As we continue our analysis of good fantasy players on non-playoff teams, we move from the Atlantic division to the Central division. I don’t see any change to the playoff landscape coming from this division. The Chicago Bulls remain the team to beat, while the Indiana Pacers are the only other playoff bound team. Meaning the Milwaukee Bucks will miss out on the post season again, but just barely, as they are a bubble team that will be fighting till the last regular season game for a chance to continue. The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers won’t be making any playoff noise as they will serve as roadkill for other much stronger Eastern Conference teams.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers possess players with great fantasy value. Despite being non-playoff teams, these players will perform for your fantasy roster. We look at one player from each team that will impact your roster. While the Cavaliers and the Bucks have multiple players capable of putting up points for you, the focal point of their respective teams is clear. Monta Ellis in Milwaukee and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland will shoulder the loads offensively, while the Pistons have a slightly lesser known man in the middle in Greg Monroe, who will put up some decent fantasy numbers.
Monta Ellis – Shooting Guard
Monta is entering his first full year with the Bucks, as he was obtained part way through last season from the Golden State Warriors. Ellis made the adjustment quickly and hardly seemed to miss a beat in his new surroundings. Ellis can score against anybody and will continue to post 20 ppg averages. Paired with Brandon Jennings in the backcourt, although an under-sized duo, they will run the floor together and create easy scoring opportunities.
Jennings is a better playmaker than Ellis, however Ellis is a purer scorer. One thing is for sure, should Ellis have an off night shooting the rock, Jennings will pick up the slack, and ultimately register some nice assist numbers for Ellis. Monta is a consistent player who brings great value to a fantasy roster. In addition to consistency, he brings that explosive potential, as he can go off for 40 point plus games, like he did against the Thunder last year.
Kyrie Irving – Point Guard
There isn’t a player or coach around that doesn’t see stardom in this kid’s future. With only one season of NBA ball under his belt, Kyrie is looking to keep the early success going. He suffered a minor set-back at Olympic camp where he broke his hand, but that doesn’t seem to be a concern for the start of the NBA season.
The Cavaliers drafted Dion Waiters with the fourth overall and acquired Tyler Zeller in a draft deal, all in effort to get Kyrie some pieces to work with. However, make no mistake this is Irvin’s team. He will be called upon heavily to score and distribute the ball. Kyrie had a solid 2011 season, and is geared for a break through this year. Last season Irving scored 30 points in a game once, look for this to change as his confidence and game has grown. Consistent scoring, assist, rebound and steal numbers make Kyrie a fantasy stud in all leagues.
Greg Monroe – Center
This big man in his second year from Georgetown had an impressive season. He finished with 15.4 ppg and 9.7 rpg averages while registering .7 bpg. I’d like to see Monroe step up this season and play with more consistency as his game showed flashes of dominance last season. His scoring is decent enough, however his rebounding should be closer to 11 boards per game and his block shot total must increase for him to be considered a true big man.
Monroe struggled at times last year as he had 13 games where he scored in single digits. On the flip side, he registered 30 double double games in the 66 games he started. With a more consistent offence output, Munroe will develop into a solid option at the center position. I would go so far as to say that Munroe is the single best option at the center position in the Central division and possibly the third best center in the Conference.
He posts better scoring and rebounding numbers than former Georgetown Hoya, and current Indiana Pacers big man Roy Hibbert. If Munroe can be more aggressive in protecting the basket, and get those block shot stats up; Munroe should be considered a great value for your team at the center.
Next up is the Southeast division, where the playoff fortunes of one team will change. Who was playoff bound last year that will be a non-factor this year? We look at the non-playoff teams in the Southeast and identify who of these perennial losers will add value to your fantasy roster.