Danny Fortson

Fortson posted his best averages in points (7.5) and rebounds (5.6) last year since the 2001-02 season and filled a blue-collar/enforcer role the team had been missing for years. His playing time withered, though, as the season progressed, particularly after he got into a shouting match with then-coach Nate McMillan. Fortson will see more minutes this season, coming off the bench to play center or power forward, and his numbers are certain to increase. He was third in the league in rebound rate (20.5), averaging a rebound every three minutes last season. If fouls count, though, stay away. Fortson, who in one game last year fouled out in six minutes, collected one foul every 3.9 minutes, by far the fastest pace of any player since the NBA went to an 82-game schedule in 1967-68.

Fortson is the junk bond of centers. A high risk/high reward gamble, Fortson averaged just 11.7 minutes per game in the last two years following his 2001-02 season (11.2 ppg and 11.7 rpg). And there weren’t major injuries involved in limiting his playing time, as there were stretches where he was healthy and not playing. Why he fell so much is a mystery, but he came cheaply to the Sonics, who only had to part with Calvin Booth. There is limited competition for minutes in Seattle’s frontcourt, so Fortson could find regular playing time at power forward or center. In just 11.2 minutes per game for Dallas last season, Fortson averaged 4.5 rebounds, so his per-minute production is still there. Could be a sleeper.

The trade to Dallas may be just what Danny Fortson needs. Fortson, always a strong rebounder, will see time at power forward and center for the Mavericks. Last season was a complete disappointment for Fortson, but he has already impressed his new coaching staff and teammates with his tenacity. If Fortson can get 20+ minutes a game, it's extremely easy to project Fortson grabbing 8-10 boards a night while scoring 8-10 points per game. Playing time will be the key.