1. Russell Westbrook-Oklahoma City Thunder: Even though the Thunder are the NBA’s newest “Super Team” the presence of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George shouldn’t dissuade you from drafting Westbrook as a top pick. His scoring may drop a couple of points, but the production you’ll get in rebounds, assists and steals will be worth it and will help your lineup stay balanced by getting production in most standard categories. The ball is in Westbrook’s hands and there will be a lot of plays in which the other members of the Thunder will sit there and watch Westbrook create with the ball. The second the defense collapses, that’s when Anthony will come into play as the second option. Westbrook will be driving a lot and will fight in the lane for his own rebounds.

2. Stephen Curry-Golden State Warriors: Just like with the situation in OKC, Curry proved last year that even with addition of Kevin Durant, he was still able to put up big fantasy numbers. Curry not only has the best pure jumper in the NBA, but he’s excellent at driving to the basket on the ball and cutting back door when off the ball. He often catches sleepy defenders and takes advantage of them off the ball in the lane. Curry is still one of the most reliable long range and free throw shooters in the league and will carry your teams in the percentage categories.

3. John Wall-Washington Wizards: Wall’s improved all-around play impacted the Wizards and we saw a lot more confident of a shooter from all over the court. Wall is arguably the fastest player baseline to baseline with the ball in the NBA. He keeps the Wizards offense running at a quick rate. Half the time he drives all the way from half court to try to draw contact. Even though he plays fast and tough in and out of the lane he’s proven his durability over the last season. Wall has learned how to use his teammates properly and that will help rack up assists. Wall will also be a big help with steals.

4. Chris Paul-Houston Rockets: CP3 will still be a fantasy dynamo this season, as he will fit nicely in the fast-paced “Offense or Bust” style of play in Houston. Paul has already shown in pre-season that he meshes nicely with the first and second unit. While the situation isn’t ideal and James Harden will have possessions that he handles by himself, the Rockets know what they have in Paul and will utilize all of his assets, especially finding cutters off the curl in the mid court. Paul is a reliable driver, scorer and is excellent at calling out screens on the defensive side of the ball and his playing time will not take a hit and he will still be a huge help with assists. His scoring will be higher on nights Harden struggles from the field.

5. Kyrie Irving-Boston Celtics: Irving takes on the Isaiah Thomas role from last season and even with the addition of Gordon Hayward, Irving will still get a ton of opportunities to create with the ball. Irving has a very smooth pass in the lane and he has the ability to change his body mid-air and extend plays and draw extra contact. Irving will continue to slash when his shot isn’t falling and his overall skill-set will only improve with Brad Stevens watching him.

6. Damian Lillard-Portland Trail Blazers: It’s still Lillard’s show in Portland. He will handle most possessions on his own and will score a ton of points. His assist numbers should be in the six to seven range. He’ll always find a way to the lane or a way to get open when he’s off the ball. Even when team’s double him, his court placement is excellent as he’ll look to attack from even the corner when he gets the ball on the perimeter. Not much has changed with Portland’s roster from last season to this one and Lillard will be in command of the offense with limited consistent scoring threats especially from mid and long range.

7. Kemba Walker-Charlotte Hornets: Just like with the Blazers, most of the Hornets offense has and will continue to come out of the backcourt. Having Dwight Howard should help Walker’s assist numbers (as long as Howard’s focused on Basketball). Walker’s scoring will be needed more than ever right from the get-go because backcourt teammate Nicolas Batum will be missing the first two months of the season due to an elbow injury. This will work in Walker’s favor as he will handle the majority of possessions on his own and has shot-happy players around him such as Jeremy Lamb and Malik Monk (also should boost Walker’s assists).

8. Mike Conley-Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have a familiar offensive set up as they did last season. Conley will look for the open Gasol first on the perimeter, get the screen up top and then get the ball back and look for Gasol again or will start driving. It’s a simple formula that’s worked for both Conley and Gasol for years. Conley’s assist numbers should be as consistent as last season and his scoring numbers should increase a bit with Vince Carter and Zach Randolph off the team. Not having those mid and long range shooters will give Conley more chances while the younger Grizzlies players find their fit on the court. Chandler Parsons needs to prove he can stay healthy for five minutes before being considered as a true shooting threat.

9. Kyle Lowry-Toronto Raptors: Lowry is a quick diver and is excellent at making long range contested jumpers. The two-man game he plays right inside the key with DeMar DeRozan has also proven to be effective. Lowry will help mainly with scoring and assists and will get a ton of playing time. Norman Powell should not be too much of a threat to either Lowry or DeRozan’s playing time. Plays that involve a long-range shot will mainly involve Lowry and for some reason Serge Ibaka. The offense will continue to run through Lowry and will continue to shoot possession after possession if hitting.  

10. Eric Bledsoe-Phoenix Suns: Bledsoe returns as the Suns top scoring weapon and most of the shots will be taken by Bledsoe and Devin Booker. T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson will also be in the mix, but it will be Bledsoe handling the offense from start to finish a lot early on. Bledsoe will be helpful with assists and steals and has good court-vision. The Suns will look to run a bit more and once Jackson hits his stride, Bledsoe will have less attention on him as the opposition will need to focus more on defending the interior. Bledsoe is a reliable shooter from all over the court and will look to slash. Health has been an issue and should be considered before drafting.