The Association

Grading Trades and Acquisitions... So Far

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!

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A Few Links To Get You Caught Up

by Brett Edwards

To get you caught up coming out of the holidays, here's a sampling of what's been going on around the Association:

Kobe Bryant is considering a new type of surgery. Personally, I hope he doesn't try it, I think he's good the way he is.

Charlie Bell is having the worst season in NBA history. On the bright side, the Bucks only lost by 45 to the Pistons, so it's not all bad. Oh wait...

Lamar Odom received a one-game suspension for the flagrant on Ray Allen. Feel free to rest your starters there, Doc.

Chris Bosh going used car salesman to beg for All-Star votes. Funny? Sure. Will it work? Probably not.

Scottie Pippen is mouthing off in hopes of getting the Bulls head coaching gig. Yeah, I'm sure "obnoxious" is the first quality that the organization is looking for in their next coach.

The Bucks And The Warriors Handle Close Losses Differently

by Brett Edwards

I know, who gives two shits about the Milwaukee Bucks or the Golden State Warriors, right? After all, neither one is expected to make the playoffs this season, so it may seem pointless to pay attention to their team trends, not to mention write a whole piece about them. But to me, tonight's games show the two ways that a team can handle a crushing defeat: you can mail in the next game, or get pissed off and beat somebody that you're not supposed to.

The Milwaukee Bucks chose the former. After Michael Redd scored 52 points in yesterday's duel with the Bulls, he only managed 15 in Orlando on a woeful 3-16 from the field. Yeah it was a tough overtime loss yesterday, but I didn't know the Bucks were a bunch of chicks that take a week to get over things. They didn't even bother to show up for this game, scoring only 10 points on the first quarter, and missing 8 of their first 10 shots on their way to a 32% first half shooting performance. If you're not going to try, why not just stay home?

The Warriors on the other hand, came to play against the Pistons. They had an absolutely horrible loss in Washington yesterday, getting jobbed by the refs and having their coach's meltdown ultimately cost them the game. But did they dwell on it? No. They rolled into The Palace and beat (arguably) the best team in the East, and did so easily. They were angered by yesterday's loss, and took it out on a Pistons' team that took them too lightly.

I don't know if it's coaching, player personalities, or some combination of the two. But if I'm a fan of a particular team, I want the players to at least care a little bit about what happens to them on the court, and not be a bunch of whiny bitches who fold right after a tough loss. After tonight's games, I may have to trade in my Bucks gear for some Golden State swag.

Seniorgee!

By Craig Kwasniewski

A very disturbing trend is sweeping the Eastern Conference... senior citizen dance squads.

Well, count the fans of the Milwaukee Bucks as the next group to collective throw up in their mouths during timeouts. Ladies and gentleman, your Seniorgee Dance Team!!!!

Are the winters that rough that the fans are dying to take a gander a the gyrating torsos of 60-year old women? Is this what's left after all the hot chicks have moved to Miami, Vegas and Los Angeles to pursue a (cough-cough) professional modeling career? Who's the "marketing genius" that came up with this? Thankfully the Lakers lack such vision and have stayed with the Laker Girls all these years.

Anyway, here's what was said on the Bucks website:

The Milwaukee Bucks have officially selected members for the first-ever Senior Dance Team, Seniorgee! The 21-member squad consists of men and women who are at least 60 years of age. They will be performing at select home games during the 2006-07 season. Bookmark this page for more future information and specific game dates.

Dude, you don't need to tell me to bookmark the page!

As far as I know, the trend has hit Milwaukee, Chicago and New Jersey and it needs to stop. (BTW - I can't believe I spent 10 minutes searching for other senior dance teams!)

Okay let me just clarify, this will be the last senior dance squad post here at TAB. One more makes a trilogy along with innuendoes that I'm secretly obsessed with the aged. That stops now!

Now excuse me while I run down to 7-Eleven for a copy of Granny Gummers.

Gilbert Arenas' Sick Three Buries Bucks

by Brett Edwards

Gilbert Arenas has been extra-ridiculous this season, and last night's three to beat the Bucks was no exception. Watch the video closely, and you'll see he doesn't even watch the shot go in -- he KNOWS it's in. Awesome.

[via NBA Fanhouse]

Wednesday Wrap Up

by Brett Edwards

Lots to talk about after last night's games, so here are some thoughts on what went down:

- Kobe dropped 40 on NOOC in what he deemed a "playoff game" in basketball's return to New Orleans. Unfortunately for you gamblers out there, Mr. Bavetta was unavailable and three no name refs were assigned to work the game. Yesterday's prediction inspired a wide variety of responses, including Gary Coleman bashing, references to xxx films, and people losing their house on the game. Maybe we should leave point spread picks to the professionals.

- Paul Pierce is going crazy. He survived the flying birds from two nights ago to get his 6th career triple double and lead the Celtics to a come from behind home win against the Sixers. Pierce is trying to single-handedly carry the Celtics into the playoffs, and he just might if this keeps up. BOS is only 3 1/2 games behind the struggling Bucks for the final spot in the East. Pierce is averaging over 33 a game over his last 14, second only to Kobe. Definitely make some time to watch Pierce in the next few days, he's playing at an incredible level right now.

- In a game facing teams heading in opposite directions, Sacramento went and beat Milwaukee, and finished their 5 game road trip with a 4-1 mark. Sacramento has won 8 of their last 11 games, while the Bucks have lost 7 of their last 9. I did predict that SAC would make a run and get into the playoffs, which they are on their way to doing. I also picked the Bucks as a surprise team that could make a run, so hey what do I know?

- There's no D in Washington. The Wizards gave up 118 in a close road loss to the Heat. D Wade dropped 40, and was pretty much unstoppable in the Heat win. In their last 5 games, the Wizards have allowed an average of 111 points and have gone 1-5 in those games. I know the Wizards pride themselves on their scoring ability, but come on guys, you gotta play a little D if you want to get into the playoffs.

- The Pistons got back to their winning ways, taking out the Bulls. This game was very un-Piston-like, as DET trailed by 7 at the half before storming back in the third. This was a pretty entertaining game, as CHI was able to put up 37 in the 4th quarter on the league's best D. This is where David Stern sent Dick Bavetta, no doubt to ensure the Pistons would stop getting screwed by the refs. Not surprisingly, there were no technicals this time around.
- For the second time in two games, the Cavs beat the Raptors. Toronto's MoPete hit a 3 with 5 seconds left to put the Raptors up 2, and proceeded to whoop it up with the rest of his team like they had just won the title. Maybe they should have saved some energy for defense on the last possession, as the Cavs' Damon Jones got a wide open look from the corner to win it. Hopefully Damon was able to get some consensual sex after the game.

There Was A Football Game Last Night?

by Brett Edwards

Kidding, but I wish I wasn't. Here in Los Angeles there was no escaping the fact that a college football game of apocalyptic proportions involving a local team was being played last night. In case you were distracted by this event as well, here are some things that went on in the nine NBA games last night:

- Toronto won their fourth straight game by dropping 121 points on Orlando. This brings TOR's season win total to 10, and reminded me that bad teams like to run up the score whenever possible on other bad teams.

- Lebron James is good. He went for a triple double in leading the Cavs to a comeback win at Milwaukee. CLE outscored the home team by 12 in the 4th quarter to get a nice win on the road.

- Dwyane Wade also had a triple double, but it didn't matter as the NOOC Hornets blew out the Heat. Chris Paul is having a great rookie season, and the Hornets remind me of some of the Clippers teams from the past couple of years that were not that great, but often stepped up and beat the upper echelon teams at home.

- Minnesota caught a tired and disinterested Dallas team on the second night of a back-to-back, and beat them easily. Marko...Jaric....Marko....Jaric played out of his mind, and MIN was quicker to every loose ball and REALLY wanted this game, while DAL played like they didn't give a crap. KG, the overrated bitch that he is, was guarding Dirk at and beyond the 3-point line. Maybe Dirk should have gone VC against Kobe on him.

Lakers Surprise Bucks

by Brett Edwards

So you may have noticed that the Lakers took the first game of their six-game roadie seriously, by playing some above average defense en route to a 19-point win at Milwaukee. MIL has been a good team thus far, with quality wins over Indiana and Dallas. The Lakers, well, not so much.

The defense was truly the story for the Lakers. They forced 18 turnovers, which they converted to 26 points (compared to only 12 points off turnovers for MIL), and that pretty much was the difference. The other thing that stood out is that while Kobe got his 33 (14-24 from the field), his teammates actually helped him seal the game after 3 quarters. Lamar Odom and Smush Parker played well at both ends of the court, which is the real reason the Lakers won this game so easily.

Now, let's see if the Lakers can keep the effort consistent tomorrow night in Toronto.

The Mo Show

by Brett Edwards

The Bucks beat the Wizards tonight on a three-pointer at the buzzer by Maurice (Mo) Williams. This was the culmination to an *amazing* offensive performance by Williams. He scored 17 points in the last 7 minutes of the game, capped off by the 3 as time expired. Mo was ON FIRE!

After giving back all of a 9-point fourth quarter lead, the game was tied with about 30 seconds left, when Arenas for WAS tried driving to the basket, but was called for an offensive foul, pushing off TJ Ford to create space for the shot. It was a questionable call, but right as the whistle blew Jamaal Magloire was blocking his shot anyway. So MIL gets the ball with 13 seconds left, and of course they let Mo handle it 'cause he's been raining. He dribbles the clock down, and he's about 5 feet behind the 3-point line, and I see the clock down to 4, 3, 2, and I'm thinking "oh God, this is going to be a horrible shot," but Mo calmly pulled up and nailed it. He ended up with a career high 35 points.

It's not the first time this season Mo Williams has hit a trey at the buzzer to win a game, but that was a little different. He was coming off the bench that game, and had 19 points. Tonight he started in place of the injured Michael Redd, and he definitely did not disappoint.