NBA Fantasy Quick Shots (Sept. 29)
Tracy McGrady Expected Back Around December
That is, if the Rockets are lucky.
McGrady will continue rehabbing his knee until mid-November, and will then get another MRI to see how far along he is. Another sign that McGrady is a possible scratch for the entire season altogether.
After learning that Yao Ming is almost certainly missing the 2009-10 season, the Rockets probably wouldn't mind getting a healthy McGrady back before January, but that doesn't mean they want him in their lineup.
There hasn't been any official report, but it would not be shocking to see McGrady on the trading block (if he isn't already there) once (and if) he's finally healthy.
Joe Johnson Decides against Signing Extension with Atlanta
This isn't a big surprise, as Johnson has watched the Hawks jump from mediocrity to playoff contenders, and now stands by as his team slowly slips back out of contention.
If this decision stands, Johnson will join LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and others in what looks to be one of the most anticipated and exciting free agent offseasons the NBA has ever seen.
Julian Wright Officially Announced as Starter at Small Forward
And the phasing-out of Peja Stojakovic officially begins.
This actually says more about Stojakovic's career than it does for the more athletic Wright. Stojakovic has had back problems for the past few years, and a role off the bench could add years to his career.
This probably doesn't kill his fantasy value as much as you'd think, while a move to the starting lineup doesn't necessarily boost Wright's, either.
Jason Williams Reports to Orlando in "Great" Shape
We would sure hope so. Yes, he's 33 and got some miles on him, but if he seriously expects to fight Jameer Nelson for minutes he better be in the best shape of his life.
Knocks on Williams before his short-lived retirement were that he was slower than in the past, couldn't keep up with younger, quicker point guards on defense, and got lost in Miami's offense.
We'll see how Orlando handles him in the preseason, and then give you a grade on his regular season fantasy potential.
Clippers' Blake Griffin Not Practicing
It's not regarded as a huge deal, but it's worth noting the Griffin is battling a bruised patella and a sore patella tendon.
Knee issues, already? It's probably nothing, but the Clippers have to be mildly concerned that they could have this year's version of Greg Oden on their hands.
Monitor the situation if you're thinking about making Griffin your rookie "money man" in your fantasy draft.
Utah's Kyle Korver Has Inflammation in Knee
This shouldn't keep him from coming off the bench on opening day, but like any injury entering training camp, it's worth monitoring.
Korver has averaged over eight points per game in his two season with Utah and has proven to be a solid scorer off the bench.
His knee issue appears to be a mild concern, but you can expect him to get you a solid dose of threes and good percentages all around once healthy again.
