The three Western Conference elitists in the Texas triangle have the opposite problem. The Spurs, Rockets, and Mavericks need to win now. This Texas trio did not fill any major roster holes on draft night, and these teams' stars' salaries eat up valuable cap space.
The Blazers can afford to think five years down the road, as can the Timberwolves. The Mavs should wonder if 35-year-old Jason Kidd will still play in five years. He won't.
The Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming pairing has produced zero playoff series wins for the Rockets, and nagging injuries suggest an already narrow championship window is now closing at warp speed.
The Spurs, still the best of the trio, managed to win a Game Seven on the road for the first time in franchise history but stumbled badly in the conference finals against the Lakers.
Each of these squads can spend between $5 and $6 million, using their mid level exception, and have few tradable assets not already part of the franchise's immediate plans.
Donnie Nelson, Daryl Morey, and R.C. Buford will swelter this summer. To win a title next season, each general manager will need to turn that sweat into an impactful free agent signing.
Articles in the San Antonio Express-News and on hoopsworld.com, citing unnamed sources and reports, suggest Corey Maggette is giving the South Texas heavy consideration as his new destination. If the Clippers re-sign Brand, the team cannot not afford to also keep Maggette.
This all assumes that Brand nixes the Warriors' generous offer. Who wouldn't start packing a suitcase for $90 million over a few years?
The Orlando Sentinel reported the Magic are pursuing free agent point guard Chris Duhon. If Orlando snatches the unhappy Duhon from Chicago to improve its questionable front court, it would have to exit the Maggette sweepstakes.
That leaves the Boston Celtics and Spurs as the front running suitors. Maggette would fill nearly every hole on a leaking, offensively lacking veteran Spurs roster.
If the 22 points per game scorer can thrust aside his sizeable ego and wants to win a championship now, San Antonio would be a perfect situation.
The other two Texas teams stare at lesser prospects in a dwindling free agent group.
Trouble in Texas? You decide.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
The Rockets missed out on Miller Time.
The player who would have fit so perfectly in the Rockets' system while filling almost every offensive hole, will play in Minnesota next year.
The Rockets will have to settle for the crappy beer.
Maybe Mike Miller was not bleeping on Morey's radar, but he should have been.
The Rockets desperately need reliable perimeter shooting, a third 20 point scorer, and a player other than Yao who can make free throws.
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