I can think of several potential sleepers who would really blossom if they recieved more minutes. Aleksander Pavlovic - Utah Jerome Moiso - Toronto Steve Blake - Washington Juan Dixon - Washington David West - New Orleans Speedy Claxton - Golden State Darius Songaila - Sacramento Rasual Butler - Miami Richie Frahm - Seattle Chris Wilcox - Clippers Casey Jacobson - Phoenix Hedo Turkoglu - San Antonio I can think of more, but these guys kind of top the list. I'm gonna add Chris Anderson(Denver) and Samuel Dalembert(Philly) to my short list.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting starman85:</div><div class="quote_post">Darius Songaila - Sacramento </div> I really like this pick of Darius Songaila. It seems he has a huge game every time Brad Miller gets into foul trouble. Last night against the Grizzlies when Miller was limited to twenty-five minutes, Songaila really stepped up. He shot 6-13 from the field, recorded twelve points, grabbed ten rebounds (including an amazing eight offensive rebounds), and had two steals. The other time when Brad Miller got into foul trouble and Songaila played more than twenty minutes, he managed to score fourteen points, grab seven rebounds, get three steals, and dish out five assists. Excellent pick, I wish I had thought of him myself.
I would start with the rookie: Leandro Barbosa from Phoenix it's because he's quick and uses his small body to his advantage. But my surefire prediction would be TJ Ford, he could be the next TJ's Papa (J. Kidd) with those speed demons... and of course, Laker Brian Cook (could be a double-double threat every night if he starts) and Sun Z. Cabarkapa! For the vets I pick Kareem Rush (IMO the next Michael Redd, esp. after that 30 pt performance vs. Kings)
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Fishball:</div><div class="quote_post">But my surefire prediction would be TJ Ford, he could be the next TJ's Papa (J. Kidd) with those speed demons... </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quoting dexter:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont think some of you read Rule #1</div> Ford was the 6th overall pick, and is the starting point guard for a team hunting for a playoff spot during his rookie season. Which definition of sleeper are you using?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting starman85:</div><div class="quote_post">Steve Blake - Washington Juan Dixon - Washington</div> I got to see these guys play Live when I went to see the Wolves play at MCI. They really impressed me with the minutes they got, along with Jarvis Hayes. They play 100% with the minutes given to them, and they play smart ball, and damn does Dixion have a shooting touch.
DARKO! GET HIM OFF THE PISTONS WHAT THE FREAK ARE THEY DOING WITH HIM!? Sorry for the caps... Yeah and Casey Jacobsen, he has a nice shot. It's gonna get pretty wet after a few more years. Let Barbosa and get more used to the PG position and watch Jacobsen's numbers go up
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Showtime1:</div><div class="quote_post">DARKO! GET HIM OFF THE PISTONS WHAT THE FREAK ARE THEY DOING WITH HIM!? </div> They are bringing him along easy. Anyway, picking Darko Milicic violates Rule #1. Please read the thread, everyone, before posting.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Accord:</div><div class="quote_post">Wang Zhizhi. Not only is he a monster blocker at 7'1" but he can also knock down 3's like it's nothing.</div> He's the next Raef Lafrentz, but the problem is he isn't getting much minutes.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting starman85:</div><div class="quote_post">Ford was the 6th overall pick, and is the starting point guard for a team hunting for a playoff spot during his rookie season. Which definition of sleeper are you using?</div> oh gezz my bad I forgot it totally..... anyway TJ wasn't the 6th, he was the 8th pick after Bulls' 7th pick Hinrich. The 6th pick was Chris Kaman to the Clippers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Wave:</div><div class="quote_post"> Close Calls (In Order): Michael Ruffin </div> So far this sleeper looks like he's panning out. He's not getting many points, because he's not getting many touches. However, he's averaging about twelve rebounds per game in his last four games, including a fifteen rebound performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. I really think he could be big.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Wave:</div><div class="quote_post">So far this sleeper looks like he's panning out. He's not getting many points, because he's not getting many touches. However, he's averaging about twelve rebounds per game in his last four games, including a fifteen rebound performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. I really think he could be big.</div> ruffin pulled down 11 boards today vs. the mavs
I'd agree with a lot of the choices.... especially Barbosa and Josh Howard. Barbosa is the modern day Clyde Drexler (though smaller and a point guard) and Dallas knew Howard (a good rebounding guard/foward) would end up being good, they've been raving about him since the draft. But my pick that nobody has said is Gerald Wallace. I've mentioned him in other threads. I am still really high on his "potential" I just think he's on the wrong team... the Kings don't have enough PT for him, if he went to a team that needs an athletic Small Forward, I think he could be special. He's not a great shot, but has unbelievable athleticism, and has some of the craziest dunks!! He's pretty strong and can contend for rebounds... if given 25 minutes a game, I'm sure he can get 15 points and 8 rebounds any given night, THIS YEAR! If given a few years and learns how to shoot, he'll be a top Small Forward in the league. He's still really young, this is Wallace's 3rd year in the league after coming out after his Freshman year. Perhaps he's a head-case or something... I wouldn't know much about his off-court behavior, or his relationship with teammates, but as long as he's not a Ricky Davis, I think Gerald Wallace (after being traded) should be a potential all-star.
