A couple of big trades already. Raptors get Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers for TJ Ford, Pasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be named. Sounds like the Raptors got robbed unless O'Neal stays healthy and plays like he did a couple of years ago.
And today the Nets sent Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for Yi Jianlian as well as Bobby Simmons. Simmons' sontract is the attraction for the Nets given he has $20.5 mil to be paid but expires in the summer free agent bonanza of 2010 when LeBron and DWade become free agents.
Full Version: NBA Draft and Offseason Moves
Re: JO. I think the Raps feel that even if he doesn't turn out health-wise, he'll be a monstrous expiring contract in 2 years. In trading their 17th pick, the Raps are without a pick in the draft and will need to make more moves (a backup point guard for one), so we'll see how it all pans out in the end. I can't say I'm in love with Jermaine O'Neal, who is a shadow of his former All Star self and doesn't have the best attitude in the world, but the Raptors clearly had to move Ford and I guess this is the best they could get (I read somewhere that Portland had offered Channing Frye and Martell Webster).
The Bucks-Nets trade is interesting. The Nets are clearly dismantling, moving Kidd and RJ in a matter of months. I think Yi has a lot of potential, and he might help the Nets sell some tickets to the Chinese communitiy in the NY/NJ area. RJ is a scorer, but the Bucks are full of scorers. Where are RJ's shots going to come from with Redd and Mo Williams? Not to mention Charlie V. and D-Mase. Too many guys who like to play one-on-one and create their own shot.
The Bucks-Nets trade is interesting. The Nets are clearly dismantling, moving Kidd and RJ in a matter of months. I think Yi has a lot of potential, and he might help the Nets sell some tickets to the Chinese communitiy in the NY/NJ area. RJ is a scorer, but the Bucks are full of scorers. Where are RJ's shots going to come from with Redd and Mo Williams? Not to mention Charlie V. and D-Mase. Too many guys who like to play one-on-one and create their own shot.
Memphis-Minnesota trade. Looks like a win for the T-Wolves: unloading Walker and picking up Love and Miller.
Grizzlies get: #3 O.J. Mayo, Marco Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner
T-Wolves get: #5 Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins
Grizzlies get: #3 O.J. Mayo, Marco Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner
T-Wolves get: #5 Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins
See, this is one of those things I don't get about the NBA, such as the salary cap rules. If Minnesota wanted Love so much, why didn't they just draft him third?
QUOTE(Joe in Philly @ Jun 27 2008, 03:37 PM) 
See, this is one of those things I don't get about the NBA, such as the salary cap rules. If Minnesota wanted Love so much, why didn't they just draft him third?
At least they cant screw the players like the NFL's release provision. You can exceed the cap, like the celts this year u just have to pay a 100% tax to the league.
QUOTE(Joe in Philly @ Jun 27 2008, 12:37 PM)
See, this is one of those things I don't get about the NBA, such as the salary cap rules. If Minnesota wanted Love so much, why didn't they just draft him third?
Actually, unlike many NBA machinations (the Nets trading Jefferson for "Eek, it's Yi"), this one actually makes very good sense having nothing to do with the salary cap. If by trading down to #5, you can get the pick you really want plus a great role player like Mike Miller, why would you take the same guy at #3 and get nothing extra? I think it's a good move for the Wolves, except that I'm biased against UCLA players as so many of them turn out to be busts. Love might be a great passer, but so is Luke Walton, another slow-footed (white) guy who has a great work ethic but contributes little. Love will turn out to be a better player than Luke of course, but I don't see him as an all-star, like Mayo. (Speaking of UCLA players being picked too high, I also don't get how Westbrook, who was a role player for the Bruins, gets to #4.)
The trades that are maddening are the ones that make no basketball sense but are done purely for cap relief. Jefferson for Yi. And after thatn, the Bucks pick Joe Alexander who will sit on the bench because he plays the same position as Jefferson, so it doesn't make so much sense for Milwaukee either.
I must admit I was down for a little Gay-Love in Memphis, but I understand Memphis trading for Mayo. Memphis needs a star- someone who can get much needed publicity for the team, and put butts in the sits. Mayo should be able to do that. I hear he already has a Nike contract. I just hated losing Mike Miller. He is one of the nicest guys on and off the court. He and Pau were my two favorite Grizzlies. Now, it's time for a new chapter. It's also going to be a little strange to see Pau's little brother playing for the Grizzlies. I am shocked Marc is going to sign with Grizzlies. He is a tough 7-footer, but doesn't have the offensive skills of Pau. Memphis isn't going to win many games next year, but they have a great, young nucleus:
Conley....Mayo....Gay.....Arthur.....Gasol (Marc)
Hope is still alive in Memphis!
Conley....Mayo....Gay.....Arthur.....Gasol (Marc)
Hope is still alive in Memphis!
QUOTE(smokey16 @ Jun 28 2008, 07:29 AM)
I must admit I was down for a little Gay-Love in Memphis, but I understand Memphis trading for Mayo.
Maybe that's why Memphis did the trade. But I like it -- they're taking a chance but Mayo has potential to be a true star. Love will at most be a solid component on a good team (not that the Wolves will ever be the good team he needs).
Other thoughts: I'm not sure where Ms. deBlazer is, but her Blazers got a heist in yet another draft, effectively turning the 13th pick into Jerryd Bayless. Soon Portland is going to have too many good players to know what to do with...a nice problem. Also, this is one of the first drafts I actually like for the Clippers. Gordon should be able to score (unlike any of their current guards), and they got DeAndre Jordan in the second round -- based on his potential he originally was pegged as a high lottery pick.
The Wiz give Antawn Jamison a 4-year $50 mil extension. Jamison averaged 21.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg last season.
Elton Brand and Corey Magette opt out of their respective contracts with the Clippers. Brand's deal would have paid him $16.4 mil. Interesting, considering Brand is coming off an injury-plagued season where he played only 8 games. Still, he boasts a 20.3 ppg 10.2 rpg career average.
Baron Davis has also opted out of $17.8 mil from the Warriors.
=============
Team USA that's going to the Beijing Olympics. Will they be another Dream Team or another Big Flop?
Melo, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kobe, Superman, LeBron, J-Kidd, C-Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, D-Wade, Deron Williams
Elton Brand and Corey Magette opt out of their respective contracts with the Clippers. Brand's deal would have paid him $16.4 mil. Interesting, considering Brand is coming off an injury-plagued season where he played only 8 games. Still, he boasts a 20.3 ppg 10.2 rpg career average.
Baron Davis has also opted out of $17.8 mil from the Warriors.
=============
Team USA that's going to the Beijing Olympics. Will they be another Dream Team or another Big Flop?
Melo, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kobe, Superman, LeBron, J-Kidd, C-Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, D-Wade, Deron Williams
I'm surprised Brand and Davis opted out given the paucity of teams with any cap room. Maybe Brand is hoping to force the Clippers to do a sign and trade with Miami (for Marion). Given Davis's injury history, a team would be crazy to offer him a long term contract at 18m+ per year.
I think the U.S. Team will win, at least so long as Kobe continues to display the single-minded zeal to play maniacal defense like in the qualifying games last summer. My question, though, is whether enough of the young U.S. players can adapt their games to the international rules and style. And Redd will need to make his shots, because he's the only ace shooter on the team.
I think the U.S. Team will win, at least so long as Kobe continues to display the single-minded zeal to play maniacal defense like in the qualifying games last summer. My question, though, is whether enough of the young U.S. players can adapt their games to the international rules and style. And Redd will need to make his shots, because he's the only ace shooter on the team.
Jose Calderon has posted the following on his home page:
With Calderon gone, the likes of Beno Udrih, Tyronne Lue and Chris Duhon have interest from multiple teams, including the Clippers, Knicks, Kings, Nuggets, Suns... Even Sam Cassell has numerous teams looking over the veteran point guard.
Gilbert Arenas is rumored to have received offers from Golden State (5-years $100 million) and Washington (max 6-years $124 million).
QUOTE
Early this morning, through my agents, I reached a preliminary agreement with the Toronto Raptors. I want to thank Bryan Colangelo, Maurizio Gherardini, Sam Mitchell and all of the Raptors family for the confidence that they have placed in me. I am sure that together we are going to achieve big things in the future.
With Calderon gone, the likes of Beno Udrih, Tyronne Lue and Chris Duhon have interest from multiple teams, including the Clippers, Knicks, Kings, Nuggets, Suns... Even Sam Cassell has numerous teams looking over the veteran point guard.
Gilbert Arenas is rumored to have received offers from Golden State (5-years $100 million) and Washington (max 6-years $124 million).
Baron Davis opted out...to become a Clipper?!?!? In a million years, I wouldn't have bet on that one.
Still, if Davis can stay healthy and Brand gets back to 100% from his torn achilles, the Clippers should be a playoff team. And if they get Davis, Brand isn't going anywhere; he'll resign with the Clips.
Still, if Davis can stay healthy and Brand gets back to 100% from his torn achilles, the Clippers should be a playoff team. And if they get Davis, Brand isn't going anywhere; he'll resign with the Clips.
Baron Davis is an aspiring movie moghul, so it's not that surprising that he would want to live and work in LA LA Land.
You hear that kind of thing a lot, but I've never understood it. Couldn't he just live in L.A. during the offseason (lots of players have homes in places far far away from where their team is)? Is he planning on spending part of the season making movies? I thought Ron Artest was the only who expected to do things like that.
Davis on the Clippers automatically makes them a contender (provided Brand & Maggette stay in the fold). he's a top 5 pg (if healthy) and can key the attack on both sides of the ball. i totally didn't see this coming, wonder what's up with Livingston then. i was never that impressed with him anyway, but this must mean he's at least a couple years from giving anything significant. at least we know that Eric Gordon is not going to be made into the pg he can never be.
Now what's Golden State gonna do? I say get Jamaal Tinsley from the Pacers to completely destroy moral and fan base lol
Now what's Golden State gonna do? I say get Jamaal Tinsley from the Pacers to completely destroy moral and fan base lol
The Raptors have added Roko Ukic as their backup point guard. Ukic was a Rob Babcock second round pick from 3 years ago. (Babcock was also responsible for signing Jose Calderon. Doesn't quite make up for Vince Carter and Raphael Araujo, but it's credit to him.) They've also added Hassan Adams on a minimum deal ($400K). Adams played for the Nets a couple seasons ago, and in Europe last season.
Portland has added Rudy Fernandez. The Spaniard joins countrymen Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro and Sergio Rodriguez in the NBA. Jorge Garbajosa will likely return to Europe after the Raptors buy out.
After losing Baron Davis to the Clippers, G-State has offered Elton Brand a max deal (5-years $85-90 million).
Portland has added Rudy Fernandez. The Spaniard joins countrymen Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro and Sergio Rodriguez in the NBA. Jorge Garbajosa will likely return to Europe after the Raptors buy out.
After losing Baron Davis to the Clippers, G-State has offered Elton Brand a max deal (5-years $85-90 million).
Portland could easily have 3 Rookie of the Year candidates next season:
Greg Oden, the 2007 #1 pick (he was grand marshall at the Junior Rose Festival parade, in short sleeved shirt, and man has he been hitting the weights! Eyes were popping.)
Rudy Fernandez, rated the best, or at least one of the top 2-3, players in the best Euro league.
Jerryd Bayless, who has a Paul Pierce-sized chip on his shoulder after falling in the draft.
It used to be so boring watching the draft. Wait for the team's pick, then wake up while he is announced, then argue about it. Then Kevin Pritchard arrived as GM and all of a sudden it's interesting. This time around Portland drafted 5 players, none of whom were on the team at the end of the evenining, coming away with 2 new guys and 3 future picks. That's after magically turning a #4 pick into Brandon Roy& LaMarcus Aldridge two years ago along with getting Sergio Rodriguez for nothing (cash), and, not content to get lucky with Oden, added Rudy for nothing (more cash) last year.
Greg Oden, the 2007 #1 pick (he was grand marshall at the Junior Rose Festival parade, in short sleeved shirt, and man has he been hitting the weights! Eyes were popping.)
Rudy Fernandez, rated the best, or at least one of the top 2-3, players in the best Euro league.
Jerryd Bayless, who has a Paul Pierce-sized chip on his shoulder after falling in the draft.
It used to be so boring watching the draft. Wait for the team's pick, then wake up while he is announced, then argue about it. Then Kevin Pritchard arrived as GM and all of a sudden it's interesting. This time around Portland drafted 5 players, none of whom were on the team at the end of the evenining, coming away with 2 new guys and 3 future picks. That's after magically turning a #4 pick into Brandon Roy& LaMarcus Aldridge two years ago along with getting Sergio Rodriguez for nothing (cash), and, not content to get lucky with Oden, added Rudy for nothing (more cash) last year.
Agent Zero has reportedly accepted a 6-year $111 million deal from the Wizards.
Chris Paul to get 4-year $68 million extention.
Chris Paul to get 4-year $68 million extention.
The NBA sends current and past players for Basketball without Borders - India. Kyle Korver and Dominique Wilkins interviewed in India.
Reports are saying the Knicks will sign Chris Duhon, and have offered a chance to be a starter.
Reports are saying the Knicks will sign Chris Duhon, and have offered a chance to be a starter.
Shake ups on the West Coast:
Elton Brand to Sixers?
Corey Magette to Warriors?
Mikael Pietrus to Magic?
Elton Brand to Sixers?
Corey Magette to Warriors?
Mikael Pietrus to Magic?
Jeez the Clippers finally go out and make a big free agent signing and Brand ends up leaving?
And Corey Maggette has offers/interest from Boston and San Antonio and he's thinking of going to Golden State?
And Corey Maggette has offers/interest from Boston and San Antonio and he's thinking of going to Golden State?
I've always thought Elton Brand was one of the finest people in all of sports, but this was a really scumball, classless move. First he tells the Clippers he's opting out so he can take less than the max to resign, because he wants the Clippers to have cap room to pursue another star. Then he tells the Clippers that Baron Davis is the one he wants. So the notoriously cheap Donald Sterling goes out and actually manages to sign Davis -- a major coup. And what does Brand do? He turns and jumps ship, just to grab the cash (Philly could offer more than the Clippers).
If this were, say, Carlos Boozer, it would just be business as usual. But for someone like Elton to pull a stunt like this is really sad. I have nothing against the Sixers, but I hope Brand finds no success in the East.
I suppose as a Lakers fan, that should be fine with me --- one less contender in the West. But I hate to see this kind of thing happen to any team. And it means there's one less good guy in basketball to root for.
If this were, say, Carlos Boozer, it would just be business as usual. But for someone like Elton to pull a stunt like this is really sad. I have nothing against the Sixers, but I hope Brand finds no success in the East.
I suppose as a Lakers fan, that should be fine with me --- one less contender in the West. But I hate to see this kind of thing happen to any team. And it means there's one less good guy in basketball to root for.
QUOTE(LarryC @ Jul 9 2008, 12:34 PM)
I've always thought Elton Brand was one of the finest people in all of sports, but this was a really scumball, classless move. First he tells the Clippers he's opting out so he can take less than the max to resign, because he wants the Clippers to have cap room to pursue another star. Then he tells the Clippers that Baron Davis is the one he wants. So the notoriously cheap Donald Sterling goes out and actually manages to sign Davis -- a major coup. And what does Brand do? He turns and jumps ship, just to grab the cash (Philly could offer more than the Clippers).
If this were, say, Carlos Boozer, it would just be business as usual. But for someone like Elton to pull a stunt like this is really sad. I have nothing against the Sixers, but I hope Brand finds no success in the East.
I suppose as a Lakers fan, that should be fine with me --- one less contender in the West. But I hate to see this kind of thing happen to any team. And it means there's one less good guy in basketball to root for.
You have to wonder if cash is the only reason for the change of heart. The article said the Clippers vitually matched the salary requirements.
"One source familiar with the negotiations, furthermore, insisted Tuesday that the Clippers increased their final offer to Brand to a virtual match of Philadelphia's at an estimated $81 million over five seasons. The Clippers were also the only team in the running with the ability to offer a no-trade clause to Brand, something that only one other player in the league -- Staples Center co-tenant Kobe Bryant -- has in his contracts "
The LA Times has posited two additional theories. First, that former super-agent (but still super-ass****) David Falk pushed Elton to the Sixers to "punish" the Clippers. Falk was always threatening to punish any team in the league that didn't jump at his command. Here, the Clippers tried negotiating directly with Brand, hurting Falk's little feelings. But you'd think (hope) Brand is old enough to make his own decisions over something this important.
The second theory is that Brand always wanted to go East. In that case, why was he lying every which way to the Clippers? And not only that, he screwed Baron Davis, by recruiting him to sign with the Clippers and then leaving him in the lurch. Bad show, Elton.
The second theory is that Brand always wanted to go East. In that case, why was he lying every which way to the Clippers? And not only that, he screwed Baron Davis, by recruiting him to sign with the Clippers and then leaving him in the lurch. Bad show, Elton.
For what it's worth...because who knows who's really telling the truth in these situations?
QUOTE
Brand knows there is controversy and consternation in Los Angeles. He believes it is terribly misplaced.
"Whatever they're feeling today, it will definitely change tomorrow, once they know the facts," he said. "[They'll know] Elton is who he was, it's not basically on him as it was perceived through so-called leaks."
He said there was never any "underground handshake" with Baron Davis, who left the Warriors to sign with the Clippers. He said he never had a deal with the Clippers. Falk said the Clippers made an initial offer ($70 million) and, through coach Mike Dunleavy, explained "the owner [Donald Sterling] really wasn't comfortable making the offer, and that if Elton turned the offer down the owner would be just as happy."
"They basically told us the owner was unavailable to discuss the offer any further and that it was basically either accept it or don't," Falk said.
----
The Sixers didn't have enough money to make Brand an acceptable offer. Falk suggested they find a way to raise the ante. They did.
When free agency began, the Sixers had about $11.5 million in cap space. When they presented their best offer to Brand, the salary started at slightly more than $14 million.
"Today, the Clippers announced an offer of $82 million," Falk said. "Why didn't they offer $82 million on June 30, and they could have pre-empted the whole deal."
Falk scoffed at reports that, because the Clippers had renounced Brand, they could not have offered more than 5 years.
"He was their player," Falk said. "They could have given their own player a sixth year. They could have gotten close to $100 million. It's all a matter that you have a chance to make a statement with your first offer. They elected to make an offer of $70 million, which wasn't enough to close the deal . . . Some people say timing is everything."
"Whatever they're feeling today, it will definitely change tomorrow, once they know the facts," he said. "[They'll know] Elton is who he was, it's not basically on him as it was perceived through so-called leaks."
He said there was never any "underground handshake" with Baron Davis, who left the Warriors to sign with the Clippers. He said he never had a deal with the Clippers. Falk said the Clippers made an initial offer ($70 million) and, through coach Mike Dunleavy, explained "the owner [Donald Sterling] really wasn't comfortable making the offer, and that if Elton turned the offer down the owner would be just as happy."
"They basically told us the owner was unavailable to discuss the offer any further and that it was basically either accept it or don't," Falk said.
----
The Sixers didn't have enough money to make Brand an acceptable offer. Falk suggested they find a way to raise the ante. They did.
When free agency began, the Sixers had about $11.5 million in cap space. When they presented their best offer to Brand, the salary started at slightly more than $14 million.
"Today, the Clippers announced an offer of $82 million," Falk said. "Why didn't they offer $82 million on June 30, and they could have pre-empted the whole deal."
Falk scoffed at reports that, because the Clippers had renounced Brand, they could not have offered more than 5 years.
"He was their player," Falk said. "They could have given their own player a sixth year. They could have gotten close to $100 million. It's all a matter that you have a chance to make a statement with your first offer. They elected to make an offer of $70 million, which wasn't enough to close the deal . . . Some people say timing is everything."
I have no problem with Brand lying to Donald Sterling or pretty much any other owner...let's face it, the owners are, for the most part, no saints. But doing this to Baron Davis is bad form. Maybe Baron done him wrong at some point and this is revenge or maybe Baron stole Elton's girl way back when. But wy would you lure your supposed friend to play for perhaps the worst organization in all of pro sports only to flee town yourself?
It's not just the owner that he (and other players) lied to. It's his team mates, fans and coach, all of whom have always reverently supported him.
The Clippers are so desperate that they tried to get Zach Randolph from the Knicks, despite his huge salary and midsection, and his plummeting performance. And the Knicks are so stupid they refused!
The Clippers are so desperate that they tried to get Zach Randolph from the Knicks, despite his huge salary and midsection, and his plummeting performance. And the Knicks are so stupid they refused!
Wow! Is that true? The Knicks could've unloaded that load and they didn't? That is inexcusable if true.
From what I hear the whole Brand mess may be a payback on the part of his agent, something Falk, who is still holding a grudge against the Clips because they didn't pick one of his clients #1 overall in a draft like 10 years ago...if that is the case, shame on Falk. And Brand for allowing himself to be caught up in this mess.
From what I hear the whole Brand mess may be a payback on the part of his agent, something Falk, who is still holding a grudge against the Clips because they didn't pick one of his clients #1 overall in a draft like 10 years ago...if that is the case, shame on Falk. And Brand for allowing himself to be caught up in this mess.
That's what Newsday reported (I read it on HoopsHype). Boggles the mind, doesn't it?!
Yeah, supposedly David Falk is still steamed because the Clippers drafted Michael Olowokandi ahead of Mike Bibby. The irony is that the Clippers got their own punishment -- Olowokandi proved to be one of the three worst #1 picks in the history of basketball (I'd rank him as a bigger bust than Kwame Brown, but I guess LaRue Martin still wears the crown).
Falk has spent his entire career seeking revenge on one team or the other. How one human being can bear as many grudges as David Falk and not spontaneously combust from internal hatred is beyond me.
Yeah, supposedly David Falk is still steamed because the Clippers drafted Michael Olowokandi ahead of Mike Bibby. The irony is that the Clippers got their own punishment -- Olowokandi proved to be one of the three worst #1 picks in the history of basketball (I'd rank him as a bigger bust than Kwame Brown, but I guess LaRue Martin still wears the crown).
Falk has spent his entire career seeking revenge on one team or the other. How one human being can bear as many grudges as David Falk and not spontaneously combust from internal hatred is beyond me.
The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament begins tomorrow for the final 3 spots at the Olympics.
Group A: Brazil, Greece, Lebanon
Group B: Cape Verde, Germany, New Zealand
Group C: Canada, Korea, Slovenia
Group D: Cameroon, Croatia, Puerto Rico
The 3 qualifiers will join the 9 teams that have already qualified:
Group A: Argentina, Australia, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Qualifier B
Group B: Angola, China, Spain, U.S.A., Qualifier A, Qualifier C
Group A: Brazil, Greece, Lebanon
Group B: Cape Verde, Germany, New Zealand
Group C: Canada, Korea, Slovenia
Group D: Cameroon, Croatia, Puerto Rico
The 3 qualifiers will join the 9 teams that have already qualified:
Group A: Argentina, Australia, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Qualifier B
Group B: Angola, China, Spain, U.S.A., Qualifier A, Qualifier C
The Clips pick up Marcus Camby for a second round pick.
I really really really don't get it.
For Denver it's an obvious salary dump, but what on earth do the Clippers want with Camby? They already have a center. If Camby switches to the 4, he's not going to get the same rebounding and shot blocking opportunities, and god knows he has nothing to offer on offense. Plus, he's 34 and has a terrible history of injuries so he may not have many good years (year?) left.
It would have made so much more sense to pursue Josh Smith or even Emeka Okafor.
For Denver it's an obvious salary dump, but what on earth do the Clippers want with Camby? They already have a center. If Camby switches to the 4, he's not going to get the same rebounding and shot blocking opportunities, and god knows he has nothing to offer on offense. Plus, he's 34 and has a terrible history of injuries so he may not have many good years (year?) left.
It would have made so much more sense to pursue Josh Smith or even Emeka Okafor.
SI.com is reporting that the Kings will trade Ron Artest to the Rockets for Bobby Jackson, another player (likely rookie forward Donte Greene) and a 2009 first-round draft pick.
Lucky Rockets, winners of the Artest give-away sweepstakes.
After all the criticism Memphis got for giving Gasol to the Lakers, how about a little hate for the Maloofs? Bobby Jackson is over the hill and that first round pick will be in the 20's. Surely Sacto could have done better than this!
After all the criticism Memphis got for giving Gasol to the Lakers, how about a little hate for the Maloofs? Bobby Jackson is over the hill and that first round pick will be in the 20's. Surely Sacto could have done better than this!
Yeah unless Bobby Jackson comes with a huge contract that expires next season, I don't get this trade at all.
He does have an expiring contract, but it's barely more than the mid-level exception.
QUOTE(LarryC @ Jul 30 2008, 11:55 AM)
Lucky Rockets, winners of the Artest give-away sweepstakes.
After all the criticism Memphis got for giving Gasol to the Lakers, how about a little hate for the Maloofs? Bobby Jackson is over the hill and that first round pick will be in the 20's. Surely Sacto could have done better than this!
Unlike Gasol, Artest is pure trouble. I can see the Maloofs wanting to get rid of him at any cost, after his comments from not opting out. Maybe they have a 3-year plan. That's the crap Wallace is trying to sell in Memphis. The big difference is the Kings are a loyal fan base that they have built over the years, the Grizzlies don't. Looking at the Memphis roster is depressing. Seeing Antoine Walker's name on that list is enough to make me want to cry. As for the cap-space and flexibility Memphis got from the Gasol trade, Heisley and Wallace have no intention of using it. Iavaroni is basically out the door, and Kevin O'Neil is warming up in the wings. If the Memphis Grizzlies were a movie, they would be a cheap home-made horror flick!
Artest is high risk/high reward. The Rockets aren't ever getting past the first round with the team they have, so I think it's well worth a gamble. The only problem is that Artest likes to dominate the offense. That's McGrady's job and, more importantly, Yao needs shots. I can see Artest jacking up lots of bad 3's.
Sorry to hear about the way things are in Memphis. At least you got a good (low) draft pick in Darrell Arthur.
Sorry to hear about the way things are in Memphis. At least you got a good (low) draft pick in Darrell Arthur.
Smokey -- the Grizzlies just made a big offer to Josh Smith! What's gotten into Heisley??
Edted to add: Ah well, the Hawks kept him. But at least your guys tried.
Edted to add: Ah well, the Hawks kept him. But at least your guys tried.
QUOTE(LarryC @ Aug 8 2008, 03:07 PM)
Smokey -- the Grizzlies just made a big offer to Josh Smith! What's gotten into Heisley??
Edted to add: Ah well, the Hawks kept him. But at least your guys tried.
Just a smokescreen, my friend. They knew the Hawks were going to match. They never intended to get Josh Smith, just get the fanbase off their backs. At the end of the day, they did nothing and it cost them nothing.
There is a rumor around here, that Wallace is trying to make a trade with New York - Zach Randolph for Darko. I don't really like Darko, but I like Zach Randolph, less....and of course, Chris Wallace, lest of all!
That's a sad assessment. But it does seem consistent with the fact it took so long for Memphis to make the offer.
In theory, Zach Randolph could fill a huge hole for the Griz, but I do wonder if he's one of those 20 - 10 guys who somehow makes his team worse despite terrific numbers. Also, to make salaries match (or does Memphis have a trade exception?), you'd have to give up more than just Darko. Still, if I were Memphis, I would do it. First, you have little to lose (cap room next year, but seriously, what big free agent is going to pick Memphis?), and better yet you get rid of Darko. I told you that signing was going to be a bust!
In theory, Zach Randolph could fill a huge hole for the Griz, but I do wonder if he's one of those 20 - 10 guys who somehow makes his team worse despite terrific numbers. Also, to make salaries match (or does Memphis have a trade exception?), you'd have to give up more than just Darko. Still, if I were Memphis, I would do it. First, you have little to lose (cap room next year, but seriously, what big free agent is going to pick Memphis?), and better yet you get rid of Darko. I told you that signing was going to be a bust!
Another Chinese player coming to the NBA: Lakers sign 6-9 guard Sun Yue. Sun was a second round draft pick from 2007.
QUOTE(LarryC @ Aug 9 2008, 03:32 PM)
That's a sad assessment. But it does seem consistent with the fact it took so long for Memphis to make the offer.
In theory, Zach Randolph could fill a huge hole for the Griz, but I do wonder if he's one of those 20 - 10 guys who somehow makes his team worse despite terrific numbers. Also, to make salaries match (or does Memphis have a trade exception?), you'd have to give up more than just Darko. Still, if I were Memphis, I would do it. First, you have little to lose (cap room next year, but seriously, what big free agent is going to pick Memphis?), and better yet you get rid of Darko. I told you that signing was going to be a bust!
Z-Bo is a knucklehead. Portland took on Francis's salary, just to get rid of him. And Portland has been MUCH better without him. Yes, Darko is a bust, but he's a bust at around 8 million. Zach is a 13 to 14 million dollar knucklehead. NO!NO!NO! The Grizzlies can take back a larger contract than they give up, because they are under the cap- just like Charlotte did with getting Jason Richardson from Golden State.
Hey, Larry, what did you think of Kobe saying he wasn't going to re-up with the Lakers? He wants to see what the global market has to offer.
Team USA-China takes place this morning. Lithuania defeats powerhouse Argentina (Manu photo) 79-75, while Spain defeats Greece 81-66, in matches involving the prime contenders.
QUOTE(smokey16 @ Aug 9 2008, 04:27 PM)
Hey, Larry, what did you think of Kobe saying he wasn't going to re-up with the Lakers? He wants to see what the global market has to offer.
Not much. Now you have every U.S. player in China talking about how they'd sign in Europe for $50m/year. You know what? So would I.
Meanwhile, in Portland, G.Od aka Greg Oden is back in practice. He is not yet in NBA shape conditioning-wise, but he is raising a lot of oohs and ahs from assembled media. He brushes aside Channing Frye, a 6'11" power forward, like Frye was one of the tiny Chinese gymnasts. His knee is fine.
Also, Rudy Fernandez shines in the Olympics (despite the really stupid "slant-eye" team photo, ugh!) How long will it take for Phoenix to regret giving Rudy to the Blazers for nothing (no player, no pick, just cash).
Jerryd Bayless was MVP of Summer League. That does not presage NBA stardom, but it's sure a lot better than seeing a draft pick bomb against rookies and wannabees.
Great joy and anticipation in Rip City.
Also, Rudy Fernandez shines in the Olympics (despite the really stupid "slant-eye" team photo, ugh!) How long will it take for Phoenix to regret giving Rudy to the Blazers for nothing (no player, no pick, just cash).
Jerryd Bayless was MVP of Summer League. That does not presage NBA stardom, but it's sure a lot better than seeing a draft pick bomb against rookies and wannabees.
Great joy and anticipation in Rip City.
Milwaukee continues to make moves, shipping Mo Williams and his 17.2ppg/6.3apg to the Cavs, and Desmond Mason to Oklahoma. From what I can tell, they only get Damon Jones, Luke Ridnour and Adrien Griffin. Is that it? OK City also gets Joe Smith.
It's got to be purely a salary dump by Milwaukee. Even Isiah Thomas wouldn't engineer a trade that involved giving away two good players in order to get three bad ones.
I know he's not in the NBA, yet! But after watching the Olympic Men's Basketballs games, I have to say I love Spain's Ricky Rubio. At 17, he showed no near facing the world's best. Barring injury, this kid is going to be great!!
Smokey remind me to check Rubio's stats out again once he turns 18. Just kidding folks! 
I am really surprised that no one has talked about how the Williams to Cleveland trade is similar to the Gasol to Los Angeles trade because in effect you are giving Lebron the next 5 NBA championships. He almost single handedly beat Boston this year with little help and now he gets 18 points per game added to the roster?
To quote Hudson from the best movie ever, (ALIENS): Game Over Man, Game Over!
(To see a video interpretation of this line click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xm1XErUvXo)
I am really surprised that no one has talked about how the Williams to Cleveland trade is similar to the Gasol to Los Angeles trade because in effect you are giving Lebron the next 5 NBA championships. He almost single handedly beat Boston this year with little help and now he gets 18 points per game added to the roster?
To quote Hudson from the best movie ever, (ALIENS): Game Over Man, Game Over!
(To see a video interpretation of this line click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xm1XErUvXo)
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