10. Jrue Holiday: PG, Philadelphia 76ers
2011-12 Projections: 15.6 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
This is one of those kids that keeps improving. During his sophomore season in 2010-11 he improved in nearly every statistical category. This will be a very encouraging thing for fantasy owners who are looking for a late-round point guard that can produce. While he may not put up the numbers that other guards may be able of producing, Holiday has a chance to be a big time fantasy sleeper in 2011-12. Holiday connected on 82.2 percent of his free throws and 44.6 percent from the field in just his second season in the league, and those numbers should just increase this year.
9. Tyreke Evans: PG, SG Sacramento Kings
2011-12 Projections: 19.9 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Coming off an encouraging rookie season Evans took a step backwards last year. He has some more help around him this year, namely Jimmer Fredette, and an extra year of experience is certainly a good thing. Evans also dealt with some injuries last season, so now that he’s fully healthy again he will try and replicate his rookie year. He is a productive guard that can fill your PG or SG opening on the roster. There have been some concerns surrounding Evans’ training regimen, however, so keep an eye on his pre-season performances and how he does early in the season.
8. Rajon Rondo: PG, Boston Celtics
2011-12 Projections: 12.7 PPG, 10.4 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
After being the subject of much trade speculation during the off-season Rondo is still with the Boston Celtics. Rondo doesn’t give you the most impressive fantasy numbers, but does offer a well-rounded stat line. Rondo is one of the top theft artists in the league, regularly snagging more steals than any other player in the league. Rondo also is one of the top assist guards in the league, and regularly is a triple double threat. While he won’t score a ton of points, Rondo does provide positive additions to your score in nearly every other area of the game.
7. Monta Ellis: PG, SG Golden State Warriors
2011-12 Projections: 23.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The Golden State Warriors have one of the best backcourts in the NBA, and for good reason. Ellis is half of their dynamic duo, and can fit in the PG or SG slot on your roster. This makes him even more valuable than some of the other guards that only fit into the point guard position. Ellis is a strong scorer while still putting up solid numbers across the rest of the board. While some might think that Curry will take away some of his opportunities, the two have learned to play off one another to perfection. This makes them the perfect fantasy duo.
6. John Wall: PG, Washington Wizards
2011-12 Projections: 18.7 PPG, 9.2 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Wall struggled with injuries during his rookie season, but is back and ready to go for his sophomore year. He has shown some great promise during the pre-season and training camp, and is expected to become one of the top point guards in the league this season. If Wall is able to stay healthy he could be a big time fantasy player in 2011-12. He doesn’t have a ton of help on the Wizards, so much of the scoring load will fall on his shoulders. However, he is still a pass-first guard that likes getting his teammates involved, which will benefit your assist numbers throughout the season.