2004 Position Review: Shooting Guards, Pt. 2

OK, so you went with the scarcity strategy, loaded up on C’s and PG’s, and now it’s the mid-rounds and you haven’t got anyone to play the 2 guard. Don’t worry, there’s plenty left! Let’s take a look:

Tier 4: The Illusions.
13. James Posey (MEM) – Hey, I don’t get it either. But somehow, for some reason, this kid absolutely exploded in the 2nd half last year. After the break he had 17 pts, 5.9 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.4 3’s, and 1.9 steals. A total box-score stuffer.
Take Him: In the 7th or later. He’s a great risk pick that late, plus he qualifies at F, too.
But Remember: He’s going to slip under most people’s radar, and he probably should – there’s no reason to believe he’s going to keep up that pace.

14. Jason Richardson (GSW) – This once one-dimensional dunk artist is entering his 4th year in the L, and we like him to become a more well rounded player. Last year he improved his points as expected, but also his rebounds, becoming a plus in that category grabbing 6.7 a game, plus he shot his best FG% of his short career.
Take Him: In the 7th. It’s easy to forget he’s only 23, and still improving.
But Remember: He’s shot 70% from the stripe so far in his career. That ain’t pretty.

15. Jamal Crawford (NYK) – Yikes. If you can’t get along with a pass-first PG in Chicago like Hinrich, how are you supposed to live in the big apple alongside Stephon Marbury? Crawford is definitely going to do a bunch of scoring this year, but his assists will take a big hit, and his already-scary FG% will take a hit once he starts forcing shots.
Take Him: In the 7th or 8th. He’s gonna shoot 3’s and score. Sounds like a SG to me.
But Remember: He’s a head case. Do you have the heart to deal with that? Only you can answer that question.

16. Quentin Richardson (PHO) – Here’s the guy that someone will inevitably take too early. Sure the Suns gave him a huge contract, but he’s not even guaranteed starter’s minutes, with Joe Johnson taking time at the 2 spot, and Nash at the 1. He had nice numbers with the Clippers, but c’mon…that was the Clippers.
Take Him: In the 8th or later. But someone will take him in the 5th, so it’s a moot point.
But remember: Late in the year, when the guy who took Q in the 5th is all frustrated, trade for him. He’ll be a nice source of 3’s.

Tier 5: The Spurs Tier.

17. Manu Ginobilli (SAS) – You know what they say about Argentineans – they’re very good at basketball, but not fantasy basketball. And this is true of Ginobilli, who won’t really hurt you anywhere, but he’ll give you nice steal numbers and that’s about it.
Take Him: Late, but take him. He’s gonna give you a little bit just about everywhere.
But Remember: He’s in a crowded backcourt. Which brings us to…

18. Brent Barry (SAS) – The best Olympic player not to make team USA according to every Monday-morning analyst (and me, too), he’s going to be fighting for minutes in San Antonio. If he gets 25 a game, he’ll be worth owning for his assists and 3’s.
Take Him: Late, maybe. He’s never been a stud, but he definitely is very strong in those 2 categories.
But Remember: Ginobilli and Parker and beloved in S.A. Americans don’t belong in this backcourt.

Tier 6: Under the Radar.

19. Larry Hughes (WAS) – He was more valuable as a PG, but as a SG he’ll still give you plenty of reasons to smile. He won’t score 18 a game like last year now that Jamison’s in the fold, but he’ll get 15 points, 5 boards, a three, and at least a steal every night.
Take Him: In the 8th or later. He’s not going to hurt your team, at least.
But Remember: His upside isn’t too great, and he might be the 4th option if Kwame decides to play like he should this year.

20. Gerald Wallace (CHA) – He should be the first or second Bobcat taken in the draft. If ever there’s reason to draft a guy who averaged 2 points a game last year, it’s because he’s going to be a top option on an expansion team. Which means: Lots of scoring, lots of rebounds, and horrendous FG%.
Take Him: In the 8th or later. You’ll make some of your opponents angry when you take him – plenty of folks are targeting this guy.
But Remember: He averaged TWO ppg last year. In 9.1 minutes. Two points. Yikes.

Tier 7: The Rest of the Rest (A bunch of old guys plus Joe Johnson).

21. Joe Johnson (PHO) – The didn’t give Quentin Richardson $50 million dollars so he could sit and cheer for Joe Johnson, but somehow this guy always get minutes and points when you don’t expect him to.
22. Kerry Kittles (LAC) – New team means this borderline fantasy player might not be worth your time. How will not having J-Kidd affect his performance? Poorly, I’m sure.
23. Jim Jackson (HOU) – He gets 2 threes a game, and 6 boards, and a steal. He’s worth a spot on your roster.
24. Ricky Davis (BOS) – He’s worth a late pick to see if he returns to form from a few years ago, which he probably won’t. But it’s worth a shot.
25. Jalen Rose (TOR) – Who knows with this guy? He’ll put up OK numbers just about everywhere if he gets minutes, which he might not this year. I’d avoid him.
26. Allan Houston (NYK) – He’s gonna lose time to Jamal Crawford, and he murders you in boards and assists as it is. Avoid, unless you need 3’s and FT%.

Tier 8: Don’t. Just Don’t.
27. Willie Green (PHI) – Not going to get the ball.
28. Doug Christie (SAC) – Hurt; Crazy wife.
29. Jiri Welsch (BOS) – Won’t get minutes.
30. Flip Murray (SEA) – One good month last year. Zero this year.
31. Reggie Miller (IND) – I love him too. But he won’t contribute enough anymore.