The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 29, 1997: "Denver acquires Priest from Atlanta"

The Denver Nuggets acquired 7’4”, 343 lbs.,  C Priest Lauderdale from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the draft rights to 1996 first round pick F / C Efthimios Rentzias (23rd overall) and a 2nd round pick in the year 2000.

1997 - 1998 Salaries:

Priest Lauderdale, Den: $525 K

Efthimios Rentzias, Atl.: slotted to earn $610 K

Who got the better of the deal?

Denver.

Why?

The Nuggets acquired something for nothing. Lauderdale will compete with C George Zidek as the backup to starting center Dean Garrett.  Priest is a left handed; has good hands, and a soft shooting touch.  Lauderdale reunites with new Nuggets’ coach Bill Hanzlik who was an assistant coach last season with Atlanta.

Apparently, the Hawks were not pleased with Lauderdale’s improvement this off - season.  By trading him, the Hawks don’t have a backup to center Dikembe Mutombo.

Rentzias never signed with Denver last season.  Denver GM Allan Bristow saw Rentzias play this summer and noted Rentzias is actually 6’6” or 6’7” (not the 6’10” or 6’11” he was supposed to be when former Nuggets’ coach / GM Bernie Bickerstaff selected him).  Bristow also was not impressed with Rentzias’ level of play.

Efthimios played in Greece last season and has already signed a 3 year contract to play in Spain this season.  The Hawks must have some plan because this deal seems very confusing.