NBA Offseason News and Moves

[C Dubya 04 0]

Couple of things on the Sixers:

 

I agree with everyone who is high on Willie Green and Dalembert. Both showed a lot of potential last year (especially Dalembert when he's knocking down the 10 ft. jumper).

 

O'Brian has said that he doesn't like having a true point guard on his teams and would rather have the team play uptempo and move the ball a lot, so that probably played into the decision to move Snow.

 

The other major factor in getting rid of Snow is that he was going to make over $30 million for the next five years, including a very high 7 million in the fifth year when his best days would be well past him. With that in mind and the emergence of Willie Green as a player, I'm behind this move.

[Dangerous A 0]

Ostertag has a career 6.5 ppg 7.4 rpg. He's a solid backup center.

This statement is correct. He's a backup and he knows it. The starting frontcourt will be PF Webber, SF Peja, and C Brad Miller. Ostertag averaged 3 fewer points than Divac and 5 fewer assists. Ostertag averaged 2 more boards and a full block more than Divac. If we were doing "Best Week Ever", this would be a downgrade. However, as someone else already pointed out, Miller and Webber are skilled enough passers that they will run the offense through them. Ostertag is a different look defensively because while Divac relied on acting, flops, and finesse to defend, Ostertag is a legit space taker that blocks shots better and isn't afraid to knock someone on their ass.

 

Divac will be most missed in the lockerroom where he provided leadership. This is where I would like a guy like Mike Bibby to step up and become the vocal leader of the Kings. He should also be more aggressive on the court to become the floor leader as well. Well now is his chance. If Bibby can step up more in a leadership role, I think the Kings should be fine. Divac leaving also strands his buddy Peja a bit, but I think he needs to step away from his mentor and finally stand alone.

 

The Backup Center void has been filled. Now I'd like to see a backup SF picked up here very soon.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Ratliff is not a good rebounder. I watched him in Atlanta, kid was not a good rebounder. He's kinda soft, but hes a great shotblocker.

I had him in my Fantasy League last season and it seemed he was averaging almost a double-double in blocks and rebounds. I'd say the only way he's soft is in his scoring since he doesn't have a jump shot, is pretty lacking in the FT%, and just doesn't have the body to be a good low post scorer. He does however have a knack at getting to the ball.

[the pinjockey 0]

Yeah I would be pretty shocked if they could move Robinson, who probably won't be able to be unloaded until his last year of contract so teams can get some cap space. I agree on Dalembert, kind of a Ben Wallace model.

I believe the upcoming year is the last year in Robinson's contract. What the Sixers need to do is just suck it up this year and don't take any calls on Robinson. Just let his money fall off the cap and don't get tempted into any bad contracts for him at the trade deadline. I also believe Coleman comes off after this year. Granted Skinner, McKie, Iverson and Thomas will have their cap clogged for a while. But they have to start their cap recovery at some point.

[Jorge Gorgeous 0]

I like the addition of Van Exel to the Blazers. He can play both guards and when hes hot, hes HOT sometimes. The Blazers also have Darius Rice (Univ Miami, Fl) on their summer league team. I hope he makes the roster so bad. I caught a couple of his games on tv the last few years and he can flat out play. Dumped 40 on Uconn in 03' including the game winning 3. He can shoot the lights out at times and I think alot of teams made a mistake by not drafting him even in the second round. He is also a kid of great character. Hopefully he makes the roster and I would love to see him flourish and become a starter in the future for the Blazers.

 

Its been rumored that a Shareef Abdur Rahim for Kittles trade could happen. I was thinking that since Kidd isnt happy in New Jersey and the Blazers want an upgrade at the guard position, do you think they would trade away Kidd? SAR and Damon maybe for just Kidd? It would give New Jersey two starters for the price of an unhappy one. The Blazers would benefit from having a great pg to feed Randolph who I think needs someone like Kidd to elevate his game to the next level. Also Kidd is 31 and will probably only be around at his current level of play for 3 more years or so. He could help mentor Telfair and show him how a top tier PG is suposed to play.

 

Sure its wishful thinking but anything can happen. And Kidd obviusly isnt happy in NJ.

 

Theres also that option of packaging SAR and Van Exel together in a trade. Ray Allen and a backup center out of Seattle maybe? I don't know how long it will be until that tall Korean guy is ready for action and Theo Ratliff needs someone to come off the bench behind him every now and then.

[MrRant 0]

I know Kidd has a relationship with the owner of the Sonics.

[Jorge Gorgeous 0]

I know Kidd has a relationship with the owner of the Sonics.

A... sexy relationship?

[razazteca 0]

Is Jason Kidd's wife still doing the evening news on some NYC/NJ tv station?

[Guest TheArchiteck]

Well, Rasheed Wallace has FINALLY signed back to the Detroit Pistons.

They also signed Ronald Dupree who was with the Pistons during the summer league and preseason ( where he did a CrAzY dunk).

So its been a busy offseason so far. We brought Delfino over (who was supposedly a STEAL) from gaining an extra year of experience in the EuroLeague. We picked up "Dice" who is/was an all star caliber player. Just as long as he stays healthy, we are good to go. Hell, Detroit have some of the best physical trainers, they should keep him pretty healthy.

Ricky Paulding may or may not join the team, thats still up for debate. All we need is another true point to back up Chauncey and we are all set.

The preseason is going to be a battle indeed.

[Steviekick 0]

Is Jason Kidd's wife still doing the evening news on some NYC/NJ tv station?

I don't think so.

[The Electrifyer 0]

Nice pick-up by Detroit. Dupree is a another one of those "outcasts" in the NBA that I believe can actually play, if given the opportunity. I think he can fit in well as a back-up for Rip Hamilton. The Pistons, in true Joe Dumars fashion, are doing pretty well picking up outcasts in the free agent market.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

On Ratliff, he averaged a little over 7 rebounds a game last year. Hardly a force on the boards, not bad either mind you, but at that height and with that leaping ability, he should easily get 10 to 12 a game.

 

Ronald Dupree? I believe he played a lot with Chicago last year, him and some other kid who's name I can't recall at the moment gave the Bulls some good minutes at the 3 spot when Kendall Gill was down.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

'SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!!!!

[Guest Soylent Green Is People]

Ratliff really should average more rebounds for his size, but all the blocks help make up for it. The 4.41 blocks a game he averaged after arriving in Portland was just nutty, Ratliff certainly played a big part in helping the Blazers get back in contention after being mired below .500 around the time of the Sheed trade.

[Guest Redhawk]

Associated Press

 

MIAMI -- Free agent Keyon Dooling is returning home to play for the Miami Heat, where his job will be to back up point guard Dwyane Wade and get the ball to Shaquille O'Neal.

 

Dooling, who grew up in nearby Fort Lauderdale, signed a one-year contract with a player option for a second season. The deal was announced Thursday.

 

He's the Heat's first acquisition since they completed a trade for O'Neal last week.

 

"It's a no-brainer if you get an opportunity to play with somebody like that who can elevate your game to the next level," Dooling said. "I've been on a team that wasn't the best team in the past. I really wanted to play for a good team."

 

The 6-foot-3 Dooling, the 10th player taken in the 2000 draft, spent his first four NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ankle and foot injuries forced him to miss 68 games in 2002 and 20 in 2003.

 

Last season he started 24 games but struggled and lost his spot in the lineup. He averaged 6.2 points per game and shot 17 percent from 3-point range.

 

"I'm healthy now and get a fresh start, and hopefully I can make a name for myself in this league," Dooling said. "My best basketball is ahead of me."

 

The Heat were in the market for a backup point guard after Rafer Alston signed with Toronto.

 

"We absolutely love Keyon's speed and quickness," Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I think he will provide us with great energy. He's a guy who can score points and has a chance to develop into a very good player."

 

The Heat remain in the market for perimeter shooters and met last weekend with forward Robert Horry.

 

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

[Guest nikowwf]

Going back to the Kobe and Odom thing, i think the problem there is that Odom needs the ball in his hand often to be his most effective and to play to his strengths. He's not going to be a superstar playing in kobe-ball, and i really see that being where the lakers are headed. (kobe dominating the rock all game long)

[Dangerous A 0]

He's not going to be a superstar playing in kobe-ball, and i really see that being where the lakers are headed. (kobe dominating the rock all game long)

It's called the "My-angle" offense. The book is out, written by Kobe "Tex" Bryant. It involves Kobe Bryant using his 4 teammates as best he can to get a good angle to jack the ball up 25-30 times a game.

[MrRant 0]

He already puts he ball up 25-30 times a game....

[Guest Redhawk]

No one complained about Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and other stars putting the ball up 25-30 times per game. Why complain about Kobe?

[Steviekick 0]

No one complained about Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and other stars putting the ball up 25-30 times per game. Why complain about Kobe?

But they were also better team players and showed respect to the other members of their team.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Cavs replace Boozer with Gooden. In the time honored tradition of Alf...

 

Link~

[Guest Redhawk]

No one complained about Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and other stars putting the ball up 25-30 times per game. Why complain about Kobe?

But they were also better team players and showed respect to the other members of their team.

Didn't Michael Jordan punch John Paxson in the face one time? Or was it Steve Kerr? One of his token "jump-shooting White guys."

 

Jordan also regularly berated Bill Cartwright with the Bulls and Kwame Brown with the Wizards.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

because Kobe had Shaq.

 

the reason Jordan constantly went nuts on teammates was due to two reasons. First is he's insane, second his teammates gave him little help on offense. His wingman was Pippen, who was a 15 point type of guy (like Odom)

 

Kobe's wingman was a 30 point type of guy. There's no reason to take shots as difficult as he takes, or as many as he takes, with that guy on your team.

[Dangerous A 0]

No one complained about Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and other stars putting the ball up 25-30 times per game. Why complain about Kobe?

Most of your top 5, top 10 scorers actually take shot attempts in the teens or low twenties, even Jordan and Bird. With Kobe, you know his shot attempts are gonna skyrocket. Now if he shoots 48% from the field or higher and jacking up 25-30 FGA's, then it would be excusable IMO. However, if the playoffs were any indicator, he should be trying to involve his teammates a bit more than taking stupid fadeaways and twisting, low percentage shots.

 

Moreover, when you have a weapon like Shaq who is going to give you better shots because of double teams and is definitely going to shoot a higher percentage, you don't run that guy out of town. Kobe might not have outright said to the lakers "get rid of Shaq". In fact he probrably didn't. His pending free agency said it for him.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

because Kobe had Shaq.

 

the reason Jordan constantly went nuts on teammates was due to two reasons. First is he's insane, second his teammates gave him little help on offense. His wingman was Pippen, who was a 15 point type of guy (like Odom)

Actually, Pippen was more like a 18-20 PPG man.

 

But if your gonna talk about Pippen, don't talk about his scoring. He was a GREAT defender. One of the best in the leauge back in the 90's. Man on man defense, I doubt think I've seen anyone in that era play better. And he is ALOT better then Odom.

[Precious Roy 0]

Good trade for Cleveland, Gooden has gotten a bad rap because of last season. He'll play well with Snow, LeBron and Big Z

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

I fail to see why Orlando made that trade. Unless the're retarded, which wouldn't exactly shock me at this point.

 

my point with Pippen was it's a little different to take 35 shots with him on your team then it is to take 35 shots with Shaq on your team.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

They made the trade because Dwight Howard is a PF and Turkoglu can back him up(they just have to go with a small rotation). They also dropped a couple contracts and Battie's contract is done after this year I believe. If they should happen to actually contend they can trade Battie to a team looking to dump a long contract of a mid-level player that could help them out.

 

I think Steve Francis, and Cuttino Mobley along with Dwight Howard are going to be real good in the East.

[Guest Redhawk]

To me, it seemed like Kobe was at his ball-hogging "worst" when Shaq was hurt and he didn't have any "wingman." When he had the infamous game against Boston where he took like 37 or 47 shots (something like that), it was while Shaq was hurt. When Kobe had Shaq, I still don't think Kobe shot too much. Besides, who else was going to shoot the ball? They didn't always have Malone and Payton. Before that, it was pretty slim pickings after Kobe and Shaq. As a matter of fact, it was STILL slim pickings with GP and Mailman.

 

I don't know, the fact that Drew Gooden has been on like 3 teams in 2 years kind of scares me. Something about him makes teams feel like he's not worth keeping. And to think, in 2002 I said that the Rockets should have picked Gooden 1st instead of Ming. He seemed more like a sure bet back then.

[Dangerous A 0]

I wonder if Gooden has a shitty attitude or something. He is a very good rebounder, scores in the paint, and has athleticism up the whazoo.

 

If Gooden can fit into Boozer's role, the Cavs may end up ok after being hoodwinked by Carlos "Bamboozler".