It seemed everyone was going to be buzzing about the Lakers trade for Pau Gasol for some time, about how the Grizzlies got nothing for the star F/C. And they were buzzing until an even bigger and more lopsided trade occurred: the Miami Heat unloaded, er traded, Shaq to the Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Not only did this trade stop the buzzing around Pau, but it also stopped the presses. Wow.

This is worse than the Gasol trade. At least the Grizzlies were clearly building for the future, while the Lakers greatly improved their chances to win a championship in the next 2-3 years. I’m not sure what the Suns were doing while the Heat clearly improved themselves by picking up a still young, top player who is still keepable or tradeable. At the very least, the Heat unloaded a huge contract and freed up alot of cap room should the Matrix opt out of his contract. You think Shaq is going to opt out any time soon? He’ll finish out the last contract of his career before riding off to the HOF.

There is one similarity between the Gasol and the Shaq-Matrix trades. It didn’t create alot of opportunity on the waiver wires. Most of the fantasy improvement will be felt by already owned players, such as Wade, Matrix and arguable even Shaq and Amare. Two players, who could see an uptick and still be on your waiver wire, are Diaw and Marcus Banks.

Boris Diaw, F/C, Suns — At least in the short term, Diaw should get major minutes while Shaq heals. He and Hill should get the bulk of the Matrix’s minutes. Even when Shaq returns, he won’t play 35+ minutes like the Matrix did, resulting in a net gain in playing time for Diaw. I think Diaw gets 30+ min/g going forward, giving owners 10-12pts/g 4-5 ast/g and 5-6 reb/g. Not bad, especially those assists from the C position.

Marcus Banks, G, Heat — He’s got a golden opportunity to shine. Even with the acquisition of the Matrix, the heat still need players who can play. The last time he got 30+ min/g, he put up 12ppg, almost 5 ast/g, 3 reb/g and 1.2 stl/g with 47% FG%. The only competition for the starting job is iron man Jason Williams. Just wait for J-Will to get injured again and Banks could immediately get 30 min+ / g and give your team a boost at the PG position.

Nazr Mohammed, C, Bobcats — Seems he’s back in the starting lineup. As long as he get 30+ min/g, he should be useful for your squad. As a starter, he’s averaging a double-double with 1.4 blk/g and 50% FG%. Great stats as long as you can stomach the 50-60% FT% that comes along with it.

Andray Blatche, F/C, Wizards — As long as Butler is out, he’ll start and put up some sick stats. As a starter, he’s putting up a double-double and almost 3 blocks per game! However, Butler should be back after the All-Star break, so grab Blatche and start him if you’re in a pinch for this week.

Jarrett Jack, G, Blazers — Seems he’s moved into the starting lineup while Roy has shifted to F. While Roy has been out on bereavement, Jack put up some great stats, but he does have issues with TOs. It remains to be seen if Jack can keep up the assists, once Roy returns, since Roy handles the ball so much.

Thaddeus Young, F, Sixers — He’s been starting at PF for their last 5 games. I don’t think he does a whole bunch the rest of the way other than getting 10+ ppg and about 6-7 reb with 50% FG%. He isn’t getting alot of other stats at this point, but keep your eye on him. You never know when these young guys have a switch turned on and all of a sudden become fantasy beasts.

Luis Scola, F, Rockets — He’s been starting lately, but even as a starter, he’s averaging only about 25 min/g. In that time, he’s been good for 12ppg, 5 reb/g and almost 60% FG%. There isn’t much else that comes with these stats, but keep an eye on him should the coaches decide to give him 30+ min/g.

Thabo Sefolosha, G/F, Bulls — Seems he’s going to stick in the starting lineup the rest of the way. In the month of Feb, in 5 games as a starter, he’s gotten 35 min and has been averaging 13ppg-4ast.g-6reb/g with 1.2stl/g and 1blk/g. The blocks seem flukey, but the rest is not. Tell me your team can’t use these stats. Caveat — if Ben Gordon every gets healthy, he could cut into Thabo’s PT and hence stats.

TJ Ford, G, Raptors — Even if he regains his starting job, he’ll likely split time with Calderon for the rest of the season. I think TJ will play all the minutes once a game becomes a blow out, while Calderon will play the majority of the minutes in a close game, in which teams purposely commit fouls towards the end. No one, including the coaching staff, wants to see TJ get hurt by another foul. If you can use 12 ppg – 4-5 ast and 2 reb /g with 1.2 stl/g with good percentages, then he’s useful for your team.

Kareem Rush, G, Pacers — If Dunleavy is out for any period of time, Rush should see an uptick in PT. He’s your man if you need 3s, because that’s all he’ll consistently give you.

Jameer Nelson, G, Magic — It’s clear Carlos Arroyo can’t handle the PG duties in Orlando. Until there’s some real competition, Nelson, with his inconsistent ways, is the man to own. As a starter, he still puts up 11-6-4 with almost 1 3ptr and 1 stl/g. Not bad.

A bunch of other players could be on this list, but I’m not a believer in Fred Jones (only doing well since Nate Robinson has been out), Blount (lots of PT, but only points from your C position? ugh), Bargnani (only 3s from the C position? Al Harrington looks like Dwight Howard vs. this guy), Charlie Villanueva (I’m pretty sure Yi is contractually guaranteed an average amount of PT/g and Desmond Mason is back now too. But if CV miraculously keeps getting alot of PT even after Yi gets back to form, then go get CV) and Earl Watson (nice trip-dub, a career game no doubt but he still can’t shoot straight).

Although they aren’t on the list, I would keep an eye on Louis Williams (if Andre Miller gets moved) and Salmons/ Garcia (should Artest get traded).

Always be ready to pounce.

sportsnut