Player Movement

TRADES

Richard Jefferson for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons – The NETS are clearing cap space for an eventual bid to woo LBJ into their ranks and are making an investment (?) for the future in what they perceive to be a quality big man in Yi. Well, as far as Yi goes, I’m still a bit of a skeptic. So far he’s been 20% hype, 30% unfulfilled potential, 15% injured, 35% promising; as far as I can rate him based on last year’s performance. Based on last season’s real life and fantasy impact, he’s looking more Kwame Brown than Yao Ming so far… I guess the NETS are hoping he will emerge from his rookie cocoon as viable frontcourt presence. This move doesn’t really change the fantasy values of the players involved as far as I’m concerned. RJ was a proven, dependable, scoring swingman back in NJ, but he mostly had Kidd to get him the ball and run the offense for the team. I think he will fit in nicely running the floor alongside Michael Redd and Charlie Villanueva. Charlie will be the greatest fantasy beneficiary of this trade as his biggest playing time (PT) competitor at the PF slot has been shipped off. More playing time for Charlie, hopefully translates to better fantasy production. Fantasy managers like myself are waiting to see him reproduce his multi-cat production from his break out Toronto season.

Jermaine ONeal for TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic – Off the top, the big fantasy winner in this transaction isn’t even involved in it, and that’s Danny Granger. Danny shined everytime JO wasn’t playing, which was pretty much most of the season anyway. The Pacers are now HIS team and I expect this Multi-cat Monster to just explode this season. TJ guarantees a backcourt presence, especially since Jamal Tinsley has not been exactly the poster boy for consistent health in the past. I suppose two injury-prone PGs are better than one. On the other end of the deal, its Jose Calderon who I expect to benefit the most from this deal. With Ford gone, Calderon will now have license to dish out those assists of his with extreme prejudice. JO can now play mini Twin Towers with Chris Bosh and provide Toronto with its much needed frontcourt depth. JO was frankly slumping – well fine, more like downward spiraling fantasywise prior to this trade. I’m personally not holding my breath for a dramatic turnaround,  but hey, he could surprise his naysayers and turn a new leaf now that he’s in a new team playing in a new system.