Fantasy
Basketball Player Rankings & Projections
2009 Center Preseason Preview
Yao Ming
|
 |
Leads all centers in scoring
with 25 a game and rounds it out with 2.0 blocks
a game. |
1. Dwight Howard- Orlando
Some might argue that Yao Ming should be number one but his average
of 54 games played per season over the last 3 argues otherwise.
Howard has not missed a game over the last 4 years. Since their
numbers are close, Howard wins due to his health.
2008 Statistics:
20.7 Pts - 14.2 Reb - 1.3 Ast
2009 Projection: 23.8
Pts -14.1 Reb - 2.2 Ast
2. Yao Ming - Houston
Yao Ming needs to stay healthy and if he does, he is a top pick
in any draft. The differences between him and Howard and their
FT% and that Howard gets a few more boards per game. Draft him
cautiously and don't over value him.
2008 Statistics:
22.0 Pts - 10.8 Reb - 2.3 Ast
2009 Projection: 22.2
Pts - 10.2 Reb - 3.2 Ast
3. Al Jefferson- Minnesota
Jefferson is in the same situation the Garnett found himself
for years, he is the only guy that can be counted on for any fantasy
production on the Timberwolves. And much like Garnett, he brings
similar statlines to the table. He has improved statistically
in every category since he came into the league and I expect this
streak to continue. If you're in a keeper league, keep your eye
on him.
2008 Statistics:
21.0 Pts - 11.2 Reb - 1.4 Ast
2009 Projection: 22.2
Pts - 12.4 Reb - 2.1 Ast
4. Jermaine O'neal- Toronto
Jermaine is due for a bounce back year and having Chris Bosh
banging in the paint with him will help. Seems like any player
leaving the Pacers has a good first year away from there. O'neal
needs to stay healthy. He hasn't played over 70 games since the
2003-2004 and has never played a full 82 game schedule. If he
stays healthy, he will be a top 5 center during the upcoming season.
2008 Statistics:
13.6 Pts - 6.7 Reb - 2.2 Ast
2009 Projection: 19.2
Pts - 9.1 Reb - 2.6 Ast
5. Chris Kaman- LA Clippers
Chris Kaman is coming off his best season as a pro and should
be in line to make 2009 his career year. He had the 3rd highest
RPG in the NBA last year, if he would have qualified. The Clippers
have acquired Baron Davis and this should make them a high scoring
club. Of course, Kaman will not benefit from the acquisition if
he cannot stay on the flour and play in 75+ games this season.
He is a rebounding and double-double machine, draft as such.
2008 Statistics:
15.7 Pts - 12.7 Reb - 1.9 Ast
2009 Projection: 17.0
Pts - 13.1 Reb - 2.1 Ast
|
The
search has been done for
you! |
|
|
|
|
|
6. Mehmet Okur- Utah
Okur's scoring took a hit last season, but he should break the
16 PPG barrier again. The one thing that he brings to the table
that centers usually don't bring is the 114 3-point FGs he made
last year. He counters that by averaging less than half a block
per game. Overall, I really like his flexibility and recommend
him as a starter as long as you are getting your rebounds and
blocks elsewhere.
2008 Statistics:
14.5 Pts -7.7 Reb - 2.0 Ast
2009 Projection: 16.2
Pts - 8.7 Reb - 1.8 Ast
