free darko!

With the first wave of free agency results in, here are some thoughts:



- I've been projecting the Magic to go after Rashard Lewis for a while. It worked. But they might as well spend all the cash to bring Darko back too. Who else are they going to get? They have no big guys. He might not be worth it, but then, they already overpaid to get the guy they wanted.... just do it.


- Toronto has a similar roster to Orlando: big stud in the post, foreign shooting big man to complement him, two decent but not great point guards, and a bunch of solid wings without any stars. But while Orlando nabbed Lewis, Toronto spent a lot for Jason Kapono. Ugggh. They needed shooting, perhaps, but why not save their money and make a run at Gerald Wallace? Bosh needs scoring help, too.

- I still don't like the Zach Randolph trade, but if Isiah turns around and ships him to Sacramento for Ron Artest, maybe it all makes sense. They could trade him for Artest and Shareef and it would be an almost exact match (it works). Then, the Kings would have a real post player again, younger guys, a new head case but who's not as crazy as the last one, and they could get rid of Reef's bad contract. Meanwhile, the Knicks would make up for Eddy Curry by having two defensive forwards next to him. And Artest, though you never know, would get to play at home, with his former coach Isiah. I think that works way better for the Knicks than just keeping things as they are.

And if the Knicks somehow manage to get Artest WITHOUT trading Randolph or Curry.... I mean, I'd fear for my life at Knicks games. There is NO WAY a whole season would pass without someone fighting to the death, as Simmons likes to say. That would be the most dysfunctional team ever.

And just what the f@#* is Starbury doing now? This team can't add more crazy. It can exchange one, but it can't add more.

- If the Jazz aren't as serious as they say about holding onto Kirilenko, someone needs to make a move and do it now. He can be a serious impact at the four spot, for any team, preferrably in the east. If the Celtics can still swing a move, given that they have Theo Ratliff's contract and some young guys, they should do it. Or the Nets. Or the Sixers. Or anyone who wants some D help. Utah isn't wasting him, really, because he's still the guy on D, but he might do better somewhere else. Morris Peterson and Des Mason are free agents who would fit better there.

- I still hate the Yi pick, no matter if he looks good... he looks like a Chinese version of Charlie Villanueva with hair. Horrible pick.... and the Bucks seem to be ignoring all logic in this. It's bad enough that his people don't want him to go there; he's not going to help them either. I need to know what they are thinking. If they even manage to screw up Mo Williams coming back, they're at the new top of the list for worst management.

- Andres Nocioni: part of a deal? Or no? Hope yes.

More as things develop. Wedensday is the official signing day.