Joel Przybilla

'Billa became an interesting fantasy candidate last season after the severity of starting center Greg Oden's knee injury became apparent. Unfortunately, Przybilla's run at rosterability didn't last too long; he suffered a similar injury about two weeks after Oden went down. Then he injured the same knee three months later after slipping in the shower. He's set to return in November or December, but with Oden and Marcus Camby around, is unlikely to top 20 minutes per game.

With Oden missing time, Przybilla bounced between a reserve role and the starting lineup last year. He accepted his role without any complaints and produced consistent defensive numbers (8.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg). While he won't provide help on the other end of the court (5.5 ppg), Przybilla will continue to be a solid source of rebounds and blocks despite limited time spent on the hardwood.

"The Vanilla Gorilla" won't garner much fantasy attention this season as a backup center coming off a season in which he averaged 4.8 points, but Przybilla provides surprise value with his ability to clean the glass - he finished 24th in the NBA with 8.4 rebounds per game last season. Owners in a crunch for boards should look in Przybilla's direction.

Przybilla was supposed to be Portland's future center three years ago but has since battled through injuries and now is buried in the depth chart. He's a good shot blocker, but until he can give consistent minutes day in and day out, he is not worth a spot on your roster.

Przybilla signed a five-year contract, so we know the team sees him as the starting center. But in other offseason transactions, the Trail Blazers added Raef LaFrentz, Jamaal Magloire and second overall draft pick LaMarcus Aldridge via trades to a team that is allegedly building around PF Zach Randolph. Those are a lot of bigs that need playing time. Still, we think Przybilla will survive. Now it’s a matter of him producing. He was a hot sleeper coming into the 2005-06 season, but, quite frankly, his play early on was a disappointment before a knee injury wiped out 26 games. He never delivered on the sleeper hype coming in, so he’s not someone to bank on just yet. He’s got a presence in the paint, defends well and blocks shots – his biggest asset. Shield your eyes from his career free throw percentage when picking him.

Przybilla emerged on the fantasy radar just after the New Year when both Theo Ratliff and Zack Randolph went down with injuries. His interior defense and rebounding is something the Trail Blazers needed and grew to rely on, as he replaced Ratliff as the starting center. After the All-Star break, Przybilla averaged 8.8 points 9.7 rebounds and a whopping 3.43 blocks in 32.5 minutes. He’s hired a personal trainer to prepare for the upcoming season – the final year of his contract – a sign that he’s serious about parlaying last season’s success into a lucrative deal next summer. The one variable at this point is the vision of new coach Nate McMillan. Portland’s owners hired McMillan to develop the team’s younger talent. Przybilla, 25, wasn’t one of the young players the organization considered developing when last season began, but that may have changed. The older Ratliff can get minutes at power forward as the club could use some depth behind Zach Randolph.

Przybilla was signed to compete for the backup center job with Vladimir Stepania now that Dale Davis has been shipped to Golden State. Neither one is what we like to call “fantasy worthy.” Theo Ratliff would need to get injured for either one to have value.

Przybilla never panned out as a first round pick and will probably resume his role as a bench player. The Bucks are in a state of transition so there's a chance he could work his way into the starting lineup but he's never been able to stay healthy and won't produce much even if he gets playing time.