just returned from vacation and wanted to post my thoughts (yes, Ted, I do have some of those) to some of the late events in the NBA.
Shaq trade:
I personally WANTED this trade. Why? Because Shaq wasn't going to lead the Lakers anywhere in the future, IMO. It's not just that Shaq is getting old -- it's also the fact that he hasn't been in shape for years and his body isn't going to handle the kind of weight it's trying to support! He MIGHT be motivated with another team but IMO he WOULDN'T be motivated with the Lakers. I realize that it's said you never trade a superstar but it also keeps the Lakers from experiencing the black hold of rebuilding from the bottom when Shaq retires (which will probably be two years after he SHOULD retire -- at least if he stayed with the Lakers). I would have preferred a different trade scenario but I like the addition of Lamar Odom who I think can play well off of Kobe and present some match-up problems. I still think the Lakers need to be working on a future PG and Grant does help us in the middle -- and he's the kind of player I really LIKE to watch. I know Shaq is PO'd -- of course, he wouldn't have demanded a trade but he is as wrong as the Lakers organization. Shaq doesn't seem to understand (or care) that IF the Lakers continued to give him the max, the Lakers would be surrounding Shaq and Kobe with the castaways from the Bulls and Cavs. Shaq comments on being able to "pick up the phone and add some veterans" but 1) we all saw how that played out last year and 2) I think it's difficult for veterans to come play with Shaq and sacrifice when Shaq is moving slower and slower because of all the gold lining his pockets (at their expense). If Shaq was REALLY serious about adding some veterans, he would decide that he already has enough money and sacrifice to help the Lakers add some quality players like KG did.
Carlos Boozer and the Cavs
I find it VERY interesting how the Cavs have handled this situation. The problem is that I think they were trying to paint themselves out to be the "victim" in this scenario and I'm not sure there WAS a victim in this scenario. Why? Well, IF Boozer promised to sign with the Cavs (and the Cavs encourage that as their statement implies: "we waived the last year of the contract because Boozer stated that he would resign with us."). I find it interesting that the Cavs would admit that they had broked the CBA rules in negotiating with Boozer -- however, the Cavs were doing everything they could to help themselves, not Boozer, IMO. I am quite amazed that the Cavs even MADE an offer to Boozer after everything they said about him. I mean, if you have a problem with the guy -- contact HIM, don't take it to the press. I think that BOTH sides were in the wrong -- not just one side.
I just read now that Boozer's agent has resigned from representing Boozer. This is REALLY interesting in light of the fact that Pelinka stated quite emphatically that Boozer made no such promise (and that it was illegal to do so under the CBA agreement). I DO find it interesting that Pelinka has resigned now -- it definately makes things more suspicious, at least in my mind. Of course, to me it just looks like Pelinka is trying to hang all of this on Boozer now -- and I don't think it all fits.
Jazz
The Jazz have made some STRONG moves in the offseason -- perhaps some of the best chess moves to strengthen and develop their team. They still only need Harpring or Giricek -- it will be interesting to see who they choose but I like this Jazz team this year -- will definately be a strong team -- esp. under Sloan who, IMO, WAS the COY last year (did more with less than ANY other coach).
Spurs
They allowed Turk to slither away into the sunset and, IMO, they STILL need to trade Malik Rose -- it's obvious that Rose and Pop aren't seeing eye-to-eye. With that being said, I REALLY like the addition of Brent Barry. Barry is the most underrated SG in the league, IMO, outside of Kobe Bryant (sorry, can't make a post about the Spurs without saying something about the Lakers) and Barry is a multi-faceted player who can play PG as well as SG at times. He has great court vision, he is a GREAT team player, a VERY good defensive player, a very good spot-up shooter, a great slasher and a TREMENDOUS passer. The last (passer) is probably the most important -- I think Barry is a better passer than Parker and he is a better shooter than anyone on the Spurs squad. He will help the Spurs a great deal and he will be simply AMAZED at the wide open looks he is going to get with TD -- expect him to be among the leaders in 3 point fg% (if not the leader) this year. The Spurs are DEFINATELY going to like Barry. The only problem with this signing? It's going to be REALLY hard to root for Barry (one of my favorite players in the league) when he is playing for the Spurs. Barry AND Horry? That's just a shame! Wish it would have happened to a nicer team! I wouldn't play Barry tons of minutes at the PG position but I would definately switch him back and forth from PG to SG -- you Spurs fans are going to LOVE this guy!
Pistons
Signing McDyess? Well, perhaps they aren't relying on him at all -- and they shouldn't, history tells us that he can't stay healthy -- and that means the Pistons have paid him money to sit on the bench. Did they let Okur go to get McDyess? I hope not -- I know their main goal was to resign Sheed but I think it was a mistake to let Okur go. I think the signing of McDyess was a waste of money and cap room but time will tell and I guess it wasn't a huge risk -- both Wallace's have been pretty healthy over their career (Ben has played through a number of injuries including a broken foot).
Nuggets
Are you SURE you want to lock up Martin? You are talking about the WESTERN Conference here -- not the Eastern Conference. The Nets aren't getting much in return -- seems like they could have gotten more for Martin.
Nets
The Nets now have ZERO post game. Well, Jefferson has some post moves but they don't have any post defense/offense and their rebounding is going to come more from their backcourt than their frontcourt (I am including Jefferson in the backcourt here). I'm not so sure that the Nets shouldn't start looking toward the future at this point -- what could they get for Jason Kidd?
