Fantasy NBA busts for 2006-2007

Each year in the fantasy world, there are some players who emerge from fantasy obscurity and shoot into relevance or even stud status. Sadly, there are also those who regress in their contributions and/or don't live up to fantasy managers' expectations. These underachievers are often called "busts", and this year has not disappointed in that aspect. This year is no different and there are quite a lot of these fantasy busts. i will list down the 5 most disappointing players for me and state my reasons for saying so. here's to hoping that they'll get it turned around soon, for our sake.

NOTE: list is in no particular order.

Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz
"AK 47" is a perennial fantasy favorite because of his penchant for filling up the stat sheet. It wasn't that long ago that Kirilenko gave averaged good points, rebounds and assists while providing monster totals in steals and blocks, 2 of the rarest categories. Folks, before Josh Smith there was Andrei Kirilenko. The only catch in owning him was his injury history.
Unfortunately this year, Kirilenko has been healthy, but the numbers are down across the board. Averages of 9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks on 45% shooting and practically nonexistent three points made are not what people who drafted him in the third-fifth round expected. While the Jazz have been rolling this year Kirilenko has not seen as prominent a role in the offense as before. Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams have improved a lot and taking charge (and shots), leaving Kirilenko with less touches. Unfortunately, AK 47's slump shows no signs of stopping, as long as the Jazz are winning, or one of the Jazz's "big three" (Boozer, Williams or Mehmet Okur) goes down to injury. Simply put, he's no longer that needed in the offense, hence his numbers are down.

Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns
Last year Diaw was the Free Agent pickup of the year, filling in admirably for the injured Amare Stoudemire. His production was definitely a surprise and he was a triple-double threat every game he played. Also his style of play was suitable to the Suns' fast paced offense. This season however has been a downer, with Amare's return somewhat hurting his value, his reporting to training camp overweight and attempts for the team to find some chemistry with Amare back. His averages are also down across the board, especially the rebounds, steals and blocks, and has been a disappointment given his draft position. While he has shown flashes of the player he was last season he has been maddeningly inconsistent and has only had 2 1 triple double this season. Like Kirilenko, Diaw's is likely to continue to have a long season while Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Steve Nash continue to dominate the offense.

Troy Murphy, Golden State Warriors
When Don Nelson took over the Warriors, there was much buzzing about Murphy playing center and benefitting from the breakneck offense Nelson is famous for. During the preseason Murphy's value skyrocketed as there was much talk about the probable boost his stats will have come regular season. How dismayed were we when Murphy was inconsistent and thus benched by Nelson in favor of Andris Biedrins, who is one of the best FA pickups of 2006-2007. Add to that a broken nose and sore foot and achilles' tendon, and Murphy has spent more time on the sideline than in the court. The double-double average with 1 trey per game has not materialized.
However, the recent trade sending him to Indiana may benefit him as he becomes once more a viable offensive option in the Pacers alongside Jermaine O'Neal. There is still hope that the double-double he averaged a year ago will be back. This is all contingent to how healthy he is though.

Mike James, Minnesota Timberwolves
After having a breakout year in Toronto averaging 20 points and about 6-7 assists while chucking in 1.5 treys per game, James signed with Minnesota as a free agent and fantasy pundits saw this as generally a good move. While the scoring may be down the assists will be there, with Kevin Garnett and Ricky Davis and other players to pass to. Unfortunately this season has been a disaster for him as the points and assists are just not there and his shooting has gone down horribly. It is baffling as to how his assists are not there and the lack of points and treys is even more depressing. Perhaps he is not suited to the Wolves's offense, or the lack of an inside post presence is making it easier for defenders to cover him. Either way, he has been an unmitigated bust and it's questionable whether he can turn it around.

Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
The "Kave-Man" has raised his points and rebounds averages ever since he came into the league. Thus 2006-2007 was supposed to be the season where he'll average a double-double. Sadly, we're seeing more single-digit points and rebounds with horrible percentages from the field. Kaman was slowed down by a hamstring injury in training camp, limiting his mobility and increasing his tendency to foul and thus, less playing time. This has resulted in a difficulty to get into a game rhythm and contribute offensively. The Clippers are struggling and underachieving now and Kaman's play may be one of the reasons why. It's really up to him to turn it around and be the breakout player he was last year, as the Clips' guards are either aging (Sam Cassell), inconsistent (Cuttino Mobley), or injury prone (Shaun Livingston) . It will come down to Elton Brand and him carrying the scoring and rebounding load if the Clips are to improve as a team.