I am stepping in for Dennis Velasco for this pick. Dennis mentioned that there was a lonely buffet table that he had to keep company. What a gentleman. How fitting that Dennis is maintaining his round figure as this article is a tribute to the Round Mound. As a fellow D.D. writer, you will find out quickly that Dennis has a strong admiration for Charles Barkley, the Round Mound of Rebound. It could be that Dennis could relate to elements of Barkley’s career to his own life. You know struggles with weight, outspoken, great at his craft and a team player. It is unfortunate that with all the undersized Charles Barkley had accomplished in the NBA, his legacy does not include a championship.  Dennis can empathize with Barkley because Dennis’s legacy will not include the Dropping Dimes’ Expert League championship.

To continue the Round Mound theme we move on to Zach Randolph. It is quite evident reviewing highlights and pictures of Zach, that he could have avoided that extra trip to the buffet table as well.  Despite being a little round, Zach can still help your fantasy team. Check out what Zach will bring to the table.

Round 7, Pick 5: Zach Randolph, PF, Portland Trailblazers

Coach Nate McMillan made a commitment that Zach Randolph will be the starting PF for the Trailblazers. This is a great relief to fantasy owners because the Trailblazer frontcourt got a little more crowded in the off-season. New additions Jamal Magloire, Raef LaFrentz and LaMarcus Aldridge will be fighting for minutes at the 4 and 5 spots. Zach will get his minutes and pump out some fantasy worthy numbers.

In the ’04-’05 season, Randolph missed 36 games mostly due to a right knee injury that eventually required micro-fracture surgery. Last year, Zach played in 74 games and averaged 18-8 but did have the explosiveness that was exhibited in the ’03-’04 season when he averaged 20-10. A year removed from micro-fracture surgery, Zach should be more comfortable with the knee and renew his 20-10 ways.

Zach in the past 2 years had become more of a jump shooter and that was reflected in his declining FG% of 44.8% and 43.6%. It was most likely a preservation mode for Zach who did not have complete confidence in his knee. Look for Zach to pound the paint this year and increase his FG% to the 48% + range.

Don’t expect Zach to help you with blocks and steals. Zach is a terrible shot blocker; his career average is 0.3 blocks/game.  Zach is marginally better at swiping the rock with a career average of 0.7 steals /game. Zach’s weekly quotas for hustle stats are 3 steals and a block a week.

Zach’s Trailblazers will have a difficult time making the playoffs this year thus ensuring his membership to the Round Mound with No Championship Club. Next offseason, Randolph will be styling at the buffet table with fellow members Charles Barkley and D.D. writer Dennis Velasco.

I have nothing but love for you Dennis! 

Other team members

1.5. Kobe Byrant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
2.8. Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets
3.5. Dwight Howard, PF/C, Orlando Magic
4.8. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Clevland Cavaliers
5.5. Morris Peterson, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors
6.8. Brandon Roy, PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers