2009 - SF Sleepers
Most of the time, a solid fantasy basketball squad starts with a do-everything small forward. To put you over the edge, and of course deal with eventual injuries, targeting some sleepers will keep you competitive. And once again, we'll split them up into sleepers in shallower leagues (surface sleepers), regular ole sleepers, and deeper sleepers for those in larger leagues.
SURFACE SLEEPERS
Richard Jefferson (SA): Yeah it's kinda funny to see his name on this list after being a fantasy stalwart for many seasons. Moving over to the Spurs to join the "Big Three", many think Jefferson's stats will take a serious hit (and he's ranked accordingly). Probably true, but he'll still offer good across-the-board numbers. The Big Three all come with potential injury concerns, so Jefferson, at some point in the season, could see his value skyrocket. Either way, as a 2nd SF on your squad, Jefferson is money.
Tayshaun Prince (DET): Poor Tayshaun. The guy does so much for his team, and yet he's always overlooked as a fantasy performer. He won't excel in any one category, but he contributes in all of them. The guy never, ever gets hurt, too. So not only is he consistent across the board, he's about as reliable as they come.
Ryan Gomes (MIN): Gomes can score and board in bunches, and with Kevin Love out, he'll be looked to for increased scoring and rebounding. He's likely got PF eligibility, which is helpful, and he added three point shooting to his skill set last season.
NORMAL SLEEPERS
Peja Stojakovic (NO): When healthy, Peja is nearly a fantasy stud. Even when healthy, he doesn't rebound or dish the ball well, but he's gonna get you a couple 3s every game, potentially a steal, and will be in the top-5 in the NBA in FT%. If he can remain healthy, he can be a difference maker.
Matt Barnes (ORL): Barnes comes over to Orlando to replace the departed Hedo Turkoglu. Of course, everyone's looking to Vince Carter to replace Turkoglu's stats, but Barnes' game is more similar to Turkoglu's. While he may not score as much as Carter, he'll still rebound, grab a steal or two, hit a 3 or two and with serious minutes logged, could be a nice backup SF.
Jason Kapono (PHI): The Sixers are no strangers to having a guy like Kapono in their offense. He's a sharpshooter that offers little else than 3s and solid percentages. Don't expect more than that for your fantasy squad. But if you need 'em, he'll be a cheap source of 'em.
DEEP SLEEPERS
Jared Dudley (PHO): Dudley will assume the Matt Barnes role for the Suns, who will go back to the run-n-gun offense. His FG% is great for a SF and he'll contribute in most categories. With the Suns scoring in bunches and Dudley's game matching that style well, he's a perfect sleeper candidate, especially with increased minutes.
Rodney Carney (PHI): Carney is terrific athlete who doesn't shoot particularly well, but he'll only have the somewhat unproven Thaddeus Young and the 3-point specialist Jason Kapono in front of him.
Vlad Radmanovic (CHA): Cheap sources of 3s can be found late in the draft, and Radmanovic is one such option. His percentages aren't terrible, and the Bobcats will need a scorer off the bench. You could do worse in the last round or as an in-season pickup if you're short on 3s.
SURFACE SLEEPERS
Richard Jefferson (SA): Yeah it's kinda funny to see his name on this list after being a fantasy stalwart for many seasons. Moving over to the Spurs to join the "Big Three", many think Jefferson's stats will take a serious hit (and he's ranked accordingly). Probably true, but he'll still offer good across-the-board numbers. The Big Three all come with potential injury concerns, so Jefferson, at some point in the season, could see his value skyrocket. Either way, as a 2nd SF on your squad, Jefferson is money.
Tayshaun Prince (DET): Poor Tayshaun. The guy does so much for his team, and yet he's always overlooked as a fantasy performer. He won't excel in any one category, but he contributes in all of them. The guy never, ever gets hurt, too. So not only is he consistent across the board, he's about as reliable as they come.
Ryan Gomes (MIN): Gomes can score and board in bunches, and with Kevin Love out, he'll be looked to for increased scoring and rebounding. He's likely got PF eligibility, which is helpful, and he added three point shooting to his skill set last season.
NORMAL SLEEPERS
Peja Stojakovic (NO): When healthy, Peja is nearly a fantasy stud. Even when healthy, he doesn't rebound or dish the ball well, but he's gonna get you a couple 3s every game, potentially a steal, and will be in the top-5 in the NBA in FT%. If he can remain healthy, he can be a difference maker.
Matt Barnes (ORL): Barnes comes over to Orlando to replace the departed Hedo Turkoglu. Of course, everyone's looking to Vince Carter to replace Turkoglu's stats, but Barnes' game is more similar to Turkoglu's. While he may not score as much as Carter, he'll still rebound, grab a steal or two, hit a 3 or two and with serious minutes logged, could be a nice backup SF.
Jason Kapono (PHI): The Sixers are no strangers to having a guy like Kapono in their offense. He's a sharpshooter that offers little else than 3s and solid percentages. Don't expect more than that for your fantasy squad. But if you need 'em, he'll be a cheap source of 'em.
DEEP SLEEPERS
Jared Dudley (PHO): Dudley will assume the Matt Barnes role for the Suns, who will go back to the run-n-gun offense. His FG% is great for a SF and he'll contribute in most categories. With the Suns scoring in bunches and Dudley's game matching that style well, he's a perfect sleeper candidate, especially with increased minutes.
Rodney Carney (PHI): Carney is terrific athlete who doesn't shoot particularly well, but he'll only have the somewhat unproven Thaddeus Young and the 3-point specialist Jason Kapono in front of him.
Vlad Radmanovic (CHA): Cheap sources of 3s can be found late in the draft, and Radmanovic is one such option. His percentages aren't terrible, and the Bobcats will need a scorer off the bench. You could do worse in the last round or as an in-season pickup if you're short on 3s.
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