Anthony

Peeler

Peeler will start at shooting guard, shifting Wally Szczerbiak to small forward and Kevin Garnett to power forward. The hope is that Szczerbiak will be more productive offensively if he doesn’t have to worry about guarding Kobe Bryant.

Peeler signed as a free agent in the offseason, but coach Rick Adelman is having problems finding a steady rotation when he wants to find time for Bobby Jackson and Gerald Wallace. Unless injuries strike, it doesn’t look like Peeler will have much of a role in Sacramento.

Peeler has had a hard time cracking the rotation in Sacramento, but this shooting performance should help. He’s not likely to have any value in fantasy leagues.

Peeler’s contract is not guaranteed, so the Bucks will let him go and save $3.7 million in 2003-04 and $4.1 million the following season. GM Ernie Grunfeld contended that the money saved would give the Bucks a better chance to re-sign free agent Gary Payton.

Peeler’s addition likely would result in Lindsay Hunter’s departure from Toronto.

Peeler’s unguaranteed contract is worth $3.7 million in 2003-04 and $4.1 million the following season, so it’s unlikely any team will claim him. Still, there should be some demand for him once he becomes a free agent.

Kevin Garnett started at power forward and Wally Szczerbiak played small forward, opening up the shooting guard spot for Peeler. Gary Trent, who had been Minnesota’s starting power forward for much of the season, played just 13 minutes off the bench today.

He’s probably not out for the year.