With the trade of Mookie Blaylock to Atlanta, Kenny Anderson now has a clear lane to become New Jersey's starting point guard.
Tuesday's deal makes Anderson the favorite to start for the Nets and for Blaylock to start for the Hawks. Anderson, a second-year pro, led the team in scoring and assists during the preseason.In return for Blaylock and injured forward Roy Hinson, the Hawks sent point guard Rumeal Robinson to New Jersey.
Hawks general manager Pete Babcock said Atlanta wanted to acquire a "truer point guard" and plans to use Morlon Wiley as Blaylock's backup.
"We felt Rumeal was better as a scorer than as a point guard," Babcock said. "We have lots of guys who can score. We needed someone who could distribute the ball."
Babcock said Atlanta will not know for three or four months if Hinson can play again.
"If three or four months from now he can play up to his former ability, obviously we'll be elated," Babcock said.
Blaylock, the Nets' top draft choice in 1989 out of Oklahoma, started last season but was unhappy this year about his salary and the prospect of reduced playing time.
Blaylock averaged 13.8 points and 6.8 assists last season.
Hinson, a nine-year veteran, did not play last season and has seen limited action over the past three years because of an injured right knee. He has career averages of 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Robinson, who made two game-winning free throws in the 1989 NCAA championship for Michigan against Seton Hall, averaged 13 points and 5.5 assists last season. Robinson, the 10th pick in the 1990 draft, plays both guard positions.
"Rumeal is a very good young player with excellent scoring skills and versatility," Nets general manager Willis Reed said. "He can play both the point position and the off-guard spot and can fit in any guard rotation that the coach needs.
"He has proven to be able to compete in big games and has shown good improvement in his two years in the league," Reed said.