Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls - Off-season Financial Moves

Chicago Bulls – Off-season and Financial Moves

The Bulls had two jobs this off-season. First, what to do with the #1 overall draft pick they lucked in to. Then, what to do with restricted free agents Luol Deng and Ben Gordon.

Although the team gave the proper lip-service to the press saying that retaining both Deng and Gordon were priorities, one only needs to see their current roster to see that isn’t entirely true, especially since adding point guard Derrick Rose to the mix with that #1 pick. The truth is, while retaining Deng was very important to them, keeping Gordon really isn’t.

The Bulls simply have too much money invested in their backcourt already. Kirk Hinrich is signed for 4 more years for $36.5 million, Larry Hughes for 2 more years at over $26 million. Throw in the fact that they’re trying to find more playing time for young Thabo Sefolosha, they’re interested is using Deng sometimes at shooting guard, and the fact that they just signed one of the best looking point guard prospects we’ve seen in a while in Derrick Rose, who incidentally hasn’t signed a contract yet, but when he does, it will be a bit pricey, I mean, he was the #1 overall pick. They can’t afford Gordon, and probably don’t even need him anyway.

You have to kind of feel for Gordon here. He led this team in scoring 3 of the last 4 years and he just watched Deng sign for 6 years and $71 million while his offer is closer to the $58 million range for 6 years, which is all they can offer without exceeding the tax threshold, something they are unwilling to do for a team that went 33-49 last year. And really, can you blame them? But Gordon wants more.

The best case scenario for Gordon to get the money he wants would be a sign-and-trade. But, the problem with that is, most of the other teams are also strapped for cash right now and can’t afford Gordon either. The only team who can, the Memphis Grizzlies, are already over-stocked with guards, and instead need frontcourt players. One thing is for sure, this off-season will harden Gordon’s heart a bit. It’s tough when you’re a really good player, everyone knows it, but nobody seems to want you. Part of the problem is likely that Gordon is limited as a player. He is a dynamic scorer, but as a guard he’s not a great ball-handler or passer, and he’s only an average defender. Not quite the well-rounded guy you would typically want to hand franchise player money to.

Gordon does have the option of playing for his qualifying offer of $6.4 million this year and becoming an unrestricted free agent next year. Naturally, he would prefer the type of long-term security the team just doled out to Deng, and it would be hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve it. But at some point, reality will have to set in that if he’s not going to accept the 6 years and $58 million they’re offering now, playing for the qualifying offer is probably his best alternative option because it gives him the freedom next year. Teams find it much easier negotiating with and signing unrestricted free agents because if the player signs, nobody can match the offer.

And you know what - $6.4 million isn’t bad money for a 6^th man. Now, granted, Gordon is much better than your average bench player, but still, $6.4 million isn’t anything to sneeze at. My advice to him – take the $58 million for 6 years. Ask other players who dug their heels in and then ended up never getting that type of offer ever again. Don’t be stupid dude, take the money. Personal pride is no reason to turn down $58 million.

This isn’t a very good situation for the Bulls either. Gordon is a big scorer; one of the most dangerous streak shooters around capable of single-handedly winning a game for you when he’s hot. Trading him should return either a really good player, or a combination of useful role players. If Gordon stays, they can try and work a trade during the season for him, or maybe for other players that would help clear up their muddled backcourt situation. But if they can’t, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season, they could lose him and get nothing in return; and that’s just bad business. You never want to lose a really good player and get nothing in return for him.

It’s a tough situation for both parties. Negotiations continue, as well as trade talks concerning Gordon, Hinrich, Hughes, and Andres Nocioni.

Did you know that the $71 million Deng just signed for is the biggest contract in team history? Kinda hard to believe for a team that used to employ Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen isn’t it?

That’s about it for the Bulls’ off-season. Rose struggled some with turnovers in summer league, but showed flashes of brilliance also. I doubt he starts right away in front of Hinrich and Hughes. But the Bulls will use this year to start the process of turning the team into his to run.

2008 NBA Mock Draft v.2

This is my second take at a mock draft for the 2008 NBA season. I’ve made updates with who teams have been giving workouts to and with who’s on the trading block now. This second version has several teams selecting the same person that I had before, while others could be looking for something different. I think teams looking to trade up to Number 2 (Memphis and Seattle) could stir up this draft, but until draft day, we most likely won’t know. So here is the draft list (with no possible trades built in).

1. Chicago Bulls

- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

While Chicago still hasn’t played their cards, their pick is becoming pretty aparent. The Miami Heat have become high on OJ Mayo, which is a clear sign that the Bulls will be taking the Heat’s number 1 option, Derrick Rose. Rose will change the make up of this team, and give them a couple of options to excell. Ben Gordon will most likely be let lose (Restricted Free Agent), with Kirk Hinrich will rotate over to SG (his natural position). At this moment it looks like Drew Gooden is going to be the immediate starter at PF, so in the second round the Bulls will have to address there lack of depth there.

2. Miami Heat

- OJ Mayo, G, USC

The Heat have been giving impressions that if rose is gone, they will pass up on Beasley. They are in a good situation here, they can draft Mayo and have a dynamic backcourt of Mayo and Wade, or they can trade the number 2 pick and net a starting point guard, and move down (maybe a package of Kyle Lowery, Mike Miller, and the Number 5 pick, and taking back Mark Blount or Marcus Banks would be a suitable package for Memphis to move up). I think a team to definitely look at making a move up to this spot is the Seattle Supersonics. They could swap the Number 4 pick to the Heat, along with phoenix’s number 1 from the 09 draft and a low budget player on the sonics (Earl Watson, Luke Ridnour, or one of the sonics bigmen). That might interest the Heat alot, especially if they make the trade after the sonics pick at 4, because they could get Mayo and a second 1st rounder in 09, and pay a little less for him.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

- Micheal Beasley, PF, Kansas State

The Timberwolves will be jumping for joy if Beasley falls to them at 3. Beasley is a better guy to team with Jefferson than Lopez. Jefferson is a skilled big man, but he isn’t super athletic (don’t get me wrong, he isn’t a tree stump either) so it would be better to leave him at the 5 and place an athletic big man who can score from the outside and inside, and eats up rebounds to help him out. Beasley would complete the lineup in Minnesota and allow them to do tinkering to get it right(Gomes or Brewer at SF, McCants at SG or move foye over, etc), the way portland is doing now. If Beasley is gone, I can see Minnesota picking up Anthony Randolph or Brook Lopez here instead.

4. Seattle Supersonics

- Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona

I already talked about the scenario here, that could have Mayo going here and being traded to Miami for Beasley. Bayless is the guy if Seattle stays put. I originally had DJ Augustin as the next PG off the board in my eyes, but hearing what is rumored to have been said from Mike D’Antoni to Bayless makes me feel that all of the high lottery teams feel his PG skills are developed enough to entrust him with leading a team now. So that said, the Sonics would grab him up and have 4 of their 5 starting positions all finalaized and could then be a center away. But I think they might be even more interested in picking up Micheal Beasley and say DJ Augustin, if they could trade back up (with their second 1st round pick, and 2 second rounders).

5. Memphis Grizzlies

- Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

The Grizzlies seem to be really interested in Kevin Love. I think it might be the right choice for them, because he’s a guy who you know what you are getting out of him. This is a team that is trying to find its identity and I don’t think they need to add another wild card in. Instead they need to find the front could stability to team with their backcourt of Conley, Miller, and Gay. Love can be an instant starter and contribute some toughness and defense on the inside, which this team has never had, even with Gasol.

6. New York Knicks

- DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Mike D’Antoni is clearly looking for a PG with this pick, since the knicks don’t have the assets to trade for a PG and still be competitive. The New York Post quoted Jerryd bayless after a dinner with Mike D’Antoni saying “He said he has all the tools, he just needs an engine to run it, like Steve Nash,” Bayless said. “So hopefully if the situation works out I can be the engine or the steering wheel to get it going.” Well, that said I think DJ Augustin in the perfect choice with who’s left on the board. Augustin has the PG skills that Mike needs and the same kind of vision Steve Nash does. He is a little short, but Chris Paul is showing us that it doesn’t matter as long as you have the motor. I think Augustin becomes step on in D’Antoni’s rebuilding plans if Bayless is off the boards.

7. LA Clippers

- Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

It looks less and less likely that Shaun Livingston is going to be back with the team next year, dramatically shifting the clippers focus to PG. I think that this will also encourage the Clippers to resign Corey Maggette so they aren’t just replacing one hole with another. Westbrook would be a good choice here, because if need be he can be rotated around in the backcourt (say they find their PG in free agency) to play SG as well.

8. Milwaukee Bucks

- Danilo Galinari, SF, Italy

Gallinari would be a great fit for the Bucks’ current roster. The Bucks have had a gap at SF for a long time, and their trade of TJ ford hasn’t worked out quite like they hoped. but that said Mo Williams is doing a good job at the point, and Redd is the dependable scorer on the team, they have spent the past couple of years developing their frontcourt and seem to have found a suitable rotation of Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jian lin, and Andrew Bogut. That said this team needs a SF, and no one fits them better than Gallinari. Dan has the handle of a PG, and can spend some time as a point forward, which would work out well for the undersized Mo Williams. This team would be a very potent scoring threat if both Mo Williams and Micheal Redd are free to roam while Gallinari handles the ball, you would then have to pick your poison. This pick could change alot as the Bucks seem to be shopping some of their players, and if they make their way out of town then there could be a very different need here.

9. Charlotte Bobcats

- DeAndre Jordon, C, Texas A&M

The Bobcats need to pick up a qulaity big man. But more importantly, they need to understand what Nazr Mohammad showed them last season, Emeka Okafor is a PF, not a Center. I know the Cats like playing Okafor at the 5 because he is a little slow, but he is too small to be a center. DeAndre Jordan could become a really really good center for the cats. He has the athleticism, speed, and size that complements the heart of this team (Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace), I think he would also make Raymond Felton better, who is used to having a mobile big man to dish too (Sean May in college, and in Charlotte until his knee injury). I think that DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph are the only players in the mix for Charlotte. Some people have speculated they could be interested in Kevin Love, but I think that his lack of Athletisism will echo Emeka too much (and Mirror their problems with May and Morrson as well).

10. New Jersey Nets

- Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

Ironically I think the Nets would be happy with landing either Randolph or Jordan here. Randolph gives them the athletic explosiveness they tried to bring to the team by trading for Stromile Swift. I think a frontcourt sporting Anthony Randolph, and Sean Williams/Josh Boone would look really good to them. There has been some speculation that Richard Jefferson is being shopped shouldn’t change this pick, because in most scenarios the Nets would probably be looking to bring in another SF, SG, or C, leaving their need for PF still pretty high.

11. Indiana Pacers

- Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

The Pacers have a hole at PG, and could easily decide to take Ty Lawson here, but I think his downsides may make them shy away from taking him this high. Brook Lopez would be a great choice, he would be the heir aparent to Jermaine O’Neal, and an insurance policy in case he goes down again. considering O’Neal only has one year left on his contract, the Pacers would now have the flexibility to consider trading O’Neal and not having to take back a center (for example, they could send him to the Raptors with a future pick and take back TJ Ford).

12. Sacremento Kings

- Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas

The kings needs are PG, and PF. They are going to try to resign Beno Udrich who was really the bright spot of their season, as far as development went. Arthur is still a little raw, but he’s quick for a 4, and has power. Alot of this pick will rely on if Ron Artest Opts out of his contract, because I think the kings may then satisfy their needs with a free agent PF and instead grab Donte Green here.

13. Portland Trailblazers

- Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

The trailblazers can take the best player available here, and look who just fell into their lap. Now it may not seem like Eric Gordon fits into their needs but he fits perfectly into their needs. Steve Blake only has two year left on his contract, and isn’t even averaging the most assists on the team. The Blazers could toy with (at times this season) shifting roy over to the point and playing Gordon at SG. It would instantly give them another defender in the starting lineup, and in a division that has Allen Iverson and Kevin Durant, they could use a tough defender who is a sweet shooter on the floor.

14. Golden State Warriors

- Donte Green, SF/PF, Syracuse

Now, this is a great match. What do the warriors look for, Athletic players who can shoot, and can play a multitude of positions. I think Donte Green can come in and take the place of the (surely departing) Matt Barnes. Green can shoot (not the best 3 point shooter, but he’s improving), he has alot of size for a small forward (6′10″) and he can move. I think the Warriors if they were left with the players that are left would be either Green or Joe Alexander.

15. Phoenix Suns

- Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

The Suns need to upgrade at SF. If leandro barbosa is traded I can see them targetting Brandon Rush here, but if not they need a scorer at the wing. Bell and Grant are more defenders that scorers, and with Marion gone now only Nash and Amare really can run up the scoring sheet. Alexander is a good fit, he can shoot from all over the court and is athletic, fitting well with Nash and Amare. He should be able to help out Barbosa too, by being another scoring option off the bench (so barbosa doesn’t get doubled all the time with the second unit).

16. Philadelphia 76ers

- JJ Hickson, PF, NC State

The 76ers needs haven’t changed from the last time I made this mock draft. The only thing that might change is weither their persuit of Elton brand changes their needs. I have JJ Hickson flying up the boards based on his performances in workouts. He is the best (pure) PF left on the board that wouldn’t be a reach to be taken here.

17. Toronto Raptors

- Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Raptors biggest need is at Center. Jamario Moon looks like he showed them enough that they will be satisfied with using him and Bargnani at the 3. Now this team needs a real center. Bargnani is not a center, he has the height but isn’t filled out enough, he is really more of a PF, but Bosh already occupies that position on this team, which in my eyes moves him to the 3, a very big 3 mind you. Robin Lopez will give them the traditional center that they need. This is also a team that needs fire, as good as Chris Bosh is, he isn’t the emotional leader that some of his draft class have proven to be (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James), so if Robin can bring the intensity to this team that Noah and Varejao bring to theirs, it will be a great fit.

18. Washington Wizards

- Maresse Spreights, C, Florida

This pick is a wildcard. If the Wizards resign all of their free agents then I think Spreights is their guy, if they don’t then they could be in need of a PG, in which Ty Lawson could be a possibility. The Wizards have struggled at center for sometime. Brendon Haywood is serviceable, but he isn’t the kind of center to help lead you to the NBA finals. This team needs someone who can contribute on the offensive end, but still run, and Spreights can do that.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

- Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas

Rush would be a perfect fit for the cavs. This is a team that has problems creating shots for themselves out side of the front court of Lebron, Smith, and Big Z. Wally and Gibson are good shooters, but they are both defensive liabilities (for Ginbson its mostly his height). Rush would help give them a defensive presence at 2, who isn’t scoring inept (unlike Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao). I think if a PG were to slip to here that had some height the Cavs would want to take him over Rush. But if not Rush could be their guy, I don’t see CDR as an option, because he is essentially Larry Hughes all over again, great player, but not a fit for this team.

20. Denver Nuggets

- Ty Lawson, PG, UNC

The Nuggets are in desperate need for a PG. They foolishly let Steve Blake leave, and have been in need of a pure point guard since. Now things could always change, especially with AI having the ability to opt out, but I think the Nuggets will still need to get a PG, unless they make a trade for one. Lawson is very fast, and has a good handle. He can get rattled, but Denver has enough weapons that he won’t have to do too much, so he should fit in nicely.

21. New Jersey Nets

- Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

In the last mock I had Batum going here, but only because Budinger was off the boards. I think that Budinger is a better fit for this team. The Nets are set with starters at PG, SG, and SF. But they really don’t have any depth behind Carter and Jefferson, so a sweet shooting wing with the size to play both positions would be ideal with their second pick. I could also see the Nets trying to move this pick, if they aren’t satisfied with who is left on the boards at this point in the draft.

22. Orlando Magic

- DJ White, PF, Indiana

I think White is the perfect fit for this team. SG is a need for them, but they are going to need to play JJ Reddick before they can decided that its worth spending a 1st round pick on two seasons in a row, and Keith Bogans has decided to not opt out. White should be ready to contribute minutes quickly, and give Dwight Howard some breathing room down low. White’s game is a good balance to Howard as he loves to rebound and shove around people in the low post, complementing his power, with Dwights finesse post moves.

23. Utah jazz

- Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Mehmet Okur got destroyed by Pau Gasol, showing that they need to upgrade here. I think the Jazz may also think shooting guard, but this is a deep enough class at SG, that they should be able to find some scoring in the second round. Koufos has been called a young Big Z, and that would fit this team perfectly. Koufos has more size that Okur, but he still has shooting ability and can move up and down the court. This would allow Utah to have both size and still have shooting from their center.

24. Seattle SuperSonics

- JaVale McGee, C, Nevada

The Sonics could use a center, because Chris Wilcox is more of a PF. McGee could be that guy for them. They have tried for years to find a center and non of them have worked out, but this might be the turning point for Seattle. JaVale is athletic, while the centers the Sonics have drafted in the past are more lumbering and traditional, I think he could bring some added depth to the 5 and eventually become a starter there.

25. Houston Rockets

- Nicolas Batum, SF, France

Nicolas Batum is what this team needs, unless they decide that they need to get a backup C for Yao Ming (in that case I could see Roy Hibbert going here. But Batum can come in and immediately contribute off the bench at both the 2 and 3. His passing ability is a huge necessity as this team is stocked with players that need the ball (McGrady, Head, Ming, Jones) and not enough distrubutors.

26. San Antonio Spurs

- Chris-Douglas Roberts, SG, Memphis

I don’t think the Spurs will pick up an international player this time, as Tiago Splitter has put a bad taste in their mouth. The Spurs also showed their first big hole this season with Micheal Finley and Manu Ginobli. CDR would be a perfect fit for this team, that needs some youth and energy at shooting guard. Roberts has size and speed, which would come in handy coming off the bench, and when everyone else has tired legs later in games.

27. New Orleans Hornets

- Bill Walkers, SG/SF, Kansas State

Bill Walker is my pick for biggest sleeper in this draft. The same way that Monte Ellis was a late pick and has become a huge scorer and a star, I think Bill Walker will follow in his steps. If Walker is drafted by the Hornets he is in the perfect place to excel. The Hornets need to upgrade at Shooting guard, Morris Peterson is a good shooter, but he isn’t a starter, he is more of a role player. This team needs a dynamic scorer who can shoot the three, and is also big enough to cause match up problems if need be.

28. Memphis Grizzlies

- Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

With the Grizzlies picking up PF earlier they might look for Roy Hibbert here. They won’t have the most athletic frontcourt, but he can give them team a dependable big man who is a true space eater. having Darkko on the roster, means that they won’t need to start Roy right away, and he can get some time to develop. Definitely not a sexy pick, but a safe one, and that seems to be what the Grizzlies need right now.

29. Detroit Pistons

- Joey Dorsey, PF, Memphis

The Pistons are known for taking the right people to fit their system. They hit huge with G Rodney Stuckey, and Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell are coming around as well. But a defensive big man might be the next best thing for them to pick up. Dorsey is athletic and is a defensive stopper, in a Ben Wallace style. He can come in and immediately give them a big body to soak up the defensive responsibilities that come with defending a guy like KG in the postseason. But it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Pistons traded this pick, to upgrade with veterans.

30. Boston Celtics

- Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

Ray Allen’s injuries and on-off shooting slumps have shown that they need to start grooming his eventual replacement. Lee would be a great addition as he is a really good shooter. Sitting behind Ray Allen and learning from him will only help make him an even better shooting guard. He should be able to contribute from day one. The Celtics could go center here, but finding Allen’s future is a little more pressing, as they can always shift Garnett to center and insert Big Baby Glenn Davis for size.

2008 NBA Mock Draft v.1

So on Tuesday night the NBA draft lottery selections happened. The Bulls pulled the big upset moving all the way to Number 1. Now that the order is finalized I’m going to release the first version of my 2008 NBA mock draft. I went with selections that in my gut teams would make (some of these picks won’t happen because I think teams will trade up and down, especially a team like Seattle, which could both trade up or down.

1. Chicago Bulls

- Micheal Beasley, PF, Kansas State

The Chicago Bulls are going to agonize over who to take, the Speedy chicago native at the point, or the scoring/rebounding big man they’ve always needed? Well here’s teh thing, I like Derrick Rose alot, and I think if the bulls took him, Kirk Hinrich could move over to his natural position of SG, and then the Bulls could trade a SG away or let Ben Gordon go as a restricted free agent and still have alot of depth. And as much as I like that, I still recognize that this is a team that needs a low post scorer and defender. Joakim Noah looks like he can be their center of the future, and Aaron Gray has proven he can soak up some minutes for Noah, but this team has no one at the 4. Nocini isn’t a PF, Tyrus Thomas doesn’t fit their need (he’s an energy guy, but not a scorer or scrapper), and is Drew Gooden will be a free agent at the end of the 08 season. With that said this team needs Beasley more than they need Rose. Beasley is exactly what a team in the east needs, a big man who can score (like Rasheed, Garnett, Jamison, etc) and he’s no slouch in the rebounding department either. Beasley gives them stability, and Ironically, I think he solves their point guard problem. A package including Tyrus Thomas, Drew Gooden’s expiring Contract, and possibly Ben Gordon, or maybe a pick in 09, should be able to get them a PG that they feel is more suitable for this team, a Kyle Lowery or Marcus Williams would come pretty cheap, and not force them to sell the farm. Or use the whole package for someone like Jose Calderon or TJ Ford. There are alot of good point guards to be had, but I don’t know about you, but I don’t see another possible 20-10 guy that they could trade for, who wouldn’t be well well over priced (they don’t have the cap to sign an Antwan Jamison anyway).

That said Micheal Beasley is the total package. He can shoot from 3, he has the heart of a winner, he is willing to attack down low, and isn’t afraid to take the last shot. He has range from everywhere and rebounds aggressively. I can only imagine the heart and fire that a Noah-Beasley tandem could create, and think that that might be to hard to pass up for the Bulls.

Similar to: Rasheed Wallace

2. Miami Heat

- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

The Heat will be jumping for joy if Derrick Rose falls to them at 2. They have a more than serviceable 4 with Udonis Haslem, so he would be exactly what they are looking for. Rose brings the speed that would give this team one of the most Dynamic Back courts in the league, with a Healthy Dwayne Wade, and a PG who can keep up with his speed, and has the vision to get to him where ever he is this could be the move that helps keep dwayne wade as a Heat player come the summer of 2010. Rose is a good shooter, his speed was unmatched in the NCAA and should still be pretty top flight in the NBA, if Rose isn’t here at the second pick, expect the Heat to either put a trade in place (shipping out, Haslem, either Blount or Banks, for a PG) for getting their PG and taking Beasley, or trading out of the second spot to acquire a PG (like a sign and trade for a big name PG, but requiring the team that takes the number two pick to grab like Banks/Blouts contract).

Similar to: Devin Harris

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

- Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Timberwolves are going to want to protect their franchise player. I think watching how Dwight Howard was bombarded in the playoffs by not having another big man to protect him, is going to make the Wolves think that they should do the same. If Lopez can start at Center, Jefferson can rotate over to PF where he would be even more effective. The Wolves still have some backcourt questions, but I don’t think they have given up on playing Foye at the point, and with him their they have several, at the very least, serviceable SGs they can cycle through (Rashad McCants and Corey Brewer) next to him.

Similar to: Chris Kamen

4. Seattle Supersonics

- DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Now here is where my selections differ from most peoples mock drafts. I don’t see Jerryd Bayless as the next best PG. I like Augustin here because this is a team that needs a PG who is a traditional PG. Bayless is a combo guard, and for a team that is lacking in the scoring department he would be the perfect fit, but they need someone who can handle the ball all of the time. Now I know this king of a PG works for some teams (like Gilbert Arenas), but I think that having a none scoring Shooting Guard makes it a necessity for them, as opposed to the sonics where they have scorers that need to become better defenders. Augustin’s familiarity with Durant can’t be ignored either, if you want to see Durant’s shooting average improve pair him with someone you know he is comfortable with. I know for some his height is a problem, but look at Chris Paul who is only 6′ (an inch taller than Augustin), I think that makes the most sense.

Similar to: Rafer Alston

5. Memphis Grizzlies

- Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

Memphis Grizzlies ownership has stated that their focus is to become a better defensive team. This team needs to upgrade at the 4, but there isn’t one that fits their needs available at this pick. Instead, I think to show there commitment to be better defensively, they should upgrade at SG. Especially in a division that houses both Manu Ginobili and Tracy McGrady someone who can defend the two would be a big benefit. At the same time Gordon is no slouch when it comes to scoring. He started his college career on fire, and looked like he was going to lock up the Number 3 prospect on the board, at times challenging for the No. 2 spot in my mind, but his wrist injury and the coaching turmoil really took him out of rhytem. Gordon will find his touch again, and a potent trio of Gordon, Conley, and Gay could be a power for time to come, if they find a PF.

Similar to: Joe Johnson

6. New York Knicks

- Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

This is hands down the toughest pick for me to make. In the past Mike D’Antoni hasn’t liked playing his rookies much, but with this high a pick he is going to have to play who ever he takes quickly. I think there are 4 players in the mix with the 6th pick. Jerryd Bayless would give the Knicks a point guard, who can also be a pretty potent scorer, but he can play out of control and with D’Antoni’s system that may not work out. Russell Westbrook is all potential, he never really had to be a full time point guard having Darren Collison next to him, but he has the speed and defensive capabilities that the Knicks need. Danillo Galliberi, the most ready player that fits D’Antoni’s system, he’s pretty quick for his size, and can knock down the mid range jumper creating match up problems since he can play the 3 and 4, but he can be too passive and doesn’t have 3 point range making him a little to much like David Lee with a better handle. The last player in the mix is OJ Mayo, Mayo is a scoring Machine who can open fire from anywhere on the court, he is a good shooter, but he could be a headache waiting to happen on a team that already has Stephon Marbury, and a gluttony of Shooting guards (Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, and Nate Robinson). With that said, I think the Knicks will pick up Russell Westbrook, he has the most potential, and the Knicks have been drafting Roleplayers for too long (Lee, Balkman, Collins, Robinson, Chandler, etc), they need to draft someone who can become a star for them.

Similar too: Baron Davis

7. Los Angeles Clippers

- OJ Mayo, G, USC

The clippers are in a good spot, they can grab Jerryd Bayless, or they can draft OJ Mayo. I think they will lean towards Mayo. This is a team that most likely is going to lose Corey Maggette and all of his scoring, and possibly Elton Brand and all of his scoring. Adding Mayo may be the pefect choice for them, he can spend a little time a PG while they wait on Shaun Livingston, or he can be the scorer they need. Having a team with at least Al Thorton, OJ Mayo, and Chris Kamen, are good building blocks going forward. The Clippers might be a team that wants to drop back and pick up an extra pick, but that will depend on if Elton brand and Maggette both use their ETOs.

Similarities: Jerry Stackhouse

8. Milwaukee Bucks

- Danilo Gallinari, F, Italy

Similar to : Boris Diaw

9. Charlotte Bobcats

- DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M

Similar to: Tyson Chandler

10. New Jersey Nets

- Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

Similar to: Josh Smith

11. Indiana Pacers

- Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona

I think the Pacers will trade down if they are left in this position. There is little doubt in my mind they will draft a PG with their first pick, making Bayless the obvious choice if he fell into their laps. This could all change if Jermaine O’Neal opts out of his contract (if he did it would be to do a Grant hill, not for another big contract). If that happens I think the Pacers may take Kosta Koufos here instead, giving them immediate size that they will be longing for. Anyway, back to Bayless,Jerryd is a scoring PG who has good size and speed. He can see the floor well, and is her athletic. He is a bit of a tweener, but I think for this current roster that will be ok.

Similar to: Keyon Dooling

12. Sacremento Kings

- Darrel Arthur, PF, Kansas

Similar too: Josh Howard

13. Portland Trailblazers

- Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

The trailblazers are able to take whoever they want at this pick, as they are really set with their starting lineup of Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster/Travis Outlaw, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden. The one thing this team could use is a little more scoring off the bench, the tried to find that with James Jones last season, but his shooting has really gone down lately. I think for that reason teh trailblazers would want to have someone who can really shoot the rock, he isn’t a streaky 3-point shooter (which might turn them away from Donte Green and Joe Alexander). Budinger would really make the bench very very strong for the blazers, having Jack to releave Blake, Budinger for Roy, Outlaw at the 3, McRoberts at the 4, and Channing Frye at the 5 sounds like a deep team with good trading chips if need be for the future.

Similar to: Quentin Richardson (before the back problems)

14. Golden State Warriors

- Donte Green, SF, Syracuse

Similar to: Matt Barnes

15. Phoenix Suns

- Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

Similar to: Manu Ginobili

16. Philadelphia 76ers

- Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

The 76ers developed into a pretty good team this season. Behind the stable play of Samuel Dalembert, the great floor leadership of Andre Miller, the development of Thaddeus Young, and contining advancement of Andre Iguodola they came together as a team. This also gives them a starter at 4 of the five positions. Dalembert needs help in the post, Thaddeus Young can help there, but he is more a 3. Love would give them exactly what they need, another big body to help keep defenders off of Dalmbert and the lane clear for the 76er’s wing players. If Arthur slips this far I think the 6ers would gladly take him over Love though. Love has a very good fundamentals, but he isn’t very athletic. He has lost some weight since the end of the season and I think that will help him alot in the NBA.

Similar to: Tim Duncan

17. Toronto Raptors

- Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

Similar to: Joakim Noah

18. Washington Wizards

- Maresse Spreights, C, Florida

Similar to: Elton Brand

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

- Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas

Rush would be a perfect fit for the cavs. This is a team that has problems creating shots for themselves out side of the front court of Lebron, Smith, and Big Z. Wally and Gibson are good shooters, but they are both defensive liabilities (for Ginbson its mostly his height). Rush would help give them a defensive presence at 2, who isn’t scoring inept (unlike Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao). I think if a PG were to slip to here that had some height the Cavs would want to take him over Rush. But if not Rush could be their guy, I don’t see CDR as an option, because he is essentually Larry Hughes all over again, great player, but not a fit for this team.

Similar to: Eddie Jones

20. Denver Nuggets

- Ty Lawson, PG, UNC

Similar to: TJ Ford

21. New Jersey Nets

- Nicolas Batum, SF, France

The Nets need to find some depth at the 2 or 3. Batum would solve both of them, he doesn’t have to come over immediately but if he does that would work out fine. Batum is a good shooter, and would be a nice complement to Jefferson or Carter. If Jefferson does leave town, he is probably one of the more ready players to start a team at the SF position.

Similar to: Josh Childress

22. Orlando Magic

- DJ White, PF, Indiana

Now I’m sure alot of people like someone like JJ Hickson here, but I think White is the perfect fit for this team. SG is a need for them, but they are going to need to play JJ Reddick before they can decided that its worth spending a 1st round pick on two seasons in a row. White should be ready to contribute minutes quickly, and give Dwight Howard some breathing room down low. White’s game is a good balance to Howard as he loves to rebound and shove around people in the low post, complementing his power, with Dwights finesse post moves.

Similar to: Kenyon Martin (post knee injuries)

23. Utah Jazz

- Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Similar to: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

24. Seattle SuperSonics

- JaVale McGee, PF, Nevada

Similar to: Antonio McDycess

25. Houston Rockets

- Chris-Douglas Roberts, SG, Memphis

CDR fits this team really well. The Rockets need to find a shooting guard who can slash, they have enough shooters in Luther Head, McGrady, Alston, and Battier. So someone who can attack the rim and has the athleticism to catch the great passes that McGrady and Skip can make would be best. Essentually it would be the team trying again, since the Bonzi Wells experiment didn’t work out.

Similar to: Larry Hughes

26. San Antonio Spurs

- Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

Roy Hibbert is exactly what the Spurs need. Oberto is a good complement for Duncan, but they need to find depth behind him. Elson wasn’t the answer, but i think Hibbert would work out perfectly. Hibbert has the size and low post skills to complement duncan’s game. Hibberts increased range over the past season will help him out too, as will being able to watch Duncan.

Similar to: Zach Randolph

27. New Orleans Hornets

- Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State

Bill Walker is my pick for biggest sleeper in this draft. The same way that Monte Ellis was a late pick and has become a huge scorer and a star, I think Bill Walker will follow in his steps. If Walker is drafted by the Hornets he is in the perfect place to excell. The Hornets need to upgrade at Shooting guard, Morris Peterson is a good shooter, but he isn’t a starter, he is more of a role player. This team needs a dynamic scorer who can shoot the three, and is also big enough to cause match up problems if need be.

Similar to: Vince Carter

28. Memphis Grizzlies

- J.J. Hickson, PF, NC State

J.J.Hickson is a little raw, but he brings the power at the 4, to balance the scoring of Hakim Warrick. I think Hickson will need time to develop a complete game, and should be able to find it on a team that is trying to develop itself.

Similar to: Luis Scola

29. Detroit Pistons

- Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo

The Pistons have built up pretty well for the future, but I guess if they needed to add someone it would be Serge Ibaka, he would probably be the highest rated player on their board by the time they were drafting. He would also give them more bodies to deal with the dominant big men in the east (Dwight and Garnett).

Similar to: David West

30. Boston Celtics

- Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

Ray Allen’s disappearance in the playoffs has shown that they need to start grooming his eventual replacement. Lee would be a great addition as he is a really good shooter. Sitting behind Ray Allen and learning from him will only help make him an even better shooting guard. Should be able to contribute from day one. The Celtics could go center here, but finding Allen’s future is a little more pressing, as they can always shift Garnett to center and insert Big Baby Glenn Davis for size.

Similar to: Daniel Gibson

—————————————-

I’ll do another mock draft, as we get closer to the draft as trades and free agency starts to hit. I will post a Mock round two though, in the coming week(s).

Kobe the MVP???

I never knew the NBA MVP was supposed to be a lifetime achievement award. I thought it was merely the most valuable player toÂ a team for the season just played. Apparently, I was mistaken. Kobe Bryant got his honorary Oscar/MVP, and I am amazed at the amount of people who think this is as it should be.Â Â

I know the Lakers are the top seed in the West and that Kobe had a great season, but he is NOT the most valuable player to his team. If Kobe was not on the Lakers, they would still be a decent team. They wouldn’t make the playoffs, but they would win 35 games or so.Â Â

There is one player that is keeping his pathetic teammates out of the NBA cellar. This teamÂ would make Miami look like the 90’s Bulls. That team is, of course, the Cavaliers. Without Lebron, the Cavaliers are just a bunch of overpaid has-beens or never-will-bes. Ilguaskas is the onlyÂ player other than Lebron that is still worth discussing, and he is now past his prime.Â Â

Not only do the Cavaliers need Lebron worse than the Lakers need Kobe, but Lebron is statistically better. Here are the numbers per game and they don’t lie:

PPG: Lebron 30.0 to 28.3
Reb: Lebron 7.9 to 6.3
Assists: Lebron 7.2 to 5.4
Blocks: Lebron 1.1 to 0.5
Steals: Tie 1.8 each
FG%: Lebron 48.4 to 45.9
FT%: Kobe 84.0 to 71.2Â

Lebron also takes on more of the ball-handling duties and overall offensive responsibility. Lebron doesn’t have Lamar Odom and a veteran like Derek Fisher to help run the offense. Lebron doesn’t have Pau Gasol to score on the inside and take the heat off.Â Â

Kobe had a great season, but I had him fourth on my list. I could have dealt with Chris Paul or Kevin Garnett getting the MVP, but not Kobe. Just because Kobe had never won the award before is not a good enough reason to give it to him now. If you want to give out the MVP as a lifetime achievement award, then give it to Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo.

Worst of the Week (Mar. 24-30)

5.)Â Juan Carlos-Navarro: 30.4% FG, 66.7% FT, 4.5 PPG, 1.5 Reb, 1.5 Ast, 0.2 StlÂ

Carlos-Navarroâ€™s first year in the NBA has had its ups and downs.Â He had a really strong week two weeks ago, but it was a rough one this past week.Â He had two 0-for games and he didnâ€™t even hit a free throw.Â He seems to be either on fire for a game or dead in the water, but he is a quality player who can shoot the rock and that will give a pretty solid career.Â

4.)Â Sam Cassell: 33.3% FG, 4.0 PPG, 0.8 Reb, 1.3 Ast, 0.5 StlÂ

Cassell is simply not making the impact that was expected of him.Â I have a hard time believing it is his age because he has produced quality numbers at times this year.Â Who knows the reason for his horrid performance, and who knows if he will snap out of it in time for the playoffs?Â

3.)Â Keith Bogans: 28.6% FG, 20.0% FT, 3.0 PPG, 1.5 Reb, 1.0 AstÂ

He is getting some quality minutes, but he is not giving many quality performances.Â He has a break out game about every other week, but he was simply awful each game this past week. When you shoot 2-10 from the free throw line for the entire week and your name is not Ben Wallace or Shaq, you should be ashamed.Â

2.)Â Morris Peterson: 35.0% FG, no free throw attempts, 4.5 PPG, 1.0 Reb, no assists, no stealsÂ

He makes the Worst of list as much as LeBron makes the Best of list.Â His lack of aggressiveness shows in the no free throw attempts or steals.Â He is a strong contender for my worst player of the year award.Â

1.)Â Jason Kapono: 0-7 FG, no free throw attempts, 0.7 Reb, 0.7 Ast, 0.7 StlÂ

In 3 games he did not score a point for the entire week.Â It took a week like this to beat out Mo Pete.Â Kapono has been pretty horrible second half of the season after he won the three-point shootout.Â His playing time was cut this past week, but even when he was on the court he provided nothing for the Raptors.Â

Un-Honorable Mention: Tim Thomas, Hedo Turkoglu, Ray Allen, Larry Hughes, Daniel Gibson

Worst of the Week (Mar. 10-16)

5.)Â Francisco Garcia: 38.9% FG, 6.0 PPG, 3.3 Reb, 1.0 Ast, 0.7 StlÂ

He is getting 25 minutes a game even with Artest healthy, but he didnâ€™t do much with those minutes last week.Â This has been a pretty good season for Garcia, especially early in the year, but he has had a hard time for the past month or so.Â

4.)Â Damien Wilkins: 26.5% FG, 50.0% FT, 5.0 PPG, 2.3 Reb, 2.3 AstÂ

Wilkinsâ€™s 4^th season started out with a bang for the hapless Sonics; he had a 40 point game and averaged over 17 PPG for his first 11 games.Â He has since been relegated to the bench and his production has fallen off to the occasional good game here or there.Â There were no good games last week.Â

3.)Â Wally Szczerbiak: 30.8% FG, 6.0 PPG, 2.8 Reb, 1.8 Ast, no stealsÂ

Szczerbiak, after a decent start with his new team, is back to his old non-hussling, poor-shooting ways.Â He hasnâ€™t had a steal in his last 8 games.Â He is not doing much to earn that big paycheck.Â I wonder if Lebron is ready to ask for Larry Hughes back, at least with his poor shooting and big contract there was some defense.Â

2.)Â Andres Nocioni: 25.0% FG, 6.0 PPG, 2.5 Reb, 1.5 Ast, no steals or blocksÂ Â

The blockbuster trade with Cleveland has pushed Nocioni to playing fromÂ the bench, of which he has fared pretty well.Â Nocioni has the talent to score 20 a game and provide the rebounds and some defense.Â His play will probably be sporadic for the rest of the season, while he has to come off the pine.Â

1.)Â Jarrett Jack: 16.0% FG, 4.7 PPG, 1.8 Reb, 4.0 Ast, 0.8 Stl

Â Jack looked as if he was ready to become one of the better point guards in the league after last season, but he has been consistently inconsistent all year.Â He will have one good week followed by one bad week.Â Last week wasÂ a bad week.Â He had a 3 game stretch in whichÂ he was 1-18 from the floor.Â That is just plain ugly.Â

Un-Honorable Mention: Mike Conley, Kurt Thomas, Jamal Crawford, Deshawn Stevenson, Delonte West, Eduardo Najera, and Al HarringtonÂ

Best of the Week (Mar. 10-16)

5.)Â Ron Artest: 53.1% FG, 22.3 PPG, 7.7 Reb, 3.3 Ast, 5.0 StlÂ

After missing two games with foot issues, Artest picked up where he left off by doing it all for the Kings. If they played in the East, the Kings would be in the playoff push, but they are out of it in the West. Say what you will about Artest, but he puts it all out on the floor, even if the season is out the window.Â

4.)Â Joe Johnson: 50.0% FG, 87.5% FT, 27.8 PPG, 4.8 Reb, 7.3 Ast, 4.3 3PTâ€™sÂ

Johnson held the #4 spot last week as well.Â He is playing great ball at just the right time for the Hawks.Â Who would have thought the Hawks have a legitimate shot at the playoffs?Â If the Hawks can keep these young guys together, they may have a winning record next year.Â

3.)Â Baron Davis: 50.0% FG, 26.7 PPG, 6.0 Reb, 10.0 Ast, 1.7 StlÂ

Like Johnson, Davis is turning it on for the playoff push and has made this list two weeks in a row.Â Itâ€™s amazing that he has stayed healthy for the entire season.Â Fantasy owners and Golden State fans have to be smiling as this is Davisâ€™s most productive year.Â

2.)Â Amare Stoudemire: 66.0% FG, 78.1% FT, 31.7 PPG, 11.3 Reb, 1.7 BlkÂ

Iâ€™ve said it before, the Marion trade has opened things up for Stoudemire, and these types of numbers should continue through the end of the season. Look at that field goal percentage with him taking so many shots!Â He is 30-10 every night from here on out.Â

1.)Â Chris Paul: 54.0% FG, 22.3 PPG, 16.7 Ast, 2.7 StlÂ

Paul is making a late surge for the MVP, and he just may get it.Â The most impressive thing he did over the past week was to lead the Hornets to wins over the Lakers and the Spurs.Â The 3^rd guy this week that was a repeat from last week, he, like Lebron, could make this list every week.Â Iâ€™m waiting for him to average 20 assists in a week. Oh yeah, he is only 22!Â

Honorable Mention: Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Anthony Parker, Dwight Howard, Charlie Villaneuva, Josh Smith, Drew Gooden, and Deron Williams

Worst of the Week (Feb.26-Mar. 2)

I didnâ€™t intend for this to happen, but this one turned out to be the all-big man edition.Â

5.)Â Samuel Dalembert: 28.6% FG, 6.0 PPG, 10.0 Reb, no assists, no steals, 0.7 Blk

He did come down with 10 rebounds per game, but it was a horrible week for Dalembert.Â He was an offensive hindrance with his absolutely horrible shooting, a combined 2-14 in his last two games.Â His blocks were one-third of his season average.Â He is battling some ankle injuries, so he possibly hasÂ an excuse.Â

4.)Â Kurt Thomas: 33.3% FG, 2.5 PPG, 4.5 Reb, 0.5 Ast, 0.5 Stl, no blocksÂ

I thought the trade was a good one for the Spurs, and it may still turn out that way, but Thomas has not been good since the joining the Spurs.Â He got the start on Sunday, but he has been battling for minutes since he arrived,Â and he hasnâ€™t performed in those minutes.Â

3.)Â Fabrico Oberto: 33.3% FG, 2.5 PPG, 4.5 Reb, 0.5 Ast, 0.5 Stl, no blocksÂ

This is Thomasâ€™s biggest competition for minutes, so you would think Thomas could take over eventually.Â Not much going on with either of these guys this past week, and the Spurs will need them both to contribute more once the Playoffs begin.Â

2.)Â Yi Jianlian:Â 12.5% FG, 1.5 PPG, 1.3 Reb, 0.8 Ast, no steals, no blocksÂ

Jianlian began the season looking pretty good, but he has fallen hard.Â No longer a starter, and no longer getting big minutes off the bench, it appears that
Milwaukee has decided to use him sparingly and let him develop slower than originally planned.Â

1.)Â Nenad Krstic:Â 23.1% FG, 4.7 PPG, 2.3 Reb, no assists, no steals, no blocksÂ

He is starting but not getting the big minutes yet; basically because of his conditioning, but a professional athlete should not take over a month to be able to compete.Â He is a far cry from his last two productive seasons.Â Â Krstic is providing nothing for the Nets, and I think they should go with the rookie until Krstic decides to take his conditioning seriously.Â

Un-Honorable Mention: Kirk Hinrich, Jameer Nelson, Channing Frye, Jose Calderon, John Salmons, Kyle Korver

Best of the Week (Feb. 18-24)

5.)Â Corey Maggette: 55.8% FG, 93.1% FT, 26.7 PPG, 7.3 Reb, 4.0 AstÂ

An efficient scorer year in and year out, Maggette’s biggest concern over the years has been staying healthy.Â Last season was the first time in his career that he played at least 75 games.Â The Clippers aren’t much without Elton Brand, but Maggette is having one of his best seasons.Â

4.)Â Tim Duncan: 94.1% FT, 18.7 PPG, 13.3 Reb, 6.0 Ast, 4.3 Blk, 1.7 StlÂ

Mr. Consistency had a big week.Â He doesn’t score 25 a game like he did when he was younger, but he still gets it done and across the boardâ€”check out the 6 assists per game for the big man.Â He even hit his free throws over this past week.Â

3.)Â Manu Ginobili: 61.4% FG, 89.7% FT, 30.7 PPG, 6.3 Ast, 4.0 3PT’sÂ

Ginobili has become a scoring machine over the past two weeks.Â With Tony Parker’s 20 PPG injured and then playing rusty, Ginobili had to step it up.Â Over the past two weeks he has four 30+ point games, two of which he topped 40 points.Â With Ginobili and Duncan playing so well, the Spurs have won 10 of their last 11.Â

2.)Â Amare Stoudemire:Â 48.5% FG, 90.9% FT, 32.0 PPG, 8.0 Reb, 2.3 BlkÂ

One of the best young freaks in the league, Amare had another big week.Â One thing I love about this guy is how he has improved his free-throw shooting.Â With Marion out of the way, and Shaq handling some of the dirty work in the middle, Amare may average 30 a game the rest of the season.Â

1.)Â LeBron James: 50.6% FG, 28.8 PPG, 12.3 Reb, 10.5 Ast, 2.0 StlÂ

I may as well start calling this the LeBron list.Â He seems to make it every week and for good reason.Â I try each week to find a way to not put him here, but when he averages a triple-double, and he almost hits 30 a game scoring, there is not much I can do.Â Everyone enjoy while he is playing.Â

Honorable Mention:Â Dwayne Wade, Marcus Camby, Dirk Nowitzki, Tyrus Thomas, Chris Bosh, and Richard JeffersonÂ

Trade Recap and Analysis

The Trade deadline has come and gone. Alot of teams tried to get better, others just tried to rebuild. While some just made bad, bad choices. Well lets, examine the trades, and give them a report card score.

A+

Los Angeles Lakers

I mean really, is there anything else that needs to be said. The Lakers pulled off the best trade for lots of reasons. They solved an immediate need, with the loss of Andrew Bynum to injury by landing Gasol. But at the same time, they added a player who has a big enough offensive presence, that it lets Lamar Odom finally revert to a do all the little things role, that suits him better than trying to be second fiddle. The Lakers also made a long term investment, that isn’t going to come back and hurt them. Gasol will be a quality F/C for years to come, and will give them a big three to build on for the foreseeable future (Bryant, Gasol, and Bynum).

The biggest deal is that they gave away nothing that was important to them. They didn’t even have to depart with needed role players like Farmar, Odom, or either of their young SF’s Walton or Ariza. Instead they finally shed Kwame Brown, and departed with little used PG Javaris Crittenton, who’s need became smaller with the market development that Farmar has shown. The picks were good pick ups for Memphis, and they do trade away Marc Gasol’s right, but no need for carbon copy players.

I think it is pretty hard for any team to match up to a potential line up of Derek Fischer, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum. Their are no downsides to this move, making it a run away A+ in my book.

Chicago Bulls

Now I’m sure many fans will question my ranking that gives them an A+, but lets really examine their moves. The Bulls recieves Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown, Drew Gooden, and Cedric Simmons. They only had to give up Ben Wallace, who they have needed to move, ever since he got to Chicago, and Joe Smith.

Ben Wallace’s departure is great for the Bulls. Noah, will most likely get the start, and provide that fire, that this team needs to keep motivated to win. He was already providing more than Wallace was, so it is a definite upgrade. Aaron Grey is gonna get alot more play time, but he has been coming along nicely, so that should work out well. Joe Smith would normally be a big blow, because he has been very consistent ball, but Drew Gooden will replace him well. Drew’s numbers are better than Joe in rebounds this season (8.3 to 5.3) and their point contribution is practically the same (11.3 to 11.2). Gooden will fit in well since he will be teamed with another inside presence, rather than Big Z, who at this stage of his career is more of a shooter and rebounder, than a pound it in the paint guy.

Now looking at the Guard situation, the Bulls certainly upgraded. Larry Hughes is an immediate upgrade for them. They now have a shooting guard who can both score and defend. The Bulls won’t need to switch in and out Thabo Sefolosha(defense) and Ben Gordan(scoring) anymore with Hughes. Mind you he gets hurt often, so they will still have their combo option open as well. I think the other thing that becomes an option with Hughes in the mix is the Bulls letting Hinrich stay at his true position, SG, and letting Hughes take over the point, which he has done in the past.

Now I’m sure some may look at Simmons and Shannon Brown as throw ins to the deal but I think not. Shannon Brown is an immediate upgrade in athleticism at the 2 and 3. He can score, and if asked can contribute some rebounds. Now I’m not saying Brown will challenge for a starting position, but now they have a big SG who can score, or another small forward to use when they want to go small. Simmons gives depth at the 4 and 5 too. Great move to unload Wallace’s contract, and taking back players that actually help your team at every position.

The Utah Jazz

The Jazz only had to make one move, to instantly score an A in my book. They sent away a disgruntled guard, who added some good defense, but wasn’t addressing their need for a shooter at SG/SF. Korver was everything this team showed they needed in the playoffs last year. The Jazz lived and died by Derek Fischer’s shooting last season, as they didn’t have a real shooter outside of him, and some contribution from Williams and Okur. Korver spaces the floor for everyone with his lights out shooting, and he’s even able to contribute it off the bench, letting Ronnie Brewer continue to play tough at SG crashing the paint and developing more and more. The only reason this doesn’t land the team in the A+, is because they still need to find another Center to give them some depth behind Okur. If they had made even a small move to grab someone like DJ Mbenga (when he was available) then that would have landed them with an A+.

San Antonio Spurs

Two great pickups put this team towards the top of my list. Damon Stoudamire has shown he still has a little left in the tank, and Kurt Thomas was a great pick up. Now the spurs did have to give up a first round pick, but it was going to be very high, and this team is looking for seasoned vets to help them on their playoff push so it makes sense to send it away. I really like the Kurt Thomas pickup, he gives them depth at center and power forward off the bench, and they didn’t have to give up much other than a struggling to fit in Fransisco Elson and a pick. Now I’m not quite as happy witht he Damon Stoudamire pickup. I think Stoudamire can still contribute, and for an immediate fix due to Parker’s injury it was completely understandable, but I think that if they could have added a Kyle Lowry or a Sam Cassell, they would have really found a great backup guard, who could have contributed on the 1 and 2, and not been such a defensive liability due to his size.

New Orleans Hornets

Hornests definetely improved with this last minute pick up. Getting Bonzi Wells and Mike James for Bobby Jackson was a great move. Wells will instantly provide some good offense as he has been looking sharp lately, and for a team thats one big weakness seems to be the contribution at Shooting Guard, he will definitely help upgrade that. Now with James he was a need move. This team knows that they are running Chris Paul ragged and he has been holding up really well, but he needs relief and I think James is potentially a great fit. He gives you some of what Paul’s backup Pargo is missing, which is instant offense and assists. James likes to get up and run, so his style works well to complement Pargo’s more strategic approach. Now do I think James is the best fit for this team, no, they probably should have been trying to get their hands on Lowry as well, but I understand that they didn’t have a whole lot to package to interest the Grizzlies.

B+

Seattle Super Sonics

The Sonics made some great moves… I think. Honestly this one is a potential for great success, or great failure. The team is starting to look like they want to be the next Trailblazers, and I think they are positioning themselves for that. The sonics have now gathered 3 first round picks from just Kurt Thomas. Now, we know they are headed for the lottery, and could always end up with the first overall pick. So this pick is really because of what the Super Sonics can position themselves to do. They can pull a portland, and trade all those picks to get the 1st overall pick, and still keep the 1st round pick they have (like Portland did aquiring Roy and Aldridge) . If this team could feature Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Micheal Beasley, and Chris Wilcox, I think they would be a good young troop that could start to make some noise. Potential alone gets them a B+.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets made a good trade getting Bobby Jackson and Gerald Green. They traded away Bonzi, but I think got a player who fits their team alot better in Green. The Houston Rockets have lacked Athleticism at the SG position for a long time, and they tried with Kirk Snyder to find it, and it didn’t work. They then tried with Bonzi, and it wasn’t going quite like they expected. So making the move to get a great Athlete in Green was a great move. He isn’t going to be the complete scorer that Bonzi was, but with the secondary unit (Luther Head and Carl Landry) around him, he won’t need to be. He just needs to be another energy guy off the bench that Head has been forced to do alone for some time. Bobby Jackson, also gives them what they desperately needed, a true Point Guard to back up Rafer Alston. I really like the Rockets to finally get out of the first round, if for nothing else, than because their bench is superb this year, so if a starter gets hurt, they actually have guys who can contribute. I would have liked to see the Rockets get another backup at Center, because Mutombo is old, and can’t get up and down the court like the rest of the backups can. That keeps them from creeping up into my A category.

Atlanta Hawks

I would have placed this trade higher but, Bibby’s ankle injury knocks it down a bit. The Hawks pulled the trigger perfectly. They got a point guard they wanted, and didn’t have to trade away a single one of their role players. Acie Law is already playing better, just knowing that he is the sole backup at point. Salim Stoudamire will finally find some time off the bench at SG, Horford will get some breathing room on the inside with two shooters on the perimeter, and all of the high flyers (Williams, and Smith) can now be found in the lane by someone other than Joe Johnson. They made out like bandits, and in the East, I think this really pushes them up the list of strong teams.

Toronto Raptors

There really isn’t much to say about this trade. The Raptors were loaded at the Guard position, and Juan Dixon really didn’t have a place anymore. I give them a B, because picking up some more size for this team is a good thing. If they want to go far in the playoffs, you can’t just been deep at guard, so this gives them a little more balance, which is what they will need, especially at the PF/C position, where they are going to have to deal with Howard, Garnett, and Rasheed.

Memphis Grizzlies

Now I think most people think the fire sale for the Grizzlies is bad, but it was well needed. This team just wasn’t doing it. They had talent, but just weren’t jelling into something that was going to win a championship. After shipping out Gasol, I think its become clear that they have their future in Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, I really like Lowry, bu the Grizzlies seem to dangle him, understandably because I’m sure he wants to be more than a backup. Picking up the rights to Marc Gasol in the Pau trade was huge. I think it softens the blow from aquiring Kwame. This team now has two bigs that are busts (Darkko and Kwame) but I think if the team can bring Marc over next year, they actually look like a god combo. Having a lineup with Conley, Gay, and Gasol sounds good, and role players Navarro and Warrick looks strong. They realized that they still have a quality SG in Mike Miller, but I think they will move him this summer or during the draft, which may help them move up and take a player they truely covet, like a Micheal Beasley or an Eric Gordon. This team made he right moves for the future, but it may all come down to where they fall in the lottery to see if it all works out.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kirk Snyder for Gerald Green? Both have expiring contracts, and Gerald has more to offer than Snyder did. There was no need to make this trade. But you did pick up a 2nd Round pick, so hey why now?

C+

Cleveland Cavaliers

I wanted to like this trade, I really did. And in what had originally been reported as a possibility earlier in the day, would have had me putting this in the B+, A category, but instead its down here in the Cs. Originally Chris Duhon was the guard that was being thrown around instead of Delonte West, and I think that would have been a great choice. Now, that said, I like Delonte West, but, this team needs a real Point guard, who isn’t scoring inept, not a Combo guard. Duhon would have fit the bill perfectly, but I understand that the Cavs may have been worried because he is an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season, and didn’t want to make a trade that left them without a point guard.

Now that said, examining the rest of the trade its not so great. No I will definitely vouch, unlike some, that I would rather have Ben Wallace on the Cavs than Larry Hughes, because you can deal with someone who has a limited role, you can’t work with someone who goes in and out of the lineup with injury and is supposed to be second fiddle to LeBron. I think the key to making the Ben Wallace and Joe smith deal work, is how you are going to do the lineup. The bigs need to work in a Big Z, Big Ben combo, so that you have a defender with a scorer, when you switch to the bench of Varejao and Smith as well.

With Shannon Brown and Ira Newble departing, this team gets a little smaller, but upgrades at Shooting Guard. Daniel Gibson can now start, because the team will actually have someone coming off the bench that can contribute in the scoring category at the two in Wally. Like I said, I like this trade, but the depth chart needs to be handled properly, and the point guard situation doesn’t seem ideal, but it can work. I think this team will miss the defense at guard that they had with Newble and Hughes.

New Jersey Nets

This was a good trade, but not quite as good as the original. They traded and received a great point young point guard in Devin Harris, a dependable center in DeSangana Diop, and Trenton Hassell’s contract, and Keith Van Horn’s expiring contract. I think this is a great collection, close to the original deal. Diop and Van Horn’s contracts expire this season Giving the team a little bit of cap room. But I think the more important thing, is they aquired the assets that will let them be instant contenders and still free themselves of Vince Carter’s contract. Next season this team can package Vince Carter, expiring contracts of Boone, Ager, S. Williams, and Marcus Williams to possibly attract a team in a sign and trade for a big name. Or their new cap freedom can let them trade away some of their assets and rebuild that way as well. I’m a little confused at why the Nets wouldn’t have made a trade with another team because I think Marcus Williams is going to be a great PG too, but I guess they wanted a certainty instead of a possibility.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns deserve a giant C. Not because Shaq isn’t going to be good, quite frankly, I think that he is exactly what this team needed. BUT, I don’t think this team got enough for Shawn Marion. They are extremely thin at Small Forward now, and don’t have anyone who can contribute in every category the way Marion did. I like that they freed themselves from Marcus Banks, who just cannot handle the speed that the Suns play at, but this trade leaves them very thin at all of the positions that Marion could play. The Suns needed to get someone who can play the 2 or 3 out of this trade, but they didn’t. I think the way the team could not find offense in Shaqs first game from the SG position (after Bell took the Elbow from Shaq) showed that they are a very very thin team(I count Barbosa as a 1, because they really don’t have anyone else back there with experience, DJ Strawberry needs another season before he is ready to lead of the bench). One more season and I would have loved this trade, because Alando Tucker would have been ready to contribute to this team. But by not acquiring some wing help, this team is in trouble. I think they should have tried to send a draft pick or Alando Tucker to Chicago for Shannon Brown, who could have quickly contributed in the scoring off the bench that they need at the 3.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons did not need Juan Dixon. This is a team that is already very deep at Guard with backups, Lindsey Hunter, Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Afflalo, and Flip Murray. You’ve just added a player who was a little upset about his lack of play time, to a team that may have even less time for him. Both Brezec and Dixon had expiring contracts so that couldn’t have mattered. I think this team could have used the Size of Brezec more than the warm bench that they are going to make Dixon inhabit.

Sacramento Kings

Hmm, I was really expecting the Kings to trade away Ron Artest, but this team was smart to not make the trade to the Nuggets unless they were going to get Linas Kleiza. This team is rebuilding, but with some new picks, and Shelden Williams on board they have some young talent to develop. They already have proven vets in Brad Miller and Artest, and they have young developing stars in Kevin Martin and John Salmons, and a good point in Beno Udrich. With just a couple of picks, and resigning Udrich, this team can quickly rebuild a good core, and with the expiring contracts they received they will have cap space to improve.

Dallas Mavericks

Bad bad bad. I shake my head at this move, it just doesn’t make sense. You just traded away a rising star at Point guard, that reportedly even portland (who doesn’t want to move anyone) would have been willing to trade for, and your quality backup at center to NJ for a slow Jason Kidd? Mark Cuban has been obsessed with big names for years, first with Shaq, now Kidd, but quite frankly this is a terrible move. From a stat point and leadership standpoint I understand getting Kidd. He gives you a proven leader in the locker room, and he can average almost a triple double every night. BUT, and this is a huge BUT, he cannot play with the west guards. Chris Paul smoked him, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, and Deron Williams are also going to just run right by him. The Mavs mortgaged their future for a guy who can help a team, but not their team.

I would have completely agreed with this trade if the Mavs had been able to swing Marcus Williams their way. Then they could have had their point guard to try and potentially fail with this year, but still had a good point guard to be their future with as well. But without him, now they are limited again, and seem like the 7th best team in the west, at best.

Philadelphia 76ers

You traded Kyle Korver for Gordon Giricek. Well we can only assume you just wanted that future first rounder, but now you just have a roster filled with clones (AI, Rodney Carny, Thaddeus Young) and nothing special, so as it really worth it? Guess we’ll find out with who they draft.

Miami Heat

Ok, this is a fifty fifty. This either will result in an A or an F. It all depends on if Shawn Marion opts out. If Shawn Marion opts out, this trade gets an A, because then there is alot of cap room to go find Dwayne Wade some much needed help this summer, like Antwan Jamison or Elton Brand. If he doesn’t opt out, this team is stuck with no room to maneuver at all. The team is going to be stuck with Marcus Banks at point, especially with Jason Williams most likely leaving as a free agent, and Smush Parker’s permanent benching. Banks at point isn’t a terrible option, especially since this team doesn’t need to really on him to do everything, the offense can flow through Wade still. But this team needs alot of help at PF (haslem is helpless without a big man) and C. They don’t have bigs who can compete with the likes of the easts best or even stop slashing SG/SFs either. Again, if Marion leaves, i give this an A, if he doesn’t I give this trade an F.

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Thanks for reading my Trade Analysis! Now that the trades are through, I’ll start doing my Team by Team breakdown for 2008 in just a couple of days.

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Edit: Cleaned up some names that I never went back to fix, thanks to a reader’s catch. Joe (Josh) Smith and Brad (Mike) Miller.Â Thanks waitingforjune.

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