Wed, Jun 28, 2006 at 9:50pm

JOHNSON ON HIS WAY TO MEMPHIS

The Memphis Grizzlies acquired forward-center Alexander Johnson (the 2006 draft's No.45 overall pick) from the Portland Trail Blazers for a future second-round draft pick.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
A very intriguing prospect who may be a starter for them in a couple of years. The Grizz needed to get younger after dumping much of their talented and youthful core last year. Johnson was expected by many to be a potential lottery pick but he didn't get the call earlier for some reason. He has the explosiveness and intensity to eventually be a very exciting player in the post and Memphis managed to scoop him up. Essentially they got a first-round talent for a second rounder of the future.

What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
Another second-rounder for their growing stockpile. No team was as busy as the Blazers on draft day, and no team was as productive. It's too bad they couldn't keep Johnson as well as the other rookie studs they picked up, but they have only so many roster spots and rookie contracts cost money. Portland is now well-stocked in both talent and draft picks (at least second rounders) for the future.

Fantasy impact