Time to move to the Blazer frontcourt in my second installment of fantasy basketball predictions. While the Blazers backcourt value is predictable, it is in the front court that we can find our first true Rip City fantasy “sleeper’. All my fantasy predictions are based on the standard ESPN league settings(detailed in the guard edition).
Al-Farouq Aminu (SF/PF)
Aminu is set to take over the starting small forward spot that was vacated by Nicolas Batum. Aminu should see a statistical leap in every category after only averaging 18.5 minutes a game in Dallas last year. He will also serve as the Blazers best perimeter defender and a threat in transition. Both roles will result in heavy usage from coach Terry Stotts throughout the season.
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Aminu might not be the flashiest draft choice, but he will provide help in almost every category. I would look for his FG% to improve as he becomes more comfortable shooting the three ball. Improvements in REB and PTS should be a guarantee based on playing time alone. His small forward and power forward eligibility provide the coveted flexibility that all fantasy owners seek when setting their lineup on busy game days. If the Blazer go with a fast paced offense this season expect Aminu to be a nice late round sleeper to add to your roster. Projection: Mid to Late Round
2014-15 Stats – FG% .412 / FT% .712 / 3PM 0.5 / REB 4.6 / AST 0.8 / STL 0.9 / BLK 0.8 / PTS 5.6
Mason Plumlee (PF/C)
A change in coasts isn’t the only thing changing for Plumlee this season. He will now find himself as the starting center in the Portland rotation. This could be the year when Mason finally breaks the stereotype of being the “other Plumlee brother”. After backing up Brook Lopez to start his career he now looks to flourish as a starter.
Plumlee brings classic center stats to the fantasy table: high FG% and double digit REB. Now for the bad news. He has an abysmal FT%, and for a center he has low BLK numbers. You have to be careful about adding Plumlee to your roster if you are trying to win the FT% category. But, if your roster already includes a DeAndre Jordan type, feel free to draft away. If you’re looking for a reliable stat line with a low ceiling Plumlee is your man. Projection: Mid to Late Round
2014-15 Stats – FG% .573 / FT% .495 / 3PM 0 / REB 6.2 / AST 0.9 / STL 0.8 / BLK 0.8 / PTS 8.7
Ed Davis (PF/C)
Now on his fourth team in five years, Davis finally finds himself in a steady situation. He will most likely serve as the first big off the bench to this season. Davis is now one of the veterans on a Blazer roster featuring a plethora of youngsters. Expect him to share his experience with the likes of Noah Vonleh and Cliff Alexander, as they embark on their unorthodox journey into the NBA. Along with his locker room presence, expect the big man to do the dirty work on both ends of the court this year.
For the most part Davis’s fantasy forecast is basically a carbon copy of Plumlee’s(high FG% and REB, and a horrible FT%). Davis will help more in defensive categories though. He is coming off a career year for BLK, and look for that trend to continue. Davis is a one trick fantasy pony, but he can be used to supplement your weaker big man categories. Projection: Mid to Late Round
2014-15 Stats – FG% .601 / FT% .487 / 3PM 0.0 / REB 7.6 / AST 1.2 / STL 0.6 / BLK 1.2 / PTS 8.3
Sep 28, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) poses during media day at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Meyers Leonard (PF/C)
From Portland’s most likely bust candidate to a beacon of hope. The only thing that could rise faster than Leonard’s status is his fantasy value. The former Illini big man is now slotted to be in the starting rotation for the Blazers. Stotts has made a career of crafting his game plan around sweet shooting big men(Dirk Nowitzki, LaMarcus Aldridge). Leonard should be the primary floor spacer on offense. This will result in big numbers from behind the three point arc.
Leonard’s percentage numbers were phenomenal last season. With that being said, they aren’t sustainable with the minutes increase that he will receive. But, with more playing time you can expect increases in both PTS and REB. Unlike most center eligible players, Leonard will provide bumps in 3PM and FT%. If the he really is the player from the Memphis playoff series, you can expect big things this year in fantasy. Far and away the best value pick and sleeper candidate on the roster. Projection: Late Round
2014-15 Stats – FG% .510 / FT% .938 / 3PM 0.9 / REB 4.5 / AST 0.6 / STL 0.2 / BLK 0.3 / PTS 5.9
That rounds out the frontcourt fantasy options for the Blazers this season. Allen Crabbe and Vonleh have both looked impressive in the preseason, but their roles remain undefined. Either player could see a major value increase if an injury occurs.
Hopefully you are now on the path to fantasy redemption. Happy drafting everyone!