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Fantasy Watch
DETROIT'S Ben Wallace isn't the only valuable fantasy player who's not a high scorer. Here are a few big men who will give you help in a wide range of categories.
DeSagana Diop
Center, Mavericks
The new starter in Big D lost 40 pounds in the off-season and now specializes in hustle stats (5.53 blocks and 16.4 rebounds per 48 minutes). Playing with the first unit, he will get a significant increase from his current 16.5 minutes per game.
Eddie Griffin
Center, Timberwolves
Projected as a small forward when he came out of Seton Hall, the troubled Griffin, 23, has found a niche doing Kevin Garnett's dirty work for Minnesota. Since becoming a starter in place of Michael Olowokandi, Griffin is averaging 2.56 blocks while shooting 42.9% from the floor (compared with 32.9% coming off the bench). He's inconsistent but worth a spot on your bench.
Others to Watch
After a slow start Clippers big man Chris Kaman's season numbers are modest (10.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg), but he's on a tear lately, with nine double doubles (including a 22-point, 22-rebound game) since the beginning of December.... Ageless Dikembe Mutombo is averaging 11.4 rebounds per game in January but hasn't scored in double figures in any game this season. He'll disappear from the fantasy scene as soon as Yao Ming returns.
TWO PHOTOS
RONALD MARTINEZ/GETTY IMAGES (DIOP); ANDY KING/AP (GRIFFIN)
