Trade Winds Blow East-Nor'East

Murphy swapped for Thornton

Troy Murphy 8th year PF (C-eligible) out of Notre Dame, is a very consistent double-double treat, and a premier rebounder. He also can hit an occasional 3. Unfortunately, he's prone to shoot a great number of outside shots in order to demonstrate this, and his PCTs tend to be quite low. He doesn't block many shots, and he's a notoriously injury prone. This year, he's averaging 10 rebounds, but is only shooting 40% from the field (and only 41% from the line). He's fouling less and passing more (also more TO) than he has in past years, and taking and missing more outside shots (4 3PA/G). We take this to indicate that he's playing more of a perimeter game in general, and indeed, despite the gaudy REB totals, his 1.1 OREB/G are a career low.

Al Thornton, second year SF out of Florida State, has been having a nice season thus far. 16/5 with a block in 35 mpg is a solid line. His shot selection seems better, and his %s have improved (perhaps thanks to Baron Davis). The big question mark for Al is what impact Z-Bo's arrival will have - it's hard to see Thornton continuing to get 14 FGA/G with Selfish Neck Rolls demanding the rock. We'll see!

Judgment: Les Digits continues to offload REBs in order to bolster other categories - in this case, he should gain 5 PPG and a blk, and lose 5 rpg and perhaps some 3s. We like the move from their point of view, as PTS/FGM are definite weaknesses. Nor'Easter doesn't need the points (or the DREBs, frankly), but a slight boost in 3s could make a difference, and T-Murph is, when healthy, the better fantasy option. Overall, a good deal for both sides.