It's time for some draft strategy. In the head-to-head format teams have the option to focus on several of the nine standard categories (Points, Rebounds, Assists, 3-PTs Made, Steals, Blocks, Turnovers, Field Goal Percentage, Free Throw Percentage) . Out of the standard nine, the Small-ball strategy focuses on categories that guards are generally good at. These are PTS, AST, 3PTM, FT%, STL.

A problem encountered by most drafters who try to use the small-ball strategy arises when they draft Centers and Power Forwards. Players who play in these positions generally have poor FT% and have strengths in categories that the strategy is not really focused on. I call these "negative positions", because if a drafter is not careful he will end up being forced to draft a player who will have a negative impact on his overall strategy.

Not all big men play the stereotypical "big man" style of basketball. There are Centers out there who not only preserve a team's FT%, but also contribute to the targeted categories of the small-ball strategy. Here is a list of the top five center-eligible players who are prime targets for small-ball drafters, and their current Yahoo O-rankings.

5. Rasheed Wallace, F/C Boston Celtics - Sheed is now going to play more of a support role now that he left Motown to wear the Boston Green and White. Even though he will probably no longer average 30+ minutes per game, he should see enough time on the floor to produce 1.5 treys, one steal, and 77% free-throw shooting. While his FT% isn't ideal, it is at low enough attempts and high enough to not drag down your investments in the category. His poor, 41.9 FG% from last season should not really bother your team, since you're not trying to win it anyway.
Current Yahoo O-Rank: 76

4. Andrea Bargnani, F/C Toronto Raptors - It took awhile (three seasons) for Andrea Bargnani and his NBA game to mature, but I think it was worth the wait. He averaged 1.5 threes and 15.4 points per game. I expect him to score a bit more this season, somewhere between 16 to 17 PPG. He shot the ball at an 83.1% clip from the charity stripe and that fits right into the zone you want for your small-ball team. Although you really can't appreciate his 1.2 BPG, his low turnovers at 1.7 is pretty good; especially if you've grabbed more efficient and ball-responsible guys early on. He does have some growth upside, so keep your eyes on this kid.
Current Yahoo O-Rank: 59

3.Mehmet Okur, F/C Utah Jazz - Mehmet probably has the most well rounded game among the guys in this lot. He also, unfortunately shoots the least three point shots at 1.3 a night. He did shoot the ball from beyond the arc at 1.6 3PPG in two back-to-back seasons prior to 2008-09, so it is highly possible for him to regain his touch this season. He shoots 81.3% from the free throw line at 4.6 shot attempts per night. He's the biggest FT% contributor on this list. His value may fluctuate after the fall-out of Carlos Boozer's expected imminent departure from the Jazz. We don't know who they will get in return and whoever it may be may have an impact on Mehmet and his stats. 0.8 steals a night is a good enough boost in that category from Mehmet considering he turns the ball over less than twice a night (1.8).
Current Yahoo O-Rank: 49

2. Troy Murphy, F/C Indiana Pacers - Even though he is the highest ranked guy on this list, he actually gets bumped down for a few reasons. First of all, he lacks scoring at only 14.3 PPG. Second, he is injury prone. In spite of his fantastic season last year, drafters should keep in mind that Troy is not the most sturdy of players and will tend to miss some games. Rankings are based on how players fare across all nine categories and Troy gets some ranking love because of his high FG%, rebounds, treys while committing low turnovers. In the end, you will appreciate that dynamism in his game in the event that you want to diversify into competing for rebounds as well. His 2.2 3PPG and 0.8 SPG will be an awesome addition to what your guards are already delivering. Let's not forget that we love his 82.6 FT% as well.
Current Yahoo O-Rank: 35

1. Al Harrington, F/C New York Knicks - Not only is Al Harrington the biggest contributor to your 3PTM category at 2.3 treys a night, he is also the biggest contributor to your team's points (20.1 PPG) and steals (1.2 SPG) categories. He is 79.3 FT% is solid enough to keep you happy that he won't hurt you in that department. Troy and Mehmet are ranked higher because of their more well-rounded statistical contributions and low turnovers. Assuming you are committed to focus on the small-ball strategy's strengths, Al should be the main man to go for since his high(ish) turnovers at 2.3 a game shouldn't bother you too much. He's being coached by Mike D'Antoni, who you can pretty much count on to give Al the license to shoot. Because he is ranked so much lower than Murphy and Okur, you may want to draft them ahead of him. He actually can make a great front court partner for either of them on your small ball team. Remember that not all of the teams you are drafting against are filtering players with the same category preferences as you are.
Current Yahoo O-Rank: 69

For more in-depth small-ball strategy, research, and tips; check out the Four Fingers of Fantasy Draft Guide 2009.

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