The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 29, 2000

“Raptors Deal Christie to Kings”

The Toronto Raptors traded G / F Doug Christie to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for F Corliss Williamson.

Note:

• Williamson can become a free agent next summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Doug Christie, Sac: $3.12 M.

Corliss Williamson, Tor: $4.1 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Sacramento.

Why?

After Toronto’s first round playoff exit, Doug Christie, 6’5, and his agent made it clear they did not want Doug to return to the Raptors. The Raptors’ management obliged Christie with this deal.

Christie is a versatile, talented player who has been known to “rock the boat” in the locker room. His best position is shooting guard; but, he can also play the point as well as small forward. Christie’s arrival puts guard Nick Anderson on notice. If Nick struggles with Sacramento like he did last season, his minutes will be greatly reduced without a hint of doubt in Kings’ Coach Rick Adelman’s mind.

Adelman said, “Doug gives us a lot of options on the floor. He has proven NBA experience and versatility, and he will give us a strong defensive presence in our backcourt.”

Williamson’s production tailed off significantly last season as the Kings went to a more up tempo style and relied less on his low post scoring skills because of the presence of Chris Webber and Vlade Divac. His minutes were reduced as Peja Stojakovic became more comfortable and more productive at small forward. Corliss, 6’7, and 245 pounds, should become Toronto’s starting small forward as Vince Carter moves to big guard.

Raptors’ Coach Lenny Wilkens said, “He's a guy who can play inside and has a medium-range jump shot; he can run the floor, and he brings some toughness with all of that. It's not just physical toughness, it's mental toughness as well. He's been a player who's working on his game and wanted to improve, and you want those guys around.”