BOYKINS HEADS TO BUCKS
The Milwaukee Bucks acquired guards Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge and cash considerations from the Denver Nuggets for guard Steve Blake.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
An affordable quality scorer to fill in while four of their starters are injured, and an underrated swingman in Hodge. At 5-foot-5, Boykins has faced obvious challenges in his career by being the NBA's smallest player. Yet his game is as big as anyone's and he's a legitimate clutch scorer who can average 20 points an outing if given the opportunity. Defensively he's a bit of a liability, but he'll get his share of steals and it's not as though the Bucks play much defense anyway. Hodge has the talent to eventually become a solid sixth man type, and he fits into the team's youth movement going forward.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
A chance to unload a little salary and free up some shots for guys who expect them. With Allen Iverson aboard now and Carmelo Anthony set to return soon, Boykins would have been competing with them and fast-improving J.R. Smith for shots. There just aren't enough shots to go around for all four players, so Boykins and his roughly $3 Million salary were moved. This trade also helps address the Nuggets' need for a pass-first backup point guard, which is what Blake is. He's very underrated, knows his role, and gives the team more balance offensively.
Fantasy impact
