NBA Trading Heats Up...
By David Smith
FantasyBasketballFederation.com


With the NBA Trading deadline looming large next week, this has already been the most active
period in recent memory. Sometimes it only takes one team to get things rolling, and that seems
to have been the case this season. If the past “Big Name” deals are any indication, I would expect
2-3 deals, if not more before Wednesday.


Mike Bibby going to the Hawks is one of the best all around trades I’ve seen in the NBA in quite
some time. As I had mentioned in previous columns I expected him to be moved, Atlanta was a
potential buyer, and both teams made out well in this deal.

Insight - Bibby had outlived his usefulness in SacTown, and had become a Salary Cap liability. With
Atlanta, he immediately makes them a playoff team, filling in that final position that they have failed to
adequately address for years. Meanwhile the Kings get all sorts of Cap relief in 2008/09 and a young
potential star in Shelden Williams.

Outlook - Bibby will continue to have fantasy value in Atlanta, and it could increase as he adds his
savvy veteran leadership to a young team. For the Kings, it will be nice to see Williams finally able
to showcase his stuff. Lue will get some time, as will Johnson, but let’s face it everyone else was
fluff in the deal.


On the Move next Week ?

SF Ron Artest, Sac - Is he next on the King’s chopping block ?
PG Sam Cassell, LAC - The last year of his contract, contenders may be looking for a vet.
SG Ricky Davis, Mia - With Heat out of it, he could help out someone else in a stretch run.
PG Jason Kidd, NJ - Will a deal with Dallas finally go down ?
SF Corey Maggette, LAC - Does have a few years left, but he’s been shopped for a while.
SG Cuttino Mobley, LAC - Clips would like to move his salary, could come cheaply.
SF Wally Szczerbiak, Sea - Could be a big help, and Sonics would like the Cap room.
SF Bobby Simmons, Mil - Has been a major disappointment for Bucks, may give him away.
PF/SF Antoine Walker, Min - This savvy vet has been known to move and help contenders.
PG Jason Williams, Mia - On last year of his contract, and Heat have nothing to lose.


All-Star Bonanza or Bust ?

I’ve never been much into the All Star game, it never meant anything but a showboat period for the
players anyway. I did become more entertained however when the NBA added the Rookie game,
who seem a lot more into it than the vets, and the various contests making it really a 4 day event.
All the NBA & Player’s Union big wigs are highly touting this year’s festival in New Orleans, well
because they have to. This is really the NBA’s effort to keep a team in New Orleans and save face
as the “League that cares”.

Whatever your take on the game, hope you enjoyed.


Who’s Hot - Last 10 Games numbers

C/PF - Tim Duncan, SA 39.90
C/PF - Amare Stoudemire, Pho 39.60
C/PF - Al Jefferson, Min 39.40
C/PF - Dwight Howard, Orl 37.50
C - Brad Miller, Sac 37.11

PF - Dirk Nowitzki, Dal 40.20
PF/SF - Antawn Jamison, Was 35.70

SF - LeBron James, Cle 51.78
SF - Carmelo Anthony, Den 43.43

SG - Kobe Bryant, LAL 42.60
SG - Monta Ellis, GS 37.80
SG – Manu Ginobili, SA 36.70
SG – Dwayne Wade, Mia 36.22

PG - Allen Iverson, Den 39.30
PG - Chris Paul, NO 38.50
PG - Brandon Roy, Por 35.88


This Week’s Injury Updates

SF Caron Butler, Was
- Hip injuries can be tough, and prolonged. I would expect another week of rest and you'll
see him back in full swing. Andray Blatche has been no slouch, especially when he’s
getting minutes.

PG Antonio Daniels, Was
- The Wizards PG’s have been hit hard all season, and Daniels has been on and off the
court for most of it. With Roger Mason having a good season, they’ve been lucky.

SF Luol Deng, Chi
- I wouldn’t expect him on the court again this season, unless the Bulls miraculously make
a bid for the playoffs. Andres Nocioni has been filling in decently for him.

PF Kevin Garnett, Bos
- Word on the street is he’ll be back next week after the All-Star game… As I said before
though, their Celtics focus is the Playoffs and not the Regular season. Keep Leon Powe
handy…

SG Ben Gordon, Chi
- This could continue to linger, as it may be more than just a bad wrist. If you have Duhon,
make him your guy.

PG Devin Harris, Dal
- It’s hard to say when or if he’ll be back in time to help fantasy owners, or if he’ll be in Dallas
when he does. Barea has been getting more minutes lately with him out.

PG Tony Parker, SA
- The Spurs know they need him for the playoffs, so don’t expect any help soon. They signed
Damon Stoudamire to replace him in the interim, and Ginobili has picked it up.

PG Jamaal Tinsley, Ind
- Another one that could be gone this year as far as fantasy help is concerned. Travis Diener
has picked up the pace though.

SF Gerald Wallace, Cha
- Missed the past week, but should be back to form after the break...Hopefully...


Rookie Watch

1 - SF Kevin Durant, Sea Still in the top spot, but slowing down considerably
2 - C/PF Al Horford, Atl Has been heating up, and closing in on Durant
3 - PG Mike Conley Jr, Mem Should get his chance now to shine down the stretch
4 - PF Luis Scola, Hou Has been solid all season for the Rockets
5 - SF Al Thornton, LAC Put together a great week and a half, showing he’s still in it


On a final note, next week marks the end of the Regular Season for most Fantasy Leagues and
the playoffs begin. Now's the time to think smart with lineups and backups. The old cliche still
holds true; it's a brand new season where anything can happen, so keep your focus and good luck!


David Smith is a writer for FantasyBasketballFederation.com