NBA Studs and Duds: Week One of Free Agency

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

Studs

San Antonio Spurs

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

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

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

Los Angeles Lakers

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

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

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

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

Dallas Mavericks

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

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

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

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

Toronto Raptors

I am hesitant to put the Raptors on the “stud” list, but I think the team has improved. I  like the trade they made, early in the offseason, for Reggie Evans. Reggie Evans gives them a great rebounder, good defender, and a good complement to Bosh and Bargnani.

They also made a great pick in the first round in Demar DeRozan, who I think has a chance to be a stud, much like a Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady.

And the big move was signing Hedo Turkoglu, another good offensive threat to go alongside Bosh. Turkoglu can create for himself and set teammates up well. Overall, I think the Raptors are better, and they should have a good chance to get back to the playoffs.

Duds

Detroit Pistons

Plenty of people may consider what the Pistons' offseason moves a success; however, I am going to have to disagree. In my opinion, the moves they made didn’t help them too much and could have made them worse.

First, they signed Ben Gordon to a big five-year deal. Ben Gordon can flat-out shoot, there is no question about it. He can also be clutch when the game is on the line. However, his defense is below average at best.

Despite being a better shooter and younger, I don't think Gordon is a huge improvement over Iverson. Gordon also doesn’t seem to fit too well in their back court. Rodney Stuckey is more of a scoring point guard, and they already have Rip Hamilton, who isn’t too fond of the bench.

They also signed Charlie Villanueva, who also doesn’t play too much defense. He gives them a decent scoring threat down low, but his game is more outside than inside. Overall, the Pistons have lost the identity that made them successful—great defense.

The Pistons may struggle next year, and if they can’t find a taker for Rip Hamilton, they could have some chemistry issues and may miss out on the playoffs.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz’s front office hasn’t necessarily done a bad job this offseason, but Carlos Boozer may be holding up their future plans. Boozer is not necessarily a bad player, but it seems that the chances of him staying with the team past 2010 are slim. Therefore, it could hurt them down the road.

The Jazz want to bring back Paul Millsap, but it may be tough to convince him to come back with Boozer still on the team. Jazz could rid themselves of the “Dud” label if they are able to trade Boozer and get good value or shed some salary to re-sign Paul Millsap.

There are some teams that could make a move for Boozer like the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, or Charlotte Bobcats. Something tells me that the Jazz could be moving out of this list, stay tuned.

Interesting But Potentially Horrific

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis has had an interesting offseason thus far. They made a big trade when they received Zach Randolph from the Clippers. And now there are rampant rumors that the Grizzlies may sign Allen Iverson. I am not quite sure how I feel about the offseason for the Grizzles, but it has been very interesting to say the least.

I like their draft picks: Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, and Sam Young. Thabeet should give them a good defensive and unselfish center who should complement Zach Randolph.

Speaking of Randolph, if he can keep his attitude in check and if he commits a little bit to the defensive end, this could be an excellent pick up for Memphis because he already has good offensive skills.

However, I am not sure that Iverson makes Memphis a better team. Iverson would likely have to play the point with Mayo and Gay filling the shooting guard and small forward positions, respectively. 

I suppose Iverson could be a sixth man, but I don’t think that would go over well.

Personally, the Grizzlies would be better suited finding another point guard, but this could be a much improved team. At the very least, they should be fun to watch.