Here's our first attempt at ranking the top 100 players for standard fantasy NBA leagues.
Players are ranked in terms of overall value in an eight-category (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG% and three pointers made) rotisserie-style league. Allowances have been made for positional scarcity -- players who qualify at center are worth a bit more. Injuries and concerns over playing time are also considered.
The Top 50
1. LeBron James, Cavaliers (SF ) - Most talented player in the league plus "something to prove" after last year's playoffs plus contract year…2. Chris Paul, Hornets (PG ) - The only player not named "LeBron James" in the "first pick overall" conversation
3. Dwyane Wade, Heat (SG ) - Supporting cast is terrible - D-Wade will have to carry most of the load.
4. Kobe Bryant, Lakers (SG ) - Worried that Kobe will rest on his laurels after winning a Shaq-less championship? Me neither.
5. Kevin Durant, Thunder (SF/SG ) - Selection of Oden over Durant looks worse every year.
6. Danny Granger, Pacers (SF ) - Became a fantasy superstar in 2009. Will his numbers look as good if the other Pacers get healthy?
7. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (PF ) - The Mavs are loaded this year - will the addition of Marion hurt Dirk's numbers?
8. Amar'e Stoudemire, Suns (PF/C ) - Eye problems behind him, playing for his next contract.
9. Deron Williams, Jazz (PG ) - Not quite at Chris Paul's level - but closer than you may think.
10. Chris Bosh, Raptors (PF/C ) - Toronto should score a lot of points this season, and Bosh will get more than his share.
11. Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers (SG ) - Doesn't get near as many shot attempts as other superstars -- has plenty of room for statistical improvement.
12. Al Jefferson, Timberwolves (C/PF ) - Coming off a major injury.
13. Pau Gasol, Lakers (PF/C ) - Outstanding complement to Kobe -- qualifies at center, which is a plus.
14. Joe Johnson, Hawks (SG/SF ) - One of the less-hyped 2010 free agents.
15. Andre Iguodala, 76ers (SG/SF ) - Could see some time at the point this season.
16. Steve Nash, Suns (PG ) - Return to up-tempo offense should help his numbers.
17. Dwight Howard, Magic (C ) - Be careful about that free-throw percentage…
18. Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets (SF ) - Outstanding scorer. Could become a more well-rounded player.
19. Chauncey Billups, Nuggets (PG ) - How'd that trade work out for the Pistons?
20. Kevin Garnett, Celtics (PF/SF ) - Have to be wary of players like Garnett -- don't be surprised to see him get extra rest this season.
21. Tim Duncan, Spurs (PF/C ) - Like KG, may get time off to keep him healthy.
22. Caron Butler, Wizards (SF ) - A fantasy superstar when playing at 100% health.
23. Devin Harris, Nets (PG ) - How will he adapt to being the alpha dog?
24. Jason Kidd, Mavericks (PG ) - Very impressive stats last season, and the Mavs are loaded.
25. Vince Carter, Magic (SG/SF ) - First time Carter has played for a contender in a while.
26. David West, Hornets (PF ) - Wildly under-rated power forward, converts a ton of Chris Paul's passes.
27. Gerald Wallace, Bobcats (SF/PF ) - If "Crash" can stay on the floor, he'll contribute in nearly every category.
28. Paul Pierce, Celtics (SG/SF ) - May cede some of the scoring load to a healthy Garnett this year.
29. Josh Smith, Hawks (PF/SF ) - Hasn't become the superstar some expected, but one of the game's top shot-blockers.
30. Rashard Lewis, Magic (SF/PF ) - Will serve a ten-game suspension to start the season.
31. Kevin Martin, Kings (SG ) - One of the league's most efficient scorers.
32. Jose Calderon, Raptors (PG ) - Gaudy assist totals could decrease if the Raptors use Jarrett Jack to take some of the load off Calderon.
33. Carlos Boozer, Jazz (PF ) - Prime candidate to be traded during the season.
34. Antawn Jamison, Wizards (PF ) - A remarkably consistent fantasy performer.
35. Rajon Rondo, Celtics (PG ) - Why did the Celtics want to trade this guy?
36. David Lee, Knicks (PF/C ) - A double-double machine, but a poor defender.
37. Derrick Rose, Bulls (PG ) - Isn't rookie year supposed to be difficult for point guards?
38. Brook Lopez, Nets (C ) - The steal of the 2008 draft.
39. LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers (PF/C ) - Solid, not spectacular. Wondering if Oden's development will hamper Aldridge's progress?
40. Baron Davis, Clippers (PG ) - Could be the heart of a much-improved Clipper team.
41. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies (SF/PF ) - Additions of Iverson and Randolph make me wary of all Grizzlies.
42. Mo Williams, Cavaliers (PG ) - Remember, Shaq's an excellent passer -- Williams should get plenty of spot-up looks.
43. Tony Parker, Spurs (PG ) - Remarkably, he's still just 27 years old.
44. Troy Murphy, Pacers (PF/C ) - A rare combination: rebounding and three-point shooting.
45. Stephen Jackson, Warriors (SG/SF ) - Could spend a lot of time running the offense, but is seeking a trade.
46. Mehmet Okur, Jazz (C ) - Numbers could suffer due to Boozer's unexpected return.
47. O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies (SG ) - Will Iverson hamper his development?
48. Elton Brand, 76ers (PF ) - Coming off two straight lost seasons.
49. Nene, Nuggets (PF/C ) - Finally healthy, Nene was a force last season.
50. Gilbert Arenas, Wizards (PG ) - Risky pick, but upside is huge.
