Fantasy Basketball 2013: Top 20 Players

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A new year is here and fantasy basketball owners now have a clearer sense of the best players in the NBA. While there were some obvious superstars amongst the group of elite players, some surprising names have risen in the ranks and should continue their fantasy success in 2013. Some superstars have either struggled or bit the injury bug in 2012 and are great candidates to bounce back in the new year. While there are many players who are worthy of making the list, these are the top 20 fantasy basketball players for 2013.

Some surprise stars who doesn’t rank on this top 20 list but will likely continue as top fantasy basketball players in 2013:

20. PF/C David Lee, Golden State Warriors

Lee has been a double-double machine for the much-improved Warriors. One of the most consistent players in the league, he has schooled opposing power forwards with his variety of moves and unique skill set. There’s no sign of him slowing down his production.

19. SG/SF Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers

In the midst of a breakout season, Batum has grown into one of the best players at contributing all across the board. A maven when it comes to steals and blocks, he has also been a sharpshooter from downtown and has once again increased his scoring average. Despite just being 24 years of age, Batum has developed into one of the league’s best all-around players.

18. PG Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Missing a significant number of games at the end of November and the beginning of December, Irving has played at a very high level in the games he has played in. Increasing his aggressiveness on offense, he should continue his trend of great numbers in 2013.

17. PG Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets

Having a big dip in production in the team’s first year in Brooklyn, Williams has cited wrist issues to system woes as some of the many reasons for his struggles. With P.J. Carlesimo currently serving as the head coach and the potential for a new, permanent coach in the future, he may start to play at a high level in 2013.

16. PF Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Still building up his conditioning and playing off the bench, Nowitzki should be back and ready at full strength in 2013. Owners holding onto the perennial All Star should reap in the rewards assuming he recovers from his knee surgery.

15. PF/C Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz

While his scoring may be down from previous seasons, Jefferson has still been serving as one of the most productive centers in the league. Seeing less playing time due to the Jazz’s depth in the frontcourt, his long-term reliability makes him a easy choice as a top producer in 2013.

14. C Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

While not a high-scoring center like other options in the league, Gasol’s a big asset for his passing and shot blocking. With great shooting percentages for a center, he should stay on course and consistent throughout the remainder of the season.

13. PG/SG Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Another player hampered by health issues, Wade could bounce back as an elite option in 2013. The clear second option behind LeBron James, his production is rising and could make him a big contributor in the coming months.

12. PG Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Putting up great all-around numbers as the Thunder’s second-best star, Westbrook has been killing it with regards to his points, rebounds, assists and steals. His top-notch contributions have helped Oklahoma City and fantasy owners alike and should continue as long as the Thunder remain a top team in the Western Conference.

11. PF/C Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder

Making huge strides since entering the league, Ibaka has significantly improved his offensive game. From a big jump in free throw percentage to attempting more shots, his role on the team has transformed into that of a top fantasy option when factoring in his good rebounding numbers and superb blocking numbers.

10. PG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Curry has turned out great games all season long and has been more than just a great shooter from long distance. Averaging over 20 points a game for the first time in his career, he has become an upper-echelon fantasy option who has surely benefited from no ankle injuries.

9. PF/C Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers

A beast of the boards so far this season, Varejao has seen significantly growth this year. From his unimaginable rebounding numbers to his improved play at the free throw line and as a passer, he has become one of the top five center-eligible players in fantasy basketball.

8. PF/C Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

A top-20 pick in drafts this season, owners drafting Love knew they had to wait until 2013 before getting the production they expect out of him. Although struggling with his shot now, it should eventually return back to normal and bring him back to prominence in the fantasy world.

7. SF/PF Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Currently having a career year, Anthony has done it all as one of the top scorers in the league and one of the better rebounders eligible at both small forward and power forward. With Amar’e Stoudemire also back in 2013, he could continue to thrive with another star playing alongside him.

6. PF/C Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Always a model of consistency, Duncan has continued to play at such a high level despite his old age for a basketball player. Everything he does, both on offense and defense, is of great benefit to fantasy owners in every aspect.

5. SG/SF James Harden, Houston Rockets

Perhaps the biggest breakout player of the season, Harden has thrived in his new home. Staring alongside Jeremy Lin in the Rockets backcourt, he has been the dynamic scorer that is now finding success as a full-time starter on a young, competitive team, which gives him plenty of opportunities for playing time with the ball in his hands.

4. SG Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Like Duncan, Bryant has thrived at an older age. While the Lakers have struggled this season, he has been dominant all season long as the league’s leading scorer and has valuable in other categories as well. Forever a great player, Bryant will be at the top of his game and his fantasy production until he retires.

3. PG Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

While not the big scorer like many other players previously listed, Paul has been the leader of the best team in basketball. Making the most noise on the free throw line and in the passing lanes, both offensively and defensively, he will continue to be the elite point guard of the league.

2. SF Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

In an exclusive group of players averaging over 20 points a game with at least one steal and block per game, Durant has put up stellar numbers all season. Given his pre-season draft slot, it’s no surprise to see him near the top of this list.

1. SF/PF LeBron James, Miami Heat

Likely head-to-head with Durant throughout the season for the top title, James’ gets the nod for his better efficiency from the field and better overall numbers. A monster when it comes to field goal percentage, points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, he can do it all and is more likely of the two to maintain this high level of play throughout the rest of 2013.