MORE
POTENTIAL DRAFT
STEALS
October 20, 1998
This is a
continuation of the previous article focusing on
current NBA players who could potentially have an
increase in fantasy value through free
agency.
1) Chris Morris,
Utah Jazz - In October, 1995 Morris signed
with the Utah Jazz as a free agent after playing
seven seasons with the New Jersey Nets. It was at
this point his stats started to decline to the near
career lows he posted in the 97/98 season. Always
one to have a poor attitude in New Jersey, he
continued to have behavior problems in Utah which
led to arguments with Jerry Sloan and subsequent
disciplinary actions against him.
Last season,
Morris averaged only 10 mpg and 4.5 ppg in only 54
games. During the season the Jazz tried to unload
Morris in a trade for Rony Seikaly that eventually
fell through when Seikaly refused to report to
Utah. Now as a free agent, Morris will most likely
go to another as the Jazz will not try hard to
re-sign him despite his improved play in the post
season. This move to another team should restore
much of Morris's fantasy value.
When playing for
New Jersey, Morris would typically average 13 ppg,
6 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.0 bpg, and 0.5 treys per game.
These numbers are not spectacular but they are good
enough to be a starter on most fantasy rosters.
Morris still has the potential to put up these
numbers for a new team. Just beware that his
behavior will likely continue to be a problem, and
if the new coaches don't stand for it, he could end
up back on the bench.
2) Mark Strickland,
Miami Heat - Last season Mark Strickland saw
dramatic increases in playing time due to his
energetic play and injuries to starters which
enabled him to start in 8 games for the Heat. The
Heat will want to re-sign Strickland but his play
from last season should draw some interest from
other teams. Strickland averaged 7 ppg, 4 rpg, and
shot 54% in 17 mpg. As a starter on another team he
could average 14 ppg, 8 rpg, and 1.5 bpg.
3) Ben Wallace,
Washington Wizards - At the end of last season, Wallace
logged many 30+ minute games and showed an ability
to rebound, block shots, and steal the ball. In the
last game of the season he posted 13 rebounds, 5
steals, and 4 blocks while perhaps padding his
stats for his upcoming free agency, but noteworthy
nonetheless. Wallace could gain more playing time
either through free agency or by staying in
Washington where the departure of Chris Webber
should give him more opportunities.
4) Brent Barry,
Miami Heat - Last season Brent Barry started as
one of the top fantasy players in the entire league
while playing for the Clippers. Barry was regularly
scoring over 20 points, hitting the trey, and
providing many rebounds and blocks from the guard
position. But from January to the end of the season
he struggled with leg injuries and his numbers
declined to the point where he was not worth being
a starter on a fantasy team. He was eventually
traded to the Heat where he had a bench role. I
have heard conflicting reports on whether Barry
will re-sign with the Heat, but he would most
likely be a more valuable fantasy player somewhere
other than Miami. But even if he stays in Miami, he
could be a draft day steal due to his obscurity in
the second half of last year.
5) Luc Longley,
Chicago Bulls - Last season Longley posted career
highs in scoring, minutes played per game, and
assists. But as usual his fantasy value was limited
by him missing games and spending time on the bench
because of foul trouble. In his 7 year NBA career,
Luc has averaged missing 20 games a season and his
3.6 personal fouls a game last year often gave him
substantial time on the bench. But Longley's 7-2",
300 lb. frame will command much attention in the
free agent market. Away from Chicago, Longley may
play a greater role in a teams offense and on a
team that doesn't play defense like the Bulls, he
may commit fewer fouls which would give him more
playing time and opportunities to score. The wild
card for Longley will be his ability to stay
healthy.
6) Michael Stewart,
Sacramento Kings - Stewart signed as an undrafted
free agent with the Kings last season and went on
to play in 81 games while starting in 37. In only
22 mpg, Stewart averaged an impressive 2.4 bpg and
grabbed 6.6 rpg. These capabilities have drawn
attention from other NBA teams and the Kings wish
to re-sign him. While an expanded role on a new
team would increase his fantasy value, Stewart is
the type of player who might still be worth having
on a fantasy roster for blocks alone since in only
20 mpg he blocks more shots than most players who
play over 35 mpg.
7) Cory Alexander,
Denver Nuggets - In 23 games with the Nuggets,
Alexander averaged 14 ppg, 6 apg, 2 spg, and 2
treys per game and in the final weeks of the season
was putting up even bigger numbers including a 19
point, 8 assist, and 11 rebound night against the
Rockets. But in the off-season the Nuggets traded
for point guard Nick Van Exel which basically
reduces the possibility of Alexander continuing
these late season performances with the Nuggets
although Denver has expressed a desire to re-sign
Alexander and has hinted they might try a two point
guard offense. If through free agency Cory can
translate last years play into a starting role, he
may be a big draft day steal for your fantasy team.