Movers And Shakers Of The Upcoming NBA Season
There was serious player movement this offseason; some that could drastically change the landscape of the NBA. I'm going to break down the major moves, and talk about the probable playoff teams more so than the little moves that no one cares about anyway.
EAST
Brooklyn Nets: With the exception of the Hawks, (ironically involved in one of their big trades) the Nets are the most overhauled team this offseason. On paper it looks pretty good. You could argue that the Williams/Johnson backcourt is one of the best in the NBA, but until Deron decides to be a true leader and not just a talented player, the Nets will probably be somewhere in the middle of the Eastern Conference- which is a hell of a lot better than where they were the last few seasons. Still, Reggie Evans was a nice role-player addition to back up Kris Humphries-Kardashian, and if Andray Blatche ever figures it out, he could take Brook Lopez's starting Center spot.
Philly 76ers: They turned Iguadala into Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson. That really could pay dividends for them. Let's assume Bynum stays healthy, this is his team. He can be as big of bitch as he wants to be, and no one will care. Why? Because he will back it up eventually. Richardson taking Iggy's spot may be a downgrade on defense, but it will force opposing defenses to guard him more on the perimeter, thus allowing Bynum more room to work. Turner and Holiday are nice players, hopefully for Philly's sake, they turn into quality role players (or better) and Philadelphia should be sitting pretty nicely come playoff time. Oh one last note, Kwame Brown is backing up Bynum, does anyone else find that hilarious besides me?
Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson are gone. That officially makes this Al Horford's team, and J-Smooth can do his thing on the side. I personally don't think this is a bad thing. In return they got super-sub Lou Williams, Anthony Morrow, Kyle Korver, and Devin Harris. Harris would have been an amazing pickup in '09, but last time I checked it was '12. I don't know if I would like Korver and Morrow in my starting lineup, at least not at together. So it is kind of a mixed bag. But maybe with all the shooters, it will allow the bigs to do their thing, and hope the guards aren't too much of a liability of their shots aren't falling. Maybe start Teague and Lou Williams together? I'm not sure, but I am sure the Hawks are tired of being stuck in the 4-6 seed purgatory. (Funny Jeff Teague story: Last night I did a fantasy draft, and the dude with the third pick chose Teague! So the draft board said, 1. Durant 2. James 3. Teague What the hell is wrong with that picture!?!?)
As for the rest of the playoff bound teams that didn't make quite the roster changes-
Boston Celtics: The real change comes with Jason Terry and Courtney Lee playing the 2 instead of Ray Allen. And they picked up some guy named Darko who I heard was drafted before Dwyane Wade. Otherwise they are a year older, and will go deep in the playoffs (barring injuries) and will be shut down by the Heat.
Miami Heat: Speaking of them, the only real moves the champs made was adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Could you imagine if the Heat had all of their wing players in their primes? HOLY CRAP! Ray will be a good sub, and great for the locker room. I can't see Rashard playing that much, unless they play really small ball. Either way it doesn't matter, they still have King James.
Chicago Bulls: I feel bad for the Bulls. Just when they think they are primed for a dynasty, Rose goes down and will probably miss half the season if not more. Factor in Noah and Boozer each missing around 30 games, and the Bulls could possibly miss the playoffs. If everyone is healthy I think the Bulls could still be a lower seed (Deng better average 40 PPG just to be safe), even when Rose comes back, he won't be in playing shape no matter how hard he tries, in what essentially is a lost season for the Bulls.
NY Knicks: Their is no team that is more stupid with their money that the Knicks. Which is really sad considering they are the richest team in the league. They let Lin go, and brought in 2 years past his prime Jason Kidd. They did bring in Camby, (as good of backup center as you could ask for when healthy), but between him and Tyson Chandler, that is about 20 rebounds and 7 points a game. Not a good combo especially if Amare is having an off night. Looks like another first round exit for the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers: Are the Pacers any better than last year? Not really, lost Darren Collison and that's about it. I would say expect the same as last year.
WEST
Los Angeles Lakers: The biggest movers and shakers of them all! Whether it was good or bad still remains to be seen. I went more into detail here about chemistry issues which 99% of deals with Nash and Kobe. If they can make it work, than anything Howard ends up doing is just gravy. Hell Howard could be a bust, and if Nash and Kobe are firing on all cylinders, they will still go deep into the playoffs (no I'm not declaring them champions like everyone else) Nash is old though, and Howard is coming off back surgery, so this is still a pretty big gamble. Either way, look for Gasol to have a bounce back year (not that he was that bad anyway last year) since he has no pressure on him now. Antawn Jamison was a very under-the-radar pickup that may pay dividends for the team as well.
Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs added Darren Collison, Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, and OJ Mayo. Their roster is much different from years past, and potentially could be damn fine time. The question is, "Is there any gas left in Dirk's tank?"
Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves have some injuries to deal with early on, but I really like this team, and think they can make a strong push for the 8th seed. It will be interesting to see what Roy can give them. If you could somehow return to glory seasons, he was an absolute steal for them. Kirilenko hasn't been relevant for quite some time, so ANYTHING he gives them would be welcome. The Wolves sure have a big front line with him now. But Chase Budinger can fill in should he start to flake. They also added the best backup Center in basketball in Greg Steimsma!
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are a young and talented athletic team. Is Iguadala the alpha dog they need? Probably not, but he certainly isn't going to hurt anything. To me, this is the kind of exciting young team that will take the eventual champions to 7 games. Think Hawks in 2008.
Los Angeles Clippers: When Chauncey gets healthy, I really like the Clippers' starting 5. They added Lamar Odom (assuming he has anything left), Matt Barnes, and Grant Hill. All those guys can contribute quality minutes for the right kind of team. These guys will always be a sleeper to win it all.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs are always, and will forever be the Spurs. I'm sure at some point they will have the best record in the NBA. Duncan will have flashes of greatness, and Manu Ginobli will get injured like always. All that, plus everyone is one year older, and one year closer to retirement.
OKC Thunder: The Thunder didn't make any big roster moves, and why should they have? If James Harden continues his funk from the Finals, I wouldn't be surprised if they moved him. Either way, with Durant and Westbrook, they'll be all good.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are like a less talented version of the Nuggets. A lot of really good, really nice star but not superstar players, and great role players. I'm sure they will be at the bottom of the playoff race fighting off a few other teams for the 7-8th spots, but in the end will win out because they are more of a team-oriented ballclub.
Memphis Grizzlies: Can't count out the Griz, who are a tough matchup and could probably be anywhere from the 4th to the 8th seed. Either way, they are still the only first round low-seed that no one wants to play.
The Rockets and Suns will probably both be fun teams to watch, but I'm guessing neither gets in the playoffs. Granted both have a lot of new faces, and who knows it just may click for them?
EAST
Brooklyn Nets: With the exception of the Hawks, (ironically involved in one of their big trades) the Nets are the most overhauled team this offseason. On paper it looks pretty good. You could argue that the Williams/Johnson backcourt is one of the best in the NBA, but until Deron decides to be a true leader and not just a talented player, the Nets will probably be somewhere in the middle of the Eastern Conference- which is a hell of a lot better than where they were the last few seasons. Still, Reggie Evans was a nice role-player addition to back up Kris Humphries-Kardashian, and if Andray Blatche ever figures it out, he could take Brook Lopez's starting Center spot.
Philly 76ers: They turned Iguadala into Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson. That really could pay dividends for them. Let's assume Bynum stays healthy, this is his team. He can be as big of bitch as he wants to be, and no one will care. Why? Because he will back it up eventually. Richardson taking Iggy's spot may be a downgrade on defense, but it will force opposing defenses to guard him more on the perimeter, thus allowing Bynum more room to work. Turner and Holiday are nice players, hopefully for Philly's sake, they turn into quality role players (or better) and Philadelphia should be sitting pretty nicely come playoff time. Oh one last note, Kwame Brown is backing up Bynum, does anyone else find that hilarious besides me?
Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson are gone. That officially makes this Al Horford's team, and J-Smooth can do his thing on the side. I personally don't think this is a bad thing. In return they got super-sub Lou Williams, Anthony Morrow, Kyle Korver, and Devin Harris. Harris would have been an amazing pickup in '09, but last time I checked it was '12. I don't know if I would like Korver and Morrow in my starting lineup, at least not at together. So it is kind of a mixed bag. But maybe with all the shooters, it will allow the bigs to do their thing, and hope the guards aren't too much of a liability of their shots aren't falling. Maybe start Teague and Lou Williams together? I'm not sure, but I am sure the Hawks are tired of being stuck in the 4-6 seed purgatory. (Funny Jeff Teague story: Last night I did a fantasy draft, and the dude with the third pick chose Teague! So the draft board said, 1. Durant 2. James 3. Teague What the hell is wrong with that picture!?!?)
As for the rest of the playoff bound teams that didn't make quite the roster changes-
Boston Celtics: The real change comes with Jason Terry and Courtney Lee playing the 2 instead of Ray Allen. And they picked up some guy named Darko who I heard was drafted before Dwyane Wade. Otherwise they are a year older, and will go deep in the playoffs (barring injuries) and will be shut down by the Heat.
Miami Heat: Speaking of them, the only real moves the champs made was adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Could you imagine if the Heat had all of their wing players in their primes? HOLY CRAP! Ray will be a good sub, and great for the locker room. I can't see Rashard playing that much, unless they play really small ball. Either way it doesn't matter, they still have King James.
Chicago Bulls: I feel bad for the Bulls. Just when they think they are primed for a dynasty, Rose goes down and will probably miss half the season if not more. Factor in Noah and Boozer each missing around 30 games, and the Bulls could possibly miss the playoffs. If everyone is healthy I think the Bulls could still be a lower seed (Deng better average 40 PPG just to be safe), even when Rose comes back, he won't be in playing shape no matter how hard he tries, in what essentially is a lost season for the Bulls.
NY Knicks: Their is no team that is more stupid with their money that the Knicks. Which is really sad considering they are the richest team in the league. They let Lin go, and brought in 2 years past his prime Jason Kidd. They did bring in Camby, (as good of backup center as you could ask for when healthy), but between him and Tyson Chandler, that is about 20 rebounds and 7 points a game. Not a good combo especially if Amare is having an off night. Looks like another first round exit for the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers: Are the Pacers any better than last year? Not really, lost Darren Collison and that's about it. I would say expect the same as last year.
WEST
Los Angeles Lakers: The biggest movers and shakers of them all! Whether it was good or bad still remains to be seen. I went more into detail here about chemistry issues which 99% of deals with Nash and Kobe. If they can make it work, than anything Howard ends up doing is just gravy. Hell Howard could be a bust, and if Nash and Kobe are firing on all cylinders, they will still go deep into the playoffs (no I'm not declaring them champions like everyone else) Nash is old though, and Howard is coming off back surgery, so this is still a pretty big gamble. Either way, look for Gasol to have a bounce back year (not that he was that bad anyway last year) since he has no pressure on him now. Antawn Jamison was a very under-the-radar pickup that may pay dividends for the team as well.
Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs added Darren Collison, Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, and OJ Mayo. Their roster is much different from years past, and potentially could be damn fine time. The question is, "Is there any gas left in Dirk's tank?"
Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves have some injuries to deal with early on, but I really like this team, and think they can make a strong push for the 8th seed. It will be interesting to see what Roy can give them. If you could somehow return to glory seasons, he was an absolute steal for them. Kirilenko hasn't been relevant for quite some time, so ANYTHING he gives them would be welcome. The Wolves sure have a big front line with him now. But Chase Budinger can fill in should he start to flake. They also added the best backup Center in basketball in Greg Steimsma!
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are a young and talented athletic team. Is Iguadala the alpha dog they need? Probably not, but he certainly isn't going to hurt anything. To me, this is the kind of exciting young team that will take the eventual champions to 7 games. Think Hawks in 2008.
Los Angeles Clippers: When Chauncey gets healthy, I really like the Clippers' starting 5. They added Lamar Odom (assuming he has anything left), Matt Barnes, and Grant Hill. All those guys can contribute quality minutes for the right kind of team. These guys will always be a sleeper to win it all.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs are always, and will forever be the Spurs. I'm sure at some point they will have the best record in the NBA. Duncan will have flashes of greatness, and Manu Ginobli will get injured like always. All that, plus everyone is one year older, and one year closer to retirement.
OKC Thunder: The Thunder didn't make any big roster moves, and why should they have? If James Harden continues his funk from the Finals, I wouldn't be surprised if they moved him. Either way, with Durant and Westbrook, they'll be all good.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are like a less talented version of the Nuggets. A lot of really good, really nice star but not superstar players, and great role players. I'm sure they will be at the bottom of the playoff race fighting off a few other teams for the 7-8th spots, but in the end will win out because they are more of a team-oriented ballclub.
Memphis Grizzlies: Can't count out the Griz, who are a tough matchup and could probably be anywhere from the 4th to the 8th seed. Either way, they are still the only first round low-seed that no one wants to play.
The Rockets and Suns will probably both be fun teams to watch, but I'm guessing neither gets in the playoffs. Granted both have a lot of new faces, and who knows it just may click for them?
Comments
Post a Comment