PISTONS TRADE MAURICE EVANS
The Detroit Pistons acquired center Cheik Samb (the 2006 draft's No.51 overall pick) from the Los Angeles Lakers for guard-forward Maurice Evans.
What does it give the Detroit Pistons
A long-range prospect who may eventually be a solid center off the bench for them. In terms of pure athleticism and length, Samb is what NBA teams look for in a center of the future. The problem is Samb is very, very thin and not as young as most guys who are still learning the game. He might one day be a useful shot-blocker and rebounder, but one never knows with late second-rounders. A big part of this deal for the Pistons was likely to get rid of Evans' contract, which wasn't steep but may have been a bit more than they might pay Samb, who might not make the team.
What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
A very energetic and explosive role player who might compete for their small forward spot. Evans is a bit small for small forward but plays bigger than his size, and he's a nice match for L.A.'s increasingly young team. Evans is also the type of athletic and versatile swingman that head coach Phil Jackson likes to have on his bench. He's not a top-tier defender, but Evans has the tools to be and he can certainly light it up off the bench. The Lakers already have a massive project at center in young Andrew Bynum, so effectively got a solid role player in Evans for a late second-rounder.
Fantasy impact
