Now that Shaq is in the TV studio, Dwight Howard is the only "Superman" in the NBA.
Big men in the NBA are a dying breed. As a result, power forwards and centers just do not have the same fantasy value as they once did. Of course, Kevin Love and Dwight Howard are the exceptions. According to the scoring system used by Fantazzle Fantasy Basketball games, Love is averaging 44.1 total fantasy points per game. Ironically enough, Howard is also putting up 44.1 total fantasy points per game.
On that coincidental note, let’s unveil the top five fantasy centers of 2012.
5. Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz
In his second season with the Jazz, Big Al is putting up 18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
Despite his numbers dropping slightly this season, expect Jefferson to be a consistent fantasy performer, but if and only if he stays healthy.
4. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
Bargnani has filled Chris Bosh’s old role as the 20-point scorer on the not-so-good Toronto Raptors.
The former number one overall pick is putting up 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. He’s also adding 1.4 made three-pointers per game.
If he can stay on the court, Bargnani can be a very productive player in 2012 fantasy basketball.
3. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Gasol has lived up to the four-year, $57.7 million contract he signed in the off-season in 2012.
The 26-year-old Spaniard is averaging 14.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
There’s only one question surrounding Marc Gasol, has he surpassed his brother Pau as the best baller in the family?
2. Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers
Dear Reggie Miller, Marc Gasol is not the second best center in the NBA.
Why you ask? Two words, Andrew Bynum.
Despite sharing the front-court with Marc’s brother Pau, Bynum has asserted himself as the Lakers go-to guy in the post.
The New Jersey native has tallied 16.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.9 blocks per contest in 2012.
If Shaq says that Andrew Bynum is the second best center in the NBA, I’ll buy it.
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
No surprise at number one this time around. Dwight Howard can do it all, except for make free-throws.
Howard has dominated the opposition all season long, putting up 19.5 points, 15.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
Although the Magic do not play the Golden State Warriors again this season, you should still include Howard in your lineup for daily fantasy basketball games.
