(Russell Conference) Thundercats

100 Acre Wood Heffalumps (15-4)
A playoff team each of their last two years, as well as tying for the best record overall last year, Jose decided his team was too good and declined to draft during his last three rounds, perhaps in order to give himself more of a challenge. Bold move my friends, bold move. He says it was because the holiday season kept him off the computer but we believe J is just masterminding some crazy trash talk after he wins despite fielding 3/4ths of a roster. On paper, there's not a lot of superstars on this team aside from Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rondo, but this roster is cannily constructed. Kevin Martin and Al Horford are high efficiency fantasy standouts. Jason Terry helps in all the right SG categories. And if Kris Humphries keeps on averaging a double double, J's team will have plenty of REB and BLK to go with all that outside shooting. There's no small forward on this team yet, as promising rookies Derrick Williams and Kawhi Leonard are both power forwards. Either one could take over the top big man role from Amir Johnson pretty soon. We'll see how J decides to fill out his roster but we have no doubt he'll be a contender once again.

Funk Coalition (9-10)
After aggressively turning over his roster over the past few seasons, Jon is ready for a playoff run. The only original draft picks left here are Tony Parker and Al Jefferson. All six of their keepers are potential 20+ ppg guys, and they will finally have some offensive chutzpah. Russell Westbrook, Parker, and Tyreke Evans should be a strong backcourt, while Carmelo Anthony, Jefferson, and newly acquired Chris Bosh will complement each other well. There isn't much proven depth here though, as sophomores Gordon Hayward are slotted for backup swingman and first big off the bench positions. If they can't handle the pressure, J.J Redick, J.J. Barea, Kendrick Perkins, and the always underwhelming Andris Biedrins will have to be brought in to fill out the 3PT/REB/BLK categories. Totally unbiased analysts forsee a winning season for Funk as they appear balanced throughout.

Chunky Monkeys (6-13)
After a surprising Finals run in 2009, the Monkeys collapsed last season. Evan is our last remaining small ball coach and while he's got the perfect PG and C for that style (Chris Paul and Andrea Bargnani), he's lacking quality players everywhere else. If Jrue Holiday emerges as a fantasy star, that would help the Monkeys quite a bit. Jeff Teague is around too but he's not going to be a great AST guy. There are a bunch of shooting swingmen on board, such as James Harden, Chase Budinger, Trevor Ariza, and CJ Miles. It's about time for Harden to break out and if starting SG DeMar DeRozan can do the same, that would help Evan's fortunes quite a bit. In order for small ball to work, the Monkeys need to win PTS, AST, 3PT, FT%, and STL. We're not sure how they're going to outscore people so that'll leave them at least one category short. In a tough division, the Monkeys will need to really scramble to get competitive.

NJ All-Stars (5-14)
The previously named Nande ReBuRonSAN was 13-5 just two seasons ago. However, they slipped badly last year and ownership decided to pack it in and go home. A hero emerged to save the team and moved them to the Jersey Shore. Old leadership did leave one gift for this team however: Lebron James. Electing to go first in the dispersal, Eddie retained the rights to James and then constructed a very promising team alongside him. Kyle Lowry is officially a fantasy stud, and he's going to team with LBJ, Jameer Nelson, and Jose Calderon to throw up a lot of AST. Luis Scola and Luol Deng are quietly efficient, DeAndre Jordan is going to be a monster, and Ryan Anderson is all sorts of fantasy delightful. Paul George and James Johnson might not find a role immediately, they are both upside picks. We see a lot of interesting strengths on this team, and while Lebron won't be getting much PTS help, the NJ All-Stars are in great position to drag themselves out of the cellar. And perhaps much higher.