Top Sleepers for Your Fantasy Team Part Two
December 15, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… 
With the new fantasy basketball season almost upon us, we are always looking for that breakout player that can be the difference between bragging rights and another year of listening to the winner rave about their GM skills. Everyone knows how valuable the Kobe’s, Lebron’s, and Wade’s are but in the 6th round of your draft do you select Marc Gasol, or Darko? There is no specific focus on position but on the actual player. Whether you play single season or in a keeper here are another 10 players you should be looking out for in the later rounds in your draft when the dust has settled for the first couple of rounds. Happy Drafting!
*As usual comments and conversation are always welcome*
11. J.R Smith – Guard
While Smith offers you above average production in the 3PT FG% category (39% last year) it is his ability to tease you with his potential that makes him a sleeper. He is a high risk\high reward option so be careful where you draft him generally backup G position would be ideal, as the Nuggets have no alternatives at SG other than Arron Afflalo so the job at SG is his for the taking.
12. Nene – F|C
Nene made a great return on the owners ready to draft him last year with consistency each month, he certainly tired down the stretch but continue to shoot at a high percentage (61% FG) and provide steals (1.2\gm) at a premium fantasy position. He increased his blocks (1.23\gm) while lowering his fouls per game. There is always a risk of injury with Nene but when he is healthy he is one of the better fantasy players available.
13. Luis Scola – PF
With Yao out for the season and McGrady’s production\contributions an uncertainty, Scola will be looked upon for scoring and leadership this year in Houston. Scola had a dominating performance at the World Championship’s this year (22ppg) and stepped up with Yao’s injury during last year’s playoffs (16.2 ppg & 7rpg vs Portland)with limited options for offense you can look for Scola to average at least 17 ppg with 8rpg per game.
14. Ramon Sessions – PG
Sessions has always had an ability to post great numbers when given the chance (18.5ppg 7.4apg 4.1rpg in February) and has always been great at distributing the ball. If Coach Rambis goes with Flynn as the starter apparently Sessions is learning to play the SG position as well look for points, reasonable FG% but a high turnover rate as well.
15. Kevin Love – PF
Need rebounds? Love is your man. With ridiculous rebounding-per-minute rates and high offensive rebounding number Love is still working on the offensive part of his game, showing flashes of his offensive potential in March of last year (16ppg-9rpg in 17 games) however he will lose minutes to Al Jefferson sliding back to his natural position of PF this year stash Love away till the later rounds.
16. Courtney Lee – SG
Lee is going to get you lots of 3’s and steals, the X factor is the scoring he can provide as he started to show an offensive game later on in the year. (11ppg in February and March)Granted in Orlando he wasn’t going to get a lot of opportunities to score however on an up-and-coming youthful Nets squad this will be his first chance to show is all around game, at this point he is a solid backup SG for your team.
17. Brook Lopez – C
Arguable within the top 10 Centers in fantasy, and possibly the NBA with his rookie season alone. Lopez continued to improve each month averaging a double-double by year’s end. Without Carter around to take 21 shots a game it appears that Lopez may become a 20-10 player this year, additionally he’s above average in FT% and Blocks department. Others will take the big names…stick with Lopez and reap the rewards!
18. Ronnie Brewer – SG
Brewer stepped into and secured the opening at SG and established himself as a premier defensive player by swiping over 2 steals per game. Brewer will give you steals and blocks and a bit of scoring, however until he learns how to shoot properly he’ll be confined to that 12-15ppg range.
19. Charlie Villanueva – F
I have never been a fan of Charlie V and personally I think the contract he got was unfounded however the Pistons look like they are handing the starting PF spot to him. Charlie V can be injury-prone, but had a very solid season last year with the Bucks in limited minutes and a crowed frontcourt. Between January and March there wasn’t a more consistent player on the Bucks (19.5ppg 6.9rpg 38% 3PT in 30 mpg) When C.V is motivated he can fill numerous categories. The question will be for this season is he motivated?
20. Anthony Parker – G
Originally I wouldn’t have had AP on this list however with Delonte West’s personal issues (Bi-Polar Disorder) cropping up before the season it likely means at least in the early going AP will be responsible for the majority of the SG minutes in the early going. Parker isn’t a fantasy stud or potential one however he does a little bit of everything to get you to top up your categories across the board (13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.6apg in January).
Top Sleepers for Your Fantasy Team Part One
December 12, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… With the new fantasy basketball season almost upon us, we are always looking for that breakout player that can be the difference between bragging rights and another year of listening to the winner rave about their GM skills. Everyone knows how valuable the Kobe’s, Lebron’s, and Wade’s are but in the 6th round of your draft do you select Marc Gasol, or Darko? There is no specific focus on position but on the actual player. Whether you play single season or in a keeper here are 10 players you should be looking out for in the later rounds in your draft when the dust has settled for the first couple of rounds.
1. Russell Westbrook – PG
Started to turn heads last year with his big month of February (20.6ppg, 5.9apg, 6.1rpg) he’ll reach the cusp of fantasy stardom this year with a more consistent approach.
2. Jeff Green – PF\SF (depending on your league)
Like Westbrook played extremely well in February (20.7ppg, 9.5rpg) he will take the next step this year.
3. Emeka Okafor – PF
It is very likely that playing with Chris Paul will give Okafor some extra easy points this year; he has always been a strong rebounder and likely will slip into the middle rounds this year.
4. Chris Duhon – PG
There isn’t a serviceable backup option in the Knicks backcourt which will lead to Duhon playing heavy minutes again. He had career season last year and the D’Antoni effect will allow him to post similar numbers again this year (11.1ppg, 7.2 apg, 39% 3PT in 79 games)
5. Stephen Jackson – G|F
Versatile performer can give you a combination of points, steals, rebounds and assist. Is one of the few options on a weak Golden State team, averaged 20.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 6.5apg last year, durable, and extremely consistent.
6. Jason Kidd – PG
This is Kidd’s last year as a viable backup option due to his age (36) and declining numbers. Kidd makes a great backup PG, however your team is in trouble if you are drafting him as a starter. Still a triple double waiting to happen (however with less frequency these days) currently battling an ankle injury according to Dallas Morning News (Oct.8)
7. Boris Diaw – F
After being freed of the defensive and confusing philosophies of Terry Porter last year, Diaw displayed the talents that allowed him to receive his contract from the Suns after being traded. Essentially Diaw is good for 15-5-5 per game and has shed the injury bug that has plagued him previously.
8. Jason Thompson – PF
A cheap source of rebounds and points coming off the bench, likely will start this year however there are questions about his passion and his unwillingness to mix it up inside. Started off strong (14ppg 8.5rpg in October), and finished strong (14.1ppg 10.2rpg) in April)
9. Andris Biedrins – C
Every year Biedrins becomes less of a sleeper and secret in fantasy play, among the leaders in double-doubles is the Warriors only real low post threat you can guarantee a double-double average, high FG percentage, and blocks. An ankle injury stopped his career season (11.9ppg and 11.2rpg) and he should be even better this year.
10. Al Horford – C
Despite playing out of position at Center it was an encouraging rookie season from Horford, played especially well at the end of the season when injuries hit the Hawks and they continued to fight for a playoff spot (15.2ppg 10.3rpg) Should become more of a focal point in the offense this year.
Watch out for Part Two!
Top 5 NBA Players Whose Careers are At a Crossroads
September 30, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… These five players are at a career crossroads. We’re looking primarily at young players who’ve been high draft picks and shown flashes of promise, but haven’t been able to sustain their success for a variety of reasons.
Will they figure it out or continue to tease clubs with their potential? Next year could go a long way toward providing the answer.
The NBA’s reliance on younger players means more peaks and valleys. Most of these guys have seen the valley. Will they work their way back toward the peak in 2010.
Comments and discussion are encouraged - Please feel Free!
Center – Andrew Bynum – L.A. Lakers
Armed with a 5\65 Million dollar contract, Bynum has more than set him self up financially for the rest of his life. However it is highly unlikely that he will become “the best center ever” as he proclaimed a few short years ago. Height and talent you cannot teach, but Bynum will not get a chance to showcase his skills with virtually the entire Lakers roster returning. Perhaps Bynum will assert himself to seize the Center position that he has no competition for. Over the past couple of years Bynum has flashed the talent and potential to be the next dominate center of the NBA, the injuries to his knees wrist and shoulders have caused numerous setbacks to what should be a fruitful NBA career.
This year Bynum needs to show that he is worth the investment, while he is still young (21) the Lakers and their fans historically do not have a tremendous amount of patience for underachievers.
Power Forward – Emeka Okafor – New Orleans Hornets
Do you remember when there was a choice between Okafor and Dwight Howard for the number one pick? Now Howard is a superstar and Okafor only seems to have just found the ability to play an entire season in the NBA. Okafor’s numbers have regressed to 13 points and 10 rebounds game which is unacceptable for a player of his talent, and salary.
Okafor is an excellent defensive player that is willing to play defense which will be much appreciated in New Orleans. His scoring should also improve with Chris Paul throwing lob passes in the flow of the offense. Okafor is still very young (26) and while I am unconvinced he’ll ever join the top tier of NBA Centers he should be able to become a complimentary piece in New Orleans.
Small Forward- Luol Deng - Chicago Bulls
Deng has been largely ineffective since the 2006 playoffs which earned him his big money contract. While Deng is not deserving of that money I would be greatly disappointed to see Ben Gordon get that type of money.
Chicago is rumored to be willing to trade the veteran as he has not been the player that many saw in that fateful Miami series. Deng is on a downward slope of a career that has seen him injured or ineffective for the past couple of years. Deng claims to be in the best shape of his career after various back, leg, and Achilles injuries that limited his effectiveness.
This year without Ben Gordon Deng needs to be able to step up and assist Derrick Rose in the continued renaissance of basketball in Chicago.
Shooting Guard – Manu Ginobili – San Antonio Spurs
Manu has and is an established star in the NBA, and a mainstay during the Spurs championship runs. However Manu is coming off an injury plagued years, in addition to the 10-15 games he tends to miss per year.
As his contact is expiring this year, and after a summer full of potential trade rumors Ginobili needs to re-establish his dominance on the floor this year. Ginobili’s creativity and recklessness has been a staple of the Spurs every year and they are clearly not the same team with out him. (Re-watch last year’s loss to the Mavericks in the playoffs for a great example).
Richard Jefferson may have been acquired to offset Manu’s absence for any injury he may have, but Ginobili is integral to the Spur’s championship aspirations this year.
Point Guard – Gilbert Arenas – Washington Wizards
Arenas has always been one of the NBA’s premier showmen, and for the past two years ‘Hibachi’ has been silent on the court, after suffering two knee surgeries in consecutive years. Gilbert has proclaimed that he his healthier and better than he was two years ago when he averaged 27.7 ppg.
While there is much to be desired for Arenas’s ability to become a prototypical point guard, when you are making 111 million you are considered the franchise player. Gilbert must use this year to show that he is still amongst the NBA elite.
At this point Gilbert should be looked upon as the Baron Davis of the Eastern Conference – Oft injured, and self-indulged.
Raptors Player Profile: Amir Johnson
September 25, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… 
Name: Amir Jalla Johnson
Birthplace: May 1, 1987
Height: 6’11
Weight: 225lbs.
School: Westchester High School
NBA Experience: 4 Years
Previously Played For: Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks
How He got Here: Amir Johnson was traded along with Sonny Weems to the Toronto Raptors for Roko Ukic and the rights to Carlos Delfino.
Season Outlook: Johnson is third on the depth chart for both the power forward and center positions.
Assessments: Johnson has never really had an opportunity to showcase his plethora of talents in Detroit or Milwaukee last year. While Johnson’s offensive game doesn’t seem to venture outside of the dunking variety. His long arms and leaping ability give him the opportunity to be a disrupting force on the defensive end.
According to ESPN’s John Hollinger, Johnson is a fountain of untapped potential. A couple of years ago Johnson was among the league leaders in rebound rate, and blocks per minute. The knock on Johnson has always been game experience – he’s always been limited to garbage minutes and that is just not acceptable in the development of a player that has been likened to Andris Biedrins. Some of Johnson’s weaknesses include his propensity for turnovers and lack of a shot to keep defenses honest. However in limited action Johnson has been extremely productive, and Raptors fans can look forward to several explosive and some extremely questionable moments from Johnson this year.
Johnson gets a clean slate in his arrival in Toronto and because he is in a contract year, Toronto fans can look forward to see the best that Johnson has to offer…if he shows that he can handle the responsibilities of a being a rotation regular.
Overall: The acquisition of Amir Johnson is a good (potentially great one) due to his raw talent and youthful age. Perhaps he wont be a “special player” as former coach Larry Brown once said but in Toronto where the prospects are the brightest they have been in several years Johnson should endear himself to becoming a part of the Raptors bright future.
This Week in The NBA and 5 Things I Think
September 20, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… 
Here is this weeks edition of “This week in the NBA and 5 Things I think.” I attempt to re-capture and bring to light the small and quirky stories reported on the web concerning NBA activity this week Enjoy!
It is shocking the amount of people that drink the Lebron James Kool-Aid. I respect Lebron as an athlete, however as a co-author? Please. The fact that Clevelanders are camping out for a book signing is one of the many funny things that happen in that city.
After two weeks of negotiations, it looks like NBA referees will be locked out. As with baseball, the skill level that will be apparent if the regular season commences with replacements will not be good, if you think Lebron and Wade got calls now…
Apparently Bruce Ratner the embattled New Jersey owner is seeking help through Russian Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov in order to get the Nets to Brooklyn. Ive heard of extracting interest but for about 700 million Prokhorov will apparently get a stake in the team.
The recent group of NBA players that made the trip to South Africa for ‘Basketball without Borders’ have made a tremendous impact on the South African community, if you want to see the good that the younger generation of stars are capable of this would be a great one.
There were enough opinions from Michael Jordan’s HOF speech to cover over 100 years of distaste between Yankee and Red Sox fans. People like Rick Reilly now no longer idolize him, and ESPN’s J.A. Adande looked at it as MJ just being MJ.
Oh and he may play Bryon Russell one-on-one soon enough.
The Miami Heat are finally retiring Tim Hardaway’s jersey. Hardaway as some of you may remember made a homophobic comment in 2007 he is one of the best players in Miami Heat history regardless of his personal social preferences. But he is beginning to change in one writer’s opinion.
On the political side of things Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca is running for the late Edward Kennedy’s senate seat. With a focus on job creation and civil rights Pagliuca can make KG is co-hair of the FUN police seeing how Garnett may not be ready to start the season.
Apparently there is at least one Sacramento fan that is upset with Desmond Mason signing with the team. Subsequently there is also at least one person who is pleased with his addition.
David Stern clearly does not fear losing players to overseas, on the other hand Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm raises another valid point to combat Stern.
Perhaps Pat Riley knows something that we don’t but last time I checked the ‘young core” of the Miami heat was less that satisfactory, especially with the main player Beasley still in rehab.
Kobe Versus. Carmelo but not the way you’d like to see them.
Finally someone has signed Luther Head!
I am shocked that Terrance Williams has a huge fan club before the season starts.
Houston fans continue to support the Rockets despite losing their two best players
For all the Kobe Bryant fans that need a fix, and for the detractors that say he’s a selfish basketball player.
Who said the NBA wasn’t biased? Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest are not in the same league as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant but Al Harrington?
Finally condolences to the family of Mel Simon, the former Pacers owner, here is a piece that describes the impact the brothers have had in Indianapolis.
My 5 Non-NBA Thoughts of the Week
I am incredibly impressed with Judge Andrew Nastoff ruling against former standout Ohio athlete Dwayne “DeeJay” Hunter handing down a sentence that removed Hunter’s ability to play sports in lieu of his felonious assault against a 15 year old boy shooting him twice in the face with a BB gun. The terms: 180 days in jail, 500 Hours of community service, and 5 years probation seem a little bit harsh (I think they are) however the message being sent will hopefully get Hunter (who was being recruited for football and track by practically every Division I school before the incident) back on the right path to becoming a productive member of society.
Jake Delhomme will throw for at least 2 touchdowns this weekend against Atlanta and the Panthers will win period, keeping the Carolina faithful off his back for at least for one week.
While I am an avid boxing fan I am not interested in watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight anymore, this looks like nothing more than a money grab to me. Personally if Mayweather was attempting to cement his legacy he’d attempt to topple Manny Pacquiao. Somehow I feel that maintaining his perfect record is more important to him.
After watching three games of the Rockies\Giants series, I am speechless. I rather have those two teams in the playoffs than the HGH-Ramirez led Dodgers. The pitching of Tim Lincecum is phenomenal I haven’t witnessed such dominance since Pedro had that video game like season for the Sox back in 1999.
My Football picks for the week (just the winners as I don’t have access to the spread at the moment)
Carolina, Minnesota, Green Bay, Tennessee, Oakland, New England, New Orleans, Washington, Arizona, San Francisco, Buffalo, Pittsburg, San Diego, Denver, DALLAS (sorry personal preference) and Indianapolis.
Until Next Week!
Atlantic Division Showdown: Raptors Vs. 76’ers
September 18, 2009
by Micheal Malcolm… This will be a part of a series taking a look at the Raptors’ division and their opponents.
Besides looking at the players, benches, and scheduling differences, the always underrated intangibles will also be analyzed.
The Toronto Raptors have certainly re-made their roster and hopefully the third time will be the charm for Canada’s only respectable sports franchise.
However, the road to an Atlantic Division title will have the Raptors contending with the likes of the 76’ers, a team with a history of derailing the continued upswing of Raptors basketball.
The Philadelphia 76’ers have had a terrible off-season.
They have lost point guard Andre Miller to the Trailblazers, hired Eddie Jordan as their new coach, (without the personnel to run his Princeton-style offense) and have one of their marquee players, Elton Brand, coming off of a serious knee injury. What is really going on in Philadelphia?
The Raptors first meet the 76’ers on January 8th in Philadelphia, followed by dates on February 10th (in Toronto), March 7th (in Toronto), and April 3rd (in Philadelphia).
My Prediction: If the Raptors want to be considered an elite team they should win at least three of these games. Based on the history the Raptors have with inferior opponents they are more likely to go 2-2.
Let’s take a look at how these teams match-up.
Agree? Disagree? Are you an angry Philly Fan who believes your team is better than the Raptors?
Sound off below.
Center: Andres Bargnani vs. Samuel Dalembert
Advantage: Bargnani
Without question Bargnani, even in his somewhat inconsistent stage, is a much better player than Dalembert. Dalembert has shown flashes of a player that can dominate, with a 15 point 23 rebound showing against the Warriors in March and an 18 point 20 rebound performance against Indiana in February.
After looking at Dalembert’s game logs from last year it would appear that he gives you at least one monster game per month and he appears to have great games against the Raptors.
Dalembert averaged a double-double playing Toronto last year with 12 points and 11 rebounds a game. These are not normally earth-shattering numbers but against the Raptors late last year Dalembert posted numbers of 19 points and 13 rebounds in a March match up, and 18 points and 12 rebounds in April.
These numbers are indicative of a weak Toronto front court, along with an inability to keep up with a player not known for any offensive game whatsoever.
This will hopefully be nullified by the presence of Bargnani attempting to become the best center this franchise has ever had. While Dalembert has the ability to keep up with Bargnani to a certain extent, he lacks the consistency to do so.
Bargnani is superior in every offensive category, and is gaining ground defensively. They are different players but Bargnani actually appears to want to get better, whereas Dalembert has regressed dramatically since signing that over priced contract.
2008 Key Numbers
Bargnani—15.4 PPG, 45% FG, 41% 3PT
Dalembert – 50% FG, 2.6 Offensive Rebounds per Game, 8.5 RPG
Power Forward: Chris Bosh vs. Elton Brand
Advantage: Bosh
Even without looking at Brand’s current injury situation Bosh still has the advantage.
Bosh’s length and ability to shoot with consistency from the outside have often given Brand trouble. Elton is no slouch, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game against the Raptors but at 30 years of age and coming off two knee surgeries, I believe he is on the downside of his career.
This coupled with the running style of offense that new coach Eddie Jordan will install this year does not bode well for Brand’s future.
Bosh’s numbers against the 76’ers are very good with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. The 76’ers do not have a lot of length, which plays to Bosh’s strengths, as long armed defenders like Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Kevin Garnett bother him greatly and are able to defend him due to possessing similar skill sets.
The only player on the 76’ers roster that likely would give Bosh some trouble in the future would be Thaddeus Young who is shorter than Bosh but possesses the length to bother him on the defensive end.
2008 Key Numbers
Bosh—22.7 PPG, 49% FG, 10 RPG
Brand—13.8 PPG, 45%FG, 8.8 RPG
Small Forward: Hedo Turkoglu vs. Andre Iguodala
Advantage: Draw
I am sure this choice may open up some controversy.
I think that these two players play completely different styles and what they do similar (shoot poorly and rebound at substandard levels for their positions) they do pretty much the same, hence the tie.
Turkoglu will be looking to justify the contract the Raptors gave him. However Turkoglu’s role with the team is not to be a secondary scorer. Essentially Turk is expected to run the offense as a point-forward and assist Calderon in facilitating ball-movement and with the fast break offense of the Raptors.
As I’ve previously stated, Turkoglu is not known for his shooting in any aspect, thought his numbers against Philadelphia are very good as he averages 38 minutes, 45% FG, 46% 3PT, 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game.
This bodes well considering that the Raptors have a stronger overall team than the youthful 76’ers. Iguodala is a known high-flyer and showman. His game is based off of his other-worldly athleticism and evidenced by his numbers against Toronto, 40 mpg, 40% FG, 31% 3PT, 17 ppg, eight apg, six rpg.
I personally feel that despite his numbers, if he could reach league normal levels with his FG%, his dominance would be even more apparent. Iguodala believes he is, and is paid as, a franchise player; however his overall numbers are more in line with a 3rd-tier scorer, or sixth man in the NBA, in my opinion.
Each player will have aspects that they will specialize in and I feel that Turkoglu is the superior player with more success, experience, and is more integral to his teams success than Iguodala.
2008 Key Numbers
Turkoglu—16.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 35% 3PT FG
Iguodala—18.8 PPG, 5.3 APG, 5.7 RPG 30% 3PT FG
Shooting Guard: Marco Belinelli vs. Willie Green
Advantage: Belinelli
Firstly let me state that for Drew Shears, who will likely comment on this slideshow, this would be the basis of his argument that neither the Raptors nor 76’ers have a chance to make the playoffs this year.
Why?
This particular match-up. I cannot recall a playoff team in recent memory that has had an extremely weak, or untested player at the SG position.
I am high on Belinelli as he is still a very young player with potential. He is, however, unproven and his small sample size is not enough to figure out what we can expect of him on a yearly basis.
Willie Green has been in the league for some time, and despite the six years he’s been kicking around, I cannot quite understand what, if anything, Willie Green does?
With unimpressive numbers (43% FG, 31% 3PT, two apg, and two rpg) last year was in line with his career numbers. While Green is apparently a great defender, even a leading defensive player like Bruce Bowen, turned himself into at least a complimentary offensive player over time. Green does not show any of that potential at this point.
Belinelli shoots very well, which is his main strength, and his all around game is something that will have to be observed in the coming year. Based on the small sample numbers so far however, he should still be better than what Green could ever offer.
Key 2008 Numbers
Belinelli—44% FG, 40% 3PT, 8.9 PPG
Green—43% FG, 31% 3PT, 8.5 PPG
Point Guard: Jose Calderon vs. Louis Williams
Advantage: Calderon
In one of the more one-sided matchups between these two teams, Calderon is an actual point guard whereas Lou Williams is a scoring point (and not a very good one at that).
With the departure of Andre Miller to Portland, the current status of the Philadelphia point guard position has never been in such dire straits.
For some reason the franchise is calling Williams a shooter, or at least someone who can run the team. I disagree with that assessment as his 39% FG, 29% 3PT, and five assists per 40 minutes are less than satisfactory and not indicative of someone who is capable of running an NBA offense. Some minor consolation is that he is at the 80% FT mark. Calderon on the other hand is the ideal point guard…except he has an inability to stop a door from closing.
Defense is not why Calderon is a 40 million dollar man; his exceptional shooting percentages (49%FG & 40% 3PT) and the ability to take care of the ball are great ones.
Bench Players and Intangibles
Without question the Raptors bench players are superior in overall talent and depth led by Jarrett Jack. The 76’ers counter with Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights two very young players that eventually will become the leaders of this team at their respective positions. Jason Smith of the 76’ers provides toughness and rebounding and there is some hope for his offensive game.
I am a huge Jrue Holiday fan though I strongly believe he should have stayed in school for at least two years and let his game develop. Judging where he dropped to in the draft, at least some NBA scouts agree with me.
The Raptors boast an overall depth not seen in Canada for sometime. Some would state this is the deepest Raptor team of all time. The Raptors possess the necessary players required to make a playoff run. Toughness and rebounding (Reggie Evans and Amir Johnson), secondary scoring from the bench (Jarrett Jack and possibly Quincy Douby), and youth/athleticism (DeMar DeRozan and Sonny Weems).
Again, as I’ve already stated, the Toronto Raptors will likely have to sweep the season series, or win 3 of 4 in order to be taken seriously and to win games that will affect the seedings come playoff time.
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