Rotowire's Andre' Snellings ranks the top players in fantasy hoops...
| Name | position | Notes |
| James, LeBron (MIA) | F | Best actual player, poised for leap with post game and motivation from last season |
| Durant, Kevin (OKC) | F | Consensus #1 in roto leagues, for very good reason |
| Paul, Chris (LAC) | G | If I knew for sure he'd play 60 games, Paul might be #1. Great situation in LA but history of injury |
| Rose, Derrick (CHI) | G | Last year made MVP leap, and has room to improve |
| Love, Kevin (MIN) | C | If he manages to improve on last year's breakout, will challenge for #1 slot next season |
| Westbrook, Russell (OKC) | G | If adds a 3-ptr per game would challenge Durant for best roto prospect on Thunder |
| Wade, Dwyane (MIA) | G | Consistently great; compact schedule favors young vets in their primes |
| Anthony, Carmelo (NY) | F | I've said it before, but if he keeps making 2 treys/game his stats will be as good as Durant's |
| Gasol, Pau (LAL) | C | Either holds more responsibility in LA with Odom gone or goes to be the franchise player on another team. Win-win. |
| Howard, Dwight (ORL) | C | Added strong steals last year; 5 dominant categories enough to counter FT%? Top-5 worthy in head-to-head leagues |
| Curry, Stephen (GS) | G | Would be higher if not for his trick ankle; Adding strong all-around game to all-world scoring and treys |
| Williams, Deron (NJ) | G | Should be poised for a big year in New Jersey, especially if he has any free agent motivation |
| Ellis, Monta |
Rotowire's Andre' Snellings ranks the top players in fantasy hoops...
| Name | position | Notes |
| James, LeBron (MIA) | F | Best actual player, poised for leap with post game and motivation from last season |
| Durant, Kevin (OKC) | F | Consensus #1 in roto leagues, for very good reason |
| Paul, Chris (LAC) | G | If I knew for sure he'd play 60 games, Paul might be #1. Great situation in LA but history of injury |
| Rose, Derrick (CHI) | G | Last year made MVP leap, and has room to improve |
| Love, Kevin (MIN) | C | If he manages to improve on last year's breakout, will challenge for #1 slot next season |
| Westbrook, Russell (OKC) | G | If adds a 3-ptr per game would challenge Durant for best roto prospect on Thunder |
| Wade, Dwyane (MIA) | G | Consistently great; compact schedule favors young vets in their primes |
| Anthony, Carmelo (NY) | F | I've said it before, but if he keeps making 2 treys/game his stats will be as good as Durant's |
| Gasol, Pau (LAL) | C | Either holds more responsibility in LA with Odom gone or goes to be the franchise player on another team. Win-win. |
| Howard, Dwight (ORL) | C | Added strong steals last year; 5 dominant categories enough to counter FT%? Top-5 worthy in head-to-head leagues |
| Curry, Stephen (GS) | G | Would be higher if not for his trick ankle; Adding strong all-around game to all-world scoring and treys |
| Williams, Deron (NJ) | G | Should be poised for a big year in New Jersey, especially if he has any free agent motivation |
| Ellis, Monta (GS) | G | Has been an ironman with minutes the last few years, and production just keeps coming. |
| Bryant, Kobe (LAL) | G | Was poised for a beast season, but wrist injury is worrisome |
| Evans, Tyreke (SAC) | G | Appears healthy, if so poised for a monster come back this season |
| Griffin, Blake (LAC) | F | FT% is his Achilles heel in standard rankings, but could be poised for Derrick Rose-like leap this season |
| Nowitzki, Dirk (DAL) | F | Tried and true, consistent, excellent. Only question is if team rests him more in packed schedule |
| Jefferson, Al (UTA) | C | Finished last season (post-Williams trade) strong, seems poised to continue from there |
| Stoudemire, Amar'e (NY) | C | Roto feast when healthy and featured, but health (knees/back) always a question mark and Carmelo/Chandler could impact his scoring/rebounding chances |
| Smith, Josh (ATL) | F | Supposedly lost a lot of weight and came back even more explosive; had a strong preseason as well |
| Gordon, Eric (NOR) | G | Already seemed poised to explode any time based on strong early career; now as featured guy the only thing possibly between Gordon and the roto elite is health history |
| Aldridge, LaMarcus (POR) | F | Any time a player has heart concerns is worrying, especially with Portland's injury history, but broke out in a major way last year and should still be the man in Portland this year |
| Rondo, Rajon (BOS) | G | Same refrain, if he could shoot would be all-world. Schedule will cause Celts to rely on him even more than usual |
| Horford, Al (ATL) | F | He's like a junior "Big Fundamental"…young and consistently good production, but doesn't capture public attention |
| Lee, David (GS) | F | Wasn't as elite last season as he had been in previous years, but is healthy again and has had a dominant preseason |
| Wallace, Gerald (POR) | F | Came off the bench for awhile after being traded to Portland last season, but grew back into a big roto-producing role in new digs |
| Holiday, Jrue (PHI) | G | Quietly joined the roto elite last season, and still young/on the way up |
| Wall, John (WAS) | G | Completely overshadowed by fellow "rookie" Blake Griffin last year, Wall also has Rose-leap potential this season |
| Nash, Steve (PHO) | G | Was still brilliant last season before hip injury slowed him; age and health vs potential for dominance? |
| Granger, Danny (IND) | F | Always a strong roto player, but easily overlooked |
| Martin, Kevin (HOU) | G | Consistently strong scorer with great FT% effect, and quietly played 80 games last year to relieve "fragile" reputation |
| Gay, Rudy (MEM) | F | Was breaking out before injury last season, but maybe different dynamic after Randolph/Gasol dominated in postseason |
| Bogut, Andrew (MIL) | C | His elbow is finally healthy and he's already speaking of increasing scoring into the upper teens with elite defense…expecting huge things |
| Ginobili, Manu (SAN) | G | Was MVP candidate for the first half of last season before wore down; scary with the compacted schedule and injury history, but capable of top-10 production if healthy |
| Randolph, Zach (MEM) | F | Went into beast-mode in last year's playoffs, but still no defense and shots could go down with Rudy Gay back and healthy |
| Odom, Lamar (DAL) | F | Appears to be a perfect fit in Dallas, and may have a larger team role than he had with the Lakers |
| Ibaka, Serge (OKC) | F | Broke out last season, and should only be better moving forward |
| Iguodala, Andre (PHI) | G | Still great potential, but took a bit of a back seat to Jrue Holiday for the 76ers last year |
| Garnett, Kevin (BOS) | F | Age and injury have slowed him, but bounced back last season and is being asked to take on a larger scorer role this year |
| Scola, Luis (HOU) | F | Has been underrated for the last couple years, and still is. Unless and until Houston manages to bag a Gasol, Scola remains the man |
| Conley, Jr., Mike (MEM) | G | Conley is the 5th most recognized name on his team, but he may finish highest in the rankings |
| Billups, Chauncey (LAC) | G | Went from the penthouse (PG for Knicks) to the outhouse (backing up Chris Paul) back into a valuable slot as the starting SG on a team that should get him a lot of open looks |
| Gortat, Marcin (PHO) | C | Everyone's favorite "sleeper" center after he played so well post-trade to Phoenix last season |
| Wright, Dorell (GS) | F | Will the transition from Nelly's system to Mark Jackson's hurt his production? So much of his value tied into scoring and treys. |
| Blatche, Andray (WAS) | F | Thought he would dominate last season after breaking out the season before, but was just good…this could |
| Gasol, Marc (MEM) | C | Made his name and his contract with last season's playoffs, but was already showing signs of developing roto goodness last season |
| Bynum, Andrew (LAL) | C | When healthy, one of the best centers in NBA. Always an injury risk, but Odom trade means he will get bigger role this year |
| Noah, Joakim (CHI) | F | Strong defensive numbers, though the strong frontcourt of the Bulls and nagging injuries ate into his potential last season |
| Jackson, Stephen (MIL) | G | Always strong, and should be one of the featured scorers in Milwaukee |
| Deng, Luol (CHI) | G | Consistent near-20 point threat with solid peripheral categories |
| Parker, Tony (SAN) | G | Doesn't shoot the trey, but otherwise very valuable and could be relied upon more in the condensed schedule with Duncan and Manu being older |
| Jennings, Brandon (MIL) | G | Burned me last year, as I projected him a top-30 player. If he improves shot even a little bit, could get there this year |
| Pierce, Paul (BOS) | G | Shot career best percentages while still producing almost 20 ppg last season |
| Beasley, Michael (MIN) | F | Offensive break-out last season before nagging injuries slowed him, should be even better this year |
| Gallinari, Danilo (DEN) | F | Could end up as the best player in Denver this season, especially with so many of his former teammates stuck playing in China |
| Boozer, Carlos (CHI) | F | Looking for a big bounce-back this year out of Boozer. I think he approaches his Utah numbers |
| Cousins, DeMarcus (SAC) | F | Still hugely talented, with attitude the biggest question mark; Lots of potential and upside here |
| Hibbert, Roy (IND) | C | Broke out early last season before he wore down, should be better equipped to handle the larger role this year |
| Johnson, Joe (ATL) | G | Johnson's star has fallen in the last few years, from roto elite to tertiary option on his own team |
| Matthews, Wesley (POR) | G | Came out of nowhere to replace Brandon Roy last year; now the incumbant, should still be good though Jamal Crawford waits in the wings |
| Bosh, Chris (MIA) | F | Won't return to Toronto numbers, but expecting a better fit and more producting in year 2 of Miami's Big Three |
| Hilario, Nene (DEN) | C | Much like Al Horford, he's consisently solid but not flashy as he produces year in/year out |
| DeRozan, DeMar (TOR) | G | Arrived on the seen with some dominant scoring at mid-season, should be even better this year |
| Humphries, Kris (NJ) | F | Burst onto the roto big stage with man-sized double-doubles last season, will have larger role early with Brook Lopez out |
| McGee, JaVale (WAS) | C | Ridiculously talented, and the only question mark is his maturity |
| Irving, Kyrie (CLE) | G | Early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year; Once "earns" starting spot should be focus of Cavs offense this season |
| Monroe, Greg (DET) | F | Became a double-double machine as a rookie, should be even better as a sophmore |
| Lowry, Kyle (HOU) | G | Was a surprise last year, taking advantage of Aaron Brooks' injury and subsequent trade. This year he is the incumbent |
| Kidd, Jason (DAL) | G | Keeps getting older and older, but remains roto relevant even as he slows down |
| Augustin, D.J. (CHR) | G | Had a solid season after winning the position battle with Ray Felton last season, but in a new battle now to hold off Kemba Walker |
| Terry, Jason (DAL) | G | His role and production are very well established, and after his big playoff performance his swag should remain strong |
| Allen, Ray (BOS) | G | Still one of the best 3-point shooters in the game, even in the back half of his thirties |
| Bargnani, Andrea (TOR) | F | A bit of a one-trick pony as a scorer, but still valuable production from a center |
| Felton, Raymond (POR) | G | Was borderline dominant in NY, then slowed way down in Denver. Gets a fresh start in Portland, and should be solid |
| Lawson, Ty (DEN) | G | Expected to be the man at PG for the Nuggets, but Andre' Miller has been great in the preseason in injury relief |
| Millsap, Paul (UTA) | F | Still a strong producer, but ouchy injury has opened the dor for Derrick Favors to possibly snake some of his minutes |
| Dudley, Jared (PHO) | F | Appears to have the leg-up on Shannon Brown in the battle for starting shooting guard in Phoenix |
| Harden, James (OKC) | G | Was very high on him when I thought he would start this year; still looking for good improvement |
| Collison, Darren (IND) | G | Wasn't quite as good as expected in his feature role with the Pacers last season, but serviceable if can hold off George Hill to maintain starting role |
| Duncan, Tim (SAN) | F | Getting older, and likely will rest at times with the packed season schedule, but still one of the better roto centers in game |
| West, David (IND) | F | Recovered from knee injury earlier than expected; not 100% but already back on court. Game should fit well in Indiana |
| Brand, Elton (PHI) | F | Showed that he is still among the better roto options in the game, and is center eligible in many leagues |
| Jordan, DeAndre (LAC) | C | The Kaman trade and entrance of Chris Paul drives his value through the roof; may shoot 70% from field off all dunks |
| Harris, Devin (UTA) | G | Never made the leap, but is in a good situation to produce as the starting PG inUtah |
| Allen, Tony (MEM) | G | Burst onto the scene last season after Rudy Gay went down, will be interesting to see if he can maintain his role with Gy back |
| Afflalo, Arron (DEN) | G | A very solid real life player that earned a big contract with a big season last year; no huge strengths nor weakenesses in game |
| Turkoglu, Hidayet (ORL) | F | Came back into fantasy relevance with Magic trade last season, but is getting older and would likely be less valuable if Howard leaves |
| Hill, George (IND) | G | Was strong as a shooter in San Antonio, has to battle Collison for starting gig in Indiana; should knock down treys either way |
| Delfino, Carlos (MIL) | G | Has played well when healthy for two straight seasons, and should continue to do so this year |
| Maggette, Corey (CHR) | G | Perhaps the most talented scorer on a talent-depleted Bobcats team; health is the major concern |
| Crawford, Jamal (POR) | G | Different team, same role; expect him to score, knock down the trey; may spend some time at PG as well |
| Douglas, Toney (NY) | G | Currently a primary role as point guard for a D'Antoni system, but eventually expected to lose time when Baron Davis returns |
| Batum, Nicolas (POR) | G | Was everyone's favorite sleeper last season, but Wes Matthews stole his thunder. Still lurking |
| Teague, Jeff (ATL) | G | Has opportunity to win starting job in Atlanta if he can stay healthy for long enough; if holds job has sleeper potential |
| Chandler, Tyson (NY) | C | In NY this year, expected to bring same defensive character he brought to Dallas. Expect rebounds and blocks as long as he's healthy |
| Richardson, Jason (ORL) | G | Numbers fell off a cliff when he moved from Phoenix to Orlando; No reason he shouldn't bounce back a bit |
| Jack, Jarrett (NOR) | G | Unexpectedly the new starting point guard in New Orleans after the Chris Paul trade; has history of posting good numbers as starter |
| Salmons, John (SAC) | F | Usually strong in first season with a new team then questionable in following seasons |
| Kaman, Chris (NOR) | C | Went from battling DeAndre Jordan to battling Emeka Okafor for minutes, but could have larger role in offense if earns the minutes |
| Budinger, Chase (HOU) | G | Has proven himself a mid-teens scorer with good treys when starting, which he should this year |
| Casspi, Omri (CLE) | F | Sleeper candidate; averaged almost 11 points, 5+ boards and 1.6 treys last season for Kings, expected to have bigger role for Cavs this year |
| Gordon, Ben (DET) | G | Should have bigger role in Detroit with Rip Hamilton gone, could bounce back a bit towards what he used to be in Chicago |
| Lewis, Rashard (WAS) | F | Numbers fell off badly last season, was injured in Washington. Doesn't seem to fit their youth movement, but could be healthier |
| Favors, Derrick (UTA) | F | Had a huge preseason with Paul Millsap ouchy, may have played himself into the line-up; major upside if he earns enough minutes |
| Turner, Evan (PHI) | G | #2 pick in 2010, was slightly disappointing as rookie, could really break out as sophomore if he wins the starting job (had good preseason) |
| Williams, Derrick (MIN) | F | May be most talented player in his draft class, trying to find minutes in crowded Timberwolves frontcourt |
| Dalembert, Samuel (HOU) | C | Finds a way to be productive on the glass and blocks wherever he goes; Houston should be no exception |
| Thornton, Marcus (SAC) | G | Strong scoring presence for Kings for as long as he holds the starting SG job, which he holds coming out of camp |
| Landry, Carl (NOR) | F | Landry is like a slightly poor man's David West, and enters season as the starter in New Orleans |
| Haywood, Brendan (DAL) | C | Poised for a bounce-back season as starting C in Dallas with Chandler gone |
| George, Paul (IND) | F | We've been waiting for his upside to pan out for a little while now…could start to see more this year |
| Mayo, O.J. (MEM) | G | Took a major step back last year, but still has the ability if he can get off bench. If the twice-failed trade to Indiana ever happens it could be a big help |
| Miller, Andre (DEN) | G | The back-up to Ty Lawson in Denver, but had double-digit assists in both preseason games as injury replacement and has good relationship with Karl…keep an eye on him |
| Walker, Kemba (CHR) | G | One of the more intriguing rookies; Good upside on a team devoid of talent, especially if he can start earning more point guard minutes over incumbent D.J. Augustin |
| Carter, Vince (DAL) | G | No telling if he has anything left in the tank. Looked bad last year, but joins the cast of 30-something former stars in Dallas |
| Young, Thaddeus (PHI) | F | Still young enough to improve; Game not dominant, but can be productive with minutes |
| Nelson, Jameer (ORL) | G | Supposedly lost weight and came back in great shape, but preseason performance wasn't inspiring and his value would change tremendously if Howard leaves |
| Camby, Marcus (POR) | C | 37 years old, history of injury, and already battling a sore knee. On the other hand, if he gets anywhere near 25 minutes/game is good for 10 boards and two blocks |
| Varejao, Anderson (CLE) | F | Was having a career year before his season-ending injury, should pick back up this year |
| Williams, Louis (PHI) | G | Williams is a prototype scoring sixth man, making his upside range in the Jamal Crawford/Jason Terry realm |
| Johnson, Amir (TOR) | F | Starting center for Toronto; a good per-minute player that looks to get more minutes this year; double-double potential, stated goal to be the NBA Defensive Player of Year |
| Jamison, Antawn (CLE) | F | Productive when healthy, but now in his mid-30s and coming off of injury so health not a guarantee. Nevertheless, still has 20 ppg potential if can hold off Tristan Thompson as starting PF |
| Johnson, Wesley (MIN) | F | Rookie didn't burst onto the scene as expected last season after nagging hammy injury early; could bounce back in year two |
| Crawford, Jordan (WAS) | G | Good scorer; expected to be sixth man for Wizards; Upside in Ben Gordon range |
| Okafor, Emeka (NOR) | C | Battling Chris Kaman for minutes, and not longer able to play off of Chris Paul…bad news for both his minutes and his production |
| Young, Nick (WAS) | G | Had a breakout season last year, and now that he is re-signed to a one year deal he should continue to put up numbers this year |
| Gibson, Taj (CHI) | F | Stuck behind the Bulls' talented starting bigs, but showed last season that he can put up starters production in cse of injury |
| McGrady, Tracy (ATL) | F | Played well in spurts for Pistons last season, and this summer expressed confidence in a return to form this year |
| Patterson, Patrick (HOU) | F | Sat beside his agent on a plane last summer, was cool guy; Patterson was surprisingly effective in short starting bursts |
| Diaw, Boris (CHR) | F | Weighing in over 300 pounds to play center; extra weight slows and provides injury risk; Numbers have been consistent for last few years |
| Calderon, Jose (TOR) | G | Still the starter for now, but could lose job to Jerryd Bayless and I wouldn't be surprised |
| Battier, Shane (MIA) | F | Looks like a role player in Miami, though could get some time at PF in a "small" line-up |
| Bayless, Jerryd (TOR) | G | May be best lead guard on Toronto, though currently he's behind Jose Calderon on the depth chart |
| Marion, Shawn (DAL) | F | Well into his decline, now more of an all-around role player with no dominant category |
| Frye, Channing (PHO) | F | Was a fantasy revelation early last season, but battling to keep his starting job this year |
| Stuckey, Rodney (DET) | G | Just signed a new contract, and though may play more SG this year still should provide a mix of scoring and assists |
| Neal, Gary (SAN) | G | Was strong enough as rookie that George Hill was shown the door; Could improve as sophomore |
| Rubio, Ricky (MIN) | G | Is he all flash, or is there some substance? Can he shoot well enough to be effective? Worth a late-round flyer |
| Williams, Maurice (LAC) | G | Could still have solid value as 6th man |
| Davis, Baron (NY) | G | Injury prognosis went from 8 - 10 weeks to 4 - 8 after Knicks picked him up; if closer to 4 weeks, Davis could be pretty valuable as the starting PG in a D'Antoni system |
| Ariza, Trevor (NOR) | F | Unsure if can hold off Aminu to keep starting job |
| Jefferson, Richard (SAN) | F | Was a great source of treys last season, and with him apparently not being amnestied, should reprise that role this year |
| Blair, DeJuan (SAN) | F | No upside, but still has near double-double potential and the chance to play starter's minutes. |
| Hill, Grant (PHO) | F | Keeps getting older and older, but remains roto relevant as long as he's playing |
| Thomas, Tyrus (CHR) | F | Solid rebounding and block potential, and is center eligible in some leagues |
| Okur, Mehmet (UTA) | C | Should post very solid numbers for the first two months with Brook Lopez out |
| Redick, J.J. (ORL) | G | Once a shooter, always a shooter |
| Fredette, Jimmer (SAC) | G | I've already seen some writers trying to fit the "Tebow" tag on him, and the season hasn't even started yet |
| Lopez, Brook (NJ) | C | Fractured foot could sideline him for almost half of the season |
| Knight, Brandon (DET) | G | Another promising rookie vying for minutes |
Others that Caught My Eye
| Name | position | Notes |
| Kirilenko, Andrei () | F | Still unsure if he's playing in America, for who, or when he might start. Other than that, he's a solid late/mid pick |
| Miles, C.J. (UTA) | G | Role in rotation not set, but when given minutes can hit the three and score in the mid-teens |
| Hamilton, Richard (CHI) | G | Should be a solid scorer in Chicago, but lesser and doesn't do much else |
| Thompson, Tristan (CLE) | F | Lottery rookie expected to start season behind Jamison, but has talent to carve out larger role as season goes along |
| Brown, Shannon (PHO) | G | Battling with Jared Dudley for starting SG slot, but appears to be more in line to be the sixth man. Seems made to be finisher for fastbreaking team like Suns |
| Fields, Landry (NY) | F | Started last season like gangbusters then slowed dramatically; has to prove that fast start wasn't a fluke |
| Bass, Brandon (BOS) | F | Currently a back-up, but could end up getting near starters minutes in the older and injury risk Celtics frontcourt |
| Aminu, Al-Farouq (NOR) | F | Has upside and could earn more minutes on a Hornets team depleted of talent |
| Udoh, Ekpe (GS) | F | Has worked on his offense, but still a bit of a defense specialist that is competing for PT; would need Ibaka-like leap for relevance, but already a great shot-blocker |
| Davis, Ed (TOR) | F | Had solid rookie year, but slated to back up Toronto's best player which limits his minutes upside |
| Fernandez, Rudy (DEN) | G | Good potential, but has been disgruntled and moved around a lot the last couple of seasons. Unknown role in Denver |
| Henderson, Gerald (CHR) | G | Was strong to finish last season, but had offseason hip surgery to relieve knee pain; role player on a team devoid of talent |
| Arenas, Gilbert () | G | Can't find a team. But when he does, reasonable chance to be one of the top-150 players in the league |
| Hickson, J.J. (SAC) | F | Was at one time expected to be a future leader in Cleveland, now competing with others (including DeMarcus Cousins) for big man minutes in Sacramento |
| Anderson, Ryan (ORL) | F | Should score double-digits, grab around six boards, and knock down two treys per game; Solid perimeter role player numbers |
| Haslem, Udonis (MIA) | F | Garbageman, always solid |
| Meeks, Jodie (PHI) | G | Hanging onto the starting SG job in Philly for dear life, with Evan Turner breathing down his neck |
| Butler, Caron (LAC) | F | Worth at least paying attention to as starting SF on talented team, but likely the fifth option and doesn't do much else outside of scoring |
| McRoberts, Josh (LAL) | F | Should start first four games of season as power forward while Bynum is suspended, and still play solid role in rotation even after Bynum is back |
| Villanueva, Charlie (DET) | F | Always tends to produce solid numbers, whether as a starter or coming off the bench |
| Randolph, Anthony (MIN) | F | May be a permanent enigma; No minutes at all available in Wolves frontcourt rotation; yet somehow it seems certain he'll get to be a garbagetime savior in the fantasy playoffs for someone |
| Davis, Glen (ORL) | F | Could be starting PF for Magic this season, has reasonable scoring potential though rebounds may be pedestrian and no defensive stats to speak of |
| Beaubois, Rodrigue (DAL) | G | Was everyone's favorite sleeper last season before injuries derailed him; enters this season healthy |
| Evans, Reggie (LAC) | F | Has double-digit rebound capability even in a bench role |
| O'Neal, Jermaine (BOS) | F | Was solid when healthy last two seasons, enters season as healthy as he's going to get; should post nice blocked shot numbers |
| Vesely, Jan (WAS) | F | Behind Rashard Lewis on depth chart; athletic but lacks polish |
