Phoenix Suns

Big Trades, Big Duds

Remember all of those big trades just before the trade deadline that were supposed to shake up the playoff picture.  The big bomb dropped on the NBA standings hasn’t gone off.  Dallas and Phoenix were supposed to rise to the top after landing their big name guys.  Boston was supposed to distance themselves from Detroit with the addition of a good veteran point guard. The Lakers were going to hand over to Phil Jackson another championship ring, and the Spurs picked up just the right guy to make it that much tougher for them to lose in the playoffs. 

That was only a small part of the action.  None of that seems to have taken place.  What has taken place is that Phoenix has stayed about the same, the Lakers are dealing with injuries to their recently acquired star, the Mavericks were playing bad and now Nowitzki is out indefinitely, Cassell is not getting it done in Boston, and San Antonio is 4-6 in their last 10. 

The teams that are impressive right now are teams that have either gotten a player back from injury (Washington, New Orleans), or are just getting hot at the right time (Philadelphia, Utah).  It also looks like Dallas may miss the playoffs.  If Dirk can’t make it back and Kidd can’t mesh with the rest of the team, Denver is going to take their place.  As it stands right now, Dallas is only 1 ½ games from sitting out the post season. 

These big trades could end up having a huge effect on the playoffs.  If Gasol gets back, the Lakers will be tough.  If Cassell can fit in, the Celtics could be the team from the East.  If Dirk makes it back and Kidd finds his grove, Dallas will be tough to beat…and on and on and on. 

My opinion of this whole mess is that Dallas doesn’t make it to the playoffs, and the Lakers get to the finals against the Pistons.  It will be interesting to watch though.

Best of the Week (Mar. 17-23)

5.)  Al Horford: 70.4% FG, 100.0% FT, 14.3 PPG, 13.3 Reb, 5.0 Ast, 1.3 Blk 

It has been an up and down season for the rookie big man, but he has helped Atlanta win 4 of their last 5. As it stands now, Atlanta is now in the last playoff spot in the East.  Watch out for this guy next year; notice the assists. 

4.)  Chris Paul: 68.2% FG, 25.7 PPG, 3.7 Reb, 10.0 Ast, 3.0 Stl, 1.0 Blk 

Paul is making a late push for the MVP, and if the Hornets finish with the best record in the West he may just get it. His stats for this past week are nothing new for him except that he scored a few more points. If you are thinking New Orleans is still not for real, you need to push that crack pipe out of arms reach. 

3.)  Mo Williams: 65.4%FG, 80.0% FT, 27.5 PPG, 12.0 Ast, 5.0 Reb 

Williams is one of those under-the-radar kind of guys, because he plays in Milwaukee. He came off an injury with a bang and continued with his best season to date.  He is a small guard that rebounds well and when he is hot; he can score with anyone in the league.  

2.)  Vince Carter: 52.2% FG, 91.7% FT, 30.0 PPG, 7.0 Reb, 5.8 Ast, 1.5 Stl 

Carter has caught fire for the playoff push, but the Nets are losing anyway.  He seems to be playing better without Kidd, but the team is not. They are still only a game behind the Hawks for the last playoff spot, so Carter will probably continue his hot streak. 

1.)  Lamar Odom: 46.3% FG, 86.4% FT, 17.5 PPG, 15.8 Reb, 4.0 Ast, 1.3 Stl, 1.3 Blk 

Odom has been a monster in the wake of the injuries to Bynum and Gasol.  He hasn’t been scoring 30 a night, but he is doing everything on the court.  Since the Gasol injury, he has been more valuable to the team than Kobe.  In Sunday’s lost to Golden State, Odom’s line was 19 points, 22 rebounds (9 offensive), 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. He has always had this talent; he just only gives it to us in little bursts. 

Honorable Mention: Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, David West, Mike Dunleavy, Dirk Nowitzki, Danny Granger, Antawn Jamison

Best of the Week (Mar. 10-16)

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

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. 

4.)  Joe Johnson: 50.0% FG, 87.5% FT, 27.8 PPG, 4.8 Reb, 7.3 Ast, 4.3 3PT’s 

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

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

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

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

I’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!  He is 30-10 every night from here on out. 

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

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

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

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

5.)  Mike Dunleavy: 52.2% FG, 79.5% FT, 28.5 PPG, 3.0 Ast, 3.3 3PT’s

Dunleavy is one of many having a break-out season this year, but he really stepped it up over the past week.  His stroke from all over the court was dead on, and he hit for over 30 twice in the week.  He has gotten much more aggressive, as he attempted 39 free throws in only 3 games.

4.)  Amare Stoudemire: 62.3% FG, 88.9% FT, 27.7 PPG, 10.7 Reb, 1.7 Blk

I said last week that Stoudemire may average 30 per game for the rest of the season, and it looks like it may happen.  With Marion gone and Shaq only getting about 10 PPG, Amare has to score more and he is doing it.  Look at that FT%–maybe he can teach Shaq how to shoot those.

3.)  Monta Ellis: 57.1% FG, 9/9 FT, 24.3 PPG, 6.7 Reb, 5.3 Ast, 1.3 Stl

Ellis had a big week, but he is having a big year also.  He is shooting 53.2 percent from the floor for the year.  That is amazing for a perimeter player.  He is a more athletic version of Rip Hamilton.

2.)  Dirk Nowitzki: 46.5% FG, 86.5% FT, 30.3 PPG, 9.8 Reb, 3.5 Ast, 1.8 Stl

He lost the battle Sunday with Kobe, but not for lack of trying.  Dirk’s slow start to the season is ancient history now.  Dirk has put himself onto the short list of MVP candidates.  The playoffs in the West are going to be interesting and star studded.

1.)  Kobe Bryant: 50.0% FG, 82.0% FT, 34.0 PPG, 7.0 Reb, 6.0 Ast, 2.0 Stl, 1.0 Blk

He has some help this year, and he still managed to go for over 50 in a big game.  As a pure scorer, Kobe has no match in the league and he proves it week in and week out.  This season Kobe may be looking at an MVP trophy and a trip to the finals.

Honorable Mention: Lebron James, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Beno Udrih, Hedo Turkoglu, and Allen Iverson

Yao Out, Will Rockets Fizzle?

 Once again, Yao is hurt and the Rockets are without one of their star players, and arguably one of the best centers in the conference.  With the west being so tight this year, no team can afford to go on a losing streak.  Ming was averaging 22 points and almost 11 rebounds per game before the injury which couldn’t have come at a worse time.  The Rockets have won 13 straight games, including their thrashing of Washington last night without Yao.   Read more

Worst of the Week (Feb.18-24)

5.)  Sean Williams: 25.0% FG, 2.3 PPG, 3.3 Reb, 0.7 Ast, 0.3 Stl, no blocks 

Not a good week for the New Jersey rookie who has shown some promise this season.  His playing time has been cut since the Kidd trade, and Nenad Krstic knocked him out of the starting lineup.  Williams has been a big shot blocker all season, but didn’t block a single shot over the past week. 

4.)  Darko Milicic: 22.7% FG, 50.0% FT, 3.0 PPG, 5.3 Reb, 0.5 Blk 

I know he is still only 22, but I am having a hard time not throwing in the towel on Darko and calling him a bust.  He has actually regressed this year.  He had a good stretch of games a few weeks ago, but his season has not been impressive.  He was pulled from the starting lineup for the last game of the week. 

3.)  John Salmons: 25.0% FG, 50.0% FT, 2.3 PPG, 1.8 Reb, 1.8 Ast, 0.3 Stl 

Salmons was having a career year up until the middle of January.  With both Artest and Kevin Martin healthy, Salmons has been pushed to the side.  However, even when he plays (about 20 min/gm) he isn’t contributing very much.  He is playing like his feelings have been hurt.

2.)  Jason Kapono: 28.6% FG, 1.3 PPG, 0.7 Reb, 1.0 Ast, no three’s 

Is this the curse of the 3pt shooting champ?  In three games over the week, he only attempted one three and missed it.  His playing time was cut considerably, and I don’t know why.  He doesn’t normally do much on the court other than spot up, and when he is not even doing that he is virtually useless. 

1.)  Morris Peterson: 31.3% FG, 4.3 PPG, 2.0 Reb, no assists, no steals, no blocks, no free throw attempts

Talk about an empty stat line.  That just goes to show how inactive Mo Pete is when he gets out on the floor.  How is he still getting minutes?  He actually started all three games last week.  He has been on this s**t list several times this year already. I don’t understand how someone who is supposed to be a scorer lacks the aggressiveness to not have a free-throw attempt for the entire week. 

Un-Honorable Mention: Jason Williams (Miami), Tony Parker, Raja Bell, Chris Wilcox, Nenad Krstic, Bruce Bowen 

Best of the Week (Feb. 18-24)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the best young freaks in the league, Amare had another big week.  One thing I love about this guy is how he has improved his free-throw shooting.  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. 

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

I may as well start calling this the LeBron list.  He seems to make it every week and for good reason.  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.  Everyone enjoy while he is playing. 

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

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.

A

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.

B

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.

C

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.

D

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.

F

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.  Thanks waitingforjune.

The West is Gearing Up

The West has been the best conference in the NBA for several years now and this season is no different.  This year may be the most competitive season of them all.  With 9 teams having a winning percentage over .610 (and this doesn’t include a good young Portland squad) there is going to be one excellent team crying in their Cristal. 

There has been a flurry of trade activity on the trade front in the past few weeks as the western teams are trying to gain the smallest edge.  The East, other than Atlanta, is doing nothing.  At least the West will be interesting to watch during the second half.   

So, the Lakers added Gasol, the Suns added Shaq, the Mavericks added Kidd, and San Antonio just added Kurt Thomas.  The recent Thomas trade is not on the same level as the other three, but it could turn out to be just as important. San Antonio didn’t have to give up much to get him, and he still has a lot of gas in the tank.  Thomas is one of the better rebounders in the league, he is good interior defender, and he is a smart experienced player (as if San Antonio didn’t have enough of those guys). 

I think the Lakers and the Mavericks will benefit the most from these trades.  I think San Antonio has cemented themselves as the team that can be the most intimidating in the playoffs.  I think Phoenix may have traded themselves out of the playoffs.  As of right now, I am too much of a wimp to make a pick in the West.

Time will tell, but it looks like, even if the East wins the title, the West will be were the action is.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

The season starts up again today, so I thought it a good time to reflect on the first half of the season and also look ahead to the second half and the playoffs.  There have been a few blockbuster trades that have happened and at least one more that looks like it will happen and this has changed the outlook for the second half. 

First let’s look back on the first half with some mid-year awards. 

EAST MVP: LeBron James 

Could it be anyone else?  He has Cleveland back over .500 and has done it all by his lonesome.  He leads the league in scoring (30.3 PPG), grabs 7.8 rebounds, and dishes out 7.3 assists per game.  He may one day average a triple-double for the year. 

WEST MVP: Chris Paul 

With Paul as their leader, New Orleans has the best record in the competitive West.  He is averaging 20.5 PPG, is second in the league in assists (10.9), and is the league leader in steals.  He may have passed Nash as the best point guard in the league. 

EAST ROY:  Al Horford 

This guy is turning into a beast on the boards.  In the last month he is averaging a double-double and should continue to improve.  He is one of the young guys pulling Atlanta out of the cellar of the NBA.

WEST ROY:  Kevin Durant 

Averaging almost 20 PPG, Durant is already a legitimate scoring threat in the league.  I see him in a couple of years getting 30 PPG.  Right now he is basically just a scorer, though he is averaging a block per game.   

2^nd Half Predictions 

Eastern Conference 

Teams to Beat: Boston and Detroit 

I really don’t see any other team in the East seriously challenging these two teams.  I don’t think Orlando as enough and LeBron would have to get on a roll of epic proportions to get past either of these guys. 

Team to Cause Some Trouble:  Atlanta 

You may be laughing now, but I think Atlanta is going to make the playoffs.  I don’t see them going very far, but they could knock someone off that’s not ready for them.  They have a ton of young talent, and now with Bibby they will be tough to beat night in and night out. 

Miscellaneous Prediction: 

New Jersey misses the playoffs by a lot, and Miami doesn’t finish with the worst record. 

Western Conference 

Teams to Beat:  Dallas, New Orleans, Lakers, San Antonio 

Dallas, if they get Kidd, will be my favorite to win the West and the whole damn thing. New Orleans will finish with a great record, but I don’t think they can hang with some of the more experienced teams in the playoffs.  If Kobe is not bothered by his finger and Bynum can come back, the Lakers are right behind the Mavericks.  I can’t leave out
San Antonio.  When the playoffs come around they can, and usually do, beat anyone and everyone.   

Team to Cause Some Trouble:  Golden State

I think they can pull off a playoff upset just like they did last year.  They have recently added Webber, who is not what he used to be but is still pretty good, and if they can get on a roll offensively, they can blow you away with points. 

Miscellaneous Prediction: 

This one may blow many of you away, but I think it is very possible that Phoenix does not even make the playoffs.  They are only 4 ½ games from the 9^th spot right now, and I think the Shaq trade has made them worse.  The West is so competitive it will not take much of a slip-up for them to be sitting at home come playoff time.  

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