2009-10 Draft Prep: Pacific Division Preview

Heading into the start of the NBA preseason, we offer a team-by-team look, including projected starting lineups and what to watch for in October as each team sets their rotations for the start of the regular season on Oct. 27.

Golden State Warriors

Possible Starters: PG Monta Ellis, SG Kelenna Azubuike, SF Stephen Jackson, PF Anthony Randolph, C Andris Biedrins
Preseason storylines: How big a role will rookie Stephen Curry play? How good can Anthony Randolph be?
Fantasy Analysis: Going into the preseason, rookie Stephen Curry was not expected to win a starting job. However, he is expected to get good minutes in the offense and let's face it, nobody knows what Don Nelson will do with his rotation. Should Curry prove that he can be trusted for double-digit shot attempts per game, he will get them in one form or another. He'll also have to prove that he won't be too much of a defensive liability as a rookie, though that's something the defensively-challenged Warriors would be willing to work around. The problem for Curry is the erratic nature of Nelson's rotations and the fact the Warriors have so many shooters on their roster -- many of whom also play shooting guard. Another young player, Anthony Randolph, is expected to get a chance to be a starter. Take that for what it is worth, but if Randolph can solidify himself as a player Nelson can go to on a nightly basis, we could be looking at a real sleeper. Look to see how he progresses in the preseason and whether or not Nelson changes his mind -- a very distinct possibility if history is any indication. As always, Nellie should continue to be a pain.

Los Angeles Clippers

Possible Starters: PG Baron Davis, SG Eric Gordon, SF Al Thornton, PF Marcus Camby, C Chris Kaman
Preseason storylines: Will Blake Griffin win a starting job?
Fantasy Analysis: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy opened up training camp by declaring the players above as the starters, indicating that Blake Griffin will have to win a starting job despite being selected with the top pick in the NBA Draft. That could be a motivational tactic, or it could be a legitamate challenge. Either way, Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his progress in the preseason. He had a strong showing in the summer league and despite dealing with a shoulder injury this summer, Griffin should be ready to contribute solid scoring and rebound numbers out of the gate. The Clippers cleared the way for Griffin by shipping Zach Randolph to Memphis, but the team does still have the pieces in place -- with Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and Craig Smith -- to bring the rookie along at whatever pace they feel is right. Our estimation is that Griffin should win the job out of the preseason, but it will all depend on his performance. His draft value could shift from Rounds 5 or 6 to Round 6 or 7 depending on what happens. In keeper formats, his stock remains highest.

Los Angeles Lakers

Possible Starters: PG Derek Fisher, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Ron Artest, PF Pau Gasol, C Andrew Bynum
Preseason storylines: How will Ron Artest fit in? Will Lamar Odom lose value?
Fantasy Analysis: The Lakers seemingly got better in the offseason, giving themselves a great chance to defend their NBA championship. But, in doing so, they muddied things up a bit from a Fantasy standpoint. The addition of Ron Artest makes the team stronger defensively on the perimeter and also adds another potent offensive weapon to a team full of them. That could water down his offensive numbers, as well as those of Lamar Odom. We won't be able to see exactly how the minutes will be distributed in the preseason, but Fantasy owners should pay close attention to anything coach Phil Jackson has to say on the topic. We don't expect Odom will be as great a Fantasy option as he has been throughout his career, including down the stretch last season following the injury to Andrew Bynum that created a starting job. However, we also don't expect him to be as mediocre as he was in the early going last season when he averaged just 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds through the first 30 games.

Phoenix Suns

Possible Starters: PG Steve Nash, SG Jason Richardson, SF Grant Hill, PF Amar'e Stoudemire, C Robin Lopez
Preseason storylines: Where will Amar'e Stoudemire start?
Fantasy Analysis: It may be a bit of a technicality, but what position the Suns decide to start Amar'e Stoudemire at will have a huge impact on many Fantasy owners this season. Stoudemire lost center eligibility in CBSSports.com leagues going into the season, due to the fact that he started all of his games at power forward last season with Shaquille O'Neal in town. With Shaq now in Cleveland, the possibility exists that the Suns will shift Amar'e back to center, but that remains to be seen. Brook Lopez and Channing Frye will battle for a starting job in the preseason and while both players are viewed as centers, they can also play the four spot. Stoudemire would rank as a top-three center in Fantasy leagues if he could regain the position. Fantasy owners should also monitor how Stoudemire has recovered from the debilitating eye injury that cut his season short last year. He will be playing with goggles to help prevent further injury.

Sacramento Kings

Possible Starters: PG Beno Udrih, SG Kevin Martin, SF Andres Nocioni, PF Jason Thompson, C Spencer Hawes
Preseason storylines: Will Jason Thompson be a breakout player? Can Tyreke Evans win a starting job?
Fantasy Analysis: The Kings are one of those teams that doesn't figure to be very good, but that can be ripe for the picking for smart Fantasy owners. Kevin Martin and Spencer Hawes are obvious, but the Kings should have several workable options up and down their roster that help Fantasy owners in various ways. One of those players is Jason Thompson, who could be in line for a huge year and is a breakout candidate heading into his second year. He averaged 11.1 points and 7.4 rebounds as a rookie and is entering a year where NBA players typically see the biggest jump in production. He's already an outstanding rebounder, but his scoring should see the most improvement this year on a team without very many scoring options outside of Kevin Martin. At point guard, the team will be handing over the keys to Tyreke Evans at some point this season. Whether that happens out of the preseason remains to be seen. He'll have to prove that he can take care of the ball in the preseason, but he could become a regular Fantasy starter within the first month of the season under the right circumstances.

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