Tiago Splitter

In his fifth season, Splitter sported averages of 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 20 minutes per game through 52 regular season games. Battling calf injuries all year, Splitter still shot 56 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line. However, he struggled in the playoffs, posting 3.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 18 minutes per game through seven games versus the Clippers. Having been traded to the Hawks so the Spurs could afford to pay LaMarcus Aldridge, Splitter joins another deep and talented group of big men in Al Horford, Paul Millsap, and Mike Muscala. Coach Mike Budenholzer played Horford a career-low in minutes in 2014-15, occasionally opting to give his All-Star center the night off altogether in an effort to preserve him for the long haul. The Hawks' backup center from last year, Pero Antic, averaged 17 minutes per game, which likely serves as a solid floor for Splitter's per-game load in 2015-16. Splitter is under team control through 2016-17.

Tiago Splitter averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 22 minutes per game through 59 games last season. He shot 52 percent from the field on 5.9 attempts per game and 70 percent from the line on 2.9 attempts per game. He missed significant time with a right shoulder sprain in January, resulting in his low games played. Of the 59 games he played, Splitter started 50 of them as the team's center, playing next to Tim Duncan. In the playoffs, coach Gregg Popovich mixed up his starting lineup a bit, replacing Splitter with Boris Diaw at times, resulting in Splitter starting in just 18 of 23 playoff contests. Splitter took a step back in all statistical categories last season, compared with his 2012-13 contract-year performance. He'll be playing for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup and will look to carry his extra work in Spain into training camp. Splitter's fantasy strength lies in his rebounding, blocks, and field goal percentage. He's a decent option on the latter rounds of drafts for his ability to contribute in those three big-man categories.

After working primarily as a reserve for the first two years of his career and the first third of the 2012-13 campaign, Splitter finally graduated to San Antonio's starting five last season. In his 58 starts, Splitter averaged 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds while posting solid percentages (54 FG, 73 FT) in 27 minutes per game. Splitter doesn't possess superstar-level talent, but he's a physical presence in the paint with solid touch near the rim. His career per-36 minute averages (15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks) hint at a higher ceiling than we saw last season. Tim Duncan is still around, of course, but San Antonio didn't bring in any additional frontcourt help of note this summer, instead opting to give Splitter a pricey long-term deal. Given the Spurs long-term commitment, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Splitter's role continue to expand this season, which should lead to an increase in production for fantasy owners to take advantage of.

A tough, physical defender, rebounder and shot-blocker, Splitter might have a more important role in the Spurs' rotation if he wasn't such a dismal foul shooter. His free-throw percentage hovers in the 50-60 percent range, which leaves the Spurs vulnerable to "hack a Splitter" strategies in close games.

Although he only averaged about 12 minutes a game, Splitter showed signs of promise last season. He finished the season averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. Splitter should see a jump in minutes with the release of Antonio McDyess, which should help boost his fantasy value.

The San Antonio Spurs have raised the use of low draft picks to an art form, and Splitter is the latest example. Selected 28th overall by the Spurs back in 2007, the Brazilian forward/center has spent the last three years playing in Europe and adding awards to his trophy case; he's the reigning MVP of the Spanish league and has won several international competitions with Team Brazil. Unlike Andrea Bargnani, Danilo Gallinari and other big men with backgrounds in the Euroleagues, Splitter is a much more traditional, stay-at-home big, able to bang in the paint and fight for rebounds. He projects as an above-average team defender and rebounder, but isn't regarded as much of a shot-blocker. On offense, he'll run the floor well and finish with either hand or hit a mid-range jumper – and as anyone who saw Team Brazil's play at this summer's FIBA World Championships would attest, he's adept at running the pick-and-roll. It appears Splitter will start in the frontcourt for Gregg Popovic, as the team's nominal center, with Tim Duncan sliding to the four spot, but both Splitter and Duncan should see more than enough minutes at four and five to qualify as both.

Splitter is expected to stay in Europe and not be on the Spurs roster this year.

Splitter is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He does have a nice handle and a good, but not great, jumper. He's very long and runs the floor well. He's a good, but not great, athlete. His defense is way ahead of his offense at this point. Splitter will need to find a position to play on the court to have much value in the NBA. He's a late first round pick.