NBA Analysis: Old Faces, New Places

This offseason has been a whirlwind of signings, trades—and quite frankly, theft.

With all the veterans changing scenery, who is going to thrive the most in their new location?

Will it be the "traitor" Elton Brand? The misguided Baron Davis? Or perhaps the recently-stolen Marcus Camby?

Let's take a look at the big-name guys who changed teams this offseason, and break them down one by one. Here's a hint, they all have to do with Los Angeles:

Elton Brand, F/C, 76ers (formerly of the L.A. Clippers)

Elton Brand just contributed to global warming, as all his former fans have burned his Clipper jersey.

The man had a $90 million deal on the table from Golden State, so he didn't do it for the money. He had a $70 million deal on the table from a loyal team who recently went out and aggressively fought to get a stud point guard in Baron Davis.

So why Philadelphia? The 76ers may compete in the East, but will it be for a title?

No. So why not go with the money? It all doesn't make sense to me.

Of course Brand was recently assured that the 76ers would re-sign Andre Iguodala. Really, Elton? The same way you promised the Clippers you would re-sign with them? Brand will thrive in Philadelphia stat-wise, but will he get his ring there? Nope.

Baron Davis, G, L.A. Clippers (formerly of the Golden State Warriors)

You really have to feel bad for Baron Davis. The Pistons were reportedly pursuing him hard, but Golden State wanted too much in return (this was before the opt-out deadline). So he opts out and bolts to L.A., where he gets the chance to play with a stud post player in Elton Brand.

What he got instead was Marcus Camby. Oh well.

You have to give credit to the Clippers for sticking by Davis, and getting him the post player he was expecting. They seem committed to winning now, and with Davis on board, it's not out of the question to see them playing in the post-season in 2008-09.

Davis will be the stud leader they're looking for, and should average close to a double-double once again.

Marcus Camby, F/C, L.A. Clippers (formerly of the Denver Nuggets)

Marcus Camby finds himself in a strange situation. He was traded away from Denver for the option to swap second round picks in 2009.

Really?

One year removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, Camby didn't even bring back a ham sandwich in exchange for his services. He should be furious with Denver for giving him away like that.

Obviously he didn't fit in with the Mile High city, since he actually plays defense, but still he is worth more than a second round pick-swap. That's just plain insulting.

Camby will show the Nuggets just how wrong they were to trade him away at that price. Look for him to average a double-double and team up with Chris Kaman to form a nice tandem down low.

So, of these three, who is going to benefit the most? I think it has to be Baron Davis. He didn't get to play with Elton Brand, but Marcus Camby is no small consolation prize. Los Angeles is looking very serious in the strong West, and could make a playoff push this upcoming season.

Tomorrow, I'll look at the guys who haven't been traded yet—but would be well suited if their GMs pulled the trigger.