NBA Studs and Duds: Week One of Free Agency

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It has been a fairly entertaining offseason thus far, with some quality players moving to new locations. The NBA free agent signing period technically didn’t start until Wednesday, July 8, at midnight, but the negotiating period started on July 1, so here is a look at studs and duds as of July 1.

Studs

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have had an excellent offseason thus far. Although they only signed one player during the past week, Antonio McDyess, it was a big key to an already impressive offseason.

Prior to signing McDyess, they were able to trade for Richard Jefferson, who gives them another go-to scorer, and with the injury troubles of Parker and Ginobli, it gives them some security on the offensive end. His defense is alright, but it will improve under Greg Popovich.

The Spurs also had a very successful draft, even without a first-round pick. They drafted DeJuan Blair, Jack McClinton, and Nando De Colo. Blair and McClinton could make an immediate impact with the team next year. With all of these moves, expect the Spurs to be back competing for the top spot in the West and becoming a serious title contender.

Los Angeles Lakers

So far, the Lakers have only made one move during the offseason, but it was a very good one. They were able to sign Ron Artest, who will help make the team better defensively.

Ron Artest also has a solid jumper and attacks the basket well and should be a better option than Trevor Ariza.

Furthermore, Ron Artest stayed out of trouble last year, and he seems committed to winning.

However, I still think the Lakers need to re-sign Lamar Odom to consider this a successful offseason, but I think there is a good chance that he re-signs. So, for now, the Lakers are “studs” this offseason and should be title contenders again.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas is a team that I have on the “stud” list, but it is still not complete. They have re-signed Jason Kidd, which I am not overly thrilled with, but he is a solid point guard and won’t hurt the team.

They then did a sign-and-trade deal with the Raptors for Shawn Marion. I absolutely love this deal. Marion gives them a great defender that they desperately needed. Marion will be able to help them defend the perimeter a little better, plus he can give you a little offense and should be a good running mate with Jason Kidd.

And finally they have a deal on the table for Marcin Gortat. They are waiting for the Magic to match, which seems unlikely. If they bring in Gortat, this would complete a terrific offseason for the Dallas Mavericks.

I thought he played pretty well when given the opportunity in Orlando, and he would fit well alongside Dirk Nowitzki because he is a solid offensive rebounder and post defender. Dallas has a chance to be contenders again with these moves.

Toronto Raptors

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