The Houston Roundball Review Media Group covers sports
by: Kris Gardner. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Naismith, USBWA, WBHOF, and Wooden awards.

The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Douglas is Traded Once More

October 20, 1997: "Sherman Marches to Denver"

The Denver Nuggets acquired veteran point guard Sherman Douglas, a second round pick in 2000, and an undisclosed amount of cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for G Greg Graham.

Notes:

  • 1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

    Sherman Douglas, Den: $4 M

    Greg Graham, Clev.: $1.5 M

    Who got the better of the deal?

    Denver.

    Why?

    "Cleveland has been after Greg Graham from the time we got him from Seattle,'' Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Allan Bristow said. "It was advantageous to us to go ahead and do the trade, because it was going to be very difficult for Greg to fit into our plans.''

    Rookie guard Bobby Jackson has emerged as the starter for new Nuggets’ head coach Bill Hanzlik. Douglas saw limited action with Cleveland, thus far, during the pre - season.  Sherman will be competing with Anthony Goldwire and Elmer Bennett for the back up spot to Jackson.

    "Sherman is a veteran point guard,'' Bristow said, "but he's going to have to come in and earn a spot on the club.''

    With Douglas a free agent next summer, the Nuggets have freed up an additional $1.7 M under their salary cap to try and acquire top market free agents.

    Cleveland, on the other hand, wants to continue its movement toward youth:

    ``We wanted to remain committed to the young guys and give Sherman the opportunity to go to a team where he could step in as a starter,'' Cleveland GM Wayne Embry said.

    ``We've got Bob Sura in the process of establishing himself at point guard, Brevin Knight as his backup and Derek Anderson, who also can play there,'' Embry said.

    Relying on their youth indicates the Cavs are willing to accept the growing pains young players go through.  Sura is not a great floor leader and Knight is a rookie trying to get acclimated to the league.  Both must be effective enough to get teammates Shawn Kemp and Vitaly Potapenko the ball when and where they want it.

    Greg Graham won’t see a lot of minutes for Cleveland. He is a good athlete; however, at 6’4”, he isn’t a great shooter nor is he effective running a ball club.

    This trade seems to stamp the Cavs as a .500 club this year.