Keepers, Keepers, Everywhere

Well, it's never to early to start thinking about the 2010/11 season. I know this year is far from over and the race for the top spot has never been tighter but we still have to think about how the 2010/11 season will change the landscape for the current season. You see, at some point, some JBL teams are going to throw in the towel and say, "OK, I'm done, my team sucks goats, time to build for next season". And when that happens....everything will change. So far, some owners have certainly thought about next season...but they haven't completely given up. When someone gives up, you'll see it in the trade offers. It hasn't happened yet. Trust me.

So, with that in mind...who are the top keepers out there?? There are loads of good ones in mind and they will change over the coming months for sure. And then, this summer, they will change again as FA's change homes after July 1st. You may think your Knick keepers are good until Lebron comes to town (just a possible example - I have no inside knowledge he's leaving for NYC).

And of course, my keeper list would change depending on who else is already on your team.
Let me go through who my top 10 keepers are at this point for next season. Let's see if you agree.

#10 - Danilo Gallinari - Brussels - could be protected for $7 bucks. When Coach D'Antoni says he's the best shooter he's ever coached...that has to mean something. Now, that being said, Danilo is only shooting 43 and 41 but he has loads of potential. Of course, the uncertainty of who else will be in New York next season is a bit worrisome if you are keeping Gallinari. That being said, he's averaging around 15ppg and makes a LOT of 3 pointers (which a lot of JBL teams could use this season). He has also chipped in with 28 STLS and 27 BLKS so far this season. He has a positive ATO and is around 5 reb per game. You could do a lot worse than this guy for $7 bucks.

#9 - Andrea Bargnani - Chilliwack - $15 keeper value. Again, a lot depends on what happens in TO over the summer. What if Bosh leaves and they don't replace him with another star? Does that make Bargnani the go-to guy? Can he average 20 and 10? He is at 17 and 6 this season. Is there room for more? He's blocked 45 shots so that's a bonus too. His ATO isn't great and he won't get you many steals...but for $15 bucks...you can do a lot worse at center. I paid $15 bucks for Shaq in the draft this year - who would you rather have?? That's right, Bargnani. So, he could have even more upside depending on what happens in Toronto.

#8 - Russell Westbrook - Bangkok - $15 keeper value. If only he could shoot. I'm a big fan of Westbrook. Bangkok can attest to that, I tried a lot to obtain him. Now, that being said, he does have some negatives that hold him a little further down my keeper list. It's those darn %'s. He shoots 39 and 27 and that isn't good. But you know what - pair him with Dwight Howard and that FG% doesn't seem so bad after all. The guy brings a lot to the table with 16ppg, 7ast, and 5reb plus over a steal a game. As well, he has really improved his ATO from his rookie season so he's a top notch keeper at PG in my books. Plus, he's on an improving team that is only going to get better. I like this kid a lot.

#7 - Chris Kaman - Bangkok - $14 keeper value. Another Fighter on the list. He's having a career season with averages of 20 and 9 and 44 blocks so far. He also shoots it at a really high percentage (51%). He's having an amazing season. So, why does he come in at #7? Do you really trust this guy to have this season again? He's putting up stellar numbers without the #1 pick Blake Griffin in the lineup. If you look at his career numbers you would seem to think this could be a career season and wonder if it's just a mirage. And you also have to think that the Clips at some point want Gordon and Griffin to be the focal points on offense. Now, that being said, even if Kaman was a 15 and 9 guy - wouldn't that still be worth keeping at $14 bucks. I say hell yes. Plus, look at him, the hair, his face, just awesome.

#6 - Channing Frye - Belgrade - $6 keeper value. The $1 dollar 2009 draft night gem. And to think I could have had him instead of Julian Wright. Whoops. His value is easy. All JBL teams have star players. But very few good JBL teams have these cheap gems. Frye is a 7 category Fantasy player. 12ppg, 6reb, 1.558 ATO, 26 steals, 30 blocks, 45FG%, 43 3PT%. I don't care how you build your JBL team - this guy is valuable to whatever strategy you use. I can't say enough about him. I love his game in Phoenix. That's the key for his future Fantasy value - that he remains in PHX and that PG of theirs keeps playing.

I'm gonna save the TOP 5 KEEPERS for later in the week...

But how about those JBL Standings?? We have Juan de Fuca into the 800's tonight. They look like they are ready to rumble. And what if Calderon comes back and returns to his 08/09 form? Would his ATO be enough for Juan to gain 2-3 spots? Perhaps.

I spoke with Philly Woo on the phone today. God I miss his work phone calls. The good news is he's feeling better and could be back to work at the end of the month. We talked hoops for half an hour at the end of my work day. Awesome.

And my obsession with the Kings continues. Maybe it's because Omar Casspi reminds me of a young Peja. I don't know..but I'm obsessed with their team. Weird.

Oh well, that's all for now...