The NBA draft deadline came and went with barely a whimper. The big names who were rumored to be on the move weren’t moved at all. The only trades that were consummated were ones of a minor variety as teams are ever conscious of the NBA luxury tax threshold.
Deadline day was as much about protecting valuable salary cap space and dumping salary as it was acquiring players for a playoff push. Given the current economics of the NBA and the punitive luxury tax system in place; teams were exercising fiscal prudence over the win at all costs attitude.
The teams that were able to acquire players at the deadline made minor deals as players like Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe and Josh Smith were not moved after all. Deals were rumored to be in the works right down to the last minute; however, they seemingly collapsed as the deadline struck. Of the players that did change teams, we will focus on the main trade pieces and breakdown their fantasy impact.
J.J. Redick - Milwaukee Bucks
J.J. Redick finds himself shipped out of Orlando to his new home in Milwaukee. This probably wasn’t the preferred destination of choice for Redick as the Bucks don’t offer him as much in terms of offensive flexibility. Here is the problem for Redick in Milwaukee; the Bucks have two ball dominating guards in Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings who each log high minutes per game. Now Redick will find himself coming off the bench for the Bucks and will struggle to carve out 20-25 minutes a night. Even if Redick gets some play at the point guard spot, his assist totals have not been historically good as his strength is his shooting ability. Without a doubt J.J. Redick’s fantasy value just took a big hit as he will see less minutes and fewer scoring chances per game in Milwaukee.
Thomas Robinson - Houston Rockets
The Sacramento Kings jettisoned their fifth overall selection in last years lottery draft to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Patrick Patterson and some filler pieces. It is unusual to see a team give up on a lottery pick so soon after drafting him, but nonetheless the Kings did just that as they sent Thomas Robinson packing. Count me as one of the believers in Robinson coming out of Kansas. I saw a beast of a player in the NCAA that seemed to have a skill set destined for NBA success. That success has been slow to come thus far for Robinson as he struggled in Sac-town to find a groove. Robinson should get a chance to start in Houston as the power forward spot vacated by Patrick Patterson is up for grabs. If Robinson can step into that role watch for his production to spike considerably. With the Rockets fast paced, high scoring offense; Robinson will benefit with some easy transition baskets. Robinson’s fantasy value took the biggest jump of all on deadline day. He is now a must have late round pickup and come next season his draft status will surely be higher.
Jordan Crawford - Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics swung a deal that netted them the disgruntled Washington Wizard Jordan Crawford. In Washington Crawford was a talented player without a future. He had four consecutive DNP’s heading into this week and was a non-factor in the Wizards last eight contests as he averaged a lowly 12.5 minutes per game. With the trade; however, Crawford’s fantasy value just got a much needed shot in the arm as he will be getting around 20-25 minutes a night in Beantown as he tries to fill some of the void left by Rajon Rondo. Prior to landing in Wizards coach Randy Whittman’s doghouse, Crawford had been playing descent ball. Case in point the month of December where Crawford averaged 35.8 minutes a night, 19.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 6.1 apg. Crawford will still have to compete with Jason Terry for minutes and shot attempts; however, at least Crawford will get a chance at success once again. The trade marks a significant improvement in Jordan Crawford’s fantasy value and elevates him to potential late round pickup in deep fantasy leagues.
Patrick Patterson - Sacramento Kings
The main trade component from the Houston Rockets sent to Sacramento in exchange for Thomas Robinson goes from a nice starting gig with the leagues top offense to a bench role for one of the leagues worst offensive units. Patrick Patterson cannot be too happy about being shipped to Sacramento as it is clear he won’t have the same opportunities as he did for the Rockets. The Kings have a lot of depth at the forward spots and Patterson is no more talented than the players they already have. Playing time will be at a premium for Patterson and as a result his fantasy value drops significantly. Unless you are playing in a very deep league; Patterson is a fantasy irrelevant until such time as his place in Sacramento’s rotation is established.