Happy Thanksgiving everybody!  With four weeks nearly in the books, I thought it would be a good idea to review what this season’s freshman class has delivered our way thus far.

Rookies are usually the hype of all fantasy drafts, but unlike the other major fantasy sports, you’ll only have a select few that provide consistent value.  This season, the word “few” may even be stretching it.  Let’s dig in…

The Fig Cap:  Seattle is thankful for Kevin Durant.  Soon, Oklahoma City will be thankful for…Kevin Durant.

The Top Five:
These guys are the cream of the current crop based on their play thus far

1. Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Seattle Supersonics
Let’s face it.  Durant is the clear favorite to win this season’s Rookie of the Year award.  And while game-winning shots do not count as anything aside from ‘points’ in the fantasy arena, you can bet that the Sonics and their fans alike were in love with this kid’s buzzer-beater against the Hawks not too long ago. We had a feeling that his field goal percentage would suffer this season, but when you’re the number one option on your team and you can’t even crack open a Sam Adams - or whatever kids drink these days - in front of a law-abiding official, you’re going to have your ups and downs.  His rebounding numbers will improve with time, and if his scoring follows suit, this kid’s going to be dangerous.

2. Al Horford, PF/C, Atlanta Hawks
Could it be?  The Hawks made the right move in the draft?  Horford had no choice but to display his talents early with Zaza Pachulia missing time, and he took it in stride by averaging nearly a double-double thus far with two blocks a game.  What’s crazy about this is that these numbers are not far off from what many had predicted from Greg Oden before his knee surgery - yet Horford was still going several rounds after Oden’s then ADP.  His numbers have suffered a bit with the return of Pachulia, but he’s still a must-own in all formats due to his help in boards, blocks and field goal percentage.

3a. Yi Jianlian, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
I hesitate to put him here as his numbers have fallen off a bit as of late, with Charlie Villanueva’s increased production.  But year-to-date, there is little doubting in what Jianlian has done for the Bucks.  Of course, he may be 28 years old by now and was more NBA ready than we had suspected.  If his consistency improves, he’s a must-own, but until then, I feel pretty comfortable letting him sit on the free agent list while I get my boards and blocks elsewhere.  Maybe from some guy named Moon?  More on that later.

3b. Jeff Green, SF, Seattle Supersonics
I’m willing to bet that if I did this list two weeks from now, Green would be the clear-cut #3 guy.  Instead, he’s more of a three-on-the-rise, while Jianlian is drifting downward.  The rookie out of Georgetown is just starting to get playing time, but is already averaging 10 points a game with solid rebounding totals.  While Damien Wilkins has been playing well, coming off of a career night last week, the future at the small forward slot is in Green.  Plus, you can rest assured that his jersey is a big seller among the hippies and Gore family.  Thank you, I’m here all day.

5. Jamario Moon, SF, Toronto Raptors
I couldn’t do a rookie piece without mentioning the starting small forward for the Raptors that even the casual fan may not even know.  Toronto goes out and spends a decent penny on Jason Kapono and even acquires Carlos Delfino.  And while I should even mention Joey Graham as well, it’s Moon - an undrafted rookie - that is getting the start and producing some solid totals.  He’s the fourth scoring option at best on the Raps, but his work on the board, blocks and steals has turned the head of Raptors brass as well as fantasy owners - myself included.  I cross my fingers that he keeps getting the playing time, but as long as he can provide the numbers, I’m riding the hot hand and suggest you do the same.

Others Receiving Consideration:
These guys have shown flashes of brilliance, but just not enough to get them in to the next tier

Sean Williams, C, New Jersey Nets
Shot-blocking specialist with a bevy of upside.  But can he get the minutes with Lawrence Frank’s constantly rotating front court?

Al Thornton, SF/PF, Los Angles Clippers
A ton of injuries in Los Angeles, but unfortunately, he’s one of them.  Get healthy and get in there!

Acie Law IV, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks
Has had a rough go ‘round with the scoring, but is the starting point guard when he returns.

To Watch Going Forward:
For one reason or another, these guys may be making an appearance in fantasy lineups in the near future

Thaddeus Young, SG/SF, Phi
Philly has been awful, and the reserves are getting some burn.  Can Young take advantage?

Nick Young, PG/SG, Washington Wizards
Another Young, but this one should get an increase in time with Gilbert Arenas out.  At worst, he’s a highlight reel in the waiting.

Aaron Gray, C, Chicago Bulls
Simply because you never know what Scott Skiles will do next.  Maybe he can run the point too?

That’s all she wrote.  Have a good weekend, people.