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I just posted an article detailing how active this past year has been for the NBA and how it has set itself as what will define the later part of the 00’s in the history books.
I did say that i wouldn’t be providing a round-up of the trades or signings, so don’t expect this to be it. I’m simply offering my personal thoughts on some specific goings-ons in the league, and also of the various possibilities that may just happen in the next few weeks.
The Davis-Brand saga.
This being the biggest story of the summer so far, I’ll comment on this first.
I liked Baron being with the warriors, and did not want to see him leave, I thought he had become the face of that franchise and should probably have just played out the rest of the season there. The warriors were the underdogs with a lot of heart, not the most talented or organises squad but definitely the ones showing the most heart and desire, and Baron was the face of that. However, i do see that he wanted to play back home, as every baller does.
Let’s consider that Brand did stay? Would the Clippers have made noise in the West? No.
As good as they would have been and simply wouldn’t have been able to compete with the other powerhouses. Perhaps in a few years, and with adding some more pieces.
But i don’t see why Clippers fans are so upset. I mean, i do, but they should not blame Elton for it. He has been wasting away for years! He put up with foolish coaches, a even more foolish owner, and plenty of inadequate team mates.
He gave the Clippers his best years; perhaps they should just be grateful.
He has a chance to be part of something special in Philly, if they keep growing they way they have. To cement his legacy of this decade’s Karl Malone.
I say good luck to him.
The possible Odom-Artest trade.
Odom is a do every-thing forward who has a good head on his shoulder and is a good teammate, a good player that I really like.
Artest isn’t much different; he has slightly less guard skills, and doesn’t have the same knack for rebounding but also plays better defence and is slightly tougher.
The word is out that the Lakers may trade Odom for Artest (along with the Kenny Thomas contract). I do not like this trade.
The Lakers are doing it in order to address the toughness issues that were so obviously exploited this past June.
Now pay attention, this part of the deal makes sense, Artest would be a major plus for the Lakers. No denying that.
However...
Lamar Odom is important to the Lakers. More important than people give him credit for i believe.
Possibly even more important than Pau Gasol.
In those quarters where Lamar Odom was on form in the NBA finals, the Lakers surged. When he flawed, the Lakers fell.
Lamar Odom’s of this league are simply too rare. Plus, more importantly, Lamar fits with Kobe and into the Triangle Offense perfectly, thanks to the traits that i outlined earlier.
As much as they would gain with Artest, I think they would lose a lot more if they said goodbye to Odom.
They want to address toughness. I don’t think that’s something you can solve with trades, you’ve got to appeal to your own personnel.
(if the Lakers are going to ship someone, let it be Radmonivic. Please!)
The newbies.
The NBA summer leagues are in full-swing, and they are something i look forward to greatly.
I love seeing what the new players look like on new-look teams etc, so just real quick, things i’ve noticed for Orlando and Vegas summer leagues.
• Chicago fans are worried, and with good reason!
• Beasley- can be a beast, can be a bust. When he puts the effort in, he’s a beast. That’s the problem...
• Looks like Gerald green can also be a beast. Note the ‘can be’
• Russell Westbrook did not go too high
• I love Mario Chalmers, he fell way too far.
• They say 09 will be the guards draft class, apparently that’s this year.
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