Etan Thomas

Thomas' acquisition allowed the Thunder to dump two expiring contracts (Damien Wilkins, Chucky Atkins) for one. It also gives the team some frontcourt depth and a defensive-minded center, which starting center Nenad Krstic doesn't provide. Thomas should see decent minutes, at least initially.

Thomas missed all of last season after surgery to correct a heart problem. He's back this season, and expected to provide toughness and rebounding in the frontcourt rotation, initially as the primary backup to Haywood -- but it seems inevitable that he'll lose that job to Blatche or JaVale McGee before too long.

Like the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War, Thomas and Brendan Haywood will continue to co-exist, albeit with some tension that has at times resulted in fisticuffs. The big difference here is that neither pivot is what you'd call a Super Power. Thomas' name was mentioned in potential trade discussions, but a guy who is known more for his poetry than his hops is a tough sell when he is in the midst of a six-year, $36.8 million deal signed just over three years ago. The Wizards have a generous Bucks' offer sheet to thank for that. Barring a deal falling into its lap, the team is stuck with the uneasy time-share, one which saw Thomas average 6.1 ppg and 5.8 rpg last season. His 1.37 bpg and 57-percent field-goal shooting weren't bad, but his free-throw shooting checked in at a category-killing .558. In short, you'd need to be in a league deeper than Thomas' writing for him to help your fantasy team out.

Thomas is battling Brendan Haywood, who has started 138 games over the last two seasons, for the Wizards' starting center job. The addition of Darius Songaila -- who coach Eddie Jordan has said will play some center when the Wizards go with a small lineup -- means that there will be a constant battle for playing time in the middle. We'll monitor this situation as the preseason rolls along, but whoever wins the job will have limited fantasy value as the team's fifth option on offense, likely working in a time-share. Thomas’ numbers figure to increase from last season – 4.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1 bpg -- but don’t look for much more than his 2004-05 numbers – 7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg.

Thomas is one of the strongest players in the NBA and offers a contrast to fellow big man Brendan Haywood, as he is more of a scorer. He is a competent shot blocker but given his limited minutes he won’t offer much to your fantasy team, unless injuries hit Haywood.

Thomas signed an offer sheet with Milwaukee, where he would have received more playing time, but the Wizards matched the offer. It’s a crowded frontcourt in Washington, so Thomas’ role is unclear at this moment. In 24.1 minutes per game last season, Thomas averaged 8.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.6 bpg. Hold off on selecting him until you see his role.

Thomas is a decent rebounder and shot blocker. He will fight for minutes up front and when he is out there he won't be counted on for too much offense.