Mark Blount

He'll get the bulk of minutes for the T-Wolves at center. He's got a nice mid-range jumper but doesn't produce on the glass with just 6.7 rebounds per game despite a career-high 31 minutes per game last season. He's a better value in fantasy than real life since he's a good bet to shoot over 50 percent from the floor and over 70 percent from the free-throw line.

Blount has developed into a good scorer around the basket, and has a nice mid-range jumper, but it’s positively maddening that he doesn’t get more rebounds. Or play a lot of defense. Or not take nights off from time to time. His only competition at this time is Eddie Griffin, who has to work out some personal problems before head coach Dwane Casey turns to him. Blount hits his free throws and has a career field goal percentage over 50 percent, so he will give you value, but consistent production from Blount remains elusive.

Blount was a disappointment after signing a six-year deal with the Celtics prior to the 2004-05 season. With developing power forward Al Jefferson in need of more playing time, the center position will become crowded. Raef LaFrentz, who outplayed Blount last season, will see more time at center to give Jefferson minutes at the four. Training camp will determine the starter, but we’re betting on LaFrentz.

Blount picked the right year for a breakout. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, the 28-year-old erstwhile journeyman cashed in to the tune of six years and $42 million. That contract may outlive his usefulness, but Blount will be a nightly fixture in the starting lineup this year. Once Boston settled on him in the low post, he averaged 13.5 points and 10.3 rebounds in 33.7 minutes per game after the All-Star break. He was second among centers, hitting 56.6 percent of his field goals and has a not too terrible career free throw accuracy of 72.5 percent. If point guard Gary Payton eventually reports to Boston - and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and new coach Doc Rivers say he will – Blount may become more of an offensive threat. The team is lopsided toward the backcourt, and Paul Pierce is still the numero uno option on offense, but Blount is the only threat up front for Boston. After Pierce, he’ll fight for shots with Jiri Welsch and whenever Ricky Davis is in the game. Blount’s proved to be a very coachable player in the past with a good work ethic. His 48-minute career averages project very nicely, suggesting he can sustain the level of production he achieved last year with increased minutes.

Upon returning to the Celtics mid-way through last season, coach Jim O'Brien gave Blount an opportunity to play. He averaged 19.2 minutes in Boston and gave the team quality depth (4.4 rebounds) where Vin Baker could not. He's a serviceable NBA center, but probably not worthy of a fantasy roster spot.