Fantasy Notes: A trader’s market

Blockbuster trades seem to be en vogue this NBA season: Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol, Shaquille O’Neal, Shawn Marion, Mike Bibby, and soon Jason Kidd all moved from one team to another. There are still other players including Ron Artest and Zach Randolph who may be traded, but rather than predict, let’s take a look at a few of the players who were not listed who find their fantasy value soaring thanks to the recent trades.

BENO UDRIH, PG, SACRAMENTO KINGS
Thanks to the Mike Bibby thumb injury earlier in the season, this career back-up earned an opportunity to start for the Kings much of the first half of the season. Little did we know that this was an audition that the 25 year old Yugoslavian would nail. As a starter, Udrih averages 14 points, five assists, 1.2 steals, sensational percentages, and even 1.2 three-pointers. These are numbers coming from a point guard who never averaged six points or 14 minutes in a season entering this year.

The trade of Bibby makes perfect sense for the Kings. While they were expected to crumble because of injuries earlier in the season, the first-year coach liked what he saw from his backups including Udrih, John Salmons, and Francisco Garcia, and the Kings were surprisingly competitive. Throughout his career, Bibby has been a shoot-first point guard who was always clutch, but never one to run an offense setting up others. Instead, he relied on teammates like Brad Miller and Chris Webber to distribute the ball for him. Now that the Kings have numerous scoring options including Kevin Martin, Salmons, and Artest, it makes even more sense for their point guard to be less of a scorer and more of a passer. Udrih has proven to be more than adequate at giving up the ball, while shooting effectively as well. This trade is a win for the Kings in reality and Udrih in fantasy hoops.

DARKO MILICIC, C, GRIZZLIES
Many hoops fans figured that Milicic would break out with the Orlando Magic after the Pistons traded the former second overall pick a few years ago. Instead, both the Pistons and the Magic have now given up on the 7’ Yugoslavian who was drafted ahead of Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony. In Orlando, Milicic proved to be a sensational shot-blocker, as he averaged 1.8 blocks last season as well as 0.6 steals. Unfortunately, he never averaged greater than six rebounds in a season and his shaky free throw shooting and 45 percent field goal rate were not enough to allow him many scoring opportunities with Dwight Howard on the floor.

The same situation evolved this season in his new home in Memphis, as another 7’ talent, Pau Gasol, was a better low post player than Milicic. However, the Grizzlies traded Gasol to the Lakers for little back in return, allowing Milicic to enjoy the paint by himself, while the team’s best talents Rudy Gay, Mike Miller, and Mike Conley make their homes on the perimeter. In the first six games following the trade, Milicic averaged 13 points, two blocks, and 10 rebounds. Don’t get too excited about the recent trend for Milicic, as he still must shake the “inconsistent” tag. Regardless, in an era in which the league is dominated by guards and forwards, a center with the potential of Milicic certainly deserves some fantasy attention.

DORELL WRIGHT, SF, HEAT
Dorell Wright had already been starting before Shaquille O’Neal was traded, yet his value spiked the second Big Aristotle left town. No, Wright is not a center nor does he play the low post. The explanation for the addition by subtraction for Wright is the fact that the loss of O’Neal signals a change in paradigm for the Heat’s offense. No longer a half court offense, the Heat are now an up-tempo team fueling off the athleticism of Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and Wright.

The product out of Los Angeles who was drafted by the Heat straight out of High School in the first round of the 2004 draft is a 6’8” guard/forward who has great size and ability. He has often been compared to Rudy Gay and Josh Smith because of his ability to block shots and rise above most players guarding him.

Now that O’Neal is in the desert, Pat Riley will be able to implement the “Showtime” offense that made him a legend in Los Angeles. Expect Marion to thrive the most as a 20 and 10 type of talent, while Dwyane Wade will feel less of a burden and Wright will average anywhere from 12 to 16 points per game. In February, Wright has averaged 13.4 points, one steal, and 7.4 rebounds, while knocking down threes as well. Wright is a low risk addition, as he does little to hurt you thanks to his stellar percentages and lack of turnovers, while his blocks, steals, and scoring make him a rising fantasy star.

Rob Shaw is the Lead Expert for FantasyFanatics.com, the premier fantasy sports community.

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