This is the first of hopefully many issues of my InsideHoops.com Fantasy Guide contributions. This guide will consist of tips, hot players, and projections for players.  It will be written loosely and is for entertainment purposes only.  If you lose crack money on pay leagues because you follow my advice, I cannot be held responsible for any nervous breakdowns you suffer.
 

This Issue: Top Rookies

Rating The Top 10 Fantasy Rookies:

1. Stromile Swift, PF, Grizzlies: my pick for rookie of the year, and should make a huge impact for the Grizzlies.  Not only can this guy swat shots, but he is extremely explosive down low and will make players work to defend him in the paint.  I would not put 18 ppg 10 rpg past him, along with two blocks a game.  He is a more athletic Antonio McDyess, which is saying a lot, and it's feasible that he could put up McDyess-type numbers in his rookie season provided Shareef and Bibby are willing to share the ball.

2. Kenyon Martin, PF, Nets: will make an impact in his first season, assuming his leg holds up.  Though probably not the best forward coming out of the draft, he could put up around 17 points each game, and grab 8-10 rebounds.  The strongest part of Martin's game is defense and blocking shots.  Assuming he can adjust to battle against real big-men every night, you can expect around two blocks per game.  This makes him a valuable fantasy player for this year and the future.

3. Courtney Alexander, SG, Mavericks: the best scorer to come out of the draft; an offensive pimp.  Every scout who saw him play describes him as NBA-ready and Alexander proved them correct by whooping ass in the summer leagues.  He averaged 23.5 points per contest in one of the leagues and showed he has improved his shot selection and defensive game since college.  Though he still lacks a bit on defense, Courtney has shown he has the all-around skills needed to be a successful player in the league.  The Mavericks will probably be able to start him at SG and move Finley to SF, but even if he does not start, expect Alexander to get big minutes off the bench.  Do not be fooled by low (12th overall) selection in the NBA draft; teams were afraid of his past and questional character, but as we know that does not matter one bit in fantasy sports (e.g. Derrick Coleman, Isiah Rider).  I should note that on draft day Courtney described himself as a "good boy," and says he has always been one. I believe him.  Expect about 17-4-3, and maybe more assists, depending on if they platoon him as a PG.

4. Chris Mihm, C, Cavaliers: the top center coming in this draft.  He was as ready for the NBA as he was ever going to be. Another year in college basketball would have been a waste of time.  Mihm has an NBA game, and basketball smarts.  He should be able to produce good numbers for a fantasy center.  Expect 12-8-2 along with about a block or two per game.

5. Darius Miles, SF, Clippers: still early in development, and isn't physically ready to be a big threat. Miles still must develop a medium range jumper.  The thing that teams found least impressive about Darius was his shooting outside the paint. This will make it even tougher to score for someone who is really too small to be a consistent player inside the paint. However, many teams that saw him play in high school said he could shoot from the perimeter, so this will have to be proven in the NBA.  He will most likely play small forward in LA because of his passing ability and physical build.  He should get about 14-6-3 if not overplayed.

6. Marcus Fizer, SF, Bulls: is really a PF, as evident in his summer league play.  If Chicago doesn't trade him to Portland for Jermaine O'Neal, expect him to turn the ball over a lot, and not get many rebounds from the small forward position.  He will score however, but I am just not high on him, as a SF... and if on the Blazers, I am not high on him at all.

7. Desmond Mason, SG, Sonics: has a good chance to start ahead of the gimp they currently have in Brent Barry.  He is a Shawn Marion type in that he is athletic and very good all-around.  You can expect him to put up good all-around numbers   They can also give him minutes at SF if they feel the need to play Barry.

8. DeShawn Stevenson, SG, Jazz: he's someone I am really high on after watching him play in the summer leagues.  He can shoot and has extremely good court vision.  He is also athletic, and fundamentally sound.  I think Stevenson is even more mentally ready for the NBA than Miles is, and if Jazz management aren't afraid to start a youngster, he could put up very good numbers in his first season.

9. Joel Przybilla, C, Bucks: the obvious starting center for the Bucks, but may not put up huge numbers at first.  The best part of his game by far is shot-blocking.  If he can score, he could be a better fantasy player than Mihm.  Pryzbilla has supposedly added muscle since college and should easily get 10-8 with about two blocks per game.

10. Keyon Dooling, PG, Clippers: don't expect big numbers from him.  He is more of a selfish two guard who will be forced to play the point. You can expect three to four turnovers a game, but his other stats could be somewhat good. How quickly he'll learn to make good decisions and control the ball effectively is anyone's guess.

Also watch for: Jamal Crawford, PG, Bulls; Mateen Cleaves, PG, Pistons; Etan Thomas, PF, Mavericks; Daniel Santiago, C, Suns

Early August, 2000

Next issue: Fantasy Basketball Diamonds in the rough ready to break out
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