Are you 6'8" or taller? Better lace up the kicks -- you might be playing for a Western Conference contender soon.
To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, the top teams out West just keep "biggering and biggering" -- first the Lakers added Pau Gasol, then the Suns got Shaq, and now the Spurs have acquired Kurt Thomas from the Sonics for Francisco Elson, Brent Barry and a draft pick.
Thomas is an outstanding fit for San Antonio. He can defend power forwards and centers, he's an underrated offensive player and he's tough as nails. This trade represents a massive upgrade in his fantasy value.
Other Spurs worth a long look as a result of this deal: Ime Udoka and Damon Stoudamire. Most observers thought Udoka would eventually serve as Bruce Bowen's replacement, but it seems he'll actually replace Barry in the rotation. As for Mighty Mouse, I expected his value to dwindle once Tony Parker returned to full health, but with Barry out of the mix, Stoudamire could become a key part of the Spurs' second unit.
In Seattle, Elson could be a sleeper -- it's not crazy to think he could squeeze out uninspiring players like Robert Swift and Johan Petro and emerge as a very productive player.
Posted by Charlie Zegers at 2/20/2008 6:58:00 PM |
