The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Kerr dealt to Spurs; Laettner Joins Grant

January 22, 1999

“PIPPEN BECOMES A ROCKET”

The Houston Rockets acquired F Scottie Pippen in a sign a trade deal with the Chicago Bulls in exchange for F Roy Rogers and a 2nd round draft pick.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Scottie Pippen, Hou: $10.6 M.

Roy Rogers, Chi: $862,560.

Note:

• Roy Rogers is a free agent this summer. He was waived on 2 / 1.

Who got the better of the deal?

Houston.

Why?

The Bulls acquired Rogers to clear cap room for this summer.

Pippen will allow the Rockets to run more than the past. He is an excellent on the ball defender as well as excelling in playing the passing lanes. His versatility is a plus for the club since he can bring the ball up the court as well as run the offense in the half court.

Given head coach Rudy Tomjanovich’s proven track record of maximizing the skills of his players, Scottie should not have a difficult time adjusting to his new teammates.

“SPURS ACQUIRE KERR FROM BULLS FOR PERSON”

The San Antonio Spurs obtained G Steve Kerr as the Chicago Bulls sign then traded Kerr in exchange for F Chuck Person and other considerations.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Steve Kerr, SA: $3.75 M.

Chuck Person, Chi: $2.86 M.

Note:

• Person was waived on Jan. 22nd.

Who got the better of the deal?

San Antonio.

Why?

The Spurs needed a consistent 3 point threat; and Kerr will solve that need. The Spurs’ offense is “inside - out”; as a result, when teams double and triple team Tim Duncan and David Robinson, Kerr can make defenses pay for the swarms down low buy consistently making the open 3 point shot.

Person was acquired for his salary cap slot.

“ATLANTA SIGNS LAETTNER AND DEALS HIM TO DETROIT”

The Detroit Pistons acquired F Christian Laettner from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for C Scot Pollard and a 1999 first round draft pick.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Christian Laettner, Det: $4.5 M.

Scot Pollard, Atl: $940 K.

Note:

• The pick involved comes from Portland which Detroit obtained in the Stacey Augmon deal on Jan 24, 1997.

Who got the better of the deal?

Detroit.

Why?

Christian Laettner, 6’11, over stayed his welcome in Atlanta. He pouted and complained as F Alan Henderson received his minutes and produced better than he did.

The Hawks signed Laettner to trade him to Detroit. Though he is still recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon injury suffered last August, he is scheduled to return in March. However, it remains to be seen how effective, he’ll be this season.

When Laettner is healthy, he provides a tough attitude which Detroit lacked last season. He’s a good perimeter shooter with a good low post game as well as a solid rebounder. Christian reunites with Duke teammate Grant Hill. They may not have been best of friends in college; but, Laettner, apparently, is willing to accept his role on the Pistons’ team and help the club be successful.

Pollard is entering his second year in the league. He played sparingly last season in Detroit; however, he did show flashes of promise. Scot will probably see limited playing time; however, at 6’11, the Hawks may need him to provide some physical minutes to spell their other big men like Dikembe Mutombo, Alan Henderson, etc.