DETROIT DEALS DATOME & JEREBKO TO BOSTON FOR PRINCE
The Detroit Pistons acquired small forward Tayshaun Prince from the Boston Celtics for combo forwards Jonas Jerebko and Luigi Datome.
What does it give the Detroit Pistons
It's clear the Pistons are still pushing for a playoff berth despite losing Brandon Jennings to injury, and Prince can help with that. While he's no longer a big-minute contributor he can provide clutch scoring and defending in spurts, and he can also help mentor the young Pistons. His contract (like those of Datome and Jerebko) comes off the books after this season, so this is a low-risk move with good PR value for Pistons fans who remember when Prince helped win them a title.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
Jerebko and Datome have both been very successful players in international play but neither has been very productive in the NBA lately. Jerebko had the look of an above-average combo forward early in his career, but injuries slowed his progress. Meanwhile Datome can do a lot of different things in the frontcourt but hasn't seen a regular opportunity for significant playing time. Clearly Celtics brass figures it can give the duo a look down the stretch to see if it might have a potential steal or two (especially since both are significantly younger than Prince).
Fantasy impact
With Jared Sullinger out awhile due to a foot problem, Jerebko and Datome might both see an increase in minutes for Boston down the stretch. That makes both of them super-sleepers (although it wouldn't be wise to drop a productive player for either just yet). Prince probably doesn't have as much fantasy upside with his new team, but he may actually get a chance to start the rest of the way (since usual Pistons starter Kyle Singler was traded away on deadline day). So do keep an eye on all three players here.
