Dr. Trade: Musings on Odom, Roy, Williamses, Davis, Hollins, & Rambis

Enough time has past and enough big names have been signed to warrant another "Musings" article by Dr. Trade. 

Today's feature is already a smorgasbord of NBA transactions, so I send sincere apologies to the Kevin Ollies, Steven Hunters, and Malik Allens of the world; we'll try to limit column space (and readers' patience) to the players that will likely contribute in a consistent way to their new rosters.

Without further ado, it's time for more expert-level analysis with Dr. Trade.

 

Completed Re-signing: Lamar Odom to Los Angeles Lakers

Wasn't this what we expected all along?  It certainly took a little while longer than predicted, but I don't think many people envisioned Odom to sign with anyone else when the other bidders couldn't offer more than Los Angeles anyways.

Odom certainly could have started in Miami, New York, Portland, etc., but he's already had those career experiences, and I think he recognizes a good thing when he sees it.  He is currently playing for a team where he's a good fit, a fan base who loves him, and a coach who puts him in a consistent position to succeed. 

One may not go so far as to declare him the most important bench player in the League, but I think we all readily admit that he is certainly the most versatile, while also giving at least a passing nod to him being the best and most talented.

Lot's of people, including myself, love the additions by San Antonio, Cleveland, Orlando, Boston, etc., but let's not overlook how good L.A. can be when all the cogs are running smoothly.  This move doesn't guarantee the Lakers another ring, but it certainly goes a long way towards making them odds-on favorites to defend their title.

 

Completed Extension: Brandon Roy to Portland

There really isn't a lot that needs to be said here.  Brandon Roy was not going anywhere this off-season, and Portland was wise to lock up their budding talent for the long-term.

Roy's toughness will pair well with new guard mate, Andre Miller.  This is going to be a no-nonsense backcourt which will demand a lot of respect.  Everyone's been saying it for a few years now, but keep watching out for Portland.  This team could be ridiculously good if the stars align properly.

While Roy's game is dissimilar, I sometimes wonder if his professional ceiling, (and that of this team) will be close to the "Clyde Drexler Era" Blazers:  An incredibly deep and talented squad that was always a contender, but one that seemed to be one missing link away from the ring.

Here's to hoping that I am incorrect on that assessment.

 

Completed Re-Signing: Marvin Williams to Atlanta

Marvin Williams career seems to be arching in the same direction as Joe Smith: A multi-talented forward who was taken too high in his draft class ahead of many star players, but who still put together a very respectable career as a rotation starter.

Williams is one of those guys who has all the tools to play both forward spots, but just not enough to never leave you wanting more.  I really like this signing by the Hawks, as Williams is the perfect back up forward.  He can get near-starter's minutes, but not be exposed by having to play them all at just one spot.

The Hawks still need another "heavy" to sub on the front line, but re-upping Marvin Williams means that Mike Woodson doesn't have to worry much when Al Horford, Josh Smith, or Joe Johnson go to the bench.

 

Completed Signings: Shelden Williams & Glen Davis to Boston

Despite bringing in Rasheed Wallace, the Celtics were facing the prospect of having one of the thinnest front lines in the League (due to Garnett's injury status, Perkins' limited stamina, and Scalabrine's penchant for being himself).

Boston can now rest easy at night knowing that they have three starting-caliber big men in Garnett, Wallace, and Perkins, while also having a trio of bench bigs who each bring something a little different to the table.

Glen Davis showed that he belongs in the League during last-year's fill-in stint for Garnett.  While his lack of lift severely limits is close-range effectiveness, he still can consistently score with his mid-range jumper and back-down game.  I don't think Davis would do well as a full-time starter, but he should continue to shine as a high-minute sub.

Shelden Williams has had a disappointing career so far, but he's a big body who will bring a little more toughness and rebounding to the table than Mikki Moore did last year.

 

Completed Signings: Ryan Hollins & Kurt Rambis to Minnesota

I'll save the "near and dear" for last. 

I have to say that I thought Ryan Hollins was better than advertised with the Mavericks last year after coming over from Charlotte.  He was more athletic, mobile, and aggressive than what I had expected.  Dallas should have re-signed him and given him more of Erick Dampier's minutes.

That being said, I don't think he'll start for the Wolves, but he's definitely an option on the nights that Al Jefferson should be playing Power Forward instead of Center.  This signing is also useful in that Minnesota didn't have a true Center body on the roster after instantly shipping off Etan Thomas.

As far as Kurt Rambis goes, I'm just happy that the David Kahn Coaching Search Marathon Extravaganza is over. 

Rambis has the reputation of being one of the more highly regarded assistants in the game.  Is this because of who he's been training under in L.A., or is it due to his own accomplishments?  I'll hope that it's a little of both.

Either way, Rambis better be prepared for the growing pains that still accompany this roster.  The potential for a good team is absolutely there, if a coach can keep up a steady dose of patient encouragement. 

Right now, this franchise needs stability, confidence, and realistic expectations.  Rambis has only dealt with a winner in L.A.  That means he brings a lot of clout with him, but I also hope that he realizes this is a long-haul type of assignment.

Here's to hoping that he's firmly committed to the Wolves and the work necessary to turn them into a winner (eventually).

Trust me on this one.  After all, I am a Doctor.

- Doctor Trade