National Basketball Association

NBA Talk: Plans Change In Detroit With Villanueva and Gordon Added

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:25:16 +0000

We all remember the heartbreaking move for Detroit when they sent Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets while Detroit brought in Allen Iverson. It wasn't good for the Pistons as they got destroyed in the playoffs.

Then here they are with Iverson gone and Rasheed Wallace aging a bit. And Richard "Rip" Hamilton can't do everything by himself. How can Detroit survive? I'll tell you why.

With two standout adds of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons look like a viperous team coming into the 2009-10 season as they look to strangle their opponents.

And another good thing is that they haven't reached 30 yet, as they are both in there mid-20s, which is acceptable for this offense.

Bringing in Gordon really helps out Rip and Rodney Stuckey being the "sixth man" of the group. Gordon makes a monumental difference towards the squad. It'll look like the "good ol' days" when it was Isaiah Thomas, Vinnie Johnson, and Joe Dumars.

Now we know how Gordon can help, how the heck will Villanueva end up? I'll tell you how.

Villanueva helps replace Rasheed Wallace, who reportedly has received some pretty big attraction from the Boston Celtics, and according to ESPN.com, some appeal from the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Villanueva is probably better shooter, there is absolutely no way he can reinstate the defensive intelligence of Sheed. But besides that, the Pistons were built to be a younger and stronger team.

Wallace, I know, is the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons, but he has to go and it looks he will...to the C's.

Many people were also lingering for the trade of Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler and Julian Wright, but c'mon: Aren't Gordon and Villanueva better?

The Pistons look to be a powerhouse team and can be a threat in the Central Conference. But it's going to be a tougher division as the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks join the mix as both teams are dying for playoff-spot.

With Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince leading the Pistons, they can be that team they were: a furious one.

And Gordon and Villanueva are the first step in the progress.

Big NBA News: Feat. Josh Childress (Iverson Going for Memphis?)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:42:35 +0000

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Big NBA News. We got some good stuff in for us today so let's go. These are some pretty big rumors and I really do think these are the ones you definitely don't want to miss!

Mike Bibby

Atlanta Hawks point guard was given some rumors that he may go to Philadelphia to play for the Sixers.

But Sixers fans, you might want to stop cheering and put your hands down. The Sixers aren't interested in Bibby, according to the Inquirer.

But heck, it would be real nice for Philly to get him. But as for right now, he's chilling in Atlanta.

He is also looking to bring the Hawks to the playoffs again and hopefully passing the second round and not getting killed by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

My bad, Atlanta. Sorry for bringing back bad memories.

Ricky Rubio

Jeez Ricky!

I really don't understand what's the point of him coming to the NBA after reading this about him going back to Spainto play proffessionaly for two more years!

But it won't matter because if he wants to return to the NBA, the Timberwolves still hold the rights to him. So Ricky, it really doesn't matter if you don't want to play for Minny, just try to make the best of it, okay?

Nah, he won't.

Hedo Turkoglu

Hedo Turkoglu, he recently opted out of his contract with the Orlando Magic, shouldn't be really happy right now.

The Toronto Raptors were about to give him a $60M contract but they decided not to, according to The Star.

We'll see what happens, maybe Toronto be decide to again. And teams going for a bid?

As of right now, not many. Sorry, Hedo. Want to go back to Orlando? Nah, I really think he doesn't. Let him wait, he'll get the deal and the team he wants.

New Orleans Hornets

The Times-Picayune reports that the New Orleans Hornets are deciding to acquire the following free agents:

Mikki Moore (right)
Maceo Boston
Jake Voskuhl

ESPN.com reports that the Hornets are also taking a look at former-Hornet, Brandon Bass.

Let's see who they pick because all of the players look interesting to me. Moore might fit well.

I don't know who to pick, it'll be a tough decision. But hey, why not , sign them all. But nah, it'll probably be a not-so-smart idea.

Josh Childress

The Journal Times reports that the Milwaukee Bucks are trying out Josh Childress, who the last NBA team he played with was the Atlanta Hawks after moving to the Olympioacos.

Childress has been called by many NBA teams, and he does look like he can fit nicely with the team after that trade that sent Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs.

Here is the biggest news of the day! Now that I have made a new website called MemphisBlueBears.com, a site about the Memphis Grizzlies (I am a bigger Indiana Pacers fan, though, of course), I know have to write some Grizzlies news.

Well, Allen Iverson announced that he wanted to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN reports. Here's what Iverson said on his Twitter:

"I'm a free agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team. My only preference will be [is] to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone who best knows how to utilize my skills to make our team the very best it can be. For those of you who thought I was done, think again."

Whew, A.I. had a lot to say there to all of his fans on Twitter (more than 16,000 to be exact, dang!). Let's see how everything turns out.

He looks good with the Grizzlies as a new "Big Three" may approach with him, Rudy Gay, and O.J. Mayo. Now that would be nice. We'll see how it turns out, as of right now, Iverson is probably chilling (and why wouldn't he?).

Strickland: Sheed Would Fit in Great With the Big Three, Chances of Wallace Coming Strong

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:55:29 -0500

Danny, Coach Doc Rivers, managing partner Wyc Grousbeck along with KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were in the meeting with Strickland, Rasheed and his wife Fatima. Without question the Celtics increased their chances of obtaining Rasheed by making this trip. The effort put forth by the Celtics impressed Rasheed, Fatima and Strickland.
The fact that Rasheed has never played on a team with the likes of KG, Paul and Ray works in favor of the Celtics.
Fatima and Rasheed will make this decision together. She is very important in this process. Civil activities are very important to her. Ray Allen, because of his work with juvenile diabetes, was able to connect with her on this matter.
The way Doc handled the three egos of the big three has not gone unnoticed by Rasheed. Doc is well respected by players throughout the NBA.

Despite his reputation in Boston Rasheed is an unselfish teammate and would fit great with the big three. -- Gary Tanguay

Strickland: Sheed Would Fit in Great With the Big Three, Chances of Wallace Coming Strong

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:55:29 -0500

Danny, Coach Doc Rivers, managing partner Wyc Grousbeck along with KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were in the meeting with Strickland, Rasheed and his wife Fatima. Without question the Celtics increased their chances of obtaining Rasheed by making this trip. The effort put forth by the Celtics impressed Rasheed, Fatima and Strickland.
The fact that Rasheed has never played on a team with the likes of KG, Paul and Ray works in favor of the Celtics.
Fatima and Rasheed will make this decision together. She is very important in this process. Civil activities are very important to her. Ray Allen, because of his work with juvenile diabetes, was able to connect with her on this matter.
The way Doc handled the three egos of the big three has not gone unnoticed by Rasheed. Doc is well respected by players throughout the NBA.

Despite his reputation in Boston Rasheed is an unselfish teammate and would fit great with the big three. -- Gary Tanguay

Swing and a Miss: Ariza > Artest According to Plaschke

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:49:52 -0500

This is the start of what I hope to be a series on Celtics 17. I will find stupid basketball columns and show them to you.

The first is a column by Bill Plaschke of the LA Times. You know, the guy with the egg-shaped head on "Around the Horn" who thinks the Dodgers are better without Manny Ramirez. This is his opinion on the Lakers' Ron Artest signing.

"Less than three weeks after the parade, the NBA champion Lakers have already met the biggest threat to their throne.

Themselves.

What are they thinking? What are they doing?"

Well, I'm just a blogger so what do I know? But from the looks of it I'd say that the Lakers are trying to improve.

"They just won a title that would not have been possible without the strong defense and stunning shooting of a 24-year-old kid with a limitless ceiling."

Plaschke is referring to Trevor Ariza, who was just signed by the Rockets. There are many good things to say about Ariza, but "limitless ceiling" is not one of them.

"Yet they send the kid packing for an aging nut whose greatest hits have occurred on the heads of fans."

Artest is 29, a year and three months younger than Kobe Bryant. As for being a nut, are people really still talking about an incident that occurred five years ago?

Come on. Michael Jordan hit Steve Kerr in practice. Randy Johnson hit a teammate to get out of Seattle. Unless you were hit by Artest, you need to get over it.

"They just won a title with a locker room bathed in the soothing light of unselfishness, teamwork and a quiet temerity."

And that's exactly how you could describe Artest with the Rockets. In fact, Artest might be better than Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming when you take his defense into account.

"Yet they cut the power and added the darkest of moods, a guy who has made a career out of hoarding the ball, the attention, and the anger."

Hoarding the ball? Artest is usually the guy who wants to assist the top scorer, the guy who wants to guard the other team's best player, and he does both of those very well. The only times he's angry seems to be when he's the main guy on a losing team, which won't be the case with the Lakers.

"Tell me again, why did they get rid of Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest?"

Because Artest is better and comes with a cheaper contract.

"Explain to me, please, why they wouldn't even negotiate further with Trevor Ariza before quickly agreeing to sign Ron Artest?"

They negotiated with Ariza and offered him the same contract as Artest, but Ariza wanted more. Why sign an inferior player for more money?

"Artest is a better player,"

Exactly.

"but that's not the point."

I'm not sure if there is a point in this article. There certainly hasn't been so far.

"Ariza was a better fit, and that's what wins championships."

What about two Finals ago when Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were inconsistent and Bryant didn't have a secondary player to help him. Isn't that a bit more important than Ariza, who at best is the fifth best player on a championship team?

"Artest is a strong defender, but if the Lakers need someone to quietly hound a guy during a routine inbounds pass and be willing to make a small play to win a big game, that's Ariza."

Who's better at hounding a guy on an inbound pass than Artest?

"Artest is a good shooter, but if the Lakers need someone willing to stand in the shadows for three quarters and emerge to make a big three-pointer before disappearing again, that's Ariza."

I've never heard of "disappearing" as a good quality of a basketball player, but then again, that might be why I'm not paid to write.

"Artest will supposedly make the Lakers tougher, but what is tougher than showing up every day and playing hard every play and fighting your way to a championship?"

So does Ariza disappear or does he "play hard on every play?" First of, kudos on the word choice in that quote. Second of all, Artest might be the hardest working defender in basketball.

"Ariza has a ring, Artest does not, so the Lakers are giving up wins."

Robert Horry has seven championships. Michael Jordan has six. Adam Morrison has a ring. LeBron James has none. Horry > Jordan and Morrison > James.

"Ariza is young 24, Artest is an old 29, so the Lakers are giving up age."

Now you're just repeating the age argument, which is easily proven wrong. Unless of course, Bryant is now past his prime.

"Ariza shot 48% from the three-point line in the playoffs while Artest shot 28%, so the Lakers are giving up clutch."

The Lakers usually go to Bryant or Derek Fisher before relying on Ariza for a clutch shot. Ariza scores his points when Bryant is double-teamed. In fact, Bryant will be double-teamed less frequently with Artest, giving Bryant more opportunities for clutch shots.

"The one thing the Lakers are absolutely gaining here is money, which is exactly what you will be paying them in increasing increments next season."

Real professional. Now you're discouraging people from going to Lakers games.

"Artest will sign a three-year deal for about $18 million, roughly the same annual salary that the Houston Rockets gave Ariza.

But Ariza was given two more years by the Rockets, pushing his total closer to $33 million."

You've already admitted that Artest is a better player. Now you're saying that Ariza is more expensive. This isn't really helping your argument.

"Heaven forbid you would want to give a rising young star two more years, or spend some of your roughly $1 million-per-game playoff bounty to do it!"

Is there a dictionary nearby? Look up "star." Bryant is a star. Dwight Howard is a star. Gasol is not a star. This would lead most to beleive that Ariza will definitely never be a star.

"Jerry Buss should have opened the pockets a little wider. And Mitch Kupchak should have jogged the memory a little deeper."

The Lakers are currently on the top in payroll. And if any memory needs to be jogged, it's your's, Plaschke. Have you watched a single game with Ariza?

"Remember the last time the Lakers made a postseason acquisition of an aging star that appeared to give them an embarrassment of riches and render them unbeatable?

The year was 2004, and they signed two of them, Gary Payton and Karl Malone, and you know what happened next. By the end of the season, the fractured chemistry imploded in a Finals loss to the Detroit Pistons that was so awful, afterward seemingly half the team either quit or was traded."

Malone and Payton didn't hurt the Lakers. The Lakers missed the Finals in the previous year and got their the next year. Without Malone and Payton, they're eliminated by the Spurs again, and this time in the second round.

"Like Malone and Payton, Artest is a great acquisition in a fantasy league. But this is reality, and nothing in NBA history has ever been quite like Artest's reality."

So what makes him worse than Ariza? All I see in here is that Ariza can do some sort of disappearing act that helps the Lakers.

"Everyone knows how, as an Indiana Pacer, he was suspended for 73 regular-season games and the postseason after going into the stands to confront fans and later punching one on the floor.

A long time ago, huh? Yeah, all of five years."

A real long time ago. Back when the Suns, Pistons, and Heat were great. When the Hornets sucked and the Cavaliers were irrelevant. When Steve Nash was MVP and Emeka Okafor was the next big thing.

"Did you know that he has also once shown up for practice in a bathrobe, asked to take a month off because he was tired, and been jailed for 10 days for domestic assault?"

What does this have to do with basketball?

"Everyone said he was a changed man when he was traded from the Pacers to the Sacramento Kings, but he was suspended for a playoff game in 2006 for a flagrant elbow, and the Kings lost that series to the San Antonio Spurs in six games."

This was the same year that Artest took a team that wasn't expected to make the playoffs to the sixth game as the eight seed. Bryant was also suspended from a playoff game and he's a year older than the aging Artest. What good is he? All he did was lead the Lakers to a championship?

"Everyone said he changed again when he joined the Rockets, but in this spring's playoff series against the Lakers, he was thrown out of two games while finishing the series hitting 17 of 61 shots in the last four games."

He also kept the Rockets in that series with the help of really only Shane Battier.

"And Trevor Ariza has done what, exactly? Agree to come off the bench? Agree to guard the team's best shooter? Agree to take that shot when Bryant couldn't?"

Artest won't need to come off the bench, he has always guarded the team's best shooter, and it's not like he'll decline to take shots.

"Ariza's only NBA mistake occurred this week, when he followed the lead of his misguided agent, David Lee. By joining the Rockets as a miscast free-agent star, the kid now faces the possibility of a career filled with disillusionment and mediocrity, not to mention anonymity."

Artest joins the Rockets and they're championship contendors. Ariza joins the Rockets and he's destined for mediocrity. I thought this guy had "limitless potential."

"Ariza was more valuable to the Lakers than to anyone else. This was his home, his comfort zone, the perfect spot for a supporting actor to shine from the wings."

So he's a role player, rather than Artest who could play a major role if Bryant is injured or if Gasol isn't reliable.

"Why didn't Ariza realize this? And why couldn't the Lakers have given him more time to realize this? This agreement occurred within two days of the start of the free-agent period.

Couldn't the Lakers have given him a chance to come to his senses?

Couldn't they have met somewhere in the middle?"

Yes and they could have spent more on a player destined for mediocrity rather than on a player who will make them better.

"But, no, a flashy guy in a funky haircut beckoned, and the Lakers bit, trading heart for Hollywood, quiet strength for false bravado, a rock for a hard place."

As I said earlier, Artest is happiest when he's out of the spotlight, like with the Rockets. And that's exactly what he is with the Lakers. He's not flashy at all. Artest is a scrappy, hard-working player. Are we really using haircuts to judge players?

"While Lakers fans are now faced with an unsettled title defense, there is a shining word of certainty for every other fan who recently watched the NBA's next dynasty while shouting "Break up the Lakers."

Done."

I would have suggested a different approach to this article. I would have written more than two lines about why Ariza is better than Artest. But maybe that's just not possible.

Ron Artest to join the Lakers; hangover pending

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:24:33 -0800

One of the most popular mixed drinks of all time is the 'Rum and Coke.' When I'm pouring (even with my heavy hand) I like to add a bit more Coke, as its sweetness helps to take some of the bite off of the potent rum. Not too far below Los Angeles, across the border into Mexico, they drink Rum and Coke too, but they have a different name for it. They call it 'Ron con Cola' (easily translated as 'rum with cola').

In Los Angeles, they will now be mixing up 'Ron con Kobe's' for (at least) 82 games next season. The Los Angeles Lakers will add a little extra something to their already-potent concoction, as they intend to sign Ron Artest at the conclusion of the moratorium period (July 8).

While the 'Ron con Kobe' mixer may seem somewhat hokey, it's actually quite fitting in this situation. In my experience with every big night of drinking, you might end up having the time of your life...or you might end up hugging the toilet begging for mercy - you just never know. This is the gamble that the Lakers may be taking with signing Artest. It is a high-risk high-reward situation. Either this could help propel them to a second-consecutive championship, or it could serve to be a distraction causing turmoil within the team.

From a basketball standpoint, this is a fantastic signing for the Lakers. Artest, in my opinion, is one of the most complete players in the game when all facets are considered. He is the league's premier perimeter defender, a scorer capable contributing inside or outside, a good rebounder, has good size and strength, and even has some point-forward capabilities.

What will be his most important contribution to the Lakers will be defending the best players on opposing teams. This will come in handy for Los Angeles when they face Western Conference foes like Carmelo Anthony or Brandon Roy, or a potential finals matchup against Cleveland with LeBron James. What it means is that Kobe Bryant won't have to exhaust all of his injury battling with stars on the defensive end - providing even more energy to dominate a game offensively. Bryant (a player of great intensity himself) will surely appreciate Artest's tenacity, as he witnessed it firsthand throughout their playoff series this year.

Of course, Artest has come with his fair share of distractions throughout the years. He's well past the Malice at the Palace at this point, but his on-court physicality and lack of control has led to more flagrant fouls and ejections than probably necessary. He's also shown his fair-share of 'crazy' off the court with his outlandish interviews. Clearly, Artest is a strong personality for a team to reign in. Let's just say, he has a little 'Captain' in him - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Luckily, Lakers coach Phil Jackson is no stranger to strong, irreverent personalities, as many point to his notable success of getting the most out of Dennis Rodman.

But with every mixed drink, one has to consider the mixer - both in type and in quantity. With the right combination, the bitterness of the alcohol can barely be tasted. Fortunately for Los Angeles, their mixers are of the utmost quality AND quantity. Taking a look at their current roster, they have a spoils of riches. Arguably the best player of this decade in Bryant, one of the best bigs in the game in Pau Gasol, another potential beast in the middle with Andrew Bynum, and a collection of some of the best role players a team could ask for. While it looks like Trevor Ariza will be elsewhere (he's verbally committed to Artest's Rockets, as a matter of fact), the Lakers would still like to re-sign Lamar Odom. If this happens, the Lakers will be embarrassingly stacked and a difficult to match up with. One area of weakness that they may still need to address is speed at the point guard position. However, they won a championship without it, so this may not be much of a concern for them at this point.

So with every night of drinking, you never know what the night has in store for you, and frankly, neither do the Lakers. But one thing's for sure, this ongoing party in Los Angeles is going to be a thing of sheer primetime entertainment. One that can even be enjoyed and appreciated in a sober state.

Is this signing going to bring the Lakers the night of their lives, or have them praying to the porcelain gods? What's your verdict?

Yup, Danny Ainge is a Genius

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:40:00 -0500

Marbury feels (short) Celtics days are done.

Bill Strickland, Sheed's agent, on the contract offer.

I used to hate -- no, DESPISE -- Danny Ainge. After his deal which sent the then-admirable Antonie Walker packing, to then only sign Brian Scalabrine, it was clear to me that this guy was just not a fit for the Celtics.

Then came the 2006-07 season, a year where the Celtics not only had shameful results, but left a humiliating mark on both their legendary name and Boston's fans.

And just when I thought both Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers were "outta here," a meeting was arranged between Celtics star Paul Pierce, and Danny Ainge himself. Pierce told Ainge that "he wanted to be a Celtic for life," but if the C's didn't find veteran help for him that offseason, he'd prefer leaving Beantown and heading to a contender.

Little did he know that Mr. Ainge expected a Pierce response like that, and was working on bring that "contender team" to Boston. So, not only did Pierce get veteran help, but two superstars ready to take a big burden off of Pierce's shoulder.

In the glorious end, Paul Pierce, the Celtics, and the city of Boston won a championship, an honor they'd already experienced many times over, but still had that same thirst for victory nonetheless.

And so I'm convinced. Danny Ainge is a genius. The Ray Allen trade which was seen as a terrible, awful move, was proved brilliant by Ainge after Allen was covered in champagne at around midnight, June 17, 2008. He gave the T-Wolves half of the Celtics' roster in exchange for Kevin Garnett, but once again, the swap proved to be what was necessary for both Boston and Minnesota. Then, he added player after player on to the Celtic gang just days after the Garnett trade, not stopping until the roster was perfectly complete.

The C's signed Eddie House and Scot Pollard shortly after the Garnett trade was finalized. Late August, he signed coveted free agent James Posey to a one-year deal. The moves were seen as complements to the blockbuster deals which ended up being the splashes of the Summer, but little did we know these were the deals that would give Boston a title.

After the jump, I'll talk about the specifics and go into detail about the 2007-08 Executive of the Year.

Gortat verbally commits to Mavericks

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:46:07 +0000

Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat has verbally committed to sign an offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs were interested in the 6'11'' Polish center who made a name for himself last season as Dwight Howard's backup. However, they are more interested in Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess. It does hurt some to see a division rival pick up a big, young center.

Artest, Ariza Signings Should Not Have Cavs Fans on Suicide Watch

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:43:40 -0500

Cavaliers introduce Shaquille O'Neal

All Cavs fans wanted Ron Artest in the wine and gold. Unfortunately for them, Ron-Ron's heart bled purple and gold, and in the end, the Cavs couldn't compete with the bright lights of Los Angeles -- Shaq and LeBron or no Shaq and LeBron.

And while a player like Trevor Ariza would have been a great fit for the Cavs, at what expense? The midlevel exception at $33 million for five years (which is what the Rockets reportedly gave him)?

Ariza's a nice player, and he has a fan in me after how he played in the postseason. But it's easy to look good when you are option #5 behind Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Derek Fisher. And if Ariza wants to go to a Houston team that is being gutted by the minute, then more power to him. He has his ring already, and although I don't know what his intentions are (or how serious the Cavs really were about signing the guy in the first place), he got the money he was looking for.

But one thing has become clear as this free agency season really began to take shape on Thursday: The Cavs plan to be big players in the 2010 spending spree. And if you didn't think that Chris Bosh is option #1, 2, and 3 at the Cavaliers' headquarters in suburban Independence, then it's time to get with the program.

Many fans will wonder why the Cavs are once again banking on free agency to build their team -- did they not learn their lesson in 2005 when Michael Redd and Ray Allen turned them down and they had to settle for Larry Hughes? And free agency is never a guarantee. While Cavs fans like to toot their horns about how their team can offer LeBron more money than anyone in the market next season, Raptors fans are sitting at home saying the same thing about their guy Bosh.

Still, unlike 2005, a guy like Bosh certainly won't be one of a few options out there. Amare Stoudemire will be available. Carlos Boozer will be back on the market, as will Joe Johnson. Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Steve Nash, and Mehmet Okur will also all be unrestricted. And teams with cap space will have a lot of options.

It hurts to think about it as a Cavs fan, because Cavs fans are running out of patience right now (at least if your objective for this team is to add young athletic pieces around LeBron James). But although a guy like Tyson Chandler is only 26-years old, the Cavs took Shaq because of his expiring contract for 2010. In the end, that -- not even Chandler's health issues -- was the ultimate trump card. So you tell me what that means.

We will get further proof of Danny Ferry's 2010 intentions based not only on how he eventually ends up using the midlevel exception (or even using it at all), but how he deals with his own free agent, Anderson Varejao.

In a perfect world, Varejao would have picked up his player option for $6.2 million this summer and gone unrestricted next summer. It would have made sense for him, too, because with money tight this summer and teams looking to spend at will next summer, will Varejao even match that $6.2 million that he was promised in his original contract? What does it say about him when Marcin Gortat is off the market before he is?

Regardless, don't be surprised if Ferry lets Varejao walk and brings in a guy like Antonio McDyess on a one-year deal, maybe even for the full midlevel exception (or preferably the biannual exception). A move like that should make it clear that the Cavs intend to put on the fullcourt press for Bosh and prepare a max offer to him next summer.

It's not a game I'd like to play, but at this point, only a guy like Artest is worth sacrificing 2010 cap space. In the end, according to multiple team sources, he was never really a realistic option for the Cavs compared to what the opportunity of playing with the Lakers gave him. A guy like Ariza, however appealing, isn't worth 2010 cap space. And the Cavs never had cap space this summer to give Charlie Villanueva his apparent market value, anyways.

So like it or not, that's going to be the course of action for the Cavs. You will hear names like Shawn Marion, McDyess, and Anthony Parker out there. But realize that the Cavs will not, under any circumstances, give any of these guys more than a one year deal. Passing up on Chandler for Shaq should have made that clear initially. Letting Ariza ride off into the sunset to Houston reinforced that.

There is no need to panic as a Cavaliers fan. The team still got Shaq pretty much for free, just like they got Mo Williams for free last summer. They're still a 66-win team with a depth chart at center that includes Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and even if Varejao leaves, McDyess may be an upgrade, anyways.

Just remember, Danny Ferry has bigger fish to fry. And while the Cavs were never really equipped to be major players in this summer's free agency, the pieces are being set to make sure that they are when free agency really matters: 2010.

Artest > Ariza

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:25:00 -0800

So, yeah, Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest swapped teams. Ariza is going to be saddled with more responsibilities in a team that MIGHT have trouble making the playoffs while Artest is going to be asked (and probably willing) to be a #2, 3, 4, 5, or even #6 option in a championship team.

Last we heard, Ariza (or rather Ariza's agent, David Lee... no, not the New York Knicks player) wanted $8-9 million. I think Mitch Kupchak knew what he was doing. He knew that Ariza wasn't going to get much more than the mid-level exception (projected to be around slightly less than $6 million per year). The only ones that could've paid him more were Detroit, Portland, and Toronto. Detroit already spent their dough on Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon. Portland and Toronto are busy wrestling over Hedo Turkoglu's services.

So Ariza explored his options. But when Ron Artest is roaming around freely, what were the Lakers supposed to do? Sit on their asses and watch another team snatch him up? Of course, I'd take Artest at a bargain. Especially since Artest actually WANTS to go to L.A. In a bizarre twist, Trevor went to Ron's former team, the Rockets. For essentially the same money L.A. put on the table. Way to go, Agent Assface.

Let's talk about the comparisons here. Do we seriously think that Trevor Ariza is as good as Ron Artest? Artest is more talented offensively than Ariza. He can post up, take it to the hole better, and make his perimeter shots. Sure, Ron takes wild shots... but in a better system and team, I think he'll be fine. Ariza became a dead-eye shooter, yes, but will he get those same looks in Houston?

Defensively, Artest is more physical and will get under the opponent's skin. Ariza is a very good defender but I don't think he's shutdown material. He's very good at anticipating the shot and the pass, yes (right, Denver?), but Artest is the better one-on-one guy.

And you've got to be kidding me when people say that Ariza has a higher ceiling. No disrespect to Trevor Ariza; I love his game. But I don't expect to see any Tracy McGrady breakout seasons from this guy. I'm willing to eat my words if he averages 25-6-7 next season because he now has room to do that with Houston not really having a go-to scorer aside from Aaron Brooks. But I just don't see Ariza getting much better than what he did in L.A. We already know what Ron Artest can do. He always brings it. Again, I understand that Ron Artest's shot selection has been porous but I don't think he'll be asked to chuck that many shots in L.A. And I don't think he'll complain about it, either.

But Ariza is younger, right? Of course. But you already know what I think of his ceiling. Was he supposed to be the next guy to step in when Kobe retires? Was Ariza going to be Kobe five years from now? I don't think age is a factor. Artest will probably retire, too, to resume his music career when Kobe retires. Maybe Ron and Kobe will do a song together. With Tyra Banks. Or Allure. If that's the concern, then the Lakers have to get their next superstar-in-waiting. But that's five years down the line. Let's talk about now.

I know what the Lakers are getting in Ron. Yes, he's a potential headache but I'd bank on him behaving. At the very least, I know Ron Artest will get suspended a few games next season. But it's not like Phil Jackson hasn't dealt with egos and nutcases in his coaching career. I'm sure y'all remember Dennis Rodman. Phil will just let Artest do his thang. And Kobe is definitely much more manageable now than when he was 25. There's no doubt that Ariza fit like a glove in L.A. but the Lakers look that much more dangerous if Artest fits in as well. And I think he will.

What are the Rockets getting with Ariza? Well, Ariza's only had one good year (and that was with L.A.). At his best, I can see him defend his man, make open threes (if there are any open threes), and hmmmmm... I guess, not much else. I just see him more as a complimentary player. Kinda like one they have now (Shane Battier). Ariza was more replaceable than, say, Lamar Odom (who is as versatile as you can get). But geez. I think Ariza really lost out in this deal (yes, I know... he's getting money but if you're a good NBA player, of course, you'll make millions).

What really gets me is the dealings between this Lee creature and Kupchak (who, by the way, has done a fantastic job recently as general manager).

"I can tell you definitively Trevor had an offer that was nine million more than what the Rockets offered and he decided to go with Houston."

So was that signing a way of sticking it to the Lakers? Oh, whoopee. He signed with Houston. Yay. TAKE THAT, L.A.

"It's like I told (Lakers General Manager) Mitch Kupchak. It was never about the money. It was about being at a place where he felt wanted and appreciated."

The Lakers resurrected his career and gave him a raise. Kupchak knew his market value. They traded for him. And if it wasn't about the money... how come they didn't sign with the Lakers then? It doesn't make sense to me at all. It was about respect? So why did Lee put him in a troubled situation? If he was going to place Ariza in a troubled situation then you might as well get him more money, right? There's also the potential that we might have already seen Ariza's ceiling. Ouch.

Agent Assface tried to play hardball and lost. I don't exactly blame Ariza for wanting to explore his options for more money (it's the first, and maybe only, big contract he's getting) but they should've known the marketplace better. I think if Artest wasn't free, negotiations would've gone longer and Ariza may still be a Laker today. Good luck in H-Town, Trevor. You played your role very well. I'm sure you're gonna be knockin' da boots.

Welcome the Tru Warier to L.A. I've always liked Ron Artest. And I'm happy that we have a nutcase in the Lakers. I don't think the Lakers will be bored in the regular season with Artest around. I know I won't be.

MORE OFFSEASON COVERAGE
My take on the initial wave of free agents agreeing verbally.
David Diep covers another "miracle on Figueroa St."
My reaction on the trades made thus far.

Follow me on Twitter. The name is @TheNoLookPass. I promise that my account's pretty sexy. Ha ha.

Say It Ain't So: Is The "R" Word In Store For The Bulls?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:15:29 +0000

All signs point to it. The Chicago Bulls have been stockpiling young, cheap players the past couple seasons. They have several expiring contracts on the roster and have yet to move them. The front office drafted two power forwards, which likely spells the end of Tyrus Thomas' tenure as a Bull. The team is comprised mostly of recent draft picks (7 players have three years or less experience entering the upcoming season). The front office has used made thinly veiled references to it, mentioning the "process" and "learning curve" that will require patience and time. Most recently, we let our top scorer from last year walk. Yep, the signs all lead to one thing.

The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding.

I know, the R word is a dirty, vile, horrible label to put on a team, and this team isn't completely hopeless just yet. The front office could still pull off some huge deal to bring in a star to complement the young nucleus of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng (his massive, long-term contract means he's a Bull for at least another two years, so we may as well accept him as our SF for the forseeable future). But, in all honesty, who can the Bulls get? More importantly, can the Bulls offer a package for a star that no other team can top? I think not.

Like I already mentioned, the writing has been on the wall for longer than we may like to believe here in the Chicagoland area. Since the Michael Jordan dynasty ended in the 90's, the Bulls have never been a legitimate contender, and whenever they got close, the front office made the wrong move at the crucial moment. Elton Brand was let go, only to bring in Tyson Chandler. When Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon stunned the NBA by shutting down Dwyane Wade in the playoffs and exceeding everyone's expectations, the Bulls spent their money on retaining Kirk Hinrich for the long haul and going balls-out for Ben Wallace. When that failed, and the Bulls had to decide to re-sign Gordon and/or Deng, they chose Deng, who has since been an oft-injured, scarcely productive flop.

Now, the Bulls are mired in mediocrity, with no substantial cap space for this season and little hope for landing a star next offseason. Sure, there are plenty of stars who will potentially hit the market in 2010, but why would they come to Chicago? Most of the top potential free agents seems to be winners, who would obviously like to play for contenders. Cleveland will probably bring back LeBron, and the rest of the top talent will likely end up with Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, Los Angeles, or another viable contender (perhaps Denver). So if we don't land a star now, and if that failure persists in 2010, we'll have loads of cap space to either waste on undeserving talent or to rebuild.

So if we rebuild, what does that mean? Well, the two best examples from recent memory are the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams began with one star player (Paul Pierce and Kevin Durant, respectively), and they had to wait to slowly gather the right pieces to complement their stars. In the meantime, they cleared cap space, gutted their rosters, and collected a combination of expiring contracts and young players on rookie contracts. They then let the kids play, keeping the ones who thrived and letting go of those that didn't.

After that step is where the two teams too different approaches. The Celtics took note of two teams in miserable positions (the Timberwolves and, ironically enough the SuperSonics, who have since become the Thunder), realized that they were both ready to rebuild, and decided to throw all their efforts and cap space into getting a star from each team (Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, respectively). The all-or-nothing approach could have potentially doomed this team and forced them to start over yet again, but they won a championship the very next season, justifying their huge gamble.

The Thunder have yet to take that massive gamble, instead preferring to continue giving youngsters the opportunity to prove themselves. Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook seem to have worked their way into the nucleus alongside Durant, and new draftee James Harden will get the chance to join that core in the future. The Thunder appear willing to keep relying on draft picks to strengthen their team, and, though it has taken time, it has been working, slowly but surely. The team is clearly better than they were two years back when Durant began his career, and they still have plenty of cap space should they decide to take a gamble.

The Thunder's approach is much slower, and it mirrors the approach the Bulls themselves took after the MJ dynasty ended. Unfortunately, the "stars" the Bulls decided to build around were Hinrich and Deng, and Reinsdorf was gave them too much money and too many years to leave room for more talent, and his judgment leaves the team trapped in the middle of the conference. Luckily we have a true young star in Rose now, and we have already found a good, young complement for him in Noah.

The Bulls could, of course, pull off a move for some sort of temporary upgrade to try to contend next year, as Milwaukee did with Richard Jefferson last year. However, the Bucks found that their gamble was little more than a stall, getting them nothing more than assurance that they wouldn't get embarrassed throughout the season. The Bucks have since let Jefferson go, accepting their need to rebuild and preparing for a potentially long and painful period of trial and error to get back on track. Unless the Bulls pull off the miracle move and bring in a savior along the lines of Bosh, Wade, or Michael Redd (and I have little faith in any of these things happening), then, I have to grimace and grudgingly admit what is appearing more and more like the inevitable: the Bulls will have to rebuild. I hope we find that miracle cure, but to expect it would be naive. This team is in trouble, and the front office is faced with the decision to make one last gamble, or to prepare for the long and thankless task of rebuilding.

Heat Courting Iverson, Artest?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:54:26 +0000

Amid seeing constant upgrades Eastern Conference teams have made, Miami Heat President Pat Riley may have finally woken up. He has reportedly contacted free agents Allen Iverson and Ron Artest.

The report acknowledges that the discussions have been exploratory, though. Additionally, the article says that Riley has contacted other free agents. Undoubtedly, these are two of the biggest-name players on the free agent market this summer, however.

Convincing Iverson to sign for the mid-level exception worth approximately $5.5 million may be a tough sell, but having Iverson on the Heat would also present a challenge in of itself. The 2001 NBA MVP has never been a chemistry guy, and he proved that with his one-year stint with Detroit. Dwyane Wade will take a bulk of the shots and Jermaine O'Neal and Michael Beasley will also get their share of the pie. Signing Iverson would present too much of a risk without even considering his defensive shortcomings. I'd be more willing to develop Mario Chalmers and Patrick Beverley than sign this 34-year-old ball-hog.

Artest would be a great fit for the Heat, though. Miami needs a starting-quality small forward, and the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year certainly fits that mold. Last season in Houston, Artest proved that he can be an efficient complimentary player. He got a little trigger-happy during the Rockets' series against the Los Angeles Lakers after Yao Ming got injured, but he shot three-pointers at a 39.9 percent clip during the regular season.

The benefits to acquiring Artest are very tangible. He'll be able to score 14 to 17 points per game and help shoulder the offensive load. He can shot from the perimeter, but can also post-up. Artest's post-up game could be very valuable for spacing, especially if Beasley continues to be perimeter-oriented. He is arguably the toughest perimeter defender in the League. Moreover, he will be able to teach Chalmers how to collect steals without giving up defensive positioning.

The question is simply how does Riley book him a flight to Miami. Heat owner Micky Arison has said that he would be willing to delve into the luxury tax if it means turning his team into a contender. My guess is that Artest wants to get paid roughly $7 to $9 million per year. With the dollar-for-dollar tax, that would charge the Heat $14 to $16 million for Artest, however. Arison may not want to pony up that type of money, so Miami will probably explore sign-and-trade options if it is serious about signing Artest.

With Yao suffering a potentially career-threatening injury, the Rockets may be in for a rebuilding project. Artest may not be in that project. Houston met with free agent Trevor Ariza -- another small forward -- today. Yesterday, sources said that Artest is not likely to return to Houston. However, it is important to note that other reports have said that Rocket executives are hoping to keep Artest.

Assuming Houston is willing to sign-and-trade Artest, Riley should get on the phone immediately to develop a trade that he should have ready to show Wade July 12, the date when the Heat's franchise player can sign a contract extension. If Udonis Haslem is involved, then Riley will probably ask for either Luis Scola or Carl Landry -- two low-cost power forwards who could be Beasley's backup. The Heat may also look to unload one of its many small forwards. Still, the Rockets would probably be asking for more talent from Miami. Riley may have to trade a first-round pick and possibly Daequan Cook. If Miami doesn't want to give up more than say, Haslem and a couple small forwards, a third team would unquestionably have to be added to the trade.

Can the Heat be a contender in the East if Riley signs Artest and stands pat the rest of the summer? A lot of things would have to fall in place, but it is plausible. Chalmers would need to develop into a starting-quality point guard. Beasley would have to be a 20-point scorer. Cook and James Jones would need to be consistent shooters. O'Neal would have to be in excellent conditioning. Wade would have to be as explosive as he was last season. And Artest would have to be very disciplined. But acquiring for Artest could get Wade to sign a contract extension, which Riley said is his top goal this off-season.

Ariza to the Rockets

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:25:33 -0500

Ariza verbally agrees to deal with Houston:

Trevor Ariza has made a verbal commitment to sign with the Houston Rockets, according to sources close to the process.
The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.
With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers appeared unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception.

LeBron and the Cavs must be really, really bad at recruiting. Who will they go to now?

BREAKING: Artest a Laker

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:43:00 -0500

Ron Artest signs with the Lakers:

CBSsports.com is reporting Ron Artest is saying that he will sign with the Lakers and leave the Houston Rockets. The latest rumor was that LeBron was recruiting Artest. Artest had texted ESPN.com saying "I'm happy to say I'm going to L.A"
Artest's decision to leave Houston was made when Yao Ming's injury status was announced. Artest had realized that he would be the only scoring option on a average Rockets team, and you thought it couldn't get worse in Houston.

Insight: Looks like the Ariza to Cleveland rumors will soon become a reality.

2009 Offseason Whirlwind Continued

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:45:16 -0800

All right. The whirlwind offseason continues. These are just verbal deals and they can't officially sign until July 8. People might still pull a Carlos Boozer. Anyway...

***Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to Detroit***
The signing of Ben Gordon, I think, effectively ends Richard Hamilton's stint as a Piston. I don't know what to make of this team as everyone seems to be going their separate ways. Rasheed Wallace is going somewhere for sure and Tayshaun Prince seems to be on the trading block.

As for Charlie Villanueva, he's a great scoring option... but it's really hard to gauge this team until the offseason is over. Plus they still don't have a coach.

***Marcin Gortat to Dallas***
Erick Dampier seems to be on his way out... and Gortat earned his contract by playing well in the postseason. I guess, in the meantime, Dallas is just hoping that they don't get the Jerome James effect here (play well in the playoffs and then be an absolute bust after the huge contract signing). But they do get some depth in the frontline, if nothing else.

***Ron Artest to the L.A. Lakers***
Wow.

I've heard all the concerns already. He's not going to fit in the triangle. He'll hold on to the ball too long. Kobe and Artest don't get along, blah blah blah.

Remember when Dennis Rodman went to the Chicago Bulls? Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen supposedly wouldn't get along with Rodman, right? Since he was part of the Bad Boys? Well, those Bulls turned out some of the greatest teams in NBA history. Rodman respected the hell out of Jordan, Pippen, and Phil Jackson. I mean, for Christ's sake, they're all basketball players. Artest is going to be asked to play basketball, not rhythmic gymnastics. He'll be fine.

Well, same case here. Artest respects the hell out of Kobe Bryant. He also goes way back with Lamar Odom (if re-signed). And Phil is coaching this team. In the end, it should be fine. And I think this is an upgrade over Trevor Ariza. If Artest has his head in place, that is. Ron seemed like a Top 10 player in the league before that infamous brawl at the Palace. I don't think Trevor Ariza can get to that level.

***Trevor Ariza to Houston***
He lost. That's all I have to say.

Laker fans SHOULD be excited but that doesn't mean it's a title win for L.A. Every top team is stacking up at the moment. And Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash are probably smashing furniture at their homes this minute.

MORE OFFSEASON COVERAGE
David Diep covers another "miracle on Figueroa St."
My reaction on the trades made thus far

Follow me on Twitter. I am @TheNoLookPass. I'm a nice guy. Really.