First Look -- Mongoose

Quick Draft Summary: The 'goose went for a number of youngsters, and this years squad will be more big-man heavy than in years past. I think we were all prepared for another 9 PG draft from Mongoose after he picked D-Will and Baron with the 'wheel' picks, but then it was Center madness. Did the 'goose get the balance right? Is the title headed to to Indiana/New Jersey? Read On!

Frontcourt: Bynum (3), Kaman(5), Okur (6), Beasley(7), Scola (13), Tyrus (14)

Bynum will be good, but this seemed (and seems) a reach - a bold move though. Similarly, though Kaman was a beast on the boards last year, one has to think Camby's presence in LA will diminish Kaman's output. Scola and Tyrus may or may not log tons of minutes, but if they do, Mongoose will e just fine in Rebounds and blocks.

Backcourt: D-Will (1), B-Dizzle (2), Rondo (9), Farmar (18), E-Wat (15)

D-Will and Baron are extremely good if healthy, and should be good enough, in conjunction with the bench, to keep Mongoose in the hunt in assists most weeks. Baron and Rajon both provide mad steals, but most of the other 'geese are less interested in defense.

Swingmen: Gay (4), S-Jax (8), Villanueva (10)

Gay was a steal here - he'll provide 2nd round value without question. He may prove to be the best player on the team. There's talk of playing S-Jax as a 'point forward' which may make him more well rounded as a fantasy player. C-Vill is very tall and hits 3s, which renders him very exciting to us, but he hasn't put it together for a full season yet. I've seen some folks very high on him, and production from him could make a big difference.

X-Factors: JR Smith (12), Thaddeus Young (11), Brandon Bass (16)

Mongoose is very well balanced, and just needs a couple folks to up their production in order to make a run into the playoffs. Presumably some of the youngsters will make that leap (though others may fade away). Many are quite high all three of these folks, in particular on Thaddeus (I don't know anything about him, to be honest). If any of these late rounders steps up in a serious way, and the health concerns of the early draftees don't become issues, I predict a fine year for Mongoose.

Strengths: BLK, AST, REB, FG%

Weaknesses: PTS, STL, FTM, PTS

Best Pick: S-Jax (8) - at worst, he's a sixth round value, and could be even better if they play him at 'Point Forward'

Worst Pick: Beasley (7) - too early for a rookie, I think, or Bynum (3)