Everyone knows about LeBron and D-Wade... to win a fantasy NBA league, you need to find a few players who will seriously exceed expectations (and out-play their draft positions). Here are a few candidates for breakout seasons in 2010-11, who may still be flying under the radar in your league.
Gilbert Arenas - Guard, Washington Wizards
People forget: Arenas was putting together a pretty nice season before his suspension. Now he's another year removed from all those surgeries, he's sliding over to off-guard where he can concentrate on scoring, and the Wizards look like a team ready to run.
Eric Gordon - Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Gordon might not get the press of his backcourt mate Baron Davis, but he was a big part of Team USA's success in Turkey, which could give him the confidence to really step up this year and become the Clips' number one option.
Hedo Turkoglu - Forward, Phoenix Suns
Turkoglu was mis-cast in Toronto's offense -- and it showed in his numbers. In Phoenix, he'll be back with a team that prizes ball movement, and as the Suns' nominal power forward, he'll have an advantage on most opposition bigs when he takes them out to the perimeter.
Ramon Sessions - Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
Before last season, Sessions seemed primed to emerge as a top backcourt scorer -- Minnesota may have been the worst possible place for him to land. This year, he's with the Cavs, who are badly in need of scoring. Don't forget, Mo Williams suffered a groin injury during the offseason and could miss much of the preseason.
DeMar DeRozan - Guard, Toronto Raptors
Which Raptor will become the first option, now that Chris Bosh is in Miami? Second-year guard DeRozan could be in line for a lot more opportunities this season.
Jrue Holiday - Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
Holiday wasn't quite as impressive as some of last season's other rookie guards... but he finished the season very strong, and let's not forget, he was just 19 years old. He's the favorite to win the starting job in Philly.
George Hill - Guard, San Antonio
Hill's rapid improvement is one of the reasons the Spurs are reportedly willing to consider trading Tony Parker. If Parker or Manu Ginobili were to get hurt -- hardly a rare occurrence -- Hill would be the biggest beneficiary.
Terrence Williams - Forward, New Jersey
Another second-year player who finished the 2009-10 campaign on a high note, Williams should have a much-increased role this season, possibly as the Nets' starting small forward.
Kelenna Azubuike - Guard, New York Knicks
Whoever wins the starting spot opposite Raymond Felton in New York's backcourt should put up good numbers. Azubuike is probably the best fit, but his draft stock is down because he missed most of last season with a knee injury that may not be 100% healed by opening night.
Other Players to Watch
- Darren Collison (Guard, Pacers) will have the opportunity to prove that last season's run as a fill-in for Chris Paul was no fluke
- Collison's new teammates Roy Hibbert (Center, Pacers) and Tyler Hansbrough (Forward, Pacers) - if healthy - could also be in line for lots more responsibility with Troy Murphy now a Net
- JaVale McGee (Forward/Center, Wizards) is another player who could parlay a strong summer with Team USA into a big season
- If the Nuggets go into fire-sale mode and shop Chauncey Billups, Ty Lawson (Guard, Nuggets) would be a must-add
