2009 Player Rankings 1-25

1. Chris Paul (PG – NO): Now The King of fantasy basketball. 50%-plus from a PG is ridiculous, and the assists/steals pile up. He even grabs a solid amount of boards for a guard. Only lacking category is 3’s, but he’ll improve on that stat this season. Plus, 3’s are an easy category to cover later in the draft.
2. LeBron James (SF – CLE): Call me crazy, but the numbers could dip ever-so-slightly with the arrival of the Big Vagabond. At very least, the board numbers could be in the high 6’s and we may see the points closer to 27 rather than 30. Still an absolute elite fantasy monster, but the guy’s fantasy ceiling may have been reached. Not that you’re complaining or anything.
   
   
3. Kevin Durant (SG/SF – OKC): The across-the-board numbers are impressive, and he could get even better. He scores, shoots for a solid percentage from both the field and line, and gets you the “other” stats (3s, steals, blocks) and while none of them jump out as absolute difference makers, his ability to matter in so many categories is untouchable.
   
   
4. Dwayne Wade (PG/SG – MIA): He’s got PG eligibility in most league management sites, which is a huge plus. Injuries have been a concern over the past few years, but if last season’s 79 games is any indication, he may have shook that tag. He set career highs in five categories last season, and could be right there again.
   
   
5. Danny Granger (SG/SF – IND): He’s actually got PF eligibility in some league management sites, which is tremendous. Not that you’d want to have him plugged into your PF spot permanently, as he certainly doesn’t add to the categories typically dominated by PF and C. But his percentages, 3s and steals/blocks are off the charts. He had a career season, so his ceiling could have been reached (and a decline could be in order), but he’s a safe bet to at least post very solid fantasy numbers across the board.
   
   
6. Kobe Bryant (SG – LAL): Kobe obviously has the talent to be a top-3 fantasy player, but with Ron Artest and Pau Gasol in town, the ceiling is somewhat limited. Kobe will get you points, boards and assists, and the percentages are solid. But don’t expect blocks and the absolutely huge games are most likely behind him.
   
   
7. Dwight Howard (C – ORL): Howard is by far the most improved fantasy player coming into this season. He’s improved his FT% and his scoring will be up this year. The blocks, boards and FG% are difference-makers.
   
   
8. Dirk Nowitzki (PF – DAL): The Mavs will again open the offense up and run, so expect the big German’s scoring numbers to remain consistent if not go up a slight tick. He’ll contribute in 3s, steals and blocks along with the solid board numbers.
   
   
9. Chris Bosh (PF/C – TOR): The position flexibility makes Bosh an attractive option, as does his fantastic percentages and scoring. He’s got some talent around him now, so a motivated Bosh could put up very solid numbers this season.
   
   
10. Amare Stoudemire (PF/C – PHX): Like with Bosh, the position flexibility moves him just above the likes of Al Jefferson and Kevin Garnett. Stoudemire is supposedly 100% after off-season eye surgery, but there’s always an inherent risk for injury with Stoudemire. But the potential for huge numbers is always there, too. Great percentages, and of course contributions in points, boards and blocks.
    
    
11. Deron Williams (PG – UTA): Williams and fellow draft alum Chris Paul are revolutionizing the PG position to a degree. Both are scoring in the low 20’s, while still dishing out double-digit helpers and have solid FG% for a PG.
    
    
12. Pau Gasol (PF/C – LAL): Once again, position flexibility moves Gasol up a notch, but of course the solid, consistent numbers don’t hurt either. The FG% is a difference-maker.
    
    
13. Al Jefferson (C – MIN): Jefferson had shed some extra pounds, which will help in his comeback from ACL surgery. His upside is limitless, being able to score at will and can put up solid board and block numbers while having incredible percentages.
    
    
14. Andre Iguodala (SG/SF – PHI): Another guy whose value has a slight up-tick with position flexibility, but it’s his overall contribution in every category that gives him his true worth. The FG% won’t be a difference-maker, but he’ll put up steal and board numbers to go along with the solid contributions in points and assists from the SG/SF spot.
    
    
15. Kevin Garnett (PF – BOS): The scoring will be down again, but he’ll contribute in boards, blocks, steals and always shoots well from both the field and stripe. I guess you have to expect some missed games, after two injury-riddled seasons, but Garnett is a warrior and could easily play 75+ games.
    
    
16. Steve Nash (PG ­– PHX): Let’s just say this: Nash’s percentages are off the charts. The assists, steals and 3s will be up there again, which makes him an elite fantasy PG. Still.
    
    
17. Tim Duncan (PF/C – SA): Gotta be a fan of the position flexibility again, and his boards, blocks and FG% keep him in the top tiers of fantasy basketball. The FT% won’t be a huge issue, and the Spurs will again be contenders, so expect Duncan’s numbers to remain solid.
    
    
18. Brandon Roy (SG – POR): Roy is the best player not everyone knows much about. He’ll be solid in percentages, score for your fantasy squad, and offers decent assist and board numbers for a SG. And he’s only getting better.
    
    
19. Joe Johnson (SG/SF – ATL): Position flexibility, once again, catapults Johnson over a few other similarly-ranked players. He’ll put up solid scoring figures, and usually contributes in assists and boards. He’ll continue to drop a couple of 3s every night, too.
    
    
20. Carmelo Anthony (SF – DEN): He’ll be scoring 27 a game yet again, and contributes in 3s, steals and boards. Probably one of the most underrated fantasy players in the game.
    
    
21. Chauncey Billups (PG – DEN): The assist numbers aren’t great for a PG, but you’re getting solid contributions in just about every other category. His FT% will help big time, and he’ll be dropping a pair of 3s every game too.
    
    
22. David West (PF – NO): West’s outstanding FT% to go along with points and boards makes him a special fantasy PF. The Hornets will again make a buzz in the West and Mr. West will be a big part of their success.
    
    
23. Paul Pierce (SG/SF – BOS): Mr. Consistency will once again lead the C’s to wins out East. He’ll again be right around 20 points, and will of course contribute across the board, shooting well and hitting treys.
    
    
24. Troy Murphy (PF/C – IND): Once again, the position flexibility bumps him up a tad, but of course the ridiculous 3s and board numbers isn’t too shabby either. He’ll shoot well from both the stripe and field, making him a fantastic fantasy option – and likely an underrated one.
    
    
25. Jason Kidd (PG – DAL): Don’t let the lack of points scare you off. He’s still a monster in terms of assists and board contributions from the PG spot. He’s discovered his long-range game, so his increased 3s will also help.