After each month of the NBA season we will compile our NBA All-Fantasy teams comprised of the top fantasy performers at each position along with a few honorable mentions that might break into the starting lineup next month.
As we compile this month’s All-Fantasy team one must remember that there were only nine or ten games to sample from. The short month gave some fantasy anomalies as teams with super-stud fantasy players whom had playoff spots sewn up sat their players to give them rest for the playoffs.
For this month’s Western Conference All-Fantasy Team we see some pretty familiar faces. We also see one new addition to the ranks as April was a flashback month’s of sorts in Dallas. The depth of talent in the Western Conference continues to stagger as this month’s list is void of Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Russell Westbrook and yet this bunch would seemingly hold their own against anyone.
The player rankings used are from eDraft.com and reflect total fantasy points accumulated by the player during the month of March.
Here is the April edition of the NBA All-Fantasy Team for the Eastern Conference.
Stephen Curry - Guard, Golden State Warriors
Curry finished out the regular season on a definite high note as he posted his best monthly averages of the season. For the seven games that the Warriors played in April averaged 25.4 ppg, 8.1 apg, 3.9 rpg and 2.1 steals per contest. All this propelled the Warriors into the playoffs and secured them the sixth seed. Curry finished the year averaging three more points per game than last season while still maintaining solid rebounding and assist numbers. Only three other guards in the Association averaged more points per game than Curry over the year; that speaks volumes for a player many thought was too gimpy to warrant a big contract.
Chris Paul - Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Paul led the Clippers to a 7-1 mark during the month of April as he ensured that the Clippers entered the postseason on a tear. Paul certainly did his part in contributing to the team’s success as he averaged a double-double on the month, posting 16.4 ppg, 10.5 apg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 steals per game. If there was any doubt about Paul’s ability to be a superstar in this league, those questions should be answered by now. Paul has proven his worth and he continues to be a top-ranked fantasy option.
Pau Gasol - Forward, Los Angeles Lakers
A main reason that the Lakers are still playing basketball this season is the play of Gasol in April. The oft-injured big-man returned to game action and found his groove as he posted averages of 17.5 ppg, 12.1 rpg and 6.6 apg during the month. In addition to the impressive stat line; Gasol also recorded two triple-doubles during the month which came as an nice fantasy bonus in leagues that reward such a feat.
Kevin Durant - Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
By Durant’s standards April was not a terrific month. He scored thirty or more points on only two occasions and recorded a whopping two double-doubles during the Thunder’s eight games. The lack of scoring punch did ultimately cost Durant the league’s scoring title. Despite the down month, Durant still registered enough fantasy points to secure his sixth straight appearance on the All-Fantasy team. The Thunder are certainly hoping that the end-of-season rest that Durant got will provide fresh legs during the postseason.
Al Jefferson - Center, Utah Jazz
Not that Jefferson needed further motivation than trying to help the Jazz qualify for the playoffs, but failing that chasing down a new eight-figure contract couldn’t have been far off his mind. With this kind of motivation, Jefferson averaged 21.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 2.5 apg over the Jazz’s remaining eight games in April. Jefferson will command a significant salary on the open market and it appears unlikely that the Jazz will retain his services. Jefferson finished the season as the fourth ranked fantasy center in the league; however, a total of only 60 points separated the top-seed and Jefferson in fourth.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
James Harden - Guard, Houston Rockets
Harden had himself another very typical month as he averaged 25.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 5.8 apg. Harden turned out to be a very consistent fantasy option all year through as he finished top-three for fantasy guards. Hard to believe that Harden is only 23 years old, the future is very bright for this young man and he will be a solid fantasy contributor for years to come.
Shawn Marion - Forward, Dallas Mavericks
The relic of the month award goes to Marion as he finished out the season by being the Mavericks best fantasy player through the last seven games. Marion had a pretty decent season; albeit he is no longer considered a top-fantasy option, he still led the Mavericks in rebounding and managed to average 12.1 ppg. Typically these late season bursts can be attributed to a guy looking for a new contract. Marion has a player option year remaining with the Mavericks and it doesn’t seem likely that he will terminate that considering its for over $8 million; however, if a team can offer multiple years on a mid-level contract they might just buy themselves the Matrix.
Dwight Howard - Center, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers got a chance to see Howard do his thing with a Kobe-less squad, given the opportunity to step-up and assert himself it was Pau Gasol not Howard who rose to the occasion. Nonetheless, Howard did have a solid eight games to round out the season, he averaged a double-double during April with 20.9 ppg and 10.5 rpg. Expect the Lakers to through a max-contract at Howard in the offseason and perhaps even amnesty Gasol off.