By Cash Heilman Sports.ws Analyst

Cash Heilman's Guard Predictions, 2004-2005
1. Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers

He got his wish and is now the man of his team without Shaq. If he gets his wish in the courtroom, he'll have a great fantasy season. The going will be tougher for the Lakers without Shaq, but Kobe is the best all-around player in the game. His shooting percentage may be dreadful, but the key in this league is that he's going to get his shots and put up his numbers. And he may surprise some NBA experts by showing that he really is the best player and can lead his team to greatness.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 33.9 (6) 0.90 (9) 65 37 2001-2004 Seasons  37.2 (6) 0.95 (7) 226 39

2. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia Sixers

Still one of the toughest and most exciting players in the game. His PPM have fallen off a bit recently, but he's still going to put up huge numbers. He wants the ball and he likes to shoot, and for fantasy owners, that's music to the ears. He'll have another great fantasy season. He's one of the few players in the league who can throw up 50 points any night.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 34.8 (5) 0.82 (28) 48 42 2001-2004 Seasons  37.2 (6) 0.87 (11) 189 42

3. Baron Davis, New Orleans Hornets

Became a legitimate star last year and exploded as one of the best fantasy guards out there. His triple-double ability makes him a coveted fantasy player. He's now the go-to player on the Hornets with Mashburn on the downside of his career. A healthy Davis will be a fantasy freight train again this season.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 33.9 (6) 0.85 (18) 67 39 2001-2004 Seasons  30.6 (20) 0.77 (38) 198 39

4. Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

As a rookie he was 16th in PPG and 46 in PPM. Guess what? Those numbers are going to jump this year. He struggled for a while his rookie season as he adjusted the NBA and his team, but he still put up great fantasy numbers because of his great all-around game. This year he will explode into the league's elite and could be a top 10 overall player. Don't let him slip too far, because his upside is as great as anyone's, even with all the hype. He could put up better PPG than Iverson and Davis, but his PPM will be lower.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 31.2 (16) 0.79 (46) 79 39 2001-2004 Seasons  31.2 (14) 0.79 (30) 79 39

5. Ray Allen, Seattle Supersonics

An exceptionally reliable fantasy player when he's on the court, but he's missed several games over the past couple of years. He puts up good numbers nearly every game and is one of the NBA's best pure shooters. He also posts good rebound and assist numbers for a 2 guard. Allen should have a typical season and post his usual 31 FPPG and about .82 PPM.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 31.5 (14) 0.82 (28) 56 38 2001-2004 Seasons  30.6 (20) 0.81 (24) 200 37

6. Vince Carter, Toronto Rapters

Basically interchangeable from a fantasy perspective with Allen. Both have put up nearly identical numbers over the past couple of years and both have missed games due to injury. Carter is still not happy or comfortable in Toronto which is why he's ranked below Allen. The thing that could springboard him up the rankings is if he can somehow return to his old, dominant form. Allen won't ever put up drastically better numbers than he has, but Carter could, and if he does some fantasy owner will be very lucky.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 31.0 (17) 0.81 (32) 73 38 2001-2004 Seasons  31.2 (14) 0.83 (17) 176 37

7. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets

He's on the downside of a great career and he lost two running mates in Martin and Kittles. These things point to a decline in his numbers. He'll still be a very reliable fantasy guard because he's solid in every statistical category, but his minutes have been falling and his team may not be as strong this year.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 29.9 (21) 0.82 (28) 67 36 2001-2004 Seasons  31.2 (14) 0.84 (15) 228 37

8. Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks

This ranking may be a bit high due to his lower PPM, but he's settling in with a new team in a new city he loves where he can let his offense shine. His PPM may be lower than some guards ranked behind him, but his PPG will be near the elite guards. Some fantasy owners will take him too high in hopes that he explodes in NY after his honeymoon with them last season, but Marbury's been on several teams and each time his number remain about the same.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 30.7 (19) 0.76 (62) 82 40 2001-2004 Seasons  30.8 (18) 0.77 (38) 244 39

9. Sam Cassell, Minnesota Timberwolves

His aging body finally wound down last year, but a summer off has hopefully rekindled his game. Maybe the best mid-range shooter in the game, Cassell fit in perfectly with Garnett and the Wolves. He put up great fantasy numbers last year, and if healthy this year, he should do the same. His numbers have remained consistent over the past several seasons.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 29.1 (24) 0.83 (21) 81 35 2001-2004 Seasons  29.1 (25) 0.83 (17) 233 34

10. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks

After Ray Allen left town, all Michael Redd did was become an all-star guard. He's one of the best 3 point shooters in the league, and he stepped up as the go-to guy for the Bucks. He will be a 20 point scorer once again and be a very consistent fantasy player on a Bucks team that is fun to watch under Terry Porter. Has more upside than Cassell and may be worth taking ahead of him.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 28.5 (28) 0.77 (57) 82 36 2001-2004 Seasons  22.4 (72) 0.77 (38) 230 29

11. Corey Maggette, LA Clippers

Fantasy numbers are nearly identical to Redd's and he should continue to rise at the same pace. With Quentin Richardson heading to Phoenix, Maggette will be looked upon to step up his game even more. His scoring will rise and he'll become a very reliable fantasy player this season.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 27.8 (32) 0.77 (57) 73 35 2001-2004 Seasons  22.3 (73) 0.72 (72) 201 31

12. Steve Francis, Orlando Magic

The only reason he's ranked this low is because of his FPPM. After a season of feeling squashed by Jeff Van Gundy's defensive system, Stevie Franchise's numbers should return to normal in Orlando. He'll be turn loose offensively and may even play some 2 guard, a la Allen Iverson. His PPM still won't be great, but his PPG should definitely rise this season.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 26.5 (43) 0.66 (163) 79 40 2001-2004 Seasons  30.0 (24) 0.74 (62) 216 40

13. Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

One of the surprise rookies in the league last year. He improved steadily throughout the season, he now has Shaq, and his Olympic play will only give him more confidence. Wade's athleticism and scoring ability at the point make him a great fantasy player. Having Shaq in the paint will get him more open looks and more assists. Look for Wade to continue his rise to being one of the best guards in the East.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 23.5 (68) 0.68 (130) 61 34 2001-2004 Seasons  23.5 (62) 0.67 (122) 61 34

14. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Will be running the show for a different team, but a team that may be just as potent offensively as his old Mavericks team. This team is loaded with offensive weapons, and Nash will fit in perfectly. He'll still score plenty of points and he has lots of options to work with. Nash should have the same type of fantasy season we've become accustomed to.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 24.5 (60) 0.73 (76) 78 33 2001-2004 Seasons  25.9 (42) 0.77 (38) 241 33

15. Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers

Despite being a hated defender, Artest has been a solid fantasy guard. He'll score points, rebound, and get steals. He's a decent PPM guy and has only improved his numbers since he came into the league. If he can keep the technicals down and stay in the game, Artest is a valuable and consistent performer.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 27.2 (36) 0.73 (76) 73 37 2001-2004 Seasons  24.5 (52) 0.73 (66) 196 33

16. Mike Bibby, Sacremento Kings

Bibby is a point guard who can score. One a well rounded Kings team, he puts up good fantasy numbers year after year. Numbers were up last year over his 3 year average. No reason to expect him to drop off this year. Bibby will continue to produce at a stable rate on your fantasy team. If you can steal him later, he'd be a great #2 guard to have on your roster.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 26.5 (43) 0.73 (76) 82 36 2001-2004 Seasons  23.6 (59) 0.69 (97) 216 34

17. Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors

Fantasy numbers last year and over the past 3 years are nearly identical to Bibby's. His game is improving beyond just the highlight reel dunks. The thing that he lacks compared to Bibby is the consistency on a nightly basis. He can score 30 on any give night, but he will have plenty of nights were he doesn't hit double figures. Frustrating for fantasy owners.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 27.4 (35) 0.73 (76) 78 37 2001-2004 Seasons  23.6 (59) 0.69 (97) 239 34

18. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards

Career was set to take off until he went to Washington. Now he's a great guard on a bad team. On a good team, Arenas has the potential to be a legitimate star. He'll continue to put up the numbers he always has, but don't expect a major jump in his production.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 27.1 (38) 0.72 (93) 55 37 2001-2004 Seasons  24.5 (52) 0.74 (62) 183 33

19. Andre Miller, Denver Nuggets

Miller's numbers will remain stable. He has other scorers on his team, but he's on an improving Nuggets team that will be a surprise in the West. He's got great versatility and will be a reliable fantasy guard. Fantasy numbers will not jump drastically, but they won't drop either. He's a young guard on a good team. That's a good sign.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 24.7 (58) 0.71 (98) 82 34 2001-2004 Seasons  26.2 (41) 0.73 (66) 242 35

20. Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons

An NBA title and a Finals MVP have only give Billups confidence. He's always been a solid fantasy guard, but after becoming such a clutch player down the stretch last year, he may now only get better. He's got the skills and now he has the confidence and winning attitude to go with it. Look for Billups' numbers to rise slightly over last year.

FPPG (NBA Rank)   FPPM (NBA Rank)   Games  Min/Game 2003-2004 Season 24.9 (52) 0.70 (109) 78 35 2001-2004 Seasons  22.7 (67) 0.71 (77) 233 31

Best of the rest: Michael Finley, Larry Hughes, Ben Gordon, Shaun Livingston, Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Eddie Jones, Richard Hamilton, Latrell Spreewell, Tony Parker, Emanuel Ginobili, Gary Payton