Fantasy Friday: Preseason Pickers

The Preseason has been great. It has given us a preview of some great players and has given us a picture of what they will be like in the regular season. Take a look at the guys you need to pick up.

10. Nikola Vucevic: Well, this man can play basketball. We know he can rebound and we know he can score. But one thing Vucevic has shown us in the preseason is his passing and defense has improved. He had a great 5 blocks total so far and 4 steals. He also has 10 assists in 6 games. He is looking pretty snazzy, and improved. His recent 24 points and 14 rebounds game makes it seem like you need Vooch on your fantasy team.

9. Kyle Lowry: He doesn't look much better from last season, but the reason why he is on here is because people were very concerned when he played very poorly in the playoffs, but I can assure you Lowry is just fine. And if 40 points in 1 preseason game isn't enough, I don't know what is.

8. Nicolas Batum: Batum looks better than he ever has. This fantasy stats filler looks great in a lot of categories. He has had 2 double-doubles so far and he has passed the ball well. He will be a key player for the Hornets and looks like he will be filling the stat sheet.

7. Paul George: Nobody was really sure how Paul George was going to do, but I can assure you PG-13 is looking great. He has shown us a double-double and a 35 point night. He has scored and passed the ball, and is looking mighty fine on the court.

6. Andre Drummond: There was some questioning whether Andre Drummond would get more offensive opportunities when Greg Monroe went to the Bucks, and it seems like he is getting more opportunities. So far, in 7 games, Drummond has not scored less than 12 points in a game. He also had a 21 point night and is looking very strong offensively. Of course, Drummond's best area is his defense and his rebounding. He has 6 blocks and 6 steals total along with 88 rebounds. All of this being in just 7 games, where Drummond isn't playing many minutes. Expect him to be very strong offensively and defensively when the season comes along.

5. C.J. McCollum: This man is going to be in the running for 6th man of the year and most improved player. He has been doing a great job of scoring, rebounding, and passing the basketball, and he has been doing it at a high rate. How is 18.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.6 RPG, and shooting 40.5% from the 3-point line not impressive.

4. Jeremy Lin: Surprise, Surprise, Jeremy Lin is coming back, but this time he is more of a role player. He might just be the best role player out there, and he is going to be a steal in the draft, mainly because he has been going undrafted. While he didn't look so great with the Lakers, he has averaged 15.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 47.1% from the 3-point line in 6 games with the Charlotte Hornets. Great job Jeremy!

3. Derrick Williams: Honestly, I don't even know how I can put this man at number 3 and not in a higher position because this mans preseason performance has been absolutely spectacular. This man is going to be on the free agents list for your league most likely, so pick him up. He has averaged 16.2 PPG, and 3.8 RPG. I'm asking myself, do I even know this player? Derrick Williams will give you points. Derrick Williams, didn't see that coming.

2. Gerald Green: Nobody could foresee a guy who just got a finger amputated, averaging 16.9 PPG, and shooting 41.2% from deep. But he has done it and Gerald Green is looking better than ever as we are seeing him hit some clutch shots lately. Good for Green!

1. John Jenkins: Who? The man who is averaging 20.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 1.5 APG, that is who. John Jenkins is averaging stats nobody who even dream of him averaging. He has done the impossible and hopefully it carries over to the regular season. Pick him up now, before someone else does.

Fantasy Fridays: Rebounders

Rebounders can give you a great amount of points, especially if your league gives you a great amount of points for boards. So why not give you the best rebounders for the 2015-16 season.

10. LaMarcus Aldridge: Last season he averaged 10.2 RPG. Now that he is with the Spurs, I expect that to go up since he doesn't have a great rebounding center like Robin Lopez. Not to mention, LaMarcus is most likely going to be more focused on rebounding and more and not as focused on scoring.

9. Rudy Gobert: The rising increase in popularity for Rudy Gobert isn't for no reason, and he has the numbers to prove it. Last season he averaged 9.5 RPG, but it obviously increased since the second half of the season. Gobert is going to be hard to get though, since he is rated so high on the rankings and I really don't recommend drafting him so high at where he is positioned.

8. Nikola Vucevic: This man is a boss on the boards, and is very underrated. Vucevic will give you boards but I don't expect his numbers to rise. In fact, I expect his numbers to decrease. The reason why is that his team is stacked with developing players that are really athletic and can rebound that basketball. I honestly don't think he will average 10.9 RPG next season.

7. Hassan Whiteside: Trust me, this guy will get a minutes increase. He won't be playing as much as LeBron of course, but he will average more minutes. That means his 10 RPG from last season, will increase. Chris Bosh isn't a rebounder, and Hassan is going to be the Heat's main man for rebounding.

6. Anthony Davis: Some people say Davis is the best fantasy player in the NBA. I say, yeah, he is. And his rebound numbers show why. However, Davis is not the best rebounder, and his rebounding numbers will not go up. The problem is, there is only so much numbers you can put up in a game, and most likely he will be more focused on offense as Asik will be focused on rebounds.

5. Kevin Love: After having a down season, I expect Kevin Love to have a major increase in his numbers, especially in his rebounds category. Love has been a top 5 rebounder and has had amazing rebounding when he was with the Wolves. I don't think his numbers will be back to his Minnesota times, but I think he will average a great amount of points.

4. DeMarcus Cousins: Why isn't he higher? Well, Willey Cauley-Stein is going to take some of his rebounding numbers, it is as simple as that. He is going to be a top rebounder, he just won't do as good.

3. Greg Monroe: You are probably saying, "Aaron, what is wrong with you?" What, you don't believe me? Greg Monroe averaged 10.2 RPG while his teammate averaged 13.5 RPG. Now that he is with the Bucks, he will see a big increase in rebounds. He could average over 14 RPG next season.

2. DeAndre Jordan: 15 RPG last season. What else do I need to say. Not much. He lead the league in rebounding last season, that is all you need to know.

1. Andre Drummond: He averaged 13.5 RPG and that will likely increase. Now that his teammate, Greg Monroe, that averaged 10.2 RPG last season, is now with the Bucks, Drummond is going to be the best rebounder in the NBA. He will be unstoppable on the board and he is an unknown player. Drummond is the best rebounder to get next season.

Fantasy Fridays: Centers

It is the last of the positions that we have covered that you need for a great overall fantasy team. They are the main rebounders, blockers, and low post scorers. In order for your team to be successful, you need centers. So why not get the best of the centers? Here are the top ten.

10. Dwight Howard: Yes, it is Superman himself. Averaging 15.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.3 Blocks per game, and 1.2 APG, Dwight Howard had a pretty good season stats wise. But last season, we learned that Superman wasn't as invincible as we thought. Despite averaging pretty good numbers last season, Dwight Howard played only 41 games. That's half the season. Yeah, pretty bad, am I right? So if you do grab Dwight, buyer beware, he could be out for half the season.

9. Al Horford: The Hawks had a great season partially because of him. And he is one heck of a fantasy player. I really think anybody who gets him will profit. While he averaged 15.2 PPG, 1.3 Blocks, 7.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals, his assisting numbers were what caught my eye. Last season he averaged 3.2 APG! You will definitely find numbers that you won't get from any other centers with Al Horford.

8. Brook Lopez: He demonstrated last year that he has the ability to stay healthy as he played in 72 games. And last year, he had some great numbers as he averaged, 17.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.8 Blocks, and 0.6 steals. While you do have the risk for him to be injured, Brook Lopez can be really productive, especially now that Deron Williams is gone. Are you willing to take the risk is what you have to ask yourself.

7. Al Jefferson: Big Al had an okay season last year, but it was a big disappointment from the season he had before. In the 2013-14 season, Al averaged 21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 Blocks. I mean, that is wonderful numbers there Al. But last season, everything dropped except for his blocks. His points went down to 16.6 PPG, and his rebounds went down to 8.4 RPG. Al might just have a rebound season however. He very well could. If he does, it will be rewarding.

6. Nikola Vucevic: This man had a breakout season, last season as he averaged 19.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2 APG, and shot 52% from the field. He is not the best defensively but he will get you rebounds and score. He is going to most likely a sleeper so watch him closely and get him if he is a steal.

5. Marc Gasol: As great of a player Marc is, he is not the best when it comes to fantasy. However, Marc is still at the beginning of his career, and can improve offensively, he is a great defender. Last season he averaged 1.9 blocks and 0.9 steals. One thing that many people miss when they look at Marc's stats is his assisting number. Last season, he averaged 3.8 APG, along with 17.4 PPG, and 7.8 RPG. He is a good fantasy player, don't sleep on him.

4.  Hassan Whiteside: One of the best fantasy pickups that has ever happened from the waivers, happened last season. That was when Hassan had 12 blocks, 14 Points, and 13 Rebounds on Nation television. And Hassan will most likely see a big increase in playing time and I do expect him to become an all-star this next season. I do expect a lot of blocks, rebounds, and points from Hassan this season.

3. Greg Monroe: I honestly think that Greg Monroe will have his best season yet. After having a double-double season last year, Greg Monroe is at the best point of his life, and I expect him to average about 20 PPG, and 12 RPG. Not to mention, he might not be a great blocker, but Monroe can definitely steal the ball as he averaged 1.1 steals last year. Greg Monroe will be a great player to have on your fantasy team.

2. DeAndre Jordan: He lead the league in rebounds (15) and field goal percentage (71%). Not to mention he averaged 1 steal per game and 2.3 blocks. He only scores 12.1 PPG but scoring should be the reason why you got him. DeAndre Jordan is a player unlike any other. Get him if you can.

1. DeMarcus Cousins: He averaged 24.1 PPG last season along with 12.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 Steals, and 1.7 blocks. He may average 4.3 turnovers and 4.1 fouls, but how can you argue with these stats. You really can't. He may have some downsides, but he is a beast on both offense and defense and is a great rebounder. Take DeMarc.

Well, there you have it, all five position worth of the top 10 fantasy players at their positions. If you want the other positions, click here. Well, hope you do well with your fantasy team. Until next week... Aaron Jaros. 

Fantasy Friday: Sleepers (Aug. 14)

Well, when you are picking people to be on your fantasy roster, there are those who you will want to pick, but then there are the people who you won't even think about picking, so I'm going to tell you who those people are. They are, the sleepers.

10. Derrick Favors: This guys averages 16 PPG, 8 RPG, and 1.5 APG last season. This season will be even better for the guy if he can stay healthy. He will really help you on the defensive end as he averaged over 1 block per game last season.

9. Ricky Rubio: This guy might give you the occasional 20 point game, but he is much more valuable on the other categories. He will for sure give you the assists as he dished out about 8.8 APG last season. He will also rebound for you as Rubio is a big rebounder. Last, he will give you steals, many of them. He has been second in the league in steals 2 years. You might be concerned Rubio won't be healthy but he has been through an 82 game season. It will be a risk if you take him.

8. Wesly Matthews: This man can really help you on offense as he makes almost 3 three pointers a game but can also be a big help on defense I don't know how he will fit on the Mavs but I'm assuming his defensive numbers will go up on that team.

7. Eric Bledsoe: This is a great PG to have on your fantasy team. He will give you offense but he will also rebounds and assists as he averaged 5.2 RPG and about 6 APG. I would pick this defiantly pick this guy up if you can. He is a great fantasy guy.

6. Reggie Jackson: Averaging about 17 PPG with the Pistons last season, Reggie Jackson is looking like a guy that no one seems to be noticing. He will give you scoing and assists. I don't think that he will really be a guy you can rely on to do anything else. And I don't have a clue if he will do really good next to a guy like Branndon Jennings. If you do get Jackson, It should be for scoring and assists.

5. DeMar DeRozan: He is one of the best players on here but I put him at number 5 only because this guy will not be a huge sleeper that everyone skips over. If he does fall to you, I would recommend picking him up. He averaged a quite 20 PPG last season and other than his 3pt%, he doesn't have many downsides.

4. Gordon Hayward: I think Hayward will be a guy that people will pass up on a lot. He averaged a good 19 PPG last season and has contributed in every area for the Jazz. He can shoot the 3 and can help you out with steals. I would pick him up in a heartbeat.

3. Rudy Gay: You absolutely need to watch this guy. He is not only a scoring machine averaging about 21 PPG, but he does everything else. This guy is a wonderful fantasy guy. He would be at number 1 but I think people won't sleep on him as much as the other people, but if this guy come to you, pick him up!

2. Brook Lopez: This guy will give you the FG%, rebounds, scoring, and blocks if he is healthy. He is a risk, a really big risk. However, if he is healthy, he will be a great person to have on your fantasy team. I think that his scoring load will increase now that Deron Williams has left and I believe that he could be even better in fantasy this year. This all will depend on his health though.

1. Nikola Vucevic: This guy is the ultimate fantasy sleeper. You wouldn't really think about Vucevic when you think of the Magic, but that is who you should think of. He is really going to be an offensive guy as he averages over 19 PPG and 2 assists. Not to mention, this guy shot about 52% from the field. The biggest thing is that he is one of few people to average a double-double as he had 10.9 RPG. This would be the sleeper to pick up if he falls down to you. Get Vucevic if you can. He will make you team so much better.

Remember, sleepers aren't always the best available, so don't pick Vucevic if you have the #1 pick. Don't do it! But if people pass on these guys, get em!