Team Focus: Chunky Monkeys

With a possibly lethal 1-2 combination in Gilbert Arenas and Tim Duncan, it's a bit surprising that the Chunky Monkeys seem to be lacking in so many areas. Their biggest team strength seems to be on defense -- pre-season league leader in both STL and BLK. Seems weird right? Maybe it's all third round pick Josh Smith's doing, as he contributes to both areas greatly, and working in concert with Arenas and Duncan could provide dominant numbers in both categories (and we can't forget Emeka Okafor). But where's the offense on this team?

The only projected 20+ point scorers are Arenas and Duncan, with possibly Jason Terry, Josh Smith, or Charlie Villanueva stepping up. Maybe Manu Ginobili can add some scoring, but he's gonna have to average quite a few points to get the Monkeys up to par.

It does seem like Evan will be able to dial in from downtown however, with Arenas, Terry, Smush Parker, and Manu (this team is ranked third in 3PT). Young Pacers Danny Granger and Marquis Daniels are both promising, but neither will make huge impacts in any of the scoring categories.

A trio of point guards (Evan ended up with a league leading five of them) round out the roster. Smush Parker is the most accomplished name here but Shaun Livingston has the most upside. Mo Williams is a bit of a mystery as to how much he'll play, but he could conceivably be a fine AST man.

Despite the big hole in PTS, this team is set up to win quite a few games. Few teams can match the outside shooting, and no teams will challenge them on STL and BLK. The problem is, it doesn't look like there are two more categories within winning distance. The roster of this team is promising but a bit disjointed.

Best pick: Tim Duncan, Rd 2.
Future star: Josh Smith, Rd3.
Steal: Emeka Okafor, Rd10.
Questionable: Mo Williams, Rd12.
NBA copycat: Chicago Bulls.