Josh Boone

Boone has serious double-double potential because he is energetic on the boards and uses his length well. He is a very underrated offensive rebounder with 2.7 per game in only 25 minutes a game. He's going to have trouble duplicating those stats though because the Nets invested a first round pick in Lopez who has greater offensive potential than Boone who, struggles on the offensive end. He doesn't have a go-to offensive move and has low basketball IQ. He does block shots and rebound, but he is a huge liability as a free throw shooter and doesn't always assert himself offensively. Defensively though, he's probably good enough to play himself into an even split for time with Lopez.

Boone's improved play at the end of the season will earn him minutes at both the 4 and the 5, though his lack of shooting range should eliminate him from fantasy consideration in all formats. He did improve his point and rebound production in March and April of last year, and we do expect those numbers to improve from last year's 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds. He does not earn many blocks however, and his negligible shooting range will mean little in the way of offensive touches.

Drafted with the Nets second first-round pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Boone's anticipated debut with the club will be delayed. He suffered a major shoulder injury and will be lost until at least late December. Boone, a dominant defensive center in college, is a very skilled shot blocker and rebounder (especially offensive). Look for the team to work him back slowly after his return, hoping to groom him as a future replacement for Jason Collins.