Lucky 7 NBA Sleepers for 2006-07

1. Raymond Felton, G, Charlotte

Felton’s NBA career started slowly due in part to Brevin Knight’s fast start. In mid-January, the playing time became consistent and the rookie’s production went through the roof. Capable of filling every column on the stat sheet, Felton’s value is heightened after he drained 67 threes and 49 steals in the final 36 games. Coupled with a 15.7 scoring average during the span and 6.9 assists, it’s easy to see why Knight’s undoubtedly going to see quality pine time and much less shine time. There’s no reason why Felton can’t be used as a strong second point guard, holding the potential to develop into an elite at the position. The return of Emeka Okafor and a healthy Gerald Wallace can only increase Felton’s value as a true point guard.

2. Speedy Claxton, G, Atlanta

Maybe, just maybe, Claxton will be able to keep this starting job for the entire season. The consummate backup point guard, Claxton has played behind the likes of Allen Iverson, Nick Van Exel and Baron Davis for stretches in Golden State and most recently, Rookie of the Year Chris Paul. Now a member of the Hawks, however, Claxton has room to grow like a 2-year old’s foot in a new pair of shoes. As a backup, Claxton always produced solid totals. He’s averaged 1.5 steals, 4.8 assists and a solid 77.7 percent from the free-throw line during his first five seasons in just 25.8 minutes per game. The starting job instantly boosts Claxton’s value, and the Hawks are a sure bet to continue playing an up-tempo style of ball. More points means more opportunities for assists and drives through the lane. The frugal Atlanta franchise didn’t hand Claxton $25.5 million to ride the pine. He’s the unquestioned starter and a team leader who should rack up boatloads of assists on alley-oops to his high-flying teammates. Defensively he netted at least three steals in 13 games, including a pair of five-steal efforts. Past performance isn’t always a great judge of future success, and that’s exactly the case here.

3. Marquis Daniels, G, Indiana

Daniels needed a change of scenery after falling into Avery Johnson’s doghouse and out of the regular playing rotation late last season for Dallas. After improving his numbers in every major category for the third straight season, Daniels is primed to break out. The only fantasy area he doesn’t contribute—three-pointers—shouldn’t be held against him. Big enough to play the small forward and quick enough to take the floor in the backcourt, Daniels instantly fills the void left by Peja Stojakovic, even if he doesn’t offer the long-range point production. In an effort to become more athletic and defense-oriented, the Pacers have the making of a long, rangy set of perimeter players. Daniels, along with Stephen Jackson and Danny Granger should flourish with Jermaine O’Neal cleaning up any messes in the paint. Expect Daniels’ scoring to hover in the 12-15 point range, and at least 1.5 steals per game. He’ll post respectable rebound and assist totals and provide strong percentages on top of it. A great No. 3 or No. 4 guard/forward or flex player.

4. Stephon Marbury, G, N.Y. Knicks

Could anyone be happier that Larry Brown is gone than Marbury? The shackles have been removed and the All-Star point guard will finally be able to resume running the show from the floor, rather than listening to the rigid Brown. New head coach Isiah Thomas has one shot to get his Knicks back into the postseason, and he’s stockpiling athletic players to allow Marbury the opportunity to push the ball. His points per game output dropped by more than five (21.7-16.3), and his assist per game average (6.4) was by far the worst of his 10-year career. The hometown legend, along with Thomas, have their backs against the wall and only a monster season will satisfy both the Garden fans and ownership. Teamed with Steve Francis, and at times, Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt—all of whom can push the ball—will help Marbury push his scoring back over the 20 points-per-game mark. Thomas has put all of his balls in one basket, Marbury’s. Take advantage of the Knicks’ situation, which has put Marbury’s value at an all-time low.

6. J.R. Smith, G, Denver

Smith was so disgruntled in New Orleans, he should have worked for the U.S. Postal service. To say he and coach Byron Scott didn’t see eye-to-eye would be like saying P.J. Carlisemo and Latrell Sprewell had nothing more than a mutual dislike for one another. Smith, tabbed by many as a major sleeper candidate last season, gets the nod again after moving to Denver via the Bulls. Aside from Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have no one who can fill the nets on a regular basis. The situation could get worse depending on what happens with Kenyon Martin, whose knee troubles have wrecked his high-flying game. Smith can score, and given the opportunity for consistent and major minutes, should finally establish himself in the NBA. He’ll only be 21 at the start of the 2006-07 season, but Smith’s star is finally on the rise. He hit at least two three-pointers a dozen times in his first 25 games before the you-know-what hit the fan. Firmly entrenched in Scott’s dog house the remainder of the way, some probably wondered if Smith was in the Witness Protection Program. In a best-case scenario, Smith explodes alongside Anthony and sniffs the 20-point barrier. Realistically, 15 points per game is more likely, although his ability to get to the rim gives him a ton of value at the free-throw line (82.2 percent).

7. P.J. Brown, F, Chicago

Brown has never been a sexy NBA player in fantasy or real life. The very definition of a blue-collar player, the 13-year veteran just pulls on his jersey and rips down rebounds. What does head coach Scott Skiles like? Hustling, rebounding and defense, all of which Brown and fellow import Ben Wallace ooze out of their pores. The Bulls are this-close towards taking a big step forward in the Eastern Conference, and that’s the reason why Tyson Chandler was pawned off on New Orleans and two level-headed veterans were brought in. Brown has averaged 8.0 rebounds for his career and does just enough scoring to help out in the percentage categories. When people are filling out rosters trying to find the next young stud, the smart player goes with the known commodity in Brown.

8. Wally Szczerbiak, G, Boston

The Celtics are loaded in the frontcourt, where a stable of young, talented players are jockeying for playing time. They’re also solid at point guard with Sebastian Telfair taking over and Delonte West still in the picture. What the team lacked—until the acquisition of Szczerbiak—was a No. 2 scoring option to take some defensive heat off of Paul Pierce. They have that now in Szczerbiak, who’s played second fiddle to Kevin Garnett for his entire career. In 31 games with Boston last season, he scored at least 20 points 11 times, and scored in double figures in all but two games. The knock on Szczerbiak is health, and he did miss the final seven games to have arthroscopic knee surgery. Don’t shy away, because the word on the street is a return to full health. The sharp shooting wingman is outstanding in the percentages and comes off a career-high 19 points per game and 102 three-pointers (42 with the Celtics).

Steve Siniski is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers’ Association.