2009-2010 NBA Rookies Fantasy Value

Stephen Curry Tries to Coexist with Monta Ellis in Golden State

© Phil Partington

Oct 7, 2009

While many consider the 2009 NBA Draft weak, in the sense that there weren't a whole lot of proven commodities for teams to choose from, there are still a few diamonds in the rough that may emerge for fantasy basketball owners.

By now, even the casual fan should know the name Blake Griffin, whom many see as the next Amare Stoudemire. Griffin is thought to have the most potential to be an NBA star. Yet, his circumstances may not permit him the best opportunity to post fantastic numbers early on in his career, given that he'll be sharing minutes with veterans, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, Brian Skinner and Craig Smith. The question to consider is where to select rookies in a fantasy draft? While it's usually not a wise idea to gamble on rookies too early, there are some who might be worth a pick in later rounds. Here's a rundown of the top NBA rookies.

• F Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers - Many don't realize how versatile Griffin is. He's put on quite a ballhandling display in workouts. At 6-10 250lbs, he's so quick and athletic that the Clippers are planning on giving him some minutes at small forward. With Griffin, one can expect double-double capabilities. He should also contribute great field goal percentage, and even show a respectable 38% from beyond the arc in college. That being said, be weary of his poor free throw shooting. He shot only 59% from the line in college, and that distance doesn't change in the pros.
• C Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis Grizzlies - Thabeet is probably not worth drafting, unless it's in a deeper league. While Thabeet might be good for some blocked shots during the season, he's extremely raw and might not get consistent minutes behind Marc Gasol.
• G James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder - Harden should be a good fit in OKC, especially with their great need for perimeter shooting. He's thought to be one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft. Be watchful of his recent nagging injuries, though, and don't expect superstar numbers with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook commanding touches.
• G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings - Evans could be a player who jumps into the limelight as the season progresses. He certainly has NBA athletic ability. However, it's tough to say where he'll fit. He probably won't take minutes away from Kevin Martin, and he might not be quite ready to take the point guard position full time, especially with Beno Udrih on the roster. Draft him if you must, but it might be wiser to simply keep a steady eye on him as the season progresses.
• PG Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves - The Wolves have Ramon Sessions and Antonio Daniels at point guard, but if Flynn shows any promise, he's likely to get the minutes. The Wolves will want to develop the player with the most upside, and Flynn certainly has that. He'll have some bugs to work out, but athleticism and quickness usually has a place in the NBA.
• G Stephon Curry, Golden State Warriors - There has been much hype around Curry. The big question, however, is whether or not he can coexist with Monta Ellis, another undersized scoring point guard. The Warriors have a logjam of perimeter players and a few disgruntled players, too. Drafting Curry is a gamble.
• F Jordan Hill, New York Knicks - The Knicks already have a lot of forwards on its roster (David Lee, Al Harrington, Wilson Chandler, Jared Jeffries and Danilo Gallinari). It's difficult to see Hill finding a lot of minutes in his first season. He's still a bit robotic on the block, though he has shown he can be a hard worker.
• G DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors - DeRozan has loads of athletic talent, but is still very raw. He is in the perfect situation in Toronto. They'll be playing a more up tempo style this year and have added several shooters to the mix. DeRozan has a good chance of putting up some statistics and might be worth a late round pick.
• PG Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks - Jennings is another rookie not to consider until the later rounds. He's young, but is quick and is a good passer. He reminds of Kenny Anderson, and it doesn't hurt that Luke Ridnour and Roko Ukic haven't impressed much in Milwaukee.

Other Rookies to Consider

• F Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana Pacers - The veteran works harder than anyone, is more athletic than he gets credit for, and will know how to find playing time.
• F Earl Clark, Phoenix Suns - Should fit well with the Suns run-and-gun tempo, and it doesn't hurt to have Steve Nash passing him the ball.
• G Terrence Williams, New Jersey Nets - This athletic guard will be asked to fill Vince Carter's shoes.
• F James Johnson, Chicago Bulls - Johnson's size, athleticism and versatility will get him minutes, especially with Forward Luol Deng constantly on injury watch.
• F DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs - If some of those old guys on the Spurs' roster go down with injuries, consider him for a boost in boards.

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