The teams that were active at the trade deadline will be sorting out new rotations for the next few games … and some other teams will be making adjustments for entirely different reasons. Here’s a quick look at some rotations in flux:
• Orlando – Rafer Alston will likely step into Jameer Nelson’s starting spot at some point in the near future.
• Chicago – Brad Miller and Tim Thomas join Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas in the frontcourt … and the already-crowded backcourt and wing positions are further muddled by the addition of John Salmons. Doesn’t it feel like the Bulls were planning on making at least one more trade?
• Sacramento – The Kings were particularly active, sending out Miller and Salmons, Shelden Williams and Bobby Brown, waived Mikki Moore, and brought back Andreas Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Rashad McCants, Calvin Booth and Will Solomon. Gooden may get a buyout, but Nocioni and McCants will likely become important parts of a new-look rotation, as the Kings’ rebuilding process continues.
• New York – The Knicks sent away several players – Tim Thomas, Jerome James, Anthony Roberson and Malik Rose – but Thomas was the only one getting regular minutes. In return they received Larry Hughes and Chris Wilcox, both of whom figure to play. Mike D’Antoni is known to prefer a rotation, which means one of the Knicks’ current regulars’ playing time will take a hit; rookie Danillo Gallinari and veteran Quentin Richardson seem most at risk.
• Houston – The Rockets lost their starting backcourt, with Rafer Alston traded to Orlando and Tracy McGrady apparently done for the year. Look for new acquisition Kyle Lowry to move into Alston’s spot – if he can beat out Aaron Brooks – with Ron Artest possibly sliding over to McGrady’s two spot and Shane Battier manning the three.
• Phoenix – The Suns opted not to trade Amare Stoudemire … but they lost him anyway, to an eye injury that may end his season. For now, it appears Phoenix will replace Stoudemire by playing small – new coach Alvin Gentry used Jason Richardson and Grant Hill at the forward spots on Friday, with Leandro Barbosa joining Steve Nash in the backcourt.
via Fantasy Basketball SOS: Feb. 23 – March 1 – Fantasy – Yahoo! Sports.
