NBA Fantasy Sleepers

if you needed another push to go and grab daye...

"The Detroit News confirms that Austin Daye will start at power forward on opening night.

Anyone thinks Greg Monroe is a good investment?

I mean Ben Wallace has to pass his torch in Detroit soon...

Sleeper article...

Anthony Randolph F/C Knicks

OK, so I have put Randolph on my sleeper list roughly every year since 1987. But all kidding aside, a move to the Knicks and a clear run at the starting power forward job should mean Randolph fully breaks out this season. He missed most of last year with a severe ankle injury, but all reports are that he's healthy and ready to go. In much the same way Al Jefferson is ecstatic to be out of Minnesota, Randolph is giddy to be in New York and out of Golden State. He'll also play some center, block a ton of shots and put up some monster stat lines. The sky's the limit.

Marcus Thornton SG Hornets

Thornton was a very pleasant surprise as a rookie last season, and that was before Morris Peterson was mercifully sent to the Thunder. After the All-Star break he averaged more than 20 ppg and hit 2.0 threes a night. And part of that time, Peterson was starting. Thornton should have a big year and can probably be had in the later middle rounds of your draft.

J.J. Hickson PF/C Cavaliers

No LeBron, no competition at power forward and a huge summer-league performance should mean big things from Hickson. He had a nice year for the Cavs until disappearing in the playoffs last season but is fully poised for a full breakthrough this time.

Paul Millsap PF Jazz

Carlos Boozer returned to the Jazz to ruin the day of owners who drafted Millsap last season, which basically ended any hope of him breaking out last year. However, Boozer is in Chicago and won't be coming back. In more good news, the Jazz are prepared to start Millsap at PF, Al Jefferson at C and move Mehmet Okur to the bench. Let the double-double fest begin.

Raymond Felton PG Bobcats

Felton hasn't been a fantasy beast over the last few years, but he's been a serviceable point guard. Now he plays for Mike D'Antoni in New York, where he will start at point guard. If Mike D could make Chris Duhon (early on) look like Steve Nash, it's scary to think how good Felton might be this season.

Brendan Haywood C Hornets

Haywood has vowed to average a double-double for the Mavs this season, which would give him a career year. Yes, Tyson Chandler is lingering in the background, but coming off the bench should help save his fragile body. Haywood will be available late and should offer solid fantasy value with about 10 points, 10 boards and a couple blocks per game.

Andrea Bargnani F/C Raptors

No Chris Bosh this year and a very solid showing last season for the Raptors means Bargnani should have a great year. No, he's never going to haul in 10 boards a night, but the blocks and threes will be terrific, and he's not going to hurt you anywhere.

Andray Blatche PF/C Wizards

Blatche was simply a beast in the second half of last year, and while a broken foot, the arrival of John Wall and the return of Gilbert Arenas are all caution flags, they should not stop him from taking the next step and putting together a full season of fantasy goodness.

Brad Miller F/C Rockets

Miller's close to 80 years old and not a starting center. But…he played in all 82 games last year and looked pretty good for the Bulls. With Yao Ming's next leg or foot injury just around the corner, it's conceivable that Miller could start for much of the season. He may not even be worth a pick on draft night, but our guess is he'll be owned in most leagues by Christmas.

Darko Milicic F/C Timberwolves

I promised to never get on board with Darko again, but the zaniness of David Kahn has forced my hand. Kahn loves him some Darko, famously calling him "manna from heaven" while Chris Webber mocked him on NBA TV. Kahn thinks Darko is the best passing big man ever, and even convinced him to give the NBA one more chance. While 29 other teams would have happily sent Darko back to Europe, Kahn is calling him one of the team's saviors. If nothing else, Darko is going to play a lot of minutes for the worst team in the league.

Michael Beasley F Timberwolves

Kahn stole Beasley for almost nothing and also loves his game. Beasley's career is far too young for anyone, including us, to give up on him, and the Wolves have no reason not to start him and give him serious minutes. Even as bad as he's seemed at times, Beasley's career average is 14 points and six boards.

Hedo Turkoglu G/F Suns

After a disastrous season in Toronto, Turkoglu is in Phoenix, where he should fit beautifully into the offense. Do we trust him? Not really. But if he can't get his game back in order this season, it's never going to happen.

Carl Landry PF/C Kings

Landry averaged 18 points, 6.5 boards and a steal after being traded to the Kings and could easily average more than a block per game this season. He may start at small forward this season, and the Kings are suddenly loaded with big men, but it doesn't feel like Landry is going to allow himself to be pushed out of a prominent role again this year.

Tiago Splitter F/C Spurs

Splitter is finally going to make his debut for the Spurs after being drafted in 2007, and potential owners should get a sneak peak of his skills as he plays for Brazil in the world championships in August. We're expecting big things, and he could easily start at center for the Spurs. And for the first time since David Robinson left, the position will be more than just a wallflower.

Thaddeus Young F Sixers

Young should start at PF for the Sixers, and while we doubt he suddenly starts tearing up the league, he'll offer solid fantasy value late in drafts. Look for somewhere around 15 points, five boards and a 3-pointer per game.

Jeff Teague PG Hawks

No one knows if Teague will begin the season in the starting lineup, but we bet he's there by Christmas, if not earlier. The end of Mike Bibby is near, and Teague may go undrafted in many leagues and could end up being a very valuable fantasy PG a year from now.

Jermaine O'Neal F/C Celtics

It's hard to believe JO is on this list given all of his injuries, but someone has to play center for the Celtics with Kendrick Perkins lost for most of the season to knee surgery. The Celtics also signed Shaquille O'Neal, but Jermaine can still block shots, rebound and score, and he is going to produce for whichever owner drafts him late. Well, at least he will for as long as he's healthy, but a little-known fact is that he played 70 games last year and can probably smell a ring. Just beware that he and Shaq will end up splitting minutes for as long as Perkins is out.

D.J. Augustin G Bobcats

Shaun Livingston's already having some knee issues and Augustin is looking better and better every day as the starting point guard in Charlotte. There are trade rumors swirling, but if things remain status quo for the Bobcats, Augustin is going to be fun to own this year - As long as Larry Brown doesn't decide he can't stand him.

Rodrigue Beaubois G Mavericks

The Beaubois hype machine was in full gear until he struggled mightily at summer league and then broke his foot. But anyone who watched him in the playoffs last year knows this kid's future is very bright. He's probably the point guard for the Mavs once Jason Kidd shuts it down, and there's even talk of him possibly starting at shooting guard this season, forcing Shawn Marion to the bench. The injury is a concern, but he still looks like a decent breakout candidate.

Luke Ridnour PG Timberwolves

So…David Kahn loads up on PGs, Ricky Rubio refuses to play for him and Jonny Flynn busts up his hip and will miss a large chunk of the season. Maybe Kahn knows something we don't, but with Ramon Sessions now also out of the way and heading to Cleveland, the door is open for Ridnour to start and run the show in Minneapolis. He has limited upside but should be a serviceable second or third fantasy point guard, at least for the first half.

Mike Miller G/F Heat

Miller's injury history recently has not been a pleasant fantasy experience, but he won't be asked to do much in Miami other than stand outside and bomb away. He's going to hit a ton of threes, and if you find yourself lacking them once the middle rounds come up, he might be able to single-handedly solve your problems.

Joel Anthony C Heat

Say hello to the possible new starting center for the Heat. He should rack up some boards and blocks but is not a serious offensive threat. But if you find yourself needing those two categories in the last round, go for it. There is talk that the Heat will sign Erick Dampier, which would limit the potential value of Anthony.

Anthony Morrow G/F Warriors

Courtney Lee was traded to Houston, opening the door for Morrow to possibly start at shooting guard (or small forward). Morrow is a 3-point specialist who played well for the Warriors and should immediately make an impact for the Nets. Morrow should also be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate if he does come off the bench.

Robin Lopez C Suns

Amare Stoudemire is out, clearing the way for Lopez to start at center for the Suns. He's a bit of a defensive specialist, but as a starter in 31 games last year, he averaged 11 points, six boards and a block per game. Give him a look late if you need a center.

Richard Jefferson F Spurs

Yes, RJ was a mess last season, but he re-signed with the Spurs over the summer and only has one way to go…up. Target him late in your draft.

Leandro Barbosa G Raptors

Barbosa has struggled for a couple years but should be over a wrist injury and fully healthy this season. He could also start at shooting guard for the Raps, which should mean a lot of threes and steals.

Amir Johnson PF Raptors

Johnson takes over for the dearly departed Chris Bosh and should start on opening night. Rookie Ed Davis might steal a few minutes away from Johnson, but all indications are that AJ will have a big season.

JaVale McGee C Wizards

McGee looked great in summer league and then again in the Team USA training camps. He can run the floor, is a great athlete, can score, rebound and block shots. He's going to be a popular pick this year, but will still be available in Rounds 7 or 8 in most instances. He's nothing but upside.

Austin Daye F Pistons

Daye put on some pounds and looked good this summer. He's 6-feet-11 and could even play some shooting guard. If you like taking young guys with upside with your final pick, Daye is probably your man this year.

Aaron Afflalo

ARTICLE    "30 Super Sleepers"    

Serge Ibaka  

Another guy I would watch at the beginning of the season is Carlos Delfino of the Bucks.    If he gets the same minutes as last year,

Delfino fills up the stat sheet.    I had him last year and loved him.   Bucks picked up a lot of new players so it's difficult to determine how all the minutes are going to shake out.   

A lot of these guys we mentioned have flamed out already.

Austin Daye  

DeJuan Blair  

Marco Belinelli   

Greg Monroe  

Josh McRoberts  

Amir Johnson  

About the best sleeper that actually turned out to be a sleeper is Dorell Wright of Golden State.     Guy is putting up some nice stats especially 3 pointers.   

A lot of these guys we mentioned have flamed out already.

Austin Daye  

DeJuan Blair  

Marco Belinelli   

Greg Monroe  

Josh McRoberts  

Amir Johnson  

About the best sleeper that actually turned out to be a sleeper is Dorell Wright of Golden State.     Guy is putting up some nice stats especially 3 pointers.   

Terrence Williams  

Carlos Delfino, Shelden Williams, and Linas Kleiza are doing OK,  some people mentioned them.