Draftmix News

It’s not very often where rising stars or sleepers emerge in the NBA after multiple seasons in the league. However, for some reason there are multiple players playing above and beyond their expectations and finally coming into their own as NBA “ballers”. Normally players either come into the NBA as stars or they don’t and there is rarely any room to leap into the stardom category. Below is a list of players to watch and a group of players that continue to prove their fantasy value and NBA worthiness.

Jose Calderon: In only his second season in the NBA Calderon is quickly becoming a quality player in a league where top notch point guards are a rarity. He has struggled off and on in the scoring category, but his assist to turnover ratio is a stellar seven to one. Calderon is emerging as a star in this league and a definite every week fantasy starter.

Gerald Wallace: You can always tell who worked on their game in the off-season and who kinda just sat around thinking they would get better by osmosis. Wallace’s career scoring average is a mere 11 points and through 41 games this season he’s averaging 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Playing alongside Jason Richardson, Wallace is in an ideal situation in Charlotte and is slowly headed into stardom.

Kevin Martin: Martin continues to play well by averaging 24 points, five rebounds, and shooting 49% from the field. Playing in Sacremento and the Western Conference where defense is treated like the plague Martin should consistently find easy baskets and make the most of his opportunities. In most fantasy formats Martin should remain or become a starter.

David West: With the exception of only a few the NBA has never been known for producing great power forwards. West is currently averaging 19 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in only his fourth season as a professional. West’s numbers have consistently improved throughout his career and as a result the Hornets have improved as well. West remains a top notch fantasy power forward.

Rudy Gay: In only his second season Gay has almost doubled his point average from last year. He has also improved his field goal percentage (+.44) and free throw percentage (+.55) in only his second season. Gay is emerging as a rising star and a leader on a team that desperately needs one. Gay has started in all 41 games this season and should have gained trust as a high-end fantasy starter week in and week out.

Tyson Chandler: Let’s all remember that Chandler is in his sixth season and is still a baby at 25 years old. With the Hornets leading the Western conference, Chandler averaging a double-double, and the NBA lacking quality “Bigs” Chandler should remain a high end center in all fantasy formats.