Random NBA Thoughts: July 6, 2009

This definitely has been an interesting NBA off season. Not just with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the entire league. Very few teams have the cap space to make changes and it seems like even fewer teams are utilizing it.

Here are some random thoughts leading up to the REAL start of free agency.

Hedo Turkoglu proved this weekend that the free agency period is not official until the contracts can be signed. A verbal statement/agreement means NOTHING.

It happened last year when Elton Brand said he opted out to make room for Baron Davis. The Clippers didn’t think he meant room on the roster as well. Speaking of Turk, he and Chris Bosh aren’t going to work out well together which will cause Bosh to leave via free agency next year.

The NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers will be even better among the starting lineup with Ron Artest. If they can retain Lamar Odom, it’s hard not to see them repeating.

Outside of some added highlight reels, Vince Carter is going to make Orlando fans miss Turkoglu, Rafer Alston, and Courtney Lee.

Shaquille O’Neal will not help Lebron James get a ring, but Cleveland will get a ton of cap space after this season when his contract expires.

I have a hard time believing the Detroit Pistons are bringing in Ben Gordon to back up Richard Hamilton, especially with his salary. Even more so with Charlie Villanueva coming in as the main frontcourt threat and Kwame Brown the only option at center.

The team that signs Rasheed Wallace will reach at least the Conference Finals.  The main four teams that want him (Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio) are all missing something in the frontcourt that Sheed possesses. Whether it’s 3 point range, toughness, emotion or playoff experience…Sheed will give them that.

Blake Griffin will probably win Rookie of The Year, but Hasheem Thabeet will have a bigger impact on his team in 2-to-3 years. 2009’s NBA draft class will probably go down as one of the weakest in recent memory.  Ricky Rubio will be the biggest bust.