The best (and worst) entering '08-09

Published by http://www.probasketballnews.com/ on 20/10/2008
Link: http://www.probasketballnews.com/todd_102008.html

The NBA's off-season is a time for improving your club -- or at least trying. Here is my list of who did the best and worst jobs heading into the 2008-09 season:

MOST LOPSIDED TRADES

1. Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu from the Pacers to the Trail Blazers for Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts.

The Pacers must not have been thinking clearly when they traded a potential superstar in Bayless for a handful of role players. Note to all GM’s on draft day, if Kevin Pritchard calls, hang up immediately. You’re about to get fleeced!

2. Marcus Camby from the Nuggets to the Clippers for a swap of second-round draft pick in 2010 and a trade exception (to Nuggets).

Surely the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year is worth more than a second round draft pick. A smart move by the Clippers, considering Camby’s defensive qualities, reasonable price ($8 million this season) and short-term contract (expires in 2010).

3. Renaldo Balkman from the Knicks to the Nuggets for Fred Jones and Taurean Green.

Denver virtually gave up nothing to acquire the intriguing Balkman, considering both Jones and Green have since been waived. Balkman has the potential to be a valuable "glue guy’" on a playoff squad, something every successful team needs. His stingy defense and team-first attitude are desperately needed in Denver. For the Knicks, they seem to be getting rid of the wrong players.


STEAL OF THE DRAFT

1. Jerryd Bayless, No. 11, Blazers (from Pacers)

After showcasing his phenomenal skills at the Las Vegas Summer League (averaged 29.8 ppg and won league MVP), teams such as Oklahoma City, New York and Indiana will rue the day they let Bayless slip through their fingers.

2. Darrell Arthur, No. 27, Grizzlies (from Rockets and Blazers)

Did NBA teams not watch the NCAA Championship game when the impressive Arthur scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds? Obviously the Grizzlies noticed -- got themselves a steal by trading for Arthur.

3. Mario Chalmers, No. 34, Heat (from Timberwolves)

Chalmers was sensational in summer league play, with averages of 17.7 points, 7 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Oh yeah, he also hit one of the greatest clutch shots in NCAA Championship history. Not bad for a second rounder.


DRAFT DAY BLUNDERS

1. George Hill , No. 26, Spurs

Using a first-round selection on a little-known player, who at best will be Tony Parker’s back-up, is puzzling to say the least. Hill is a 6-foot-2 shooting guard that the Spurs intend to mold into a point guard (we’ve heard that before). Yes, I know the Spurs struck gold in the past with late selections on Parker and Manu Ginobili, but that was six years ago. Can anyone name a good player the Spurs have drafted since then (from those they have retained, which would exclude players like Luis Scola, who they foolishly traded)?

2. Kosta Koufos, No. 23, Jazz

Selecting Koufos at No. 23 when legitimate talent was still available, was a risky move by the Jazz. It would be very surprising if he turns out to be anything more than a back-up journeyman throughout his career.

3. Joe Alexander, No. 8, Bucks

I understand that Alexander has talent, but why would you select a small forward with the eighth pick when you have just traded for a prime time 3-man (Richard Jefferson)? The Bucks would have been better served drafting for need. By trading back a few spots, they could have selected a traditional power forward to partner with Andrew Bogut on the frontline (Jason Thompson, Marreese Speights or J.J. Hickson).


BEST FREE AGENT SIGNING

1. Elton Brand (5 years, $82 million), Sixers

Last year a low post presence was the only major hole in the Philly line-up. Enter Brand, one of the best low post players in the game. Considering the makeup of their team, Brand was worth the big bucks as it should allow the Sixers to take the next step and contend in the East.

2. Baron Davis (5 years, $65 million), Clippers

Enticing Davis back to his roots was a huge coup for the Clippers, especially after Brand’s departure. With Davis at the helm and a solid supporting cast, the Clippers will be back in the hunt for a playoff berth.

3. James Posey (4 years, $25 million), Hornets

Posey is the ultimate role player. NBA championships are not won without these rare individuals. Posey will take the Hornets to another level. Yes, he’s that good.


BIGGEST OVERSPEND

1. DeSagana Diop (5 years, $31 million), Mavericks

Career averages of 2.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. I rest my case.

2. Chris Duhon (2 years, $12 million), Knicks

Let’s be honest, Duhon has yet to prove anything in the NBA. Six million per year is generous, but with luxury tax the Knicks are effectively paying $12 million per year for his services. That’s insane! Are you sure Isiah is no longer calling the shots in New York?

3. Gilbert Arenas (6 years, $111 million), Wizards

Even at full strength it is doubtful that Arenas is worth $111m, due to his me-first attitude. But now, having recently undergone his third knee surgery in the space of 17 months, this decision will haunt the organization for years to come. On signing for $111m instead of $127m, Arenas said that he took less money because "he didn’t want to be a burden on the team’s salary cap." Give me a break!


BEST BARGAINS

1. Daniel Gibson (5 years, $20 million), Cavaliers

Locking Gibson up for the next five years at $4 million per season is a shrewd move by the Cavs. At such a young age, Gibson already has a reputation as a clutch performer with a deadly 3-point stroke. With LeBron James drawing all of the attention, and newly-added point guard Mo Williams, Gibson should continue to thrive.

2. Baron Davis (5 years, $65 million), Clippers

When Davis is on, he’s one of the best players in the NBA. At an average of $13m per season that’s a bargain rate, assuming his body holds up.

3. Ronny Turiaf (4 years, $17 million) Warriors

Golden State was in desperate need of a banger up front, and at just over $4m per year they found a gem in the young Frenchman. His toughness, defensive intensity and infectious personality will blend perfectly with Don Nelson's run-and-gun bunch.


WORST GM NON-DECISIONS

1. Bulls

By not acting decisively the Bulls lost coach Mike D’Antoni to the Knicks. With young players such as Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah and especially, rookie Derrick Rose, D’Antoni could have turned the Bulls into the Phoenix Suns of the East. This potentially was a match made in heaven and would have been a major attraction to prospective free agents (Dwyane Wade in 2010?).

2. Knicks

It was reported that the Clippers offered a second-round draft pick in exchange for Zach Randolph and his albatross contact (three years, $48 million remaining). My advice would have been to take it and run. The Knicks will not get another opportunity to unload Randolph without having to eat a bad contract in return (see proposed trade with Grizzlies). As long as Randolph remains on the books, the Knicks' chances of signing LeBron James in 2010 remain slim.

3. Pistons

For three years in a row the Pistons have been knocked out in the Eastern Conference finals. What more does Joe Dumars need to realize his team needs a shakeup? Rasheed Wallace has worn out his welcome in the Motor City and is now a major liability. Dumars must act (not just words) and Wallace should be the one to go.


TEAMS WITH THE BEST OFFSEASON

1. Sixers

The addition of Brand makes the Sixers a contender in the East. But that wasn’t all they achieved this summer. They re-signed young stars Andre Iguodala and Luis Williams to lucrative extensions, drafted promising big man Marreese Speights, and added veterans Kareem Rush, Royal Ivey, Theo Ratliff and Donyell Marshall to fill out their bench. While losing Jason Smith for the season to injury is a blow, the Sixers still have all the pieces in place to make a legitimate run at a conference title.

2. Nets

After last year’s debacle it was clear the Nets needed to rebuild and that’s exactly what they did. Enter Yi Jianlian through trade, Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson and Chris Douglas-Roberts via the draft, and Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes and Eduardo Najera in free agency. It’s quite clear the youth movement is now in full swing, so too are the preparations for the LeBron sweepstakes in 2010. Now all the Nets need to do is trade Vince Carter and the purge is complete.

3. Trail Blazers

Prior to the off-season Portland already possessed an impressive collection of young talent on their roster. With the additions of Bayless, Rudy Fernandez and Nicolas Batum, they are now bursting at the seams with potential superstars. The league should be scared because Portland is building a dynasty.


TEAMS WITH THE WORST OFFSEASON

1. Mavericks

Unless free agent signing Gerald Green becomes a star, expect the Mavs to continue their rapid decline.

2. Spurs

A failure to inject much-needed youth and scoring into the lineup will see the Spurs begin to fade. With the only additions being Roger Mason, George Hill and Salim Stoudamire (all backup PG’s), this will not get it done in the rapidly improving Western Conference. The injury to Manu Ginobili will also set them back.

3. Wizards

Once again, the Wizards have failed to add an impact big man to their roster, which will ultimately keep them firmly entrenched in mediocrity (draft pick JayVale McGee is years away from contributing and now Brendan Haywood may miss the entire season following wrist surgery). And despite what Gilbert Arenas thinks, his bloated contract will restrict the Wizards' options going forward. If the Arenas injury turns out to be a Grant Hill-type situation with Orlando (which is possible), the Wizards are in for a very long six years. Changes were needed to this fragile squad.

The value of the NBA veteran

Published by http://www.probasketballnews.com/ on 23/07/2008
Link: http://www.probasketballnews.com/todd_072308b.html

The day the Boston Celtics signed P.J. Brown, was the day they became legitimate title contenders. That may sound like an overstatement, but for a team with championship aspirations, a strong veteran presence can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Up until that point the Celtics did not resemble a championship-caliber team. I recall a game back in February earlier this year, the Suns versus Celtics in Phoenix. After a tight first half the Celtics were steam-rolled in the second and despite the final margin of 8 points, they were never in it. Sure, team’s lose on the road and even suffer the odd heavy defeat, but this performance had a deeper meaning. I remember thinking at the time, unless they acquire veterans who possess deep playoff experience, their impressive 2007/08 campaign would ultimately fall short.

The Phoenix loss exposed two key weaknesses for Boston, a lack of depth and a lack of veteran leadership. Sure, the ‘Big 3’ of Garnett/Pierce/Allen had all reached conference finals individually, but more often than not their teams landed in the lottery. The Phoenix defeat indicated a desperate need for added muscle upfront, as they simply couldn’t handle the size and skill-set of Stoudemire and O’Neal. Apart from Garnett, the Boston front line consisted of the inexperienced Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis and Brian Scalabrine. Together with their lack of a true back-up point guard, it was obvious that the roster in its current form was not going to get it done in late May/June.

Fortunately for the Boston Celtics, GM Danny Ainge had a plan. Enter P.J. Brown, who despite a long lay-off was a sure bet to be the first big off the bench come playoff time. P.J. Brown is the ultimate professional who leads by example, but more specifically, it was his steady defence they coveted. His impressive performances in the playoffs proved his worth and then some.

You don’t have to look far to see the true value of a veteran come playoff time. For the Spurs in 2007 and the Heat in 2006, their championship victories would not have been possible if not for the timely contributions of their veterans. For the Spurs it was Bowen, Finley, Horry and Barry, and for the Heat it was Payton, Mourning and Posey. All made crucial plays during the championship games. Also, with Boston’s Finals opponent the Los Angeles Lakers, you cannot go past Derek Fisher as a major reason for their remarkable turnaround this year. His steady presence in the backcourt solidified their team and instantly took the pressure off Kobe. This allowed Bryant the freedom to play off the ball and, crucially, trust his team-mates.

The P.J. Brown addition to the Celtics was a stroke of genius by Danny Ainge, and quite possibly the final piece to their championship puzzle. The signing of Sam Cassell was also a shrewd move. Despite his inconsistent play, his championship experience gave added confidence to the team.

Make no mistake, while the superstars soak up all the attention, it is the presence of veteran players like P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell and James Posey (only 31 but plays like a seasoned vet), that solidifies a team and makes an NBA Championship reality rather than a dream.