2011-2012 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft

Date: 12/10/11

Xtreme Sleeper Commentary

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is one of our biggest breakout candidates heading into the 2011-2012 fantasy basketball season. Griffin is going to be sought after in a major way entering the 2011-2012 fantasy season, no question, but we think he can be a top 2-3 overall player when all is said and done… so he still has sleeper potential! He could arguably finish as the No. 1 fantasy basketball scorer come season's end in 2011-2012… Crazy? Well, that's what people said about our Derrick Rose predictions last off-season.. and how did that work out? During his second season, which was really his first campaign, Griffin averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. That's an insane first run in the NBA… Griffin should up those numbers in every category by a decent amount this upcoming season… don't hesitate to go bold and draft this kid as a top four fantasy forward next season! Again, he is capable of way more than even that, which means that he still has "sleeper" written all over him entering the 2011-2012 fantasy basketball season.

John Wall

Ok, so we brought you Derrick Rose last year, and we screamed that one from the rooftops. Well, here comes one of my top 2011-2012 breakout candidates! John Wall is going to explode during his second NBA season… Last year, Wall averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. What kind of stats can Wall produce in the 2011-2012 NBA season, assuming we have one? How about 20-24 points, 5-6 rebounds and 10+ assists per game. Yep, that's right… those stats are very close to Derrick Rose's during his breakout performance, which again we predicted. In fact, Wall will likely average 3 more assists than Rose next season, and 2-3 more rebounds per game. Rose should have him by 2-4 more scoring points per game, but this means Wall is the next Derrick Rose… who do you like them apples?

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is one of our favorite breakouts heading into 2011-2012. It's October, and it's sleeper time. Last year, the rising star averaged 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He should have no trouble kicking those points well into the 20s, and he should average 1-2 more rebounds and 2-3 more assists per game this upcoming NBA season. Curry could arguably finish inside the top 2-4 for fantasy guards in 2011-2012… too bold? Again, how did our "crazy" Derrick Rose predictions workout last year? John Wall and Stephen Curry are this year's closest versions of last year's Derrick Rose! Mark it down!

Greg Monroe

Now that we officially have an NBA season to watch, it is sleeper time! Greg Monroe exploded last season during his rookie campaign. Most entering this fantasy season will look at his overall numbers of 9.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, which won't standout as incredible, but Monroe really wasn't unleashed until midway through last season. During the last three months of last season, Monroe averaged a double-double almost half of the time. He also frequently had a cup of coffee with 20 and 10. Monroe should turn heads during his second NBA season, and he should average a double-double if he can stay clear form injury. Trust in this kid in 2011-2012, he is a monster sleeper of ours!

Other Sleepers

Jrue Holiday and Brandon Jennings both have bust potential, no question, but when it comes to no-risk/high-reward types this year, these two are the deepest sleepers at the guard position entering 2011-2012.

As far as big name players, don't sleep on Kevin Love in that first-round in upcoming 2011-2012 drafts, and don't undervalue last year's rock star sleeper Dorell Wright. Some may suggest we have him ranked way too high in the third-round, but this kid could be worth a high-second round grab when all is said and done in 2012. I'm not sure why Wright is still underrated!