The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Dudley Goes to New York, Wallace Goes to Toronto (Finally)

October 11, 1997: "Dudley Deal Finally Official"

After 2 arbitrator rulings and an appeal by the NBA was lost, the Toronto Raptors acquired F John Wallace from the New York Knicks in exchange for a conditional 1998 first round draft pick.  The Knicks acquired C Chris Dudley from the Portland Trail Blazers.  Portland acquired a conditional first round pick from the Knicks plus a conditional 2nd round pick from Toronto.

Notes:

        • 1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

          John Wallace, Tor.: $900 K.

          Chris Dudley, NY: $1.13 M.

          Who got the best of the deal?

          Toronto.

          In Wallace, the Raptors receive a young, athletic forward to add to their roster.  Wallace, 2nd year F Marcus Camby, and rookie F / G Tracy McGrady, should help form one of the top young front court rotations in the league.

          Wallace was one of the Knicks most versatile defenders last season.  He is a good scorer who is capable of getting his own shot.  He should back up starting F Walt Williams; but, John should see a lot of minutes because Toronto wants to play a fast paced, trapping style of defense which will lead to easy offensive opportunities.

          The Knicks finally obtained a legitimate back up center for starter Patrick Ewing.  Dudley isn’t an offensive threat; but, he is a top rebounder and defender.  Chris should allow the Knicks to rest Patrick more and save Ewing’s aching knees.

          The downside for the Knicks in the trade is they do not have a proven back up to Larry Johnson at small forward. Second year players Walter McCarty and Dontae’ Jones will get a chance at the job.   Knicks’ coach Jeff Van Gundy may try starting big guard Allan Houston as a back up to LJ.

          The Knicks have also been rumored in trying to acquire Phoenix F Cedric Ceballos.  In order to obtain Cedric, a third team would have to be involved in order to accommodate Cedric’s salary.

          Portland did not want to re - sign Dudley anyway; so, they at least got some compensation for him.