By The Answer Man

Answerman has been playing fantasy basketball since before Walt Frazier commented about Center Earvin Johnson "Magic in his name, not in his game" and is here to answer all your fantasy basketball questions:

A very very very long one from Scott in New York, who writes:

Tell me this: how do you see the guard situation in Seattle panning out? I recently picked up Kenny Anderson, who's stepped up his game the past month during Brent Barry's struggles. I guess Seattle is hoping Barry's All Star rest will get him back...

I figured that a likely scenario has Barry coming back and he and Anderson start to divide minutes at shooting guard while Barry tries getting back into game shape, or worse case that Anderson goes back to doing diddly.

On top of all that there are the rumors that Seattle might be looking to trade Payton in the last year of his contract, for obvious "forward thinking" reasons. That remains to be seen, but if it did happen Kenny Anderson would start at point, yeh? Another thing I thought might happen is they may look to trade Anderson himself, in which case these increased minutes and better stats might make even more sense than just resting Barry.

But what do you think, in a nutshell?

Second question, much simpler: what's with Smart starting Boozer on the Cavs but not giving him starting minutes, like Lucas had been? Boozer is capable of averaging a double double, but it seems his situation has changed for the worse. Is it likely to improve?

Whatever answers you can spare would be appreciated, at your convenience.

Dear Scott:

My answers actually come not at my convenience but that of the editors at Insidehoops. This will probably be published after any of your questioned trades happen. But, as of right now...

You suffer from what I call "Girl's Locker Room" syndrome. You want to be a fly in the wall to pick up information you desperately need before you make a move. You think that if you could hear the girls talking, you'll get the inside scoop you need and you'll be able to get laid that much easier.

Truth be told, like the info retrieved from a girls locker room, it changes every day. None of the Seattle GM, team doctors, Nate McMillen, Gary Payton, or Brent Barry know the answers to your first set of questions. Its based largely on offers not yet presented, Barry's health, which seems uncertain, and Desmond Mason reaching a level of consistency.

So, in answer to your question, nobody knows. But, since I have all the answers, GP stays in Seattle, KA continues to get backup stats - wherever he goes, Barry's continues to struggle with his health as he loses minutes to Mason, who ends the season 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.....& make your move regardless of what is said in the locker room. If she's not having it, all the inside info in the world can't help.

As regards your second question, I am a huge proponent of scouting bad teams. The problem with bad teams is that although their unpredictability makes them a prime source for undiscovered talent, it also makes it difficult to rely on their players. Smart seems committed to Boozer, and if you have already claimed him, keep him on the bench until he strings together 4 out of 5 games of 30+ minutes 10+ points and 8+ rebounds.

Good luck Scott.


InsideHoops.com is the online leader in professional basketball coverage.