10. Joe Johnson: SG, SF, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 18.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
After seeing his scoring drop significantly last season Johnson will be looking to rebound in 2011-12. Of course, the drop in numbers was more due to a new offensive system than diminishing skills. Johnson may have to score more this season with Jamal Crawford on his way to Portland, but with head coach Larry Drew’s system still in place we might see a continued depreciation of Johnson’s numbers. Johnson should be a decent pick up in the middle rounds of your draft, and could be a good spot filler and match-up start.
9. Paul Pierce: SG, SF, Boston Celtics
2011-12 Projections: 18.4 PPG, 3.1 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Pierce, much like the rest of the Celtics, has been aging rapidly over the last two seasons. While Pierce is certainly still a top 10 ranked player in the shooting guard hierarchy, he isn’t going to be able to put up the numbers that he has in the past. Pierce is also dealing with a nagging heel injury heading into the season that may slow him down. But, despite all the injury concerns and the questions surrounding his age, Pierce is still in a great position thanks to some of his teammates. Players like Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett are able to draw the attention of the defense, which leaves Pierce in a position to put up similar numbers to those he produced last season.
8. Andre Iguodala: SG, SF, Philadelphia 76ers
2011-12 Projections: 14.8 PPG, 6.6 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Andre Iguodala has been a solid fantasy guard for several seasons at this point. However, coming off a season where he missed 15 games due to a sore Achilles. Also, with coach Doug Collins he has found himself as more of a facilitator than a scorer. With Eric Turner rising in status and skill, Iguodala’s numbers might continue to decrease this season. Still, Iggy has the chance to be a solid fantasy reserve for your team.
7. 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.
6. Kevin Martin: SG, Houston Rockets
2011-12 Projections: 23.1 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Over the past two seasons Kevin Martin has turned into a big fantasy shooting guard thanks to his 3-point shooting and consistently high free throw percentages. While his points are projected to drop a little bit this season compared to last, Martin is still a top ten fantasy shooting guard. The problem with Martin has been his injury history, which is causing him to drop to the fourth or fifth round in many drafts. Martin has potential to be third round talent in 2011-12.
