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Jamey Eisenberg

Courtside Seat: And the winners are ...

By | Senior Fantasy Writer

The NBA's Most Valuable Player award this season will be a close race between four players, and any one of them would be a deserving candidate.

Chris Paul has New Orleans on the verge of winning the Western Conference, which would be amazing. Kobe Bryant has turned the Lakers back into legitimate contenders. Cleveland's LeBron James is having one of the best statistical seasons of all time. And Kevin Garnett has led the resurgence in Boston.

All four have been major contributors in Fantasy leagues this year, but Paul has helped Fantasy owners the most. He has earned the title of 2007-08 Fantasy Basketball MVP.

The voting here has Paul taking the award with James second and Bryant third. The reason Paul gets the nod is you knew James and Bryant were going to be special, and they were drafted No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the majority of leagues on CBSSports.com.

Paul was drafted in the second round of most leagues as the No. 7 overall guard. But he finished as the No. 1 guard in standard scoring leagues and the No. 2 overall producer behind James.

Paul's stats this year were impressive with 21.5 points, 11.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals. His assists and steals lead the NBA.

It's been a magical season for Paul, and he should be rewarded for his performance. With the way he played, he probably helped reward many Fantasy owners as well.

All-Fantasy First Team

Forward: LeBron James, Cleveland
Stats: 30.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 1
The scoop: James lived up to his No. 1 draft status by leading the NBA in scoring and contributing in every other statistical category. He will be the No. 1 overall selection for many years to come.

Dwight Howard was the top Fantasy center this season and should only improve. (Getty Images)  
Dwight Howard was the top Fantasy center this season and should only improve. (Getty Images)  
Forward: Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
Stats: 25.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 blocks
Average Draft Position: No. 11
The scoop: The Suns trading for Shaquille O'Neal allowed Stoudemire to move to forward and gain eligibility at this spot and make the first team. Had he still been just a center, Stoudemire would have been a second-team selection.

Center: Dwight Howard, Orlando
Stats: 20.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks
Average Draft Position: No. 6
The scoop: Howard leads the league in rebounds and was the most dominant center in Fantasy. Look for his scoring to continue to improve next season, which will only enhance his Fantasy value.

Guard: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 28.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 2
The scoop: Bryant didn't let the injury to his pinkie stop him this season from being one of the best Fantasy producers in all scoring formats. He also adjusted well to Andrew Bynum's knee injury and the trade for Pau Gasol.

Guard: Chris Paul, New Orleans
Stats: 21.5 points, 11.5 assists, 2.7 steals
Average Draft Position: No. 17
The scoop: Paul could become the first player to lead the league in assists and steals since John Stockton did it with 13.7 assists and 2.98 steals in the 1991-92 season. Paul will definitely be a first-round selection in all scoring formats next season.

All-Fantasy Second Team

Forward: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Stats: 23.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 4
The scoop: Nowitzki just edged out Carmelo Anthony for the final forward spot on the second team. Nowitzki was slightly better than Anthony in standard scoring leagues and helped Fantasy owners in the playoffs by returning soon from his ankle injury.

Forward: Carlos Boozer, Utah
Stats: 21.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 18
The scoop: Boozer formed a lethal tandem with point guard Deron Williams and is reminding Jazz fans of Karl Malone and John Stockton. Boozer isn't at Malone's level yet, but his play the past two seasons has helped plenty of Fantasy owners.

Center: Al Jefferson, Minnesota
Stats: 20.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
Average Draft Position: No. 36
The scoop: Jefferson was the centerpiece of the Kevin Garnett trade, and the move has paid off for Fantasy owners. Jefferson emerged as a solid option at forward and center and has improved his draft stock heading into next season based on his play this year.

Guard: Allen Iverson, Denver
Stats: 26.3 points, 7.2 assists, 1.9 steals
Average Draft Position: No. 18
The scoop: Iverson has thrived in his first full season with the Nuggets. His scoring remains at a high level, and he worked well playing alongside Carmelo Anthony. The best thing about Iverson is his body held up, avoiding any major injury.

Guard: Baron Davis, Golden State
Stats: 21.9 points, 7.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds
Average Draft Position: No. 26
The scoop: Davis played well in his free-agent season and finally stayed healthy for a full year. This is the first season since 2001 that Davis will play more than 67 games. Hopefully this is a sign that Davis will not be an injury risk the rest of his career.

Fantasy Rookie of the Year

Kevin Durant, G, Seattle
The scoop: Durant was easily the best Fantasy rookie this year with No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden (knee) out for the season. Durant benefited from playing with a bad team in Seattle, which allowed him to dominate the offense and work on his game. Hopefully being the focal point will make him a dominant Fantasy option for several years to come.

All-Rookie Team

Forward: Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers
Stats: 12.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 131
The scoop: Thornton might have been the best rookie in the second half of the season. His scoring average increased to 17.4 points in February and 15.7 points in March. Look for Thornton to have a tremendous season next year if the Clippers lose either Elton Brand or Corey Maggette via free agency.

Forward: Luis Scola, Houston
Stats: 9.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 143
The scoop: Scola worked his way into the starting lineup midway through the season and became the Rockets' low-post threat when Yao Ming (foot) got hurt. Scola was a good source of points and rebounds all season long for Fantasy owners.

Center: Al Horford, Atlanta
Stats: 10.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 112
The scoop: Horford was one of the most consistent rookies all season, and his dual eligibility at forward and center enhances his Fantasy value. Look for Horford to continue to improve as his post game develops next season.

Guard: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Stats: 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 53
The scoop: Durant is eligible at forward and guard, which enhances his Fantasy value. But Durant he needs to do a better job of rebounding. Look for Durant to keep improving next year and become a dominant force in all Fantasy leagues.

Guard: Jamario Moon, Toronto
Stats: 8.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
Average Draft Position: Not drafted
The scoop: Moon emerged out of nowhere to be a solid addition off the waiver wire. He was a good source of rebounds, and his offense improved as the season went on. Moon will be drafted in most leagues next year, and his ownership on CBSSports.com went from nothing in the first two weeks to as high as 70 percent.

Fantasy Most Improved Player

Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando, Forward
Stats: 19.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists
Average Draft Position: No. 117
The scoop: Turkoglu has typically been drafted as a reserve Fantasy option, but this year he improved his play enough to be a starter in the majority of leagues. Turkoglu set career highs in points, rebounds and assists and thrived as a starter for the Magic. Turkoglu has improved his stock to where he is now a second- or third-round draft choice heading into next season.

Fantasy Coach of Year

Jake Payton, CBSSports.com

Comment: For those of you who didn't follow along with our 30-Deep Fantasy league this year, let me explain what happened. The league was billed as CBSSports.com vs. The World and featured 15 owners from CBSSports.com and 15 owners from other Fantasy sites. Our starting lineups were the same as an NBA lineup (small forward, power forward, shooting guard, point guard and center), which made it challenging with 30 owners. Well, Payton was the winner of the inaugural league and earned the title of Fantasy Coach of the Year. Payton, who is leaving CBSSports.com, where he worked as a senior software engineer for Fantasy sports for eight years, is off to greener pastures, and we wish him good luck and continued Fantasy success.

Have a burning question regarding Fantasy Basketball? We invite you to send your questions, comments and scouting reports on players to: dmfantasyhoops@cbs.com. Please include your full name, city and state.

 
 
 
Player News
Amar'e Stoudemire
Stoudemire shifts focus to court
Amar'e Stoudemire, PF, NY
12:09 PM
News: New York F Amar'e Stoudemire returned to practice Monday after spending the past week in Florida to mourn the death of his brother, according to Newsday. Stoudemire is expected to play in Tuesday's game at Toronto. "It feels good to be back on the basketball court," Stoudemire said. "I've been away for about a week now, so it feels good to be back." He is averaging 18.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season.
Analysis: Stoudemire returns to the team at an interesting time as G Jeremy Lin has created tremendous buzz with his sterling production while Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony have been sidelined. But Stoudemire could benefit from Lin's pick-and-roll ability and improve on his average of 7.0 field goals a game -- his lowest total since his rookie season (minimum 10 games). Consider Stoudemire a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
Brook Lopez
Lopez wants to get rolling
Brook Lopez, C, NJ
1:13 PM
News: New Jersey C Brook Lopez said he is prepared to return to practice after being sidelined all season because of a broken foot. Lopez has been kept to minimal participation after having surgery in December to repair a stress fracture in his foot. There is no timetable for his return. "I don’t really think there’s anything (left to do)," Lopez told The Star-Ledger. "We just have to keep putting it together and keep trying to get into shape and the next opportunity at practice, hopefully I’ll be able to participate."
Analysis: That opportunity to practice could come as early as this week after Nets general manager Billy King said Lopez has been "on schedule" with his recovery. Still, New Jersey will continue to be cautious with Lopez, who is approaching the two-month mark on the bench since having surgery on Dec. 23. "Patience is the key when you’re talking about a small bone in a 7-foot guy’s foot," Nets coach Avery Johnson said. "We’d like to not have any setbacks." Fantasy owners should monitor Lopez's status, but keep him benched for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).
Spencer Hawes
Hawes hopeful for Friday
Spencer Hawes, C, PHI
1:06 PM
News: Philadelphia coach Doug Collins said Monday he is "hoping" 76ers C Spencer Hawes (back) will be able to return for Friday's game against Dallas, according to the team. Hawes did not accompany the team on its three-game road trip that concludes Wednesday at Orlando.
Analysis: Hawes has become an increasingly frustrating Fantasy player recently and has missed 13 of the past 15 games because of persistent injuries. He started the season with three double-doubles in his first four outings, but his season averages have dipped to 10.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. With the possibility of only playing two games, Fantasy owners should consider sitting Hawes again for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).
Klay Thompson
Thompson leaves impression
Klay Thompson, SG, GS
2:31 PM
News: Golden State G Klay Thompson recorded 14 points and four rebounds during the Warriors' 106-97 victory over Houston on Sunday. Thompson connected on 5 of 10 attempts, including a scorching 4 for 6 from 3-point range, to finish with double figures in points for the second straight game. He has now drained at least three treys over his past four outings and is a sizzling 12 for 16 (75 percent) from downtown during that span.
Analysis: Thompson, who was a first-round selection in the previous NBA draft, has meshed well with point guard Stephen Curry and is averaging a solid 10.8 points per game this month. "The thing I love about him is that nothing bothers him," Warriors coach Mark Jackson told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's a great shooter, but he's a big-time competitor. He's an underrated defender, an underrated passer. It's scary to think just how good he's going to be." Fantasy owners should consider Thompson a quality addition in deeper formats if he continues to improve.
David West
Coach wants best of West
David West, PF, IND
2:07 PM
News: Pacers coach Frank Vogel is hoping F David West can continue his recent assertive play on offense. After a discussion with Vogel last week, West has scored 22 points in each of his past two games and registered his first double-double since Jan. 9 last Friday at Memphis. "His greatest strength since he's gotten here is his desire to just fit in and be a part of this team and do whatever is going to help this team be a team-first team," Vogel told the Indianapolis Star. "He's our best ball mover. ... The more aggressive that he is, the more the defense is going to come to him so it's going to free up his passing even more."
Analysis: Vogel lauded West's unselfish nature, but that has affected his production and limited him to an average of 12.4 points per game this season -- his lowest mark since his second year in the league (6.2). "I just think if you're selfish and you're only thinking about what you need to do, you're not going to help the team," West said. "If you're good to the game, the game will be good to you. I've always lived by that motto." Fantasy owners should consider utilizing West in most formats for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19) as the Pacers battle Miami, Cleveland, New Jersey and Charlotte.
Kemba Walker
Walker slated for bench?
Kemba Walker, PG, CHA
12:37 PM
News: Bobcats G Kemba Walker is expected to serve as the backup point guard once G D.J. Augustin returns from a toe injury, according to the Charlotte Observer. Walker has been the starting point guard since Augustin went down with the injury in mid-January and topped double figures in scoring during eight of the 11 games. He also recorded the third triple-double in franchise history against Washington on Jan. 28.
Analysis: There was the possibility Walker could shift back to the two-guard once Augustin returned, but Bobcats coach Paul Silas apparently likes his recent production at the point. Walker has remained steady with his passing and is averaging 3.6 assists per game this season. Augustin could return to action as early as Wednesday so Fantasy owners should be aware of a possible dip in playing time for Walker in Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).
Marco Belinelli
Belinelli shooting to improve
Marco Belinelli, SG, NO
1:53 PM
News: Hornets G Marco Belinelli currently leads the team with 37 3-pointers made this season. He also has fired twice as many attempts as anyone else with a whopping 107 shots for a career-low 34.6 percent clip from beyond the arc this season. "I know that’s not really good for me because I knew this year I needed to score more," Belinelli told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I think the last couple of games were pretty good, but I need to be more aggressive every game." Belinelli is averaging 9.7 points per game overall this season.
Analysis: Belinelli netted 41 percent of his attempts from long range last season, but has been unable to duplicate the steady production. However, he has drained two treys in two of his past three outings to improve his accuracy to 40.9 this month. "We have to keep him confident and don’t let him go through a shell or get bashed for it," Hornets G Jarrett Jack said. "He’s a gunslinger, and he’s got to come out with that kind of mentality every night." Fantasy owners should continue to track Belinelli's progress and consider him a low-end option in deeper formats for now.
Carmelo Anthony
Anthony still missing practice
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NY
12:19 PM
News: New York F Carmelo Anthony was unable to return to practice Monday as he continues to be bothered by a strained right groin, according to Newsday. Anthony has missed the past three games with the issue and is unlikely to play against Toronto on Tuesday.
Analysis: Anthony was originally expected to miss one to two weeks with the injury and it appears he will be sidelined for the longer side of the timetable. The Knicks play four times during Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19), including a back-to-back set Tuesday and Wednesday, but Anthony seems to be a risky option for the scoring period. He is averaging a team-high 22.3 points per game this season and should be viewed as a must-start when active.
Evan Turner
Turner remaining patient
Evan Turner, SG, PHI
1:40 PM
News: Despite a decrease in minutes recently, 76ers G Evan Turner said Monday he does not have a concern over his playing time. Turner has been held to less than 20 minutes in two of his past three games while netting just 16 points over that span. "It's just one of those situations and we have to do what's best for the team and certain situations coach tries to do what's best out there and that's it." Turner told the Philadelphia Daily News.
Analysis: Turner saw a rise in playing time last Saturday when he logged 23 minutes at Cleveland, but that total is still below his average of 24.7 for the year. "You just have to move on with each game," said Turner, who is posting 9.2 points per game. "We have so many games coming up. ... You have to just be prepared." With no reports of the 23-year-old being in trouble, Fantasy owners should view Turner as a low-end Fantasy option for now.
JaVale McGee
Clearing the air helps McGee
JaVale McGee, C, WAS
1:30 PM
News: Washington C JaVale McGee has credited an unlikely source for his recent strong play: a new asthma medicine. McGee visited a doctor last week and has make a solid impact since, combining for 46 points and 24 rebounds in his past two games. "They said I was breathing at like 75 percent," McGee told the Washington Post. "I feel a lot better. I feel I can stay out there longer now. I got to just take my medicine."
Analysis: McGee has overcome a sluggish start to open February when he scored just 34 points combined in the first five games of the month. But he has now posted back-to-back double-doubles for just the second time this season and is also contributing on the defensive side for the Wizards (2.9 blocks per game). With Portland, Clippers and Utah on tap in Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19), consider utilizing McGee in most formats.
 
 
 
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