Round 1 Pick 9: Chris Bosh

C@*k blocked or CB’ed. According to Urban Dictionary, the definition of c@*k block – n. one who prevents another from scoring sexually. In real life, if you get CB 4 in one night that is not a good thing.  However, in fantasy basketball if you get CB 4 it is a great thing for your fantasy squad. Of course, we are referring to Chris Bosh who wears # 4 for the Toronto Raptors. 

Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony have been getting most of the headlines from the Class of 2003, but Bosh has quietly developed into the best big man from that draft. His game has matured over the years and so has his numbers.  See below:

Year———FG%—-PTS——-FT %—-REB—-AST
’03-‘04—-45.9——11.5——70.1——7.4——1.0
’04-‘05—-47.1——16.8——76.0——8.9——1.9
’05-‘06—-50.5——22.5——81.6——9.2——2.6

The only areas that he has not improved over the years are the hustle categories - steals and blocks. He averaged 1.1 blocks and barely a steal per game (0.7) in his third season in ‘05-‘06 after averaging 1.4 bpg his previous two seasons and a career-high 0.9 steals in ‘04-‘05.

Bryan Colangelo has transformed the Raptors’ roster this off-season with what is shaping up to be a run-and-gun team. Some are predicting the Raptors will be the “Phoenix Suns of the East.” Everyone knows how fantasy friendly the Suns have been with their style of play. Bosh is the man for the Raptors after signing an extension and will be playing with a pass-first point guard for the first time in his career in T.J. Ford . No more begging for the ball from a shoot-happy PG who was playing for a contract. This could be the last year that Bosh will be eligible at Center now that Rasho Nesterovic will be patrolling the middle for the Raptors. Bosh could be the best fantasy center this year with question marks on the health of Yao and Shaq. It will be an excellent grab for Bosh owners this upcoming season with the expectations of 25 and 10 to go along with excellent FG% and FT% stats.

Do not hesitate to pick Bosh in the late 1st round. You’ll be CB’ing the other owners picking behind you!

Next up Pick # 10