The Dingo 69: NBA Countdown, #69 – #61

Over the next two weeks, the Fantasy Dingo will be counting you down to the tip-off of the 2014/2015 NBA season with his top 69 fantasy basketball players for this year. Here are numbers 69 through 61. 

69. Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs

LOCK UP YO WIVES, YO. Who else did you think could possibly take this coveted spot?? Tony Parkerthario, his energy levels reenergized after an off-season trying to pour champagne off the Larry O’Brien trophy and into Lady Gaga's mouth, is ready for another big season. Despite Pop’s minutes limits, expect solid production from the point in San Antonio again this year, especially with Fratty Patty Mills out for the first part of the season.

68. Deron Williams, PG, Brooklyn Nets

Pains me to put him in front of Tony, but then Tony requested that spot so you’ve got to respect the man’s wishes. Anyone unlucky enough to have D-Will on their team last year would know that this pick has a huge asterisk beside it. He says his ankles are healthy, and he says he’s moving with “greater ease” this year. If he stays fit, he could be a top 20 performer. That’s a big “if” though.

67. Andrew Bogut, C, Golden State Warriors

The banged-up Boomer! Another injury-prone legend, when Bogut was banging last year, he was banging, and you know how much I like a banger who can bang, let along one who grew up banging Down Under (oi!). Should fall in drafts due to the likelikhood of injuries, but if you need a spiritual heart to your team (you do), plus 69 rebounds a night when fit, the guy is a must-own.

66. Roy Hibbert, C, Indiana Pacers

You’ll see these words a lot during this preview: SOMEONE’S GOTTA GET THE POINTS (AND BOARDS) ON THIS TEAM. In the case of Roy, hopefully he’s taken some time this off-season to wash off the stink he accrued in the first quarter of 2014, and is ready to bang the boards and get back to at least a fragment of the man he was at the start of last season. I’m rootin’ for ya, Roy! I like Roy a lot. He once hit on a friend of mine in college, and apparently was a real gentleman about it! It could be a comeback of sorts this year, playing in a greatly-depleted Pacers outfit.

65. Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Horncats

I refuse to call these guys the Hornets when there is such a good hybrid name available. Walker Connecticut Ranger has been the focus of a number of off-season articles, questioning his worth to the franchise and asking if he really is a top 20 point guard. For fantasy purposes, the kid can shoot, create and even bang a little for a short guy, and in a new backcourt pairing with Lance “Dingo-favorite” Stephenson, looks poised to shine this season.

64. Giannis Antetokounmpo, SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks

Do you think Bucks beat writers have the spelling memorized by now, or are they still copy/pasting from the last article? Regardless, the Greak Freek is primed for his Breakout Year, his Sophomore Zorba, his dolmades-infused feast with Zaza and Jabari (BYO tzatziki, guys!). He was a lower tier fantasy performer last year, but will be leading the way in the New Kidd’s On The Block, heralding in a possible Bucks resurgence the likes of which the people of Milwaukee have never seen (they’ve hardly seen anything so this isn’t saying much).

63. Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards

Despite Beal's broken hand, there's still a lot to like about a #stashanddash of the third year Wiz-ard. His jumper is a thing of beauty, he’s just declared himself and John Wall the best backcourt in the game, and the Wiz are rising (#wizrising) on the back of an impressive season last year. Stands to lose a few looks with the addition of Paul Pierce, but still has the potential to explode if he gets fit. Don’t sleep on Beal Street (I have! It's scary!).

62. Derrick Favors, PF/C, Utah Jazz

How many Jazz will we fit into the top 69? Should there be any at all? Both great questions—at one stage I thought we were going to have none, but you’ll just have to wait and see. Don’t love the team’s chances this year, but I am a fan of Fit Favors, who proved himself to be a Banger to Watch late last year. Has good skills for a big man, and will look to connect with ma boy DANTE’S INFERNO on many a pick and roll this year.

61. Ryan Anderson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

THE STRETCH FOUR IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE STRETCH FOUR. Or so I yelled at the television as Ryan lay dying on the floor last year, moments after the only serious impact made by a Boston Celtic all season long. He’s back from a couple of herniated discs, and provides an interesting point of difference to the other bangers you’ll mostly be using to stock your front court. Does neck surgery impair your ability to take mid-range jumpers? Who knows, but if you feel it's unlikely to make much of a difference, then this is the guy for you!