Fantasy Daily: Trade Deadline Fallout

Sadly, the excitement of the trade deadline has come and gone. In 2010, our eyes were wide as we saw more player movement than we had in any recent year. From big names to small names. One for one swaps to three way deals. We have seen the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  Owners are trying to cope with the current economic struggles they undoubtedly face. Out of the ashes we have seen superstars struggle and lose value (re: Antawn Jamison).  We will see budding stars experience their first opportunities as they attempt to lead their teams to victory. The poor teams selling off their only valuable commodities for cap relief? They will see high-levels of production from players who typically reside on the bench. The rich teams to add yet another star? Well you better believe the Nate Robinsons of the world are happy to be a contender, but their owners sure as schnitzel are not. With the playoffs only a month away, it’s the last push for teams to add key players to their rosters. Quick decisions need to be made. Who do I drop? Who do I pick up? What is the best way to maximize my team’s production? As the stamp said to the envelope…stick with me kid, you’ll go places.

Andray Blatche (33.4% ownership)-I must apologize directly on this front. For many years I have loved Andray Blatche, starting from the time I discovered my roommate had guarded the now-seven footer back in high school. However, following the Antawn Jamison deal, I did not tell people to pick up AB7. Better late than never. This is as true about your girlfriend’s pregnancy concerns as it is about fantasy basketball.  This year Blatche's averages of 10 and 5 seem pedestrian…that is until you look a little closer. With 17 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.9 steals and percentages of 52 and 75 respectively, Blatche is a valuable commodity in any league format. Consider that with Caron Butler or Antawn Jamison in the picture; there are about 33 shots per game that need to be taken. While Josh Howard will account for some of those attempts, Blatche should be main benefactor. At 6’11 260, Blatche will see time at both center and power forward. His terrific jump shot, great athleticism for the position and aggressive offensive outlook make for the perfect “good player, bad team situation.” Blatche tends to be rather selfish and the ball often gets stuck to his hands. In any other circumstance? Negative. Not in fantasy though. Here, his high volume shooting is a boon to your roster. So make the move now and forgive me for reporting so late.

Tracy McGrady (55.6% ownership)-Not to be too bold, but typically players accumulate better statistics on the floor than on the bench. Just saying. T-Mac goes from not playing in Houston to becoming a starter on the up-tempo New York Knickerbockers. Although we all expected a few weeks of rust, T-Mac showed he still has a bit of gas left in the tank. In the Mac Attack’s first game back against Oklahoma City, he dropped 26 points, 4 boards and five dimes on 10 of 17 shooting. Most importantly though? He played 32 minutes. For a guy who had only logged 45 minutes all season, that type of stamina and endurance is a very welcome sight. While the 30-year-old McGrady doesn’t have the elite athleticism we all fondly remember, his smooth jumper was still in full effect. In fact, he may be the second option already on this team (behind General David Lee). McGrady is a free agent at season’s end. While after making more than twenty million dollars this season money might not be an issue to him, looming free agency and the fight for a new contract does seem to motivate even the wealthiest of players. Pick up T-Mac if you want good scoring, as he will take a high volume of shots. I must warn though, buyers beware. McGrady’s last healthy stints in the NBA produces a low (under 42%) field goal percentage.

Kevin Martin (100% ownership)-Oh where to begin. First, yes, I realize you can’t pick up a player that has 100% ownership. I also realize that there are really no leagues that Kevin Martin is droppable. Here’s what I can say though. Trade Martin now. If your trade deadline has passed you can ignore this, but otherwise heed my words. Martin goes from “good player- bad team” to “good player- good team.” Nice for his career? Yes. Questionable for his fantasy value? Absolutely. This is a team with a logjam at the guard spots.  With Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza enjoying breakthrough seasons and Shane Battier locking down his opposition on the perimeter, you have some talented competition for minutes. Of course Martin should start. Houston though, simply must find minutes for their team members who have been noticeably productive all season. Why ignore nice, young players like Budinger and Lowry who have shown great promise? While Martin will get his time and should both start and finish games, his minutes and more importantly his shots could diminish. Sacramento had an offense where every player was encouraged to push the ball and look for easy baskets. That is a lot more conducive to scoring than Houston’s defensive philosophy. While both teams average the same amount of shot attempts per game, Martin will get a smaller piece of the pie than in years past. Factor that in with his inclination to not rock the boat by taking his typical shot quota and you have the recipe for disaster. Even in a two game sample, we see Martin play fewer minutes and shoot fewer shots than he did during his time with the Kings. He even took a break from riding the pine much like former Rocket Carl Landry. Houston loves taking production off the bench, so while I would expect Martin to eventually start, the role of a Jason Terry-esque sixth man could be in store.

Taj Gibson (3.4% ownership)-This one is dedicated to all of you out there in really deep leagues, which just happen to be my favorite type of league. Gibson is the main benefactor in the trade that sent Tyrus Thomas to Charlotte. While he was already the starter in Chi-Town, having the extremely talented Thomas waiting in the wings had to have been somewhat unnerving. Not to mention the fact that Thomas was still playing impactful minutes. Without that threat, Gibson could see his 25 minutes per game turn into 30-35. So far this season the long-armed Gibson has averaged 8.4 and 6.8 with 1.2 blocks on 49% shooting. Productive? Yes. Could he do better? No question. With Joakim Noah out of the line-up, Gibson has seen games of 14 and 16, 15 and 9, and last night 20 and 13. Now, Chicago is in salary dump mode. As they gear up to make a run at an elite free agent this summer, it should come as a surprise to nobody if the Bulls play their younger guys and subsequently, develop a core for the team as they evolve. The 24-year-old Taj “Mahal” Gibson is a big part of those plans. The guy is a terrific shot blocker and rebounder; however, don’t expect any help on free throws or assists. He is a garbage man in the truest sense, with a still yet to be refined offensive game. Post all-star break numbers of 10 and 8 with a block and a half resemble the best numbers former incumbent Ty Thomas averaged and make Gibson a worthwhile pick-up.