Before we dive into our selections, we must first clear up any confusion regarding the term “sleeper”. In fantasy sports a “sleeper” is not a player who takes naps, sleeps in on game days, slacks off, etc. Instead, the term “sleeper” refers to a player who is “under the radar” amongst others and (considering the recent changes on a given team’s roster, preseason momentum, increase in skill) is expected to excell in the upcoming season. With this term clearly defined, we can now move on to who we’ve selected as our top 5 NBA sleepers for the 09-10 season (in no particular order).
Mario Chalmers
(Coach Erik Spoelstra, Mario Chalmers, Dwanye Wade)
Last year was Mario Chalmers’ rookie season in the NBA and, alongside Dwanye Wade, he was molded into a serious offensive threat for the Miami heat. Chalmers averaged 10 points and 4.9 assists per game last year and didn’t miss a game. In this year’s preseason matchups, Chalmers is averaging 7 points a game (shooting 37.5%) , is shooting 90% from the free throw line, and is leading the Heat roster in minutes played, a testimont to his readiness for the regular season (preseason stats according to NBA.com). In addition, last year Chalmers shot 36.7% from the 3 point line, surpassing the 3 point shooting percentages of Kobe Bryant, Dwanye Wade, and Chris Paul. Mario Chalmers will, once again, be the starting point guard for the Miami Heat and fantasy team owners should expect a noteworthy performance from him this year. If he is still available in the closing rounds of your draft, pick him up. You won’t be disappointed.
Anthony Morrow
morrow
Like Mario Chalmers, last year was Anthony Morrow’s first NBA season but the Golden State Warriors’ point guard looked more like an NBA veteran at the end of the 08-09 season than an inexperienced, fresh-out-of-college rookie. Last year Morrow averaged 10.1 points, 1.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He also lead the NBA in 3 point percentage, sinking 47.8% of his shots from the perimeter. If you think Morrow’s stats from last year are appealings, you will be blow away by his preseason performance. Thus far, Morrow is averaging 22 points a game, has a field goal percentage of 57.9%, and is shooting 51.9% from the 3 point line (preseason stats according to NBA.com). He has also converted 96.2% of his attempts from the free throw line. Anthony Morrow has been lighting up the preseason scoreboard and won’t be under the radar for much longer. If you have the opportunity to add him to your roster, do it.
Aaron Brooks
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Last year was Aaron Brooks’ sophomore season in the NBA and he put up some respectable numbers. Over the course of the 08-09 season, Brooks averaged 11.2 points, 3.0 assists per game, and shot 40.4% from the field. While these stats may not seem too impressive, you should know that he managed them alongside his teammates, specifically Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and Ron Artest. This season the Rockets starting lineup is much different. Yao Ming is out for the entire 09-10 season with a foot injury, Tracy McGrady is still out with a knee injury that has plagued him the last three seasons, and Ron Artest was traded to the Lakers for Trevor Ariza. While the addition of Ariza will help take some weight off Brooks’ shoulders, Aaron will still have to carry the Rockets if they want to have a prosperious season. In the preseason thus far, Brooks has stepped up to his new role on the Rockets and is averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 assists, and .5 steals per game (preseason stats according to NBA.com). He is also shooting 46.8% from the field, a tribute to the fact that he knows he must be the Rocket’s primary scorer and is taking (and converting) more shots. Aaron Brooks should be a benefitical late round draft pick for any team and should be added to your roster if he is still available toward the end of your draft.
Jason Thompson
thompson
This upcoming season will be Jason Thompson’s sophomore year in the NBA. Prior to the 08-09 season, Jason Thompson was drafted in the 1st round by the Sacramento Kings and his respective stats for the season reflected that of a rookie first-round pick: averaging 11.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and .7 blocks per game. This year, fantasy team owners can expect Thompson to thrive, especially when you take into account his preseason numbers. According to NBA.com, in the preseason Jason Thompson is averaging 13.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and .9 blocks per game. If these stats are a legitimate reflection of Thompson’s skill, fantasy team owners can expect him to average a double-double in points and rebounds over the course of the 09-10 season. All in all, Jason Thompson would be a valuable acquistion for any team.
Allen Iverson
iverson
Our final sleeper selection for the 09-10 NBA season is Allen Iverson, which may come as a suprise to some. If you follow the NBA you have probably heard of Allen Iverson and the numerous records he holds. Prior to the 08-09 season, Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons and his presence there was barely felt. A general lack of “team-chemistry” (combined with coach Mike Curry’s inability to decide on his starting lineup) led to one of Iverson’s worst seasons in the NBA: averaging only 17.4 points, 4.9 assists, and a measley 36.5 minutes played each game. Fortunately, Iverson was traded again at the end of last season and is now the starting point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson will undoubtedly see more playing time this season and will more than likely reach (or exceed) his career average stats of 27.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 41.4 minutes played per game. It should be noted that Iverson is still on the disabled list (hamstring) but is expected to play next week (According to NBA.com). Fantasy team owners can expect their opponents to remember the Allen Iverson from last year and consequently avoid drafting him which, in turn, will provide an opportunity for you to pick him up. Iverson is a the textbook definition of a fantasy sleeper and will prove to be a valuable, underrated player this season.