Summer School: NBA OffSeason Moves Earn Their Grades

John LorgeAug 2, 2009

I have dished out report cards for the Eastern and Western Conference teams, along with dissecting what Lamar Odom means to the Lakers.

There have been a few other moves going on in the NBA that could, should, and will impact the playoff picture—and they deserve their grades.

These grades are for the individual moves that took place. Let's take a look and don't forget to view my latest NBA video.

New Orleans Trades for Emeka Okafor & Signs Ike Diogu

The Hornets got tougher and more consistent when they unloaded the fragile Tyson Chandler for the man-mountain that is Emeka Okafor.

Having played 164 games the last two seasons, there is NO need not to worry about being left with a big hole in the middle like last year. They also have a better defensive center now, as Okafor blocked 80 more shots than Chandler last year.

Chris Paul and Chandler had developed a good relationship on offense and it's still in question whether Okafor will be able to finish the job as proficiently. Overall, he is as good, if not a better, of an offensive player as Chandler.

New Orleans also brought in Ike Diogu to give David West the occasional rest from his 39 minutes per game. Diogu is a good post scorer and an effective rebounder when motivated.

Like trading your apple sauce for a Twinkie in the cafeteria, the Hornets clearly came out on top.

Final Grade: B+

Charlotte Trades For Tyson Chandler

It's funny that a tough, defensive minded team like the Bobcats would go out and trade for Chandler. If the team did not have a center, Chandler, a true seven-footer, would be an upgrade at the position—but for Charlotte that wasn't the case.

The two questions with Chandler are how much will he be on the court, and when he is on the court, how much will playing without Chris Paul hurt him?

Paul took Chandler's game to the next level, helping him achieve a 60+ field goal percentage for the first time ever when both players arrived to the Hornets in 2006. Charlotte does have Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin but neither has the penetrating or passing ability of Paul.

My only hope is that this is one move of many that Charlotte is working on this summer, because Chandler may sink Charlotte's playoff hopes.

This move may land Michael Jordan, Larry Brown, and whoever else approved it in detention for another year.

Final Grade: D

San Antonio Signs Theo Ratliff

When I gave the Spurs their report card, I said they should have focused on adding a true center this summer. They listened, and quickly signed one—sort of.

In his prime, Ratliff was one of the most imposing defenders in the game. Career highs of 36 minutes, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game are impressive, but he's only played 70+ games five times in 14 years.

We haven't seen Ratliff play in a consistent role in several years. He is older, and while he still looks amazing physically, the game has taken a toll on his 36-year-old body.

Ratliff will help add size to the Spurs when they battle the Lakers, Nuggets, and Blazers, but he gives the Spurs half of what they need in the post.

There's a new school-yard bully in the West, but he may be too slow to catch the young kids.

Final Grade: C+

Dallas Signs Drew Gooden & Tim Thomas

A successful offseason continues to get better for the Mavs as they welcome two more diverse forwards to their rotations.

Neither Thomas nor Gooden should expect a starting role-barring injury, but Rick Carlisle will use both players to their potential.

Gooden can rebound, hit the short J, and he plays smart, efficient basketball. Thomas is a wild card, but when he's feeling it from the perimeter, he's almost impossible to contain.

If the Mavericks are going to make a serious title run, Thomas and Gooden have to give a combined Robert Horry type effort.

Is two better than one? Unfortunately, neither are centers, which is the team’s real need.

The Mavericks get an "A" for effort but seemed to misinterpret the assignment.

Final Grade: B-

Portland Signs Andre Miller

For a few seasons, analysts have been saying that the Blazers need a true point guard if they want to be a competitor. They don't get much truer than Andre Miller.

With 7.4 career assists per game ranking 20th all-time, Miller is one of the most underrated points in basketball and he's always helped teams reach their potential.

He has also played over 80 games every year in his NBA career, unrivaled consistency.

There is going to be some negotiating on offense as Nate McMillan has to balance ball handling responsibilities between Miller and Brandon Roy. However, Roy should appreciate the pressure being deflected.

The ball will still be in Roy's hands when it counts but Miller can work to get shots for teammates throughout the game. And if you sleep on him, he will quietly pour in 20 points.

The Blazers had been eyeing power forwards all summer but what they needed was a point guard. The only knock on Miller is that he can't shoot threes.

Adding an experienced PG addresses two team needs and helps Portland graduate summer school with honors.

Final Grade: B+