After the storm
The NBA marketing machine has been at full speed over the last few weeks and it finally came to fruition with arguably the best draft in years. I became extremely tired of all the rumors – false and true – about key players being moved without anything happening. I had pen to paper ready to comment on Kevin Garnett becoming a member of the Phoenix Suns and then I was immediately counter-punched with the Lakers landing Garnett and finally I was flabbergasted about the idea of Amare Stoudemire landing in Atlanta.
Garnett is a coach’s dream. He plays every game with intensity and professionalism that is second to none. He has become one of the best double-double machines in the history of the game. He is a tremendous leader and role model, but the question remains… Does he have the ability to put a team on his shoulders and carry it the extra step to the Finals?
Trading Shawn Marion to Boston to help facilitate the deal seemed like the best course for the Suns to make to land Garnett. Marion would love to eventually prove his game is at a higher level than what he is allowed to do offensively and Boston looked like a good destination for Marion to finally get that chance.
But moving Amare and thus subtracting the dominant-in-the-paint scoring for the medium-range game of Garnett would have made the Suns truly a jump-shooting team. Plus the six-year age difference would have been a big gamble for new general manager Steve Kerr to decide on when making the deal – especially since Amare has seemed to recover from microfracture surgery better than anyone ever has.
Regardless, the draft went on as scheduled and plenty of trades were made. But they did not include the wow factor of a Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant.
TRADES
Ray Allen to Boston
I like the trade for both teams. The Celtics have the best jump-shooting twosome in the league now with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Those two will enable Boston to finally get back in the playoffs if Al Jefferson continues to grow and give them inside punch. Jeff Green and Wally Szczerbiak will replace Ray Allen’s outside punch and save the Sonics new ownership a boatload of money as well. Green is the real deal. He will push Kevin Durant and Greg Oden for top rookie honors with his mature feel for the game.
Zach Randolph to the Knicks
The Knicks have just become the best interior scoring team in the league on paper. I guess you have to wonder if there is enough space for two of the best wide bodies in the league – other than Shaquille O’Neal – in Eddy Curry and Randolph. If those two can coexist in the post and Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford show willingness to not jack up quick shots, the Knicks will finally be back in the postseason.
The Blazers have almost officially cleaned house. Darius Miles is still around, but the Blazers will probably look to remove him and Steve Francis soon as well. Channing Frye is the perfect fit for Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge. He can play small forward, which would give the Blazers the biggest frontline in history at times this season.
Jason Richardson to the Bobcats
OK, the Warriors got a ton of money off the books by moving J-Rich and that seems fine. But they also gave up scoring, toughness and the wow factor that puts fans in the seats. The Bobcats got the veteran scorer they need and if Rashard Lewis comes on board, the Bobcats become extremely competitive.
The Warriors pick up potential. Brandan Wright has high upside and would seem to fit in the Warriors’ style of play, but Don Nelson has never been a great coach for rookies and that could take a toll on the best team in the final month of the regular season last year if they cannot replace Richardson’s scoring.
DRAFT THOUGHTS
Oden and Durant are the class of this draft. And unlike when Magic and Bird were drafted and only faced each other twice a year, these two will compete on a regular basis the first four years of their career. The Trail Blazers had no choice, although Durant is the most talented player in the draft. The Blazers went with upside and defense by drafting Oden with the first overall pick.
The Atlanta Hawks did extremely well by picking the best player available in Al Horford and admitting they made a mistake in drafting Shelden Williams last year. Acie Law could be the saving grace for not drafting Chris Paul and Deron Williams a few years ago.
The Memphis Grizzlies will have to wait a while for Mike Conley to become the leader they expect. His offense is all about driving to the basket. Remember I said this; there is only one Tony Parker. Message to Conley: Get a jump shot.
I hope the Bucks play hard ball with Yi Jianlian, who does not want to play in Milwaukee. Yi is a player in disguise. We have no clue if he can play at this level right now because he refused to work out against the talent in this draft. If I am Milwaukee, I would let him sit out the season to send a message to his entourage that Yi should be happy to be a part of the National Basketball Association. He might wind up sitting on the bench anyway since no one knows if he can handle NBA competition.
Corry Brewer will not force Kevin Garnett to say “Wow, we have chance this year”, so look for trade talk to continue. Kevin McHale is now running the risk of losing Garnett without compensation if he opts out or by not getting equal trade value because teams will see his desperation. Brewer needs to get stronger and improve his offense before this pick pays dividends.
Ben Wallace officially can now say, “I don’t have the worst shooting form on my team.” I am so tired of great athletic players coming to this league that can’t shoot. Billy Donovan should be ashamed that the highly-skilled Noah has one the ugliest jump shots I have ever seen. I am trying to figure out where he fits with the Bulls. They can’t play him with Wallace or Tyrus Thomas, so why didn’t they draft a low-post scorer like Spencer Hawes or trade for Zach Randolph? The Bulls have enough Corvettes already. They better start to get some Hummers like the one they gave up in Eddy Curry.
Al Thornton’s age was a problem with some teams. Wow. What’s wrong with being 24 and good? Well, the Clippers didn’t mind and they will have a big-time scorer and athlete for taking the chance. Thornton will command time and maybe allow the Clippers to finally part ways with the underappreciated Corey Maggette.
Marco Belinelli must obviously be the reason the Warriors thought parting ways with Richardson and drafting Wright would keep them competitive. Marco loves to shoot, so let’s hope Nellie will be patient with the rookie in hopes of finding the scoring he gave up in Richardson.
I am convinced that Isiah Thomas could be a godfather in the Mafia because he could care less what anyone thinks about his method. And guess what? He usually comes out smelling like a rose at draft time. He has drafted David Lee, Renaldo Balkman and now Wilson Chandler. Who? That’s what we always say until he proves again that he has best eye for talent late in the draft than any general manager in the league.
Aaron Brooks will become the most popular small player in the league this year. This kid can flat out score. I saw Brooks dominate two fellow draft picks last week in workouts and it was embarrassing. If Brooks was 6-5, he would have been the third or fourth player taken in this draft. That’s how good his offensive skills are.
Eric Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 8:31 am
Aaron brooks??? How is he gonna get time on the Rockets????Unless they trade rafer or mike james, I dunno how he’s gonna get significant playing time. And give yi some breather please, he’s not making the decisions, his agent and the cba are, so please lie off him, he’s already catching a lot of flak for things he himself did not do or say. And ughh, to say isiah thomas has an eye for talent is absolutely correct, to say he’s a good drafter however is not. To use a first round pick on projected second round picks is a wasteful strategy, he should have gotten more outta his first round pick. And wats up with all these atheletic sf that he drafts??? Ariza,Balkman, and now chandler????And eddie I know you got a silky smooth jumpshot with perfect form, but comeon man, Noah’s jumper actually goes in at a decent rate, his free throw percentage is not bad.But i agree with all your other points though.
Kevin Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:25 am
You have the best analysis on the web. I do think the Boston trade only locks them in as a second tier top team in the East. They will make the playoffs but will have no shot at a championship. It was Ainge’s only play though as he’s been there too long with too little success to trade Pierce and rebuild.
Dave Said Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:15 am
Love your analysis. I do question how much gas Ray Allen has left in the tank. Has he lost a step and some quickness? The Celts traded a whole lot of future for a shaky right now. Allen replaces another scorer in Szczerbiak, so how many points will they actually gain? They sure aren’t gaining any defense. And where are the minutes to develop slam dunk champ and 40+ percent 3-point shooter Gerald Green? If Green gets packaged in a trade for a veteran, be prepared to cry a river every year he makes the all-star team.
ANDY Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:24 am
Aaron Brooks? Of course. Why not? Beating out Mike james, who is not a true point guard, and Alston, who has not been confused with a Hall of Famer either, should not be that hard.
All he has to do is pass like a point, and score like he normally would, and James will be disgruntled again for the for the weay he is being used.
The thing about Alston and James is that they are not true point guards or great point guards, so wherever they play they are going to disappoint because they are what they are.
Brooks can only fail if he is not able to oplay his PG game. if he tries to be something other than what he is, he will flop, but that job is his for the talking.
As for Yi, I wonder why he was not picked earlier. Maybe other teams wanted to avoid Milwaukee’s current headache.
Mr. Johnson, Noah is a winner. He’s that guy that gets the putback or that rebound or that steal or that block when everybody else is just standing there watching. He’s the guy that will sneak away for the fast break dunk. He is a winner, ugly shot not withstanding. He will be 10-8 guy for years with lots of game winning and game saving plays.
Thornton is cool, but why do the Clips hate Maggette? He plays well, so what is the deal?
Thomas has amassed some talent on his team, but like Ben Siegel in ‘Bugsy’ he might have been whacked before his plan came to fruition. Remember that Bugsy was killed and later his idea became the Las Vegas casinos. If Thomas’s team does not win soon, Doolan may take him for a ride in the Dessert.
Aaron Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:38 am
Yeah Eric…Noah’s jump shot goes in at a decent rate…at the college level……he is at best a poor man’s Tyrus Thomas. Yi is overrated and should be greatful to be in the NBA, he’ll probably be another Chinese bust..if it took this long for Yao to take form, how long is it gonna take for Yi. As for Isiah Thomas being a good drafter….HE IS!!! Trevor Ariza was a STEAL! and he would still be with the Knicks if it wasn’t for Larry Brown. He also got Nate Robinson, Channing is a good player he will thrive out west, and do I even have to say anything about David Lee and Renaldo Balkman…If you actually watched college basketball you would know that Chandler can ball, and was only a sophomore in college…don’t forget that he signed Randolph Morris out of college….who would have been a lottery pick…so I consider that a steal too…As much as people hate Isiah…he’s doing it…he’s rebuilding even though he inheritated a shitty as team….with a maxed out cap….the Knicks are contenders in the East this year.
Raymond Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:40 am
eddie johnson you truly don’t know anything about personnel moves. You should just be a shooting instructor because that is the only thing you ever write good about. Yea you were good at playing the game but that in no way transpires into knowing the game. Just look at Danny Ainge, Isiah yeah he drafts good but he can’t put a team together, mchale, danny ferry (yes ferry, he inherited a good team and has not made a important moves, he didn’t do anything in the draft to better the cavs when a lot of east teams did, and finally Jordan who is destroying the bobcats bright future. Let’s disect your article.
Ray Allen trade:
This trade was 50/50 kinda good but also kinda bad. Ray Allen is 32 & injury prone and has bad ankles and pierce too had the injury bug so don’t be surprised if both of these guys are injured during the season. Once again Ainge fails to add size to his small frontcourt but takes another small guy in Glen Davis. When he could have taken Aaron Gray who provides great size at 7′0,hands, and finish around the basket but for some reason he never likes to drafts centers and prob would have taken durant with top pick. I dont see all the hoopla about Green. He has no clear cut position and yes he is versaitle and a good passer but what does that equate too? Jury is out for me on him.Sonics should ave gotten someone else.
Blazers/Knicks trade
I like the randolph for the knicks but i dont see a 1-2 scoring punch big truly effective with curry and randolph when you have big time jackers in crawford and marbury those guys aren’t gonna be feeding the post on a regular basis. Also randolph is a ig time jacker himslef he put up a lot shots on the blazers. Fred jones and dickau give knicks more of what they don’t need more guards. Frys playing the 3?? Are you crazy. Mcmillian would never do such nonsense. They know have two of the softest 4’s in the league. They need a banger at the 4 to pair with Oden not 2 jumpshooters. I have no words for francis.
Bobcats-warrors trade:
dumbest trade of the night for both teams
Is lowry out for the grizz? I don’t see why they would draft another young pg when they never gave lowry a chance to show his worth.
Encideyamind Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Normally Eddie I think you speak from the heart (or sometimes straight out your ass) rather than use your head but for once I can agree with most of what you’ve said here.
Bill Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie! ; )
I love ya man and miss your silky smooth jumper but keep in mind just how many GREAT shooters have emerged from Florida and how good a shooter BillyD was back in the day and you have to give him a pass on Noah. His shot is ugly and it needs work but that’s the Bull’s job now and hopefully they will smooth it out for him. As for where he plays it’s pretty simple. He can play center and power forward so he can play with Ben Wallace or with Tyrus Thomas. Imagine Noah, Thomas and Deng on the court at one time and name me a more athletic frontcourt trio anywhere in the world. ; ) Noah will enthuse the Bulls not just with energy but with passion and that’s what Chicago needs though as a Knick’s fan it pains me to say so. ; )
As for the Boston/Seattle trade I think Boston got hosed in this one but selfishly I’m OK with it. Isiah Thomas drafting Wilson Candler reminds me a bit of the MSG boobirds who got on him over choosing Renaldo Balkman. Being I live in Gainesville, FL and have seen Taz play I knew it was an inspired pick and my fellow Knick fans discovered this for themselves when they saw this kid play. Chandler, and to a lesser extent Nichols (the ‘Cuse sharpshooter SF) fit the profile of an IT player and while we have a ton of SF types now it’s also ammo for future deals. Good players who are athletic and cheap are of a high premium in the NBA.
Now is there any way you can come back out of retirement and play for the Knicks? I fear they need your perimeter skills to loosen up that paint area a wee bit. It’s always a pleasure reading your articles Eddie. I wish more NBA players did so and followed your principles of professionalism and dedication to the game.
Big Ham Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
I think the Bucks are stupid to waste another pick on a 7ft softy the already have a couple of those. The Knicks are on the right track but wont win this year unless we get the right mix of perimeter scoring & team defense. Acie Law will be the best pick in the draft. he brings a certain intangible that will finally give the ATL someone to truly base their future on. Utah once again showed they understand talent by selecting the kid from Rice, they are 1 year away from taking over the west (barring injury).
Marc Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
I think the ugliest jump shot in the league hands down goes to Shawn Marrion, the guy has one of the hugest wing spans for a 6′7 guy in the league and yet he shoots like a human T-Rex. Bad mechanics = disapearance in the playoffs for Marrion and Nowitzki.
Garnett to Phoenix if Marrion is the primary comodity works as far as the Suns are concerned, but throw Amare away and Steve Kerr is the official Goat Boy of Arizona for the next ten years.
I still think the Lakers have the best shot at aquiring the raging forward from Minnesota, if they are willing to part with Andrew Bynum and package him with Lamar Odom, this is a far superior deal to anything else I see on the trade blogs. It also stands to reason they are thinking of doing so after drafting 7′1 big man Marc Gasol.
I don’t understand NBA GM’s in thier youth oriented paradigm analysis of players. How many players drafted in the first round stay with the team who drafted them for for ten years or more anyway? Players rarely finish their careers with the team that drafted these days, so I say this in agreement with your analysis of the Al Thornton pick by Atlanta. I say this with a sour look on my face while I think of all the youth first players out there chosen on upside alone over proven college tested men. The Tyson Chandler deal giving away powerhouse Elton Brand, what a catastophe that turned out to be for Chicago. Kwame Brown and Brandon Haywood are now official busts, and I’m sure age had a factor in Shawn Livingston’s horrible injury, do you think a year or two of college conditioning with only a quarter of the games played as opposed to the NBA and it’s greater demand for physical play could have helped? Maybe, or maybe not, but I tell you one thing, it could have helped Darious Miles, who, by the way, I believe will be continuing his disapointing career in Portland because nobody outside of your beloved Isaih Thomas is short sighted enough to absorb that contract.
AB_40 Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
yeah I thought the rockets should’ve drafted a big body you know like glen davis but ey aaron brooks you know the rockets. Only battier played 82 games? I dunno summin like that but they guards and sf’s you know they’re always injured or they leave the team. And noah’s jumper is uglier then his face and boy is he ugly:P looks like goofy from disney man haha. ok enough hatin he got 2 ncaa championship and is gonna play for a top 5 eastern confrence team so that’s top whwat uhm 20? in the leauge. P.S. Kobe to orlando? woukdn’t that be good kobe and a dominant big in the east, that’s money
Jay Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
KNICKS!!! Here is one of the one worst nba teams in the past 6 years. They have done nothing since the 99 finals and continue to stink up their rep. But recently, they have made some moves that can make them a powerhouse in the east. They made the controversial move to bring in Eddy Curry but gave up alot to get him. They did good by giving up another bloated contract in Steve Francis, we all knew that him and Marbury would not work in the backcourt. Now as for getting Randolph, Dickau, and Jones from Portland, I believe this was a great deal for the Knicks. They now have the best post in the east with Curry and Randolph, which easily qualifies them for playoff contention in the horrible Atlantic devision. They still have one more move to go, I believe this last move would be to trade for a star small forward like Rashard Lewis. Some guys that they need to get off the roster are Malik Rose, Jerome James, Mardy Collins, Dan Dickau, and Demetris Nichols(if he proves to be a bust). Other than that, it seems that we have a new contender in the league
mike Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
A Chinese basketball fan’s opinion: I like Yi, I hope he turns out to be a basketball stud. Face it, the Chinese race gets prejudiced for being short, unathletic, nerds, communist, etc. For once, I would like to see an athletic Chinese guy tear it up in the NBA. If you were in these shoes, wouldn’t you?
I used to live in Milwaukee and (personally) I prefer never to live there again. Nobody knows anything about the Bucks: can you name all five starters at year’s end? Hint: Bogut, Redd were not among them. Can you name the last year a team from Milwaukee won anything? Can anyone tell me what the #1 pick from 2005 averaged last year? Nobody outside of Brewer town. What I’m trying to say is, if you stay in Milwaukee you’re getting zero exposure.
My point is, I hope my boy Yi has a chance to show the NBA that he can play, hence exposure. My opinion.
Anndre Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
Eddie, seriously…you need to find another field for employment. Do they actually pay you for this mess? Aaron Brooks? Come back to reality Mr. Johnson! You and Stephen A. Smith must be the worst “analyzers” out there.
K Slay Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
So eddie, Yi refused to work out against the other talent in the draft? just like every other prospect that was any good Einstein. Kevin Durant came to the combine, didn’t play against anyone, and the only thing they found out was that he couldn’t lift 185 once, that goes to show you how much those workouts really mean in terms of lottery-level prospects. Also hes obviously good enough, and probably will end up dominating the league. Sit him out for a year? so that the bucks can land in the lottery agian right, your a genius man. Your talking about a guy thats already won multiple CBA championships. You want to call him mysterious because hes not from America, fine, but there is plenty of tape on him dominating professional competition throughout his career, not to mention vs. team usa, and a monster dunk on Paul Gasol. Who in their right mind would want to go to Milwaukee, especially when they are a marketing goldmine. Its ridiculous people like you end up writing for blogs like this.
david Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
OK someone PLEASE tell me why Isiah is so smart? I mean, I don’t really follow the Knicks and I know he inherited a mess (eg Alan Houston …), but didn’t he bring in all those free agents with declining skills and bloated contracts? And if he’s so smart in the draft, wouldn’t he have been smarter having more / better picks by not trading them for the guys he’s trying to get rid of today?
If he’s been there for 6 years and the Knicks haven’t been to the play offs since AND they play in a division where the winner usually doesn’t have a winning record…well. No wonder whenever I go to NY on business everyone wants to talk baseball !!
I do, however, think the Zack Randolph trade will be good for them — sure it was Isiah’s idea?
Larry Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Eddie,
Since I’m a Bulls fan, I was glad to read your thoughts above. The fact that you like the Celtics trade and dislike the Bulls’ pick of Noah tells me that Noah will be a success and Boston will continue to languish. And you mention the Knicks and the postseason in the same sentence? That’s laughable, Eddie.
The Knicks and the Celtics will now be two of the worst defensive teams in the NBA (if they weren’t already). Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph together? What happens when two black holes collide?
Trading the 5th pick in the draft was a further illustration that Danny Ainge has no backbone. Would you trade Ray Allen for Dwayne Wade, the #5 pick in the last stacked draft (2003)? I can’t believe you think trading the #5 pick of 1996 for the #5 pick of 2007 was actually a good move for anyone but the Sonics.
Do you want to know where Noah will fit in with Chicago? Last season the Bulls were #1 in rebounds, #6 in blocks, and #4 in steals even though PJ Brown was the tallest guy on the team. Noah is a legitimate 7-footer who will immediately contribute rebounds, blocks, steals, and assists. The Bulls scored more points than the Spurs last season, and were 4th in the NBA in scoring margin. The Spurs were first. The difference? The Spurs let up 4 fewer points per game. Apparently defense, and not silky smooth shooters, wins championships.
The Bulls are set up to be the only team in the NBA that can run with the Suns and lock-down like the Spurs. They certainly improved more than Detroit, Cleveland, Miami, and Orlando by choosing Noah, Aaron Gray, and JamesOn Curry.
garlicboy Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
The Richardson trade for Brandan Wright was tremendous to the Warriors. Why? For the following reasons.
1.) Richardson was a hard worker and high charcter guy, but he was also 1 dimensional. No defense, no passing, no dribbling ability.
2.) The Warriors have no Power Forward. I’ll say it again. The Warriors have no Power Forward. Thier Power Forward, is built like a Power Forward but thinks like small forward. Al Harrington is soft and in love with the three ball. He was so soft, 6′7″ Matt Barnes had to play PF in the playoffs.
3.) Our Power Forward Matt Barnes is a free agent.
4.) The Warriors were loaded at the wing. They have Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis who will vye for the starting Off guard spot, with Pietrus off the bench.
5.) Marco Belinelli will pick up the slack for Richardson. He already can shoot, pass, and dribble better than Richardson.
6.) Brandan Wright is the perfect PF for the Warriors. He blocks shots, rebounds and runs the floor.
7.) They have $10 million trade exception, in which the Warriors should trade Andris Biedrins for Marcus Camby and a 2nd round pick. Forget Garnett and blowing up the team. Get the 2007 Defensive player of the year, Marcus Camby, be a playoff contender, without sacrificing your entire future and team. Why would this trade work? The Nuggetts have 3 Power Forwards in Nene, Martin, and Camby who make $13, $11 and $8 million next year. And their payroll next year is $77 million. Making the trade keeps them at the cap at $69 million.
Connie Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Eddie, Great analysis.
I too, was disapointed that none of the big trades took place. I think that there was a lot of disinformation put out there to muddy the waters, which may have contributed to the lack of big-name trades. I was especially disapointed that the Suns were unable to pull the trigger for KG. As much as I love Marion, I think KG (along with a 9-10 man rotation) would put the Suns over the top. The Wolves have got to trade him, there’s no denying. I look for him to be wearing another uniform by training camp. I wish it were a Suns uniform, but I really question $arver’s financial commitment. I hope he proves me wrong.
What I fear is that KG will be wearing a Lakers uniform. This really makes the most sense for everyone. The Lakers HAVE to do something, and packaging Odom and Bynum could be the ticket for both teams. The Suns seem to think that they already have everything they need, except Grant Hill. Well, they had Jalen Rose this last season, and I think he played about 29 minutes total all year. I do think that Kerr will put a gun (I hope) to D’Antoni’s head and force him to deepen the rotation this year. Maybe the Suns will sign Grant Hill, and maybe he’ll stay healthy, but I really don’t get their obsession with him. He did Ok this past year, but can he stay healthy for 100 games? I wouldn’t bet on it.
And Eddie, you Shaq comment had me ROFLMFAO!!! Too funny, man. Keep up the good work and tell the brass to give you more color assignments this next year!
t emanuel Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
hi eddie, just want to say, kg and kobe that sounds good to me, LA all the way
t.hawk Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
I guess Eddie Johnson would tell Mike Conley to get a jump shot. Afterall, that is all Eddie Johnson ever had; was a jumpshot. You were 6′8 and still couldn’t or wouldn’t go to the hole. When you did I remember a 6′2 Carter Scott blocking your shot and Ohio State whipping Illinois and knocking you from the undefeated status. I’m sure Mike Conley, like Tony Parker will develop a jumpshot in time. Like Tony Parker, he’s only 19 or 20 going to the league. His athleticism and superior “handle” will allow him to do things few point guards in this league can do now.
Ben Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
Thanks Eddie, I agree with you on the Brooks analysis. He scorched the pac-10 teams for the past 2 years, he will be an effective player in the NBA.
I’m a UofA alum and got to see Channing play for several years, I don’t think he has the speed to play the 3.
And I hope that the Bucks play hardball with Yi, he should be thankful that he’ll have a career in the NBA. His desire to go somewhere else, to me, shows insecurity. He’s probably afraid that he does not have what it takes to be a star in the NBA (whether he does or not remains to be seen).
Kyle Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 10:43 pm
To all you Noah fans out there:
I know more about the Bulls than you (and maybe Eddie) do, and I agree completely with Eddie on his analysis. They drafted ANOTHER Big Ben, ANOTHER Tyrus Thomas… their frontcourt is useless, and has been for the past 4 years or so. Everyone in the world knows that low post scoring is their lone “major” flaw, and they waste a high draft pick on a winner, yes, but not a need.
Noah was, simply put, exactly what the Bulls want in how they’ve been building their team, but not what they NEED. He fits their style perfectly, but they didn’t need another Noah, they need a Zach Randolph/Eddy Curry/Pau Gasol/Jermaine, etc.. someone that can command a double team in the post.
dspohn55 Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 10:55 pm
Eddie I also like your analysis…always have. You are a joy to listen to during telecasts, too. Regarding the Bulls, i’m a Kings fan and I was literally on my knees praying Joakim Noah fell to us at 10. On paper, Noah is destined to play for the Bulls. His skillset = the Bull’s blueprint for a player. But like you said, how many of the same thing can you have? Ultimately, I think PJ Brown is gone…which would leave a potential starting lineup down the road of Ben, Noah & Tyrus….that’s dominance on D and horrible shortcomings on O. Spencer Hawes probably made more sense here, the way I see it. A slow, unathletic C who can’t rebound teamed with an athletic, dominant rebounder in Big Ben might be a championship formula….instead Spencer Hawes goes to Sacramento where our roster is loaded with finesse, unathletic shooters. The rich truly do get richer….I guess life just isn’t fair.
Bill Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:42 pm
Eddie,
I have begun reading your blogs with great interest. I get to listen to you during the season and appreciate your analysis.
I can’t figure how you are O.K. with Boston aquiring an older player for a younger guy but not O.K. with the Suns moving Amare for KG. Granted Amare has proven value whereas the draft pick has yet to prove himself at the NBA level. However, as well as Amare played last year, he is damaged goods.
The Suns can beat anyone in the league, with or without Amare, except SA. I am fine with the Suns keeping Amare, he is one of the best in the business, but I believe we haven’t seen just how good KG could/would be with a team as talented as the Suns are. It is my sincere belief KG would garner an MVP and give the Suns a greater chance at winning a championship as he has the maturity level and ability to play heads up against Duncan should we have to play SA again and would be a nightmare for Dallas.
Thanks for letting me put in my two cents.
Keep up the good work.
Eric Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:28 am
The reason I have doubts about Aaron brooks is not because of his skills or anything.He’s got great scoring skills with standout atheletic ability, problem is do the rockets need another scoring point guard?????I mean right now their best pf is…chuck hayes.As for those defending Isaih…..those who say he’s a good drafter, is dellusional.He’s got a great eye for talent thats for sure, all his draft picks have proven that they can play, problem is, Isaih could have gotten them with much lower draft picks. For example Renaldo Balkman, Isaih coulda easily gotten him with a mid second round pick, even Balkman himself said he diddnt expect to go in the first round.Being a good drafter is about getting the most out of your pick, not just having an eye for talent.And I dunno about chandler, he diddnt work out for any team because he was injured, diddnt shoot above 50 percent despite being a post player, hasnt shown any real hoop skills beside his incredible atheletic ability, and would have easily been obtained in the second round, yet Isaih decide to give him a promise at 22????That’s good drafting???
Eric Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:32 am
As for the Noah draft, I really dunno who else the bulls coulda picked.I know everyone was saying they need low post scoring and that spencer hawes is their man, but spencer hawes is not exactly a contribute right away guy.In college he showed an amazing array of post moves, but he also showed poor rebounding, inconsistency, and questionable leadership. He’ll be a good player, but he probably cant contribute right away, unlike Noah who can step in right away with his defensive intensity. The Bulls are trying to win right now, I mean Ben wallace isnt gonna be around forever, 3yrs left….time is ticking.
Larry Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:37 am
Kyle,
You may or may not be right about about Noah, but - Zach, Curry, Pau, and Jermaine weren’t available at the # 9 pick, in case you didn’t know. I’m not sure who you think the Bulls should have picked, since you don’t mention that in your erudite analysis. Is Spencer Hawes your solution to the Bulls need?
Neither Zach nor Eddy play defense, which wins championships. And neither Pau nor Jermaine are worth 2 or 3 of the Bulls young core and this draft pick.
The Bulls frontcourt was ‘useless’ for 49 wins and a sweep of the Heat last season, and it’ll only get better with Luol and Tyrus maturing and the addition of Noah. The Bulls finished one win behind Cleveland last season - with the draft and upcoming free agent signings, the Bulls have easily pulled ahead of the Cavs.
‘Another Big Ben, another Tyrus Thomas’…’waste a high draft pick on a winner’….’exactly what they want in how they’ve been building their team’…. Do you always prove your own point wrong?
Nate Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:42 am
I’m not sure why people are hating on Paxson for taking Noah.
Do they need someone that can score with their back to the basket? Yes. Was there anybody at #9 that could do that this season? Paxson didn’t think so. If anyone wants to challenge John Paxson and his talent evaluations, do so at your own risk.
I’m not a big “Jo-No” fan, but I don’t hate the pick. He fits what the Bulls are trying to do in the fact that he’s a 7-footer who runs the floor and plays great defense.
For all of you out there saying the Bulls need a guy that they can throw the ball into…I agree, but look at the big picture. Skiles doesn’t go inside. I’m happy with the route that Pax has taken. The Bulls main priorities are to re-sign Deng and Gordon to long term deals similar to that of Hinrich’s. The Bulls were wise not to tie up 62 million for the next 4 years to a player in Randolph who has weight and off the court issues. Randolph would walk into camp out of shape and be in Skiles doghouse right away anyway.
Brian Laesch Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:53 am
All you need to know is that my Steve Nash Video Blog will teach you all you need to know about the game of basketball. Better Basketball? Yeah right. Chauncey Billups did not even learn some things.
VK Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:56 am
Milwaukee made a mistake by drafting Yi. They could have drafted soild forwards like Noah or Brandon Wright. When was the last time that a team benefitted from drafting and clashing with players who don’t want to be a part of the team? Ask Steve Francis and the Vancouver Grizzlies. It’s not like Yi was the only choice available when so many other solid players were still available at #6 either. Milwaukee should just face reality, which is Milwaukee doesn’t register on a world map.
John Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 2:02 am
Five years ago the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks were both bad teams. In that time John Paxson has drafted players to fit a certain style of play and from winning programs. Isiah Thomas has gone for the quick fix. Now five years on and the Bulls are on the cusp of being a championship contender and the Knicks are still a bad team. You can have your godfather I will stick with Pax and I trust his judgment as he hasn’t been wrong yet. I don’t see how Hawes was the best player for the Bulls. If he was so good why was he available at 10. A 7′ with post moves that everyone seems to think is going to be a player yet he was there at 10. Noah was the best player available and he fits the formula that has been working for the Bulls. I guess people really do love losers (Isiah & the Knicks).
Noah Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 2:14 am
I can honestly say that I pretty much agree with everything Eddie says in this article. Surely a first…
jake Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:28 am
eddie bringing the knowledge again. i love you man, keep up the good work.
matt Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:37 am
with noah, all shots at him aside (bad pun i know), but wasnt it just one year ago, that he was being touted as the number 1 pick, for the bulls to still draft high last year (thomas) and still get the proposed number 1 from 2006, is quite an achievment, give it a year, he could turn into a lesser ben wallace which would allow a trade for more of a post up scorer, but all in all it gives them another big body to bang in a conference lacking in size up front.
Jason Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:41 am
I enjoyed reading your analysis. The offseason will get very interesting and I’m already looking forward to 07-08.
Yi is lucky to be in the NBA and he and is agent should be honored to even have this opportunity. Chances are Yi is going to have a tough time learning the culture and the language so I am understanding of their concerns for him. However, he should be honored to be here and the Bucks are a team that will probably be competative this year. Yi needs to prove himself because most Power Forwards are going to push him around. He’s soft and he probably has a big ego being a superstar in china. I know he’s played against NBA players but he’ll find out how much harder it really is. I think he’ll have trouble and then maybe him and his special agent will look like fools for acting like they deserve the special treatment.
Noah was not the right pick for the bulls. He’s a great player but the Bulls needed offense in the post. If Noah can be a backup center for Big Ben then I think the pick might pay off. We’ll see how he does in the NBA. I think he too will be pushed around.
Garnett needs to go to the Lakers. If this happens they still wont win a championship. I still think the Suns will be better than them even if they get Garnett. Send Kobe to Chicago!!!!!!! That would be sick. Kobe, Big Ben, Hinrich, Deng, Gordon.. I’m sure some of those guys will have to go in the trade but yea, the Bulls would instantly be a dominating force in the east.
The Knicks are on the right path. Curry and Randolph are going to be a nightmare for many many teams. Marbury will pass to them. If the guards don’t utilize these talented low post guys then they need to be shipped out of there. I hope the Knicks have a good year.
I think Boston got the better end of the trade with Seattle. Ray Allen is much more valuable than west, wally, and green. Allen needs to stay healthy. Him and pierce will be dangerous together. They’re gonna surprise people. They need a good big man. They’re on their way.
brofmfa Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:58 am
Hey Eddie, sit him ? you gotta watch your back, they are probably going to bring a whole nation to against you. The China (not Chinese but China ) is big enough to say no to Millwaukee while the NBA is desperate to say yes on everything to China.
Fred Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 6:22 am
Eddie, shooting form does not matter to the coaches as long as the ball goes in.. let’s name few players who have bad shooting forms.. for example, SHAWN MARION.. MARION has the ugliest jumper i’ve ever seen but still he shoots around 80% of his free throws.. how about RICK BARRY.. BARRY shoots that unorthodox underhand free throws but still connects at a 90% clip..
Brodiejay Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 6:27 am
I agree Noah. I usually agree with things that Eddie says and disagree with a few too. I completely agree that the Seattle-Boston trade works well for both teams in their respective contexts (Ray Allen did, although injured, produce some of the best numbers of his career last season). I also completely agree that the Bobcats-Warriors trade seems kind of strange for both teams given their current franchise situations. Most of all I agree (due in large part I’m sure to my Bucks bias) in your hope that the Bucks don’t budge on their Yi stance. I like him along side Bogut. He is very athletic as well as a great shooter, and would complement Bogut’s great passing game nicely. I think it was an intelligent pick because at the very least, their are a lot of teams intrigued by Yi’s potential and if his handlers flat out refuse for him to play, he will command some good players in return. I think Yi will be good, what do others think?
erick Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 8:26 am
Funny how all the trade talk went on and in the end nothing happened…. Brooks will beat out Alston and James, bottom line, he’s a better player than both…
As for Yi, the kid says he looks forward to playing for the Bucks and feels lucky to be in the league….. His agent/handlers are the ones who don’t want him there. If we’re going to comment let’s get it right. As for nobody knowing anything about him, reference the Olympics and the World Champions, it seems now we don’t give credit to anyone who isn’t tatted up and dunk- the kid will be okay… As for Yao taking so long to come around, lets not forget the man has been playing ball year long for a long time with no real time to workout or rest.
J-Rich is overrated… their playoff run had more to do with Davis, Jackson and Barnes than Richardson…. when we speak of him lets speak of the Richardson of today- the trigger happy jumpshooter who doesn’t play defense unless he’s trying to get another shot off- oh yea, he’s also banged up every year….. so Nelson can’t coach rookies- hmmmm, who is Webber, didn’t he also coach Josh Howard- and last time I checked there aren’t many coaches that handle rookies well.
Damien Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
Okay I must admit you have an eye for the game. You hit everything on point. I agree with every column today. But I think Ray Allen will stunt Gerald Green’s growth, and that given the right situation Steve Francis can still play at a high level. You do it Eddie!
Michael Bennett Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
All righty then… Here’s my take on your article and some of the moves involving the draft and the trades/moves:
BOSTON/SEATTLE - Like you, Eddie, I agree it’s great for both teams. I didn’t understand why everyone at the draft was saying that Boston is so stupid for the trade. Ray Allen is still an amazing basketball and All-Star who, when healthy, can play at the highest level possible. Now, the Cs have a 2-3 that’s the best in the league in Allen and Pierce. Both can go for 40 on any given night. And, I like how the move was early in the summer so Pierce and Allen (and Jefferson, Rondo, Perkins) can gel. This team will be good in the East in 07-08.
KNICKS/PORTLAND - Zach Randolph has always been a numbers guy, but never a winner. This move will not save the Knicks. What are they going to do with David Lee? That guy can play. Now, they’re splitting minutes at the big positions. The Knicks won’t make the Playoffs. That’s unfortunate, because I love the Knicks when they’re a tough team to play. It makes the game more exciting. Too bad we’ll have to wait until the Nets move to Brooklyn for a good New York team… As far as the Blazers, they have a young nucleus that will start slow, but be a Playoff team in a couple years, maybe even next year.
BOBCATS/G.S. - Unlike Stephen A. Smith, I thought the Bobcats got the better of the deal. They just received a 26 year-old really good shooting guard to play with emerging stars Raymond Felton, Walter Hermann and Emeka Okafur. This team will be good. If you watched the ‘Cats at all last year, you’d know that a lot of their games went down to the wire. They played tough all year, and they gave even the best teams a run. Now, with a solid starting lineup, they will make the Playoffs.
BULLS - I totally disagree with you on this, Eddie. And, I agree with Eric. The Bulls picked the best player they could with the 9th pick. Noah is not only NBA ready, he’s better for the Bulls than PJ Brown. That means the Bulls are better than last year already, and we’re talking about a team that went 6 games in the Conf. Semis. Spencer Hawes wasn’t the answer. If the Bulls need a really good low post scorer to be one of the top 3 teams in basketball, they can’t settle for a soft project who isn’t that good to start and can’t play defense (Hawes). They already have Martynas Andriuskevicius, a similar player. That was the best pick for them. No matter what, they couldn’t have solved their one supposed problem (low post scorer) with the draft unless they traded for the #1 ro #3 pick, which those teams wouldn’t do.
And, most importantly, I think people who keep on saying that the Bulls need a low post scorer aren’t seeing the whole picture and are following a model that the Bulls just aren’t. Huh? I’ll explain. The Bulls are blessed with a great backcourt, and one of the league’s best SFs. And, last year, they led the league in rebounding. This year will be a repeat when Noah is playing 25+ minutes. So, they trade a low post scorer for one of the best interior defenders in basketball (Big Ben) and potentially an All-Defensive Team guy (noah). They will be the best defensive team in the NBA this year. Saying that they need a low post scorer is a conventional way of thinking. And, right now, some of the most successful teams in the NBA are winning the unconventional way (Bulls, Warriors, Suns).
For those who were looking for big moves on draft day ie Kobe or KG trades, most teams will have to do a sign and trade to match the big paychecks of those two guys. That was impossible on draft day due to league dates. We’ll see some great movies this off-season with Billups on the move possibly, Rashard Lewis, Darko might find a system to make him a really good player, Vinsanity might move, Mo Williams might blossom somewhere else, Gerald Wallace won’t be helpful for any team (chronic injuries), and Mike Bibby might land somewhere he’s needed (Cleveland - Hughes for Bibby in a sign-and-trade). Be patient.
Lastly, Eddie, you better hope the Suns don’t waste their time with Grant “Over The” Hill. He doesn’t fit that system. Someone needs to light a fire under Diaw, or let him come off the bench to replace Amare. I loved the 05-06 lineup with him at Center…
Michael Bennett Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
I’m sorry for the length of that last article… Next time, I’ll do it in shifts.
space Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
eddie is pretty much on point.
i never happened to catch any of aaron brooks in either college or predraft camp, so i have to defer on that one. this was a wild draft. it’ll be fun looking back on this 3-4 years from now.
yi - hope he stays a buck, but his selection there felt like a potential trade to me.
noah - should have been him getting traded for randolph, thats who the bulls needed.
on the topic of isiah, out of the 40 draft picks after balkman last year, only 9 of them contributed ANYthing of merit to their teams [dee brown, daniel gibson, david noel, craig smith, alexander johnson, rajon rondo, josh boone, jordan farmar, mardy collins]. on top of that balkman fit a need. isiah’s weakness seems to be contracts, luck and intangibles.
Larry Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Oh Eddie, you’re absolutely right as usual.
Defense doesn’t win championships, scoring does. Just look at San Antonio! They’ve a great defense, and they scored fewer points than the Chicago Bulls did last season. They’ve won four Championships based on silky smooth scorers like yourself.
You’re so right, you’re always right, and you have an NBA Championship Ring because scoring wins championships, right??
Kelo Todd Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
You are right Eddie, the Knicks and Celtics should be back in the playoffs this comming season. I do think Curry and Randolph can co-exist in the paint, Zach is more of a finess player around the rim and Curry will provide the power.
space Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
bennett - i think your boy PJ is severely UNDERrated. he still has a basket choc full of nice post moves. moves that noah hasnt learned or even played against yet. noah is a better, more athletic defender out of the box, but he lacks the veteran savvy.
unless someone gets injured in boston. i think they are in the playoffs. from what i saw of jeffferson, he looked really good at times last season. the question now is what happens next and who now WON’t make the playoffs
david Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Michael,
I agree with MOST of what you said — I picked the Bulls last year to win the East and was obviously disappointed. i think they did get better but I’m waiting to see what happens with the BIG trades looming like the thunderclouds over Texas as I write.
I don’t agree with you on the Boston/Seattle trade. I think Seattle got much better by addition AND subtraction. Durant is the real deal. Ray Allen has one the best (purest) strokes I’ve ever seen and a quick release, (and a good actor in He Got Game), but he is fragile, “whiny” (at least against my Spurs) and disappears in the big games. Maybe he’ll be a better fit in Boston because PP will take some of the pressure off.
Seattle’s new GM Presti hails from here (the youngest ever in such a position) and from what I’ve heard here he is a great judge of talent, as well as chemistry. Trading Allen now was a very smart move. Maybe what Minnesota should have done a couple of years ago.
LBJ Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
How good can Cha and Por be in a few years?! Boston can certainly make the playoffs with a healthy Allen and Pierce. Jefferson and Perkins can clean up the misses. Tony Allen, Rondo, and West have to hold there own.
KG’s contract has been a gift but now it’s a working as a curse. It sure would be nice to see something workout for the Suns. But you’re right Eddie all that trade talk and very little action.
LBJ Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
Meant to say Telfair….not West
Michael Bennett Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
Yeah, PJ Brown is underrated at 6 ppg in 20 mpg at $8 million last year and a horrible defender… Yeah, space. Good one. Come on! I expect more from you. Low post moves? Who cares if he gives you only one good half all season?
I don’t think the Bulls off-season transactions are done yet. There’s a couple roster spots that need to be filled. Plus, they have a big decision to make with Andres Nocioni. He’ll want $6 million to $9 million a year, which is too much for the Bulls, especially when they have to start thinking about Ben Gordon and their most important player, Luol Deng, very soon. I’ve heard about sign-and-trades involving him, but that’s about it. I’d like to see them package him, Gordon and Hinrich for Kobe… or something like that.
And, LBJ, Delonte West was part of the Allen/Green trade. He’s in Seattle now. I think Boston’s PGs will be good - Rondo and Telfair - and Boston will be really good. They now have a great starting lineup and a really good bench.
The Suns just need to hold tight. I don’t think a big move is needed. They were inches away from a Conference Championship series. They need to polish the games of Stoudemire and Diaw, and utilize Marion better in the Playoffs. But, they need not worry. They’ll be in the Finals this year if they want to be…
Harry Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
I think you are seeing the Seattle Boston trade all wrong. It may have been a great salary dump for Seattle. Furthermore, Ray will never be able to contribute when all the young guys on the Sonics get there. So it was smart to move Ray. But what they got for him makes no sense.
After drafting the biggest no-brainer in the history of the NBA Draft, Durant, the Sonics turn around and get Jeff Green. A player of similar talent and abilities, and whose game I like. Both will be playing SF for the foreseeable future. So with the 5th pick in the draft, they got Durant’s back up. That a waste for a bench player. I know they talk about playing both on the wings, but who is going to guard Boozer, Garnett, Nene, or the other big PFs that play in the western conference? Both Durant and Green are at least 3 years from competing at the 4, if they develop. And that’s a big if!
Then you add in Wally Z, another 3! He has never been able to hold down the 2 and his is clearly losing what little step he once had. Then add in that the Sonics have two quality reserves at the 3, Gelebelle and Wilkins. That makes 5 small forwards. Then they start talking about resigning Rashard for #6. And this point, Rashard is clearly the best of the bunch!
Delonte West is a decent backup PG, but he is not the key to this trade. I realize that the Sonics have more moves coming, but the bottom line is that they traded Ray Allen, coming off his best year as a pro, for Kevin Durant’s backup and his backup.
It may have made financial sense, but it doesn’t make basketball sense.
Brian Boytono Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
Eddie its safe to say that your boy in Houston, brooks wont get to prove you right or wrong. Betcha he plays less than 15 mins a game and shoots under 40 percent in his garbage time. Next analyze how much Marcus banks can help the suns if he ever got off the bench or perhaps The offensive force Dasagna Diop would be if they let him score
Carpe Diem Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 7:35 pm
Eddie,
What do you think about the suns’ draft picks? Defensive minded?
eddiesucks Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
i dont like any of the trades except for seattle. They get 2 talented high character guys. while it’s not gonna translate to Ws next season, i like how the team’s gonna look a few years from now. As for the C’s, yes, they do get ray allen for just west wally and green. but i dont like ray’s ankles, or his possible on-court chemistry w/Pierce. IMO, they should’ve pushed for marion. or they coulve just gone to full rebuilding mode by trading Pierce.
As for NY, i dont know what the hell they were thinking, unless Isiah finally plans to start Lee. Zach and curry ain’t gonna mesh in that frontcourt, esp w/ starbury and jamal manning the point. Portland could’ve gotten a lot more than frye and francis for zach. and eddie my man, i think frye and the 3 would be a bad idea in today’s NBA. frye ain’t gonna be able to guard today’s ultra-athletic wings.
MJ doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing. J-rich can do one thing: score. and w/ his fat contract, i dont think he’s worth that. As for the warriors, i don’t see last year’s cinderella season happening again.
jon Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
eddiesucks,
why would you be so disrespectful why cant you put your real name, nd now to ur blog, all the trades made perfect sence when you look at the franchises: New York getting Randolph makes sence due to their past transactions, their playyers are only about the money and stats if the game was 1 on 1 they would do well but its a team game. Paul pierce is makin around 16m per season thats a fat contract where marion is making 16m it cud work but they are not looking to get rid of a all around playyer who plays both sides of the court.
saying mj doesnt know what the hell hes doing makes u look like a idiot… hes one of the smartest minds in the nba nd by trading j-rich was a bold move for a rookie brandon wright, Mj must of seen sumthing that most people might not of seen, maybe a little bit of hinself so i dont see anything rong with it. the thing i see rong is jumping to dumb conclusins, if eddiesucks was a gm im 100% sure he wud fail likethe old toronto gm i forget his name
bob Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
eddiesucks is the dumbest person of life the New york knicks were thinking about making a trade that wud give them proubly the most lethal front line in the nba nd they are marketing the two big men perfectly to they can sell tickets YOU are so dumb you need to look at the buisness apect as well as the team aspect dumb ass
Michael Bennett Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
I don’t understand why people don’t think that Boston will completely benefit from this trade… Ray Allen is a great basketball player. He’s an unbelievable shooter who has range and he’s near perfect from the charity stripe. He’s turning 32. That’s not ancient in the NBA. He had his best season last year. He’s had 10 seasons straight averaging over 20 ppg. The Boston lineup is unreal now. I think we’ll see Denver and Boston thriving this full season with two superstars on the same team. And, eddiesucks, espn just posted an article about how Ray Allen’s ankles are “perfect”. So maybe you should start liking his ankles.
Orlando, New Jersey and Washington should fear the Celtics and the Bobcats this season. It’s early yet, but if the Magic don’t get Rashard Lewis AND another star in free agency, and New Jersey and Washington don’t make bold off-season moves, then forget about the Playoffs.
bob Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
michael bennett i cudnt say it any better in this nba with exception to the spurs the fast breaking teams like the suns the cinderella team of 2006-07 the wariors and
the new raptors are running and not allowing the teams to set up into the defence boston must of noticed this and jump on the opposition
shane Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 3:27 am
How come the rockets didn’t take Tiago Splitter a ready made defensive power forward that went a pick or two later
Nevermind Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 8:35 am
because his buyout right now is a hefty one?
NBA teams can only pay up to 500.000$ of the buyout.. Splitter’s is reported to be much higher.
He is a perfect pick though if you can wait one more year.. which is what the Spurs plan to do.. they pretty much traded their pick this year for a free top lottery pick next year.
david Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Michael, Ray might have had his best season last year, but how far did Seattle advance? You can’t build a team around this guy. Yes, he’s a great shooter but he couldn’t guard my grandmother.
The same argument that everyone is making about Zack is that someone on a bad team has to score a majority of the points. How they transition to another team remains to be seen. I think Seattle got the best of this one.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Seattle got the best? They won’t make the Playoffs this year or next. The Sonics didn’t make the playoffs last year, but Ray Allen has been to the Playoffs and played well - he led a no-name Bucks team to the Conference Finals in 00-01. And, a no-name Sonics to the Semis in 04-05.
And, Boston didn’t “build a team” around Ray Allen. He’s basically filling a role, which means he’ll be the best role SG in the league. Paul Pierce will make Ray Allen’s life very easy and vice versa. Plus, they have an up-and-coming big man with great low post moves…
Comparing Zach Randolph to Ray Allen is ludicrous. Zach Randolph is an undisciplined PF who’s averaged a double-double twice in his six year career. He has zero defense and his FG% is low for a big man. He’s the poor man’s Elton Brand, but Zach Randolph is only effective when the ball is running through him. Good luck getting the ball in New York with four other starters who need the same thing. Ray Allen is a seven time All-Star who can score from anywhere on the court. He’s never played with a good big man to pull defenses away from him, yet he’s still succeeded in every year of his career. He’s a future HOFer who might be the best shooter in the league.
Boston will win at least 45 games this year (up from 24 last year) if Ray Allen and Paul Pierce stay healthy. They will make the Playoffs. New York will win under 40 games, again, and miss the Playoffs, again. Seattle won’t see the Playoffs for another two seasons - maybe in 09-10.
Mike Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 10:33 am
i question anyones intelligence when the question the bulls selection of noah.
are you aware that the next shaquille o’neal was on the board, but john paxson decided he would rather just have noah instead? wake up! that low post scorer was not there. hawes MAY be an adequate low post scorer TWO OR THREE YEARS FROM NOW, but a lot can change in that time. hell, an unathletic center like hawes may be unable to find floor time in an increasingly speed-friendly NBA.
open your eyes, he was the best player we could have taken, he fit a need (size, the bulls needed size, regardless of it could score scoring. the tallest player in the regular rotation was 6′10), and he doesn’t remind me of a 19 year old, less athletic chris mihm.
every gm in the nba probably had noah ranked higher than hawes…so if you’re the bulls and you want to make a trade this summer, wouldn’t it make sense to have trading assets that other teams are interested in?
Rohan Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 10:59 am
The Bucks drafted Yi… and now that Yi doesnt wanna play for the bucks.. they should trade him to the rockets for a couple of guards… that would satisfy yi as well as the bucks.. Yi would be with his chinese mate yao.. n the bucks can probably ask for mike james.or rafer alston in return if mo williams does not come back
david Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 11:10 am
Glad I got you fired up !! I didn’t compare Ray Allen to Zack R…I compared their situations — leading scorers on bad teams. DO you agree with that?
Ray Allen IS a great shooter, but I remember clearly the playoffs in 2005 against the Spurs (my then 3 years old asked me why that man was such a crybaby). In game 2 Ray was getting his great shooting self’s butt kicked, and for no apparent reason, just walked off the floor. No limp. No announcement in the paper the next day. The day after, however, he announced that he had “sprained” his ankle, but warrior that he was, was going to play. He scored a lot (over 30 if I remember), and his “ankles” looked just fine. In reflection, he reminded me of the guy who takes his ball and goes home when he’s getting thrashed.
He is very 1 dimensional (granted that dimention is phenominal). but I think he’s a whiner. I said earlier that PP would take some iof the pressure off him, but I think he’s seen his best days.
OK Michael, go ahead and blast me back.
LBJ Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Ray Allen will give Boston what they needed which is another scorer. And Pierce wanted another vet to be added to the team. I’m not sure how well they will mesh because they are both guys that need the ball but Ray can come off screens and catch and shoot when Paul feeds him. One of the big keys is that they were able to keep Jefferson and I think Ainge wanted 2 hold on to him. Good bigs are hard to come by!
space Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
provided jefferson doesn’t regress, the celts can make the playoffs this season. if big baby makes the roster and can at least fill some space as an active pf in his rookie year then they make the east that much stronger. ray will find a way to make his average, paul pierce as well.
i actually hoped that rashard stays in seattle so they can threaten for the playoffs. what happens to turkoglu once lewis gets there?
so far, the bobcats look a little more dangerous. i will be rooting for them this season. hermann was a great pick last year, and its play or cut time for sean may so he’ll have to prove something. jordan’s squad is in good shape as long as they keep wallace. also looking for hollins to scratch for some playing time. be very afraid if morrison learns to play in the nba this year.
Larry Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
Micheal Bennet,
The trade makes no sense for Boston, but you won’t know why exactly for several years.
Why would Boston trade the #5 pick of 2007 for the #5 pick of 1996? It makes no sense whatsoever. Danny Ainge has no backbone, he’s forced himself (through his own bad moves) to have to win now, and he’s afraid to screw up a draft pick.
Would you trade Dwayne Wade (#5 pick of 2003) for Ray Allen? Certainly not, right? Well, someone of the caliber of Dwayne Wade WAS available at the #5 spot this season. You and I may not know who it will be - and that’s okay. The fact that Danny Ainge has no idea who it will be is pathetic!
Three or four years from now, Celtics fans will be crying that Danny Ainge traded (fill in the blank) for Ray Allen. Guaranteed. Danny has no nads.
LBJ Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
Space, I think he should be prepared to have fewer shot attempts. But I could see him avg. more rebs. If he can snatch 3-5 offensive rebs. and shoot well at the line he’ll have a good chance to keep his scoring close to where it was last season.
LBJ Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
Larry,
It’s hard to compare Jeff Green to Dwayne Wade since we already know what Wade brings as a player. I’m not sure how good Green will be but Ainge definately has to get Bos winning now. Plus I think Pierce was tired of being surrounded by rookies every year. They are in a similar position as Min with Garnett. You have an All-Star that’s been in the league for awhile that is looking to win. Sooner or later you have to give up on your plans to build around Pierce and trade him. Or you trade some of your young talent and get veteran help. It’s a juggling act but if you’re not winning you have to take a gamble.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Yeah, Larry. Every #5 pick is the same every year. You’re right… Come on! Get serious. LBJ said it best here. The Cs need to win now. And, right now, Ray Allen is better for the Cs than Jeff Green.
You can’t really be comparing Dwyane Wade to Jeff Green? Are you? Jeff Green will be good, but he’ll never be on the same playing level as Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen. Give me a break.
I’m not praising Danny Ainge - I think he was backed into a corner (of his own doing) and he made a good decision to move players and picks for an All-Star. The Cs, if healthy, can now win for at least a couple of seasons, and puts them closer to a title and playoff contention with THIS team.
Larry Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
Ummm….
I guess I need to explain further, since MB and LBJ COMPLETELY missed the point.
I never said the #5 pick was the same every year. But this year it had the chance to be special - and there was someone available at #5 who will contribute far more in the future than Ray Allen.
I’m not comparing Jeff Green to Dwayne Wade. I’m saying that there was someone left in the draft at #5 who will be as valued as Dwayne Wade in the future. Who was it? Was it Jeff Green or Yi or Joakim or Brandan Wright? I don’t know, nor do you. But we’re not paid to know. Danny Ainge didn’t know who would be any good, either - and that’s pathetic.
The Celtics are not in title contention, and they’re barely in playoff contention. No matter how many points PP, Al, and Ray Ray put up, they’re still coached by Doc Rivers and they don’t play any real defense. They wouldn’t even be in playoff contention if they weren’t in the crappiest division in all of the major sports. They have a 0% chance of winning the NBA Finals, and they’re on target to be swept out of the first round by the Bulls, Cavs, or Pistons.
If Danny Ainge needs to win now, he should’ve been fired already. When a GM makes decisions to mortgage the future and win now, he’s already too far gone.
Ray Ray will be productive for what - 2 or 3 more years? At that point Yi or Noah or Wright or someone else, or possibly all of them, will be hitting their prime - and the Celtics will be looking at rebuilding by trading away their 2010 lottery pick, right??
The point is not that Jeff Green will be better than Ray Allen. My point is that Danny Ainge - GM of the Celtics - couldn’t properly evaluate this draft class to ascertain who WOULD be better than Ray Allen, and that’s ridiculous.
Or maybe it’s not. Why on Earth would Danny Ainge still have a job? Answer: The Celtics aren’t interested in winning. It’s that simple. They acquired Ray Allen to sell tickets - not to field a winning team. And if the Boston Celtic fans buy this and flock to the Garden like lemmings, well - that’s their problem, and it’s their fault.
LBJ Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
I see what your saying Larry. But what I’m saying is that no one knows how good a rookie might turn out to be. In this draft everyone felt that Oden and Durant were sure to be great players. You might even add Horford to that list but then many compare him to Horace Grant who was a good player but not a guy you think of if you’re picking #3.
“I’m saying that there was someone left in the draft at #5 who will be as valued as Dwayne Wade in the future.”-Larry
By saying that implies that the Celtics knew for sure that there was a player of Wades caliber on the board at 5. Well maybe or maybe not. How many people knew what kind of player Wade would be when he came out? Many would say he should’ve been 3 behind Anthony and Jamesnow that we’ve seen what he can do in the NBA. And you certainly don’t take Darko at 2 knowing what we know now.
LBJ Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
We know the Celts and any other team want to win but it takes the right players to do so. The Celts problems stem way back to the 80’s and keeping that front line till they were ancient. Since then they’ve drafted a ton of young players. Some right out of high school. They need to win to sell tickets. Don’t you think with another piece or two they can compete with just about any team in the East Conf.?
Michael Bennett Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
Larry, what you’re talking about is what I call CHASING THE CARROT. You think that all teams need to focus on young talent and developing them into a winning franchise. Well, that’s not that easy to do.
In five years, when Jeff Green and Yi and whoever else you named turns out to be just average players on average teams, you’ll be talking about the new draft class and how much potential there is with them.
It’s not realistic.
I disagree with A LOT of GMs and coaches in the League, but for not for one minute do I think I’m more knowledgable than them. You’re saying that Danny Ainge is an idiot, but you don’t offer any intelligent scenario that would make the Celtics better now… except for saying that what they did as an organization was wrong.
STOP CHASING THE CARROT!!! And, realize that it’s not as easy as you’d like to believe to put together a winning team that sells tickets, is exciting, and is what the fans want AND still stay under the cap.
Who chases carrots? Donkeys. Another name for a donkey is an ___.
Larry Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
With another piece or two, just about any team can compete. The problem is that the Celtics can get anything better without giving up something valuable, so any ‘improvement’ at this point is really just a zero-sum game for them.
The teams that are successful have a consistent vision and philosophy that guides them across many drafts and free agency periods, across many seasons and playoffs. It seems like the Celtics have been shooting at a moving target year after year.
I’m a Bulls fan, and they provide a great example. Paxson’s first pick (a week after the Jay Williams motorcycle accident) was Kirk Hinrich. Can he turn around a franchise? The Bulls had the 3rd pick in 2004 - can Ben Gordon alone turn around a franchise? No and no. But picking Kirk, Ben, Luol, Tyrus, and Joakim in successive drafts sure might turn around a franchise!! The Bulls have put a premium on defense, athleticism and length, and winners (in college), and they’ve stuck with that vision year after year. Even signings that could be questionable, like 4 years $60 million for Ben Wallace, turn out okay because he fits right into the ballclub.
Danny Ainge has no vision for the Celtics past the next season, nor any consistent vision. In 2 or 3 years the Celtics could’ve had Al Jefferson and Gerald Green playing with Brandon Roy, Yi/Conley/Wright/Noah, a high pick next season, possibly along with another high pick from trading Paul Pierce. That’s a title-contending lineup on paper (if Danny can make the high draft picks like he can mid-first-rounders). Instead, in 2 or 3 years Danny’s replacement will be rebuilding.
Larry Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
Micheal Bennett,
I’m NOT saying that Danny Ainge is an idiot. I’m saying that he can’t evaluate talent any better than you or I. The problem is, I’m a systems analyst, and Danny is a GM of an NBA franchise.
“In five years, when Jeff Green and Yi and whoever else you named turns out to be just average players on average teams, you’ll be talking about the new draft class and how much potential there is with them.”
Unless you’re talking about the 2000 NBA draft, EVERY draft yields great players, and the best drafts (eg 1984, 2003) yield many. 2007 is considered to be one of these great drafts (and on the surface it would be a boon year only due to the one-year college rule).
Sure, many players from this draft will be average. Danny Ainge admitted that he can’t tell which players will be good and which won’t by trading away a pick that has been used for Wade, Scottie Pippen, and Ray Allen (for instance) in the past.
I’ve given you a scenario that was easily attainable for the Celtics. Keep Al Jefferson and Gerald Green. Draft AND KEEP Brandon Roy last season. Draft the best player at # 5 this season (probably B Wright or Noah, but maybe Yi). Trade Paul Pierce for a high lottery pick in 2007 or 2008 and pick another yound stud. They’d be in the lottery next season, too. Pick a top PG with one of those picks. Then when Kevin Garnett, Kobe, and Tim Duncan become free agents in a few years, you’ve a PG, Roy, GG, Jefferson, and Noah or Wright, and a couple other good players just coming into their prime. That would make Boston a very attractive destination for free agents, which it isn’t currently (and Danny is totally to blame for that).
Or, do just like Danny did. You say that I’m chasing a carrot. Danny is chasing a dream, the wind, a fart.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
Larry - What’s the temperature in Fantasy Land? Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
I’m a Bulls fan, too - I live a couple miles from the UC. I watch every minute of every Bulls game. I flew to Miami for G3 and G4 in the 1st Round. I love the Bulls more than most things. But, you can’t sit there and tell me that the Bulls didn’t go through six years of hell before they got this current team. Your scenario is exactly what the Bulls did -
YOU are the very definition of CHASING THE CARROT, and you proved it in your last post.
bectonD Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Trading Green for Allen is only a good trade if Ainge can parley Ratliff and Telfair into an additional high priced veteran like Mike Bibby. The Celtics have more than enough projects. If the Celtics can’t get anything for their remaining expiring contracts then the trade does not make much sense.
The new Sonics G.M. comes in with a lot of hype but i’m not impressed thus far. Hiring P.J. is an extremely risky move plus don’t Green and Durant play the same position.
As for Da Bulls, they should have traded Hawes, that dude is a very skilled low-post scorer. This is the second year in a row Paxson has passed on a player that could have helped out in one of their weakest areas. Aldridge last year and Hawes this year. But Paxson is one of the few G.M.’s that does not gamble, he normally takes the proven guys which I respect. But Aldridge and Hawes IMO would look better on the Bulls front-line than Thomas and Noah.
P.S.- the Spurs had the best trade class, Splitter at no.29 and Williams at 33. With the Bobcats came in a close 2nd, if they resign Wallace look out. The only thing they were missing was a scorer and now that have one. If May can stay healthy the Southeastern Division is looking pretty strong now. Miami could be in for a tough season.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 10:36 am
bectonD - Hawes is no where near NBA ready. If the Bulls picked him, he’d be sitting on the bench for two seasons because NBA PFs and Cs would break him in two. And, if the Bulls pull off this Noah/Nocioni/Duhon for Pau Gasol trade, all their picks and moves would look pretty good, won’t they? You’re not CHASING THE CARROT, you just can’t see past your feet (no forsight for the layman).
bectonD Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Yeah, If the Bulls can get Gasol for Noah, Nocioni and Duhon then all the moves (besides passing on Aldridge) will look great! But i’m not totally sold on including Nocioni in on the deal, the salaries have to match and so they may be forced to part with him.
You must have missed Washington’s games this past year, Hawes has a complete offensive low-post arsenal right now. Hawes problem is rebounding and Defense, I believe the Bulls could have compensated for his weaknesses. Sure he may be a year away, but if the Bulls were planning on keeping the pick instead of trading it, he should have been the guy donning the Bulls cap.
P.S. Is Gasol really a Scott Skiles type of guy?
Michael Bennett Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Pau Gasol = High energy, gives 100% all the time, great low-post moves, solid defense, 35 mpg… YES, he’s exactly what Skiles would be looking for. That’s why they’ve been after him for over a year.
And, the salaries WOULD match. They’re talking about $8 or $9 million per year for Nocioni, another $3 million for Duhon, and roughly $1.5 first year for Noah. Gasol is at $13 million a year. It’s a perfect match.
The starting lineup of:
PG - K. Hinrich
SG - B. Gordon
SF - L. Deng
PF - P. Gasol
C - B. Wallace
…would be enough to win a championship. Easily. That’s 4 great offensive guys, 4 really good defensive guys (2 great) and a bench with Ty Thomas, Sefalosha, a couple of role rooks and a couple of role vets…
On paper, that would be the best team in the NBA. On court, top 3 with San Antonio and Phoenix.
Come on, Pax! Do it! Do it!
Larry Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
“But, you can’t sit there and tell me that the Bulls didn’t go through six years of hell before they got this current team. Your scenario is exactly what the Bulls did”
Thanks to Jerry Krause, right? And since John Paxson has been GM the losing has ended.
It seems that you’re implying that since bad GMs take teams through Hell, it must happen to every team. That’s not logical.
Same with Danny Ainge, he’s taken the Celtics through the Hell with no consistent vision.
You’re transposing the actions of a bad GM into an equation where I’m contending that you must have a good GM - one who can evaluate talent and figure out which among Yi, Green, Noah, Hawes, etc, will be far more productive than Ray Allen from here on. So of course my hypothesis will be flawed in your eyes, because you’re removing one of the fundamental assumptions - that a successful GM will make successful draft picks!
You call it ‘Fantasy Land’. If you hire a good GM, it’s a lot more reality than fantasy.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
You’re taking your eye off the ball. The move we’re discussing is the trade. I think it’s a great trade for Boston AND Seattle. The addition of Ray Allen to the Cs will help their standings in the East, get them to the Playoffs, and give them a legitimate shot at a Conference finals (if everyone stays healthy).
In no way am I saying that Danny Ainge is brilliant or even good. And, I don’t like Doc Rivers. I’ve written these thoughts more than once.
But, the addition of Ray Allen will win the Cs more games this year and next. It makes them a better team. It’s that simple.
bectonD Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
It’s only a good trade for the Celtics, if the Celtics get another vet for Ratliff’s expiring contract. Adding Ray Allen does not make the Celtics a playoff team. The Celtics still trail the Raptors and the Nets in the Atlantic with Allens addition and the Knicks improved by grabbing ZeBo from Portland. As of today, Ainge still has the 4th best team in his division. Boston only has three credible starters on their team (Jefferson, Pierce and now Allen).
As for Seattle, do they plan on playing Durrant at the 2 or moving Green to the 4? I don’t like the direction they are going in. Why send a negative message to Lewis going into free agency by trading Ray Allen. That mistake may have cost them losing Lewis to the Magic.
The new GM should have been focusing on suring up the PG position instead of cutting salaries, which leads me to believe that the franchise is moving into a cost saving mode al la Donald Sterling style. Hiring P.J. was not the answer either for any team that wants to be in the running for signing top notch free agents. I see the Sonics heading down the wrong track. Looks like Oklahoma City will be getting a totalitatian version of the Charlotte Bobcats.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
The trade makes Boston THE best team in the Atlantic. The 2-3 combo of Ray Allen and Paul Pierce might be the best in the NBA. It’s much better than Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson.
I don’t see why everyone’s not seeing this… Ray Allen and Paul Pierce on the same team is scary for the whole conference. Those two are perenial All-Stars who can each put up 40 on any given night. Plus, they have a double-double PF in Al Jefferson.
The Celtics will make the Playoffs and win over 45 games.
bectonD Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
O.K. the Celtics have three players that excel on the offensive end of the floor. But what about players 3-8 the rest of Boston’s rotation, they are near the bottom of the league in that regard and the big three are not the best defensive players either.
Funny how you omitted Jason Kidd and Kristic when you mentioned the Nets in your comparasion with the Celtics. And how you forgot the Raptors are still in the Atlantic and they have two young 7 foot studs on their roster. The Celtics are still one player (a PG) away from contending with the Nets and the Raptors in the Atlantic. Currently, the Knicks may have to be ranked ahead of them as well, due to the fact that the vast majority of their buckets will be made in the paint. While the Celtics will continue to gun from the outside without a creator on the floor that can provide easy baskets for “what might be the best 2-3 combo in the league”
P.S. - I’d still take AI and Anthony, but Pierce and Allen are a close 2nd.
Michael Bennett Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
Easy baskets will come from Al Jefferson (16 ppg, 11 rpg LAST year). And, Rondo and Telfair are young PGs that can play. Rondo is one of the quickest players in the league. And, in the last 15 games, he played like a champ. The lineup of:
PG - R. Rondo
SG - R. Allen
SF - P. Pierce
PF - A. Jefferson
C - K. Perkins
6 - R. Gomes
7 - G. Green
8 - S. Telfair
is a REALLY good 1-8. I’m starting to wonder if you know anything about basketball. That’s two legitimate stars with an emerging star, and Rondo could have a breakout season this year. Same with Perkins. He’s a Diop/Dampier-type Center who averaged over 5 rpg in 20 mpg. If he gets consistent minutes, he could start pulling down 10 rpg.
Here’s how I see the EAST this year:
1 - Chicago Bulls
2 - Detroit Pistons (if they keep Chauncey)
3 - Cleveland Cavaliers
4 - Miami Heat (if they’re healthy)
5 - Boston Celtics
6 - Toronto Raptors
7 - Washington Wizards
8- Charlotte Bobcats/Orlando Magic (I’ll make my decision when I see a set roster)
See ya, Nets… Everyone will get injured and old again. Sorry, NY Knicks. You won’t see the Playoffs until you get REAL talent.
bectonD Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 12:17 am
Once again you’re talking out the side of your azz. How is Ray Allen going to increase any teams win total by 20 games. His addition does not make the Celtics the 5th best team in the East. You’re telling me His addition is going to cause the Celtic to leap frog from the worst team in the East to the 5th seed. GTF outta here dude, you’re a freakin idiot. I know who is on the Celtics roster, they are the same dudes that finished dead last a couple months ago. And Noah does not cause the Bulls to leap frog the Pistons or the Cav’s. Keep dreaming one wipe the Celtics are NOT “really good” at anything besides losing. You’re arguement is so stupid it’s down right amazing. Every time I forget what kind if moron you truly are you come back and remind me with stating something extremely stupid. This time it’s “The Celtics line-up is really good 1-8″ jeeze
Is Rondo better than Jason Kidd? Is Perkins as good as Kristic? Is Telfair better than Williams? Is Gomes better than Moore and as far as Green goes, there are monkey’s in the zoo with high