GarageGabs

Well, the NBA season is only about a week in, but a few players seem to be emerging. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at a few early surprises and see where they stand later this season.

Lamar Odom- The Lakers are 5-1 and Odom is dominating nearly every facet of the game. He’s dropping 22 and 8 nightly, while shooting over 50% from the field and 12 of 22 from three land. Odom wasn’t exactly a sleeper, but he is currently putting up ALL-NBA numbers.

Can he keep it up? Probably so. Well, sorta. He can’t keep up that torrid three point percentage, and his scoring may drop a couple points (as Kobe Bryant rounds into shape), but he will be a factor in this offense. I expect the rebounds to stay right about where they are, perhaps even increase a bit, and the shooting percentage won’t drop off much.
Joe Johnson- 27.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Shooting 50% from three, and 48.2% from the field.

Can he keep it up? I’m gonna give you a resounding YES. Joe can keep up the totals, it’s the percentages you’ll have to worry about. Face it, the guy is the number one option in a woeful Atlanta attack. His numbers have increased each year, this year only seems to be continuing that trend. Also, the guy is getting to the line more this year than ANY year in his career. Almost 3 times more per game. Scoring is about getting to the free throw line. As he learns to get there more, starts getting calls, and starts making his free throws, the guy could potentially be a 30 point per game scorer. Not this year, but soon. Count on him for 25+ ppg this year.

Leandro Barbosa- 19 points , 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game.

Can he keep it up? Yeah, I believe he can score 17-20 ppg, but I don’t think he can do it consistently. Barbosa is going to have lots of 10 point nights with a few 30 point nights thrown in. He is a product of his offense and Steve Nash. If you need scoring, he might be your man (on certain nights), but I don’t believe he is an all around player just yet.

Charlie Villanueva- 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds per game. 51.6 field goal %.

Can he keep it up? I think the Bucks are a much better fit for Villanueva, but I don’t think he can keep up double digits in rebounding. Also, he hoists a few too many 3’s to keep that field goal % that high, and he never gets to the line. He’s gonna be a stud one day, just not today. I’m thinking something like 16 points, 8 boards, and 45% from the field is where he’ll end up.

Andris Biedrens- 7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks per game. Shooting 81% from the field!

Can he keep it up? Yes and no. He’ll score 8-10 points, and grab 7 boards as long as he gets 25+ minutes per game. I believe he will. Of course he won’t shoot 81%, but he is good for 55%. The guy is a horrible free throw shooter(a liability if your league uses FT%), and will never be a legitimate scorer, but is quite serviceable in both fantasy and real life.

Quentin Richardson- 19.8 points, 6.8 rebounds per game. 54.4% from the field, 53.9% from three.

Can he keep it up? No. He plays for the Knicks. He is streaky. Luckily for the Knicks, he started the year on a hot streak. He’ll cool off.

If you have an opinion about a player, or want me to comment on one, just leave a comment!