It’s difficult to measure how much we should actually take from what we saw this NBA preseason and while we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from all 30 teams this year, there are still some important position battles that will carry over into the regular season. Here is a look at the four key position battles in the Western Conference that we’re monitoring for fantasy purposes.
Houston Rockets, Point Guard
Patrick Beverley doesn’t have the same playmaking abilities and offensive talent as Ty Lawson but he is a tenacious defender that will do everything he can to force head coach Kevin McHale’s hand when it comes to giving him more minutes. Lawson is the starter right now after the Rockets brought him over from the Denver Nuggets but he has had some issues off the floor and there could still be some lingering concern about that.
James Harden is a superstar that needs the ball in his hands, so there could be instances where Houston wants him and Beverley on the floor at the same time and Lawson on when Harden is not. It’s still early and Lawson will be the team’s starting point guard on opening night but Houston has a couple of different lineup options and we’ll have to monitor the chemistry situation.
Don’t assume that a new, talented point guard will fit in and just make everything better. See Rajon Rondo and the Dallas Mavericks last season as an example.
Los Angeles Clippers, Small Forward
The Clippers traded for Lance Stephenson hoping that he can provide a spark for them at the small forward position but then they also signed Paul Pierce as a free agent shortly after. Those moves have left Los Angeles with two capable starters at the position and they really can’t go wrong starting either one…or can they? Pierce is in the twilight of his career while Stephenson is coming off a terrible season. Pierce will probably have a reduced workload after turning 38 in October while Stephenson will be a big chemistry concern.
If he’s a problem in any way, he’ll be cut out of the picture. However, he’s very talented and the Clippers could be a significantly better team if he plays like he did two seasons ago. And don’t forget about Wes Johnson, who is also battling for minutes on the wing for the Clippers this season.
Sacramento Kings, Center
Sacramento acquired Kosta Koufos over the summer only to draft Willey Cauley-Stein with their first round pick. While the rookie is expected to start at the center position, the veteran should have a prominent role on the roster this season. Koufos averaged 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds playing just 16.6 minutes per game in Memphis a year ago but he should have a bigger role behind Cauley-Stein – especially if he struggles early on. What’s interesting is both are defensive-minded players but head coach George Karl likes to run and focus on offense. The Kings feel they have enough talent to contend for a playoff spot this season and if either proves they belong, they will have a prime spot next to DeMarcus Cousins in the starting lineup.
Denver Nuggets Shooting Guard Battle
Veteran Randy Foye was expected to start for Denver at the shooting guard position but the Nuggets experimented with second-year guard Gary Harris as the starter in the preseason and he could get the nod for them on opening night. Harris struggled as a rookie last season but he is a quality two-way player. With Denver likely headed towards a lottery pick, they will want to see what he can do in a bigger role in order to evaluate his potential moving forward.
Foye is a known commodity with a low ceiling, but he should see decent minutes regardless of whether he starts or not. Look for the Nuggets to somewhat force the issue with Harris as they give him every opportunity to win the position battle and play the bulk of the minutes at shooting guard this season.
