OFF THE CUFF - Fantasy Sports -

With fantasy football over and done with, it's time to turn our attention to fantasy hoops.

If you're anything like me, rotisserie basketball just basically fills the gap between football and baseball. But like anything else in life, it's something that requires time and dedication if you're looking for a successful outcome.

One of the aspects that sets fantasy hoops apart from other sports is the clear delineation between the elite stars of the NBA and part-time contributors.

The former are in very short supply, while the latter are a dime a dozen and can drive demanding owners mad.

Part-time players, who play 20 minutes or less per game are generally useless.

While there might be a selectfew specialists, who may produce enough steals, blocks or three-point shots to satisfy your needs, these aren't the players you should bank on if you're one of your league's cellar dwellers.

Those who have fallen behind in the standings would be well advised to swing for fences and scour the free-agent pool for up-and-coming players on the verge of getting more time and better stats.

Listed below is a Fab-Five collection of those types of players, who may still be there for the taking.

Louis Williams (G-PHI): The 22-year-old has really come on in recent games under the leadership of new coach Tony Di Leo.

After an abysmal November, Williams has been averaging 26 minutes per game since Dec.5.

During that stretch, he has undertaken much of the offensive load by attempting 11 shots or more.

In addition, the Georgia native makes frequent trips to the freethrow line, as well as generating steals and three-pointers.

Williams will be needed to score more than ever for the 76ers following the injury to Elton Brand, that should keep him out for at least a month.

Mike James (G-WASH): The journeyman's fortunes have taken a turn for the better since being traded out of New Orleans to a poor Washington team that was in dire need of help at the point guard position.

Since entering the starting lineup last week, the Amityville native hasn't been able to lead the Wizards to victory, but he has been able to score double-digit points in his last three games.

James isn't your classic assistdishing point guard, but he's an effective shooter from the threepoint arc and is a factor in the steals department.

The 33-year-old should continue playing 30-plus minutes until Gilbert Arenas' much-anticipated return from injury, which could take a while.

J.R. Smith (G-DEN): The Jersey boy is finally beginning to show some consistency. His stats have been up across the board in the month of December.

The bonus you get with Smith is that he's part of talented team that really fills the net.

The 6'6" 23-year-old is a player on the rise.

Darko Milicic (C/F-Mem): The 7'0" Yugo will never live down the hype that came with being the second pick of the 2003 NBA Draft, but he's found a home in Memphis as a solid rebounder and an outstanding shot blocker.

Tyrus Thomas (F-CHI): If you're looking to strike gold with a waiver-wire wonder, then look no further than the ultra-athletic Thomas.

The LSU product has been wild and inconsistent thus far in the early stages of what should be a long career, but in the two games prior to an ill-timed concussion, Thomas had put up double-digit points and blocked two shots in each contest.

The Bulls would be foolish not to give Thomas substantial minutes due to his shooting ability and major hops.