Being 5’8 I vicariously live through every big man in the NBA. As an outstanding Center on the YMCA Green team I consistently had 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 fouls every game. My numbers were never fantasy worthy and probably the reason that I spend most of my time analyzing players now instead of making the effort to play. I am hoping that my son has an inkling of a chance, but unfortunately with 5’8, 5’4, 5’6, and 5’7 in the lineage, his hopes are looking very slim. The guys below tower over my ancestors and me, because of this they have the best chance of producing every night for my fantasy hopes and dreams. Below are my 2012 Fantasy Basketball: Top 5 Centers.
Top 5 Centers
1. Dwight Howard: Superman is just that, Superman. Howard is definitely my top ranked Center this year. Playing with the Lakers, he is surrounded by a cast of talented players. This potentially could hurt some of the potential scoring, but on Fantazzle’s leagues he makes up for it through blocks and rebounds. Howard averages 38 minutes per game and scores 20 points a night. This pretty much guarantees us a 20 point head start. The true scoring comes from the average of 14 rebounds a game and 2 blocks a night. I see Dwight as a consistent 30 point guy and will definitely be taking him in all limited lineup games. He may be too pricey in salary leagues, but can be worth the money if you can level out the scoring between cheaper utility players.
2. Al Jefferson: Jefferson is the Jazz and the Jazz revolve around Jefferson. He hasn’t been as consistent in the preseason this year, but when the ball is thrown into the air for the first tip off, Jefferson will be getting the rock. Jefferson is a 20 point 10 rebound guy every night. He doesn’t have the ability to get the blocks that Howard had, but he will be consistent. I feel like his salary point will be lower than a couple of the other guys, so he is definitely a good pickup.
3. Andrew Bynum: In my mind, Bynum is the closest thing to Howard on the list. If he is healthy and stays healthy then he will be my pick in weekly leagues and definitely limited lineup leagues. He had an All-Star season last year and should continue his success. I predict him to have 20 points, 11 rebounds, and at least 1 block a night. Remember this, if he gets healthy and remains that way he is a great pickup.
4. DeMarcus Cousins: Can we say 3 balls! The rumor is that DeMarcus has been told to shoot the 3 more. If Cousin’s can become a consistent 3 ball shooter and continue scoring 18 a game he is definitely a top center. He can be a guy that also gets 11 rebounds a game. Cousin’s isn’t as big a blocker, but he has the ability this year to better his post game and become a 1-2 block a game guy.
5. David Lee: Even though Lee could be considered a Forward in some markets, I consider Lee a center. This gives Golden State two centers, with Lee and Bogut. Bogut isn’t a fantasy star for me, but because of him it puts Lee into more of a center role. He had some health issue last year, but this year he should be fine (performed great during the preseason.) His price point should be a lot better than the first four and he can get you the 20 point 10 rebound games also. Lee is a guy to play on nights when KD and Lebron are must haves!
Tomorrow I will tackle my Top 5 Sleeper Centers and my Top 5 Point Guards. The season is a week away and I am definitely looking forward to cashing in on Fantazzle.
