Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
2011 NBA Trade Deadline Summary Part 2
Blazers get:
• F Gerald Wallace
Bobcats get:
• F Dante Cunningham
• C Joel Przybilla
• Two future first-round picks
Analysis:
Michael Jordan continues to be cheap but atleast is able to get an expiring contract and two first round picks for Wallace. The Blazers get a former allstar for a relatively decent price who is struggling with his shot this year.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Bobcat fans
Rockets' Brooks traded to Suns
Suns get:
• G Aaron Brooks
Rockets get:
• G Goran Dragic
• Future first-round pick
Analysis:
Brooks is looking to get paid and with Lowry's recent extension, it was not surprising to see Brooks on the move. Morey was able to get a pick and a young prospect out of him knowing that they would give Brooks the $$$ that he was looking for. The Suns do well as he should provide immediate production behind Nash and will be the eventual successor at that position.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Fantasy owners who still have Aaron Brooks on their roster.
Thunder trade for Nazr Mohammed
Thunder get:
• C Nazr Mohammed
Bobcats get:
• F D.J. White
• G Morris Peterson
Analysis:
Nazr finally gets his wish. He demanded a trade almost 2 seasons ago and was on the block for a while. Finally gets his chance to contribute to a playoff team. The Bobcats remain irrelevant.
Winners: OKC Thunder
Losers: None
Grizzlies get:
• F Shane Battier
• G Ish Smith
Rockets get:
• C Hasheem Thabeet
• Future first-round pick
Analysis:
The Thabeet pick was bad the moment it happened. But to give up another 1st just to get rid of him? Yikes. Battier should provide some veteran leadership this year with Rudy out for the month and cost savings in the summer. I guess that's what really matters for Heisley. The Grizzlies were also close to selling Mayo on the cheap. Again ... yikes.
Morey gets paid a future first to pick up a former bust as he heads into the post-Ming era in Houston. Maybe Hakeem can turn Thabeet into a rotational NBA player? Or maybe I'm just high. Good move nonetheless for Morey.
Winners: Houston Rockets
Losers: Memphis Grizzlies
Cavaliers get:
• C Semih Erden
• F Luke Harangody
Celtics get:
• 2013 second-round pick
Analysis:
Looks like a move to clear off roster spots so they can sign someone like a Troy Murphy, Jason Kapono or a TJ Ford. Unforunately for Semih Erden and Luke Harangody, they go from Boston to Cleveland.Winners: No one
Losers: Semih Erden and Luke Harangody
Celtics send Daniels' corpse to Sacramento
Kings
• G Marquis Daniels
• Cash
Celtics get:
• 2017 second-round pick
Analysis:
Trade helps Boston save some luxury tax payments and clear off a roster spot. The Kings, who were below the minimum NBA salary, absorb Daniels so they remain above it.Winners: Owners of the Boston Celtics
Losers: Whoever that actually cared for the trade
Celtics trade Perkins to Thunder
Thunder get:
• C Kendrick Perkins
• G Nate Robinson
Celtics get:
• F Jeff Green
• C Nenad Krstic
• Future LAC 1st
Analysis:
A ballsy move by Danny Ainge and the Celtics. No one saw this coming and I'm not sure if its a wise move breaking up a championship contending team like the Celtics as they are noted for their team play and chemistry. Its true that the Celtics did not have much of a drop off in play when Perkins was out with his injury and they definitely require a 3 of the bench that can score, shoot the 3-point-shot and defend. They definitely got good value on the deal however its never a good idea to break apart a championship caliber team midway through the season.Perkins did reject their extension offer and is looking for a big payday, but so is Jeff Green. If Ainge and the Celtic owners were not willing to pay Perkins, why would they pay Green? Boston vets were not happy and rightfully so. It would be a more wise decision to handle this during the offseason via sign and trade as opposed to now when you are focusing on making a run in the playoffs.
Presti and the Thunder loaded up on bigmen this trade deadline to matchup better with the Lakers and Mavericks in the playoffs. With Perkins and Ibaka upfront, it will be tough for any team to score on them. Jeff Green also seemed to always play out of position with Durant manning the small forward spot so it is not surprising that he was dealt.
Winners: OKC Thunder
Losers: 2010-11 Boston Celtics and Jeff Green fantasy owners
Clippers' Davis to Cavs for Williams and Moon
Cavaliers get:
• G Baron Davis
• 2011 first-round pick (Clippers)
• F Jamario Moon
• G Mo Williams
Analysis:
Sterling hates Baron's guts but giving up an unprotected pick that currently has a 10% chance of moving into the top 3 of the 2011 NBA Draft just to get rid of him? Not a good move. Baron is overpaid but he is better than LeBron's ex-lapdog and they don't even shed any years of Baron's contract. Paying him an extra 4M is worth keeping the pick and using it to surround Blake Griffin more help. They probably could have even gotten Gallinari for him considering the Nuggets were placing more value on picks than actual players.Unfortunately for Clipper fans, there won't be anymore Baron Davis passes to Griffin during games or in dunk contests. And unfortunately for Baron, he now is reunited with an old foe in Byron Scott in Cleveland of all places.
Winners: Cleveland Cavaliers
Losers: Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers and Clipper fans
2011 NBA Trade Deadline Summary Part 1
Hawks get:
• G Kirk Hinrich
• F Hilton Armstrong
• G Mike Bibby
• G Jordan Crawford
• G Maurice Evans
• 2011 first-round pick (Hawks)
Analysis:
Good trade for the Hawks as they shore up their perimeter defense as they get ready for the playoffs. Hinrich is more of a point guard than Bibby, who at this stage is a spot up shooter, and impacts the game in various different ways. They also don't take on much salary here.The Wizards also pull off a good rebuilding trade. Hinrich has one more year left at 9M and manages to shed that figure in half while acquiring essentially two first rounders in the pick and Jordan Crawford. Last summer the Bulls bribed the Wizards to take on Hinrich with a 1st round pick. Good utilization of their cap space.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Mike Bibby
Warriors, Nets make trade for Murphy
Warriors get:
• F Troy Murphy
• 2012 second-round pick (Nets)
• F Brandan Wright
• C Dan Gadzuric
Analysis:
Troy Murphy is easily the best and most accomplished player in the deal but he's not going to suit up for the Warriors as he is expected to be bought out so he can play for a contender like the Celtics or the Magic. The Warriors get a second round pick for their troubles.Nets get an underutilized former lottery pick who always had problems breaking into the rotation, whether it be due to injuries, lazyness or complete suckage. Wright still has some talent and under the right environment, he maybe able to reach some of that potential. Maybe.
Winners: Hard to say
Losers: See above
Hornets land Landry from Kings for Thornton
Hornets get:
• F Carl Landry
• Official Release
Kings get:
• Marcus Thornton
• Cash considerations
Analysis:
The Hornets get a good post scorer off the bench while the Kings continue their rebuilding efforts with Marcus Thornton. Thornton struggled to break into Monty Williams' rotation this year after an excellent rookie campaign last season. Good trade for both teams.Winners: Both teams
Losers: No one
Deron Williams goes to New Jersey
• F Derrick Favors
• G Devin Harris
• 2011 first-round pick (Nets)
• 2012 first-round pick (from Nets, originally owned by Warriors)
• Cash considerations
Analysis:
Shocking to say the least. The Nets got arguably the best point guard in the NBA, so obviously they had to give up quite a bit of assets to acquire his services. It is interesting to note that the Nets gave up less assets for Williams than they would have for Melo.The Jazz made out well with their return for Deron Williams. Maybe Sloan knew something about this beforehand which led to him stepping down. Who would have thought the Jazz would be without both Sloan and Williams after the trade deadline.
The key to Deron Williams working out in New Jersey/Brooklyn is largely dependent on how well the Nets surround him and Lopez with adequate talent and possibly a different coach. It was widely reported that Deron was unhappy with the deal and rightfully so. Who would want to go from a playoff team in the Western Conference to the lowly New Jersey Nets? Billy King, Jay-Z and the Russian have a lot of work to do to keep Williams in Jersey/Brooklyn.
This deal does create a nice little cross-town rivalry between the Nets and the Knicks. Prokhorov and the Nets definitely upstaged New York during Melo's debut as a Knick on Wednesday.
Winners: Both teams and NBA fans in the Tri-City area
Losers: Utah Jazz fans
Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks
Knicks get:
• F Carmelo Anthony
• G Chauncey Billups
• F Renaldo Blackman
• G Anthony Carter
• C Sheldon Williams
Nuggets get:
• F Wilson Chandler
• G Raymond Felton
• F Danilo Gallinari
• C Kosta Koufous
• C Timofey Mozgov
• $3 million in cash
• 2014 first-round pick (from NYK)
• 2012 & 13 second-round picks (from Knicks, originally owned by Warriors)
• C Eddy Curry
• F Anthony Randolph
• 2015 second-round pick (from Nuggets)
• $3 million in cash
Analysis:
The Knicks finally land Melo. Too bad the Nigerian swindled another American out of their assets. In this case, Masai Ujiri played the Knicks perfectly in convincing the team to give up half their roster when they would have had him for free in the offseason. The Nuggets get a shitload of assets and can start their rebuilding efforts while compete for a playoff spot at the same time. Not a bad situation to be in. Ofcourse losing Melo hurts.No need to go deep in analyzing why the Knicks did it. They needed another star and they got it. The price they paid was a little too much, but that is the price you pay for a certified NBA star. Now all they have to do is surround him and Amar'e with the right role players. If rumours are true, Knicks fans should be concerned that Isiah Thomas and James Dolan were involved in the deal.
Kahn and the Minnesota Timberpups continue their asset collection efforts, exchanging Corey Brewer for the always intriguing Anthony Randolph and Curry's fat ass. One would think that Anthony Randolph would get his act together in New York playing in a high tempo system however that was not the case. He has a ton of talent, but will he ever fulfill some of that potential?
Winners: All three teams and NBA fans in the Tri-City area
Losers: No one
Bulls get:
• 2011 first-round pick (from Raptors, originally owned by Heat)
• F James Johnson
Analysis:
Colangelo and co. continue to pickup other teams failed prospects on the cheap, hoping that one of them will eventually work out. And judging by his first game against his former team, they may have found another piece to add to their mediocre core. The Raptors have had interest in Johnson since the 2009 draft where they considered him with the 9th pick before ultimately settling on DeRozan.The Bulls salvaged some value on a sunk cost by acquiring a first round pick in return for Johnson. So far it looks like the Raptors got the better part of the trade because Johnson has more than talent than anyone you can get with the 27-29th pick in a very weak draft.
Winners: Toronto Raptors
Losers: No one
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Miami Shopping Miller? Trade Idea
The Heat have shopped Mike Miller in their search for an upgrade at either point guard or center, according to multiple sources.
Miller is in the first year of a five-year, $29 million contract.
One executive said the Heat have been calling around but just "don’t have much they can trade."
Miami is ultimately more likely to sign a player who is bought out than to complete a significant trade.
So much for loyalty and all that bullshit. While its more likely the Heat sign someone like Eddy Curry, who is rumoured to be bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry strengths (mainly low post scoring and eating) don't really help the Heat that much other than provide depth at center. What the Heat need from the C position is a guy who can finish, defend and rebound.
A trade surrounding Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood works well for both the Mavericks and the Heat. The Mavericks are in the market to replace Butler's production in the starting lineup but adding the likes of Gerald Wallace and/or Stephen Jackson will just add to that high payroll, which I'm sure Cuban has no problems paying. And with Tyson Chandler beasting it in the middle, it has made Haywood expendable and makes sense to use him to acquire Miller as opposed to just adding on more salary. Toronto native Jamaal Magloire is added as the filler from Miami's side to make the trade work.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
3 Trade Deadline Deals The Raptors Should Consider
Position wise, the Toronto Raptors have immediate needs in the middle (none of the three PF's are adequate), at the point (same goes for Jose) and at the small forward slot ('nuff said). Here are three deals the Raptors should look at as we approach the 2010-2011 NBA Trade Deadline.
Trade 1: Leandro Barbosa and Joey Dorsey for Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll
Not the first time I've posted this. The Grizzlies have been aggressively shopping Thabeet and with the recent Rudy Gay injury, one would think OJ Mayo goes back to the starting role to shoulder some of Gay's scoring responsibilities. This would obviously open up a need for a bench scorer like Barbosa and help the Grizzlies make a playoff push in the always competitive Western Conference.
Trade 2: Jose Calderon for Marvin Williams
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly in the market for another point guard to boost its chances of beating one of Boston, Miami or Orlando in the playoffs. Now there is speculation that they might target someone like Sessions, who is not being actively shopped, I believe a veteran play maker would help them in the playoffs more.
Enter Jose Calderon. There were rumours of the Hawks being interested in the Spanish play maker from as early as the summer of 2007 when he had his coming out party that drew comparisons to a young Steve Nash. However years went by, injuries happened, Bosh left and now suddenly looks like a average point guard in the NBA.
However that should be enough to help the Hawks in the playoffs. They don't have a true facilitator on the roster and him and Bibby would make a solid point guard rotation for Atlanta. Marvin Williams has been shopped by the Hawks and with Josh Smith getting more minutes at the 3, his role on the team has diminished.
The Raptors have a clear need at 3 and while Marvin Williams isn't going to save the franchise, he will have a fresh new start on a team with no added pressure where he wouldn't have to justify being picked second overall over the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and many others. Ditto for Thabeet.
Now the trade would obviously leave the Raptors without a point. Which leads me to the third trade idea.
Trade 3: The Return Of TJ Ford
How ironic would be it if the Raptors went back to TJ Ford after deciding that Jose was the way to go after the 2007-08 season? The two were to be traded for one another this past summer as Toronto was involved in a four team trade rumour. TJ Ford has been on the trade block since last season and would likely require very little to reacquire his services from Indiana.
Reggie Evans and Julian Wright for the speedy point guard provides the Pacers with additional depth off the bench up front. Both of them being on expiring contracts is also a big plus.
Insane Rumour: Why Barbosa Was Traded
Leandro Barbosa was on the Phoenix Suns from 2003-2010…He was a fan favorite in the desert and then got traded this past Summer before the season began..Why was the longest tenured Suns player shipped out of town…I’m being told he was messing around with Steve Nash’s wife…Here’s what my source tells me..”Barbosa was traded because Nash caught wind of the affair and he had to go…That’s why Nash all of a sudden got divorced after his wife had the baby..He realized it wasn’t his and then decided to split from her immediately following the birth.” Ok, this is some crazy soap opera type activities going on within the Suns organization…Nash did split with his wife over the Summer and then got divorced immediately following the birth of the child…Like most other crazy tips, I will take this with a grain of salt, but the time lines are striking…and the first two kids Nash and his wife had were out of wedlock as well.. -TO
Via TerezOwens.com
WOW. No wonder the Raptors were able to move Hedo.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
'Melo To Jersey Back On + Possible 3 Team Trade?
Denver-NJ in advanced talks on Anthony, Billups, Balkman, Ely, Williams for Favors, Harris, Murphy, Uzoh and 4 1st rounders, source tells Y!
Via Twitter
Although details of a formally scheduled meeting have yet to emerge, Denver officials are operating under the assumption that Melo and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov will finally meet face-to-face during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, according to sources close to the process. The Nuggets encourage that meeting, sources say, because trading with New Jersey has always been more favorable to Denver than dealing with New York and because the Nuggets -- who still like New Jersey’s Derrick Favors better than any player who’s been made available to them in the months-long Melo trade saga -- know that the Nets remain unwilling to participate in a trade unless Anthony also commits to an extension in New Jersey.
Via ESPN
Now this is an interesting development and hopefully the 'Melo to the Tri-State Area saga finally ends. There were also recent rumours involving Portland and the Nets regarding a deal involving Harris and possibly Andre Miller as the main principals. I wouldn't be surprised if the two rumours end up into a three team deal with Miller returning to Denver as it doesn't make sense for Harris to go to Denver with a young PG like Lawson already waiting for his turn. The deal would look like this:
Denver Nuggets trade:
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Shelden Williams
Renaldo Balkman
Melvin Ely
Denver Nuggets receive:
Derrick Favors
Andre Miller
Luke Babbitt
Troy Murphy
Ben Uzoh
4 1st Round Picks
New Jersey Nets trade:
Derrick Favors
Devin Harris
Troy Murphy
Ben Uzoh
4 1st Round Picks
New Jersey Nets receive:
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Shelden Williams
Renaldo Balkman
Melvin Ely
Portland Trailblazers trade:
Andre Miller
Luke Babbitt
Portland Trailblazers receive:
Devin Harris
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ron Artest ft. Nas & Xin Xin – Who Are You
This is the first track from Ron Artest's “Ballin” mixtape that is dropping this NBA All Star weekend.
Major Props 2DopeBoyz
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Vancouver Wants A NBA Team?
"Maybe we shouldn't have done it there, maybe we should have only expanded into Toronto . . . that was a great disappointment to me," he said.
Stern is doubtful the NBA could ever return to British Columbia.
"I don't think we can go back," Stern said. "I think that was a great city, and I think we just didn't take advantage of the opportunity."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
LeBron Aint Playin', Confronts Pistons Fan ...
... in response to "Is your Mom going to Boston for Valentine's Day?"
LOL
Friday, February 11, 2011
Trade Idea: Grizzlies make a playoff push; Raptors continue to rebuild
The Knicks have been willing to move Anthony Randolph and Memphis has gauged interest in Hasheem Thabeet, but the Rockets have sought more immediate help. Memphis' Marc Gasol will be a restricted free agent, but the Grizzlies have so far said they will keep him through the deadline.
Via Houston Chronicle
The Griz continue to comb the league for a deal involving Hasheem Thabeet. They aren't getting any offers compelling enough to give away the 7-3 project center. Right now, it's J-will or bust. The Griz aren't planning to to sign any players to a 10-day contract.
Via Memphis Commercial Appeal
As far as I know the Griz continue to be open to offers for disappointing center Hasheem Thabeet and aren't looking to move Mayo.
Via Memphis Commercial Appeal
The
Grizzlies trade:
Hasheem Thabeet
DeMarre Carroll
Grizzlies receive:
Leandro Barbosa
Joey Dorsey
Barbosa is a former 6th man of the year should help bolster Memphis' weak bench. The Raptors on the other hand continue to rebuild as they take a chance on the former 2nd overall pick from the 2009 NBA Draft. On a team with no center (Ajinca is meh and Alabi is NBDL material), it shouldn't be hard for Thabeet to break into Jay Triano's rotation.
Win-win for both teams.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ron Artest wants out? Plus trade idea
Ron Artest 'definitely' doesn't want trade
Denying a report from ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Artest said Wednesday at Lakers practice that he doesn't want to be traded.
"No, definitely not," Artest said.
"Just because you're not comfortable doesn't mean that you're not happy," he said. "Obviously when I was on other teams, I got a lot of touches. But I'm playing with the greatest player in the history of the game, and I'm playing with All-Stars. I don't have a problem with looking bad on the court for the benefit of the team."
Via ESPN
Stein's report on Ron wanting out of LA
One source close to the situation insists that Ron Artest wants out.
Asked to react to that, Artest's agent David Bauman declined comment.
This is where I'm obligated to remind you that no one in the NBA can change his mind faster than the famously fickle Ron-Ron. Another pertinent disclaimer: Artest's play has been sufficiently sluggish in the second season of a five-year deal that whatever he wants is bound to be greeted by shrugs and scoffs, no matter how much he gave the Lakers in the epic final game of last season.
Via ESPN
Phil Jackson on possible moves
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, however, said Tuesday that the "door's open for business" before the Feb. 24 trade deadline, a follow-up to similar comments from General Manager Mitch Kupchak on Monday.
Jackson added that "it was a good calling card that Mitch threw out there," but who could the Lakers realistically trade?
Ron Artest is struggling and his trade value is low, considering he is 31 years old and has three more years after this for a total of $21.8 million.
Via LA Times
Its quite clear that Ron doesn't fit in with the Lakers system and Phil's method of publicly calling players out through the media isn't working. The Lakers need more help at both the 3 and at 1 even after signing Steve Blake to a multi-year contract this summer.
The Raptors on the other hand are in the midst of a 100 game losing streak and who knows when they will win the next game. A lot of their problems can be attributed to areas where they have really struggled at, defense (inside and out), rebounding and overall toughness. So here is my trade proposal that both the Lakers and the Raptors should seriously look at.
Los Angeles Lakers trade:
Ron Artest (15% trade kicker)
Steve Blake
Theo Ratliff (only included for salary reasons and will be bought out once deal is completed so he can return to LA)
Toronto Raptors trade:
Jose Calderon (10% trade kicker)
Linas Kleiza
The financial impact of the deal on both teams is about equal. For the Lakers, they bring back 51 million in committed salaries (trade kicked included) and send out 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicker included). A 7 million overall increase in committed salaries however they save more than 7M in 2013/14. Not a significant increase in salary considering they are improving their weak points.
For the Raptors, they bring back 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicked included) and send out 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicker included). However while the Lakers save money in 2013/14, the Raptors save money on an annual basis from now till the end of the 2012/13 season. Its just shuffling salaries. Now to the players.
Jose Calderon is a mistake free point guard that all coaches would love to have on their roster if he could stop opposing guards but could be hidden on a team surrounded by good defensive players, which the Lakers have. He can run an offense very smoothly and gives them a high percentage shooter from beyond the arc. Clear upgrade over both Fisher (just retire already) and Blake.
Moving on to Kleiza, who the Raptors had high hopes for, it seems that he is best utilized in a reduced role when he can be counted on for his scoring abilities. Kleiza's percentages have been subpar this season and can sometimes go in chuck-everything-at-the-basket-mode but some of it could be attributed to his sore knee. However he can score and is a better option as a spot up shooter/scorer in spurts than Artest backing up Matt Barnes.
The deal helps the Raptors in one specific area they always have struggled at ... perimeter defense. While Artest is not in DPOY form anymore, he is still better than anything on the roster and should raise the teams level of play in that area. He will also get a more expanded role on offense in Toronto as opposed to LA where he was relegated, and sometimes freezed out, to a spot up 'shooter', which was never Artest's strength. If Artest manages to come around, and I think he will once he gets out of Hollywood, he should be easier to move in future deals.
Ron also has the CFL in mind as a future career and local Toronto artists have recently held an art exhibit based on his life. Irrelevant points but I think Toronto fans will love him.
Blake is a steady point guard that is best served coming off the bench and is generally the type of player you would find on winning teams. He is also a better defensive player than Jose Calderon and him taking a reduced role opens up minutes for a young player like Bayless. Replacing weaker defensive players with better ones on the Raptors roster at the expense of some offensive production should be Colangelo's target at the trade deadline and in the future.
It doesn't get rid of Bargnani, one of the main liabilities on defense, but its a step in the right direction and it doesn't negatively impact their finances.