PRE TRAINING CAMP TRANSACTIONS OCTOBER 4, 1999 Scottie Pippen was traded to Portland for Kelvin Cato, Stacey Augmon, Walt Williams, Ed Gray, Brian Shaw, and Carlos Rogers. Pippen will see a reduction in fantasy value as he goes to the deeper Trail Blazers. Detlef Schrempf will also have a reduced fantasy value as he will lose his starting position. Walt Williams will see an increase in fantasy value as a starter for the Rockets but has shown to be an injury risk in the past. Cato is an excellent shot blocker who could see more playing time with the Rockets, particularly if Olajuwon or Barkley get hurt. Forward Tyrone Corbin was signed by the Sacramento Kings. It is unlikely he will get much playing time as he will compete with Nick Anderson, Scot Pollard, Predrag Stojakovic, and Corliss Williamson. Detroit Pistons center Bison Dele announced that he might retire. Although he only averaged 24 mpg last season as a starter, someone would need to take his place if he follows through with retirement. Jerome Williams would gain more playing time and Terry Mills, who recently signed with the Pistons might start in his place. The Pistons feel Mills can play some major minutes despite missing most of last season with an injury. The Dallas Mavericks traded backup center Chris Anstey to the Chicago Bulls for a 2000 second-round pick. This is a sign that they plan on giving more playing time to Dirk Nowiztki next season. The Houston Rockets signed free agent Shandon Anderson. This will be a hit on the fantasy value of Cuttino Mobley who had been slotted as a starter before Anderson arrived. Although Anderson will start, in the past he has not had the greatest per minute output. The New York Knicks signed free agent center Andrew Lang, who spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. Although Lang is coming off a tough year he could get some playing time if Ewing and Dudley are both out. The Washington Wizards signed free agent power forward Michael Smith. A five-year NBA veteran, Smith has averaged 6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his career. His signing may prevent Aaron Williams from getting substantial playing time. The Wizards have stated that one of the players will start. The Los Angeles Clippers traded forward Johnny Newman to the New Jersey Nets for point guard Eric Murdock. This signing puts an end to the hope of Troy Hudson being a potential sleeper pick with the Clippers. If Sherman Douglas goes elsewhere through free agency, Eric Murdock could be a potential sleeper. The Raptors signed Mugsey Bogues to a one year contract. In Toronto Bogues needs only to compete with Alvin Williams for playing time. If his knee holds up, he could be a sleeper pick for assists. The Detroit Pistons received Derek Harper from the Los Angeles Lakers for the rights to rookie forward Melvin Levett. Harper's departure from L.A. further solidifies Derek Fisher's role as the starting point guard. Note that Harper is considering retirement. Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Smith could miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot. This could give Wally Szczerbiak more playing time until Smith returns. Another potential beneficiary to Smith's absence would be Sam Mitchell. Previous Article Main Page Copyright © Hoops Klyce 2000 - All Rights Reserved Website Designed by Lelnet Failed to execute script '../cgi-local/ax.cgi': Win32 Error Code = 2