2011-12 Draft Prep: Positional tiers for Draft Day

Fantasy Writer

Dec. 14, 2011 2:14 PM ET

After months of not knowing if there would even be a season, we are finally approaching the start of the 2011-12 basketball year.

While most teams are trying to make the final tweaks to their rosters, Fantasy owners are gearing up for the start of the all-important draft season. However, with a six-month free agency period crammed into a two-week window due to the lockout, owners will be facing a slew of unprecedented circumstances while drafting this year, including a condensed schedule and a ton of players who are still unsigned. Luckily, we have been on top of all it from the start and are here to help by delivering our annual positional tiers column.

We once again have comprised our own tiers for owners at each position to use at their disposal on the big day. While we strongly urge owners to come up with their own tiers -- especially with tons of free agents on the market -- those without the time should be able to use ours as a guide to selecting the best team possible. Best of luck to all playing Fantasy hoops this season and we hope to see you in the playoffs.

Forwards

LeBron James was again able to retain his Fantasy crown last year, so he will once again be our choice for No. 1 overall pick in all formats. However, Kevin Durant is right on his heels in a close second place. There seems to be a little more depth at the forward position than usual this year, so owners should be able to grab an elite or high-end option early on and then circle back for another reliable forward after filling other position needs. Of course, there is plenty of sleeper and breakout potential in the lower tiers of the position, meaning owners could catch lightning in a bottle if they play their cards right. Be selective when choosing lower-end options.

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Super Elite: LeBron James, Kevin Durant
Elite: Amar'e Stoudemire, Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge
Next best thing: Josh Smith, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay
High-end starters: Danny Granger, Paul Pierce, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala, Chris Bosh, Gerald Wallace, David Lee, Luis Scola, Paul Milsap, David West
Reliable starters: Stephen Jackson, Luol Deng, Dorrell Wright, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Garnett, Andray Blatche, Carlos Boozer, Kris Humphries, Tim Duncan, Lamar Odom, Elton Brand
Low-end starters: Michael Beasley, Greg Monroe, Carl Landry, Channing Frye, Serge Ibaka, Tayshaun Prince, Boris Diaw, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Danillo Gallinari, Shawn Marion
Quality Reserves: Derrick Williams, Nicolas Batum, Hedo Turkoglu, Corey Maggette, Thaddeus Young, Glen Davis, Grant Hill, Trevor Ariza, Tyler Hansbrough, Derrick Favors, J.J. Hickson, Ed Davis
Reserves: C.J. Miles, Carlos Delfino, Amir Johnson, Richard Jefferson, Al Harrington, Wesley Johnson, Chase Budinger, Tristian Thompson, Jason Thompson, Tyrus Thomas, Rashard Lewis, Marvin Williams, Jeff Green, Shane Battier, Metta World Peace, Brandon Bass, Charlie Villanueva
Low-end reserves: Anthony Parker, Travis Outlaw, Makieff Morris, Taj Gibson, Ryan Anderson, Darrell Arthur, Drew Gooden, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Al Thornton, Marcus Morris, Josh McRoberts, Austin Daye, Ersan Ilyasova, Dante Cunningham, Chris Andersen, Ryan Gomes, Brandon Rush

Guards

Derrick Rose and Chris Paul pace the guards as the super-elite options, but Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook are right behind them. After that, there are about 19 guards who can be counted on for high-end production on a nightly basis, but the well dries up pretty fast after that. While there is a ton of sleeper and breakout candidates in the lower tiers -- especially with the younger guys -- most are unproven or have yet to show they can stay healthy and be productive for long stretches of time. With a little more depth at forward this year, owners may want to think about scooping up a pair of top-tier guards in the early going.

Super Elite: Derrick Rose, Chris Paul
Elite: Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams
Next best thing: Monta Ellis, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry
High-end starters: Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, Tyreke Evans, Joe Johnson, John Wall, Eric Gordon, Jrue Holliday, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, Tony Parker, Raymound Felton, Manu Ginobili, Mike Conley, Stephen Jackson, Ty Lawson, Devin Harris
Reliable starters: Chauncey Billups, Brandon Jennings, Rodney Stuckey, Ray Allen, Marcus Thornton, D.J. Augustin, Wesley Matthews, Nick Young, Jason Terry, Darren Collison, Baron Davis
Low-end starters: Gerald Henderson, Jose Calderon, Richard Hamilton, Andre Miller, DeMar DeRozan, John Salmons, Jameer Nelson, Mo Williams, Arron Afflalo, Jason Richardson, Toney Douglas, James Harden, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Crawford
Quality Reserves: Kyrie Irving, Beno Udrih, George Hill, Vince Carter, Jared Dudley, Luke Ridnour, O.J. Mayo, Anthony Morrow, Lou Williams, Wesley Johnson
Reserves: Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker, Ricky Rubio, Landry Fields, Tony Allen, Evan Turner, Jodie Meeks, Jerryd Bayless, Jose Juan Barea, Rudy Fernandez, Reggie Williams, Kirk Hinrich, Jarrett Jack, Gilbert Arenas, C.J Miles, Jimmer Fredette, Jordan Farmar, Mike Bibby, Daniel Gibson, Will Bynum, Eric Bledsoe
Low-end reserves: Anthony Parker, Ramon Sessions, Paul George, Derek Fisher, Gary Neal, Jonny Flynn, Goran Dragic, Mario Chalmers, MarShon Brooks, Keyon Dooling, Alec Burks, C.J. Watson, Ronnie Brewer, Marco Belinelli, Terrence Williams

Centers

Dwight Howard stands alone as the top option in the middle, but Amar'e Stoudemire, Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge round out the elite options. There is still plenty of quality high-end options beyond those five out there, although center remains the shallowest in terms of elite and high-end options of all three positions. With more high-end talent than usual at the forward position this season, owners may want to try and lock up a top center in the early going. While there is some sleeper and breakout potential in the lower tiers, owners who miss out on an elite or high-end option could have some trouble finding help in the middle throughout the year.

Super Elite: Dwight Howard
Elite: Amar'e Stoudemire, Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge
Next best thing: Al Jefferson, Al Hortford, Joakim Noah
High-end starters: DeMarcus Cousins, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Nene, Andrew Bogut, Roy Hibbert, Andrew Bynum, Andrea Bargnani, David Lee
Low-end starters: Javale McGee, Tyson Chandler, Marcin Gortat, Serge Ibaka, Chuck Hayes, Emeka Okafor, DeJuan Blair, Brendan Haywood, Channing Frye, Kendrick Perkins, Marcus Camby
Reserves: DeAndre Jordan, Ed Davis, Samuel Dalembert, Anderson Varejao, Chris Kaman, Darko Milicic, Spencer Hawes, Kwame Brown, Ekpe Udoh
Low-end reserves: Andris Biedrins, Enes Kanter, Udonis Haslem, Robin Lopez, Jason Thompson, Nenad Krstic, J.J. Hickson, Timofey Mozgov, Dante Cunningham, Nazr Mohammed, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Jordan Hill

Gray to remain in Toronto
Aaron Gray, C, TOR
5/23/2013

News: TSN.ca reported last week that Raptors forward Linas Kleiza and center Aaron Gray picked up their player options for the 2013-14 season. Kleiza's option will pay him $4.6 million, while Gray will make $2.6 million, in the final years of both of their deals.

Analysis: Gray averaged just 2.8 points per game over the course of 42 games, and he saw his role dramatically reduced as the team leaned on younger options. He will likely assume a similar role for Toronto this season, and should be ignored in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Kleiza picks up option
Linas Kleiza, SF, TOR
5/23/2013

Analysis: Kleiza did not play after Dec. 28, thanks in part to lingering issues with his surgically-repaired knee. He averaged just 7.4 points on 33.3 percent shooting in the 20 games he appeared in, and is unlikely to be worth targeting in any Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Landry torn on opt-out decision
Carl Landry, PF, GS
5/23/2013

News: Warriors forward Carl Landry would like to return to Golden State, but he has an opt-out clause for next season's $4 million contract. He has yet to choose whether to do so, and he told the Contra Costa Times Wednesday that it is the hardest decision he has faced in his career. “The Warriors are home whether I opt in or out," he said. "Hopefully, I can spend the rest of my career here because this is a very special place. Everything here is what you want: the city, the fans, the front office, the coach, the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more.”

Analysis: Landry would probably be underpaid at $4 million next season, so he would likely be turning down millions of dollars to remain on what is essentially a one-year deal. Landry averaged 10.8 point and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Warriors in just 23.2 minutes per game, and he could get a much bigger role on another roster. We will keep an eye on his free agency as it moves forward, but Landry is likely to be more of a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day no matter where he ends up.

Villanueva picks up fifth-year option
Charlie Villanueva, PF, DET
5/23/2013

News: Predictably, Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva picked up his option for the 2013-14 season, a deal that will pay him $8.5 million. Villanueva is entering the final year of a five-year, $37.7 million contract.

Analysis: Villanueva appeared in 69 games this season, averaging a career-low 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. With the Pistons continuing to rebuild, it is unlikely that he sees a larger role than that this season, so Fantasy owners should ignore him in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

Varejao doing better
Anderson Varejao, C, CLE
5/23/2013

News: Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao has been taken off blood thinners, a sign that he has recovered from the blood clot issue that ended his season. According to The Plain Dealer, Varejao is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Analysis: Varejao was in the midst of the best season of his career, before quad surgery and the ensuing developments with a blood clot. He averaged 14.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game prior to the injury, both of which are by far career highs. Varejao has emerged as a very solid Fantasy option over the last few years, however he has also missed 149 games over the last three seasons. He is a major injury risk heading into the season, but he should still be gone by the middle rounds in most Fantasy leagues on Draft Day.

Prigioni wants to stay in NBA
Pablo Prigioni, PG, NY
5/23/2013

News: Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni becomes a free agent after his rookie season, and he reportedly wants to stay in the NBA rather than return to the Spanish League. It might just depend on what his wife says, according to the New York Post. Prigioni is set to become a free agent July 1, and is expected to look for a one-year contract worth around $2 million.

Analysis: Prigioni ended up moving into the starting lineup for the Knicks, but he did not have much of an impact this season. He averaged 3.5 points and 3.0 assists per game in 16.2 minutes. After showing what he can do, he might be able to get a bigger role next season, but he should probably still be ignored until the very end of most Fantasy formats.

Beal waiting to be cleared
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Wizards guard Bradley Beal has yet to be cleared for basketball activities, nearly two months after being shut down due to an ankle and right leg injury. According to the Washington Post, Beal is still a week or so away from getting back on the court. “It’s always frustration,” Beal said Thursday. “But at the same time, I have to stay positive, make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. Making sure I’m able to take care of myself and just stay on top of it. Basically just being patient and when I get out there, I’ll get out there.” Beal is lifting weights, riding a bike and swimming, but it mostly limited to free throws on the court for now. He is expected to be ready to go by the time the team opens training camp.

Analysis: Beal became just the seventh player to make the all-rookie first team as a teenager, a pretty good indication of the kind of upside he has when healthy. He missed 26 games due to a variety of ailments, mostly related to his ankles. He finished the season averaging 13.9 points per game on 41.0 percent shooting, however he improved dramatically as the season went on. Beal shot 47.1 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range after the All-Star break, with 16.5 points per game. If that is any sign of what Beal can do when healthy, Fantasy owners should be very excited to see him in his second season. Plan on targeting Beal in the middle rounds on Draft Day, with plenty of upside.

Stoudemire might not start next year
Amar'e Stoudemire, PF, NY
5/23/2013

News: According to his agent, Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire was not happy with how the season ended, as he was barely able to contribute in the team's six-game loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. “You know Amar’e, he’s going to work as hard as he can during the offseason,” Happy Walters, Stoudemire’s agent, told the New York Daily News. “It was a tough year, but Amar’e is already looking forward to next season. He’ll be ready.” Knicks coach Mike Woodson would not comment on whether he thinks Stoudemire will return to the starting lineup next season, after the Knicks enjoyed great success with Carmelo Anthony at power forward. Stoudemire came off the bench in all 29 of his regular season games this season, after doing so just 17 times in his previous 10 seasons.

Analysis: Despite eventually needing two knee surgeries, Stoudemire was actually quite productive for the Knicks, when he played. He averaged 14.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in just 23.5 minutes, while shooting 57.7 percent from the field, his best mark since 2007-08. Stoudemire may be best suited coming off the bench on the Knicks' current roster, but that probably limits how much playing time he can get on a nightly basis. Given injury concerns and questions about his role on the Knicks, Stoudemire is a risky Fantasy option heading into next season. He should be left for the middle rounds at the earliest on Draft Day.

Smith dealt with knee injury in postseason
J.R. Smith, SG, NY
5/23/2013

News: Knicks guard J.R. Smith endured plenty of criticism for his play in the postseason, but now we might have an explanation. According to the New York Post Thursday, Smith spent much of the postseason playing with fluid built up in his left knee. “[Smith’s] been playing hurt,” a source said. “He probably should’ve sat out a couple of games. It’s what Melo had. That’s why he wasn’t driving the ball like he was. That’s why his jump shot wasn’t right, not having the lift.’’ Smith's knee started swelling up in March, but it became a bigger deal in the playoffs, when he shot just 33.1 percent from the field in 11 games.

Analysis: Smith likely cost himself a ton of money as an impending free agent thanks to his poor performance in the postseason, though that might actually help him end up staying with the Knicks long term. The Knicks can only offer Smith around $5 million this offseason due to their salary cap issues, but he might fall into their price range now. Smith's postseason struggles were especially disappointing after the best regular season of his career, as he scored a career-high 18.1 points per game. Assuming Smith returns to the Knicks, he should be able to put up comparable numbers next season, so plan to target him in the middle rounds on Draft Day.

Sullinger expects to be 100 percent by training camp
Jared Sullinger, PF, BOS
5/23/2013

News: Celtics forward Jared Sullinger had a promising rookie season cut short by back surgery, but he expects to be fully healed by the time the team begins prepping for his sophomore season. He told the Boston Herald he is not rushing through recovery from his February surgery, to avoid any potential setbacks. "Everyone says (the word) back with a question mark, but you might as well put an X through that," he said. "I had surgery, I’m taking my time so there won’t be any recurring injuries." Sullinger detailed his rehabilitation process as well, noting he expects to be healed by the start of training camp. "It’s a 10-week process," he said. "Every two weeks we bump it up 10 percent. September, October I’ll be 100 percent to go. I met with the doctor about 10 weeks ago and he said it’s a full go."

Analysis: Sullinger averaged just 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 45 games before the injury, but that was in just 19.8 minutes per game. The team's first-round pick from last season is expected to be a big part of their plans moving forward, but the team's roster is up in the air with a number of veterans possibly on the way out this offseason. If Sullinger proves healthy and snags a role that gives him 30-plus minutes, he could emerge as a useful Fantasy option in his second season. However, with the injury risk hanging over him, Fantasy owners should avoid looking his way until the later rounds on Draft Day.

More Updates

1	LaMarcus Aldridge, POR, PF
2	David Lee, GS, C
3	Al Horford, ATL, C
4	Dwight Howard, LAL, C
5	Marc Gasol, MEM, C
6	Al Jefferson, UTA, C
7	Greg Monroe, DET, C
8	DeMarcus Cousins, SAC, C
9	Joakim Noah, CHI, C
10	Nikola Vucevic, ORL, C
All Rankings

1	LeBron James, MIA, SF
2	Kevin Durant, OKC, SF
3	Kobe Bryant, LAL, SG
4	David Lee, GS, C
5	Blake Griffin, LAC, PF
6	Carmelo Anthony, NY, SF
7	LaMarcus Aldridge, POR, PF
8	Josh Smith, ATL, SF
9	Paul George, IND, SF
10	Greg Monroe, DET, C
All Rankings

1	Russell Westbrook, OKC, PG
2	Kobe Bryant, LAL, SG
3	James Harden, HOU, SG
4	Stephen Curry, GS, PG
5	Monta Ellis, MIL, PG
6	Jrue Holiday, PHI, PG
7	Chris Paul, LAC, PG
8	Deron Williams, BKN, PG
9	Damian Lillard, POR, PG
10	Kemba Walker, CHA, PG
All Rankings