Bleacher Report - Articles by Derek

Starting to Get Odom: L.A. and Star Forward End Talks, More Teams Come Into Fray

Derek — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:24:51 -0400

In the latest development of what is shaping up to be a saga, the LA Times reported that the Lakers had withdrawn their offer of $9 million per season for three years to Lamar Odom. Reportedly, Lakers owner Jerry Buss is unhappy at Lamar, and Odom's agent is reportedly in talks with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat—but not with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Possibly, Odom is seeing that no team is likely to offer him the payday he wants, so he is choosing to go where there is no state tax to achieve his desired net income.

This no doubt comes as a blow to Lakers fans, especially in light of the offseason improvements other contenders have made. Unlike the Trevor Ariza stand-off, there is no immediate replacement for Lamar Odom that would effectively replicate the full spectrum of talent that the 10 year veteran brings to the table—albeit not on a nightly basis.

Lamar Odom, as I wrote in an earlier column, has the talent and potential to be right up there with the best (why he is not, is a topic for another day). Last season, Odom provided the rebounding and match-up nightmares that were instrumental in the Lakers' 15th banner.

It would be disastrous for the Lakers to lose one of the best rebounding non-centers in the league, especially one as unselfish and versatile as Odom.

If the inevitable occurs and the Lakers lose Odom, what would the contingency plan be?

First of, if Lamar leaves, it would probably be for more money than the $ 9 million offered, unless it's a silly case of spite, but considering his agent is not David Lee, I do not see that being the case. Let us look at the remaining teams who have the cap space to offer that:

1) Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies already traded for Zach Randolph and his toxic contract. Highly improbable.

2) Detroit Pistons

The Motor City just inked Charlie Villanueva, so the PF position is already spoken for. Besides, Detroit has more pressing needs.

3) Atlanta Hawks

Not unless they trade Josh Smith, which is difficult because of his trade kicker. Moreover, Smith is athletic and a more consistent scorer than Odom.

4) Oklahoma City Thunder

This could be interesting, but the Thunder seems content to start Jeff Green at the 4. Moreover, at 29, Odom would not gel with the youth movement at OKC.

5) Portland Trailblazers

If Portland fail to land Paul Milsap, they could well turn to Lamar Odom. Odom would be great in Portland, where he can either play the 3 or the 4 when Aldridge rests. Perhaps the fear of having their 3rd or 4th best player landing in one of their rivals will sway the Lakers management.

Failing which, Odom might have to do a sign and trade with the Lakers.

Dallas is reportedly an eager suitor, especially since the Magic matched Marcin Gortat's offer and signed Brandon Bass. However, the Mavericks don't have many trading chips left beyond the Erick Dampier contract, which I doubt interests the Lakers since they would have to take on additional $20 million (including luxury tax) this year.

Dirk, Kidd, Jet, and Marion are obviously not going to be traded, unless it's for Kobe. So that leaves Josh Howard. Josh Howard alongside Ron Artest will keep the Lakers' psychiatric team working around the clock. Unless Cuban gets creative and spends another day looking at spreadsheets and the cap rules, it is hard to see what comes up.

Still, never count the man out.

Miami, the other team in the mix, has been largely silent this offseason. It would be difficult for Miami to engineer a trade without giving away too much and risking losing Dwyane Wade altogether. Unless they package Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers (in which case Riles must really be enamored with Odom), there is not much for them to work with.

Another potential sign and trade partner is Chicago. The Bulls have been rumored to be going after Carlos Boozer, but with Portland refusing to give up Jerryd Bayless in this three-way trade, rumors have stilled somewhat.

Lamar Odom will give the Bulls the PF they have long coveted. In return, they could send Kirk Hinrich to give the Lakers a starting PG in Fisher's twilight years. Kirk is a good defender, and his shooting and high basketball IQ would be a great fit in the triangle offense.

It does not address the PF hole, but the Lakers can shop Jordan Farmar or Adam Morrision for that. The problem is, whoever they get back at that price is likely to be a significant drop-off from Lamar Odom. Hopefully, the upgrade at the point will compensate for that.

Nevertheless, it is hard to envision anyone compensating for the loss of Lamar Odom. Odom coming off the bench gives the Lakers the best 4-5 trio in the league, and continual nightmares for their opponents. When Andrew Bynum went down to injury last season, Odom's 'promotion' to the starting lineup resulted in a significant drop off in the bench's production.

Hopefully, the Lakers and Odom can come to an agreement, as the rest of the contenders have gotten tougher. The Lakers need to keep this edge.

Marcin Gortat Signing Falls Through: What Next for the Mavericks?

Derek — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:38:21 -0400

With the news that the Orlando Magic have elected to match Marcin Gortat's five-year, $34 million contract offer from Dallas, the Mavericks are back where they started, with Erick Dampier as their starting center.

The lumbering Dampier is a poor fit for the transition game of the Dallas Mavericks, though. Despite being all of 6'11", he averages a paltry 7.9 rebounds per game for his career.

Given that the Mavs have made inroads into being a genuine Western Conference contender, it would seem unlikely for them to stand pat with Dampier holding them back.

Enter Tyson Chandler, a 7'0" defensive center who has regressed from averaging a double-double in 2007-2008. Hampered by injuries, the 2008-2009 season was largely disappointing for Chandler. If not for his toe, he would be suiting up for Oklahoma City by now.

This trade scenario would work financially: Dampier and Greg Buckner plus cash to the New Orleans Hornets for Chandler and Morris Peterson.

For the Hornets, Buckner's contract is only guaranteed for $1 million as opposed to the $12 million left on Peterson's. With Dallas' cash, they buy out Buckner and save themselves $10 million, including luxury taxes this year.

Since Dampier's contract is guaranteed on the condition that he averages 28 minutes a game, something he has not done since the 2003-2004 season, effectively, he becomes an expiring contract for the Hornets, who shed $18 million off their payroll next season.

Although this does not aid the Hornets from a basketball standpoint, it will help the franchise stem the bleeding and avoid overpaying for a team that is not likely to contend anyway.

For the Mavericks, they get Chandler, a young athletic big who can continue his one-dimensional alley-oop offense with Jason Kidd replacing Chris Paul as the server.

Chandler will give the Mavs more rebounding and better mobility in the post. Chandler will also ensure the Mavs do not lose a step defensively.

Peterson gives the Mavs a true backup shooting guard who, at 6'7", gives Rick Carlisle another option to guard the Kobes and Manus of the league.

Also, Kidd could find Peterson for more than a couple of open treys each night.

This trade should help elevate the Mavs into elite strata while the Hornets shed payroll.

What do you think?

*Update* Chris has informed me that Buckner can't be traded in a multi-player trade since he was just trade. Probably have to amend it to Erick for Chandler straight up plus a draft pick. My apologies

Could We See Five Sixty-Win Teams Next Season?

Derek — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:13:09 -0400

The general consensus about the player movements around the league since the offseason begun is simply this: the rich get richer, the poor get poorer.

The state of the economy has much to do with it. Everyone and their mother knows some teams are just waiting on the offseason of 2010 to resurrect their franchise. The disparity between the "haves" and the "have-nots" has expanded from "significant" to "massive."

When the Bucks and the Nets trade their second best player for a total of six players out of whom the only likely starter is Courtney Lee, unequal talent is an understatement of epic proportions.

With the top four teams last season, the Lakers, Magic, Cavs and Celts as well as the eternally contending Spurs upgrading their rosters, the firepower at their disposal is scary, to say the least. Not to mention the fact that Denver has yet to retaliate and the Mavericks are bound to have something simmering.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have teams that have gotten worse. Besides the aforementioned Bucks and Nets, the Rockets are another team that have gone on a sharp descent. The Suns also seem intent in self-destruction.

Then, teams like the Knicks, Grizzlies, Timberwolves and of course the Sacramento Kings do not look anywhere near scraping themselves off from the bottom of the barrel.

The mid-tier group of teams making the playoffs but never looking like serious contenders have not done much to help their cause.

Utah, New Orleans, Philly and Atlanta are pretty much tied financially. In fact, if anything New Orleans will probably dump Tyson Chandler to save money. Ditto for Utah and Boozer or Milsap. Atlanta looks unlikely to resign Mike Bibby and the same can be said with Andre Miller for Philly.

A small select group of teams not in the top echelon of the league actually got better but their strides may either be minute compared to their rivals' leaps or they are simply too far off. Portland, Washington, Toronto, Oklahoma and the Los Angeles Clippers come to mind.

All said, could we possibly see at least five 60-win teams and a corresponding number of sub 22-win teams? Afterall, last year we had three and a half (half for Orlando's 59 wins) 60-win teams with a somewhat more equal distribution of wealth.

First candidate, the Los Angeles Lakers. With virtually the entire team (assuming Odom re-signs) returning and the solitary non-returnee Trevor Ariza being upgraded to a Ron Artest, the Lakers have gotten stronger.

The confidence and swagger that comes with a ring, together with the continual development of Andrew Bynum and Shannon Brown should offset the decline of Derek Fisher. Having Ron Artest on-board gives the Lakers another veteran other than Kobe who brings his focus every game, a constant criticism of the Lakers.

Bottom line: repeating or even surpassing last year's 65-win total is likely.

Next, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost Sasha Pavlovic and officially Ben Wallace (although unofficially they lost him since the playoffs started), added the massive Big Cactus/Diesel/Shaqalier. Shaq may be past his prime but with Yao Ming possibly out for the season, there is not another center other than Dwight Howard who is better than him.

Let us not forget that before the ECF, the Cavs swept through the playoffs and finished with the best regular season record. From the rumblings around the league, the Cavs are by no means done with their roster. If Danny Ferry does not pull all the stops, this could well be the last season they are mentioned as a contender.

Bottom line: Against weakened competition, blowing past the 60 mark is very likely.

The Boston Celtics were unlucky with injuries. Any team whose PF tandem is Glen Davis and Brian Scalabrine should not sniff the second round of the playoffs. But that the Celtics did it anyway testifies of their greatness. With KG back and adding 'Sheed, the Celtics have probably the best 4-5 trio outside of LA.

The Celtics are acutely aware that their window is closing but if they can stay healthy, another title run is not out of the question. The caveat is with Rondo and Perkins, the only key rotation players, being under 30, Doc Rivers has to manage their minutes carefully, even if it means forgoing some regular season games.

Bottom line: The Celtics are more dangerous in the playoffs than the regular season but they should have enough talent to inch over the 60-games mark.

Last year's losing Finalist the Orlando Magic added Vinsanity to their group of All Stars. VC being buried in the swamps of New Jersey was overlooked for the past two seasons even though he continues to turn out stellar performances.

Dwight Howard is not done growing his game (*cough* post moves *cough* free throws) and Jameer Nelson will have the entire offseason to recuperate from his injury.

Losing Hedo Turkgulo is a huge blow but VC will help them forget the Turkish delight. The bigger question, though, is who backs up Dwight? Gortat is most likely joining Dirk. Battie is gone. Adonal Foyle? I don't think so. Otis Smith has alluded to budget flexibility so we should see another signing or two.

Bottom line: Beating up on the likes of Milwaukee and New Jersey should help pad the total to 60 or 61.

The San Antonio Spurs have finally ventured from their Big Three and scrubs mantra with the RJ acquisition. Adding Jefferson gives the Spurs a much-needed fourth scorer, finally, and stealing DaJuan Blair in the second round gives them offensive rebounding and someone to do the dirty work.

If the Spurs can sign Antonio McDyess, the Lakers would be wise not to look at the East so soon. The most consistent team of the decade is not about go out with a whimper.

Bottom line: Pops has made no secret about his disdain for regular season games, even though they have the talent for it, unlikely the Spurs will pad their wins total at the expense of exhausting the Big Four. 55 wins seems more likely.

Although the Denver Nuggets have not added any players so far, if they can re-sign Birdman and Dahntay Jones, they still have a pretty good team. They finished with 54 wins last season but it was only towards the last two months that they really started clicking.

With the core back and the benefit of a training camp with Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets could well be a sleeper for the 60-win club, especially when they get to beat up on Minny, Sacramento and Memphis at least three times a year.

Portland is another sleeper pick depending on how they do on the trade front.

With the disparity widening, it is not far fetched to see five or six 60-win teams next season.

Have the Memphis Grizzlies Surpassed the LA Clippers As the Worst NBA Franchise?

Derek — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:31:20 -0400

For the longest time, the Los Angeles Clippers have been labeled the worst NBA franchise. The butt of jokes for everyone from Bill Simmons to Jay Leno, the Clippers became synonymous with losers in the NBA unofficial dictionary. Now it looks like the Memphis Grizzlies have supplanted them.

It is ironic that the Clippers and Grizzlies got the first and second place respectively in a draft loaded with one solitary NBA ready franchise superstar. From that point onwards, it looks like the Clippers might finally turn their fortunes, if not at least not the epitome of hilarity.

The trade that precipitated this is undoubtedly the Zach Randolph trade. When the Clippers won the lottery, the consensus is that either Z-Bo or Griffin might have to play out of position on occasion since Randolph is considered unmovable due to his $33 million contract.

Enter your Memphis Grizzlies. When news first came out that Donald Sterling nixed the Darko for Z-Bo deal because he felt they were not getting the best end of the deal, I nearly fell off my chair. WTF? Darko has an expiring contract!

And it's Zach bleedin' Randolph, the man whom you traded Tim Thomas and the heart condition of Cuttino Mobley for! The fact that the Knicks took a look at Mobley's medical report and decided "Eff it, let's do anyway!" should have spoke volumes about their regard for him. Sterling vetoed it anyway.

Who would have imagined that Memphis had upped the ante by trading Darko for Quentin Richardson then trading Richardson for Zach Randolph again? That in itself is astounding. Thankfully (for Clippers fans at least) this deal reportedly will go through.

This deal is incredibly asinine for Memphis on more than one count:

1) The last two GMs to acquire Z-Bo were Isiah and Mike Dunleavy, is that not a red flag if I ever saw one?

2) The last two GMs to trade Z-Bo away were delighted just to get back expiring contracts. If that is not a massive red banner, what is?

3) They gifted their franchise power forward Pau Gasol to the Lakers for expiring contracts because they wanted to rebuild, then they acquire someone whose contract runs into 2011 like Gasol and costs less than $2m over two years less than Gasol's. Statistically, Z-Bo might look marginally better but Gasol is an All-NBA third team player while Z-Bo would struggle to make the All NBA 13th team.

4) They took on additional salary.

5) On a young team lacking veteran leadership, they acquired a renown locker room cancer.

Just 3) & 4) alone shows you how lacking in direction the Grizzlies are. In an earlier article, I wrote about the divergence between the Grizzlies and Thunder, in spite of their young talent and cap space. Well, the gulf just widened thanks to the Z-Bo trade.

To accentuate their woes, they drafted Hasheem Thabeet with their No. 2 pick. I think Thabeet can be a useful role player in the NBA but useful role players do not get drafted in the top 10, let alone the second pick.

In contrast, by dumping Z-Bo, the Clippers got an amazing boost in their arm. Now they can concentrate on developing Griffin without him having to compete for playing time with a petulant Z-Bo while positioning themselves as legit players in the 2010 free agent pool.

Honestly, if it weren't the Clippers, do you not think a core of Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman would prove rather attractive for LeBron or Dwyane? In a big market no less.

Without getting carried away, an objective observer would have to believe the Clippers are in a better position compared to the Grizzlies. Even if no first tier free agent joins them, this core might be playoff bound, especially with the unfortunate demise of the Rockets and Suns.

As for the Grizzlies, I imagine most GMs would have Chris Wallace's number on speed dial.

Mitch Kupchak: Hey Chris, how's the going? Listen, you know I owe you one for Pau, in fact two for taking on Chris Mihm. I got something for you. Your team lacks three-point shooters.

Because I owe you, I can offer you a backup shooting guard who is known as the Machine because he loves to shoot the 3. Don't worry, I won't ask for anyone, just take him for the right to swap second round picks in 2012 or something. I owe you that much.

Donnie Walsh: Hey Chris, congrats on getting a 20-10 monster. I wonder if you finished rebuilding your front court cos I got a young athletic center for you. In fact, he used to play with Z-Bo, no chemistry issues there. How about it? Nah, not David Lee, Eddie Curry.

It may seem far fetched, but then again it is the Memphis Grizzlies. I never thought the day would come when Mike Dunleavy fleeces anyone but in Chris Wallace, he met his match.

Why Ron Artest to the Lakers Makes Sense

Derek — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:58:41 -0400

It has been a busy off-season so far for the NBA, to put it mildly.

With All-Stars like Shaq, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter changing addresses before the draft, you knew the dominoes were going to fall.

For the champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, their biggest challenge was bringing back their team with key contributors Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom hitting free agency.

Even Shannon Brown, who was previously considered to be no more than salary filler, has done enough to earn himself an offer.

Yesterday, the Internet was rife with rumblings that Trevor Ariza and his agent David Lee (yes, the same one who fleeced Kupchak for the Bynum deal) was reportedly headed in different directions from the Lakers on contract negotiations and it was likely Ariza would leave.

At that juncture, two names came to my mind: Shane Battier (Morrison's expiring plus Jordan Farmar to help the Rockets rebuild) and Ron Artest.

The latest reports that have mushroomed has Ron Artest going to the Lakers for the full Mid-Level Exception, effectively killing the likelihood of Ariza returning.

I love Trevor Ariza, and he is one of the major reasons why the Lakers hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy. No doubt about it. Having said that, I actually like this deal immensely.

Essentially, this has become an Ariza vs. Artest debate.

Here is why you would argue for Ariza over Artest:

1) Ariza is younger

Five years younger, Artest is pretty much who he is going to be, while Ariza can still improve, no argument there.

However, considering the core of the Lakers, Kobe, Gasol and Odom (assuming he returns) are already at their peak and they probably have a three- to five-year window left, depending on how long Kobe has maintain his peak performance.

Even if Ariza is still onboard after Kobe and Odom retires, do you see a core of Ariza and Bynum being the future? You might, but you probably wouldn't put your money on it.

2) Ariza is already familiar with the Lakers system

No argument here. Although it must be said it was not until the playoffs that Ariza really found his groove, making the most of the open looks defenders were giving him to knock down the open three or drive to the hoop.

3) Artest is an, um,...headcase

Ron Artest may have a colorful history with well documented mental lapses (to put it mildly), but his one-year stint with the Rockets has shown that on a contender and playing for a coach he respects, Ron can actually stay out of trouble.

In Kobe and Fish, he would have veteran leaders to keep him in check. In LO, he has a buddy to keep him grounded.

In PJ (assuming he returns), he has the one coach who actually contained the one player 'crazier' than Artest in the immortal Dennis Rodman.

Not to mention the fact that Artest has a definite shot at getting a ring. Put it this way, if his stint with the Lakers bombs, Artest would probably run out of teams that would take him.

Here is why I love this move:

1) Artest is an upgrade over Ariza

The flurry of trades means while the list of contenders dwindled, those remaining got stronger. From having a Big Three, the Spurs have now gotten a Fantastic Four. LeBron got Shaq while Dwight got Vinsanity.

If the Lakers bring back both Ariza and Odom, their hands are tied, standing pat while the rest got better.

Unless Bynum FINALLY has his breakout season, the Lakers have to rely on their Big 3 (Kobe, Gasol, Odom) while the Spurs, Magic and Celtics (assuming Danny Ainge doesn't screw up) can throw four potent offensive options at them.

In Artest, the Lakers get a legitimate third or fourth scoring option, albeit one with questionable shot selection but when he does not need to carry the offensive load, he will benefit from the lack of attention on defense.

With Artest, at any time (other than garbage time), the Lakers can field any combination of Kobe, Gasol, Odom, and Artest to keep the offensive pressure on their opponents.

This will help their second unit, who really struggled once Bynum went down and Odom started.

Defensively, Artest currently has the edge with his experience and strength. His size will enable him to guard LeBron and Carmelo and allow Kobe to channel his energy on offense.

Although he loses a bit of speed compared to Ariza, his experience helps close the gap.

2) Signing Artest instead of Ariza opens the door for Lamar Odom to return

Much has been made about Ariza versus Odom on the net, but the stark reality is that Ariza is more easily replaceable compared to Odom.

As already mentioned, Artest, Battier, and even Bowen comes to mind, before less-heralded options like Dahntay Jones, Mikael Pietrus, and Ronnie Brewer.

As for LO, he is a unique talent and a match-up nightmare. He handles like a guard in a quick 6-10 body with amazing wingspan.

As Orlando proved against Cleveland in the Conference Finals, matchups are paramount in the playoffs.

Simply put, when he is on his game, Lamar Odom is the guy that coaches don't know what to do with. He can post up, clean the glass, run the break and shoot the three.

With more than $75 million committed to 11 players, the Lakers cannot afford to pay both Ariza and Odom more than the MLE. Of the two, Odom might be the more instrumental to their continued title runs with his skillset, especially if Artest is available.

Further, LO has proved he is a team player, coming off the bench in a contract year. Surely he deserves to be rewarded for that.

There is also the fact that Artest and LO are old Queens buddies. The chance of contending for a ring together may swing LO to take a bigger pay-cut.

3) The Lakers avoid overpaying another role player

It is not Ariza's fault that Sasha and Walton got inked to their overvalued deals. In all fairness, no one anticipated the state of the economy.

Unfortunately, current financial conditions do not allow the Lakers to pay $7 million to another rotation player, especially when Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum combine for nearly $52 million.

With the Artest signing and hopefully the re-signing of Odom, the Lakers took a step closer to retaining their trophy.

10 Random Thoughts Going Into The Draft

Derek — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:31:15 -0400

The NBA draft is finally here. Note the lack of an exclamation mark here; certainly the level of enthusiasm is considerably muted.

However, the trades transpired in the past two days are quickly altering the landscape of the NBA and creating quite a buzz prior to the draft.

1.) R.J. to the Spurs

It's official. The Spurs have cancelled their reservation in the retirement home.

By trading three players who will combine to start zero games in the 2009-10 season, the San Antonio Spurs get Richard Jefferson, a much-needed fourth scorer to complement the Big Three and an infusion of youth.

Well, at 29, youth is relative. Guess "Pops" won't be asking the league to review lopsided trades any more.

On a side note, I am just dying to see how Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson respond to to the Spurs move. Trading draft picks doesn't count.

2.) Shaq to Cleveland

The worst kept secret finally elevated from "rumor" to "breaking news". The former "Big Cactus" has been traded for the corpse of Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

Three things:

a) Will Shaq stop pretending that he is pally with Kobe and Phil now?

b) Please tell me Pavlovic will not be the only Sasha to be traded this season.

c) The center tandem in Cleveland is 70 years old and makes more than $30 million a season. Let me chew on this.

At least we will see more hilarious Dwight and SVG tweets next season.

3.) What on Earth are Minnesota going to do with all those draft picks?

As per subject heading.

4.) Blake Griffin to the Clippers is a given

When I watched "Drag Me to Hell", I couldn't help but see Christine Brown as Blake Griffin and Mike Dunleavy as the Lamia. The clock ticks. Blake has to give his button away.

5.) Everyone else is a crap shoot

Hasheem Thabeet, Ricky Rubio, James Harden and Tyreke Evans have great potential, but there aren't top-five locks.

Thabeet has size and upside. So did Kwame, at least Thabeet guaranteed nothing.

Rubio can either be a franchise-changing point guard or the biggest Euro-bust since Darko.

As a side note, Darko is actually a trade asset now—he and his $7.5 million expiring contract. The NBA; where amazing happens.

I gave up reading mock drafts, everyone is just shooting in the dark now.

6.) Who do the Grizzlies draft?

More importantly, do they get snubbed? Everyone is refusing to play there. Will we see another Danny Ferry? Man, it sucks to be the Grizzlies.

7.) Is Danny Ainge really trading Rajon Rondo?

I can see why he would want to trade Ray Allen but Rondo? The new "Triple Double Machine"? Boston's only young two-way player?

If it's true, it means he must really be a jerk to play for. Or Ainge is the new Elgin Baylor.

8.) What is going through Steve Kerr's mind now?

"I know I am going to be sacked. Everyone thinks I am a moron. Might as well ruin this franchise so no one can replace me and show instant results. Ten cents on a dollar for Shaq. Now it's time to donate Amar'e for scrap. That way, Nash will leave by himself and no one can blame me. Muahahahaha."

9.) Who will make the biggest draft day gaffe this year?

Baylor is not here. Kevin McHale is gone. Paxson actually drafted the best player last year. Jordan will probably let Larry Brown decide. Dunleavy is definitely picking Griffin, how can he screw that up? Okay, this is the Clippers we are talking about, let's not imagine the possibilities.

The quick pick would be Kerr. But at No. 14, he probably won't be the biggest.

10.) Who will resurrect the career of Allen Iverson?

Okay, this is not really related to the draft but my heart goes out to AI. Say what you will about AI, but the man is a fighter all the way and deserving of legendary status. It's a real shame for his career to end this way. I would hate for our last memories of the best pound-for-pound player ever to be that of a petulant, chemistry killer who plays with as much heart as Tracy McGrady.

Let's welcome the draft!

A Tale Of Two Cities: Oklahoma City and Memphis

Derek — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:36:41 -0400

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Going into the 2009 NBA draft, the teams drafting second and third have much in common, yet expectations for their teams could not be more diverse. On paper, they both have talented young players and cap flexibility, putting them in a position to be the next Portland Trailblazers. Yet, Oklahoma City is the fashionable pick for future greatness while Memphis might not have an NBA team a few seasons from now.

Frankly, it sucks to be the Memphis Grizzlies.

They finished fifth in the only division with four playoff teams. They won second place in a draft widely considered to have only one sure pick. Both of the other projected Top three picks reportedly refused to workout for them. They are one of the few teams with cap space but none of the marquee free agents will likely end up there.

Yes, it sure sucks to be the Memphis Grizzlies.

In theory, this season had plenty of positives for them.

First and foremost, O.J. Mayo has established himself as a dynamic scorer and possible franchise cornerstone. He finished second in the ROY race in a very impressive debut season with 18.5 ppg and 3.2 apg while playing in all 82 games with a team high 38.0 mpg. Together with team top scorer Rudy Gay, they form probably one of the best young wing duos in the league.

The prize of the Pau Gasol trade was the rights to Marc Gasol who had a solid 11.9 ppg while averaging a team high 7.4 rpg and 1.10 bpg. Stepping in as a rookie, he proved immediately he was NBA-ready and despite being less skilled and refined than his elder brother, his rugged 7'1" physique and toughness was an ideal foil to Mayo and Gay.

After Kyle Lowry was traded away, Mike Conley finally paid some dividends as the No. 4 draft pick in 2007 averaging 14.6 ppg and 5.7 apg for 3 months. In Mike Conley, the Grizzlies appear to have their point guard of the future.

This season, Darko Milicic and his expiring $ 7.5 m contract will finally be a trade asset. As already mentioned, the Grizzlies are approximately $20 million under the cap, joining the Thunder and the Pistons as the only teams in this enviable position.

These positives foretell the Grizzlies becoming major players in the 2010 free agent bonanza.

Now, for the bad news.

The Grizzlies have reportedly been up for sale for some time. Players and commentators alike question the Grizzlies' commitment to winning, and rightfully so. Despite trading away former franchise player Pau Gasol last season to acquire cap space, the best they did with it was to offer a contract to Josh Smith which the Hawks were able to match.

Given the front office's reputation, small wonder the Grizzlies are not in the conversation for landing Lebron or Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade come 2010 no matter how much cap space they have.

On other end of the spectrum lies the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The season started in horrendous fashion for the newly christened Thunder. With a 1-12 start, many were already forecasting a historic worst record for the Thunder. Since then, they fired P.J. Carlesimo and finished 23-59, not exactly a sterling record but at least maintaining some semblance of dignity.

Despite a finishing with a 28.0 winning percentage, there is much to like about the Thunder's first season.

For starters, Kevin Durant is the real deal, a bona-fide franchise player finishing his second season with averages of 25.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg. There is little doubt Durant is on his way to becoming a future All-Star (maybe as soon as next season) and the go-to player for this young team.

The next bright spot is Russell Westbrook. Selected with the fourth pick, many gasped at how high this combo guard went. Well, averaging 15.3 ppg and 5.3 apg has a way of shutting the naysayers up. Westbrook may not have much range with 27.1% from downtown but he is only 20 and can still grow his game.

The final member of OKC's Big Three—Jeff Green—had a solid year as well with averages of 16.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg while spending time at both forward spots. Together with Durant and Westbrook, Green's best years are still in front of him.

In addition, GM Sam Presti had added some useful pieces to the roster with Nenad Kristic, providing some of the rebounding and interior presence they sorely needed while Thabo Shefolosha is a nice pickup with his defensive qualities. Shaun Livingston could prove to be an astute signing as well.

There are very few negatives for the Thunder. Especially when last season's lousy contract is this year's trade asset like Earl Watson, Chucky Atkins, and Damien Wilkins, who combine to provide $ 13.4 million in expiring contracts. Coupled with Malik Rose and Robert Swift coming of the books, the Thunder are in an enviable position.

Still, they have two glaring needs to be filled. First is the hole at shooting guard. Thabo is a good one-on-one defender but he does not provide the range shooting to space the floor. Playing him with Westbrook for significant minutes will clog up the interior.

Second, the Kristic-Collison tandem may be serviceable but it is not exactly playoff-caliber in the hotly-contested Western Conference.

What the Memphis Grizzlies do with the second pick will ultimately affect the entire landscape of the draft.

Do they draft Ricky Rubio and hope he does not stay in Spain? The most likely scenario is that they will draft Hasheem Thabeet and hope he really proves to be Mutombo Jr., giving them rebounding and a shot blocker.

A starting five of Conley-Mayo-Gay-Gasol-Thabeet in theory should be challenging for the playoffs, at least a wee bit beyond the All-Star break.

As for free agency, apart from re-signing Hakim Warrick, it's anybody's guess. The Grizzlies could use a veteran presence to lead the team, someone like Carlos Boozer who will also give them scoring in the low post and rebounding.

Unfortunately, as already mentioned, they are the Memphis Grizzlies, who would want to play there?

If the Grizzlies pick Thabeet, the most likely scenario is the Thunder selecting James Harden who will provide decent size in the backcourt as well as much needed three-point shooting. Harden still needs to work on his perimeter shooting but playing alongside Durant might earn him some easy looks as he grows his game.

There has been talk that Oklahoma City might sign Ben Gordon, if Thabeet falls to the Thunder, they might go that route. However, I would have my reservations about Gordon playing along Durant.

Alternatively, the Thunder could sign Marcin Gortat for the interior presence they covet, although I do not see him as an upgrade over Kristic. Sam Presti might also pull another Tyson Chandler, offering the expiring contracts for someone like Bierdins or Dalembert.

All in all, the future for the Oklahoma City Thunder looks very bright indeed, especially with Presti at the helm.

They could make the playoffs, if not this season, then next. Which is more than what I can say for Memphis.

Examining the Enigma That Is Lamar Odom

Derek — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:27:39 -0400

Throw Lamar Odom into the conversation and the following adjectives are likely to come up: versatile, multi-faceted, inconsistent, enigmatic ,and various other synonyms.

Throughout his nine-year career in the NBA, Lamar Odom has delighted and frustrated coaches, teammates, and fans with equal frequency.

At his best, Lamar Odom is a matchup nightmare, a player who can contribute in so many ways.

At his worst, well, he is an afterthought.

He is one of the few players who can play any position, one through five, and at 6'10", he has the speed and ball-handling of a point guard. His skill set encompasses the entire spectrum, prompting early comparisons to Magic Johnson.

When he was traded to the Lakers, there were fleeting visions of Odom playing the point-forward, or the scottie Pippen role, to Kobe Bryant's Michael Jordan. Those hopes have long faded and Odom continues to defy conventions before him/

Whether on the offensive or defensive end, there is no denying what Odom can do.

Yet each game, the question remains: Which Lamar Odom will show up?

Let us see how Odom's career-highs stack up against the best forwards in the league:

Player Lamar Odom LeBron James Paul Pierce Tim Duncan Kevin Garnett

Points 34 56 50 53 47

FGM/FGA 15/31 19/36 17/36 19/34 19/33

3pts made 4 8 8 1 3

FTM 14 24 20 17 15

Off Rebounds 13 6 9 12 18

Def Rebounds 16 17 18 23 11

Tot Rebounds 22 19 19 25 23

Assists 12 15 13 11 12

Steals 5 7 9 8 7

Blocks 9 5 5 9 8

Mins 53 55 54 52 52

Apart from points scored, LO's career-high figures actually compare rather favorably with the other four guys. The difference is the others are perennial All-Stars, All-NBA selections and barring a spectacular collapse or early retirement from LeBron, future Hall of Famers.

Odom, sadly has no All-Star or All-NBA selections, and frankly I do not see him making the HOF.

If he does not shoot as well from long range as Lebron and Pierce, he can rebound and block better than them. If he does not rebound as well as Duncan and Garnett, he shoots the three better.

Simply put, comparing their career-highs, LO is not put to shame in the company of these luminaries.

Problem is, when career averages are presented, there is a much steeper dropoff for Odom.

His inconsistency has been well-documented, so much so that one is inclined to call it a streak.

You just kind of anticipate it from him.

Two solid nights and a disappointing night. That is pretty much the case for LO.

If you are his coach, you would not build your plan around LO in spite of his obvious talent unless you want to enrich your cardiologist.

He is just too wildly inconsistent, bi-polar, enigmatic.

During the initial post-Shaq years, LO was the number two option behind Bryant, which inadvertently resulted in Kobe setting new scoring records.

To be fair with LO, Smush Parker and Kwame Brown had something to do with it as well.

It was not until Mitch Kupchak stole (insert your favorite description) Pau Gasol from Memphis that Bryant got his reliable big man.

Surprisingly, the trade led to a resurgence of sorts for Lamar Odom.

Unshackled from the burden of being Robin to Bryant's Batman, Odom was free to play. Though his minutes dwindled, his field goal percentage and rebounds reached career-highs in the 2007-08 season, as he became the top rebounding power forward.

Since the start of the 2008-09 season, LO was asked to take on a new role, that of a Sixth Man.

Initially, he bristled. But eventually he accepted it, to the chagrin of his agent no doubt.
His numbers may have dropped but there was no denying his impact on the Lakers' game has arguably increased.

As a scorer and facilitator on the second unit, the Lakers looked like an unstoppable juggernaut.

When Andrew Bynum went down to a knee injury (again), LO more than filled the gap, although the Bench Mob started going to pieces during that time.

Love him or loath him, when Odom gets his game going, the Lakers offense is a work of art.

Odom can post up or blow by the defender using either his size or speed. He is also more than a competent defender utilizing his long arms to block or alter shots while having the speed to stay with his man.

He can grab a rebound and ignite the fast break, invoking memories of the Showtime Lakers. Together with Gasol and Andrew Bynum, he forms perhaps the best 4-5 three-man rotation in the league.

With three games gone in the Finals, LO has been a big part of the Lakers. Despite starting off the bench, he averaged 32.1 minutes and is the Lakers' X-Factor for the series.

When he has a huge night, the Lakers roll. When he disappears, the Lakers struggle. No player epitomizes the Lakers' bi-polar nature better than Odom.

With at most four more games remaining, Lamar Odom's impending free agency looms large over the Lakers. While he is so immensely talented, his inconsistency and the Lakers' huge payroll will restrict what they are able to offer him.

Notwithstanding the fact that Trevor Ariza will be a free agent and No. 24 can opt out of his contract, it will be a busy offseason for the Lakers with tough choices being made.

LO has stated that he would like to remain a Laker unless he is made an offer he can't refuse. On paper, it is possible. After all, OKC, Memphis, and Detroit who have cap space could use a rebounding big man with his skill set.

On the other hand, he has not dispelled the perception of his inconsistency, just when he had four big games for the Lakers in a row, he has an off-night in Game Three.

With re-signing Ariza a priority, besides the obvious top, top, top priority of retaining Bryant, Kupchak might need to source for a long-term replacement for Derek Fisher.

The extension of Bynum's contract shrinks the budget further and there is not much available for Odom (curse you, Sasha!).

This could point to a rather worrying offseason for the Lakers.

For now though, let's focus on Game Four (and Five or Six or Seven).

Making Sense of the Obsession with Statistics in the NBA

Derek — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:00:58 -0400

The age of ubiquitous internet connectivity means that any pimply teenager can access a wealth of statistics and records from the comfort of his computer.

Suddenly, internet forumers or bleachers who obviously could not have been born during that era can engage in a intelligent debate over Chamberlain versus Russell or Magic versus Bird, tossing around stats like Wilt's monstrous scoring or Magic's assist.

Thanks to the formidable archives of nba.com and espn.com (especially John Hollinger), literally anyone with internet access can appear more knowledgeable than Charles Barkley. Ok, this is not really that difficult.

There is no denying the allure of statistics, especially on a site like this where impassioned fans do battle to defend the honor of their favorite team or player while attempting to maintain the facade of objective journalism. Here are some of the reasons why statistics are so seductive.

Stats present objective facts

What do you do when you are entering into a polarizing (a word that was the hippest adjective a couple of weeks ago) debate, especially on the superiority of one player over another. In some cases, you really have to be on drugs to take one side over another, like for example Erick Dampier being a top three center in the league.

Some other cases, it is rather hairy, you can make a good case either way and you would probably be right.

For example Tim Duncan vs Shaquile O'Neal

Duncan Shaq

PPG 21.4 24.7

RPG 11.7 11.2

FG% 50.7 58.2

FT% 68.5 52.8

BPG 2.36 2.35

APG 3.2 2.6

In any case, bringing up those figures makes you look objective, intelligent instead of being a homer, a fan boy or a hater.

See, Duncan is a better free throw shooter is significantly more credible than saying "Duncan will own Shaq, period. And its not even close, if you disagree you need to check your medication." even though in the larger context, this statistic is largely insignificant.

Stats allow you to keep track of players on teams you did not or would not watch

I have a confession to make, I didn't watch every game in the regular season. In fact I didn't watch a single Sacramento Kings game last season, not even when they played the Lakers since I thought it would be a blow out (so I was wrong, on 9 December 2008).

That doesn't mean I don't know Kevin Martin is a scoring machine (24.6 ppg last season) or Spencer Hawes (11.4 ppg 7.1 rpg 1.2 bpg) is an upcoming big with immense potential.

*As a side-note, my apologies to the Kings fans for singling your team out but judging from your arena attendance, many of you concur with my views.

Stats allow you to pick up references made by those darn elitist "old" fans

Everyone has a starting point and very few of us have been watching the game since the era of George Mikan or even Bill Russell. This is especially relevant in those GOAT debates where the young gunslinger will make a case for Kobe or Lebron being the GOAT.

All of a sudden, some wise guy throws in a Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain and you freeze. Man, my parents have not even met during their era. How can I not appear stupid?

Google to the rescue.

Yes, Wilt may have had his 30.1 ppg and 22.9 rpg but Lebron had 28.4 ppg on 37.7 mpg this season compared with Wilt's 45.8 mpg... instead of, Lebron will run rings around Chamberlain if they went one on one in the same era! Even Big Z will own Chamberlain!

In spite of all that, statistics like all numbers have their limitations. Anyone who has done any financial projections can tell you that. Here are just some of them:

Three points here is not the same as three points there

This sub-section should really be renamed "The Legend of Big Shot Rob". Three points in garbage time shows up the same in the stats sheet as three points ala the legendary buzzer beater in Game Four against the Kings in 2002.

The end result has a world of difference. This is why Robert Horry, a career 7.0 ppg and .341 3 pt shooter will have his place in NBA folk lore together with Steve Kerr. He may not be the ring magnet that his seven alludes to but he has certainly made a greater impact than mere numbers will display.

Statistics don't tell the story on defense

Look at player A:

6.1 ppg

27.6 mpg

2.8 rpg

0.8 spg

0.3 bpg

Making $4 million per year? Who is he sleeping with? Zeke must have signed him or Baylor. Must be a glorified role player on a crap team.

Nope, he is Bruce Bowen. He may have lost a step this season but who can deny his value to the championship runs of the Spurs?

On the flip side, obsession with stats on defense probably explains why Marcus Camby, he of career 9.8 rpg and 2.63 bpg and little else was a former defensive player of the year while Shane Battier and Bruce Bowen got no love.

Individual statistics are affected by the team

Whether your teammates or the system, it affects your stats. In certain cases, drastically.

Is Daniel Gibson (career .412 percent three point shooting) a better marksman than Kevin Durant (career .359 percent)? Not by a long shot. Quite ostensibly, for Durant he is the number one option on his team, in fact for much of his rookie season, he was the only option. Defenders gravitate towards him naturally.

Daniel Gibson? When he is playing he is probably the joint 2nd option (its Lebron and everybody else) so he is the beneficiary of many an open shot.

The pace of the team can also affect the numbers of the players, for evidence, look at the D'Antoni teams. Amar'e Stoudamire's 25.2 ppg last season plunged by nearly four points to 21.4 ppg this season thanks to 41 games under Terry Plodder excuse me, Porter.

Statistics cannot compare across different eras

How can you compare between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant? Magic Johnson and Chris Paul? Hakeem Olajuwon and Dwight Howard? Lebron against the world before him?

You can throw out all the stats you want but until they played each other over a seven games series, its meaningless. With all due respect to Superman, facing Big Z and Kendrick Perkins is different from battling Patrick Ewing (the young one not the coach), David Robinson and then a young Shaq.

Would MJ had gotten his points if Bruce Bowen was there to irritate him in a playoff series? Would Kobe had gotten those points if McHale clotheslined him in the game?

How the hell should I know? It will never happen? Anyone who studied economics at the most rudimentary level will tell you every prediction, projection is made with the assumption of ceteris paribus all else being equal. In comparing across eras, nothing is equal.

So by all means crunch the numbers and make up your own version of PER or whatever measurement of greatness you can conjure up. Just don't get over the top with it.

The 2008-09 NBA Playoffs' Redeem Team

Derek — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:22:35 -0400

The 2008-2009 playoffs are coming to an end in 6 games or less. Plenty of drama and intrigue has emerged in this exciting journey with some players cementing their reputations and others not living up to it. In this article, we will look at the players who redemned their reputations in the playoffs. Debunked long standing myths regarding their abilities or mental strength.

Begin Slideshow

Tribute to the Enemy: A Lakers Fan Laments the Celtics' NBA Finals Absence

Derek — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:04:28 -0400

Let's get this out of the way right of the bat: I am a Lakers fan. Have been one since I started watching basketball as a kid. That means I hate the Celtics with a passion.

When Kevin McHale clotheslined Kurt Rambis, the only reason I did not unleash any swear words was because there were none in my vocabulary. During the lean post-Bird era, I kept a watchful eye on the Celtics, believing they might rise from the grave like Stephen King's Carrie.

Last season, my fears finally materialized, when McHale of all people gifted the Celtics with Kevin Garnett, one of the players I wanted most on the Lakers roster. Preceding that blockbuster trade, of course, was the acquisition of probably the best pure shooter in the game, Ray Allen.

Juxtaposed against the rebirth of the Celtics was the emergence of the post-Shaq Lakers, who, for the first time since Shaq Diesel left town, looked like legitimate contenders. Andrew (Who?) Bynum (the guy who was the obstacle in the Jason Kidd trade) was starting to come into his own, ending the torturous Chris Mihm-Kwame Brown era.

The old rivalries were coming back again; the old hatred was rekindled. KG was no longer "intense" and "driven" but "arrogant" and "classless." Allen was no longer a great shooter but expiring goods. Paul Pierce remained, as always, a perennial loser with a perpetual shell-shocked look.

The way the Finals panned out was my worst nightmare; the Celtics decimated the Lakers. Absolutely decimated the Lakers. Kendrick Perkins (you have no idea how much I hated him) may be a brute, but he is an effective one. Rajon Rondo, whom I laughed at for being skinnier than a FEMALE gymnast, made Derek Fisher contemplate early retirement.

KG and Allen...well, they lost nothing going to the Celtics; they were the same players I admired since before they changed addresses. Pierce was superb even though, in conversation with my buddies, I emphasized on the fake wheelchair, but privately, yes, I have to give him his props.

The Finals left a bitter taste in my mouth that I refuse to wipe out with Gatorade.

Yet, in spite of all that, I respect the 2007-08 Celtics, albeit grudgingly. Heck, as heretical as this sounds, I wished the Lakers were more like them. The toughness. The ferocity. The competitiveness. The lack of—dare I say the four-letter word?—soft-ness.

I wished we had shooters like Allen, Eddie House, and James Posey instead of Vladimir "hot-or-cold" Radmanovic, the spluttering Machine, and Luke "I am shooting because I've got no one to pass to" Walton.

I wished our interior defense were more Garnett-Perkins-Leon Powe like rather than, yes, soft. I wished we had a hard-as-nails perimeter defender. I wished we had a speed demon like Rajon Rondo. The 2007-08 Celtics are the prototypical title contender. When healthy, I still believe they have the most complete starting five.

In a perverse way, the brutal manhandling from the Celtics helped the Lakers and indeed the rest of the league. Defense is no longer an afterthought. "Defense wins championships" is no longer a mantra for clubs that play "ugly" basketball.

Bynum learned that his role would be more Bill Russell than Wilt Chamberlain. Trevor Ariza was molding into a Bruce Bowen type of player. Even Pau Gasol started spending time in the weight room to toughen up. "Don't call us soft" might as well be the Lakers' rallying cry. Credit that to the Boston Celtics.

This year, fresh from watching the Lakers' Game One victory over Orlando in the NBA Finals, I can't help but miss those darned Green Goblins. Now I am not slighting the Magic since they are the worthy winners of the Eastern Conference, but facing them just does not evoke the same spectrum of emotions as facing the Celtics.

The new stories revolve around Kobe and Phil Jackson's redemption, Superman's maturity, the shadow of Shaq, and so on. It is just that not much is spoken of their rivalry, unlike facing the Celtics.

As much as I hate to admit it, Celtic pride is well and alive. Even when injuries forced Doc Rivers to give significant minutes Brian Scalabrine and make a star out of Glen Davis, the Celtics never gave up.

The Chicago Bulls, with their athleticism and Ben Gordon shooting for a pay raise, almost upset the hobbled Celtics, but Celtic pride and the somewhat questionable heroics of Rondo brought them through. Perkins tugged on to the cape of Superman and prevented easy looks for the lurking Magic shooters.

In the end, without the Garnett and Powe, the Magic proved too much for the Celtics to handle, but no one can fault them for giving up.

As long as there is no truth to the rumor that Allen and Rondo will be traded for Amar'e Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa, the Celtics will be back next season. You can count on it.

As long as they have their core intact, they will be contenders. Like Freddy Krueger, they will return. After the air guitar antics, the Cavaliers better watch out. Celtic pride will come back to haunt you. This is no chump team.

As a Lakers fan, I look forward to the return of the Boston Celtics next season, so, if nothing else, we can beat you guys down and return the favor of last season.

The Most Underrated Star in the NBA Finals

Derek — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:56:06 -0400

At first glance, it seems ludicrous to call an All-Star and reigning All-NBA Third Team player underrated but when you read the avalanche of NBA Finals analysis and previews, most analyst do not predict that Pau Gasol will dominate this matchup.

Most analysts straddle the middle or worst give the edge to Rashard Lewis which is flat out ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, Rashard is an outstanding player who caused match-up nightmares particularly for the Cavs. More than any other Magic player except perhaps Dwight, he is the reason why the Magic closed out the streaking Cavaliers in six.

Yet Rashard winning the four matchup is a laughable notion. No doubt he is far and away the better three point shooter. Heck even Marcin Gotat is the better three point shooter, with his one three pointer made on one attempt this season compared to Pau's one made on two attempts this season.

Rashard Lewis is also the better ball handler, even though Pau had his amazing "show time" moments while running the fast break. Rashard is also the quicker player.

That is it. In every other aspect, Pau is the superior player. He is a 7 footer who is near ambidextrous who can has a wide offensive repertoire. He has also pulled down 11.3 rebounds this post season including 3.2 offensive boards compared to Rashard Lewis' 6.1 rpg in the post season.

Yes it is true that Rashard will give Pau a hard time with his perimeter shooting while Pau loves the low post. On the other side of the court, Pau will make Rashard work hard defensively.

After a postseason of matching up against Ben Wallace, Andrew Varejao, Glen Davis, and Thaddeus Young, Rashard will finally meet a power forward who is a legitimate offensive threat and has more size than Rashard.

Pau Gasol has truly become the perfect Robin to Kobe's Batman this post-season with his combination of size, finesse and intelligence. He is equally likely to hurt you with a baby hook as he is with a sublime pass to an open teammate on the double team.

If Big Baby can explode for 21 and 22 points against Rashard, imagine how much damage Pau can do with his more complete offensive repertoire. The focus on Pau's inability to track Rashard on the perimeter is not matched by the fact that Rashard can't handle Pau's post game.

The All Star game where Shaq had a field day against Rashard should be indicative of Rashard's defensive limitations, even though admittedly the All Star game is never a channel to showcase defensive prowess.

The assumption that Dwight Howard will provide the backup to Rashard's defense is also flawed. Even though Bynum has not played up to those tantalizingly brilliant standards he did before going down with a knee injury, Bynum can muscle Dwight. If Dwight leaves Bynum to guard Gasol, Gasol will find Bynum for the easy lay-up.

When Gasol slides over to play centre, he matches up with Dwight. Physically, Superman will punish Gasol. But Pau "Don't call me soft" Gasol has really stepped up his aggression ever since Perkins cowered him into submission during the last finals.

After Game Four against the Nuggets, he actually asked for more touches. Given his demeanour and the fact that he plays with Kobe, this is indeed surprising but a welcome development. With a FG percentage of 63.3 percent against the Nuggets, he certainly earns it.

Even though Superman is more of a match than K-Mart, Birdman, and Nene, Superman usually flies alone.

What Gasol fails physically, mentally he uses to his advantage against Superman. By drawing the quick fouls, Pau can punish the Polish Hammer instead. Even though Gortat is a pleasant revelation, he is not Superman.

Not forgetting, Pau shares the front court either with Bynum or Odom and he will find them if they are open. That is a luxury Superman does not enjoy. By making Howard work on the defensive end, he limits Dwight's offensive energy as well as playing time if D-12 continues averaging 5.3 fouls a game.

Another forgotten statistic is that Pau has doubled his regular season blocked shots from 1.0 to 2.0 in the playoffs. He may not be in Superman's league but he is no D'Antoni defender either.

Exploiting the Gasol advantage is one of the keys to the Lakers victory. Bryant may still be the Lakers' biggest star but Gasol will be the difference maker.

If you limit his touches and keep Howard free to roam the paint, it means the Lakers will have to depend on their jumper. Force feed Gasol and he will punish the Magic either with a field goal, a pass or a valuable Dwight foul drawn.

Make no mistake, Rashard is a difficult defensive cover for Pau Gasol but the reverse is also true. Perhaps even more so.

Breaking Down the 2008-2009 NBA Finals

Derek — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:55:03 -0400

Finally, the 2008-2009 NBA Finals are upon us and what a ride it has been so far. From the West, you have the Los Angeles Lakers, almost everyone's favorite to come out of the west, the regular season western conference top seed finishing with an impressive 65-17 record.

On the other side, you have the Orlando Magic, a team twice written off by the vast majority of analysts in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and Finals, earning their berth with victories over the defending champions and the best regular season team, thereby debunking the conspiracy theories that LeBron versus Kobe was premeditated.

While the answer to the LeBron or Kobe debate that launched a thousand columns will not be effectively answered this finals, drama and intrigue is no less lacking.

Both teams had looked sluggish at times, especially in their respective conference semi-finals but in the conference finals, both teams really turned it on, earning their stripes. Now, with the two best teams left standing, who will prevail?

If the regular season records are any indication, the Magic have the clear edge, sweeping the Lakers 2-0. Then again, the same could be said about the Charlotte Bobcats and no one would put serious money on the Bobcats beating the Lakers in a seven game series.

Without further ado, here are the advantages each team has:

Orlando Magic

1) They have the better center and it's not even close

This is not close. Andrew Bynum was supposed to be the heir of the Mikan-Chamberlain-Kareem-O'Neal lineage. He may well be but he has yet to assert his claim.

Since the playoffs started, his most prominent statistic is personal foul(s). Playing minutes closer to Luke Walton's rather than Pau Gasol's you have to squint to examine his impact on the box score.

Dwight Howard on the other hand has been for lack of a better description—super. A consistent 20-10 threat every night, he proves why he is the Defensive Player of the Year and punishes the Varejao-Wallace-Illglauskaus triumvirate, capping a stellar series with a 40 points performance in Game Six.

With his rare combination of athleticism and size, he is fast becoming the best two way big in the league.

2) The Magic's three point shooting against the Lakers' three point defense

The Magic are the best three point shooting team during the regular season, dropping 10.0 treys a game on 38 percent shooting from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Lakers are among the worst team in defending the long range bomb, ranking 24th with 7.1 3 pointers allowed per game at 34 percent accuracy.

This on paper plays into the Magic hands with Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkgulo, Courtney Lee, Mickael Pietrus and even Rafer Alston, all willing and able shooters. Their simple strategy, go inside with Dwight and bombs away with everyone else.

This strategy in particular exposed the Cavs who gave up a whooping 10.3 3 pts per game on 40.8 percent shooting.

3) Derek Fisher is on his last basketball legs

Make no mistake, Fish is loved in and out of the Lakers locker room and probably everywhere other than Utah but it is painful to watch speedy point guards blow by him.

With his three point shooting percentage plunging from a stellar 39.7 percent in the regular season to an abysmal 23.5 percent in the postseason, he is becoming a huge liability for the Lakers.

In the series against Houston, he compounded his complete inability to guard Aaron Brooks who averaged 18.0 ppg against him by averaging 5.3 ppg and a disastrous 1-15 from beyond the arc.

In contrast, Rafer Alston has a mini-rejuvenation of sorts, averaging 12.7 ppg and 4.4 apg on 35.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc. If Jameer Nelson comes back as rumored and plays like he did before his injury, the Lakers will have their hands full.

4) Rashard Lewis a matchup nightmare for almost every team

Probably none more so than the Cavaliers. It is hard to flop when the player you are guarding is shooting rather than driving to the rim (yes I am looking you, Varejao).

A 6-10 power forward who is a career 39.1 percent three point shooter and can drive and handle the ball is never an easy matchup for most fours not named Kevin Garnett who lack the lateral quickness to stay with him.

Against Big Ben and Varejao, Rashard had a field day shooting a unbelievable 48.4 percent from beyond the arc and making 2.5 three pointers per game. More so than any other position, Rashard Lewis is the key to the Magic's championship aspirations.

5) The Magic have proven the doubters wrong, twice

Regardless of how the Finals pan out, the Magic have reason to feel proud of themselves, dethroning the champs and the King in one post-season. Even when they held the best overall record in the league, they were widely considered to be the fourth ranked team.

Now that they have beaten two of the trio, it is time to stop underestimating the Magic. If you were to add an asterisk beside their series victory over the Celtics for Garnett's injury, Nelson's injury should largely equalize that.

If they can keep the core of this team together (*wink Turkgulo) they will be even better next season will Jameer Nelson back from injury.

The Lakers' advantage

1) They don't need Bynum to be Dwight Howard

Just Kendrick Perkins will do, the same goon who gave Gasol fits in last year's finals. Perkins may not be a lot of things, but he is the only center to effectively guard Howard one on one this postseason. That Bynum can do, provided he stays on court long enough.

In Game Six against the Nuggets, he may have been yanked to the bench but while he was on court, he gave Nene, Anthony and Martin motivation to work on their jumper.

With his size and strength, all Bynum needs to do is keep Howard busy. He does not need to score much, just muscle Howard away from helping Lewis defensively and make him work for his points. If he can draw a couple of fouls from Superman, all the better but the Lakers do not need Bynum to have a 20-10 game to win.

2) The Lakers are a matchup nightmare for Rashard Lewis as well

If advantage 1) is established, then this is a breeze. Rashard Lewis was so effective against the Cavs because he only needed to give Varejao and Big Ben minimal attention on defensive end. Not so with Gasol and Odom.

When Gasol plays at the four, his intelligence and versatile skills will exploit Lewis' limitations. If Howard comes over to help, Gasol can utilize his sublime passing skills to perfection.

The other four, Lamar Odom is one of the hardest matchups in the league with his combination of speed, size and ball-handling skills. And LO has the speed and size to stay with Lewis defensively. If Odom has a big series like he did against Utah, this series is over.

3) Kobe Bryant

Pietrus did a commendable job covering LeBron in the series, even though Lebron got his 38.5 ppg but, he is LeBron after all.

More importantly, by staying with him one on one most of the time, the Magic avoided giving easy looks to the rest of the Cavs. Conventional wisdom would say if you can guard the King, you can guard Mamba, right?

Unfortunately, Kobe is the more complete offensive player. Yes, Lebron is the physically superior athlete but he has more limitations. Force him to drive with his left hand and his percentage drops drastically. Make him a jump shooter and you would have half the battle won.

With Kobe, he is as likely to go left as he is to go right. He can punish you inside the paint, from the perimeter or from beyond the arc, all with a hand in his face. As Denver discovered in Game Five and Game Six, Kobe can kill you with the pass as well.

Sure, his court vision may not be on the King's level, but he has honed his skills and reading of the game to a new level.

4) The man the Magic gave away

Trevor Ariza has been quietly becoming another Mitch Kupchak steal, gradually cementing his spot in the starting five. In the playoffs, he has frequently been the 3rd or fourth scorer while usually drawing the toughest defensive assignments. Ariza has given the Lakers a premier defensive stopper they had not had since Michael Cooper.

With a vastly improved three point shot (an amazing 50 percent in the playoffs), he could make the Magic pay for trading him. Watching him stop Turkgulo will be one of the keys to this series and having him on the floor means the Magic can't slack off him to double Kobe, as the Nuggets discovered to their detriment.

5) The Lakers are finally playing up to their potential

Ok, not completely, Bynum is not much offensively and the Machine is broken down but it appears that Denver has woken the sleeping giant. With the Lakers emphasizing ball movement and unleashing the destructive beauty of the triangle offense, the Lakers juggernaut is in full force.

If Kobe continues to be the maestro he was in Games Five and Six, drawing the double team and finding the open man and they get Gasol more touches down low, it is hard to imagine how the Lakers can be stopped.

Conclusion:

No offense to the Magic but ultimately the Lakers' main opposition is themselves. If they can come out and play with the same passion and fire that they did in the last two games, there is no contest. The Magic could get hot from beyond the arc and win two but ultimately, the Lakers have too many weapons to be contained.

Prediction: Lakers in six.

In Defense of Kobe Bryant

Derek — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:42:40 -0400

Love him or loathe him, any time the words "Kobe Bryant" come up in conversation (virtual or otherwise), you are bound to elicit more than the solitary disinterested comment.

No other current NBA star elicits the same full spectrum of emotions that Kobe Bean Bryant does. From the impassioned arguments for Kobe being the G-O-A-T, eclipsing the great MJ, to the "Kobe is an over-rated, selfish ball hog" statements that are thrown up, reducing Kobe to a mere "good player" that will be forgotten by the next generation.

In paradoxical simplicity, Kobe is both overrated and underrated. Coming from a Lakers fan of more than two decades, I have to be brutally honest here. Kobe is not the G-O-A-T, he should not be in the conversation, at least not yet.

I love Kobe's game more than any other active player, but for him to join the ranks of the basketball immortals, the Jordan-Magic-Bird-Kareem-Russells of this world, he has to lead his team to a NBA championship.

Though Shaq could not have won the three rings without Kobe, there is no doubt who was the "two" in the best one-two punch of the past decade. It is a fact of life, winners are immortalized; everyone else is forgotten.

That is why Magic is more celebrated than Stockton, Hakeem than Ewing, Duncan over Karl Malone, West over Maravich, and so on. This is the reality. If Kobe's career ended today, he would be a Top 20 player, but would not crack the Top 10. History remembers winners.

Kobe is not the second coming of Michael Jordan, either. For the record, neither is LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. There is only one Michael Jordan, just as there is only one Kobe Bryant, and he ain't too shabby, either.

Kobe was becoming an elite player when His Airness hung up his sneakers, robbing the NBA of not only its best player but most marketable commodity as well. Coupled with the fact that they both share 6-foot-6 heights and the same position, small wonder the media were quick to anoint him as the next Michael Jordan, a title he does not relish nor aspire to live up to.

Divorced from the Michael Jordan comparison, one can better appreciate Kobe Bryant's game...just as it became clear Michael Jordan was not going to be the next Magic Johnson, either.

Hence, while Kobe should not be immortalized (yet) or the next Jordan, let us appreciate him for who he is. No other current player has the same reading and understanding of the nuances of the game that Kobe has.

This is not merely intuition or experience. Kobe has an unparalleled dedication to the game that has him analyzing videos at a time when his peers would be resting or partying.

How many times have we seen the opposing home team get within one possession of taking the lead with the boisterous crowd egging them on; only to have Kobe coolly nail a jumper or a layup that silences the home team, eradicating their momentum completely?

Or the way Kobe reacted to the news of Bynum's extended span on the inactive list with a 61-point explosion against the New York Knicks, carrying the Lakers to a perfect road trip. That is leadership; more than chest thumping and guttural growls.

Speaking of leadership, detractors are quick to point to three areas where Kobe is a poor leader if not, teammate. Firstly, the infamous Andrew Bynum "ship his a$$ out" rant. While it may not be the most endearing of acts by a teammate, it should be viewed in the proper context.

Kobe was not asking Mitch Kupchak to get rid of Bynum at 10 cents on the dollar because 'Drew annoyed him. Rather, he was expressing his incredulity that Mitch Kupchak would not trade for a certified H-O-F point guard for a then unproven youngster.

If we are honest with ourselves, there and then, most of us would be share his shock. Based on Bynum's limited appearance to the point, it was a close equivalent of Mitch Kupchak refusing to trade for Pau Gasol because he did not want to include Kwame Brown. Would we not have said "Kwame? Ship his a$$ out!" then?

Secondly, Kobe is viewed as a ball hog, taking more than 20 shots a game. Analysts are fond of saying how the Lakers have a better winning percentage when Kobe shoots less but is that a cause or effect?

When Lamar or Gasol or Bynum or even Ariza is having a big night, Kobe freely defers to them, acting as a decoy.

When the rest of the team are having an off-night, as the star player and leader Kobe takes it upon himself to shoot his team to victory which coupled with the lacklustre play of his teammates, results in double- or triple-teams and even more missed shots.

It is certainly not a case of Kobe being obsessed with padding his own stats that he lets his team down.

Third, Kobe is seen to be overly aggressive on his teammates, snarling at them for an ill-advised shot or a turnover. Is this not characteristic of leaders? To get their teammates to step up their game?

When KG berates Glen Davis into the famous tear fest, KG is merely being aggressive and driven, while Kobe is just a jerk. To his credit, Kobe has learned not to criticize his teammates openly outside of the court, staying out of media attention.

Another constant criticism that Kobe gets is that he could not lead his team deep in the playoffs before Gasol arrived. This is not exactly rocket science, but basketball is a team sport! MJ did not win without Pippen, nor did Magic win without Kareem and Worthy.

When your team starts Smush Parker and Kwame Brown, getting to the playoffs is pretty much testimony of your greatness. Losing to a Phoenix Suns team with the three headed Nash-Amar'e-Marion monster is not exactly a disgrace.

Nor is losing in the finals to a team with three future H-O-F-ers (although I will admit the collapse in Game Four is pretty brutal).

The only valid knock on Kobe was his immaturity, feuding with his All-NBA teammate and coach leading to their departure. That however was half a decade ago, since then, Phil and Kobe has made up while Shaq, if he is to be believed, is willing to play with Kobe again.

Since then, Kobe has matured not only as a player but a person as well, wisely not commenting on Shaq's famous rap.

He has also taken it upon himself to help Bynum then Gasol get their touches and integrate into the team since last season. This is not the same Ko-me that detractors have pointed their finger at.

Of course, Kobe does not give two hoots about what we impassioned fans think. He is only interested in being the best he can be. I am not arguing whether Kobe is the best player in the league (which incidentally I think he is, although LeBron will eventually surpass him), but I hope that fans and journalists alike can appreciate him for the player he is.

Without Kobe, the league would be a lesser place and fans (even Celtics fans, since I can appreciate what KG brings to the game) can appreciate what he brings each night.

The Biggest Possible First Round Upset of the NBA Playoffs

Derek — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:30:27 -0400

As March draws to a close and the regular season enters the fourth quarter, players and fans alike often find themselves invariably drawn to the post-season. That is unless your team has booked their ticket to the lottery, in which case the NCAA tournament is a far more compelling attraction.

As great as the regular season is, the playoffs is where the real action is. Its where teams are pit against each other over the course of a seven games series for the right to advance and become an inch closer to the coveted Larry O'Brien trophy.

With the top seeded teams expected to beat up on their lesser seeded brethren, the first round usually lacks excitement. However, the past few seasons have deviated from the trend, serving up their fair share of upsets.

The unheralded Golden State Warriors sending Dirk Nowitzki and the 67 regular season wins Dallas Mavericks reeling out of the first round in 2007 ranks as one of the biggest upsets in recent history.

When the Hawks took the Celtics to game seven in last season's first round it was massive, especially considering everyone expected the Green Machine to steamroll the hapless Hawks. Even though ultimately the Truth prevailed, Atlanta shed the laughing stock status that had plagued them for many seasons.

Looking back at this current season, the listing below shows how each conference's contenders would match-up if the playoffs started today. (Bear in mind that the Western Conference seedings could shift dramatically as the number 2 and 8 seeds are seperated by only 5 games.)

The East

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Chicago Bulls (8)

Boston Celtics (2) vs Detroit Pistons (7)

Orlando Magic (3) vs Philadelphia 76ers (6)

Atlanta Hawks (4) vs Miami Heat (5)

The West

Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs Dallas Mavericks (8)

San Antonio Spurs (2) vs Utah Jazz (7)

Houston Rockets (3) vs Portland Trailblazers (6)

Denver Nuggets (4) vs New Orleans Hornets (5)

Now lets take an in-depth look at the matchups to see which has the greatest potential for an upset, injuries notwithstanding.

Cleveland vs Chicago

I am not wasting our time here. This potential upset has as much likelihood of occuring as Smush Parker has of returning to the Lakers and playing alongside Kobe next season. Anything can happen in the playoffs, but not this.

Boston vs Detroit

Why could an upset happen?

1) On paper, Detroit has as much talent as Boston does. Sheed, Rip, Tay, Stuckey and AI, are a talented core that almost any team would covet.

2) They have been there and done that.

3) Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace need a return to form to attract suitors for the last contract of their careers.

4) Marbury and Mikki Moore are not exactly the signings Boston needs to shore up their bench.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) more so than any other team in the NBA Boston are more than the sum their parts, . Detroit on the other hand are less than the sum of their parts.

2) Does anyone expect 'Sheed to play like the leader the Pistons need to beat Boston over a seven games series?

3) The Big Three still have too much firepower for most teams to handle.

4) Ray Allen is quietly having a stellar season with 18.4 PPG and a career high 48.4 FG percentage.

Orlando vs Philadelphia

Why could an upset happen?

1) With the two Andres (Miller and Iguodala), Philly has a high octane slasher offense that could exploit Orlando's perimeter defense.

2) Andre Miller is a seasoned veteran leader.

3) Other than Dwight Howard, Orlando does not have any big man in the post.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) The Magic is the best three-point shooting team in terms of three-points made while Philly is the second worst.

2) Without Elton Brand, Philly can't exploit Rashard Lewis' defensive liabilities.

3) The gulf in talent between the two teams is too big for a Brand-less Philly to bridge.

Atlanta vs Miami

Why could an upset happen?

1) Dwyane Wade.

2) See above.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) The Hawks have home-court advantage where they are a sterling 27-7.

2) The Hawks have a more balanced attack with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby and Al Horford.

3) The Hawks have a deeper rotation compared with Miami.

Los Angeles vs Dallas Mavericks

Why could an upset happen?

1) I don't really know, why don't you ask Jason Terry?

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) Lakers have flat out too much talent and firepower for the Mavs to handle, with or without Bynum.

2) Josh Howard's health is a concern, even if he is physically healthy, he might let his birthday celebrations get in the way.

3) The Lakers haven't lost to the Mavericks since they acquired Pau Gasol in February of last year. There's no reason to predict change now.

San Antonio vs Utah

Why could an upset happen?

1) Deron Williams is a fantastic floor general who makes his teammates much better.

2) Jerry Sloan may not be able to outfox Greg Poppovich but he can coach Pops to a deuce.

3) Utah have perhaps the best bench in the entire league which can exploit the weaker Spurs bench when the Big Three are resting.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) If the Big Three are healthy, they can hold their own against any team.

2) Roger Mason Jr. is a pleasant surprise and the much needed fourth scorer.

3) They are the Spurs, underestimate them at your own peril.

Houston vs Portland

Why could an upset happen?

1) Portland have probably the most talented group of young players in the entire league, with a deep rotation that most GMs would kill to have on their rosters.

2) Brandon Roy is a top 10 talent in the league and proving to be a clutch player.

3) Without T-Mac, Houston's outside threat depends on the mercurial (read: unreliable) Ron Artest.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) Oden has yet to prove he can handle the best bigs and Yao is one of them.

2) Houston no longer have to deal with the distraction of T-Mac and his ailments.

3) In Shane Battier and Ron Artest, Houston have two of the premier individual defenders in the league to go along with one of the best team defense.

Denver vs New Orleans

Why could an upset happen?

1) After the Tyson Chandler trade was rescinded, the Hornets have been playing with passion and fire unseen since last season.

2) Chris Paul is unquestionably the best point guard in the league this season.

3) Other than Billups, the core of the Nuggets do not exactly bring to mind adjectives like 'dependable' and 'reliable'. See Anthony, Carmelo, Martin, Kenyon and Smith, JR.

Why wouldn't it happen?

1) Chauncey Billups might just provide the leadership and clutch play needed to bring the Nuggets beyond the first round.

2) Carmelo Anthony, when fully healthy, is one of the best offensive players in the league.

3) Nene is quietly having a stellar season that makes the loss of Marcus Camby more palatable.

Picking Miami (which I do actually) and New Orleans would not exactly be going out on a limb since a No. 5 over a No. 4 seed is not exactly a massive upset. My pick for the biggest first round upset of this season based on the matchups today is the Utah Jazz over the San Antonio Spurs.

Utah's physical play would inevitably frustrate the road weary legs of Duncan, Ginobili and Finley, limiting their effectiveness over the games. In addition, Deron Williams has the speed and size to slow Tony Parker while the Utah bench will unquestionably outplay the Spurs bench keeping a cap on the Big Three's rest time.

Having said that, the most likely reason it would not happen is that I expect the Jazz to move up the ladder in the next few weeks, possibly finishing as the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the West.

The NBA 2009 Trade Deadline

Derek — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:09:14 -0500

After the weeks of speculation and hype, the NBA trading deadline finally passed.

This time last season, journalists were gushing over the host of blockbuster deals that transpired midseason—Gasol for a pack of cookies, Kidd for Harris and filler and Shaq Diesel for Shawn "The Matrix" Marion.

With the Matrix (again) being dealt for J O'Neal a few days ago, the stage appeared set for some blockbuster deals with names like Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Shaq, and Amar'e Stoudemire being thrown in the fray.

Finally, the trading deadline has passed and the biggest name of the day is Rafer Alston.

What? OK, maybe...Larry Hughes. Or maybe...Brad Miller.

You get the idea. it is hard to identify the biggest name of that bunch. Here are my observations about some noticeable aspects of the league pertaining to trades and non-trades.

The Sacramento Kings got worse

No, it's true. Unbelievably, the abysmal Kings found a way to go lower than the depths they have sunk to prior to the deadline. The Kings traded away their second-best player John Salmons and their only former All-Star Brad Miller (OK, Abdul Rahim technically is on their payroll as well) for basically two expiring contracts and Andres Nocioni.

You can't help but to feel for the dwindling fans.

If you thought the first half of the season was bad for the Kings, watch out for the second. Those projected to go high in the draft must be praying that the Kings do another Jason Thomson-esque draft.

The Chicago Bulls-New Knicks deal: Much ado about nothing

Larry Hughes gets traded for Jerome James and Tim Thomas. Um, let's see now—Larry Hughes is a petulant, spoiled non-star who stands to make $12 million a year. But hey, his salary comes off the cap in 2010.

Wait a minute. Jerome James is a petulant spoilt non-star who combines with Tim Thomas to make $12 million a year, and their salaries comes off the cap in 2010.

So, the Bulls must really like Tim Thomas. Well, except the fact that he has refused to play for them before.

Either the Knicks must believe that head coach Mike D'Antoni can revive the career of egoistical deluded guards (*cough Marbury *cough), or the GMs have 'trades made' as one of their Key Performance Indicators when it comes time for another job evaluation.

3) The Washington Wizards did absolutely nothing

OK, it is a step up from the Kings, although an argument could be made for the Kings shedding salary. The Wizards have absolutely no cap flexibility due to their big three locking up almost $40 million between them until 2011.

Washington is starting to look like the L.A. Clippers.

Granted, injuries have hit the Wizards hard, but the Jazz had it worse and are still in the playoff hunt. Hands up all of you who believe that a healthy Gilbert Arenas will lead the Wizards back into relevancy a la Dwyane Wade.

Anyone?...I didn't think so.

At least not while the rest of the East got better. One would think the Wizards would have traded Antawn Jamison while his stock is high.

With their highest-paid player being a mere blogger, the Wizards finishing anywhere 27th in the league would be an achievement.

4) Chris Wilcox gets traded twice

First, he was part of a bargain deal for the Thunder that got rescinded. Then he basically got dumped for money. Whatever you say about Chris Wilcox, at least you could delude yourself into using 'upside' and 'potential' which is more than what you can say for Malik Rose. But at least that sure beats the next guy's feelings.

Oh, and the Thunder got cash as well.

5) Grizzlies get paid to take Chris Mihm

From the starting center two seasons ago to dead weight, that is the story of Chris Mihm.

He is not half bad, apart from being fragile and soft. But he does provide experience and a 7' frame. You have to feel bad that he got traded for a protected second round pick and came with cash as well. But it does help the Lakers finances.

6) The most coveted player remains where he is

Not Amar'e, not Vinsanity, not Shaq, not Jefferson, the most coveted player at the 2008 trading deadline is Raef Lafrentz. A $12 million expiring contract in 2009 and it is mostly covered by insurance to boot. How not to like it?

Small wonder the Trailblazers were linked with just about every other team. When the dust settled, the Trailblazers decided to eat the savings themselves. Maybe the Darius Miles e-mails soured Pritchard's relationships with his fellow GMs.

7) Deja vu for the Bulls?

The Bulls could have had Kobe (depending on who you believe) or Gasol or Garnett. Well, at least they got the No. 1 draft pick for their (lack of) efforts. This time around, they were linked to Amar'e and all they got is Brad Miller.

OK, Miller isn't half bad, but he is not going to be the interior beast that would complement Derrick Rose and Luol Deng. At least they got John Salmons.

Still, I don't hear fans in the Windy City dreaming of a return to the MJ glory years any time soon.

Reality Bites: Calling for Sanity in the Summer of 2010

Derek — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:41:45 -0500

How quickly things change in less than half a season. During the summer of 2008, some teams (namely the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets) were unabashedly gearing up for the summer of 2010 when the crop of talent on the free agent market makes players like Dirk Nowitzki and Joe Johnson second-tier attractions.

The phrases "shed salary" and "cap space" are almost universally used with 2010 in mind. Nevermind the level of talent and the player's production—teams want expiring contracts.

There is no clearer illustration than the Knicks-Clippers trade when Cuttino Mobley was diagnosed to have a career-ending heart condition (physical condition, unlike T-Mac). The Knicks went ahead and sent their leading scorer away on that trade because it gave them...Anyone? That's right, cap space in 2010.

With the trade deadline approaching, more and more deals are either inked or in the works with financial reasons as the primary concerns. When Raef LaFrentz is a more coveted asset than a resurgent Vince Carter, something is amiss.

Unfortunately, the world, and indeed the league, is a much different place from it was half a year ago. With the mood in Wall Street (and Detroit) resembling that of a funeral parlor and comparisons to the Great Depression being bandied about, it is safe to assume things are not going to remain the same.

Much as we like to assume otherwise, the NBA is not recession-proof. Half full (or half empty for your pessimists out there) arenas testify to that.

When Commissioner David Stern announced what many have been speculating, that the salary cap would most likely fall, salary shedding no longer applies to the summer of 2010 alone.

Not every salary dump is made with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh in mind. Teams are businesses at the end of the day, and that reality is sinking in.

Last season, the Lakers made the blockbuster Pau Gasol trade that catapulted the Lakers into the Western Conference finals while the Grizzlies got "the biggest expiring contract we could find".

This season, Mitch Kupchak engineered the somewhat low-impact (but equally amazing in the case of Vlad Rad) trades that basically helped the Lakers shed salary this season and in the 2009-2010 campaign.

Vladimir Radmanovic for two players not expected to make an impact nor return after their contracts expire. Chris Mihm for a pick so protected the Lakers might as well ask for a pack of M&Ms.

If the second-most valuable franchise, according to Forbes, is shedding salary, something has changed in the league. Granted the Lakers will spend most of those savings in offering a pay raise and not-too-big-a-pay-cut to Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom respectively, it is not the kind of trade you would expect Mitch Kupchak to engineer.

For the other 28 less-wealthy franchises, things get gloomier. The New Orleans Hornets, last season's darlings and still a legitimate playoff contender, would have sent their starting 7'1" center to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two lesser big men whose value to the Hornets are their expiring contracts.

Unlike the NY Knicks however, no Hornets fans are speculating that any of the marquee free agents are the motivation for trading Tyson Chandler away, rather it is simply a cost-cutting measure. Period.

The Sacramento Kings are known to be actively shopping almost everyone on their roster except Kevin Martin (who probably could be had for the right price) and taking back almost nothing but expiring contracts.

Brad Miller and John Salmons, two of their best players other than the aforementioned Martin, are traded to the Bulls for Andres Nocioni and two bodies who will probably not come back next season.

Not too long ago, if the Kings (OK, maybe not the Kings) pulled off a deal like that, their fan base will be salivating over the idea of having one (if not two) of the big three marquee free agents coming to town in 2010. Nary a rumble about 2010 when that deal was inked.

Maybe the Maloof brothers' reputation preceded them. Maybe it's the economy.

With the salary cap most likely coming down, is it probable that teams will have enough to bid for two max level contracts and still build a team of quality role players around them?

Fans from the Knicks to the Bulls and even the Heat have been fantasizing and building their dream team that basically involves some of their existing quality role players and LeBron and either Wade or Bosh.

As it stands, the odds of it materializing seems to be dwindling unless those marquee superstars take less than maximum money for a shot at the ring, or teams a lot of faith in their unknown role players.

Free agents hitting the market this year are likely to provide a good proxy of things to come with no one other than perhaps Kobe Bryant expected to command the same opulent contracts that top players and some not-so-top players (*cough* Stephon Marbury) have been getting in the past.

Supporting stars, even those as talented as Rashard Lewis or Andrei Kirilenko, would not expect the same salaries had their contracts been renewed today, even though they have been productive for their teams.

I read on ESPN.com that some 150 players could be changing addresses in 2010, and I will wager that less than half of them will get pay raises at that time.

In 2010, unless a miraculous economic recovery takes place, the story is likely to remain the same. With falling attendance and dwindling corporate sponsorships, all this shedding is not going to come back in the form of an uber team that is the stuff of a new dynasty.

Simply put, there is too little money chasing too many talents in 2010.

Fans who are waiting for their respective teams to roll out a starting lineup of unprecedented greatness built on free agency will be sadly disappointed.

The Sixth Best Team In The NBA

Derek — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:58:11 -0500

At the All-Star Break, the race for the championship has narrowed further. Almost everyone agrees that the top tier in the league are (in no particular order since this is where the dispute arises) the Lakers, Celtics, Cavaliers, Spurs and the Magic (although with Jameer Nelson's injury, they are joining the rest of the pack).

It is virtually inconceivable that any other team out of the remaining 25 who could conceivably wrestle the title away from these five titans. Of the next tier, who is the most likely to join the ranks of the elites, let us look at the contenders:

1) Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have been almost akin to the Clippers of the East for some time with back-to-back-to-back high lottery picks and flubbing them in the process (Marvin Williams over Chris Paul/Deron Williams the most notable of them) and looking like a team that is going nowhere.

Enter Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby, two veterans who galvanized the talented young ones into a playoff team who gave the Celtics quite a scare. Despite losing Josh Childress in the off-season, the Hawks continued to blossom with a 31-21 record at the All-Star break.

Joe Johnson is a bona fide All-Star, Josh Smith could be one and Al Horford is an undersized centre with tremendous heart and grit. Marvin Williams in spite of being much maligned is a decent player and Mike Bibby in spite of his faults is still a useful leader on the floor.

Yet, the Hawks have two main flaws, one is the lack of size and the other is their bench. Solomon Jones, Zaza Pachulia, Acie Law et al are not going to be challenging for the sixth man of the year any time soon. Nor are Josh Smith and Al Horford going to give match-up problems to the Lakers or the Celtics any time soon, in spite of their athleticism and talents.

2) Miami Heat

After an abysmal 15 wins season, Miami are sitting pretty with a 28-24 record now, good for fifth in the east. Trading away the Matrix and contract stinker Marcus Bank for Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon, the Heat look to have solved their greatest weakness, the lack of a big man in the post.

Jermaine O'Neal may be a pretty one-dimensional offensive player but when (if) healthy, he is still good for more than his fair share of rebounds and blocks. Not to mention, his one-dimensional offense is an upgrade over whatever makeshift center the Heat currently roll out.

With Marion gone, Udonis Haslem could start at the 4 with the talented Michael Beasley playing at the 3. Mario Chalmer's surprisingly strong play has given the Heat the best 2nd round point guard since Gilbert Arenas.

Of course none of those sound like a playoff contender without Dwyane Wade, the best shooting guard not named Kobe. Coming back from a myriad of injuries, Wade has been more impressive than ever averaging 28.3 ppg and 7.0 apg, making a case for MVP together with Lebron and Kobe.

If Jermaine O'Neal's health can hold up, he can give Miami the missing interior steel since the other O'Neal left town.

Are the Miami Heat a serious contender then? The answer is simply no. A team with Wade is always good for an upset against any team, but it is hard to imagine Beasley and gang stepping up once the Celtics play the 'Jordan rules' on Wade ala the 2007 playoffs against Joe Johnson.

Miami are also handicapped by their lack of a Lebron stopper and unless ol' Riles pull off some magic, the second round of the playoffs are as far as the Heat could possibly get.

3) Denver Nuggets

The third best team in the West with a 36-17 record, the Denver Nuggets most be one of the most pleasant surprises in the West this season.

When they unceremoniously dumped Marcus Camby for just about nothing, most analyst were suggesting that the Nuggets were sinking faster than the Dow Jones. With one spectacular trade (as well as the surprise resurgence of Nene) the Nuggets are nipping at the heels of the elite.

Chauncey Billups provided the leadership that the Nuggets so desperately needed, an unselfish playmaker, he meshed perfectly with the Nuggets. Though Melo may have some problems with injury, there is no doubt he is one of the most explosive offensive 3s around.

Together with the aforementioned Nene and a relatively healthy Kenyon Martin, the Nuggets have a pretty potent core, not to mention having the luxury of bringing J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza off the bench for that extra spark.

Unfortunately, the Nuggets have pretty much the same problem with the Hawks, size. Against the Lakers and indeed the Spurs, the 6-11 Nene will have his work cut out, especially when paired with the 6-9 Kenyon Martin.

Denver may have improved markedly compared with last season, but considering how they struggled to beat Spurs who rested their big 3, no one can reasonably expect the Nuggets to beat the Spurs over seven games.

4) Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers are a team on the rise, no question about it. Not when three year (and two time All-Star) Brandon Roy plays the way he does. Not when shrewd trading and drafting helped them to build a strong young core that is the envy of every NBA team.

LaMarcus Aldridge is a skilled PF with pretty decent shooting and Greg Oden in spite of appearances, is a young 7 footer that could develop into a dominant force in the paint.

Rudy Fernandez and Jerryd Bayless could conceivably have a long distinguished NBA career in front of them.

No one can afford to take the Blazers lightly, especially if Brandon Roy continues to grow his game in this manner. He has the most complete and well-rounded game of any current player this side of Kobe.

However, their lack of playoff experience could doom them against the Lakers and the Spurs. Their frontcourt especially, will be carved up by the likes of Gasol and Duncan. Not to fret though, if the Blazers front office do lose their mind en masse, this Blazers team will be challenging for honors, in a couple of year's time.

5) Houston Rockets

I could write a lot on why the Rockets could be up there but why they are not. Ultimately it boils down to this: they have the talent but health and T-Mac's heart will keep them from joining the elite.

In the end, the dark horse of the competition is this team:

6) Utah Jazz

With their myriad of injuries, they could have had a ready excuse for mediocrity (I am looking at you Wizards) but somehow they managed to stay in the playoff hunt with a 30-23 record, even with Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur all missing games.

Now Williams is back, playing like a man possessed (32.5 ppg and 9.3 apg over the last 4 games) and Boozer and Kirilenko are slated to return soon, you have to fancy the Jazz for a deep playoff run.

When healthy, the Jazz have one of the deepest teams in the league. Heck, Boozer goes down and his replacement averages 14.7 ppg and 9.2 rpg a game, how many teams have a starting PF with that kind of production, let alone a replacement.

AK47 moves to the bench to challenge Manu Ginobili for the Sixth Man of the Year award and he seems to be rejuvenated. Mehmet Okur shoots better from downtown than a lot of guards and is a decent rebounder.

When Boozer comes back, the Jazz will have their 20-10 PF again, when he doesn't they get nearly a 15-10 from Milsap, which ain't too shabby.

Yet the X-factor of the Jazz is Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan. A rarity in longevity, Jerry Sloan has been around for 20 years and unlike Elgin Baylor, he didn't stay there because the owner was sleeping on it. Sloan is the best coach never to have won COY and frequently gets the best from his players.

What separates the Jazz from the boys however is Deron Williams, their quarterback and difference maker. It is almost criminal that Deron Williams has not been an All-Star given his talent and production (although this year the omission is more palatable because of his injuries), but I wouldn't bet against him making the All-NBA team when this season is over.

Williams can score and dish and has the size to keep the bigger guards at bay whilst overpowering the smaller ones. The Achilles heel of this team however is the 2 guard, they either start Ronnie Brewer—a great perimeter defender but virtually worthless on the offense other than D-Will assisted fast breaks—or Kyle Korver—an assassin from downtown with the defensive prowess of Steve Nash.

If Carlos Boozer can come back motivated (especially since the realization that Miami has effectively no more cap space for him) and the injury bug decides to give the Jazz a break, they could well be the dark horse of the 2008-2009 NBA playoffs.

Lakers-Celtics: It's Just One Game and More...

Derek — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:43:42 -0500

Yes, this may be just one 'W' but as far as significance goes, this is one regular season game that has no equal for the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the past seven and a half months, the Lakers were haunted by images of confetti and Gatorade. Probably Kevin Garnett's roar resonated in their worst nightmares.

From Game Six of the 2007-08 NBA Finals till now, memories of Boston were flooded with how the Lakers' poor playing caused them to surrender their title challenge in that 131-92 beat down that the Celtics handed out.

Gasol and Odom, in particular, caught much flak for their lack of physical and mental strength to stand up to Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. The Kobe-Jordan comparisons appeared increasingly ludicrous with Kobe detractors having a field day (the most famous one of them all had a blast rapping about it).

Even the Olympic gold medal and his first MVP did not exorcise the ghost of the NBA Finals for Kobe.

When Bynum went down with a knee injury, it was déjà vu all over again.

The Lakers reverted to almost the same lineup that they had during the Boston massacre (except Luke Walton replaced Vladimir Radmanovic) and the announcements around the league were largely the same: Lakers still have enough talent to make it to the Finals without Bynum but that is as far as they would get.

Without Bynum, the Lakers lacked the interior steel to contend with the Celtics or even the Cavaliers. It was 2007-2008 all over again...

Apparently, someone had forgotten that this Lakers' team (sans Bynum) is different from the one that gamely rolled over to the Celtics last season even though the cast remained the same with only Josh Powell replacing Ronny Turiaf as the energy guy and Sun Yue replacing Ira Newble as the forgotten man.

Make no mistakes, on this night, the Lakers sent out the resounding unequivocal message that with or without Bynum, no one was going to push them around.

Yes, it may have been a solitary point, in overtime no less, but the Lakers proved that they could stand toe-to-toe with their most bitter nemesis. No one, not even the Celtics was going to intimidate the Lakers.

Since Bynum went down, Gasol has picked up the slack, becoming a 20-10 machine (averaging 27.5 PPG and 12.8 RPG in the last four games against his season average of 18.1 PPG and 9.2 RPG), cementing his position as Robin to Kobe's Batman.

Perkins and KG found out at their expense that the moniker 'Ga-soft' is already obsolete, as Pau shot 10-14 from the field and pulled down 14 rebounds.

They would, at best, only scratch the image of the skinny Spaniard who was held to an average of 15.2 points per game and 9.6 boards in the NBA Finals.

Make no mistake, the Gasol that limped through an 11 points and eight rebounds performance in Game Six no longer lives here.

How about Odom's clutch pair of free throws that gave the Lakers the victory? THE Odom who was continually criticized for his lack of steel and focus in the finals, sparking rumors of trade for everyone from Shawn Marion to Michael Redd.

While this may be just one game, not quite sufficient to compensate for those in which LO infuriatingly disappeared, for this night at least, LO can silence the rumblings around the grapevine.

No doubt, the Finals are in June not February and the Lakers are by no means a shoo-in to get there. There are still the Spurs, Jazz (if healthy), and Rockets (ditto) to contend with.

Neither are the Celtics definite co-participants either—not if LeBron or Dwight Howard has anything to say about it. While not reading too much into individual regular games, the Lakers have to feel like world beaters tonight.

One thing that this game proved was that the Lakers can hang with the toughest of them all—even without their 7-foot beast. Considering the last game that they played in Boston, this game says a lot.

The Big Annoyance: Is It Time for Shaquille O'Neal to Let Go?

Derek — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:36:33 -0500

It is painful to read any news about Shaq lately.

In all honesty, I loved Shaq and the three rings he got us. His footwork and strength allowed him to dominate the paint and all who came across his path. There is no doubting his talent and abilities.

That is why his recent headlines are even more irritating, reflecting what he has allowed himself to become.

Shaq has been regressing—and to be fair to the big man, you can't blame him. Conditioning would be a perpetual problem for someone of his build, and he is no spring chicken. Apart from chasing Tim Duncan in terms of rings, Shaq has nothing left to prove, no motivation to will himself into shape. He is a confirmed Hall of Famer, a multiple All-Star, multiple MVP, and Finals MVP. He is up there with the Kareems and Chamberlains of the NBA world.

Yet his last great season was his championship run in 2006. Since then, Shaq has had flashes of brilliance, but has not come close to the man who could be the Most Dominant Ever. Understandably, the spotlight has shifted from him to the new Superman, the hot rookie, and that new franchise center of the Lakers.

Unfortunately, Shaq is not handling it too well. With his body and energy no longer what it used to be, how else can he make the headlines? Without 30-point, 15-rebound games, the media is not going plaster his mug over the front page.

Hence, Shaq is reviving the feuds that made the headlines nearly half a decade ago. From the infamous rap, to pining the blame on Phil, he has grabbed the headlines again and again. Too bad Kobe refused to be drawn into a comment. In desperation, the Big Cactus revealed his desire to return to the Lakers in 2010. That should keep him in the spotlight for a while.

It is no longer Shaq versus Kobe. Kobe is now focused on the ring(s), even refusing surgery on his injured pinky, and the Lakers are looking like the early-season favorite for the title.

While Kobe is crafting his legacy, Shaq's legacy is pretty much done—unless destruction is in question. Remembering the great player that he was when he last donned the Purple and Gold, I hope Shaq just shuts up and let the young ones get the attention.

The Road to Redemption: A Look at the Worst NBA Teams of Last Season

Derek — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:16:00 -0500

Last year, these teams were terrible.

They were the cellar dwellers, the table-proppers of their division—if not conference.

Now, about ten games into the new season, we take a look at how their fortunes have altered. Is there light at the end of the tunnel, or will it be more of the same for their beleaguered fans?

Miami Heat (15-67)

The worst team of last season, hands-down. The former-Seattle Supersonics had five more Ws than they did—although a convincing case could be made that the Heat's collapse was by the design of ol' Riles and team.

In spite of their ill-disguised efforts, the balls did not bounce their way, and they were left with the number-two draft pick instead. Now, after a respectable 5-5 start, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are looking like a more than adequate compensation for Derrick Rose.

The Heat have not quite turned the corner. Although things are looking up, there may be holes in the team, most notably the lack of size in the middle. Udonis Haslem, in spite of his heart and intensity, will have problems hanging with the Howards, Yaos, Bynums, or even the Perkins of this world.

They do have a valuable chip in multi-talented Shawn Marion, and his $17 million expiring contract. If they manage to hang on to Dwyane Wade after the war of 2010 and maybe even add another superstar, the Heat could be back in business, just two seasons removed from the atrocity of 2008.

Oklahoma City Thunder (20-62)

They were the second-worst team last season in spite of the heroics of ROY Kevin Durant. With the fourth draft pick, they picked point guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook was considered by many to have gone too high but OKC felt he was the best fit for their team.

This season they are the worst—1-10 after 11 games, good for an absymal winning percentage of .091.

Any consolation? Their defense is not the worst. There are nine teams with more points allowed than them and both the Bobcats and Clippers have scored fewer points per game.

Kevin Durant has not run into the proverbial "Sophomore Slump," averaging 21.1 points per game so far. Russell Westbrook is looking pretty good, averaging 11.8 points and 3.1 assists in 23.3 minutes played per game.

Are there any other positives for this new franchise? The high lottery pick they are going to get this season is going to come in handy, adding to the core of Durant-Westbrook-Green.

The should have a bright future, which is good—'cause they certainly don't have anything else, having left their past in Seattle.

Memphis Grizzlies (22-60)

Despite not being the worst team statistically last season, the Grizzlies were regarded as the biggest joke after the perceived fiasco of the Pau Gasol trade. But a few games into the new season, analysts and observers were starting to retract their denunciation of GM Chris Wallace. Marc Gasol, a forgotten piece of the trade, and Darrell Arthur, who was acquired with the Lakers' draft pick, are playing well in a league starved for big men.

After a decent 3-3 start, the Grizzlies lost their next four games, and find themselves back in the familiar comforts of the Southwest Division cellar.

In spite of that, for the first time since Gasol senior won ROY, there is hope down in Memphis. Rudy Gay has been growing his game steadily, and the addition of the two tag-ons to Kwame Brown are forming a core with genuine potential.

Oh, there is also this "OJ Mayo" guy, as well.

Another reason for optimism? The Grizzlies are the only team currently under the cap, so they could make some waves in the free-agent market. After the Gasol trade, when Wallace commented that Brown had the biggest expiring contract I laughed and scoffed at the idea that any self-respecting free agent would love the southwest basement no matter how much money is thrown at him.

Now, with this nice-looking young team in place, Wallace is looking a lot smarter than me. Chris Bosh? It is not impossible...

Minnesota Timberwolves (22-60)

After the semi-glorious Kevin Garnett years, the T-Wolves went into rebuilding mode around the 20-10 stud that is Al Jefferson. Playing out of position at the five, Jefferson is helping the T-Wolves fans (dwindling as they may be) forget the Big Ticket.

The first season sans KG was expected to be rough, and Kevin McFail—excuse me, McHale—went into the lottery with the number-three pick.

With OJ Mayo on-board, he and Big Al could have formed a poor man's version of Shaq-Kobe.

Instead, McHale traded for Mike Miller and Kevin Love, the number-five pick taken by the aforementioned Grizzlies. Love was supposed to be a great passer at his position with high basketball IQ (Luke Walton is supposed to have high basketball IQ as well, see where that got him) while Miller was supposed to rain down treys while creating space for the Big Men to operate down low. The T-Wolves seemed to have the pieces in place.

Nine games and eight losses later, McHale's vision appears to be overtly optimistic. Granted, the T-Wolves have more problems than a couple of trades could have solved—but if truth be known, they do not appear any further away from lottery purgatory than last season.

They got rid of their lousy contracts though, going into 2010 with only $15.7 million. But as it stands, I can't really see LeBron or Wade or Bosh or Amar'e tripping over themselves for the chance to play with Telfair, McCants, Love, and Foye.

New York Knicks (23-59)

The highest-earning roster, and one of the worst records—the textbook case of how not to run a franchise. The moment Isiah Thomas was relieved of managerial duties and Mike D'Antoni took over the helms, New York was filled with optimism. Scarcely veiling their intent to go all in for the LeBron sweepstakes, D'Antoni seems to be called upon to be more of a used car salesman-cum-magician to make lemonade out of Isiah's lemons.

After ten games and an impressive 6-4 record later, the Knicks have shaken off the chains of the Isiah regime, right? Not so fast.

Sure they look better than they have for the past two seasons, and they are a potent offensive team. But it is still premature to start looking at the postseason.

Having more than $30 million in salary on the inactive roster is not exactly a GMs dream, and they have yet to shed any of their cumbersome contracts. Maybe D'Antoni's plan is for his players to stuff the stat sheet to make them more attractive.

At this rate, Zach Randolph might well be an All-Star this season. That should help find some takers for his $47 million contract. Maybe Eddy Curry will be so insulted by the Out Indefinitely-Overweight tag slapped on him that he won't pick up his $10.5 million player's option after this season.

And Marbury? Well, one more year of making headlines in New York is the max, since his $21 million contract expires this year—buyout or no buyout.

It is not a return to the glory years, but there have been worse times to be a Knicks fan.

The Passing Of The Torch

Derek — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:27:14 -0500

Last season saw the official passing of the torch amongst NBA point guards. Players like Chris Paul and Deron Williams cemented their place, not merely among the elite point guards, but as the elite point guards. They passed stalwarts like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. Instead of Nash vs Kidd debates, the focal point has shifted to CP3 and D-Will.

With Derrick Rose pretty much living up to the hype, Nash and Kidd might fall even further. This season, which other position will see the young guns overtaking their older counterparts in the All-NBA and best PG/C/PF/SF/SG discussions? For the purpose of this discussion, the old faithfuls are those with at least 10 seasons under their well-worn belts and the young ones are those who have clocked 5 seasons or less. Hence young studs like Amare Stoudamire, Carlos Boozer and Tony Parker are excluded from this discussion although they have not reached their prime, scary as it sounds. Without further preamble, here they are:

Power Forwards:

The Past

For the past decade, talks of the premier PF have revolved around the trio of seven-footers. There are the two who can post up and provide the interior power in Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. And one who can shoot the lights out on any given night in Dirk Nowitzki. Duncan, in particular, will go down in history as one of the best if not the best power forward ever. The other two are on ESPN's top 10 PFs list and don't look like losing their place any time soon.

The Future

David West, LaMarcus Aldridge, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson (once Kevin Love develops into a worthy starter) and of course Chris Bosh. Don't forget that Michael Beasley guy also.

The Present

The young stallions are raring to challenge the thrones of the old guards but don't count the threesome relinquishing their thrones this season. Bosh and LA are the real deal though and at least KG, Dirk and Duncan will be looking over their shoulders, watching the gap narrow.

Advantage: The old guards

Centres:

The Past

Ever since The Admiral retired, the dominant big man has been Shaq, until Yao Ming came over 6 seasons ago. Other than them, there has been a dearth of 'conventional' centres with undersized (if you consider 6-10 undersized) but aggressive defense oriented centres like Ben Wallace and Marcus Camby clogging up the paint although they have now moved over to the 4.

The Future

Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Greg Oden.

The Present

Dwight Howard is the present. Although he can still grow his game, he is THE man (sorry Big Dog, you are not getting fed) in the paint. Bynum is looking like a monster inside and should live up to the hype. I hope Oden comes back healthy to silence the Sam Bowie comparisons though.

Advantage: The young guns

Shooting Guards:

The Past

Ever since his Air-ness left windy city, there have been no shortage of pretenders to his throne although other than arguably Kobe (at least he comes remotely close) none of them are even within a whiff of him. Still, the past decade has seen a glut of great shooting guards like Kobe, T-Mac, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Rip, and Vinsanity (Manu at the ripe old age of 31 has only played 6 seasons) filling up the stat sheets.

The Future

Dwyane Wade, Brandon Roy, Kevin Martin, Jason Richardson, Andre Iguodala and as it is shaping up, OJ Mayo.

The Present

Roy is a great young player, make no mistake. Vince and Ray Allen are past their prime as well. But as Kobe proved in his decimation of Roy and the Blazers, he is still the BEST shooting guard in the league, by a mile. Breathing down his neck from a distance are Wade, T-Mac and A.I.(Iverson) while Roy and the other AI (Iguodala) are way behind. Wade had a great Olympics but come crunch time, it was still Kobe's team. All shooting guards fall in behind Kobe.

Advantage: The old guards by a mile

Small Forwards:

The Past

Ever since the names Lebron and to a lesser extent Melo popped up in the league, the future is NOW. They have been the best offensive 3s around and perennial contenders for the scoring title. As LBJ and Melo continue to mature, the gulf widens. Among the top SFs only Paul Pierce has been around for more than 10 seasons (Odom and Artest barely making it with 9) although defensive specialist Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier (9 seasons as well) do warrant a mention.

The Future

Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Gerald Wallace and Danny Granger.

The Present

LBJ and Melo will be the best in this position for a long long time. Paul Pierce is a great player but he is not even the best player in his position nor his team, let alone the league. With stat stuffers like Durant and Gay coming into their own, this position has no shortage of All-Stars for the next decade.

Advantage: No contest here, the young ones have already won a couple of seasons ago

Predictions Based on the Season So Far

Derek — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:42:13 -0500

So far, although the 2008-2009 NBA season is still in its infancy, there has been quite a fair bit of surprising performances, ranging from startlingly impressive (Hawks) to unbelievably abysmal (Spurs). What should we make of them?

After all it is only November, and teams have played between four and six games so far, hardly a sample size that would satisfy the worst of statisticians. However, the Celtics did begin with a 6-0 (eventually 12-0) run last season that was pretty much indicative of their dominance.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Heat did open with a 1-5 run, pretty fair extrapolation of their entire season. Going out on a limb, I will throw out my predictions on some of the more headline grabbing starts.

Category I: What you see is what you get

1) Phoenix Suns (5-2)

Yup, two of their big three are 35 and above. Yes, they are no longer the most fun team to watch in the NBA. And yes, we are still not seeing a convincing commitment to defense, but they have Amare, a real monster in the paint. Their window may be closing, but they are still an offensive force and a legitimate threat this season.

2) Golden State Warriors (2-4):

The moment Baron Davis bolted town, analysts have been predicting the demise of the warriors. When Monta Ellis was injured with the most famous moped accident in the world, the writing was on the wall. Coupled with the Al Harrington saga...A more challenging prediction is whether Don Nelson or Chris Mullin will be ushered out first.

3) Memphis Grizzlies (3-3)

It is a bit curious that a team with a .500 record would be fodder for any story lines, but these are the Memphis Grizzlies we are talking about. After two consecutive 22-60 seasons, where Memphis is a bit of a vacation spot for visiting teams, expectations are rock bottom for them.

If things were not bad enough, they gave away their best player last season for what essentially was viewed as Kwame Brown's expiring contract. Well, Chris Wallace looks a great deal smarter than we gave him credit for, with Marc Gasol looking like a pretty good player in his own right.

Coupled with Rudy Gay's continual growth and the draft-night trade for O.J. Mayo, good things are going to happen. Yes, they may not make the playoffs with how loaded the West are this season, but at least they are not dwelling firmly in the cellar, unlike...

4) Oklahoma City Thunder (1-4)

Yup, there are worse teams so far, but they can still put up excuses of injuries (Wizards & Spurs) and just plain bad luck (Wolves). OKC Thunder is going to finish this season the same way they did when they were still the Seattle Supersonics. On second thought, this is hardly a prediction, more of a statement of fact. The only excitement for Thunder fans this season is a high lottery pick.

Category II: The jury is still out

1) Atlanta Hawks (4-0)

The Hawks, one of the three unbeaten teams left? What is next, the Spurs being the door mat of the Southwest? Anyway, the Hawks look like legitimate playoff contenders, with Joe Johnson looking like an early MVP candidate.

That aside, their bench is wafer thin and might not stand up to the rigors of a deep postseason run, not to mention that Mike Bibby providing the leadership is not exactly championship material. Still, the Hawks have proved they are no one-season wonder.

2) Houston Rockets (4-2)

Their "Big Three" are fitting together nicely, and Artest gives an already deep team yet another potent weapon, while ostensibly acclimatising nicely in Houston. Their record should have been more dominant, if not for an unbelievable 1.9-second heroics from Brandon Roy.

Still, some things do not change. The same questions of Yao Ming and T-Mac’s health are asked, along with that of Artest’s (mental). Unlike other teams, the Rockets' greatest threats are from within.

3) Los Angeles Clippers (0-6)

It is all too easy to pencil them in for the lottery, even in the wake of the first post-Elgin Baylor season. 0-6 and a league-lowest scoring of 84.2, the Clippers are the same as they have always been, right?

Firstly, Camby and Davis, their compensation for being Brand-ed, have been sidelined with illness and injuries. Secondly, their opening schedule is TOUGH, playing their rolling city neighbours twice, not to mention the Jazz and the Rockets with the Nuggets being the only respite.

If they do not eek out at least two victories out their next five (Mavs, Kings, Warriors, Spurs, and Thunder) I am ready to move them to Category I, though.

4) Washington Wizards (0-5)

Once Agent Zero comes back, the Wizards will be steamrolling the competition, right into the playoffs? Not quite, but a team with Butler and Jamison can’t possibly be this BAD. Just like a team with Dwyane Wade and Shaq will not be the whipping boys? It may be early days yet, but if the Wizards don’t buck up, trade rumors will start flying about.

Category III: It is merely a blip

1) San Antonio Spurs (1-4)

I watched the game against the Miami Heat, and the Spurs looked horrible. After Parker had hobbled off, and Duncan was sitting on the bench, there was a period of time when they merely passed the ball around like a hot potato until someone just fired up a prayer from beyond the arc.

Nevertheless, the Spurs have never been impressive in the regular season, and having Manu sidelined is devastating. The good news is that Mason and Hill are looking like good pickups, and Parker and Ginobili are still coming back; just like you can count on the Spurs coming back in the postseason.

2) Dallas Mavericks (2-3)

Kidd is over the hill. Dirk is not clutch. Josh Howard is a bonehead. I beg to differ, at least for the first two. They may not be the dominant force they were two seasons ago, but I am not ready to write them off yet. No one outside of Dallas can see them as the elite in the west, but they are definitely in the second tier.

3) Philadelphia 76-ers (2-4)

When the Elton Brand signing took place, many were installing Philly to challenge Pistons and the Cavs for the second place in the east. Fast-forward the second week of the new season: Brand and Dalembert does not seem to be the dominant interior force many envisaged, and Iguodala has been shooting an abysmal 23-61 field goals. Count on Miller to provide the steadying hand as Philly picks themselves up again.

4) New York Knicks (3-2)

Mike D’Antoni is the savior leading the Mecca of basketball back into the playoffs? Not so fast. Getting rid of Isiah means that there is reason for hope, but much of his handiwork remains. With the "Buried Star" and "Fat Boy" clogging up the rosters, his hands are still tied and the Knicks are still lottery bound. There is hope yet; maybe the Knicks' management can drive the Doomed Duo nuts and give them a legitimate reason to void their contracts.

There you have it, my take on the noteworthy performances so far.

Piecing It Together: What Makes an NBA Champion?

Derek — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:27:52 -0500

On every championship-winning NBA team, there are usually superstars and extraordinary role players that help to put together that trophy-hoisting, ring-bearing run.

It must be said that not all champions consist of a once-in-a-lifetime talent (such as both MJs) who can seemingly carry their team to victory by the sheer force of their will. But with the right pieces in places, teams can gear up for a victory parade—a la the 2004 Pistons.

Though not all of the following pieces may be in place in a champion, three or four usually are, with the notable exception of the blip in 2006 that was the Miami Heat. Without further preamble, here they are:

1) The interior beast

Either a PF or a C, this guy is a beast on the boards and is good for a couple of blocks any given night. When the shooters are frigid, they will look for him in the paint for high-percentage, morale-boosting dunks or grabbing the offensive boards off their misses.

Mostly, he is there to deny the opponent's big man from doing the same. Usually a seven-footer, although spectacular athleticism could negate the lack of size (Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace).

2) The floor general

The point guard is measured by how much better he makes the players around him. Whether dishing out dimes or running the break, the offense begins—although not necessarily ends—with him.

In unique circumstances, the point forward (Scottie Pippen) runs this role as well, causing match-up problems with the combination of height, speed, and ball-handling skills. He is capable of scoring at will, although the good general will always look to find an open teammate first.

3) The pest

The lockdown defender who is assigned to guard (terrorize) the best opposing player and loves the job. He may not be the focal point of the offense and get on many highlight reels, but he is secure in his role.

He knows that his team can score 100 points, but if the opponent's Kobe scores 81 all by himself, his team is still in trouble. He may not make anyone's fantasy team but GMs love him on a REAL team. Once in a while, he scores the odd open jumper because everyone forgets him on offense—but think of it as a bonus.

4) The sniper

A champion can have a Jordan attacking the rim or a Shaq clogging up the paint, but these guys wisely stay out of the way to cash in when the ball gets thrown out to them, coolly burying the rock from downtown.

They are usually not the top go-to scorers, but they make it count when their number is called, forcing opponents to rethink their double- or triple-teams.

5) The utility man

They are usually SGs or SFs, and the team's most talented and athletic player. Whether it's perimeter jumpers or going above the rim, these are the guys who can create their own shots and draw the best defenders.

The main provider of highlight reels and jaw dropping moments, they seemingly can do it all, sometimes all by themselves. Count on them to be clutch players as down the stretch, they may be called upon to perform Jordan-esque miracles.

6) Another one of the above

No one is immune from injuries, nor can anyone do it 48 minutes a night for the entire season. If your bench does not go eight or nine deep during playoff time, you are living on a prayer.

History

From the past 25 years—that is how long I have been watching basketball, apologies if I left out the Jerry Wests and Wilt Chamberlains of this world—the most complete champs from this perspective would have to be the Showtime Lakers.

With Kareem, Magic, Coop, Scott, Big Game James, AC Green, and Mychal Thompson filling in the above categories nicely, the Lakeers are the most well-rounded and talented champs in the past two decades and a half.

Although a case could be made that the Jordan double three-peats champions were more dominant, having the GOAT in your team does negate the need for balance.

2008-2009

Which of the current rosters have the most pieces in place?

Obviously, the former champs Celtics and Spurs have something going, although age may lead to a regression for their cornerstones.

Here are the top contenders in this light (in no particular order of merit)

1) New Orleans Hornets

By adding James Posey, they got their solid defender, although their lack of an athletic, quick SG/SF could be their achilles heel—as well as a bench that doesn't exactly send shivers down anyone's spine.

2) Utah Jazz

A very well-balanced team, although Boozer and Okur do not provide an intimidating interior presence. Adding Kyle Korver last season does give them a nice sniper to space the team.

3) Houston Rockets

They got everything except a floor general (Rafer Alston really doesn't make the cut). In fact, on paper they have one of the best and deepest rotations. If only health, chemistry and Artest's behaviour clicks for them as well.

4) L.A. Lakers

Like the Rockets, they lack only a floor general now that Bynum and Ariza are back healthy. Unlike the Rockets, the triangle offense de-emphasizes the importance of the point guard.

5) Boston Celtics

Yes, it is all about the Big Three (interior beast, utility man, and sniper). Rajon Rondo is a nice floor general in making. Lack of depth and a top-notch individual defender (Posey and Posey) could hurt them, though.

6) San Antonio Spurs

If their big three are healthy—I am looking at you, Manu—they are up there. The fact that Tim and Mr Eva could score 30 points each and still lose does allude to the fact they don't have anyone else.

7) Detroit Pistons

Adding AI does give them a nice utility man, in addition to their other parts. Their bench is deep as well. The only thing missing is an interior presence and maybe just that bit of hunger—although AI could be the Answer to the latter.

The Manu Effect: Where Your Starters Are Not Your Best Five

Derek — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:37:03 -0500

Conventional wisdom is that you would start your best five players on the court, setting the tone, giving your team a comfortable lead before turning things over to the second unit while they rested.

However, Greg Popovich and the man for whom this article derives his name from changed that, by starting with Michael Finley, allowing Manu to provide the spark off the bench while playing starter minutes on court.

Now a week into the new season, it seems that more teams are adopting this tactic and leaving some of their players on the bench.

Here, we are not going to include great players who are on the bench simply because there is a better starter in front of them like Rodney Stuckey (assuming AI starts at point) and James Posey.

Rather, the Manu effect is about players who are probably the best at their position(s) but do not start because of strategic fit. Players who are giving Manu competition for Sixth Man of the Year.

1) Lamar Odom

When Phil Jackson first announced he was toying with the idea of starting with Odom on the bench, many observers assumed it was another of the Zen Master's mind games. Odom initially bristled at that suggestion but soon reconciled with his coach.

Three games and nil starts later, it is proving to be a brilliant idea. Odom's length and versatility allows either Gasol or Bynum to get some rest without giving up any rebounds without a fight.

In addition, his speed and passing enables him to mesh perfectly with Farmar, Vujacic and Ariza to provide that speed that led Jackson to dub them the 'minute men'.

By starting a shooter (albeit a streaky one) like Radmanovic, the floor is more spaced for Gasol and Bynum to operate in the paint without duplicating the skills of Odom. The nagging question is, in a contract year, how long will Odom go along with this 'demotion'?

2) Andrei Kirilenko

AK47 has been regressing for two years. He is now the fourth option behind D-Will, Boozer and Okur and does not get many touches.

Problem is, he is still their highest paid player with more than adequate skills. The wily Jerry Sloan moved him to the bench where he can continue to do damage alongside the likes of Harpring and Milsap while defending the opponent's top offensive strength.

Thirty mins per game is definitely starter minutes, however you look at it, and AK47 would be happy to be the focal point of the second unit's offense.

3) Jason Terry

Is he a point guard or a shooting guard? You could make the case that since Kidd is around and Terry is a definite upgrade over Stackhouse you could play Terry at the two.

Whatever the case, he is getting more minutes than Stack and made the most of it. This is not set in stone though since Carlise may start him eventually once he is done tinkering but Terry gives the Mavs a third option behind Dirk and Howard and a 20 point threat.

4) Grant Hill

Yes, he is old. Yes, he should have his private surgical theatre. There is no denying the obvious talent (I would like to say athleticism but I am thinking of his Detroit and Orlando years) of this multiple all-star.

At very least, he is better than Matt Barnes. In any case, he gives Leandro Barbosa some competition for the first man off the bench for the Suns and a useful two-way threat.

5) Rudy Fernandez

He may be a rookie on a talent loaded squad and his natural position is the same as their franchise player. Nevertheless, Fernandez could easily slide over to the three to form a wing that no team would relish facing. Instead Nicholas Batum starts and Fernandez is their not-so-secret weapon off the bench that earns the oohs and aahs from the crowd.

Twenty-seven miutess and 14 points per game would keep Rudy Fernandez on the Rookie of the Year charts while everyone awaits the second/third coming of Greg Oden.

6) Ben Gordon

Although he has been on the bench since drafted, he has been their top scorer through the good (2006-2007) and the bad (2007-2008).

Contract disputes aside, he is better than Kirk Hinrich and Thabo Sefelosha when it comes to putting the ball in the net. He is not much on defense and turnover prone (2.42 per game), but career averages of 17.9 points a game and 41.7 percent three point shooting would be a legitimate reason to start, on another team.

With his contract expiring next season, he might well start on another team.

There you have it, the Top Six challengers to Manu's throne this year.

NBA Superheroes

Derek — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:51:25 -0500

With the blockbuster that Joe Dumars engineered, trading Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson, it signifies the end of the Piston's T-E-A-M era. AI is a bona fide superstar and a certified future Hall Of Famer, for all his flaws and detractors, no one can question that AI is one of the best shooting guards of all time. Although he is on the tail end of his illustrious career, he brings with him more than 20 points and five assist any given night, which is in stark contrast to the balanced Billups-Sheed-Prince-Rip core. Dumars was known to lament his lack of a superstar ala 81-LBJ-Agent Zero-Truth-Melo-D-Wade who can erupt any given night and take over the game and after a quiet off-season (signing Kwame Brown ripples do not maketh) he finally erupted with this headline grabbing deal.

Therein begs the question, is your team only as good as your best player? Looking at the latest 2008-2009 rosters, I came out with the following list of Superstars (Superheroes) and their respective side-kicks:

Category I: Cyclops & the X-Men

The leader of a very good team, poised to make a deep deep playoff run this season

1) Kevin Garnett & Boston Celtics-

The reigning NBA champions may have lost James Posey but the Big Three and The Big Ticket is still intact. With his fearsome intensity plus Wolverine (Paul Pierce) and Iceman (Ray Allen) around, any Eastern Conference Team with title aspirations would have to go through KG & the Celtics.

2) Kobe Bryant & LA Lakers-

You may hate his guts but secretly you wish he was on your team. The most complete player in the NBA has the best supporting cast in Hollywood since the Big Dog left town. Put it this way, if you can afford to leave Beast (Lamar Odom) on the bench, your team ain't too shabby.

3) Tim Duncan & San Antonio Spurs-

Crack all the jokes you want about their age and lack of flash, when their Big Three are healthy, your team better bring its A plus game. Timmie is the benchmark for all power forwards and could well be the greatest power forward of all-time when all is said and done. When Storm (Manu Ginobili) and Jean Grey (Tony Parker) are on-court as well, you have been warned, Magneto.

Near Misses- Chris Paul & New Orleans Hornets, Deron William & Utah Jazz, Yao Ming & Houston Rockets

Category II: Daredevil & um his reflexes

Who runs alongside Daredevil? Exactly. These guys are heroes doing it alone, think: Patrick Ewing

1) Lebron James & Cleveland Cavaliers-

Mo Williams and Big Z may be nice pieces but it still boils down to the King. Without LBJ, this team is not only below average, it is mired in mediocrity. Danny Ferry is running out of ideas and time.

2) Carmelo Anthony & Denver Nuggets-

'Melo may have had Camby and AI last season but it didn't stop him from being properly spanked by Kobe and friends. This year, a post-Olympics Melo may have looked stronger (ignoring the sham that was his game against the Lakers) but unless Mr Big Shot turns back the clock, 'Melo and LBJ will be mentioned in the same breath for unflattering reasons.

3) Dwyane Wade & Miami Heat

D-Wade has had a monster Olympics game refuting doubters that his best days are behind him. Is Beasley ready? What are they going to do with Marion? Is Chalmers/Quinn legit? Where is their real centre hiding? Too many questions doom Wade to another season of disappointment. They will do better than last season but only because it was really too horrific to match.

Category III: Robin & Alfred the Butler

A great super-sidekick thrust into the spotlight.

1) Dirk Nowitzki & Dallas Mavericks-

I really love Dirk. I really do, he is one of the few seven footers that can shoot, not just in the paint but anywhere. Josh Howard in spite of his attempts at mimicking Artest is a great player as well. And Kidd, I loved him, note the tense chosen. That does not change the fact that none of them are anything more than a great (and in the case of Dirk-superb) second banana.

2) Michael Redd & Milwaukee Bucks-

Redd is probably the best pure shooter in the NBA today and a walking 20 points provider on any given night. No one would compare him to MJ or Kobe though. This is no knock on him, he is one of the best player in the NBA but if you are building your franchise around him, say hi to the Clippers in lottery land.

3) Joe Johnson & Atlanta Hawks-

Just like Dirk and friends, Joe Johnson is a great player who can erupt for 30 plus points at will. The problem is, that does not happen when his opponents throw the 'Jordan rules' at him like in the series against the Celtics series last year. No shame in that, he is mortal after all.

Near Misses: Chris Bosh & Toronto Raptors, Elton Brand & Philadelphia 76-ers

Category IV: Hawkeye & the Young Avengers

These kids and their teams will challenge for the title, but not this season.

1) Brandon Roy & Portland Trailblazers

Like Roy himself, the Blazers are young, impressive and raw. Still, with their brilliant front office and great coach, they will be up there with the rest of the X-men, in 2010. This team has too much talent to be counted out once the young 'uns clock some NBA mileage.

2) Derrick Rose & Chicago Bulls

In a city starved of a Superhero since No 23 retired, drafting local boy Derrick Rose was like the second coming. Rose is a great player and one of the few pass first point guards around not named Paul-Williams-Nash-Kidd. Give him sometime, he will be great and with Deng, Thomas, Nocioni, Gordon, Hinrich, Gooden, they got a good team. Maybe they need a real low-post threat to challenge the X-Men though.

3) Rudy Gay & Memphis Grizzlies

They got a lot of flak for gifting the Lakers with Pau Gasol last season but they might actually be on to something. Rudy Gay has tremendous upside and adding Marc isn't looking too bad either. With OJ Mayo and Mike Conley added to the mix, the Grizzlies may have a real chance of not anchoring the South West Division in time to come.

Near misses: Kevin Durant & OKC Thunder

Category V: Rent-a-hero

Help us keep the bench warm for 2010

1) Allen Iverson & Detroit Piston

As amazing as AI is, no one figures him to be part of Dumas' long term plans when he was traded. He may be the spark they need to push them over the top but his expiring contract should be as big an attraction as his quickness and tenacity. 'Sheed is probably nearing the end of his lease as well.

2) Vince Carter & New Jersey Nets

When you mention Vince Carter, the two most likely images that surface is the 2000 Sydney Olympics monster dunk and the 2000 All Star Slam Dunk competition. This is 2008 and he has not done anything to add to his resume. No doubt that he is a talent but I can't see him as the face of any self-respecting franchise.

3) The entire roster of New York Knicks

Starbury, anyone? Just a pack of chips would do. Hell, they will even throw in Eddy Curry for free. No? Summer of Lebron looms.........

Category VI: Americommando & the Crusaders

We are here to prop up the league

1) Monta Ellis & Golden State Warriors

What happens when your leader bolts for your division rival and his anointed heir gets suspended for injuring himself in a prohibited activity? Before you figure it out your front office squabbles gets almost as much coverage as Barack Obama and your starter publicly demands to be traded. The only demise swifter than yours is that of Lehman Brothers.

2) Gilbert Arenas & Washington Wizards

Agent Zero is a tremendous scoring threat but he can't do it from the operating theatre. Caron Butler is one of the best among the second tier superstars but Lebron won't be looking over his shoulder for Tough Juice any time soon. With Jamison and Arenas newly inked contract, they are not getting out of this quagmire any time soon.

3) Kevin Martin & Sacramento Kings

Martin has blossom into an all-around threat, he would be a nice third option for a championship contender. Beno Udrich is a nice pick up, John Salmons is a useful player and Jason Thompson is thus far shaping up to be the draft surprise. Everyone else would not be part of the rotation for a top tier team except perhaps a resurgent Brad Miller.

Near misses: Emeka Okafor & Charlotte Bobcats