1. Kevin Durant-Golden State Warriors: Durant’s production will be very similar to last season’s and the Warriors proved last season that there’s enough possessions for everyone to get fed. Durant not only produced from the perimeter, but he is one of the toughest lane drivers in the NBA and it’s very difficult to stop him once he begins attacking. The offense is built around him and he looks to take advantage of smaller defenders during defensive switches right around the free-throw line. He can create with one hand as well, especially when in the post and helps out with all offensive and defensive categories.

  2. LeBron James-Cleveland Cavaliers: The departure of Kyrie Irving means only more time for James to have possession of the ball. James will help in every fantasy basketball category and will serve as point forward until Isaiah Thomas returns (if he returns) and he will set up cutting teammates a bunch and that will help with assists. James has excellent hands and is a hound on defensive and causes a lot of loose balls. He hasn’t slowed down at all since entering the league over a decade ago.

  3. Kawhi Leonard-San Antonio Spurs: Even though Leonard is nursing a quad injury that’s kept him out of pre-season, the Spurs don’t work effectively without him in the lineup. Leonard is a shutdown perimeter defender and really showed just how improved his long-range game has gotten over time. Leonard will help out in all categories and is an excellent attacker. Leonard may miss the first week of action but all indications and reports say that Leonard should not have to miss an extended period of time. That’s why he remains in the top three at the position.

  4. Jimmy Butler-Minnesota Timberwolves: Butler will have a similar role in Minnesota as he did in Chicago and will focus more on slashing while Andrew Wiggins focuses on shooting. Butler has an excellent post game from all angles and is one of the best at following up his own shots. Butler will help out big-time on the defensive side as he’s a staunch defender in the post and on the perimeter. Butler will utilize his drive more than ever and with the amount of attention Karl-Anthony Towns requires, it will lead to more openings for Butler.

  5. Paul George-Oklahoma City Thunder: George has shown over the last couple of seasons that unlike a lot of other top options in the NBA, he doesn’t command the ball a lot. That’s just not George’s game. Like Jimmy Butler, George is more of a slasher than a scorer and having Carmelo Anthony on the other side of paint should lead to more open lanes for George. One area that we will absolutely see George more involved in is cutting to the basket off the ball. Westbrook constantly requires a double team, and if the lane is open George will be fed. George can shoot from long-range, but expect most of his production to come from inside the arc. George will help consistently with rebounds and steals.

  6. Gordon Hayward-Boston Celtics: New team, but familiar Coach and that works in Hayward’s favor. Not only does Hayward know Brad Stevens style of coaching, but Stevens knows how to best utilize Hayward and that will make the transition to joining a new team smoother than most. Hayward is a great floor runner and will thrive on transition. Hayward is good at finding openings and balances his shot selection between long and mid range jumpers. He will look to attack more on the Celtics being that Al Horford is also more effective on the perimeter. We will see Hayward cut to the basket a lot off the ball and have more scoring opportunities from the paint.

  7. Otto Porter Jr.-Washington Wizards: Porter has emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders and despite having Kelly Oubre Jr. behind him, the Wizards gave Porter a lucrative contract and are committed to him. Despite being the third scoring option, Porter gets a limited amount of attention from defenders. It was almost as if teams simply punted on defending him on the perimeter. Porter is excellent at deceiving his defender by making like he’s going to attack the lane, only to shoot an open mid-range jumper with the opposition’s back turned. That takes a lot of ball control to pull that off as consistently as Porter does. He’s also good at running the pick and pop and does not need a lot of time to get a shot off. Porter will help in most fantasy basketball categories.

?8. Khris Middleton-Milwaukee Bucks: Middleton’s Hamstring is healthy and he will share the frontcourt with one of the toughest players to defend against in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo will draw so much attention every game and Middleton will see a ton of open shots. Middleton is very reliable from down town and will look to drive if the lane is open. If Middleton is set to take a shot in the mid-court upon receiving the ball, he will hit, but he’s not as effective in the mid-court when on the ball. Middleton’s sweet spot for shooting is at the top of the key. Middleton is also an effective passer from the top of the key. He can always hit the cutter, especially when that cutter is Antetokounmpo.

9. Harrison Barnes-Dallas Mavericks: The changing of the guard has occurred when it comes to scoring in Dallas and with Dirk Nowitzki playing more in the paint at Center, Barnes becomes officially the focal point of the offense. Barnes will get a lot of time to create on the ball, especially in the mid-court. Barnes is consistent when it comes to following his own shot and will help out on the rebound front. As the Mavericks top scoring weapon, Barnes will look to utilize screens set for him at the free throw line. He has a few quick post moves that should help him against slower defenders inside. On the other side of the ball Barnes will be a big steals help as he may be the only member of the Mavs who cares about playing defense.

10. Danilo Gallinari-Los Angeles Clippers: With Chris Paul off the team and DeAndre Jordan’s limited offensive ability, Gallinari will virtually have the mid-court all to himself to create on offense. He will have a similar amount of shots as he did last season. Gallinari will be more efficient on transition by stopping and popping. The days of constant alley-oops are finished for the Clippers for now. Gallinari will help the team overall find better shots and his only big threat is if Blake Griffin decides to play outside the paint and take a lot of long-range jumpers. Gallinari is a much better jump shooter than Griffin, especially from beyond the arc. Gallinari will get long rebounds and steals and is a constant hustler on the court and playing time won’t be an issue. While Griffin will be the top scoring option, Gallinari will serve as the team’s top shooting option.