Travis

Diener

No fantasy value here, but they are excited about the second-round pick’s outside shooting and basketball smarts.

Diener had most recently played for Dinamo Sassari in Italy for four seasons after spending time with the Magic, Pacers, and Blazers. The former Marquette star will retire with NBA career averages of 4.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and unfortunately never lived up to the expectations that many had for him after his successful college career.

Terms were not disclosed but the deal is believed to be for three years. Diener, who starred at Marquette with Dwyane Wade, is slated to back up point guard Jamaal Tinsley this season, but is a long shot at having fantasy value. Then again, given the fact that Tinsley is a huge injury risk and Darrell Armstrong is nearly 40, Diener could end up starting half the Pacers’ games at point guard. Keep an eye on him in the preseason.

“Oh, that’s one of my main men right now,” Jermaine O’Neal said. “He’s very quick. Big-time shooter. His size isn’t a factor. Sometimes you get small guys and it’s a sore spot on your team, but he’s one of those small guys who plays extremely hard on every possession. He fits right in to what we’re trying to do.” Diener is a deep sleeper who could see serious minutes if Jamaal Tinsley doesn’t stay healthy for the Pacers this season. He’s an excellent handcuff opportunity for Tinsley’s owners.

“I’ve got to have a guaranteed contract just because of the way I play,” he said. “Not only in games, but I also get after it in practice. I wouldn’t mind coming back to Indiana. My issue is whether Jermaine O’Neal will be here. Will Jamaal Tinsley be here? I don’t want to rebuild. I’ve rebuilt before."Armstrong could be squeezed out because the Pacers signed both Travis Diener to back up Tinsley and Andre Owens to a partially-guaranteed deal. Marquis Daniels also is expected to play some point guard. Regardless of where he is this year, Armstrong doesn’t have fantasy value.

Diener, who is luckily right handed, is the official backup for Jamaal Tinsley, as Darrell Armstrong is not expected to be back with the Pacers this season. Given Tinsley’s diverse injury history it’s possible that Diener could see a lot of minutes running the point for the Pacers this season. We like him as a deep sleeper and is a nice handcuff if you end up with Tinsley this year.

Armstrong became the odd man out when they signed PG’s Travis Diener and Andre Owens over the summer. “I really respect the organization in what they’re doing,” Armstrong said. “I mentioned a couple of teams I wouldn’t mind playing for. We’ll see what happens.” Armstrong didn’t say what teams, but Golden State and Dallas are believed to be his top choices. He’s expected to report to training camp if the Pacers can’t find a way to trade him, but the 39-year-old won’t have fantasy value regardless of where he lands.

Jamaal Tinsley is the starter with Travis Diener slated to be his backup. Even if Owens makes the team’s final roster, he should have no fantasy value.

According to the East Valley Tribune, he’s on Phoenix’s wish list. Diener, a fine shooter, would offer the Suns more depth behind point guards Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa.

He did not fit in their plans and will be free to sign with a contender. Meanwhile, Travis Diener has a great chance of seeing a ton of minutes this season while backing up Jamaal Tinsley.