Rocket's role players predicted to produce-

Without these guys, just say good night
By Brian Doolittle - The Sporting News

Rookies preview: Top-15
The human ego is a bizarre, intricate and pitiable entity that best flourishes after some sort of personal conquest. In fantasy competition, nothing augments the ego like a crafty maneuver that puts you ahead of other owners. This is particularly true when you have an unhealthy fixation on getting revenge on an owner who maddeningly always seems one step ahead of you.

One good method for staying ahead of your competition is being aware of potential surprise players -- sleepers has become the term for these players. For instance, fantasy owners who had Bob Sura, Michael Dickerson and Dirk Nowitzki last season were rewarded with high production from players who were not initially sought after.

You can be assured there will be many more sleepers this season. Sometimes, these players will only help a team for stretches; maybe a six-week period in which your roster is weakened from injury. But awareness is the essential strategy here. An owner must be aware of who is out there and who is capable of producing decent numbers either as a surprise starter or as a fill-in.

Many of the 20 players listed here will be seen on free agent lists throughout the season. Knowing who is solid enough to acquire as a new starter or as an emergency substitute will ease the frustration of a slow start or a sudden flurry of injuries.

Hey, we know this is just fantasy, but we do not take this stuff casually. After all, nothing is more sacred than leisure time and we're here to maximize your NBA fantasy success.

TOP 20 FANTASY SLEEPERS

1. Isaiah Rider: Though he is a free agent, Rider will likely surface upon the NBA landscape soon. When he plays his customary 34 minutes a night, he scores over 19 ppg and is capable of filling up a box score rather impressively. He might not begin the season on the active list, but any team who has a major injury or is in need of an offensive spark will be tempted to give Rider a chance. And when he plays, he produces.

2. Ruben Patterson, Sonics: He burst onto the fantasy scene early last season. Patterson fits perfectly into Seattle's fast-break style, getting many dunks and layups. Plus, he is a good offensive rebounder. He was No. 4 in field-goal percentage (53.6 percent) last season and should be near 15 ppg this season.

3. Steve Nash, Mavericks: A great passer and an adequate shooter who should be a starter for Dallas. His shooting numbers are good and he will be around 12 ppg and 7 apg. His assist numbers will be high if his minutes are high since Dallas is pretty loaded with good scorers.

4. Tim Thomas, Bucks: Milwaukee coach George Karl has said Thomas will play 35 minutes a game and see time at four different positions this season. After proving he could ignite a team off the bench, Thomas is poised to prove he is a top-level scorer who is accurate form long range. He should make 100 3-pointers and score 15 ppg.

5. Richard Hamilton, Wizards: He will be expected to be much more aggressive on offense after averaging 9 ppg last season. Look for Hamilton to be closer to 15 ppg with more 3-pointers. Washington is in rebuilding mode and Hamilton will no doubt receive 30-plus minutes a game and get plenty of chances to prove his offensive prowess.

6. Michael Olowokandi, Clippers: He will improve to 12 ppg and 10 rpg, but his weak spot is 43.7 percent field-goal shooting. But, figuring in his 1.8 blocks per game, he is not a bad risk at center. With LA's youthful lineup, there will be lots of missed shots creating an abundance of put-back chances.

7. Predrag Stojakovic, Kings: Now that he has established himself as Sacramento's best outside shooter, look for major minutes from Peja. He should increase his 3-pointers from 100 to 125-plus and will average 15-16 ppg. Plus, he is an 87 percent free-throw shooter in his career, which is usually top-10 worthy.

8. Walt Williams, Rockets: He finished last season with several 20-point games. Houston is an exciting and youthful team that plays with an open style, which suits The Wizard's game. Expect 100-plus 3-pointers, 12-14 ppg and decent all-around numbers this season.

9. Chris Mills, Warriors: He has had some solid success in his seven-year career but has received little attention. He averaged 16 ppg and 6 rpg in 20 games last season and should be near those numbers again if he gets enough minutes.

10. Kelvin Cato, Rockets: A specialty player who should crack the top-10 in blocks. Cato is a big, quick leaper who can dunk on most in the paint and grab boards by the handful. He could be a 10-10 player if he sees enough playing time.

11. Bonzi Wells, Blazers: He already has earned a reputation as being unstoppable when he is hot. Wells can maneuver slickly near the basket, drive to the basket, post up and drill the perimeter jumper. His minutes are limited in Portland, but his shooting numbers are great and he could improve to 12-14 ppg.

12. Chris Gatling, Heat: He was all over the U.S. map throughout the 90s, but the oft-traded Gatling has produced most of his career. Miami's lineup is a bit of an enigma, but he should get substantial minutes and average 12 ppg and 6 rpg.

13. Alan Henderson, Hawks: He started all 82 games last season, so expect him to be in the starting lineup again for Atlanta. He should, again, be around 12-13 ppg and 7 rpg.

14. Chris Mihm, Cavaliers: He has a nice touch on his shot -- and if Shawn Kemp is traded, he will become a major post option for Cleveland. Mihm should provide top-20 numbers in rebounding and blocks. Also expect 50 percent shooting and 12-14 ppg. Mihm is a good option for a reserve center.

15. Corey Maggette, Clippers: Well, he is now a Clipper, but Maggette is part of a young, exciting bunch in LA. He should get minutes and if he can sustain focus and consistency, Maggette could average 15 ppg and put up solid rebounds and steals numbers. He has immense talent, but is still a developing player.

16. Darius Miles, Clippers: Another unknown commodity to most NBA enthusiasts. He has the size and quickness to be an effective swingman, but must hit the perimeter shot effectively to earn respect. His long wingspan should help him collect decent steals, blocks and rebounding stats. His scoring at the NBA level is the biggest mystery. With so many young players on the Clippers, it will take time for them to coalesce.

17. Danny Fortson, Celtics: Some folks (well, me at least) suggested Fortson would contend for the NBA rebounding title last season. But he missed 27 games and did not find a groove until the season's final week when he had four double-doubles. He is a high-percentage shooter who would easily average a double-double with the right team. If he gets 30-plus minutes a night, he could become a valuable player this season.

18. John Amaechi, Magic: Defenses will be focusing on Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady, so Amaechi should get lot of those open 15-footers which he can consistently drill. He is primed to be a 15 ppg scorer who shoots accurately, but he is a soft rebounder. If your team needs a scoring center, he fits; otherwise, he is one-dimensional.

19. Brian Grant, Blazers: He is yet to fulfill his flashes of greatness from the '99 playoffs, but Grant has been beset by injuries. If healthy, he can be a double-double player. If he stays in Portland, his minutes will remain under 25 per game. If he ends up with another team, his numbers should get a significant boost.

20. Vitaly Potapenko, Celtics: Another center who could earn roster spots simply because of a lack of quality centers. His best-case scenario numbers are 12 ppg and 8 rpg and 50 percent from the field.

Brian Doolittle is an Associate Editor for The Sporting News. Email your NBA fantasy questions to him at bdoolitt@sportingnews.com



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