2012 - 2013 NBA PREVIEW:
Top 10 Fantasy Basketball Sleepers
Finding a fantasy basketball sleeper is a bit easier than doing so in other fantasy sports such as fantasy football for example, but it's still definitely not an easy science to put together. Fantasy basketball sleepers can be such for varying reasons, but today we are going to take a look at ten players who you could potentially pick up in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts, who could put up some big numbers in the 2012-2013 season.
Fantasy basketball sleepers also tend to be great value picks in Daily Fantasy Basktball Contests, especially in Salary Cap drafts.
JaVale McGee (C - Denver Nuggets)
McGee isn't going to be considered an elite center going into the season, but he's a freakish athlete. You will likely be able to get him in the middle to late rounds of your fantasy basketball draft, and I think he has the potential to blow up this season and have a great fantasy year. Take McGee when you get the shot and be happy that you just grabbed a potential fantasy basketball sleeper.
O.J. Mayo (SG - Dallas Mavericks)
The newest Dallas Maverick is going to be a HUGE part of the Mavericks offense, and is going to take quite a bit of pressure off of Dirk Nowitzki. Mark Cuban has had some great things to say about Mayo, and I think that they'll feed him the ball quite a bit. Expect consistent fantasy points.
Damian Lillard (PG - Portland Trailblazers)
Lillard is a rookie point guard for the Portland Trailblazers, and he may fall a bit due to the fact that many people are concerned that he won't be able to adjust to the NBA right away. Well, this guy is a serious talent, and he's going to be a great pick in your fantasy draft. Expect consistent double-doubles from Lillard in 2012-2013.
Nikola Pekovic (C - Minnesota Timberwolves)
Pekovic came onto the scene late in the 2012 season for the Timberwolves. While he's a very talented player, he also gets some help from the fact that teams will key in on Kevin Love down low, opening things up for him. Also, Ricky Rubio will have no trouble getting him the ball.
Glen Davis (PF - Orlando Magic)
"Big Baby" Davis is going to get his starting shot in Orlando now with Dwight Howard gone to Los Angeles. He had that shot last year too and took advantage of it anytime that he was penciled in for Howard or Ryan Anderson. Davis put up some huge games late in the year and I expect it to carry over to the 2012-2013 fantasy NBA season.
George Hill (PG - Indiana Pacers)
The new point guard for the Indiana Pacers was a popular pick in daily fantasy college basketball last year, and he'll be much improved this year in the NBA. The Pacers have good talent, and Hill can score and pass. On top of all of this though, you can get him late in your fantasy draft as well.
Gordon Hayward (SG - Utah Jazz)
Hayward looks like a lock to get 30+ minutes for the Jazz this season, and he had some great games last season. The Jazz have some strong offensive options, but with the open looks that Hayward will get I think that he'll have a great season for your fantasy basketball team.
Kawhi Leonard (SF - San Antonio Spurs)
If you paid attention to the players who improved throughout last season, Leonard was one of the more impressive ones. He had some up and down games, but down the home stretch he was consistent and was a great role player for the San Antonio Spurs. The team loves him and I expect him to be playing quite a bit this season. He could be a deep fantasy basketball sleeper pick.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (SF - Charlotte Bobcats)
Oh yes, a Charlotte Bobcat on the list. Kidd-Gilchrist is going to surprise a lot of people this season, mainly because he's a winner. I think he'll do great things for this Bobcats team, and he'll have the ability to get to the hole when he wants to. The Bobcats are going to do a whole lot to make sure that they get him involved. He is another fantasy basketball sleeper pick in 2012-2013.
Harrison Barnes (SF - Golden State Warriors)
We'll round it out with one more rookie, as Barnes has the potential to turn into a starter this first season. He's behind Richard Jefferson and Brandon Rush who he'll be competing with, but if Barnes can put the ball in the hoop consistently, then I think he'll be a huge impact player for the Golden State Warriors moving forward and also for your fantasy basketball team.
