9/30/2004 10:26:16 AM|||Shep|||Notable highlights include:
Rotation Analysis: Good news for fantasy owners, as all five starters should buzz around 35 minutes once again. Last year, Peja averaged 40.3, Miller averaged 36.4, Bibby averaged 36.3, Webber averaged 36.1, and Christie averaged 33.9. And because this team isn't as deep as it's been in recent years, there should be plenty of room for Jackson to log 30 minutes off the bench.
Kamla mentions something about Adelman keeping his 5 best players on the floor. I'll admit I haven't seen that much of the Kings, but from what I have, it seems like he's stuck more to the coaching style he had with the Blazers where he'd leave 5 players on the floor after they'd dug themselves a hole so they could dig themselves back out.
Player(s) to watch: I want to see how much better Miller is in 2004-05. He comes off a breakout season in which he averaged 14.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 51% from the field, yet I still think there's room for improvement. I realize Webber will play more than 23 games, but the loss of Divac should create more passing and scoring opportunities for Miller. Actually, I'll be surprised and a little disappointed if Miller doesn't dazzle us with 15-10-5.
Miller was just about the best sleeper there was last year. But you only get one year as a sleeper. Realize that his numbers are what they are, and draft accordingly. I have a feeling people will be high on him from last year and end up picking him too high.
Player(s) to fear: I don't fear Peja because—as annoying as it is—it's en vogue for players to demand trades these days. Just ask Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Baron Davis, and on and on and on… The player I fear is Webber, who I just don't trust. When he gets rolling the fantasy stats are Garnett-esque, but he always seems to get injured at the worst possible time.
I always fear Webber. Just as I fear Vince (I've had him on my team several times, and he certainly does make for some nail-biting moments). And I fear any other players who are consistently injured. I wouldn't recommend against taking Webber, but I personally wouldn't take him, because I don't feel that the risk outweighs the benefit in his situation.|||109655845660402443|||Kings Analysis from Rick Kamla