Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph Traded: NBA Fantasy Basketball Impact

On Friday, the New York Knicks traded away their two leading scorers, Jamal Crawford then Zach Randolph, in an effort to make room for LeBron James, or any superstar for that matter, in the predicted 2010 offseason free-agency extravaganza. 

The first trade was Crawford for the disgruntled Al Harrington of the Golden State Warriors. Within a couple of hours, the Knicks had made their second move, sending Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers for Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley.

This move may have sunk the Knicks' playoff hopes for this season, but did it help your fantasy team's? Let’s take a closer look.

New York Knicks

Al Harrington could be a perfect fit for Mike D'Antoni and the New York Knicks. The versatile big man can play anywhere from small forward to center. He has developed into a very good three-point shooter; since the 2006-07 season, he has shot 39.9 percent from behind the arc on 729 attempts.

In 30 minutes of playing time, Harrington should have no problem hoisting up five threes per game. His points-per-game average should jump into the mid-to-high teens. 

With Crawford and Randolph out, D'Antoni has to make some serious lineup decisions.  Does he start Chris Duhon, Cuttino Mobley, Quentin Richardson, Harrington, and David Lee? Does he keep Lee on the bench and leave Wilson Chandler in the starting lineup?  Either way the Knicks will be very undersized. 

Richardson could see more three point opportunities as a result of Crawford’s seven three-point attempts per game leaving the team. He is a sporadic player, and I wouldn't expect a dramatic impact in his numbers.

Mobley will see a boost in his numbers, however. This season, he was averaging 1.6 three-point attempts per game, a career low, and you must shoot a ton of threes in the D'Antoni offense. I expect over four three-point attempts per game, even if he plays less than 30 minutes.

Tim Thomas is a player who thrived under D'Antoni in his 26 games in Phoenix during the 2006-07 season. In 26 minutes of play he average four three-point attempts per game and converted at 42.9 percent. Thomas has always been an average rebounder, but if you need some threes from a low man on your roster, there you go.

What about David Lee? Lee is quickly earning the title of the NBA's most efficient player. He encounters better matchups off the bench, and is the only Knickerbocker who is not concerned about jacking threes. With Randolph gone, Lee becomes the team’s best rebounder, and until Eddy Curry is back, Lee will be relied on heavily.

Wilson Chandler has been making a big fantasy splash this season. He has proven himself, and, as he gains more confidence in his outside shooting, he will continue to play.

From a fantasy perspective, I see this trade as a positive for all the Knicks, including Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson. The new Knicks—Harrington, Mobley, and Thomas—are in better situations and the old ones will have to continue elevating their play. Except for Stephon Marbury...that’s a whole different article.

Golden State Warriors

Al Harrington hasn't played in the Warriors' last six games. This has given us a chance to see more of the Warriors' unknowns. The addition of Crawford gives Golden State a player with real point-guard skills to bridge the gap until Monta Ellis returns. 

Fantasy owners have been quickly adding Anthony Morrow after 62 points in two starts. The rookie has proved he can play. However, he might be better off as a Flip Murray-type player who comes off the bench for 20 minutes a game to score instead of start. He is riding a hot streak, but it won’t last all season.

Crawford is an obvious upgrade over guards Morrow and C.J. Watson. He is a more diverse scorer, and is a better passer.

This season, Crawford is shooting 45.5 percent from behind the arc. In the Warriors three happy offense, he should continue to get those looks. Crawford should also see an increase in assists because the Warriors will be counting on him to facilitate the offense.

If you just picked up Morrow, hold onto him and see how this trade shakes things up. If you own Watson, however, consider trading or dropping him as his 26 minutes per game should decline.

Stephen Jackson should greatly benefit from Crawford as he will take some of the pressure off him. Jackson has been put in the role of primary ball handler, and is shooting a horrific 25.6 percent from three point land on 7.1 attempts per game. Jackson's turnovers have also jumped to 3.8 per game.

With Crawford handling the ball, it will allow Jackson more catch-and-shoot opportunities, and additional in rhythm shots in general. Jackson's 6.6 assists per game will decline, but he will become a much more efficient player as a result of Crawford.

As Harrington exits, the team will look to Brandan Wright and rookie Anthony Randolph to produce, alongside Andris Biedrins, in the front court. Wright has made a few splashes, but will have to step his game up. I am not sold on him yet, but he is a player worth keeping your eye on because he has potential. The 6'10" Randolph logged 10 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in 13 minutes Friday night.

Kelenna Azubuike has been huge for Golden State this year. He has remained a starter, even after the return of Corey Maggette. Azebuke's minutes should drop off back into the high 28-32 per game range, which will slightly lower all of his numbers. 

For the time being owners of Crawford, Jackson, Maggette, and Biedrins should not be worried. However, when Ellis returns from injury there will be another shakeup in the lineup.

Crawford and Jackson's assists could take a hit, but the bigger hit will be with Watson, Morrow and Azubuike. These three players will be fighting over minutes, and owners may want to try to deal them now while their value is up.

Los Angeles Clippers

Zach Randolph gives the Clippers a true post who can score, but how will he fit into the rotation? Chris Kaman has solidified himself as the team's starting center and is off to a great start this year. Marcus Camby was the 2007 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, who had even better stats last year. Surely, out West, the Clippers have to start the best defensive big man combo in the league.

Zach Randolph owners, I'm sorry, but I would put a big SELL on his head ASAP. There is no way Randolph can average double-digit rebounds in LA. If you throw a ball out on the court, who’s going to get it: Camby, Kaman, or Randolph? Now, if you throw a cheeseburger out—never mind. Not only will Randolph's rebounds drop, but as his minutes drop, and he is expected to play team basketball, his points will fall, too.

If you own Camby and Kaman, I wouldn't worry too much. Camby's numbers that he's averaging have already taken a hit now that he is alongside Kaman. Kaman is playing great offensively now that he has another big to complement him. As long as Randolph isn't cancerous, these two bigs should be fine.

Mobley and Thomas leaving has really opened the door for Al Thornton, Ricky Davis, and Eric Gordon. Thornton is the teams small forward for the future, but he is delivering in the now. Getting rid of Thomas has told Thornton that the Clippers believe in him; he is leading the team in points and is second in minutes. His numbers should continue to improve as this is only his second year.

Ricky Davis got off to a terrible start for the Clippers, but has since come around some.  Davis has shot right around 40 percent from three the past two seasons and has shown triple-double potential. Now that Mobley is gone, his minutes should rise from 20 closer to 30, and his stats and confidence will go along with it.

Eric Gordon has only been averaging 11 minutes per game, but in a win over Dallas he played 29 minutes and scored 11 points going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. He is shooting threes at a 37.5 percent clip, great for a rookie, and as this rookie class has shown us, you're never too young contribute. At this point in his career, he will only add threes, great free throw shooting, and the occasional steal to your roster.

Oh, and Barron Davis will be fine; he should even see an increase in scoring due to the trade.