Now that the Jazz and Derek Fisher have agreed to split ways, what does that do for the Jazz's salary-cap situation and does it make the Jazz a bigger player in the market for a top-flight shooting guard?
-- Jason Lavender, Los Angeles

Not really. Even with Fisher's $6.4 million salary off the books, the Jazz still could only offer free agents a deal starting at the mid-level exception ($5.35 million). So if they want to nab a decent free agent, they're going to have to do some recruiting (they were interested in swingman Morris Peterson, but he reportedly has agreed to sign with the Hornets).

The benefits in the Fisher deal will be more long term. By shedding the remaining $20.6 million guaranteed over the next three seasons, Utah has more flexibility going forward. Given that the Jazz already have several big contracts, and Deron Williams is eligible for an extension next summer, they will be in much better shape vis-a-vis the luxury tax.

Can you tell me how Yi Jianlian's situation is any different from Stevie "Franchise" Francis' when he was drafted by the Grizzlies? Back then, it was a foregone conclusion that Francis would never suit up for then-Vancouver. Why can't Yi get out of his team-drafted rights like Francis did eight years ago?
-- Adrian, Halifax, Canada

There really is no difference. Francis, like Yi, would have been forced to suit up for the Grizzlies or not play at all if Vancouver had held firm. The Grizzlies, however, decided they didn't want a player who didn't want to be there so they accommodated his request. Vancouver wound up with a deal that turned out to be bad for various reasons (some out of their control), and the rest was history. The Bucks so far have decided not to go down that road.

Why all the fuss about Yi? I personally watched him in an exhibition in Dallas when he played the Mavs' summer league team, and I must say that he didn't stand out much as a player.
-- William Deaton, Denton, Texas

A lot of folks who have seen Yi play would agree. While he clearly has great potential, the 6-11 Chinese prospect still has a ways to go. He was very up and down at the Las Vegas Summer League, sometimes looking lost and other times looking like a future star. In one game he was terrible for three quarters only to explode for 17 points -- including a game-winning 10-foot banker -- in the fourth quarter. But Yi has obvious skills, and is very athletic for a big guy. His potential is vast, and that's why all the fuss is understandable.

Yi wanting to change teams after the draft reminds me of Steve Francis. I would say he has had an uneventful career. I'm just wondering if you could tell me how players who had changed teams like that after the draft did in their careers?
-- Albert He, Houston

There have been three high-profile cases. Francis has had a solid if not spectacular career, putting up good numbers (18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists) and making three All-Star appearances in eight seasons. But he tends to dominate the ball, and has yet to lead his team to any postseason success.

Danny Ferry, who refused to join the Clippers after he was drafted No. 2 out of Duke in 1989 and instead played one season in Italy, had a decent career -- albeit one that didn't live up to the hype. He averaged seven points and 2.8 boards in 20 minutes over 13 seasons with the Cavs and Spurs, with whom he won a championship in 2003.

Then there's Kiki Vandeweghe, who refused to join the Mavs after being selected No. 11 in 1980. Kiki eventually moved on to Denver (and Portland and New York), where he became a high-scoring star. He finished his career with a 19.7 scoring average and made two All-Star appearances.

Interestingly, Ferry and Vandeweghe each have gone on to become NBA GMs. Ferry is with the Cavs, and Vandeweghe is expected to get another chance after being let go by the Nuggets last year.