team shifts to a slower style of play. One sign of what could be in store came in the second half of last season, after Shaquille O’Neal was in town and Shawn Marion was out. Nash’s assists fell from 11.7 per game to 9.9.
In New York, meanwhile, there is no Nash, or Barbosa for that matter. But there is Chris Duhon, who came over as a free agent from Chicago. Duhon has yet to average double figures in scoring or more than five assists per game in his first four seasons, but he is a capable 3-point shooter. Starter’s minutes and D’Antoni’s system will make Duhon worth starting in most fantasy leagues. His addition also seems to signal the end for Stephon Marbury, whose contract could be bought out if the Knicks can’t trade him.
Thanks to D’Antoni, it’s a new era in Phoenix and New York. And fantasy fortunes are sure to change.
NBA POINT GUARD RANKINGS: PAUL LEADS THE WAY
We begin the NBA position rankings by looking at the top point guards, broken into tiers.
TIER 1
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
1. Chris Paul, Hornets 21.1 PPG, 11.6 APG, 2.7 SPG Led league in steals and assists in ‘07-08.
2. Baron Davis, Clippers 21.8 PPG, 7.6 APG, 2.3 SPG How much will loss of Brand hurt him?
3. Dwyane Wade, Heat 24.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.2 RPG Worth first-round pick if he stays healthy.
4. Deron Williams, Jazz 18.8 PPG, 10.5 APG, 3.0 RPG Key stats up each of first three seasons.
5. Gilbert Arenas, Wizards 19.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG If he’s over knee issues, he’s a superstar.
6. Allen Iverson, Nuggets 26.4 PPG, 7.1 APG, 2.0 SPG Played full 82 for first time since ‘02-03.
TIER 2
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
7. Steve Nash, Suns 16.9 PPG, 11.1 APG, 179 3PT Loss of Mike D’Antoni could be huge.
8. Jose Calderon, Raptors 11.2 PPG, 8.3 APG, 79 3PT Helped by trade of T.J. Ford to Indiana.
9. Jason Kidd, Mavericks 10.8 PPG, 10.1 APG, 7.5 RPG Will work with Dirk & Co. from Day 1.
10. Chauncey Billups, Pistons 17.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 137 3PM Steady vet will continue to be a star.
11. Jamal Crawford, Knicks 20.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 176 3PM Could be a steal in D’Antoni’s offense.
TIER 3
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
12. Leandro Barbosa, Suns 15.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 164 3PM Potential victim of D’Antoni’s departure.
13. Randy Foye, Wolves 13.1 PPG, 4.2 APG, 61 3PM Showed promise in only 39 games.
14. Mike Bibby, Hawks 13.9 PPG, 6.0 APG, 93 3PM Value increased after he left Kings.
15. Andre Miller, 76ers 17.0 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.0 RPG Brand should give him more assists.
16. Jason Terry, Mavericks 15.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, 136 3PM Good pick thanks to 3-point shooting.
17. Devin Harris, Nets 14.8 PPG, 5.8 APG, 1.4 SPG Starter in Jersey, but needs more threes.
18. Rafer Alston, Rockets 13.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 143 3PM Fantasy owners always love the threes.
19. Mo Williams, Bucks 17.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 89 3PM Backup Ramon Sessions is a threat.
TIER 4
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
20. Tony Parker, Spurs 18.8 PPG, 6.0 APG, 49.4 FG% Lack of threes, steals hurts fantasy value.
21. Raymond Felton, Bobcats 14.4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 1.2 SPG Augustin will inspire him or steal job.
22. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls 11.5 PPG, 6.0 APG, 84 3PM Still subject of plenty of trade rumors.
TIER 5
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
23. Delonte West, Cavaliers 8.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 3.2 RPG Gets 3-point looks with LeBron around.
24. Derrick Rose, Bulls *14.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.5 RPG Value limited by questionable jumper.
25. T.J. Ford, Pacers 12.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.0 RPG Must beat Jarrett Jack for starter’s job.
26. Rajon Rondo, Celtics 10.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.7 SPG Gained valuable experience in title run.
27. Jameer Nelson, Magic 10.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.5 RPG Starter on an up-and-coming team.
28. Beno Udrih, Kings 12.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.3 RPG Former Spur should be Kings’ starter.
29. Mike Conley, Grizzlies 9.4 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.6 RPG Endured injury-plagued rookie season.
30. Chris Duhon, Knicks 5.8 PPG, 4.0 APG, 54 3PM Ex-Bull should run D’Antoni’s offense.
* — Statistics from University of Memphis
BACKUPS ... FOR NOW
These point guards are backups now, but that could change soon.
D.J. Augustin, Bobcats: Rookie from UT is better shooter than starter Raymond Felton.
Jerryd Bayless, Blazers: Steve Blake might begin as starter, but this rookie is long-term solution.
Mario Chalmers, Heat: If he can unseat Marcus Banks, should have assists aplenty with D-Wade, Marion and Beasley around.
Jarrett Jack, Pacers: T.J. Ford is injury-prone, which makes Jack intriguing.
Nate Robinson, Knicks: Only Knicks guard to ignore appears to be Stephon Marbury.
Ramon Sessions, Bucks: Averaged 11.3 assists in April. Starter Mo Williams is shoot-first PG.
Rodney Stuckey, Pistons: Value could soar if Detroit makes a major trade.
Russell Westbrook, Sonics: There’s a good chance he’ll be starting ahead of Earl Watson immediately.
Marcus Williams, Warriors: The former Net will play in a fantasy-friendly system.
MULTI-POSITION PLAYERS
These point guards are also eligible at shooting guard in many leagues.
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Leandro Barbosa, Suns
Jamal Crawford, Knicks
Raymond Felton, Bobcats
Rudy Fernandez, Blazers
Kirk Hinrich, Bulls
Note: The Warriors’ Monta Ellis likely won’t have point guard eligibility to start the season, although it’s expected he’ll be the team’s starting point guard.
From Nash to Duhon, the D’Antoni effect being felt
David Kendrick: Pure Fantasy
When Mike D’Antoni left Phoenix for New York, it marked the first time in recent memory that a coach’s move was so big in fantasy circles.
D’Antoni’s high-octane offense helped the Suns lead the league in scoring from the 2004-05 season through 2006-07, and they ranked third last season. Nobody benefited more from the system than Phoenix’s point guards.
Steve Nash went from a good fantasy player to one of the best — he had never averaged more than 8.8 assists per game before D’Antoni but averaged at least 10.5 in each season under the coach. Leandro Barbosa, meanwhile, sped to the basket and hit open 3-pointers to the delight of owners.
Both players’ value should go down as the team shifts to a slower style of play. One sign of what could be in store came in the second half of last season, after Shaquille O’Neal was in town and Shawn Marion was out. Nash’s assists fell from 11.7 per game to 9.9.
In New York, meanwhile, there is no Nash, or Barbosa for that matter. But there is Chris Duhon, who came over as a free agent from Chicago. Duhon has yet to average double figures in scoring or more than five assists per game in his first four seasons, but he is a capable 3-point shooter. Starter’s minutes and D’Antoni’s system will make Duhon worth starting in most fantasy leagues. His addition also seems to signal the end for Stephon Marbury, whose contract could be bought out if the Knicks can’t trade him.
Thanks to D’Antoni, it’s a new era in Phoenix and New York. And fantasy fortunes are sure to change.
NBA POINT GUARD RANKINGS: PAUL LEADS THE WAY
We begin the NBA position rankings by looking at the top point guards, broken into tiers.
TIER 1
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
1. Chris Paul, Hornets 21.1 PPG, 11.6 APG, 2.7 SPG Led league in steals and assists in ‘07-08.
2. Baron Davis, Clippers 21.8 PPG, 7.6 APG, 2.3 SPG How much will loss of Brand hurt him?
3. Dwyane Wade, Heat 24.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.2 RPG Worth first-round pick if he stays healthy.
4. Deron Williams, Jazz 18.8 PPG, 10.5 APG, 3.0 RPG Key stats up each of first three seasons.
5. Gilbert Arenas, Wizards 19.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG If he’s over knee issues, he’s a superstar.
6. Allen Iverson, Nuggets 26.4 PPG, 7.1 APG, 2.0 SPG Played full 82 for first time since ‘02-03.
TIER 2
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
7. Steve Nash, Suns 16.9 PPG, 11.1 APG, 179 3PT Loss of Mike D’Antoni could be huge.
8. Jose Calderon, Raptors 11.2 PPG, 8.3 APG, 79 3PT Helped by trade of T.J. Ford to Indiana.
9. Jason Kidd, Mavericks 10.8 PPG, 10.1 APG, 7.5 RPG Will work with Dirk & Co. from Day 1.
10. Chauncey Billups, Pistons 17.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 137 3PM Steady vet will continue to be a star.
11. Jamal Crawford, Knicks 20.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 176 3PM Could be a steal in D’Antoni’s offense.
TIER 3
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
12. Leandro Barbosa, Suns 15.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 164 3PM Potential victim of D’Antoni’s departure.
13. Randy Foye, Wolves 13.1 PPG, 4.2 APG, 61 3PM Showed promise in only 39 games.
14. Mike Bibby, Hawks 13.9 PPG, 6.0 APG, 93 3PM Value increased after he left Kings.
15. Andre Miller, 76ers 17.0 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.0 RPG Brand should give him more assists.
16. Jason Terry, Mavericks 15.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, 136 3PM Good pick thanks to 3-point shooting.
17. Devin Harris, Nets 14.8 PPG, 5.8 APG, 1.4 SPG Starter in Jersey, but needs more threes.
18. Rafer Alston, Rockets 13.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 143 3PM Fantasy owners always love the threes.
19. Mo Williams, Bucks 17.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 89 3PM Backup Ramon Sessions is a threat.
TIER 4
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
20. Tony Parker, Spurs 18.8 PPG, 6.0 APG, 49.4 FG% Lack of threes, steals hurts fantasy value.
21. Raymond Felton, Bobcats 14.4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 1.2 SPG Augustin will inspire him or steal job.
22. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls 11.5 PPG, 6.0 APG, 84 3PM Still subject of plenty of trade rumors.
TIER 5
RK. PLAYER, TEAM 2007-08 STATS COMMENT
23. Delonte West, Cavaliers 8.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 3.2 RPG Gets 3-point looks with LeBron around.
24. Derrick Rose, Bulls *14.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.5 RPG Value limited by questionable jumper.
25. T.J. Ford, Pacers 12.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.0 RPG Must beat Jarrett Jack for starter’s job.
26. Rajon Rondo, Celtics 10.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.7 SPG Gained valuable experience in title run.
27. Jameer Nelson, Magic 10.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.5 RPG Starter on an up-and-coming team.
28. Beno Udrih, Kings 12.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.3 RPG Former Spur should be Kings’ starter.
29. Mike Conley, Grizzlies 9.4 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.6 RPG Endured injury-plagued rookie season.
30. Chris Duhon, Knicks 5.8 PPG, 4.0 APG, 54 3PM Ex-Bull should run D’Antoni’s offense.
* — Statistics from University of Memphis
BACKUPS ... FOR NOW
These point guards are backups now, but that could change soon.
D.J. Augustin, Bobcats: Rookie from UT is better shooter than starter Raymond Felton.
Jerryd Bayless, Blazers: Steve Blake might begin as starter, but this rookie is long-term solution.
Mario Chalmers, Heat: If he can unseat Marcus Banks, should have assists aplenty with D-Wade, Marion and Beasley around.
Jarrett Jack, Pacers: T.J. Ford is injury-prone, which makes Jack intriguing.
Nate Robinson, Knicks: Only Knicks guard to ignore appears to be Stephon Marbury.
Ramon Sessions, Bucks: Averaged 11.3 assists in April. Starter Mo Williams is shoot-first PG.
Rodney Stuckey, Pistons: Value could soar if Detroit makes a major trade.
Russell Westbrook, Sonics: There’s a good chance he’ll be starting ahead of Earl Watson immediately.
Marcus Williams, Warriors: The former Net will play in a fantasy-friendly system.
MULTI-POSITION PLAYERS
These point guards are also eligible at shooting guard in many leagues.
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Leandro Barbosa, Suns
Jamal Crawford, Knicks
Raymond Felton, Bobcats
Rudy Fernandez, Blazers
Kirk Hinrich, Bulls
Note: The Warriors’ Monta Ellis likely won’t have point guard eligibility to start the season, although it’s expected he’ll be the team’s starting point guard.