Cap space isn’t a category in fantasy basketball. While I agree with Chris Sheridan that Memphis and Detroit both “won” yesterday’s big trade, that’s only in reality. Here in the fantasy corner, Kyle Lowry is the biggest winner of all — in addition to becoming Toronto’s unchallenged starting point guard, new teammate Rudy Gay is his best friend.
Gay was never the #1 option for the Grizzlies. He might be for the Raptors if moving Andrea Bargnani is the next step, as many suspect. This deal isn’t great news for owners of Alan Anderson or Terrence Ross, but DeMar DeRozan might enjoy less defensive attention once Gay arrives.
I do understand the real-life reasons for the deal, they just don’t matter in Roto leagues. The Pistons can amnesty Charlie Villanueva and become flush with cash next season, Memphis is definitely more cost-efficient and Tayshaun Prince must be thrilled to join a playoff contender. While Ed Davis is a definite upgrade over Marreese Speights for the Grizzlies, his playing time will take an unfortunate hit, negating his fantasy value.
January 30 Game Recaps
TOR @ ATL: The Kyle Lowry era has begun in Toronto, and his backup John Lucas (19 PTS in 24 minutes) becomes relevant in deeper fantasy leagues. Amir Johnson (6 PTS, 14 REB, 4 BLK) started at PF, with Aaron Gray (8 PTS, 11 REB) the #1 C; that will continue until Andrea Bargnani (elbow) and Jonas Valanciunas (hand) return in the near future. DeMar DeRozan (23) led all scorers, as Toronto lost another close one. Al Horford (22 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, 3 BLK) was superb despite a tender hamstring, Josh Smith (20 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK) helped out and Kyle Korver (17 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL) hit five 3-pointers.
DET @ IND: It was a low point in the season for Detroit. Blown out at home the night before, shocked by the trade just before tipoff and left without an established NBA small forward, they had virtually no chance against the Pacers. Roy Hibbert (18 PTS, 11 REB) played a strong 26 minutes and Lance Stephenson (12 PTS, 11 AST, 5 REB) had another nice line, but there is very little that fantasy owners can learn from that game. My best guess is that Kyle Singler (5 PTS) moves to SF for the Pistons and Jonas Jerebko (3 PTS, 4 REB in 18:40) becomes relevant again in deep leagues. It’s terrible news if you own Brandon Knight, who becomes a backup PG and undersized SG; Rodney Stuckey (14 PTS) might benefit if he plays alongside the creative Jose Calderon.