5. LaMarcus Aldridge: PF, C, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 20.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Aldridge was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and proved it as he averaged career highs practically across the board. This could be the season that Aldridge goes next level, and establishes himself as one of the top forwards in the league. Without Brandon Roy the Blazers will need Aldridge to lead the team on and off the court, and if he’s up to the challenge his numbers should benefit greatly. Aldridge is one of the most skilled, versatile power forwards in the Western Conference, and should have a very strong season.
4. Pau Gasol: PF, C, Los Angeles Lakers
2011-12 Projections: 18.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 10.3 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG
The 7-foot Spaniard started last season on an absolute tear. In fact, for the first quarter of the year many considered him an early MVP candidate. However, Gasol’s season ended in disappointment as he performed a disappearing act in the post-season. To cap that off he spent most of the off-season at the center of trade rumors, and was even traded to Houston before the league vetoed the trade. Still, when he’s on his game Gasol is one of the most productive fantasy players in the league. Gasol is a strong scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s also one of the most efficient big men in the NBA.
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3. LaMarcus Aldridge: PF, C, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 20.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Aldridge was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and proved it as he averaged career highs practically across the board. This could be the season that Aldridge goes next level, and establishes himself as one of the top forwards in the league. Without Brandon Roy the Blazers will need Aldridge to lead the team on and off the court, and if he’s up to the challenge his numbers should benefit greatly. Aldridge is one of the most skilled, versatile power forwards in the Western Conference, and should have a very strong season.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire: PF, C, New York Knicks
2011-12 Projections: 25.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 8.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Entering his second season as a member of the New York Knicks, Amar’e Stoudemire is looking to have another solid statistical season. This will also be the first full season he will play with teammate Carmelo Anthony. Now, generally it is not ideal for fantasy production to have two superstar players on the same team. But, Stoudemire and Anthony seem to play well off one another. Stoudemire should still see strong offensive numbers in 2011-12, and may even see an increase in his blocks as well under head coach Mike D’Antoni’s defensive scheme.
1. Dwight Howard: C, Orlando Magic
2011-12 Projections: 23.8 PPG, 1.4 APG, 13.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.6 BPG
Howard is one of the few, true centers in the game, and is clearly heads and shoulders above the rest. Even though he will spend most of the season shrouded in trade rumors, and may even finish the season somewhere other than Orlando, Howard is the top fantasy option at center. His explosive offensive and powerful defensive make him one of the most threatening players on the floor. Howard will most likely be a first or early second round pick, so if you get the chance to snag him early – do it.
Make sure you’re prepared for your fantasy draft with our complete fantasy rankings. Check out the top fantasy point guards, shooting guards, fantasy small forwards and power forwards as well.