Ryan Gomes

Gomes was a fringe fantasy option before Caron Butler arrived; now that he is guaranteed a bench role, he will assuredly be waiver-wire fodder in most fantasy leagues.

Gomes has never played more than 32 minutes per game over the course of a season, but the Clippers’ three-year commitment to him this offseason might give them the incentive to install him as the team’s unchallenged starter at small forward. Used primarily as a third, fourth or fifth option through most of his career, Gomes has never been known for producing considerable fantasy statistics. As long as the team is healthy, he’ll be no better than the fifth scoring option on the Clippers this year.

Gomes has become a fan favorite in Minnesota because of his consistency (played all 82 games two straight seasons), his timely scoring (13.3 ppg) and his ability to knock down an open jumper (1.3 treys/game, 37.2% from downtown). New Timberwolves Coach Kurt Rambis recently singled out Gomes, along with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, as one of the foundation pieces of the team. That said, with Jefferson and Love both healthy in the frontcourt it’s uncertain whether Gomes will start at small forward or play with the second unit. Gomes is a bit of a tweener, a 6-8, 250-pound power forward that has learned to play more face up from the perimeter. Gomes may be relegated to the bench this year, which makes it unlikely he’ll set new career-highs in points for the fifth consecutive year.

Gomes was a bright spot in a mostly dismal first season post-Garnett, stepping into the starting lineup when needed and producing good scoring and rebounding numbers for a super-sub. But Minnesota’s roster cupboard looks a lot less bare this season, with Kevin Love coming in to take over the four spot and Mike Miller the three – which leaves Gomes fighting for scraps of playing time. Keep an eye on Gomes if Minnesota is hit by injuries, or if Love has a harder than expected time adjusting to life in the Association.

Gomes may be the one player lost in the shuffle in the Kevin Garnett deal. He averaged more than 12 points and five rebounds per game last season with Boston, but it's not clear what role he'll have with Minnesota. He's behind Al Jefferson at power forward, faces competition from Chris Smith as a tough rebounder off the bench and there's a glut of talent at small forward. Still, he averaged more than 12 points and five rebounds per game last season with Boston, so he could still emerge with a sizable role.

Gomes shocked many people as a second-round rookie last season, taking advantage of injuries to Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins to move into the starting lineup. Gomes averaged a respectable 12.4 ppg on 51% shooting from the field and 78% from the line in 33 games as a starter. He also used his quickness and strength to overcome his height limitations (6-7) to pull down 7.6 rpg as well. Gomes dominated in summer league action this offseason, suggesting that he may be even better as a sophomore. The only thing that puts a damper on his prospects are the possibility that Jefferson and Perkins will eat into his minutes and possibly send him back to the bench.

Danny Ainge looked about 50 miles south to make this pick. Gomes is a player who everyone in New England knows. He had an outstanding final season in Providence for a team that underachieved. This could work out very well for Boston, as Antoine Walker is gone and a lot of scouts feel Gomes is ready to contribute to an NBA team. With Al Jefferson ready for Walker's spot, Gomes could be an intriguing 10-15 minute a night player. He can score, rebound some and is deadly from 20-feet in.

Danny Ainge looked about 50 miles south to make this pick. Gomes is a player who everyone in New England knows. He had an outstanding final season in Providence for a team that underachieved. This could work out very well for Boston, as Antoine Walker is likely gone and a lot of scouts feel Gomes is ready to contribute to an NBA team. With Al Jefferson ready for Walker's spot, Gomes could be an intriguing 10-15 minute a night player. He can score, rebound some and is deadly from 20-feet in.

He's one of the most-improved players in the country. Has all the skills to play in the post, but added a nice perimeter game to his repertoire this season. Position is the biggest issue with Gomes. He's a bit of tweener. Scouts feel he's too small to excel in the pros at his natural position, the four. Still, he's projected to be drafted in the late first round.