NBA Offseason Thread

[Guest Princess Leena]

If we randomly mixed the Knicks and the Hawks, odds are there's two better teams.

[Guest]

The Bucks went back to Christmas colors: red and forest green. Hooray.

Good. I love terrible uniforms.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

The Bucks went back to Christmas colors: red and forest green. Hooray.

Good. I love terrible uniforms.

 

Pics?

[Guest]

Of what.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

New Bucks uniforms, or have I misinterpreted?

[Guest]

No, not really. I'm assuming they're terrible due to the colors.

 

Don't have pictures.

[Guest Felonies!]

Just the draft hat. Traditional NBA slopjob; they just changed the colors of the deer in headlights. The Bucks wore red and green at the very beginning, so Milwaukee fans should be glad to see it back. I don't think anyone really cares for the purple and green.

[Guest]

Bosh, who said he wanted to sign a long-term deal with the Raptors, doesn't seem as keen on the Italian prospect.

 

''He can really shoot the ball, but like I said before, I think we have plenty of talented big guys who can play the finesse four spot,'' Bosh told Toronto all-sports radio station the Fan 590. ''I think we need to get a banger.

 

''If we can get a big guy who is not going to look for many shots, who just wants to set screens ... and control the paint, that would give us a lot of flexibility.''

Italian prospect means Bargnani.

[CanadianChris 0]

I doubt the Raptors take Bargnani. Colangelo's too smart to tip his hand so early (intelligence -- the advantage of having a real GM!). He's got something else in mind.

[Guest]

Another rumor has him trading down to 4 to draft Williams, some have him looking at Gay, and Bosh went to workout with Aldridge after the interview I quoted. Mitchell and someone else went to Italy to watch Bargnani.

[Ripper 0]

Bosh, who said he wanted to sign a long-term deal with the Raptors, doesn't seem as keen on the Italian prospect.

 

''He can really shoot the ball, but like I said before, I think we have plenty of talented big guys who can play the finesse four spot,'' Bosh told Toronto all-sports radio station the Fan 590. ''I think we need to get a banger.

 

''If we can get a big guy who is not going to look for many shots, who just wants to set screens ... and control the paint, that would give us a lot of flexibility.''

Italian prospect means Bargnani.

 

 

This is why Bosh isn't a GM and never should be.

 

The LAST thing they need is another guy in the paint. They have him and Charlie as midrange to down low guys. What you need is another guy to stretch the Defense and give you more room in the paint and to make people pay when they double either him or Charlie.

 

I know nothing of this Italian guy, but if he can consistantly hit the three and has other intangebles, you couldn't do much worse than a 7 foot 3 point shooter if you are in Raptor land.

[Guest]

Bargnani's supposedly one of the top players in Europe, not some Darko type. I'd take that or Williams, who is at a need position and keeps them from signing Mike James.

 

The supposed catch is that if they don't draft Aldridge, that lessens Bosh's chances of hanging around.

 

I like that everyone (including me) shit themselves at the Villaneuva pick and he played so well.

[Ripper 0]

Williams would be the best pick for them but Colangelo would honestly be too pussy to take him at number 1.

 

I know, I am a suns guy and Colangelo was our GM, but honestly, his contributions to this team is trading away Marbury and Hardaway to free up money. D'antoni hand picked EVERYONE else on the Roster now, except Diaw who was a throw in with that Joe Johnson trade.

 

What he did do is give up 3 big men and a draft pick for Jim Jackson. And not extend Joe Johnson's contract when there was absolutely NO real free agents out there with his skill level coming up.

 

There is a reason Sarver let him go. Rex Champans incredible scouting for the team made him look good. But he was hands down one of the worse trade makers I have ever seen...just like his dad.

 

Ripper - Still angry over the Dan Majerle for John Williams trade.

[Guest stylz]

How 'bout BC swapping picks with Portland for, say, Jarret Jack (one of CB4's closest friends) and still getting Bargnani at 4? That would help ensure Bosh staying...

 

J

[Guest]

That's actually what the rumor says about getting Williams.

[Gert T 0]

Is Rajon Rondo rising above Williams as far as the top PG? I've seen a few websites that have him higher now.

 

 

Any of you guys seen ESPN's Draft Machine? Neat little way to waste about 10 minutes, then it compares your picks with SportsNation (Everyone else) and Chad Ford.

[Ripper 0]

If anyone took Rondo above Williams, they would be down right retarded. Unless you want a scoring point guard, Williams is obviously the best guy in the draft at that position.

[Brett Favre 0]

The guy with the most upside at the position though, would have to be Kyle Lowry. Rajan Rondo is up there too.

[Ripper 0]

He'll be kicked out the league in about 4 years. I like the guy and all plus he can actually play D which is more than what I can say for Williams, but he can't shoot a lick, and is one of the most argueing angry fuckers I have seen. Plus I still think he came back to early from that knee. I don't care if he played well afterwards, he is that kind of tough stubborn guy that was probably playing through alot of pain.

 

People look at guys with some ordinary problems in college (a drinking party or two, bad grades) as being the ones that would have trouble staying in the league, but I see a kid with this much emotion and this much of a temper problem on the court as being the type of guy that will get into alot of problems off the court when in the NBA.

 

Hope I am wrong, but I wouldn't say he has a better upside than Williams because of those problems.

[alfdogg 0]

Perfect time to knock off kid stuff

Veterans win titles, so Bulls should deal No. 2 pick for Sonics' Allen

 

Sam Smith

Published May 29, 2006

 

 

I'VE GOT IT!

 

Again.

 

And in a version of the old switcheroo I proposed earlier this season, here's the master blueprint for the Bulls to win the Eastern Conference next season. (And if you've been watching the conference finals, it may not take that much.)

 

But now this plan takes on a different dimension with the Bulls having the No. 2 pick in the draft. There are many who believe the Bulls should take Brandon Roy, the University of Washington shooting guard. And it makes sense, assuming he is the defensive big guard the Bulls want.

 

Roy is said to be the most NBA-ready of the college prospects. But if you are watching the conference finals, you won't see any teams composed of rookies and young players.

 

Phil Jackson taught us you win with men, and adding two first-round picks, while appealing in a fantasy-league way, leaves the Bulls with too many kids. And we've seen the mistakes they make in two first-round ousters.

 

So here's the deal, and to me it makes great sense for both teams: The Bulls' No. 2 pick and a player--probably Michael Sweetney--to Seattle for Ray Allen. Maybe the No. 16 pick, too, if necessary.

 

That somehow doesn't seem like enough for Allen, a six-time All-Star and probably the NBA's best shooter. But the Sonics, who have said they don't intend to trade Allen, are in financial trouble with a sale or move or both possible.

 

At 31 next season, Allen may not fit with a team that is playing two young centers, Robert Swift and Johan Petro. Getting Allen's salary of $14.6 million off the books would enable Seattle to re-sign Chris Wilcox and have finances for next summer when Rashard Lewis can opt out of his contract. And with the No. 2 pick, Seattle, with declining attendance, can take local favorite Roy. After missing the playoffs, the Sonics also have their own pick at No. 10. A deal with the Bulls could set Seattle up for years.

 

And set up the Bulls for now.

 

With Allen, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls could claim the league's best backcourt and likely the best shooting. I'd put that perimeter up against Detroit's. Allen figures to have at least three good years left.

 

The Bulls should have enough money for a free-agent front-court player such as Drew Gooden, Nazr Mohammed or Joel Przybilla. With Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and Tyson Chandler, that's a good combination of youth and experience and there is no reason that team could not compete to get to the Finals by next season. Why wait?

The Kings are said to be considering Sacramento WNBA coach John Whisenant for their vacant NBA job. He is close with the team's owners, the Maloof family, and the Maloofs were most upset that former coach Rick Adelman didn't talk to them much. The Kings also interviewed assistants Eric Musselman of Memphis, P.J. Carlesimo of San Antonio and Mario Elie of Golden State.

Chicago Tribune

[alfdogg 0]

Marion, Odom may be Bulls’ best chance for summer trade

 

By Mike McGraw

Chicago Bulls

Posted Monday, May 29, 2006

 

 

Before anyone gets carried away and starts calling the Bulls-Heat series the real Eastern Conference finals…

 

There is no question Bulls general manager John Paxson and coach Scott Skiles would love to add an experienced player who could kick the team beyond the first round of the playoffs.

 

Of course, a suitable trade may not come along. Of the names most often mentioned, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh won’t be available. Jermaine O’Neal isn’t worth the money.

 

When the Bulls look around to see if they can turn the No. 2 draft pick into a valuable veteran, two names to keep in mind are Shawn Marion and Lamar Odom.

 

There is talk around the NBA that the Phoenix Suns may be willing to move Marion this summer. At first glance, the idea seems absurd, since the 28-year-old forward is coming off consecutive third-team all-NBA honors.

 

But here’s the theory: The Suns’ payroll is already close to $60 million for next season, just below luxury-tax threshold. The team also has a new owner, Robert Sarver, who paid a high price to gain control from the Colangelo family.

 

The Suns expect to have Amare Stoudemire back from a knee injury next year, and they found a capable small forward in Boris Diaw, who won the most-improved-player award and hit the winning shot against Dallas in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

 

Marion is owed about $48.5 million over the next three years, so the Suns might be willing to make a trade if they can get a big man in return and lose a few million in salary. Trimming the payroll would help Phoenix re-sign Diaw and guard Leandro Barbosa, who are eligible for extensions.

 

The Bulls could send their two first-round draft picks to Phoenix for Marion, which would give the Suns a shot at LaMarcus Aldridge or Tyrus Thomas with the No. 2 selection and also lower their payroll by about $10 million.

 

Would the Suns be interested in such a deal? Hard to say, but former Phoenix general manager Bryan Colangelo is sitting in Toronto with the No. 1 pick and might jump on the same trade if it’s available.

 

Skiles coached Marion, who grew up in North Chicago, early in his career. But Marion may not necessarily be a slam-dunk acquisition for the Bulls.

 

Marion’s statistics (21.8 points, 11.8 rebounds this season) have been reasonably consistent, but his field-goal percentage skyrocketed when point guard Steve Nash showed up in Phoenix.

 

The key questions for the Bulls would be whether Marion can be as valuable without Nash or if he’s worth a $17.1 million salary in the 2008-09 season. Marion’s strongest suit is his athleticism and drive. He’s great on the fastbreak and tough to keep off the offensive boards, but he isn’t really a go-to offensive player.

 

The Bulls haven’t had any serious discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers about Odom. But the Bulls would love to plug him in at power forward, and it seems apparent that the 6-foot-10 Odom isn’t meshing well with Kobe Bryant.

 

Odom averaged 17.1 points and 9.7 rebounds in 2003-04, his lone season with Miami. He scored 14.8 points for the Lakers this year, shooting a career-high 48.1 percent.

 

The trouble here is finding a deal that would suit both sides. It’s hard to imagine Lakers coach Phil Jackson endorsing Odom for the No. 2 pick, since he’s looking to make quick progress. The Lakers could gain around $10 million in cap room for 2007 from that deal.

 

Perhaps the Lakers feel Tyson Chandler could improve their interior defense. Chandler, Chris Duhon and the No. 16 pick for Odom is an idea, though Chandler has more money left on his contract than Odom’s $40.6 million over three years.

 

Another obvious issue for the Bulls when exploring any trade this summer is why give up the No. 2 pick for a forward when there is a good chance they could sign Atlanta free agent Al Harrington (18.6 points, 6.9 rebounds) outright without giving up any assets.

 

There will be few easy decisions for Paxson this summer.

Arlington Heights Daily Herald

[alfdogg 0]

A look at 10 players the Bulls might be able to get in trade because of questions their teams have regarding finances or their continued roles.

 

1. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Kings: The Nets passed on him last year because of physical problems, but he was fine with the Kings, playing in 72 games and averaging 12.3 off the bench. Sacramento is undergoing a major transformation with Ron Artest and Bonzi Wells. Abdur-Rahim has a reasonable deal, four years left at about $6 million, and could be a low-post scoring threat. Maybe Chris Duhon and the No. 16 pick would do the trick.

 

2. Mickael Pietrus, Warriors: He is an under-used defensive talent who can be that big shooting guard. Golden State is in luxury-tax trouble and probably can't afford to extend Pietrus. How about Pietrus and Troy Murphy, a power forward who can step outside and make a shot, for both No. 1 picks and a reserve like Michael Sweetney or Duhon? That should still give the Bulls enough money left to add one big man through free agency.

 

3. Shawn Marion, Suns: A deal would seem unlikely the way he has played in the playoffs. But the Suns' future is based on Amare Stoudemire and it will cost them to bring back Tim Thomas and Boris Diaw this year and next. They won't go into the luxury tax and are said to like Tyrus Thomas for development. The way they play, they'd love Ben Gordon. What about the No. 2 pick and Ben Gordon for Marion and Nos. 21 and 27? That would leave the Bulls salary cap room for a front-court player and three low first-round picks.

 

4. Zach Randolph, Blazers: Maybe, like with Rasheed Wallace, leaving Portland is the cure. And maybe with a former Michigan Stater who keeps in close touch with the program in Scott Skiles, Randolph can be salvaged. He's a legitimate post-up threat who can score big. And they're still trying to cut payroll for a possible sale. How about Randolph, Theo Ratliff and No. 4 for Nos. 2 and 16 and a player, perhaps Sweetney or Gordon?

 

5. Brad Miller, Kings: He hasn't been very good in the playoffs, but he might fit better in an Eastern style. Maybe a swap of centers with Tyson Chandler joining Sacramento's more defensive game plan.

 

6. J.R. Smith: Hornets: He has been banished by the team and will be moved. He's a risk and doesn't have much more experience than most draft picks. But the second first-round pick or a player like Sweetney could do it.

 

7. Marquis Daniels, Mavs: He doesn't get much chance to show off given Dallas' depth. His contract is big and the Mavs are well over the salary cap. Dallas could do it for Gordon because it isn't certain about re-signing Jason Terry. Maybe with the Mavs' No. 28 pick tossed in.

 

8. Stephen Jackson, Pacers: He is a big shooting guard and the Pacers would like to get rid of him, but deals within the division are unlikely. The Bulls don't usually take a chance on guys with rock-head reputations and probably would fear him infecting the group. But they probably could do it for Duhon as the Pacers are short at point guard.

 

9. Corey Maggette: Clippers: When I first brought him up as a salary dump for the No. 16 pick, which still makes sense to me, I got an angry call from a Clippers executive. No way, he said. But they use Quentin Ross and Daniel Ewing so much and have to re-sign Sam Cassell and Vladimir Radmanovic, so it makes sense. Maybe throw in Sweetney.

 

10. Chris Mihm, Lakers: The Bulls once thought Jamal Crawford was better and flipped in that 2000 draft. The Lakers are starting to realize they don't have many moves, so what about a switch with Tyson Chandler? The Lakers would have to throw in extra bodies, and they might not have enough to make it work. Mihm can play a little in the post and score, though he's hardly the answer.

Chicago Tribune

 

Maybe we should call it "This week in the Chicago Bulls", lolz

[alfdogg 0]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006...tory?id=2461262

 

Surprised no one's caught this one yet.

 

Upon returning to Los Angeles for Game 6 with the Lakers, the newly suspended Bell left the friendly confines of the team hotel in favor of watching the game at a local bar. Wisely, he brought the team security guard with him.

 

"There were probably 35 Lakers fans yelling at the screen and they were all unaware that I was there," Bell recounted. "Then the guy behind me says, 'I wonder where Raja's at? He thinks he can take Kobe? We should go over there and kick his ass.'

 

"Later, I'm in the bathroom washing my hands," Bell continued, "and the heckler walks in and uses the sink next to me. He looks up into the mirror and sees me standing there.

 

"He says, 'Oh my god, I had no idea you were here,'" Bell said, with a chuckle. "I didn't think it was a dangerous situation. We just watched the game and went back-and-forth, giving each other the business."

[therealworldschampion 0]

He'll be kicked out the league in about 4 years. I like the guy and all plus he can actually play D which is more than what I can say for Williams, but he can't shoot a lick, and is one of the most argueing angry fuckers I have seen. Plus I still think he came back to early from that knee. I don't care if he played well afterwards, he is that kind of tough stubborn guy that was probably playing through alot of pain.

 

People look at guys with some ordinary problems in college (a drinking party or two, bad grades) as being the ones that would have trouble staying in the league, but I see a kid with this much emotion and this much of a temper problem on the court as being the type of guy that will get into alot of problems off the court when in the NBA.

 

Hope I am wrong, but I wouldn't say he has a better upside than Williams because of those problems.

 

I'll agree with Ripper here, having watched Lowry the past 2 years at Nova, he still doesn't have a jump shot and the anger problem (most notably getting kicked out of the game against Kansas in 2005 for throwing a punch) could possibly cause conflicts in the pros. He really should spend another year at Nova and develop a jumpshot, which definitely gets him in the lottery for 2007. He's been falling in mock drafts, so that might push him towards going back for his junior year.

 

But if he decides to stay in, I can't tell you all how hard I would laugh if he went higher than Jameer Nelson did in 2004.

[Guest]

The Bulls haven’t had any serious discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers about Odom. But the Bulls would love to plug him in at power forward, and it seems apparent that the 6-foot-10 Odom isn’t meshing well with Kobe Bryant.

Kirk Hinrich plz

 

If the Lakers traded for Chandler, I don't know how much I could take.

[Ripper 0]

Tyson Chandler is the perfect player for the Lakers.

 

Just go get the rebound. Thats ALL you do.

 

Trading Marion is still jus too weird for me to see. But honestly either he or Kurt Thomas are going to be the odd man out and please...Kurt is the guy that is near the end.

 

Amare. Boris, Shawn, Raja and Steve as the starters with Thomas, Thomas, Barbosa, Jones, House coming off the bench suddenly makes phoenix one of the deepest teams in the league. I say stick with it.

[Guest]

Tyson Chandler is the perfect player for the Lakers.

 

Just go get the rebound. Thats ALL you do.

Not at that price. At a cheaper one, probably.

 

If the Lakers could get Duhon as part of a deal involving him, I don't think I'd be that mad.

 

Phoenix doesn't need to trade Marion yet.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Yeah, but only if Odom becomes exactly the kind of player we need him to be, and considering he's the only offensive threat the Lakers have inside outside of an incredibly inconsistent Kwame, who only showed promise at the end of last season- and who knows how much HIS rape trial will affect his play...

 

I don't know why they keep putting Odom on the trade block. There's also not much to go for at the #2 spot for the Lakers, since this isn't a very good draft... unless they do a Smush/Mihm/Odom for Chandler/Hinrich/#2 spot trade.

[Ripper 0]

Lakers need a low post threat.

 

I say go get a cheap one like Othella Harrington or Al Harrington for that matter who can score on the block and demand a double once they get going.

 

Jordan was the low post threat for the bulls so that is why he was able to dominate in the triangle, but Kobe's best weapon is his sick first step and you don't want to negate that in the post.

 

Pair that up with a guy like Chandler who simply doesn't want ball on offense, he just wants to play D and rebound. You say get one cheaper but honestly, they don't really exist.

 

Reggie Evans is just about the only guy to fit that mold available, and after that all the rest of them have been overpaid.

 

Or...of course as always, you can go get Danny Fortson.

[Guest Vitamin X]

If the Lakers need a guy to just play D and rebound, that's supposed to be Kwame's role. If Chandler can do that better than Brown, that'd be a better trade, though I doubt anyone else would want to take on Kwame's contract.