With the NBA season just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the best fantasy players for this season. With most fantasy drafts set to take place this week it’s important to dissect the players and break down the pre-season rankings for each position.
Here we’re going to explore the top shooting guards in the league. In the past this has been the position that is generally the most coveted. But, this season the talent pool is not as deep as it has been over the past decade. Still, there are plenty of talented shooting guards that can provide strong additions to your fantasy roster.
One thing to keep in mind while drafting your fantasy roster this season is that due to the top-heavy nature of the shooting guard position, if you’re able to snag one of the top two or three players early it may be worth your time. The drop off between the first and second tiers of shooting guards is indeed stark.
15. James Harden: SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
2011-12 Projections: 13.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
James Harden is one of the core players of the up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder. This year they won’t be sneaking up on anyone, but Harden should become a fairly viable fantasy threat. Since he plays with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant he won’t see a ton of shots. But, because those two players are on the roster the defense will be forced to focus much of their attention on them. That leaves Harden to crash the boards and benefit from the open looks that come his way when his teammates draw a double team. Harden should be a mid-round pick in your draft and could be perfect for spot starts and favorable matchups.
14. Manu Ginobili: SG, San Antonio Spurs
2011-12 Projections: 17.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Last season was a bit of a perfect storm for Manu Ginobili and his fantasy owners. Ginobili managed to stay healthy for the entire season, something he had been unable to do for the previous seasons. However, in order to have him play in more games he saw his minutes reduced to help keep his body fresh. Naturally this results in reduced statistical game averages, but over the course of the season he makes up for it by playing in more games. Ginobili should have a strong season again in 2011-12, but the Spurs may suffer a bit of a setback. Much of the roster is aging rapidly, and that could impact Ginobili’s overall performance if the defense is forced to focus more on his offensive attack.
13. Ray Allen: SG, Boston Celtics
2011-12 Projections: 16.6 PPG, 2.6 APG, 3.3 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Allen has managed to remain a productive scorer despite the fact that he’s entering his 16th season in the league. In fact, Allen and Kobe Bryant are the only two remaining players from the famed 1996 draft class still making a consistent impact in the league. While Allen’s numbers may continue to decline as he gets older, there’s no question that he is still one of the purest 3-point shooters in the game. Allen won’t provide you with a lot of rebounds, assists or other statistics, but he’s a lights out free throw shooter that has a chance to put up 20 points on any given night.
12. Wesley Matthews: SG, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 14.3 PPG, 1.9 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Heading into the season I was really high on Wesley Matthews as a fantasy prospect. With the retirement of Brandon Roy his stock raised even higher. But after the Blazers signed Jamal Crawford it seems that Matthews might not be quite as productive as we initially thought. Regardless, Matthews should still put up decent numbers on a Portland team that could make a splash in the Western Conference. While Matthews isn’t going to rack up a lot of assists or rebounds, he should still get plenty of open looks with the defense focused on players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Gerald Wallace.
11. Stephen Jackson: SG, SF, Milwaukee Bucks
2011-12 Projections: 18.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Stephen Jackson is a bit on an anomaly in the NBA. He has played for six different NBA teams and will be joining his seventh when he takes the court for the Bucks this season. However, despite bouncing around the league Jackson has still been a valuable fantasy player for nearly a decade. He’s a fantasy owner’s dream because he contributes in nearly every category on the board. As one of the top scoring options on the team Jackson should be able to put up another solid season for fantasy owners.
Next: Fantasy Shooting Guards 10 – 6
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.
Next: Top 5 Fantasy Shooting Guards
5. Eric Gordon: SG, New Orleans Hornets
2011-12 Projections: 21.0 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Eric Gordon was in the middle of a breakout season in 2010 when a wrist injury sidelined him for most of the second half of the season. Then, as Gordon was preparing for this season he found himself traded to the New Orleans Hornets in the Chris Paul deal. However, the trade might actually help Gordon’s fantasy season rather than hurt it. While his assist numbers will drop without a bona fide superstar like Blake Griffin on his team, he should see an increase in scoring. As the best player on a bad team, Gordon will have to carry the offensive load. Fantasy players should expect career highs in all statistical areas, although his field goal percentage should take a hit due to increased shot attempts.
4. 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.
3. Stephen Curry: PG, SG Golden State Warriors
2011-12 Projections: 18.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
While Curry is a strong candidate for a starting point guard, he can also be a valuable pick up for the shooting guard position as well. Both Curry and his teammate, Monta Ellis, form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the entire NBA. Still, Curry will have plenty of scoring opportunities in the fast-paced Golden State offense. While his assist numbers are lower than some of the other guards, Curry still is a viable fantasy shooting guard option.
2. Kobe Bryant: SG, Los Angeles Lakers
2011-12 Projections: 25.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, 5.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Bryant is entering a regular season healthy for the first time in, well, awhile. After having a mysterious knee surgery overseas last summer many are saying that Bryant will be back and better than ever this season. But, Bryant is also entering his 16th year in the league, and there’s no doubt the miles on his body are going to begin taking their toll at some point. But, with a new offense scheme in Los Angeles we aren’t exactly sure what we’re going to see out of him. Bryant should be a second round pick this season that will provide plenty of value for your fantasy roster.
1. Dwyane Wade: SG, Miami Heat
2011-12 Projections: 27.0 PPG, 4.8 APG, 6.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG
It’s been a long time since anyone not named Kobe Bryant graced the top of the shooting guard list, but there’s no question Wade has surpassed him at this point. Not only is Wade younger and more explosive, he has more teammates around him to help boost his assist and rebounding totals. After coming up short in the NBA Finals last season Wade will had plenty of motivation coming into this year. Plus, Wade’s assist numbers should rise this season after an entire year of adjusting to life with LeBron James and Chris Bosh in the lineup.
Make sure you’re prepared for your fantasy draft with our complete fantasy rankings. Check out the top fantasy point guards, fantasy small forwards, power forwards and centers as well.