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Just because you can’t secure Rajon Rondo, it doesn’t mean that your a lost cause in the steals category. Here are some value players to help you win that category.
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Trevor Ariza, New Orleans Hornets
Ariza’s production went up with Houston last year, but he struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 39.4 percent. He is playing for New Orleans this year, and I expect a regression offensively. However, he’s averaged 1.7 and 1.8 steals the past two seasons respectively. He should remain among the league leaders in the category.
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Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves
He’s a bit of a risk as the Wolves added Martell Webster and Wesley Johnson, but he’s been a solid defender all the way back to his days at Florida.
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Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
So he probably won’t ever live up to his #4 draft pick status, he’s been vastly more successful than his Buckeye teammate Greg Oden. He’ll give you a nice little boost in assists, as well as steals. He averaged 1.4 steals per game last year, and you can likely wait on him until at least the eighth round.
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Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers
His numbers took a hit with the Lakers last year, but he should feel a lot less pressure after helping them repeat as champions. Even if his scoring remains below his career average of 15.5, he’s a virtual lock to be top 20 in steals.
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Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
Last year was a disaster for the Pistons, but Stuckey played pretty well averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 assist, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. With another year under his belt, he’s a good bet to quietly put up some serious numbers.
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Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Chalmers regressed in the steals category, but he still managed 1.3 per game. LeBron is a great help defender so Chalmers can afford to aggressively jump passing lanes and go for the steal.
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Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls
Brewer has averaged at least 1.6 steals over the past three seasons. He is bringing his defensive prowess to the Bulls.
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Just because you can’t secure Dwight Howard, it doesn’t mean that your a lost cause in the blocks category. Here are some value players to help you win that category.
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Brendan Haywood, Dallas Mavericks
Haywood had 158 blocks in 77 games last year after missing all but six games in 2008-09. His minutes and rebounds went down following his trade to Dallas, but the blocks remained virtually unchanged. 
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Chris Andersen, Denver Nuggets
The Birdman is a specialist. He doesn’t score much or even hit the boards very hard (6.4 rpg last year), but he is an eraser. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game last year, a year after averaging 2.5. He’s recovering from knee surgery so it may be best to hold off on him for a bit.
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Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Hibbert battled inconsistency last year, but when he was on, he was really on. Look for the big man to continue to develop this year.
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Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Hornets
He’s not quite the player he used to be, and isn’t nearly the fantasy commodity, but he’s still good for 1.6+ blocks per game. Throw in a good field goal percentage and a bunch of rebounds, and you have a solid big man.
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Joel Anthony, Miami Heat
Yes, the Heat do have players outside of Miami Thrice. Anthony is merely a shot blocking specialist at this point, but is the perfect remedy if that’s where you’re lacking.
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Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
Gibson averaged 1.3 blocks per game, and gets an early season lift with Carlos Boozer sidelined. 
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Other possibilities:
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder 
Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis Grizzlies
Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons 
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Just because you didn’t land Aaron Brooks, Danilo Gallinari, or Rashard Lewis it doesn’t mean you have to punt the three-pointer category. Here are some value picks that can help you win the category.
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Channing Frye, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
Frye made a ridiculous 172 three-pointers, seemingly out of nowhere. He’s not much of a scorer or rebounder, but he can give you a three-point boost if you smalls aren’t prolific three-point shooters.
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J.R. Smith, SG/SF, Denver Nuggets
J.R. seems to be as known for his attitude about as much as he is for his instant offense. While he doesn’t log big minutes, he can fill up the stat sheet in scoring and three-pointers. 
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Rasual Butler, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers
Butler was one of the few highlights in a lost season for the Clippers knocking down 145 three-pointers while averaging 13.5 points after the All-Star game. His minutes will take a hit as the Clippers brought in Ryan Gomes, but he still should give them a sharpshooter off the bench.
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Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, Orlando Magic
Q can flat out knock down the three. Consistency will be his issue. He will share time with Rashard Lewis, who will spend some time at the three, and Mickael Pietrus.
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Anthony Morrow, SG/SF, New Jersey Nets
Morrow came over from Golden State and is holding down the starting shooting guard gig. Consistency will be an issue, but if he stays healthy, he should be among the league leaders in threes this year.
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Martell Webster, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Webster never quite lived up to the billing with Portland, but gets a new lease on life with the Wolves. He’ll be especially useful if the Wolves have any injuries at the swing positions.
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Rookies to Watch:
Wesley Johnson, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves 
Gordon Hayward, SG,SF, Utah Jazz
Jordan Crawford, SG, Atlanta Hawks
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I’ve scoured the fantasy basketball waiver wires to find gems so you don’t have to.

Ryan Gomes, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gomes averaged 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 3.5 three-pointers last week. He shot 60.9 percent from the floor and 75.0 percent from the line. Gomes has scored in double-figures in his last six games. He’s owned in 29.0 percent of Yahoo! and 3.3 percent of ESPN leagues.

Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brewer also played well for the Wolves. He’s actually a preferred choice over Gomes. Last week Brewer averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers. He shot 44.4 percent from the field without missing a free throw. Corey is owned in 55.0 percent of Yahoo! and 30.3 percent of ESPN leagues.

George Hill, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs
Hill has continued to play well even after Tony Parker’s return. Last week he averaged 20.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.7 three-pointers. He shot 53.8 percent from the floor and 77.8 percent from the line. Hill is owned in 33.0 percent of Yahoo! and  10.3 percent of ESPN leagues.

Robin Lopez, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 56.7 percent of his shot. He hit all of his free throws. Lopez’s numbers could rise if/when Amar’e Stoudemire gets dealt. Robin is owned in 41.0 percent of Yahoo! and 8.5 percent of ESPN leagues.

I’ve scoured the fantasy basketball waiver wires to find gems so you don’t have to.

Darren Collison, PG, New Orleans Hornets
I’m sure you’ve heard the news that Chris Paul will miss a month or two following knee surgery. Collison should be at the top of everybody’s list. He had 17 points, 18 assists, and 6 rebounds in his first start for Paul. He’s owned in 31.0 percent of Yahoo! and 7.0 percent of ESPN leagues.

Mike Miller, SG/SF, Washington Wizards
Miller was at the top of his game last week averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.0 three-pointers while shooting 52.8 percent from the field. He’s owned in 54.0 percent of ESPN and 41.0 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Arron Afflalo, SG, Denver Nuggets
Afflalo was solid last week averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers. He shot 59.4 percent from the floor without missing a free throw. Carmelo Anthony is set to return, which will cut into his numbers, but he remains a decent player in daily transaction leagues. If J.R. Smith is dealt, his value should increase. Arron is owned in 15.0 percent of Yahoo! and 1.5 percent of ESPN leagues.

Marcus Thornton, PG/SG, New Orleans Hornets
Thornton has been heavy on the scoring of late, a trend that should continue while CP3 is sidelined. Last week he averaged 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers. He shot 46.3 percent from the floor and 92.3 percent from the line. Marcus is owned in 27.0 percent of Yahoo! and 5.5 percent of ESPN leagues.

Carlos Delfino, SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks
Delfino is in the waiver wire bin once again. Last week he averaged 14.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers. He shot 54.8 percent from the floor and 80.0 percent from the line. Carlos is owned in 48.0 percent of Yahoo! and 26.9 percent of ESPN leagues.

Jared Jeffries, SG/SF, New York Knicks
Jeffries is a regular stat stuffer. Last week he averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 three-pointers while shooting 62.1 percent from the floor. His only fault was making Shaq look like Mark Price with his 28.6 percent free-throw percentage. Jared is owned in 5.0 percent of Yahoo! and 0.7 percent of ESPN leagues.

Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brewer continues to produce for the Wolves. Last week he averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers while shooting 52.9 percent from the floor and 88.9 percent from the line. Corey is owned in 54.0 percent of Yahoo! and 29.5 percent of ESPN leagues.

I’ve scoured the fantasy basketball waiver wires to find gems so you don’t have to.

Carlos Delfino, SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks
Delfino has been playing great hoops for the Bucks. Last week he averaged 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 3.0 three-pointers while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. The only category he didn’t help fantasy owners was free throw percentage as he hit just 66.7 percent of his attempts. Carlos is owned in 37.0 percent of Yahoo! and 11.9 percent of ESPN leagues.

Drew Gooden, PF/C, Dallas Mavericks
Gooden saw a spike in production last week averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks. He shot 56.8 percent from the floor and 90.9 percent from the line. Erick Dampier is supposed to return this week, but Gooden is still a decent option in daily transaction leagues.  Drew is owned in 24.0 percent of Yahoo! and 6.9 percent of ESPN leagues.

Brandon Rush, SG/SF, Indiana Pacers
Rush was solid last week averaging 13.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 block, and 2.0 three-pointers. He hit 60.0 percent of his shots without missing a free throw. Brandon is owned in 27.0 percent of Yahoo! and 1.7 percent of ESPN leagues. He’s also more of a daily transaction league player.

Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brewer remained hot last week averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.0 block, and 2.0 free throws. He shot 46.0 percent from the floor and 69.2 percent from the line. Corey is owned in 43.0 percent of Yahoo! and 14.0 percent of ESPN leagues.

Robin Lopez, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
Robin Lopez was mentioned last week, and hopefully you were able to secure him. If he’s still floating around on your waiver wire, you probably want to grab him. Last week Lopez averaged 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He shot, get this, 76.7 percent from the floor and 78.3 percent from the line. Robin is owned in 45.0 percent of Yahoo! and 11.8 percent of ESPN leagues.

I’ve scoured the fantasy basketball waiver wires to find gems so you don’t have to.

Martell Webster, SG/SF, Portland Trail Blazers
Webster continues to play well for Portland. Last week he averaged 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 block, and 4.0 three-pointers. He shot 58.3 percent from the floor and hit all of his free throws. Martell is owned in 49 percent of Yahoo! and 15.8 percent of ESPN leagues.

Matt Barnes, SG/SF, Orlando Magic
Barnes is inconsistent, but as a whole he produces. Last week he averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers. He shot 58.1 percent from the floor and 60.0 percent from the line. Matt is owned in 31 percent of Yahoo! and 6.2 percent of ESPN leagues.

Steve Blake, PG/SG, Portland Trail Blazers
Blake stepped up with Brandon Roy out averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 three-pointers. He shot 57.9 percent from the floor. Roy should return soon though, so his production will take a hit. Steve is owned in 11 percent of Yahoo! and 1.1 percent of ESPN leagues.

Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brewer has played dynamite lately. He averaged 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from the line. Corey is owned in 36 percent of Yahoo! and 8.7 percent of ESPN leagues.

DeJuan Blair, SF/PF/C, San Antonio Spurs
Blair has been a beast on the glass. Last week he averaged 12.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 58.3 percent from the floor and 70.0 percent from the stripe. DeJuan is owned in 25 percent of Yahoo! and 4.2 percent of ESPN leagues.

Luke Ridnour, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
Ridnour has been playing well for the Bucks averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers. He shot 40.9 percent from the floor and 93.3 percent from the line. Luke is owned in 40 percent of Yahoo! and 10.1 percent of ESPN leagues.

Robin Lopez, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
He hasn’t really taken off averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from the line last week, but he could take over the starting center gig. Robin is owned in just 8 percent of Yahoo! and 0.8 percent of ESPN leagues.