NBA Offseason News and Moves

[Dangerous A 0]

With the news Payton is goint to stay, I wonder if Fisher's "wanting" to stay will suddenly diminish?

[razazteca 0]

Come on its no surprise that Kobe stayed with the Lakers.......he wants to play for a winning franchise not the joke of the league. Donald Sterling only used the Kobe wants to play for the Clippers angle as a ploy to dump some players in order to increase his profit margin.

[Guest Vitamin X]

This has been a wonderful two days for me thus far. Shaq comes to Miami for Odom, Butler, Grant and a #1, and Kobe stays with the right LA franchise. The Clips really need to go to San Diego or somewhere else where they can really get their own fanbase, because LA is, and always has been, a Laker town. I now await the signing of an at least decent center to keep up with the big guys in the West.

 

While we're all doing fun power rankings, here's what I think:

 

1. Minnesota

2. San Antonio

3. Lakers, and that's if they can find someone in the middle to compete with the big guys around them. If not, then I can see them dropping down to 5-7

4. Houston

5. Denver

6. Dallas

7. Sacramento

8. Memphis

9. Phoenix

10. Utah

11. Portland

12. Seattle

13. New Orleans

14. Golden State

15. LA Clippers

[King Kamala 0]

Just for shits and giggles, I'll do MY western conference rankings.

 

1. Minnesota (In a dead heat race with the number 2)

2. San Antonio

3. Houston (Bold prediction here, but with three potential 20 ppg players. I think they can be this good)

4.Sacramento

5. Los Angeles (Kobe Bryant is no Michael Jordan. But he could lead the Lakers into a decent playoff run before facing one of the big boys)

6. Denver (Melo can only get better. And the addition of KMart could throw them in with the rest of the Western Conference big boys.

7. Memphis (A good team but nowhere near the level of a top flight team. Needs one more star or a couple more roleplayers to compete with the big boys.)

8. Dallas (Didn't really improve and actually got a bit worse. Will squeak by to make the playoffs and even that might not happen thanks to a resurgent Phoenix and the Carlos Boozer addition to the Jazz)

9. Phoenix

10. Utah

11. Portland

12. New Orleans

13. Golden State

14.Seattle

15. The Clips (As usual. Although I doubt he would use it. Sterling has an assload worth of money left over after Kobe chose the Lakers over the Clippers. He would be unwise, not to match the Suns offer for Quentin Richardson.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

i feel left out

 

1. Spurs

2. Wolves

3. Kings

4. Rockets

5. Lakers

6. Grizz

7. Nuggets

8. Jazz

9. PHX

10. Mavs

11. Blazers

12. Clips

13. Hornets

14. Warriors

15. Sonics

[Guest Vitamin X]

Can anyone offer an explanation as to why the Kings are better than the Lakers? Most of you guys' rankings seem to say that, and I find it funny.

 

Oh, and here's a good article from ESPN on Kobe spurning the Clips for the Lakers.

No guts, no glory for Kobe

By Ray Ratto

Special to ESPN.com

 

Kobe Bean Bryant looked into the abyss, and blinked.

 

And no, we're not referring to the Los Angeles Clippers as an abyss, their history notwithstanding.

 

No, the abyss was Bryant's image as the single greatest saboteur in American professional sports since the Black Sox.

 

In the end, Kobe Bryant's decision to stay with the Lakers was a slam dunk. Bryant had a chance to not only dismantle the Los Angeles Lakers but to show them the business end of his middle finger on his way from one end of the Staples Center to the other. He could have said no to the NBA's platinum-plated team and yes to the league's zinc-painted one, looked all the nobler for leaving $32 million and an extra year on the table, and turned Jack Nicholson into Billy Crystal, all with one simple nod.

 

Instead, he took the extra money, the extra year, and the duty of saving the Lakers from himself.

 

Damn.

 

Yes, damn, because the conventional wisdom won again.

 

The conventional wisdom won because everyone figured out weeks ago that Bryant won every tiebreaker with Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson. The conventional wisdom won because the math and the glitter both pushed him toward the Lakers. The conventional wisdom won because, well, the Clippers were involved.

 

I mean, think about it. A great player would rather go to the Clippers than the Lakers? Most any player would have a hard time choosing the Clippers over the Yakima Sun Kings. Choosing the Clippers over the Lakers would be purest insanity, like turning down a chance to take Beyoncé to the senior prom in favor of the vice principal.

 

Still, Bryant took the path of least resistance (and most money) at a time when he truly could have turned the entire Western Conference on its ear. He could have put his thumbprint on the NBA by putting a footprint in Jerry Buss' nethers, but even though Bryant enjoys his enigmatic impulses as much as the next six guys, he doesn't enjoy them $32 million worth.

 

Damn.

 

Maybe he figured that making the Clippers Miss Congeniality would make them feel good enough about themselves. They normally finish 29th in the free agent market because, well, mostly because until this past season there were only 29 teams in the league. Thus, having Bryant give them the big tease might have made Donald Sterling feel a little better about his franchise.

 

But we doubt that Bryant's thought processes worked that way. The Clippers were played as the stalking horses they were, and Bryant played them well enough to scare the Lakers, the first time the Lakers have been scared by the Clippers since ... well, since never.

 

In fact, he might have wanted to play them a little longer, but his national image has taken such a beating since the end of Game 2 of the Finals that he was in danger of becoming a caricature of self-absorption. He needs some spin time, after the weeks of serious beatings he has taken (Jim Gray excluded), and until he announced his decision to stay with the Lakers, he had nothing to spin.

 

Now he can speak with crypto-earnestness about his deep devotion to Buss (at $22 million per, devotion seems the least he can manage) and his burning desire to make the Lakers whole again (which seems the least he can do given the number of holes he punched in them), and we can lap it up and then finally, finally, get on with the rest of our shallow, empty life-shells.

 

But he could have been so much more dramatic had he done the unconventional thing, the fiscally imprudent thing, the "Where In God's Name Have You Put Your Head?" thing. He could have validated the unvalidate-able, legitimized the terminally illegitimate, elevated the ground-bound.

 

He could have made the Clippers objects of fear rather than stomach-seizing laughter. It would have been the boldest and most daring move imaginable, and if he'd pulled it off, he'd have been the biggest franchise alchemist since Bill Russell.

 

Instead, he played safe. Even the last-minute rumor that the Clippers were trying to work more trades in an attempt to form their team around Bryant sounded too hollow to believe. He missed his chance to make real history in his desire to re-do history.

 

Worse, he let the conventional wisdom off the hook.

 

In a word, damn.

[razazteca 0]

Well it all depends on Chris Webber and Bobby Jackson, really, if they are healthy the Kings will have home court playoff games.

[Guest Choken One]

I'll do the fun Standings pick although I think it's still criminally early.

 

1). San Antonio

2). Minnesota

3). Sacramento

4). L.A Lakers

5). Houston

6). Memphis

7). Denver

8). Utah

9). PHX

10) Portland

11). Dallas

12). New Orleans

13). LA Clippers

14). Portland

15). Seattle

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

This is still criminally early realizing that we won't totally know how things shake out in the end. But as of today, these would be my power rankings in the west:

 

1. San Antonio - Brent Barry + another year together = major trouble

2. Minnesota - This could be the team next year

3. Sacramento - Provided Webber can show something

4. Denver - Adding Martin gives them an unbelievable frontcourt

5. Houston - Yao/T-Mac need time, but they have a chance.

6. Dallas - Losing Nash will only help Daniels mature.

7. Utah - Ak47, Boozer, Okur is a nice a frontline

8. L.A. Lakers - Not convinced of this squad even with Kobe. They are playoff material for sure, but I don't know how far they can go without a big.

----

9. Phoenix - Have the potential to be this year's Memphis or Denver.

10. Memphis - I like this team, but the playoffs exposed a lot of weaknesses. They won't surprise people like last year.

11. Portland - Depending on what they get for SAR, they are in trouble.

12. L.A. Clippers - Brand/Maggette/Q can make them compete.

13. New Orleans - They'll get eaten alive in the west.

14. Seattle - Ugghh.

15. Golden State - This team will suck... bad. Montgomery was not an upgrade.

 

For the record, Kobe + Clippers > Kobe + Lakers

[Sass 0]

With the news Payton is goint to stay, I wonder if Fisher's "wanting" to stay will suddenly diminish?

It might have just taken a dip in the drink.

 

I hope Fish does resign. I'd want him starting over Gary who has managed to lose not one, not two, but possibly three steps in his game. He was slow on the fast break and couldn't make an outside shot 80% of the time if his life depended on it.

 

Eric Dampier is also rumored to be in the Lakers sights who I'd take over Vlade in a Laker minute.

[Steviekick 0]

Me...

1. Minnesota: If KG has another MVP calibur season, they'll propably make eit to the Finals.

2. Spurs: If Duncan gets the MVP and Tony Parker gets a little more confident when the other team throws all their guys at him, they'll propably win the Finals.

3. Sacramento: I really don't know why I ranked them so high, but the Kings are consistently good.

4. Houston: Yao and TMac will put up a lot of points, but their total lack of a good PG will prevent them from being THE team.

5. Dallas: They'll win a lot of games, but they still won't defend. And with rumors of a multi team trade that'll send Walker out and Vince Carter in, they'll be a lot more fragile.

6. Lakers: Only ranked this high since a lot of Eastern Conference teams will suck and be guaranteed wins for them. Kobe is going to learn the hard way about what happens when Shaq's not around.

7. Denver: Carmelo can only get better and KMart will propably play well, but if he winds up being as fragile as Camby is, it'll be a long season for them.

8. Jazz: Propably the most deep team in the Western Conference but still lacking a killer go to guy.

9. Memphis: Hubie can't do it twice, but they'll still do well.

10. New Orleans: Aside from the Big 4 in the west (TWolves, Spurs, Kings, and now Rockets), the rest of the teams lack size and are similar in that respect to the Hornets.

11. Phoenix: Nash is a good adddition, but they aren't playoff ready.

12. Portland: All the teams on the verge of the playoffs last season got better. The Blazers didn't

13. Golden State: Dampier had his contract season and now he's being paid for it somewhere else.

14. Sonics: Ray Allen will demand a trade.

15. Clippers: New guys + no Kobe = 12 wins for the season.

[Steviekick 0]

I hope Fish does resign. I'd want him starting over Gary who has managed to lose not one, not two, but possibly three steps in his game. He was slow on the fast break and couldn't make an outside shot 80% of the time if his life depended on it.

I agree that Payton sucked as an outside shooter, but he never really was one to begin with. He just got stuck with those shots thanks to the damn triangle.

 

Gary may be a little slower, but I really do think he'll have a better season this year.

[Sass 0]

I hope Fish does resign.  I'd want him starting over Gary who has managed to lose not one, not two, but possibly three steps in his game.  He was slow on the fast break and couldn't make an outside shot 80% of the time if his life depended on it.

I agree that Payton sucked as an outside shooter, but he never really was one to begin with. He just got stuck with those shots thanks to the damn triangle.

 

Gary may be a little slower, but I really do think he'll have a better season this year.

I'd still take Fisher over Gary since the Lakers could get more years and production out of Fish than they could GP.

 

Gary never made an effort to learn the triangle like Karl did and managed to embarass himself in it instead of trying to become a team player.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

How about the Eastern Conference...

 

1. Detroit - Still the team to beat, especially if Darko learns how to do anything this year.

2. Indiana - Stephen Jackson will bring improvement but they still need a center.

3. Miami - They'll contend, no doubt, but they need a bench

4. New Jersey - Losing Martin will hurt and there are questions about Kidd, but who in the east can leapfrog them?

5. New York - As long as Isiah doesn't blow the team up halfway through the year they can be something.

6. Milwaukee - Should be about as good as last year.

7. Philadelphia - Igoudala and Skinner will get them back into the playoffs.

8. Toronto - Should be back in the playoffs by now.

---

9. Cleveland - Yeah they lost Boozer, but Lebron will keep them competitive.

10. Chicago - If all the new pieces fit and everyone buys into the system, they can make a run.

11. Boston - This team is going nowhere in a hurry. Pierce will be gone before the season's out.

12. Orlando - See Chicago.

13. Washington - Arenas and Jamison will at least be fun to watch.

14. Atlanta - If they can get enough players together to field a team.

15. Charlotte - It's a long road ahead.

[Steviekick 0]

I hope Fish does resign.  I'd want him starting over Gary who has managed to lose not one, not two, but possibly three steps in his game.  He was slow on the fast break and couldn't make an outside shot 80% of the time if his life depended on it.

I agree that Payton sucked as an outside shooter, but he never really was one to begin with. He just got stuck with those shots thanks to the damn triangle.

 

Gary may be a little slower, but I really do think he'll have a better season this year.

I'd still take Fisher over Gary since the Lakers could get more years and production out of Fish than they could GP.

 

Gary never made an effort to learn the triangle like Karl did and managed to embarass himself in it instead of trying to become a team player.

Fisher is definitely the better long term choice.

 

As a GP fan, I'd just like to see him doing well. Personally, I'll never understand why Jackson pretty much stopped letting Payton make plays and stuff. It's like he just didn't trust him.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Toronto is garbage! They have nothing...Bosh is still undersized and Vince Carter can do a few highlight reel dunks before getting injured. To suggest they make the playoffs is absurd.

[Steviekick 0]

4. New Jersey - Losing Martin will hurt and there are questions about Kidd, but who in the east can leapfrog them?

5. New York - As long as Isiah doesn't blow the team up halfway through the year they can be something.

6. Milwaukee - Should be about as good as last year.

7. Philadelphia - Igoudala and Skinner will get them back into the playoffs.

8. Toronto - Should be back in the playoffs by now.

12. Orlando - See Chicago.

1. Indiana: Came very close to getting into the Finals last season, and Artest/O'Neal will only play better.

2. Detroit: Will get buy just fine. I don't see Darko doing anything useful, though.

3. Heat: Weak centers and PF's in the East will allow Shaq to dominate the conference.

4. New York: Will be more cohesive as a team, and if they can pick up Phil Jackson as a coach, they'll only get better.

5. Philadelphia: Skinner is definitely a good pick up, and Igoudala sounds like a player who is more effective when not worrying about scoring, which complements Iverson well.

6. New Jersey: They'll be missing K-Mart's blue light special. Plus, Kidd is still hurting and the new owners already don't care about the team.

7. Milwaukee: The same as last year.

8. Orlando: Francis, Mobley, and Hedo are too talented, and if Grant Hill comes back as strong as everyone says he is, they'll definitely make an impact in a weak conference.

9. Raptors: Still not good enough and won't make any significant moves in the roster.

10. Boston: Ainge will get himself fired.

11. Hawks: Something will click for them. No one wants to be there, so I'm sure they'll all put out their best effort to get them recognized.

12. Cavs: The Lebron Show isn't enough to keep this network afloat.

13. Wizards: Jamison isn't enough. He may be happy that he gets to start again, but he'll curse Cuban for sending him out.

14. Bulls: Still worthless.

15. Bobcats: They'll learn the hardway why it sucks to be the NBA franchise from North Cacilaccy.

[Steviekick 0]

Vince Carter can do a few highlight reel dunks before getting injured.

They just don't make flashy basketball players the way they used to.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

After doing Power Rankings for the east I realized that all those critics who are saying there has been a power shift to the east are smoking crack.

 

As much as I would like to think I can predict how it will turn out, outside of the top 3 it is a complete wildcard.

 

"Toronto is garbage! They have nothing...Bosh is still undersized and Vince Carter can do a few highlight reel dunks before getting injured. To suggest they make the playoffs is absurd"

 

Yes Toronto is garbage, but they have about as good of a shot as anybody in the east.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Don't rank Golden State 12-15th! They just might surprise you.

 

They still look like shit visually though.

[Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0]

Mark my words: The Clippers will play an entire season in the Pond.

[Dangerous A 0]

Don't rank Golden State 12-15th! They just might surprise you.

 

They still look like shit visually though.

Golden State would then be between 9th and 11th because there is no way in hell with their current roster that they are going to make the playoffs in the Western Conference.

[Dangerous A 0]

Mark my words: The Clippers will play an entire season in the Pond.

They should. The Clippers should not be sharing Staples with the Lakers or the city of LA because they don't belong there. They should try to get more dollars from the rich folks that live in Anaheim because any rich people worth their salt in LA go to Laker games.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Mark my words: The Clippers will play an entire season in the Pond.

Might as well play there full-time. It's just as nice, gives them a place of their own, and they can become the Orange County Clippers. The O.C.!

 

If Golden State wants to make some good moves, and Montgomery turns out to be a good coach, they could turn out okay. Remember, their division is now them, Lakers, Clippers, Suns, Kings: Sonics and Trail Blazers are out. If Sacramento rebuilds, "PHX" (as the kids call them these days) don't work out, and the Lakers never recover, Golden State could get 3rd in the Pacific, good for 7th in the playoffs.

[The Fett 0]

Warriors just signed Derek Fisher to a 6 year deal worth 37 million dollars.

 

God, they are going to suck for a long time with all there cap room spent on mediocre players like Foyle and Fisher.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Maybe Fisher will hit his stride now that he doesn't have to play with that dickweed Kobe Bryant. I'm sorry, but no team with guys named "Speedy Claxton" and "Popeye Jones" can miss the playoffs. I won't allow it.

[Dangerous A 0]

Fisher leaving the Lakers hurt their depth at PG because it's Payton and, well, that's about it. I think Fisher saw the writing on the wall and figured between Payton and Bryant with no handcuffs on anymore, he wouldn't be seeing the ball except during warmups. I'm not sure this really improves GS, but it gives me someone to watch since I'm moving to the bay area now

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Yes Toronto is garbage, but they have about as good of a shot as anybody in the east.

How so? If Carter leaves and is replaced by Shannan Anderson like reports are saying, then the Raptors will be Bosh and Jalen Rose. That's it. At least the Celtics have Pierce, Al Jefferson(he's going to be an absolute monster in the undersized East), Ricky Davis, Jiri Welsch, and Marc Blount.

[The Czech Republic 0]

I'm surprised Payton didn't go to Golden State, being from Oakland and all.

[Steviekick 0]

I'm surprised Payton didn't go to Golden State, being from Oakland and all.

 

I guess there is more prestige in being a Laker, and he can ride Kobe's coattails.

 

I'm sorry, but no team with guys named "Speedy Claxton" and "Popeye Jones" can miss the playoffs. I won't allow it. 

 

I met Popeye Jones while he played for the Wizards...nice guy.