The regular season has come to a close and while many teams continue in their quest for a championship it is time to look back and take stock of how our fantasy teams did. Many players had great years, the usual suspects rose to the top once again and asserted themselves as the game’s best.
Back before the NBA season tipped off, I gave you a top-25 fantasy ranking for each position. For the sake of self-criticism I referenced my preseason guide to critique and see just how accurate the preseason rankings turned out to be.
Before we get into the top-twenty fantasy players at each position (stay tuned), we would be remiss without giving specific mention to those who excelled above everyone else. What follows is the All-Fantasy team for the Eastern Conference. That is the starting five consisting of the top-performing fantasy players at each position plus an one honorable mention spot per position as well.
Had preseason picks come to fruition the starting five at year end would have consisted of; Deron Williams and Monta Ellis in the backcourt, with LeBron James and Josh Smith at the forward spots and Andrew Bynum at center. The honorable mentions were Greg Monroe, Carmelo Anthony and Rajon Rondo.
Injuries aside, lets see how accurate the preseason predictions were. Here is eDrafts year-end Eastern Conference All-Fantasy team.
Monta Ellis - Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Ellis played in and started all 82 games this season for the Bucks. He posted solid numbers on the year and finished out with averages of 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 3.9 rpg and 2.1 steals per game. While the stat line looks solid it is deceiving in nature as Ellis had one of poorest shooting seasons since his rookie campaign. Ellis shot only .416 from the field and a dismal .287 from beyond the arc. Ellis’ play did propel the Bucks into the playoffs as they clinched the eighth spot then promptly got swept right out of the playoffs by the Miami Heat. Ellis pulled a disappearing act in the four-game series as he posted back to back single digit scoring games. Ellis is likely going to test the free-agent waters come this off-season but it remains to be seen who is willing to offer a large contract to the streaky shooter; his best bet might be to stay in Milwaukee after all.
Jrue Holiday - Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
One of the bigger fantasy risers on the year was Holiday out in Philadelphia. Holiday improved upon his 2011-12 totals by adding over four points to his scoring average and his assist per game numbers. Holiday finished the season with 17.7 ppg, 8.0 apg and 4.2 rpg averages and in the process established himself as a true team leader. Holiday benefited greatly from the departure of Andre Iguodala; however, he also lacked much of a supporting cast around him. As a result the 76ers missed out on the playoffs and are lottery bound once again. Holiday certainly exceeded many people’s expectations on the season and come next season his fantasy draft stock will be considerably higher.
LeBron James - Forward, Miami Heat
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Lebron James was once again the best fantasy player in the game. His all-around skills are unmatched and his pumped up rebound and assist numbers for a forward attest to James complete game. James finished up the regular season with averages of 26.8 ppg, 7.3 apg and 8.0 rpg. What is perhaps even more impressive is that James shot a blistering .565 from the field and .406 from three-point range; both of which were career highs. James asserted himself as the best player on the planet and he will likely garner another MVP award for his efforts.
Carmelo Anthony - Forward, New York Knicks
Anthony rebounded from a disappointing 2011-12 season to have one of his best years to-date. Anthony earned his first scoring title as he averaged 28.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2.6 apg. on the year. Anthony lived up to the billing in New York this season as he carried the franchise on his back and took them to the playoffs. What ultimately hurt Anthony in his fantasy rankings was that he missed 15 games on the year due to injury. Had Anthony been able to add-in stats for those missed games his value would be even higher and potentially on-par with the likes of Kevin Durant.
Greg Monroe - Center, Detroit Pistons
We all know that there is a clear lack of strong centers in the league and particularly in the Eastern Conference. In the face of that, Monroe rose to the top of the class as he put up a solid season in the Motor City. Monroe practically duplicated his 2011-12 averages as he put up averages of 16 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 3.5 apg this year. Monroe continues to show tremendous fantasy value as he has only three seasons under his belt and is already considered a top-tier talent at the position. As he and Andre Drummond learn how to play off each other, they will make a formidable pair for years to come in Detroit.
Honorable Mentions
Deron Williams - Guard, Brooklyn Nets
Many people figured Williams was poised to have a breakout year. The Nets acquired Joe Johnson to complement Williams in the hopes of igniting a championship caliber team. Well, expectations on Williams were not met as he regressed off last years totals to finish with averages of 18.9 ppg, 7.7 apg and 3.0 rpg for the season. More was expected as the roster had been upgraded and Brooklyn was raising the curtain on the Nets inaugural season. Perhaps Brooklynites will be more forgiving (because that is just their style...not!) should Williams get the Nets past the Chicago Bulls in their first-round playoff series. If the Nets go down to the limping Bulls, expect the pressure to mount for Williams and the under-performing Nets.
Josh Smith - Forward, Atlanta Hawks
Smith had himself another solid year for the Hawks. Perhaps motivated by the swirling trade rumours but more likely by the dream of securing a max-contract; Smith played up to his potential for most of the season. His year-end averages of 17.5 ppg, 4.2 apg and 8.4 rpg were not any better than years past, but they were consistent and would-be buyers like consistency.
Al Horford - Center, Atlanta Hawks
The margin by which Monroe beat out Horford for fantasy top-dog honors at the center position was a mere 27 fantasy points. For my fantasy money, I like Horford’s consistency as one can count on his production night in and night out. Horford also averaged a double-double on the season as he finished with averages of 17.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg. I expect Horford and Monroe to battle again next season for top-honors at the position and with that, for my money, I’ll take Horford in every draft.