| RotoFreak.com: A Position Battle With Atkins In Memphis? Authored by Craig Huffman - January 25, 2006 - 1:12 am
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When Damon Stoudamire ruptured his right patellar tendon on December 30th, hundreds of thousands of fantasy basketball managers flocked to the wire to grab Bobby Jackson. There were visions of 2002-03, the year when Mike Bibby missed 27 games because of a foot injury and Bobby Jackson exploded onto the fantasy scene (averaging 20 PTS, 1.8 3PTM, 4.5 REB, 4 AST and 1.6 STL as a starter). Bobby Jackson hasn't quite lived up to that 02-03 level; however, he hasn't really been a disappointment either. In the 10 games that he has started, Bobby averaged 13 PTS, 1.7 3PTM, 5 REB, 4.8 AST and 1.2 STL. Not too shabby... definitely making him add-worthy in a 10-team league.
Memphis' recent signing of Chucky Atkins shouldn't have come as a surprise, though. Memphis is a playoff team - currently the 5th seed in the West, and relying on Bobby Jackson and Antonio Burks just wasn't an option for Jerry West. BJax hasn't been healthy enough to play over 60 games in a year since 01-02, and he just returned (and was not quite fully healed) from a hamstring injury the day that Damon went down. With Antonio Burks not having the experience necessary to log major minutes, they needed better insurance at the point. Chucky Atkins - recently bought out by Washington - was brought in to save the day.
So, the question now is: Will BJax maintain these stats? Certainly, the odds aren't good. Consider that the main reason why Chucky asked to be traded (and consequently bought out by Washington) was because of a lack of playing time. Although he was stuck behind Gilbert Arenas - who is 2nd in the league in minutes per game (41.6), Chucky was still getting 20 mpg off the bench. Fresh off starting all 82 games for the Lakers in 04-05, and now in a position to sign anywhere that he wants, you'd think that he would sign into the place offering him the best opportunity. With BJax being a perennial backup, better used as a combo guard off the bench, and riddled with injury concerns, it's pretty safe to say that Chucky will get his opportunity to shine. Not necessarily right away - as Fratello will ease him into the rotation; however, he'll at least be splitting minutes with Bobby... potentially (IMO, eventually) starting over Bobby down the road.
Roster advice? Bobby Jackson is a sell-high candidate right now. His value won't get stronger than what it is, and if you're in a h2h league, consider that Memphis' playoff schedule is one of the worst in the league. There just isn't much upside in keeping him; so, if you can make a lateral trade, the odds are the move will work out for you in the long run. There is no need to press for a move, though (if you're having trouble getting equal value). Atkins will take some time landing on his feet, there is still a chance that Bobby could keep his starting job, and Bobby could still be a top-150 player off the bench.
As far as Atkins, as mentioned, he'll need some time to get going. If you're in a 16-team league or deeper, he's worth adding right now (to store on your bench for better days). If your league is smaller than that, just keep a close eye on him. There isn't a tremendous amount of upside with him, as his percentages are mediocre for a guard and there aren't a lot of assists to be had in Memphis' offense. Atkins can knock down the 3, though (career 37% shooter behind the arc)... and with Gasol commanding double teams down low, there is top-75 value to be had there (if all goes well).
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Craig Huffman is the Executive Editor for RotoFreak.com. If you have questions or comments, please send them to: craig@rotofreak.com. |
