In our last section of sleepers for the 2008-09 NBA season, we are spotlighting five Centers that will make you happy in pants by Mid-Season:
1. Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
Every year there are a couple injuries that open the door for the next big thing, this year Blatche looks set up to explode. Prior to Haywood needing surgery, opening the door for Blatche to start, Blatche was already on a lot of people’s radars. Now that 30+ minutes a night for Andray is feasible, don’t walk to get Blatche, RUN! In just his 4th year, fresh out of high school, Blatche hasn’t even started to ice his cake, so to speak. If your league has already drafted and you missed out, make a strong push now for Blatche. If you haven’t drafted yet, target Blatche as your draft nears the late 90′s or shortly after, you’ll be very happy with the results.
Currently owned in 32% of Yahoo! Leagues, and ADP of 138+
2008-09 Prediction:
30.2 Mins, 12.2 Pts, 7.8 Rebs, 1.8 Asts, 1.0 Stls, 2.2 Blks, 1.9 TOs
2. Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons
Teammate Amir Johnson has been given a lot of love after gaining the starting Power Forward spot for the Pistons, including by myself, but Maxiell is another integral piece of the youth movement in Detroit. Check out this YouTube Video of Maxiell to get a glimpse of the freakish athletic ability he possesses. Like many of the other sleepers I’ve pointed out, Maxiell is entering his 4th year in the NBA, and is 25 years old. If you can snag Maxiell in the last few rounds of your draft, start rejoicing. If you are drinking the Max-Ade, don’t be scared to draft him around 120th, because we’re looking at a top 120 player for sure.
Currently owned in 50% of Yahoo! Leagues, and ADP of 138+
2008-09 Prediction:
27.9 Mins, 10.4 Pts, 7.0 Rebs, 0.8 Asts, 0.5 Stls, 1.5 Blks, 1.2 TOs
3. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
Joakim was blocked by big man Ben Wallace for much of last season, but you can expect Noah to see a lot of minutes this year in his Sophomore season. Before the All-Star Game, Noah saw 15 minutes per game, but that jumped to 27.4 after the break… the results were pleasing. After the break, Noah posted 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks. The key there being the number of steals and blocks. Not to mention, he shot 52.4% from the field after the ASG as well. Those numbers alone are solid enough to take Noah around 90 in your draft, but don’t settle for those, Noah should progress further this year as he is one year older, and more importantly, a little more mature.
Currently owned in 82% of Yahoo! Leagues, and ADP of 103
2008-09 Prediction:
31.9 Mins, 10.6 Pts, 7.8 Rebs, 1.5 Asts, 1.6 Stls, 1.6 Blks, 1.8 TOs
4. NeNe Hilario, Denver Nuggets
Nobody doubts NeNe’s ability to put up big numbers, but most people do doubt his ability to stay healthy for an enitre season. These doubts are well deserved, seeing that NeNe has only played 126 games over the previous four seasons. With Camby fleeing town in the offseason, NeNe has been handed the starting Center spot for the Nuggets. In 42 starts in 2006-07, NeNe dropped 14.2 points, 8.2 Rebounds, 1.1 Steals, and 1.1 Blocks, while shooting 59% from the field. If Hilario can stay healthy for at least 3/4 of the season, we’re looking at a top 50 player, certainly worth take a risk on in the middle of your upcoming fantasy drafts.
Currently owned in 82% of Yahoo! Leagues, and ADP of 107
2008-09 Prediction:
33.4 Mins, 15.0 Pts, 8.6 Rebs, 1.6 Asts, 1.2 Stls, 1.2 Blks, 2.1 TOs
5. Ronny Turiaf, Golden State Warriors
Turiaf has a lot of good things going for him; He is entering his 4th season(a season when a lot of players progress), entering his prime physically at age 25, and getting a fresh start in Golden State. Ronny has never been given a real opportunity to play big minutes in LA, but he was very efficient in the minutes he did play. When given 21 starts last year, Turiaf posted 10.5 points and 1.9 blocks. Now, Turiaf will be the primary backup power forward and center for last years fastest paced team in the league. This is a pivotal point in Turiaf’s career, expect him to play his heart out, proving to be a very worthy fantasy player.
Currently owned in 17% of Yahoo! Leagues, and ADP of 137
2008-09 Prediction:
29.1 Mins, 11.5 Pts, 5.8 Rebs, 2.9 Asts, 0.5 Stls, 2.1 Blks, 1.7 TOs
Check out our related Sleeper Posts:
Point Guard Sleepers
Shooting Guard Sleepers
Small Forward Sleepers
Power Forward Sleepers
image courtesy of wizardsdotcom Flickr stream, via CCS
Noah is awful