The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Nick Anderson to Kings

August 3,

“Mercer Dealt to Nuggets in Six - Player Deal”

The Boston Celtics traded swingman Ron Mercer, F Popeye Jones, and C Dwayne Schintzius to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for F Danny Fortson, F Eric Williams, G Eric Washington, and a conditional first round draft choice.

Notes:

• The Cs cannot use the pick if it’s in the top 5 in 2001; top 3 in 2002 or the top pick in 2003. If the pick has not been used by 2003, then the Celtics receive the pick without conditions in 2004.
• Mercer and Fortson can become free agents next summer.
• Also, Denver will pay $3 M of Eric Williams’ salary.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Ron Mercer, Den.: $2.3 M

Popeye Jones, Den.: $2.5 M

Dwayne Schintzius, Den.: $1.52 M.

Danny Fortson, Bos.: $1.679 M.

Eric Williams, Bos.: $

Eric Washington, Bos.: $

Who got the better of the deal?

Denver.

Why?

“I could never come close to the numbers Ron wanted. If I could come close, I would consider hanging on. It was a situation where we could never have signed Ron Mercer,” said Celtics’ Coach Rick Pitino.

Because of that fact, the Cs had to trade Mercer in order to receive compensation for him as opposed to Mercer signing with another team next summer.

Mercer, 6’7, is an athletic scorer. He’s great shooting off picks; but, he’s a very poor 3 point shooter

He should be Denver’s starting small forward which would give the Nuggets a starting line up of Nick Van Exel at point; Chauncey Billups at shooting guard; Mercer at the 3; Antonio McDyess at power forward; and Raef LaFrentz at center. That 5 is built for a running style of game.

“I think it's got more athleticism than any team we've ever had here in Denver,” said Denver GM Dan Issel. “...We have the athletes to do it. Now we have to see if we can get it done.”

Popeye Jones has had knee problems the last 2 seasons. However, if he’s healthy, he’ll back up McDyess and provide rebounding, hard work, toughness, and intangibles such as diving for loose balls.

Schintzius has underachieved his entire career. He’ll probably be waived.

Fortson was forced to play center last season due to LaFrentz’s torn ACL. Danny flourished and averaged 11 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Though only 6’7, he weighs 260 pounds and he is a very physical player which Boston desperately needs.

Danny could start at power forward which would Antoine Walker to small forward. However, Walker may be traded.

If Walker is traded, Eric Williams would start at small forward for Boston like he did when he was drafted by the Celtics 4 years ago. Williams was dealt to Denver due to a poor work ethic.

“I didn't have my head together at the time,” Williams said. “I've matured. Coach Pitino said he wasn't going to stand for anyone slacking off, and he was true to his word, man. I'm in the weight room so much now, guys on the Nuggets used to compete with me and see if they could beat my records.”

Eric Washington will come off the bench. He’s a streaky shooter and a solid defender. However at 6’3, he may see limited minutes behind G Paul Pierce and newly signed swingman Adrian Griffin. Washington is not a point guard; so, he won’t get any minutes behind Dana Barros or rookie Wayne Turner.

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"Nick Anderson Traded to Sacramento for Wahad"

The Orlando Magic traded swingman Nick Anderson to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for G Tariq Abdul - Wahad and a conditional first round pick.

Note:

• Orlando received a $3.5 M trade exception.

1999 - '00 Salaries:

Nick Anderson, Sac.: $4 M.

Tariq Abdul - Wahad, Orl.: $1.595 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Sacramento.

Why?

This trade is risky. Anderson, 31, is a 10 - year veteran whose best days are probably behind him. Conversely, Wahad, 24, is a young, athletic, talented defender.

However, Anderson’s leadership and outside shooting may be better suited to the Kings’ than Tariq’s defense and limited offense.

“I definitely think he brings some stature with him, and he's played on winners, been a good player on winning teams, I always think that's important,” Kings VP of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie said. “And he's really excited about joining our team with the style of play we have, and really improves our perimeter shooting in the backcourt.”

Orlando continued their rebuilding process by acquiring Wahad. Tariq and rookie Corey Maggette may be two of the most physically gifted players in the league.

In addition to their own first round pick, Orlando also owns first round picks from Denver and Golden State for next year’s draft which will allow for more maneuvering and improvement in their rebuilding process.

“It's time for us to move on, and take advantage of the resources available to us,” said Magic general manager John Gabriel. “The changes are coming a little quicker than expected, but the time is right. We don't want to patch-work this thing together like some teams do. We don't want to just try and keep up with everyone else. We wanted a plan that points to one-day winning it all.”