Insider Special: Fantasy Watch

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Insider Fantasy File

Chad Ford

ESPN Insider

Wednesday, December 4, 2002

NBA Championships aren't won in November. Neither are fantasy leagues.

Over the last few weeks, fantasy owners have kicked several promising young players to the curb after slow starts to the season. Yes, Tim Thomas has been awful. Eddie Griffin can't hit a shot. Chauncey Billups looks like a Rick Pitino refugee. And Vladmir Radmanovic makes Toni Kukoc look like Ron Artest.

You may be willing to go your separate ways, claiming you'll be all right without them. But come January, they'll be making you pay. So, be good to yourself and keep these kids around. Good things come to those who wait. Tim Thomas

Small Forward

Milwaukee Bucks

2002 SEASON STATISTICS

GM FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS

17 .453 .667 0.9 4.6 1.5 1.1 0.7 11.71

Don't Stop Believing:

Tim Thomas, Bucks (available in 33 percent of leagues) I'm not a fan, but with the injury to Toni Kukoc, Thomas has to produce. He has the talent, he just lacks the confidence and definition in his game to dominate. He's traditionally a slow starter and has shown signs of life the last week. He's capable of 18 points, 8 boards and two threes a game.

Eddie Griffin, Rockets (available in 43 percent of leagues) He's got to stop shooting all of those threes and start taking the ball into the paint. Griffin has the potential to be a fantasy monster. He blocks shots, rebounds, can score in bunches and, on occasion, he'll even get hot from beyond the arc. He's struggling (along with the rest of the Rockets) to find an identity with this team. But coach Rudy Tomjanovich has resisted the urge to bury him behind Kenny Thomas and Maurice Taylor. That can only lead to good things.

Chauncey Billups, Pistons (available in 64 percent of leagues) What happened to the guy who became a fantasy staple late last season? Billups began the season trying to fit in. He set out to prove he's a pass first point guard and tried to impress coach Rick Carlisle with his tough defense. But with the Pistons offense stalling, expect Billups to start to fire it up with abandon when he returns from his ankle injury on Wednesday.

Vladimir Radmanovic, Sonics (available in 71 percent of leagues) His defense has him stuck in Nate McMillan's doghouse right now. But privately the Sonics still maintain that he may be the most talented Euro this side of Dirk Nowitizki. Radmanovic, like Thomas, has struggled to define his game. He's more comfortable on the perimeter right now, but he's warming to playing in the post. The Sonics really need someone to step up and man the paint. Sooner or later, that guy is going to be Radmanovic.

Only the Young:

Marko Jaric, Clippers (available in 86 percent of leagues) With Andre Miller, Corey Maggette and Lamar Odom all nursing injuries, Jaric has finally gotten the opportunity to spread his wings. The points, assists and threes will help. But also check out Jaric's steals. He's tenacity on the defensive end resembles a European Ron Artest. Once everyone gets healthy, Jaric may not be the best play, but he should continue producing big time throughout the month of December.

Gerald Wallace, Kings (available in 88 percent of leagues) Injuries to Predrag Stojakovic and Hidayet Turkoglu have given Wallace a chance to shine. He's making the most of his opportunity. He shoots a high percentage from the field, is capable of putting up 20 points a night and is a great rebounder for a two guard.

Carlos Boozer, Cavs (available in 83 percent of leagues) Boozer is getting more opportunities with Chris Mihm out and Tyrone Hill hurting. He's responded with five double-doubles in his last eight games. Boozer slipped in last summer's draft after teams questioned whether he had the athleticism to play the four in the pros. Early on he's showing that he has savvy around the basket that few players his age can match.

Chad Ford is the NBA Insider for ESPN.com. Check out his frequent work on ESPN Insider .