SUNS SNAG JACKSON
The Phoenix Suns acquired guard Jim Jackson and a 2005 second-round draft pick from the New Orleans Hornets for guard Casey Jacobsen, center Maciej Lampe and forward Jackson Vroman.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
A legitimate sixth man, and some trade flexibility. Phoenix relies on the NBA's best starting five but, as a recent injury to Steve Nash (and resulting losing streak) proved, there isn't much help behind those five. Jackson is a nice fit here, able to play shooting guard or small forward and capable of spotting Quentin Richardson, Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson. There's also speculation that this deal could pave the way for the team to ship Johnson off to Philadelphia in return for a legitimate center--Samuel Dalembert. Stay tuned.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
More youth, more depth and a nice cure for a headache. Jackson was simply never going to show up in New Orleans, as his career history of refusing to report to bad teams would attest. The team got more than fair value for him, picking up two solid young role players in marksman Casey Jacobsen and young rebounder Jackson Vroman. But the real
steal of the swap is Maciej Lampe. Still only 19, Lampe is 6-11 and has the skills of a guard. In fact, he might eventually be the next Pau Gasol. Not a bad deal for the Bugs.
Fantasy impact
