NBA: The Rumor Mill: In the Backcourt

After a five month hiatus, Jeff Hoodzow, and the complete staff is back with his first Rumor Mill of the new season.

As a another basketball season is upon us, many things have changed since the rumor mill last made an appearance. Players have bounced all over the league, making the the good teams great, and the great teams possibly legendary. Well, unless you are in the East coast, where you still have no chance. I really don't care what Orlando did; they will not beat any of the teams in the West.

Now, the rumors floating around the league. I know you have been waiting for five months now, so, without further adieu.

Joe Smith- Where is He Going

If Joe Smith wants to come back to Minnesota, which is how the whole situation looks on the outside, it won't be easy on his wallet. When his contract was voided, his position with Minnesota was expunged. According to NBA rules, a player the has spent three or more years with a team, as Smith would have achieved, they would receive "Larry Bird rights," which allows a team to sign a player, exceeded the salary cap. Because of this, the most the Timberwolves can offer Smith is just over $600,000. To Joe Q. Public, this might seem a lot, but teams like Chicago ($6 million), Miami ($3.9 million), and Dallas ($2.25 million) are now front runner, with Minnesota a dark horse.

There is no doubt that Smith is shopping around, with his agent, Dan Fegan, pushing the cart. The question arises, "Will Smith waste more time with Minnesota, a team that has no chance at winning for the next 5+ years, or go to an up-and-coming franchise like Dallas, which can use him, along with Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki, to create a possible winning team? I think Smith will pull a Cuban Gooding Jr., and simply say, Show Me the Money. My sources are telling me Miami. When Mourning comes back, Smith will be a perfect fit at small forward.

Fantasy Implications

If Smith comes back to Minnesota, expect about the same production as last year, 10 points, 6 rebounds a game. Dump Wally Sczerbiak. He will be a waste for your team, contributing minuscule points of the bench. Look for more points and less rebounds if he goes to power forward filled Chicago (Elton Brand) or Miami (Brian Grant). With Dallas though, he will play the four, with Dirk Nowitzki playing the three. Competition will be tough however, with Gary Trent and Christian Laettner, as well as rookie Etan Thomas there as well. Knicks Rumors

When you are in the largest market in the United States, rumors will be flying like 747s out of JFK. This week, four players top the Knickswish list: Chris Webber, Dikembe Mutombo, Dale Davis, and, the man of the hour, Joe Smith. For lack of space, the Rumor Mill will air the Webber scenario, keeping you, the readers, in suspense until next week's Mill.

When the season end, Chris Webber will be the marquee player for teams to toss millions at. He has proved with his time in Sacramento that is he no longer the immature punk of his Golden State and Washington days. He is a team player, and can be a player to build around.

This is the main reason why the Knicks want him; a strong player to build around. Sounds kind of like that Patrick Ewing fella, doesn't it? Right now, the trade bait for all of the Knicks deals are a combination of either Allan Houston or Latrell Sprewell, and forward/center Marcus Camby. If this deal goes down, the player mentioned above not traded would start at the two, newly acquired Glen Rice at the three, Webber at the four, and, right now, Luc Longley at center.

Now, with the possible tampering allegations against Latrell Sprewell, who, over the past week, has made multiple comments in multiple media sources, which has Latrell lobbying early for Webber to come to the Big Apple. Because of this, I do not think this trade will happen, unless a sign-and-trade deal comes up at the end of the season. Also, King's Vice President Geoff Petrie, has openly commented that a trade of Webber, either now or at the end of the season, is highly unlikely.

Fantasy Implications

The the deal goes down, expect big numbers out of Webber in New York; a definite fantasy pickup. For Houston, or Sprewell, it will be different. They will need to compete with both free agent acquisition Doug Christie and Nick Anderson for the two spot. Camby will but up equivalent numbers in Sacramento. Don't expect from him to lead your fantasy team, but a solid #3 or #4 forward.

The Rocket's New Home

On election day, while most of us around the United States will be choosing the next President of the United States, the people of Houston will be deciding whether the Rockets will have a new home to play in, as well as a possible Olympic bid in 2012.

This vote however, won't be just for the above mentioned, but possible NCAA tournament and all-star game bids. If this vote passes, the sports landscape of Houston will be one of the biggest and best around. To go along with hitter friendly Enron Field, and the new home of the expansion Houston Texans, not to mention the home of the 2004 Super Bowl.

Proposition 2012 will pass, with the backing of both political parties. The sheer possibility of the Olympics should be enough to persuade voters.

There you have it. If you have any opinions regarding the rumors, have any story ideas, or would just like to make a comment, feel free to email the Rumor Mill at . We will also start answering readers email about anything and everything related to Fantasy Basketball.