Travis Outlaw

Outlaw averaged only 11 minutes in the 38 games he played in last season. He is off to a decent start this preseason, but he is clearly less capable than the other options at forward. At this point in his career, he is an inefficient shooter with limited ability to rebound. The best thing that can be said for Outlaw's fantasy value is that he is a mediocre passer and free throw shooter.

Outlaw wasn’t much of a factor for the Kings last year, starting just five games towards the end of the season. A natural small forward, Outlaw will have trouble playing the three considering the depth the Kings have at that position. However, his height (6-9) allows him to back up the power forward position should any of the starters go down.

Signed a $35 million contract before last season and followed it up with one of the worst statistical years in his career, as a bump in minutes didn't translate into more points, rebounds or assists. Still owns his skills from 2007-08 (13.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 46 percent FG), and could rebound as the Nets used their amnesty clause to give him a change of scenery. However, a fractured hand suffered just days after training camp opened will put him behind schedule to try and claim a regular role on the Kings.

Dribble, dribble, shoot. Dribble, dribble, shoot. That's essentially the entirety of Outlaw's game. And for anyone who's seen him play, you know it's probably for the best. Outlaw bears more resemblance to a gazelle than a polished basketball player. Luckily, the skills he does have – tremendous length, leaping ability, the ability to create his own shot – happen to be pretty important to the sport he's elected to play. Outlaw's 2009-10 season was a bit of a lost one, as he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in November and was then traded to the Clippers in February. Outlaw agreed to a five-year, $35 million contract with the Nets in July – a length and sum that suggests the team sees him as part of their future. He'll battle Terrence Williams for playing time at the three, and is likely to produce at a level on par with 2007-08 and 08-09 seasons – contributing decently in points, threes, and blocks, but best suited to a bench role.

Outlaw plays the role of "super-sub" for the Blazers; he averaged 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 treys as the team's sixth man last season. Portland will once again ask him to provide scoring punch off the bench, so expect a similar output from Outlaw this season.

The 2007-08 campaign was a coming-out party for Outlaw. The Blazers' sixth-man provided a spark of the bench by averaging career highs in points (13.3), rebounds (4.6) and assists (1.3). The versatile forward spent most of his time at power forward last season, but McMillan plans to slide him to the three this year. The position change means that Outlaw could eventually play his way into the starting lineup, replacing Webster. Outlaw might not repeat as the third-leading scorer on the team, but any player who is capable of averaging over one 3-pointer, steal and block per game makes for an intriguing fantasy option.

Outlaw played extremely well the last few games of the year which earned him a spot back on the team this year. He really made a difference around the basket with his ability to finish, and he blocked shots on the other end of the court. He is extremely athletic and always active which should spark the team when he comes off the bench. He has improved steadily since coming into the league out of high school and figures to play a major role in the rotation. Last year he averaged 9.6 points and 3.2 rebounds a game, but those numbers are skewed since he contributed 17.5 points and 3.9 rebounds a game in his last 11 games. Expect around 11 points and 3.5 rebounds to go along with a steal and a block per game.

Could be more important for the Blazers if Zach Randolph's recuperation from a knee injury does not come to fruition. Played a bigger part for Portland in his second season in the NBA after the team decided to go younger and saw more time in the second half as the Blazers were out of the playoff picture. Had 5.4 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game. Is pegged to play behind Darius Miles and Reuben Patterson, but could get more playing time if the Blazers continue their trend to go young. Just turned drinking age (21) as he came out of high school to play in the pros.

Outlaw could see an increase in minutes this season, but he plays on the wing where the Blazers are at their deepest. Last year’s first round pick only played in eight games (2.4 mpg), so any increase will be modest and is not expected to translate into fantasy value.

Fresh out of high school, Outlaw will not contribute right away. He’s a good shot blocker who moves well, but still needs to add bulk to his frame.