NBA training camps official open in one week time, finally! At least this off-season we got our hoops fix with the Olympics; but I’m sure you are ready for some NBA action. While the regular season tip-off isn’t till the end of October, the fantasy basketball pools and participants are taking shape already.

In the weeks to come we will address each position and rank the top 20 players. You will get a comprehensive list of 100 ballers, broken down into easy to reference draft rankings.

Before we get into our ranked players at each position, we will start with our sleeper picks from each Conference. These players typically went undrafted last year in fantasy pools; however, this year these guys are poised to breakout.

We start in the Eastern Conference, where we have four players whom you could steal with a late round pick. Sometimes all you need is one sleeper pick to perform well and the fantasy pool is yours. Will one of these guys come through for you?

Nikola Vucevic – Orlando Magic
Received from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the Dwight Howard trade, Vucevic is a new-comer to the Orlando Magic. His one season in Philly was productive, despite playing limited minutes. Vucevic played in 51 games, but only averaged 16 minutes of court time. Currently ranked behind Glen Davis on the Orlando Magic depth chart, this might limit minutes early on for Vucevic.

Given playing time, Vucevic actually projects better numbers than Davis, and is a true center; whereas Davis is undersized for the position. Time will tell how new head coach Jacque Vaughn uses his young Swiss center. Worth a late round pickup to stick on your bench, so long as you have a solid number one starter.

Jonas Valanciunas – Toronto Raptors
Taken with the 5th overall selection in the 2011 NBA entry draft by the Toronto Raptors; fans and coaches are eagerly awaiting his NBA arrival. This is supposed to be the year that North America gets exposed to this Lithuanian sensation. I have more restrained enthusiasm than most it would seem. Granted Jonas’s you-tube highlights are nice, one has to remember he is playing Euro-league basketball in Lithuania.

Valanciunas was invisible in the Olympics, scoring a total of 25 points over six games; I see that as a more accurate reflection of talent. Nonetheless, Valanciunas figures to be the starting center for the Toronto Raptors this season. So if you feel like taking a flyer on a kid that at least figures to be in the starting rotation, then Jonas might just get you some fantasy points.

Brandon Knight – Detroit Pistons
However it is that the Pistons want to work this versatile backcourt player into the rotation; Brandon Knight will get his minutes. Knight is just too good to stick behind anyone. He rebounds well for a guard; his scoring average of 12.8 last season was consistent and his turnover to assist ratio was descent.

I see a lot of similarities between Rajon Rondo’s game and Brandon Knight’s; fitting as each is a Kentucky basketball product. I would draft Knight as either a point guard or shooting guard and play him regularly.

Andre Drummond – Detroit Pistons
This former Connecticut Huskie left for the NBA after his freshman year. Drummond came out of college as a fairly unpolished offensive player. He was horrific from the free throw line in college shooting a dismal .295%. Thankfully most of his points are scored closer to the hoop.

Drummond isn’t going to be called upon to score for the Pistons. He will grab rebounds and block shots and learn the game alongside Greg Munroe. Drummond will be brought along slowly; but if you have the patience in a keeper league, this would be a true sleeper pick.

Honorable Mentions go to:
Rashard Lewis – Miami Heat
Ramon Sessions – Charlotte Bobcats
Iman Shumpert – New York Knicks (injured ACL, potential December return date)