Andris

Biedrins

The Warriors needed to clear out cap space to sign Andre Iguodala, so they dumped this trio on the Jazz. In return, they’ll receive a bunch of draft picks, including a 2014 first-rounder, a 2017 first-rounder and Kevin Murphy. Biedrins won’t play much in Utah behind Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors, but his expiring $9 million contract is an asset. So is the $11.046 million from Jefferson and the $4 million from Rush that will come off the books in July of 2014.

Biedrins lasted just four minutes on Monday night, forcing the Warriors to use David Lee at center and Dominic McGuire at power forward for much of the game. Ekpe Udoh is in Milwaukee, Andrew Bogut (ankle) is hurt and J.J. Hickson won’t clear waivers until Wednesday. The Warriors’ tank is in full effect and they may be forced to start McGuire against the Hornets Wednesday.

Biedrins should be nowhere near your fantasy roster at any time. Dominic McGuire played 34 minutes in Golden State’s last game with Biedrins getting just five minutes of run, and he’s likely to see increased playing time once again.

David Lee is expected to start at center with Dominic McGuire seeing time as well, and we could even see some of Jeremy Tyler without Biedrins int he lineup. Lee is the biggest beneficiary from a fantasy standpoint as he’ll play all the minutes he can handle.

Biedrins has been diagnosed with a strained right groin and is listed as day-to-day. Considering the Warriors ridiculous lack of depth up front, Biedrins may try to gut it out. Dominic McGuire and Jeremy Tyler are the other options for Mark Jackson, at least until J.J. Hickson gets in town.

Tyler has played well in a couple games recently, but is still too inconsistent to be relied upon in most fantasy leagues - especially with the Biedrins working his way back from a groin injury.

Mark Jackson had been giving consideration to Udoh starting after he blew up in his last game, but it appears he’ll stick with Biedrins for the time being. To say Biedrins has been a disappointment would be an understatement, as he’s averaged 2.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. Udoh will see increased time going forward and is still a candidate to start at some point this season.

Jackson has finally made the permanent move to the raw upside of Udoh instead of Andris Biedrins’ maddening lack of production. Udoh’s per-36 minute extrapolations this season are 8.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.2 steals. Now locked in as the starter, look for him to hover around 30 minutes nightly. There’s upside here for those in need of blocks.

It’s about time Mark Jackson yanked Biedrins, who has done nothing to justify his starting gig. Udoh has tremendous upside for his rebounds and blocks, and is worth grabbing if you’re in need of a center.

Biedrins wasn’t providing fantasy value in average leagues as a starter, so this demotion doesn’t have much of an effect on his usefulness. Ekpe Udoh has far more upside and is worth stashing while we see how he adjusts to the starting lineup.