By Craig Kwasniewski
Why bother wasting time talking about the impacts of all the summer trades and free agent signings? After all LeBron, Wade and especially Bosh are all mortal locks for the next 6 NBA championships, a World Cup title in 2014, finding the cure for AIDS and solving the "Is the Hills real or not?" crises. There's no competition these three guys will win EVERYTHING. Pack it up fellas, you're either with the Heat or against mankind.
Okay let's keep the defense honest and pretend that there's actually a season to be played and actual competition out there. One week into the free agent signing period, here are my thoughts so far:
Drew Gooden and John Salmons signing 5-year contracts with Milwaukee: One guy's been on nine teams in nine years, the other is a ballhog. N-I-N-E! Maybe Drew's a great guy and maybe he finally gets it, but something tells me that if he's anything decent one of the other eight (E-I-G-H-T) teams would have kept him. John Salmons is your prototypical ball stopper. Yes he had a good run in the 2009 playoff with Chicago, but he wasn't good enough to stick around. People suddenly made Milwaukee an instant contender. Why? And why five years for these guys? F-I-V-E! Who's else wants them for even two? Grade: D
Steve Blake signs with the Lakers: Three words: I LOVE IT! The money's good at $16 mil over four years, he's a good defender, a good spot-up shooter (perfect for the Triangle) and a willing learner (he said he's coming off the bench behind Fisher). The Lakers were chasing several mid-level point guards and landed their number one option. His age is the only downfall but Jerry Buss is going all in on the Kobe Bryant era so why not. Grade: A
Randy Foye, Ryan Gomes & Brian Cook sign with the Clippers: First off, I like Gomes. He has a decent baseline jumper and plays hard every night. Foye? Ehhhh... DC took a chance on him after being a bust in Miny and he really hasn't panned out. His claim to fame is NOT being Brandon Roy. But as a backup not much will be expected and maybe he'll fit. BUT... Brian Cook for two years? T-W-O??? What the hell? This guy shouldn't be in the league and really he wouldn't be if the Clippers didn't sign him. But why the two years? Who else is offering more than a 10-day contract? Grade: F (sorry but the stink of Brian Cook knocks a B- down to a solid F... HE SUCKS!)
Golden State trades for David Lee: Turiaf, Randolph and Azubuike for Lee? The blogosphere LOVES Randolph! I keep hearing (for what feels like decades) that he's a sick talent waiting to break out. To me, the Dubs (BTW - are they still that? can you really have a cool nickname if your team is annually back in lottery-land?) gave up very little to get what is a slightly upgraded version of Andris Biedrins, an active offense-first C/F. He'll fit Nellie's No Defense, No Problem system perfectly and put up some sick offensive numbers. It's just that Golden State won't stop anyone on D.... EVER. Grade: B
Jermaine O'Neal signs with the Celtics: Make no mistake, this is a great deal for the Celtics! (And yes, I was just looking to utter my second most favorite ex-athlete-on-TV cliches.) People are knocking O'Neal's playoff numbers against the C's this year, but they're not acquiring him to put up #2 or #3 option numbers. His job is to fill in for Perkins until he returns and then play 10 to 15 minutes as the first C/F off the bench. Plus, the hope is that one last shot at a title and KG's leadership will be enough to motivate the guy. Mix this deal with Ray Allen returning and IN MY OPINION the Celtics are still the top team in the east. I know that's just crazy to think the defending Eastern Conference Champions actually have a shot despite having veteran leadership, a great defense, team chemistry and quality size up front. I feel guilty for actually thinking they're better than the Heat, should I go into hiding like Salmon Rushdie? Grade: A-
Phoenix trades for Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick: Lose Amar'e to free agency and get back LENGTH. Not a bad deal for a team that lost their marquee players for absolutely nothing. Wait, who knocked out the Suns in the playoffs? The taller and longer Lakers. So the Suns counter with length and handles. Hedu has something to prove after the Toronto disaster and with Nash and co. he'll get a lot of healthy looks. Childress was a little overrated this summer, the Suns basically got Joe Smith 2.0. Still that's not a bad thing with this system. The best part about Hakim Warrick will be listening to Lakers PA guy Lawrence Tanter botch his name. Warrick is his albatross... It's unfair to compare these guys directly to Stat's impact in 2009-10, given the situation I think the Suns did a hell of a job here. Grade: B+
Dallas extends Brendan Haywood and trades for Tyson Chandler: I see what Dallas is doing here and it may work, but in reality they're probably going to end up like the 2000 Portland Trailblazers. They went for height to counter the Lakers but in the end they may have too many players to choose from. Kidd, Terry, Haywood, Chandler, Marion, Butler and Nowitzki... that's a talented top 7 but can Carlisle find the right rotation? He didn't last spring and they fell to the Spurs in the first round. Still, I like the effort by the Mavs and can't fault them for what I think might happen. Grade: B
Al Jefferson to the Jazz: Here's another blogoshpere favorite. The Jazz did what they needed to do, find a replacement for Boozer and continue on with the 50+ wins and second round elimination gameplan (which actually isn't bad for a small market team). Jefferson is a slight upgrade but not as dramatic an improvement as others claim. His overall winning percentage is LOW, he's injury prone and his defense is suspect. The low winning percentage is one that I can't let go. If he's as good as people claim, shouldn't he have some kind of impact on the overall team record? Is he possibly one of those good-guy-on-a-bad-team type of players? Anyway, Utah did EXACTLY what they needed to do and for that... Grade: A-
Bulls sign Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver: As of now, rumors are the Magic will match the offer sheet to JJ Redick, so we're only talking about the ex-Jazz guys. The Bulls were shooting for LeBron or Wade and ended up with Boozer. Funny how the joke was that the Knicks would probably end up with Rudy Gay and Boozer after missing out on LeBron. Now that the Bulls got Boozer, people forgot the joke and instantly made them a top 3 contender in the east. You gotta love July hype! I do think Boozer is a good signing and as long as he's not facing the Lakers he'll be fine. His health has been a concern the past few years, but maybe playing in the #3 market with a strong up-and-coming team will keep him on the floor. Redick would have been a better signing than Korver, who's clearly lost a step last year, but it never hurts to get a few quality outside shooters. Plus the REAL key acquisition for the Bulls was Tom Thibodeau. Grade: B-
Jordan Farmar to the Nets: Farmar asked for a starting role with an offence that caters to his talents. Instead he gets to back up Devin Harris for the Clippers East who just hired NBA retread Billy King as their GM. Have fun big guy! Two years ago the Lakers basically structured their roster for Farmar to take over and start after the 2010 season. Fisher's contract was expiring, Farmar needed an extension... the keys to a fine tuned Lamborghini were his. Instead he regressed and both parties went their own ways. Sad... Grade: D
Amar'e Stoudemire to the Knicks: Quite simply the NBA is a better league with the Knicks as playoff contenders. It's basketball mecca... nuff said. Mix in all the other pieces from the David Lee trade and the Raymond Felton signing and you might have enough for a playoff run. If anything Amar'e has created a buzz not felt since the Ewing era (they sold out season tickets for the 2010-11 season). God I hope the Isiah Thomas rumors are just BS, because there's actually hope for the Knicks, not band aid work with a bunch of overrated veterans but actual hope with potential down the rode hope. Grade A-
Did I miss anything?
LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Miller and Ilgauskus to the Heat: Message to the blogosphere: can't you just let things organically happen? Seriously... as soon as this deal went down all you talked about were multiple titles and legacy. Sprinkle in the anti-hate "unique" point of view (which wasn't unique at all)... you know, the whole, hey LeBron is NOT a bad guy here and I'm tired of the hate (BTW - all two hours of hate, because HOW DARE WE actually criticize THE KING!!!!) angle and I'm already tired of reading about this deal. Can't we just enjoy the experience before calling them the greatest ever? As Phil Jackson has always said, it's all about the journey not the destination. Before handing over the next 25 NBA titles, let's enjoy watching this team grow together, work together through tough situations and experience two superstars combining for one cause.
That said, Bosh is an All-Star not a superstar, Miller is on the downside of his career and Ilgauskus averaged less that 2 points and 2 rebounds in the 2010 playoffs. (That was the most disturbing thing of them all, Z was brought back to the Cavs after the Jamison trade as a final piece to an eventual NBA title. He was lost and didn't contribute a damn thing. So how is it now literally months later, he's back to becoming an All-Star?) There's still work to do roster-wise and even though everyone not named LeBron or Wade will get clean looks, they still have to ALL play defense. And they still have to get by the Celtics and Lakers. People completely forgot the concept of veteran experience, defensive continuity, team chemistry and in the case of both the Lakers and Celtics, quality size. You gotta stop KG, Perkins, Bynum, Gasol and Odom... and that won't happen in 2010. Grade A+ but they're not winning a title next year!
Sign up for NBA picks and find out how easy beating the NBA spreads can be.
I’ve been reading your blog all along, I simply don’t have the words. I just wanted you to know that I’m fond of your blog so much.http://www.buysoilpainting.com/products_all.htmlhttp://www.buysoilpainting.com/products_new.html
Posted by: Jonery | June 28, 2011 at 12:02 AM
These watches perform toy watch sale best when combined with any scarf or a handbag of the same colouring because they be noticeable and they generate a beautiful contrast by using the rest of the garments. Some designers have prepared a big surprise for their clients: a package that contains four watches of varied colors that may be put on with all the clothing.
Toy watches may truly bring happiness into your heart, especially in the summer months when the mild of the sunrays makes them toy watch white plasteramic record everyone's attention. Vehicles look like products, these watches tend to be as professional because ones you ordinarily toy watch jelly wear; yet, readily available at an incredibly affordable. Purchasing a popular brand watch is really an one-time frame opportunity, therefore you must take advantage of the following rare occasion and purchase your watch today.
I have toy watch professional this watch and am passionate about it... no issues the least bit. I do need to inform those of us who have had issues that they must try and return/exchange the watch to the Amazon retailer they purchased it from. As so much as I will see, ToyWatch doesn't toy watch sell direct on Amazon -- different watch sellers are selling ToyWatches. attempting to come back a watch on to the corporate when it's purchased from another retailer is resembling attempting to come back a combine of Nikes you got at Macys on to Nike... that produces no sense. You gotta begin with who truly sold it to you and allow them to touch upon obtaining the refund from ToyWatch... that is, after all, their job. simply saying.
I don't normally write reviews for the things I purchase. during this case I needed to in lightweight of the horrible toywatch watches reviews this watch has gotten. i used to be skeptical once I browse the reviews, however extremely needed the watch thus I took an opportunity. I bought this identical watch in black.
The two biggest complaints were that the watch does not keep correct time which the clasp includes a tendency to pop open. i have never had problems with either of these. I've had the look forward to a month currently, and through that point, I even have been comparing the time against the opposite clocks in my home and therefore the watch has remained dead on. As for the clasp, it's been fine.
Posted by: toy watch | July 11, 2011 at 01:00 AM
The blue color, it is in the life relaxed one side, is also all people most yearned for that because in the life everybody thought that relaxed passed each day. the purple, it is in the life the people most does not want to meet, follows after the blue color
Posted by: nike shox deliver | July 11, 2011 at 01:33 AM
It`s very difficult to meet a man who can be strong and mild, witty and gentle at the same time-and such man-
http://www.celebsmoncler.com
Posted by: Moncler Down Vests Men | July 19, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I have read your article and It was really very enjoyed to read me that some nice point which are you have to covering , thanks for this post. Keep up this work..
Posted by: hire web developers | August 08, 2011 at 06:16 AM
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
b
Posted by: Herve Leger Bandage | August 10, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Boys will be boys.
s
Posted by: Herve Leger | August 10, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Good post. I am also going to write a blog post about this...I enjoyed reading your post and I like your take on the issue. Thanks.
Posted by: cheap hats | August 16, 2011 at 06:52 AM
http://www.tapso.co.uk
Posted by: cherry | August 25, 2011 at 01:07 AM
Moncler Vest
Posted by: Moncler Vest | September 15, 2011 at 06:18 AM
Yuyao Huaneng sanitary ware factory is specialized in production of plumbing fittings. 'Aige' sanitary ware series are well received not only by supporting factories but also customers both at home and abroad. The products are well sold at home and exported to the world as well.
Posted by: mbtskovip | September 20, 2011 at 01:58 AM
While it can be clunky Office 2010 at first, especially if you're used to an older version, I find it much easier to get serious Microsoft Office 2010 formatting and editing changes done in this version.
Posted by: Office 2010 | September 21, 2011 at 09:06 PM
"Ich würde wollen die tatsächliche MacPhail Lieben richtig", sagte Davis, nach der Affiliated klicken. "Lassen Sie sich bewusst, despit, [url=http://www.uggkaufen.net/]ugg stiefel[/url] , e der Fall, dass Sie zufällig mit, jetzt bin ich nicht wirklich derjenige, der individuell die Youngster ermordet, Ihre aktuelle Papa, Ihr aktuelles Kumpel zu sein scheinen. Wir sind Engel werden. "Der Vorfall in die stattgefunden, die Nacht ist einfach nicht unser Verschulden ", fügte er zusätzliche." Ich hätte nicht ein sehr gun. Viele werde ich Frage ... ist, dass jeder Blick viel tiefer in diesem besonderen Umstand tatsächlich bleiben kann als letzten Punkt sehen die Fakten. "Ich frage mich, diese Familie und Freunden zu bleiben, um diesen Kampf angreifen", berichtete er. "Für die Menschen in Richtung Kriegsparteien, wer erbarmt sich in eure Seelen zu nehmen. Und wahrscheinlich tun Wer segne diejenigen Seelen." [url=http://www.uggkaufen.net/damen-stiefel-wholesale-34.html]damen stiefel[/url] , sagte Zeugen Davis 'Augen Bälle flatterten, während er oder sie erhalten seine erste Behandlung neben verlegt Geist, knowning, dass die komplette Hilfe von giftigen Behandlung etwa 12-15 Einheiten überlebt.
Posted by: Ugg Online | September 22, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Yuyao Huaneng sanitary ware factory is specialized in production of plumbing fittings. 'Aige' sanitary ware series are well received not only by supporting factories but also customers both at home and abroad. The products are well sold at home and exported to the world as well.
Posted by: ugg boot outlet sale | September 23, 2011 at 11:52 PM
I just chanced upon your blog surfing the blogosphere. I was thinking.. you could try out some interesting widgets on your page and spice it up with more relevant information.
Posted by: hgh releasers | November 11, 2011 at 02:35 AM
Such a good writing, or by I saw for the first time. I'm quite happy, you are a good writer...
Posted by: Nike Free Running | November 13, 2011 at 11:46 PM
In fact, true happiness is not the amount of property, nor is the honorary position of heights, but whether we can cherish every moment, love every one destined to get together with our present beings.
Posted by: wholesale sunglasses hut | November 18, 2011 at 01:06 AM
Nice, and thanks for sharing this info with us.Good Luck!
Posted by: Timberland Boots | November 26, 2011 at 04:04 PM
When I do push-ups, should I bend my elbows so that my nose touches the ground?
Posted by: chanel j12 watches | December 16, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Flat to the heart, the heart softly, calm will live, live happy and live happy, live a quiet, real live, living naturally. Flat to the heart, the heart to put light, a correct understanding of the world, to see the world. http://www.newerafittedhat.org/
Posted by: tisa hat | December 21, 2011 at 11:55 PM
Web Hosting and Yahoo! Merchant Solutions discount offer is open to new Yahoo
Posted by: Ralph Lauren | February 19, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Considering Warren Peters' hearing and the subsequent announcement of his discipline bookended the Minnesota
Posted by: Monster Beats Studio | February 19, 2012 at 06:29 PM
was named the safest city of its size in the United States for the first time two years ago.
Posted by: rugby outlet online | February 22, 2012 at 01:03 AM
The staff had enough warning to move the most endangered patients
Posted by: christian louboutin pumps | February 29, 2012 at 05:00 PM
The post is worth while reading, I like it very much and which you shared the info in this post is very useful. Thanks for sharing a wonderful post.
Posted by: wedding dresses uk | April 05, 2012 at 07:03 PM