January 24, 1999
The following
is commentary on the fantasy implications of some
of the recent free agent signings.
Isaac Austin signed
with Orlando: Reduces the chances of Michael
Doleac getting any significant playing time. Austin
should put up his typical 16 pt, 8 reb starter
numbers.
Dell Curry signed with
Milwaukee:
The
Bucks have had a weakness from beyond the arc and
Curry should be hitting many treys to solve that
problem. Curry's departure from Charlotte combined
with Glen Rice's injury will leave the door open
for a fantasy sleeper to step up. Look for Eldridge
Recasner, who just signed with the Hornets to get
some substantial playing time early on.
Vlade Divac with
Sacramento:
This
signing prompted Michael Stewart and Olden Polynice
to sign elsewhere leaving Divac with little backup.
In Charlotte Geiger spelled Divac for minutes but
in Sacramento Divac will be logging more playing
time.
Tom Gugliotta signed
with Phoenix: In the past when Gugliotta
initially went to Golden State and Minnesota his
numbers dropped before he became accustomed to the
new system. Gugliotta may not initially put up the
numbers in Phoenix that he did in Minnesota and his
ankle still remains a question mark since it has
not been tested in regular season play.
Antonio McDyess signed
with Denver:
McDyess
was a good fantasy player last year but averaged
only 30 minutes per game with the Suns. In Denver
will play 38-40 mpg and will become a first round
pick in most fantasy leagues.
Billy Owens signed with
Seattle:
Over his
career Owens has consistently averaged around 31
minutes per game. But as a backup to Schrempf he
will play less in Seattle lowering his fantasy
value.
Olden Polynice signed
with Seattle: With Jim McIlvaine being traded
away and Perkins signing with the Pacers Polynice
will have an opportunity to regain a starting
position with the Sonics.
Terry Porter signed
with Miami:
With the
injury to Voshon Lenard Terry Porter may have an
opportunity to start and show that he is still in
great shape for an older player.
Joe Smith signed with
Minnesota:
People
should remember that Joe Smith is only 23 and still
has great potential. He put up terrible stats as a
backup with the Sixers but he will be given a
starting job and a chance to resurrect his career
in Minnesota. Recall that in the 96-97 season Smith
averaged 38 minutes per game, 18.7 points per game,
and 8.5 rebounds per game. Smith is a potential
fantasy steal this season.
Michael Stewart signed
with Toronto: He has the opportunity to earn
significant playing time with the Raptors and show
off his shot blocking skills.
Gary Trent signed with
Dallas:
With the
Mavericks Trent should see more playing time than
he did in his days as a backup in Portland.
Christian Laettner
signed with Detroit: Laettner was injured during the
lockout and will not be back until late March. It
would be wise to not accidentally draft him to your
team.
Luc Longley was traded
to Phoenix:
Longley
may be a more significant part of the Suns offense
than he was for the Bulls and Phoenix's other
center Hot Rod Williams has singed with Dallas
giving Longley more opportunities for playing
time.
Scottie Pippen was
traded to Houston: Pippen will still be a good fantasy
player but not the stud he would have been as the
only player in Chicago. Question marks regarding
his off season surgery still remain as well making
him a potentially risky pick.
Cory Alexander signed
with Denver:
The
Nuggets also have Nick Van Exel and Chauncy Billups
all of whom will compete for playing time and
reduce each others fantasy potential.
Travis Best signed with
Indiana:
Best
should continue to take more and more playing time
from Mark Jackson making him a nice late round pick
with potential.
Jason Caffey signed
with Golden State: This signing makes the Warriors
crowded at the forward position with Antawn
Jamison, Donyell Marshall, and Chris Mills.
Othella Harrington
signed Houston: Harrington is a strong rebounding
forward who could see playing time as a backup to
the injury prone Charles Barkley.
Popeye Jones signed
with Boston:
Jones
might be a good late round pick for rebounding as
many have probably forgotten him after his injury
filled season last year.
Theo Ratliff signed
with Philadelphia: Ratliff signed a big contract and
is expected to put up big numbers which he should
be able to deliver.
God Shammgod signed
with Washington: Could be a fantasy steal if
Strickland goes elsewhere or at least holds out for
a while.
Damon Stoudamire signed
with Portland: Stoudamire will rack up the assists
in Portland but won't be the scoring stud he was in
Toronto.
Charlie Ward signed
with New York: Ward received a big contract but
may see competition from Childs still and Obed
Kattash if he signs as a free agent.
Jayson Williams signed
with New Jersey: Williams gets the rebounds of two
men and in New Jersey the second person he is
rebounding for is Keith Van Horn. Jayson's presence
will keep Van Horns rebounding numbers
mediocre.
To see where
these players would go in a draft according to your
league categories order The Hoops Klyce Player
Rating Report.