FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Othella Harrington: Harrington out until regular season at least
Update: Harrington will be out until at least the start of the regular-season after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Sept. 24, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Harrington's days as a viable fantasy option are long gone, anyway. But if he can get healthy, he'll probably be on Charlotte's roster.
Sean May: May still iffy
Update: As training campo approaches, May (knee) is still not cleared to participate in practices, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: The oft-injured May went to see a specialist Monday night in hopes of being able to practice at least once next week.
Derek Anderson: Anderson re-signs with Bobcats
Update: The Bobcats re-signed Anderson to a one-year contract at the veteran's minimum of $1.22 million on Monday, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Anderson, a 10-year veteran, averaged 8.0 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 50 games. He'll be a backcourt backup this season.
Emeka Okafor: Okafor 'positive' he'll sign contract extension
Update: Okafor said on Monday he's 'positive' he'll sign a long-term deal with the Bobcats before the end of this season, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Okafor can be a restricted free agent next summer if he doesn't sign with the Bobcats by the end of this month. But he's eligible to receive as much as a five-year, $85 million extension - or what Orlando has given Dwight Howard, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NBA draft in which Okafor was chosen second by the Bobcats. Okafor, the 2005 NBA rookie of the year, has averaged 14.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while playing in 166 of 246 games during his three-year career.
Jumaine Jones: Nets Sign Jones
Update: New Jersey signed Jones to a contract Monday, along with Rod Benson, Mateen Cleaves, and Eddie Gill.
Analysis: Jones is in his eighth year in the league and played just 18 games with the Suns last season. For his career, Jones is averaging 7.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The Nets have plenty of depth at forward, but Jones' numbers should improve slightly from last season's 2.2 point, 1.3 rebound per game average.
Coby Karl: Signs with Rockets
Update: Landry, a second-round pick, signed a one-year deal with Houston on Monday, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: The former Boilermaker was taken with the 31st overall pick in the draft. Landry's contract will pay him $427,000 for his rookie year with the Rockets. As an All-Big Ten selection last year with Purdue, Landry averaged 18.9 points and 7.3 rebounds. He should provide a lift off the bench for Houston and fight for minutes at power forward.
Dikembe Mutombo: Signs One-Year Deal with Houston
Update: Mutombo signed a one-year contract with the Houston Rockets, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: At 41 years old and in his 16th season in the league, Mutombo's playing time has been on the decline, which he has come to accept.
"I'm too old to be going out there and playing 37 minutes again," Mutombo said.
Mutombu might still grab some rebounds, but at this point in his career he is strictly a role player, limiting his fantasy output.
Jorge Garbajosa: Looks Good In Practice
Update: Garbajosa did not appear to be favoring his left leg at all after the Raptors' first training camp practice session, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: The Raptors are counting on Garbajosa to provide valuable front court depth this season, and so far it looks like he'll be able to shoulder that load. Talk of another operation on the leg he broke last season has also subsided. "It's not only my decision, the doctors have to give their opinion (but) the only thing I know is how I feel and I don't feel any pain," Garbajosa said. "I feel in good shape. You just saw me run and jumping. I'm just trying to be healthy, stay in shape, to be useful for the season."
Eric Snow: No Snow in Philadelphia
Update: Snow will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee and will miss four to six weeks.
Analysis: Daniel Gibson was already slated to be the team's starting point guard, and Damon Jones should see more playing time in the season's first few weeks in Snow's absence.
Jason Maxiell: Pistons Exercise Option
Update: The Pistons exercised their option on Maxiell Monday, extending his contract to the 2008-09 season.
Analysis: "[He] is a tough, physical player on the front line who continues to grow and mature within our system," general manager Joe Dumars said. He may have an increased role this year, as aging Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess are expected to receive fewer minutes.
Tony Massenburg: Tries to Set Record for Most Teams
Update: The wizards signed Massenburg Monday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He hasn't played in the NBA since the 2004-05 season. He will provide some depth at forward and center for the Wizards. As soon as he plays in a game for the Wizards, he will set the record for most teams played for (13).
Dwyane Wade: Still On Six-Month Plan
Update: Wade (knee, shoulder) remains on the initial six-month timetable for a return and is scheduled to be back in action two weeks into the regular season, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: "We're just putting the basketball in his hands and trying to get some basketball back into his life," head coach Pat Riley said. "If, miraculously, [Wade is] back earlier, or if it goes longer than that, whatever it takes, we have to get him 100 percent. We're not going to worry about a date." We'll keep a close eye on Wade." We'll continue to follow his progress throughout camp, but for now, expect him to miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season.
Wayne Simien: (Knee) Practicing with Few Restrictions
Update: Simien (knee) won't have many restrictions when training camp opens up on Tuesday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: He'll need to battle for playing time throughout camp and possibly into the season, but after minor knee surgery and shaking off a long bout with salmonella, Simien could finally be ready to make an impact on some level in Miami.
Jason Williams: Ready for Camp
Update: Williams is expected to practice without many limitations when training camp begins on Tuesday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: After missing 42 games over the past two seasons, head coach Pat Riley will closely monitor Williams throughout the preseason in an effort to keep him healthy. Assuming that he's able to avoid the injury bug, Williams should edge out Smush Parker for the starting point guard spot.
Dorell Wright: Impressive This Offseason
Update: Wright has impressed head coach Pat Riley with his performances in September, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: The starting small forward job is up for grabs, while Wright appears to be the leading candidate to win it. Miami opens training camp on Tuesday, while most of the roster has already reported early in preparation for another year of "Camp Riley".
Brian Skinner: Skinner to officially become Sun on Monday
Update: Skinner is expected to officially sign his one-year, $1.1 million contract on Monday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The Suns hope that Skinner can fill the role left by Kurt Thomas. Skinner will probably have more value to the Suns than to your fantasy roster, as he is seen primarily as a defensive player who will pick his shots judiciously.
Shawn Marion: Marion set for training camp
Update: Marion said by phone Sunday night that he arrived in Phoenix and would report to US Airways Center this morning, just as he said last week, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Marion has been the subject of numerous trade talks. However, at least at this point, it seems unlikely Marion is going anywhere. As long as Marion is in Phoenix, expect to him to be one of the top draft picks in any fantasy league.
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