The Bucks won’t sneak up on anybody this year, but they still have enough talent to finish above 500. The Cavs will miss that one guy they use to have, but still have enough for 30+ wins. The Pacers could be a surprise team this year if Collison and Hibbert are ready. However, I think they are a year away from being a playoff contender. The Pistons are still awful and have way too many mediocre wing players. I would legitimately be shocked if the Bulls don’t win this division by 5+ games.
Chicago Bulls
Taj Gibson (ADP: 160+) – Backing up Carlos Boozer is a good position to be in, in terms of fantasy value. You know you will get a lot of extra playing time. Gibson is a great defender, so the Bulls will need him on the court a lot. His rookie numbers of 9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks is just the starting point of what Gibson is actually capable of. In the 50 games Gibson played over 25 minutes last year, he averaged 11 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. While Boozer is sidelined with injuries, expect Gibson to be a double-double machine.
Milwaukee Bucks
Luc Mbah a Moute (ADP: 160+) will start and may play the most minutes for the Young Bucks. However, he is a defensive specialist, who hasn’t learned how to be productive for fantasy managers. Don’t fall for the trap just because he is in the starting lineup. He just ain’t worth it.
Cleveland Cavs
Anderson Varejao (ADP: 160) has good potential based on his Per Minute numbers, but foul troubles will always hold him back. Don’t expect a double-double out of Varejao on a nightly basis, but 9 points, 9 rebounds, a steal and a block would not be a farfetched projection. He should easily outplay his 160 ADP.
Indiana Pacers
Darren Collison (ADP: 49) – Talk about overhyped. When Collison filled in for CP3, he averaged 19 and 9, and now people are expecting more of the same. There are going to be a lot of disappointed fantasy owners. First, there is nobody like David West in Indiana. Pick n Roll’s to West probably accounted for 3 of those assists alone. Second, there is now pressure on him to perform. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when Collison averages over three turnovers per game, and less than 7 assists per game.
Detroit Pistons
Tracy McGrady (ADP: 153) – I hate to see this happen to great players. Some players don’t know when to hang it up, and call it a career. That time should have been two years ago for T-Mac. Now, we get to watch a once great player get outplayed on a nightly basis until he inevitably gets injured and has to officially retire… sad.
Complete Team-by-Team Breakdown: 2010-11 Fantasy NBA Draft Guide
