2009 - PG Sleepers
There's always a difference of opinion when you drop the word "sleeper" on fantasy owners. In order to avoid any difficulties, we're going to break up the sleepers into three categories: surface sleepers (guys that will likely be drafted, but have the potential to break out big time), "normal" sleepers (guys that are the more traditional sleepers; some drafted, some not, who have the opportunity to help out your fantasy team) and deep sleepers (guys that are likely not drafted, but have a chance to make a splash this season).
So, without further ado, let's take a peek:
SURFACE SLEEPERS
Mario Chalmers (MIA): Chalmers is floating right on the surface of the sleeper pond and should be snatched up quickly if you want a super-cheap source of steals. He's currently drafted as the #23 PG, but could easily move into the top-20 if the Heat can avoid huge injuries (that means you, Mr. Wade). Chalmers won't score much and his assist potential is limited with Wade also handling PG type duties, but don't let that scare you off. The steals will be there, and he'll hit a 3 or two every outing too.
Nate Robinson (NYK): The mini-dynamo is instant offense, and while he won't help you in assists, he's vastly under-rated in 3s, FT% and steals. If your swing-men are getting you assists, grab Robinson as your 2nd PG and watch him fill up the box score on a nightly basis.
Rodney Stuckey (DET): Taking a poll of many fantasy basketball websites' rankings, it looks like Stuckey is about the 25th-best PG. How is this possible? This guy is so good that the Pistons let Chauncey Billups go. Stuckey is the real deal. He can score, will get a solid assist total with the pure outside shooting of Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton on the wings, and posts solid percentages. Stuckey will be drafted as a 2nd PG, but has the potential to be your #1 guy.
"NORMAL" SLEEPERS
Jarrett Jack (TOR): Jack was an unheralded fantasy performer last season, even as a backup. His stats could dip a bit in Toronto, but will be given plenty of opportunities. And, of course, if Jose Calderon gets hurt, Jack's stock rises big time. In the meantime, he will help you in both percentage categories, will rebound and dish the ball, and will even record a steal in every contest on average.
Derek Fisher (LAL): Why can't D-Fish get any love? The guy's the starter on one of the best teams in the NBA. He doesn't kill you in any category (OK, his FG% could be higher, and should average more assists) and will get plenty of minutes even with a couple solid youngsters giving him breathers. If Fisher can up the assists to the 4 per game region, he'd be a nice 2nd PG. If you do draft him, though, be mindful of the minutes he logs. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown are going to get time, and could limit Fisher's potential.
Chris Duhon (NYK): OK, look at these stats: 9.4 points, 8.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds 1.4 steals, 1.3 3s, 80% FT. No, those aren't Duhon's projected stats, they're Jason Kidd's. But many, many rounds later you can get almost the same numbers (minus the boards, unfortunately). Duhon will be an assist machine if the New York Kids can move the ball up the court quickly.
DEEP SLEEPERS
J.J. Barea (DAL): Jason Kidd is no spring chicken and Barea showed that he could post big time numbers when given regular playing time. The Mavs are going to run, and Kidd can't play 48 minutes every night.
Jeff Teague (ATL): Mike Bibby isn't the player he was in Sacramento, and if he were to go down, Jamal Crawford would likely get the bulk of the minutes, but isn't a traditional pass-first PG. Teague has some talent, and would post nice #2 PG numbers if he was given 20+ minutes a game.
Ty Lawson (DEN): Another one of those "just an injury away" calls here. If Chauncey Billups were to get injured, the swift Lawson would run this high-powered offense well. He wouldn't post the scoring numbers Billups is capable of, but would keep you satisfied in FT%, assists and steals.
So, without further ado, let's take a peek:
SURFACE SLEEPERS
Mario Chalmers (MIA): Chalmers is floating right on the surface of the sleeper pond and should be snatched up quickly if you want a super-cheap source of steals. He's currently drafted as the #23 PG, but could easily move into the top-20 if the Heat can avoid huge injuries (that means you, Mr. Wade). Chalmers won't score much and his assist potential is limited with Wade also handling PG type duties, but don't let that scare you off. The steals will be there, and he'll hit a 3 or two every outing too.
Nate Robinson (NYK): The mini-dynamo is instant offense, and while he won't help you in assists, he's vastly under-rated in 3s, FT% and steals. If your swing-men are getting you assists, grab Robinson as your 2nd PG and watch him fill up the box score on a nightly basis.
Rodney Stuckey (DET): Taking a poll of many fantasy basketball websites' rankings, it looks like Stuckey is about the 25th-best PG. How is this possible? This guy is so good that the Pistons let Chauncey Billups go. Stuckey is the real deal. He can score, will get a solid assist total with the pure outside shooting of Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton on the wings, and posts solid percentages. Stuckey will be drafted as a 2nd PG, but has the potential to be your #1 guy.
"NORMAL" SLEEPERS
Jarrett Jack (TOR): Jack was an unheralded fantasy performer last season, even as a backup. His stats could dip a bit in Toronto, but will be given plenty of opportunities. And, of course, if Jose Calderon gets hurt, Jack's stock rises big time. In the meantime, he will help you in both percentage categories, will rebound and dish the ball, and will even record a steal in every contest on average.
Derek Fisher (LAL): Why can't D-Fish get any love? The guy's the starter on one of the best teams in the NBA. He doesn't kill you in any category (OK, his FG% could be higher, and should average more assists) and will get plenty of minutes even with a couple solid youngsters giving him breathers. If Fisher can up the assists to the 4 per game region, he'd be a nice 2nd PG. If you do draft him, though, be mindful of the minutes he logs. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown are going to get time, and could limit Fisher's potential.
Chris Duhon (NYK): OK, look at these stats: 9.4 points, 8.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds 1.4 steals, 1.3 3s, 80% FT. No, those aren't Duhon's projected stats, they're Jason Kidd's. But many, many rounds later you can get almost the same numbers (minus the boards, unfortunately). Duhon will be an assist machine if the New York Kids can move the ball up the court quickly.
DEEP SLEEPERS
J.J. Barea (DAL): Jason Kidd is no spring chicken and Barea showed that he could post big time numbers when given regular playing time. The Mavs are going to run, and Kidd can't play 48 minutes every night.
Jeff Teague (ATL): Mike Bibby isn't the player he was in Sacramento, and if he were to go down, Jamal Crawford would likely get the bulk of the minutes, but isn't a traditional pass-first PG. Teague has some talent, and would post nice #2 PG numbers if he was given 20+ minutes a game.
Ty Lawson (DEN): Another one of those "just an injury away" calls here. If Chauncey Billups were to get injured, the swift Lawson would run this high-powered offense well. He wouldn't post the scoring numbers Billups is capable of, but would keep you satisfied in FT%, assists and steals.
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