As we approach the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season I will rank my Top 80 players. I want to give you an early idea of what to expect from a fantasy perspective. This has no Keeper Ranking values attached, just one year value only. At some point this year I will release Keeper Rankings but for now you'll have to live with this. Feel free to comment on the bottom of the page with questions or contact me directly on Twitter @Awies28. Why 80? I wanted to do 75 but then I wouldn't be able to talk about Jeremy Lin.

Here's a quick recap of the Dwight Howard deal to the Lakers. In short I think the move helped Andrew Bynum's fantasy value more because he now becomes the number one offensive option in Philadelphia. Pau Gasol will also see an increase in numbers due to the double team "Superman" will require on a near nightly basis. The Lakers are my early favorite to win it all. 

Are you curious as to why I have Durant number one over LeBron? It's pretty simple; I prefer Durant's ability to knock down three's consistently over LeBron's ability to get a few more assists. Assists are one of those categories that can be taken care of with a mid round selection of a Steve Nash or Tony Parker.

I'm also really high on DeMarcus Cousins this season. Check out Interesting Fact #38 from last year to see why. Also be sure to read my Keeper Breakdown between Cousins and Marc Gasol. 

I have Rudy Gay as a sleeper MVP candidate so it made sense to keep him in my Top 20 entering the season. Serge Ibaka averaged 3.65 blocks per game last season, the next highest was the 2.18 from JaVele McGee. 

Here are some other Keeper Breakdowns entering the season you may have interest in:
Lawson vs. Wall
Granger vs. Gay

I know Griffin was somewhat of a bust last season (ADP Top 15) but I'm not ready to write him off yet. In my eyes he'll be a player that can contribute with a high field goal percentage, rebounds and points. He will hurt your Free Throw percentage as evidence in last season's 52.1% as opposed to his 54.9% from the field. He's a player to own if you know how to balance out your roster in the later rounds.

Entering his second full season with the Nuggets I fully expect Gallinari to blossom along side Andre Iguodala. The European sharpshooter, if healthy, will have a lot of opportunities to knock down jumpers in the high pace Nuggest's offense led by Ty Lawson and Head Coach George Karl.

It's pretty easy to say Jeremy Lin will be 100% owned this year in Fantasy Basketball leagues but it's important to know why. Lin will lead a revamped Rockets roster that includes Kevin Martin, Omer Asik, Chandler Parsons and rookies Royce White and Terrence Jones. I gave Houston an A grade for this year's past draft, especially for the White pick.

I will begin work on my Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide in the coming weeks.

If you have any more Fantasy Basketball questions or Keeper dilemas feel free to post them as a comment or send them to me via Twitter @Awies28.

Alex Wiesner
September 23rd, 2012
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