10. Al Horford: PF, C, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 15.9 PPG, 3.7 APG, 9.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG
The Atlanta Hawks have been a team looking to take the next step for about four years now but have been unable to do it. Horford has been a solid player since being drafted by the team out of Florida back in 2007. He has established himself as one of the top forwards in the league, and might see his numbers increase this season. After Atlanta lost Jamal Crawford to free agency there will be more shots to go around. This means Horford might find himself getting more attempts at the basket, but it might also hurt his shooting percentage in the process.
9. Chris Bosh: PF, C, Miami Heat
2011-12 Projections: 19.6 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Not surprisingly, Bosh was the biggest superstar to suffer statistically when he, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James teamed up in Miami. He had trouble finding his role within the offense, but by the end of the season was arguably more productive than even James. With another season of practice and familiarity under his belt with his Heat teammates Bosh should have a better season than the one he had a year ago.
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8. Blake Griffin: PF, Los Angeles Clippers
2011-12 Projections: 23.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 12.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Nobody will benefit more from the addition of Chris Paul to the Clippers than Blake Griffin. Still, Griffin is a risky fantasy pick, especially early in drafts. After a stellar breakout season in 2011, people have climbed over one another to get on the Blake Griffin bandwagon. But remember, Griffin missed all of 2009-10 after a season-ending injury in the pre-season. If he’s able to stay healthy this season he should have another stellar year, but until he’s managed to play more than 50 percent of his games as a pro it’s important to consider his history.
7. Josh Smith: PF, SF, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Josh Smith offers fantasy owners a versatility that is nearly unmatched. While he doesn’t get all the hustle stats that he once did anymore, he’s still a very valuable addition to every fantasy roster. With the loss of Jamal Crawford, the Hawks will have to find scoring from other sources this season. One of those sources certainly seems to be Smith, who is looking to improve on his 16.5 PPG average from a year ago. Smith will also offer fantasy owners more blocks than nearly any other player at his position, and can be used as a small forward/power forward hybrid when needed.
6. Al Jefferson: PF, C, Utah Jazz
2011-12 Projections: 20.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 BPG
The Utah Jazz are going to be bad this season. Very, very bad. Now, while this isn’t always a deterrent for fantasy players, with Jefferson it might be. It doesn’t help that the Jazz drafted center Enes Kanter out of Kentucky in last summer’s NBA Draft. The arrival of Kanter, as well as Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap are all going to take away some of Jefferson’s minutes and touches this season. While Jefferson will still be one of Utah’s strongest options, don’t expect him to be as dominant as he has been in the past.
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