Guess who’s back, back again, hecman’s back, don’t tell a friend. Ha, got you, you thought I would say tell a friend but I know everyone has a secret site, you know, the one you don’t want to tell your league mates about so you have that extra edge. Yeah, that’s hecmanhoops. While that may be good for you, it aint no good for me. See, if you told a friend to read me maybe I’d make like 1.7 cents a day instead of half a penny. So help a brother out and tell a friend who isn’t in your league. I want you and him (her!) to win! Anyways, I almost named this post “Derrick Rose: He Who Hath Farted on Thy Pillow Top 25 Point Guards for Fantasy Basketball 2012/13” but decided the title was too long. Hence, the shorter title and, let’s be honest, who really wants to conjure up the thought of a smelly pillow as we kick off our prep for the 2012/13 fantasy hoops season? Oops, never mind.

Anyway, part dos, before I kick off the 2012/13 Fantasy Draft Guide I want to thank everyone for their support last year. Many, many of you won your league(s) or made the playoffs and won a few bucks and I couldn’t be more pleased for you. This year, I hope for an even bigger year for both hecmanhoops and you. For starters, I’m looking for some contributing writers to cover the ever more popular daily fantasy games like you can find at DraftDay, FanDuel and others. I’ll also be looking for some weekend contributors to cover the Friday and Saturday night games and maybe to fill in for yours truly here and there during the week. If you or someone you know loves fantasy hoops, is good at it and knows how to spel then feel free to shoot me an email at hecman@hecmanhoops.com. I’ll also be looking to improve the site, for example, I’ve added a cool little Printer Friendly button at the bottom of each post. Once you click it, a window will pop open where you can print out the draft guide quick and easy, you can even edit out what you don’t want to print, like the lead in to this post, for example. Doh!

Lastly, a bunch of you (yeah, you!) love to hit me up on Twitter for fantasy questions. Twitter is amazing for up to the second news and I encourage all of you to get on it, you’ll have a big advantage over your league mates if you do, especially with pickups (you can start by following me!). This year, though, I want to drive more traffic to my site so I can make like 3 cents a day instead of half a cent. With that said, during the day especially, I’m asking you to post your trade, lineup, pick up/drop questions, etc. in the comments section of the daily post. It’ll be a lot easier for me to come back to the site every few hours and  hit everyone up at the same time. At night, if you must hit me up on Twitter with some emergency questions, go for it, I won’t hate on you if you do unless I’m watching something like The Voice or The Bachelor. Don’t tweet at me during The Bachelor, man! Don’t do it.

As far as the rankings and projections, this year we’ll be going Top 25 Point Guards, then Top 25 Shooting Guards, etc. etc. Then we’ll do the Top  200, maybe the Top 250 time permitting, we’ll see how it goes. In preparing my 2012 Fantasy Draft Guide, I’ve read other fine publications like the USA Today and the New York Post for input but, at the end of the day, the rankings and projections are mine and mine alone. Ok, ok, let’s get to the top 25 point guards for 2012/13 fantasy hoops with season projections, shall we?

Updated: October 28

1. Chris Paul - Last year I had Derrick Rose one and CP3 two. Why? Health reasons, of course. Duh!
Projections: 20 ppg/10 apg/4.2 rpg/.475/.860/90 3s/2.4 spg/8 blk/2.5 tov

2. Russell Westbrook – Russell fn Westbrook, my main man. Let me recap something very, very, very important about Russell fn Westbrook: 5 seasons in the NB fn A and never missed a game. 82s across the board and one 66! Hey hecman, why are you fn cursing so much? I don’t know, whoever it is who’s asking.
Projections: 23.5 ppg/6 apg/4.8 rpg/.445/.830/70 3s/1.7 spg/30 blk/3.5 tov

3. Deron Williams – I’ll be honest, I’m really not a fan of the close cropped beard look. It’s just too manicured for my taste, looks kind of ridiculous if you ask me. I mean if I had to choose between a Deron Williams beard and a James Harden beard, I’m all in on Jimmy’s beard but that’s just me. I can barely grow a whisker though so what do I know?
Projections: 19.5 ppg/10.5 apg/4 rpg/.465/.810/75 3s/1.2 spg/12 blk/3.3 tov

4. Kyrie Irving – There was once a song from the 80′s called Kyrie by Mr. Mister. I hated that god damn song but I love Kyrie Irving. I best get me some Kyrie Irving on a few of my teams this year, y’all! You do the same.
Projections: 20.5 ppg/6.5 apg/4.2 rpg/.470/.870/105 3s/1.3 spg/25 blk/3.2 tov

5. Ty Lawson – Here’s what I said last December when I ranked him 12th in my pre-season point guard rankings: This time next October (does that make sense?) Ty will be a top 10 point guard. If you’re in a keeper league, feel free to kick him up a notch. Yep.
Projections: 16.5 ppg/6.5 apg/3.6 rpg/.485/.820/90 3s/1.3 spg/10 blk/2.5 tov

6. Brandon Jennings – I refer you back to my Top 75 Overall post last December where I had Brandon ranked 40th overall, way higher than most of us other, um, experts. BJ didn’t let me down unlike other BJs can but I wouldn’t really know, I’m married. Anyhoo, you want to throw Brandon ahead of Ty Lawson, I’m cool but Ty’s percents get it for me plus a full year of Monta Ellis could cut into Jenning’s points, minor concern though!
Projections: 18.5 ppg/5.8 apg/3.5 rpg/.415/.810/140 3s/1.5 spg/25 blk/2.3 tov

7. Rajon Rondo – Here’s what I said last December about Rajon: “There’s no question that Rajon has some serious shortcomings despite what his mother may think. What, my boy don’t got no shortcomings! Yes, Mrs. Rondo, he does. No, he don’t! Yes, he does, Mrs. Rondo, how do you explain his horrible free throw percentage and lack of threes then? It’s the rim, the damn rim be moving all over the place. Oh.” Same thing, different year.
Projections: 12.5 ppg/11 apg/4.7 rpg/.470/.630/20 3s/2 spg/8 blk/3.3 tov

8. Goran Dragic – I don’t know why but whenever I say his name out loud I find myself talking like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Try it, it’s fun.
Projections: 17 ppg/7 apg/3.3 rpg/.470/.840/150 3s/1.7 spg/10 blk/3.2 tov

9. Stephen Curry – I’d love to throw Steph higher and if he stays healthy he can be as high as number 4 on this ranking but I wouldn’t count on it and I’m definitely not reaching for him. Do you feel lucky punk? Do ya? Nah, I didn’t think so. I still luv ya, though, Steph. That’s luv with a u in the non-gay way (sort of). Oh, by the way, if you do gamble on Curry undoubtedly at some slight bargain, do yourself a favor and grab yourself some Jarrett Jack late. It’s called a handcuff. Duh!
Projections: 19 ppg/5.9 apg/4 rpg/.480/.910/150 3s/1.7 spg/20 blk/3.1 tov

10. Steve Nash – Who hasn’t owned Steve Nash at some point? I guess that’s all relative, isn’t it? I mean, if you only started playing fantasy hoops recently then maybe you haven’t. It’s all good. Nash is a relatively old man compared to others (39) but a glance at his season games played log shows a very durable player. In fact, he hasn’t played less than 75 games since the 2000-01 season (62 out of 66 last year). I know, I know some of you were probably like 4 years old then. Sigh. Anyway, where were we? Oh, Stevie Nash the fantasy analysis, right. He doesn’t steal, doesn’t shoot the 3 ball as much as he used to, goes to the line only 2.8 times per game over his career which somewhat tempers his FT% value, hasn’t averaged less than 3.3 turnovers a season since 03/04. Let’s see, anything else I can say bad about him? And for this they got rid of Ramon Sessions?? (You have to say it with an old Long Island Jewish lady’s accent, it’s funny, trust me). On the plus side, a smattering of points, FG% and oh those assists baby!
Projections: 13 ppg/10.5 apg/3 rpg/.495/.915/90 3s/.5 spg/6 blk/3.5 tov

11. John Wall – The Dougie let me down a bit last year but I’m still on board with my main man up in here. I honestly doubt he ever gets to elite with his poor FG and lack of threes but boss is solid. Or is it hoss? Take note of the blocks, said Dwyane Wade.
Projections: 17.5 ppg/8.2 apg/4.5 rpg/.420/.785/15 3s/1.9 spg/50 blk/3.6 tov

12. Jrue Holiday – Jrue slayed me last year and not in a good way, brah. That said, With Andre Iguodala out of the way, I’m willing to give my boy a second chance. That’s just me, I’m nice like that.
Projections: 14 ppg/5 apg/3.5 rpg/.445/.790/90 3s/1.6 spg/23 blk/2.3 tov

13. Mike Conley – What the heck does Mike Conley do well? Well, according to his mother, everything. However, I submit to you that she’s biased and advise you not listen to her. In any event, regardless of what Mrs. Conley thinks, Mikey is solid yet unspectacular. Unless you look at his steals. His steals are pretty spectacular. Don’t be afraid to roll with Mikey, man. It’s all good.
Projections: 13.5 ppg/6.5 apg/3.2 rpg/.445/.815/80 3s/2 spg/15 blk/2.3 tov

14. Tony Parker – Why do I get the impression that Tony Parker thinks his shit doesn’t stink? F’n French.
Projections: 17 ppg/6.8 apg/3 rpg/.485/.770/20 3s/.8 spy/7 blk/2.5 tov

16. 15. Kyle Lowry – If you just read the Lin blurb 1/4 inch above then you know how I kind of feel about Lowry this year. Don’t make me repeat myself! My mother does that enough for the whole family. Jeez. Anyway, feel free to kick Kyle up a notch or three if you think Jose will get moved and/or Lowry plays a lot of two which will probably happen. Wouldn’t shock me at all if he ended up a top 12 point guard, health permitting.
Projections: 15 ppg/6.5 apg/4.2 rpg/.425/.790/100 3s/1.3 spg/18 blk/2.5 tov

15. 16. Jeremy Lin – I’m definitely hesitant to rank Jeremy Lin ahead of Kyle Lowry (with apologies to Mrs. Lowry) but it comes down to playing time. You see, Jose Calderon is still in Toronto and I don’t know, I’m wishy washy about it. You feel me? As far as Jeremy’s potential, don’t forget he put up most of his big stat lines in Mike D’Antoni’s point guard friendly offense. Oh, not familiar with that? Ask Raymond Felton. Anyway, I’d be a bit surprised if he ends the year higher than this ranking so I guess you can say I’m being a bit generous here. He should be solid though if he’s healthy but in TOV leagues, watch out. By the way, I know you’ve been waiting for it since last April so this one is for you: Death once had a near-Jeremy Lin experience.
Projections: 15 ppg/7 apg/3.5 rpg/.435/.840/75 3s/1.4 spg/5 blk/4 tov

17. Maurice Williams – Did you know Maurice is only 29 years old? That shocked the crap out of me for whatever reason. Anyhoo, as Mr. T once said, “Gotta lotta Mo”. Then he punched Rocky in the face repeatedly until Rocky was K.O.d. You know how hard it is to knock out Rocky? Ivan Drago couldn’t even do it and he was on steroids! Anyway, I wonder if Mo will wear those short shorts that John Stockton used to wear. That would be funny.

Projections: 15.2 ppg/5.5 apg/3 rpg/.435/.870/140 3s/1 spg/10 blk/3 tov

18. Damian Lillard – In the summer league dude averaged 26.5 ppg, 5.3 apg and 4 rpg. He also went to Weber State and I still have no idea where that is. What more do you want me to say? His last name reminds me of lizard? Go get ‘em!
Projections:  16.5 ppg/5.3 apg/4 rpg/.415/.850/100 3s/1 spg/10 blk/3.3 tov

19. Isaiah Thomas – I’m pretty excited about Isaiah Thomas this year and I don’t mean that in a sexual harassment kind of way.
Projections: 15 ppg/5.3 apg/3 rpg/.410/.835/120 3s/.9 spg/8 blk/2.3 tov

20. Jeff Teague – Devin Harris was brought in to back up Teague so I wouldn’t have a problem if you bumped him down slightly here. His mother might have a problem with it but I’m cool. I’d take him though. I mean I really, really don’t like Devin Harris!
Projections: 13 ppg/5.2 apg/3 rpg/.470/.785/75 3s/1.5 spg/35 blk/2.1 tov

21. Kemba Walker -  As a starter last year, Kemba averaged 14.5 ppg/4.9 apg/5 rpg/.352/.798/1.4 3pm/1 spg/.5 bpg/2.3 tov. Sweet! I mean except the FG, blech. Hey, you can’t have it all, man. Greedy!
Projections: 13.5 ppg/4.9 apg/4.5 rpg/.385/.795/105 3s/1 spg/20 blk/2.3 tov

22. Brandon Knight – If you’re looking for Rodney Stuckey you’ll find him in my Top 20 Shooting Guards in the next day or two. If you want to see where I rank combo guards like Stuckey, Tyreke Evans and Monta Ellis vis-a-vis the top point guards, you’ll be able to find that on my Top 200 overall when it comes out next week. Hang in there, man, it’s all coming! Anyway, sorry to Brandon Knight, his blurb just got highjacked. Sigh.
Projections: 13 ppg/4.3 apg/3.5 rpg/.395/.765/110 3s/.8 spg/10 blk/2.6 tov

23. DJ Augustin – Ladies and Germs I give you the new starting point guard in Indiana! How’s that for enthusiasm?  George Hill still lurks but if they really loved George sooo much would they have brought in DJA? Rhetorical!
Projections: 14.5 ppg/6.2 apg/3 rpg/.415/.885/85 3s/.7 spg/3 blk/2 tov

23. Jameer Nelson – Maybe the Magic won’t be so great as a real NBA team but, really, who gives a crap about that?? I’d be happy to throw Jameer on my team as a back end point guard and I’m not even related to the guy.
Projections: 12 ppg/5.8 apg/3.2 rpb/.440/.810/95 3s/.8 spg/8 blk/2.3 tov

24. Raymond Felton – Hey, Raymond Felton is a Knick again! Remember two years ago when he was on the Knicks, he was like the best fantasy point guard like ever. Yeah, not so much now. Oh, and Jason Kidd is on the team without a hot wife sitting court side so that’s kind of a drag.
Projections: 11.5 ppg/6 apg/3 rpg/.420/.800/80 3s/1.2 spg/10 blk/2.6 tov

25. Greivis Vasquez - My Greivis is not with Vasquez! As long as Austin Rivers doesn’t cut into his time, I mean. Anyway, I give him this ranking counting on Eric Gordon getting hurt. If that happens, GV will probably see combo minutes, too. Right? We are so clever. If you don’t think I’m so clever, feel free to drop him down below Darren Collison and George Hill. Your call.
Projections: 11.5 ppg/6.5 apg/2.5 rpg/.435/.825/1 spg/75 3s/5 blk/3 tov

Bonus!

26. George Hill – Coach likes him running the point as the starter. I like him running the point as the starter. You like him running the point as the starter. Now let’s all scream for ice cream! Fine, that made no sense but whatever. Anyway, he’s worth a bit more in tov leagues. D.J. Augustin aint (isn’t!) bad though so that concerns me a bit. Just sayin’ (saying!).
Projections: 12 ppg/5 apg/3.5 rpg/.440/.780/.9 spg/90 3s/25 blk/1.8 tov

27. Darren Collison – Ok, I lied it’s top 27! Darren Collison is about as exciting as paint drying on the wall. Dude is still living off his two month run when he filled in for Chris Paul in 2009. Whatevs, feel free to drop him down the list for an upside guy like Ricky Rubio depending on what your roster is looking like late. Up to you.
Projections:  10.5  ppg/4.5 apg/3 rpg/.450/.845/55 3s/1 spg/10 blk/2.5 tov

Others to watch who I easily could have ranked here and who will be on the Top 200 Overall are Ricky Rubio, Austin Rivers, Mario Chalmers, Luke Ridnour and Nate Robinson. Yes, lil’ Nate! Look for their projections in the Top 200 next week. Wheeeee.

Unranked: Derrick Rose – He’ll be back around the All Star Break based on injury history of his kind. Stash and smoke later if you got the room, yo.

Next up:  Top 25 Shooting Guards.