Breaking Down The Deals, Edition 2

The days are flying by—as are the NBA trades and free agent wheelings and dealings. Let’s take a look at what the latest address changes represent for player and team.

Eduardo Najera—New Jersey Nets

Constant hustle, belligerent defense, and as evidenced by a new-found proficiency from beyond the arc, the ability to learn new tricks are primary qualities of Najera’s professional attitude. A high character individual on and off the court, Najera’s work ethic will rub off on New Jersey’s young front line and should serve as a beacon as to how to play the game the right way.

Since New Jersey is in the midst of a rebuilding process, the signing of Najera will have more long-term benefits than short-term ones, but his energy alone won games for Denver last season.

Grade: A+

Jarvis Hayes—New Jersey Nets

Hayes is a willing defender and long-range bomber who sometimes becomes too trigger-happy when given a green light. He’s also athletic enough to run in transition, which is probably the style that will serve the Nets best next season. Expect Hayes to be the primary wing backup next season over Bobby Simmons.

Grade: B+

Keyon Dooling—New Jersey Nets

The lithe Dooling’s best qualities are his above average defensive skills at the point-guard position, and his athleticism which allows him to get into the paint more often than not. He doesn’t have great playmaking skills, nor does he have three-point range, but he’s adept at creating chaos and tempo off the bench.

Grade B

New Orleans—James Posey

If Posey is right, he’s exactly the player New Orleans needs—a tough, strong, wing defender who can hit important shots in important games. However, after his first championship with Miami in 2006, he reported to work out of shape, and was a profound disappointment in 2007. Plus, at the ripe age of 31, he isn’t as quick as he once was, and should continue to decline, especially if he doesn’t take care of his body.

Assuming Posey heads to New Orleans in shape and energized for the chance to win a ring with a third team, then he’ll automatically take over as the team’s best wing defender, and with Tyson Chandler, Morris Peterson, and David West, to go along with the quick-fingered Chris Paul, the Hornets should boast an exceptional defensive core. Also, Posey will give the team a three-point outlet in fourth quarters of big games when Peja Stojakovic waves his magic wand and makes himself disappear.

Posey might be an expensive burden at the tail end of his contract, so his final grade will be determined by whether or not he can push the Hornets over the hump the next two seasons.

Grade: B+

Anthony Johnson—Orlando Magic

Strong, unathletic, and possessing more heart than skill or court awareness, Johnson is a veteran duplicate of Jameer Nelson, which may not be a good thing. AJ’s always been more adept at creating for himself than others, and his defensive abilities are eroding with time. He’s certainly capable, but couldn’t the Magic find anyone better suited to leading an up-tempo unit off the bench, or making good decisions in the half court?

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