LeBron's choice: meh

Wow, I haven’t posted on here in a while. I guess this is as good as a time as ever to write about basketball, though. This was a big day. This was a big decision. Was it worth making a whole event out of? Probably not, although there was legitimate suspense.

When I heard LeBron say that he was going to Miami, I was really disappointed. I don’t fault him for trying to win. I don’t fault him for going to a nice area. I don’t fault him for wanting to have star teammates. I don’t know if this was the way to do it, on national television with a contrived special, but that’s not the worst thing here.

I like basketball. It’s always been my favorite sport and the one I would play and watch if I could pick just one. I like following the NBA. I like having a league with star players and good teams, but also just enough drama so it’s not obvious which team is going to win it all. This signing has created an imbalance that is going to put things out of whack.

A lot of experts are trying to dull the wild expectations for the Miami triumvirate, pointing out that they don’t have a center, a bench, enough point guards, and any real help for the stars. It’s true, but it’s not going to matter soon. In a short time, they will be getting an influx of older veterans looking for a chance to win. After this year, they will have some exceptions to use as well. They can find a decent center, especially since they just need a defensive guy. They will find shooters on the cheap. They don’t even need a real point guard since LeBron and Wade can handle the ball so much. They just need guys who will defend and shoot, and they can find them fairly easily once they settle the roster.

In the past 15 years, the Heat had a lot of money tied up in big players, but they managed to find unheralded role players to fill in the roster. Guys like Anthony Carter, Bruce Bowen, Ike Austin, (later) Keyon Dooling, my boy Rasual Butler, Udonis Haslem and Rafer Alston all got to play there while they had money tied up with bigger stars. Pat Riley has done it and he will do it. Getting three all-league guys in their prime was the hardest part, and they’ve done that.

So yes, I expect them to win now and win a lot more in the next few years. I don’t buy the people trying to downplay it. This is huge. LeBron’s decision alters the power in the East, not just for Miami, but for all the teams he passed on. With him and Bosh going to Miami, Cleveland and Toronto will suck. Hard. New Jersey has nothing yet - though I like their foundation, there is no player left that can turn things around for them anytime soon. New York is disappointed. They needed two big free agents and they’re not getting them. Even if they could land Tony Parker and Carmelo next year, I wouldn’t put them above Miami once they settle things. Their best bet might be to try to get Chris Paul. They need someone to get the ball to Amare, and if not, this team isn’t much better than it was the last few years. It might make the playoffs, but it’s not a lock. Atlanta is good but they’ve probably reached their ceiling. No one really considers them a title threat, even if they can win 50 games a year. They can’t spend much more money, and they’re small. Chicago is good, and if they would’ve gotten Joe Johnson, I would say they are a true contender, but they need more scoring now. I don’t know who is left that would save them. Milwaukee surprised people and showed some poise with some unknown guys, but they just spent a lot of money on guys with a history of attitude problems. Those were some bizarre moves after they had just put together a likable team. I don’t know what’s up with that franchise; they’ve been one of the nuttiest.

The rest of the conference is in bad shape. The Sixers? Yeah that didn’t work. The Bobcats are just okay and might lose Raymond Felton, the Pistons are a mess and full of bad contracts, the Wizards blew themselves up and will take a while to recover, the Pacers are the definition of mediocre and have been treading water unsuccessfully, and… that’s it. The only team that could go from lottery to playoffs is New York.

I have to say that Boston and Orlando are really the only teams you can put above Miami, and I’m dubious about them. Boston struggled during the regular season, and even though they made a triumphant rebirth in the playoffs, I wonder how much they have left. KG lifted himself up in the postseason, but he’s clearly hurting and on the downside. Those guys are all headed downhill, except for Rondo. Even though they made that great run, do you believe it will happen next year? In 2 years? I think it was their last stand.

Orlando finished the regular season hot, but didn’t look as coherent as they did a year ago in the playoffs. They’re probably the favorites… but no matter how bad Miami will get beat at center, do you trust Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis to handle Wade and LeBron? Dwight may kill inside, but then, who guards Bosh on the other end? I don’t trust that team completely. And again, in another year, they will have to make a decision on Vince and who knows what they will look like.

LeBron’s move really put the conference at whole into a state of panic. No team can deal with this firepower, they can only hope they have more balance. And again, after next year, things will look even better for Miami. Throw in the fact that Kobe is getting older, Amare left Phoenix, and Denver is a question mark….

Should we get ready for a couple of Miami vs. Oklahoma City finals? I don’t care if it will feature 4 of the best guys in the game, it just sounds awful. HEAT! THUNDER! It’s a freaking weather forecast.

That brings me to the second part of my post: the city aspect. I’m biased here, because I grew up near Philly in the rough Midwest-to-northeast sports craze. People care about sports there, maybe too much. We have awful teams sometimes, but we wear our devotion to them on our sleeve, and our suffering is like a badge of honor. See: Red Sox, Cubs, et al. Since I have moved to California, I have noticed the difference in bloodthirsty fans vs. laid back. It’s just not the same. Miami (the whole state of Florida, really) is very fair-weather, except for football. The Heat had such a weird crowd during the past few years, and they weren’t always into it. For us die-hards, it is painful to watch a beautiful city where people have better things to do get the spoils.

Until now, it was cool to have LeBron play in his hometown, a city that had suffered so much heartbreak. It would have been a great story, one of the best sports stories in years, for him to lead them to a title and erase all that pain. When I realized that the Sixers had made a terrible mistake this year, I drifted towards rooting for the Cavs for the playoffs, just because I wanted that pain to be over. I knew how they felt. I’m feeling you, Cleveland. You don’t deserve this.

I know that it was unfair to LeBron to have that much pressure on him, and he shouldn’t carry all the weight. It’s not worth killing him over. He did choose less money and better teammates. I’m more puzzled that he would change his legacy this quick. I’m not calling him Scottie Pippen as thousands seem to be. I think that he and Wade will try to say (at least publicly) that they are equals, and they will try to be treated as co-stars, rather than have one get more billing (don’t know if Bosh will be in the same level). But of course, he’ll never be seen in the same light and any discussion of great players will ultimately bring up the fact that he left to join up with other guys, while other great players had good sidekicks come to them. He was headed to a place in maybe the top ten players of all-time, but now, you can’t put him above Wade, and everything he does will have to be shared.

I remember when I was growing up and I desperately wanted Barkley to beat Jordan just once in the playoffs. Someone suggested to me that, if Sir Charles wanted a championship, he should try to join the Bulls. That sounded stupid to me. What would be the fun in that? Later on, he did join a team that had always foiled him in the playoffs, the Rockets. It felt weird. I had to root for the team that had embarrassed my own team and had grown to despise. It didn’t work. I know this is not like LeBron joining Boston or Orlando, but it is a weird collection of power. Someone compared it to A-Rod joining the Yankees. That’s not so far off. People are going to hate the Heat for having so much, and root against them every year. I always feel better when the Yankees lose in the playoffs. Of course, they didn’t last year. Talent usually wins out sooner or later, especially if it is kept in place for several years. People are going to hope the Heat never win, and they’re going to be disappointed. Maybe not this year, but soon.

(You know who looks really good right now? Tim Duncan. Look at his supporting cast in his first three titles. He had a few nice players …. who were either really old or really young. He never really played with another all-star in their actual prime until Parker and Ginobli developed, and that was after the 2003 title…. and in 2005 they weren’t all the way there either. David Robinson was not nearly what he once was during this stretch. Duncan’s resume might be the most amazing. Think about it.)

I don’t like it when all the big cities get the perks. New York and Los Angeles (and Chicago, to a point) get to have all the fun, and small markets are shut out. I liked having Cleveland in the mix. It’s odd that LeBron chose one middle-level market over another, especially after his flirtation with the Knicks and Bulls. But even though I don’t like those cities getting everything, I do understand why the league wants it that way. Big markets and interesting teams help boost ratings. I’ve been angry at how easy the Lakers and Celtics were able to rebuild, with some really lopsided trades, but they have tried hard and spent money, and they are signature franchises. Miami just isn’t in that group, although they will attract viewers. At least if LeBron had gone to New York, there would be a story. If he stayed, Cleveland was doing well with him there. I can’t imagine that David Stern is too happy about all his stars being in one place that doesn’t have great media ratings or fan support. I’m sure he liked all the attention this had been getting, but maybe he sees today how non-fans are turning on LeBron for his TV oversaturation and hating Miami as a whole. I don’t know. I think he would have liked more parity, or at least more stars spread out. It will be interesting to see how he responds.

In the end, I’m not feeling great about watching the league in the next few years. I like having the mystery of several teams that could win it. I don’t like having one dominant team and seeing if they win or not. I was always slightly disappointed that no one could knock off Jordan, I don’t like baseball as much because the Yankees-Red Sox pull is too much, and I was furious when the Kings couldn’t close the Lakers. There are some good young teams to watch like OKC and maybe the Clippers, but this is going to overshadow the whole league. If Miami had just gotten Bosh to go with Wade and spent that remaining money on several decent but not star level guys, and Lebron picked Cleveland / Chicago / New York / New Jersey, we would have a lively battle in the east next year with four really nice teams - Miami, LeBron’s team, Boston, and Orlando, with maybe Chicago (if he didn’t go there) also a possibility. Now it’s thinner at the top, and everyone else is going be losing hope.

I can only pray that more young stars will turn into superstars and give the league more balance, because with 30 teams to spread talent around, having 2 of the top 5 guys and 3 of the top 15 in one place is really nuts.

a Brand new day in philly

What is going on?????

This is one of the greatest days in Sixers history, especially recently. And who saw it coming? I asked for it, but never expected it to happen.... and not like this.



I'm shocked and elated. However, I can also feel the pain of a franchise that has had all too much of it.

See, as a Sixers fan living in LA, who also follows the Clippers a little, I'm torn. Since I moved out here, I've grown attached to the Clippers and they're really the only west coast team I can follow... in anything... pro or college. I have rooted for them especially in light of the Lakers, whom I cannot stand. I've been pushing the Sixers to go after Elton Brand for a long time, but now, I'm wondering if it should feel so good. After the Baron Davis news came out, I was sad that the Sixers would probably not get Brand, but it was nice to hear the Clippers finally get some recognition. Now they're stuck halfway, and I hate to see that. I am elated - again, DELIGHTED - to get Brand; he's not perfect but he's just what the Sixers need (as opposed to Josh Smith, who's too much like their other guys).... but I don't like doing it this way. And I do think the Clippers actually have a better supporting cast, at least offensively, but the imbalance of conferences had to factor in heavily in this decision.

As for my hometown team.... what can I say? They actually did the thing I wanted them to for the first time ever. They got the guy who fits them perfectly. They made up for the Iverson trade, because they used that deal to get cap space and they actually used it. And Andre Miller turned out to be still valuable. Two years ago, I was sure this franchise was dead and I was openly rooting for them to tank TWICE so they could get prospects in each of the past two drafts. But here they are, on a major upswing. They made the playoffs, surprisingly, with a feisty young squad, but they needed a real big man force to be taken seriously.... and they just got him. And I don't have to worry about them throwing cash at Smith! Truly, it is a glorious day. This stuff just doesn't happen in Philadelphia that often.

I don't think they will instantly be a favorite. They need some shooting off the bench, and some more experience for the young guys. But after next year, Boston and Detroit will be in a tough spot, LeBron will be making a big decision, and the Sixers could be in a great spot. Toronto, Orlando, Washington, Atlanta, and maybe some others will be better. But I like the future of the Sixers. I love what they're doing now. Just a few months ago, I was still furious with them. Again, I am sorry for how this went down. The Clippers deserve better than this. They've suffered too long. I hope the Clips can get Okafor and they both can make the playoffs. That would be a good way to end this all.

But I'm also happy. Happy for the first time in a while with the ol' team.

[As I hear more on the radio right now, it appears that Brand's agent was hell-bent on making this difficult for the Clips. I hear shades of Drew Rosenhaus and Scott Boras, and I don't like it. We're still hurting from the rug pulled out on TO and Rosenhaus; I do not like having David Falk's ego being the thing that potentially saved the Sixers.]

draft reactions

I was waiting a few days after the draft to give out my reaction, because I wasn't sure who was going where. Already, though, the free agency period is heating up. Baron Davis opted out of his contract, which surprised everyone, and hinted at the Clippers as a possibility. Now he might even have a deal in place? Argggh. I hate you, Warriors. You're ruining my summer.

See, my hope this summer was that the Clips would go cheap (just like the old days!), try to rebuild around theri young guys, let Magette and Brand go, and then Brand wouldn't have any choice but to look at the Sixers. Brand has been saying that he wants to stay, but he did opt out, so he might have been persuaded if they started dumping people. But now, if Davis comes, he'll almost certainly stay, and the Sixers will have to look elsewhere.

(It should be noted that they are getting together in inspiration of something like the Celtics, but they are doing it in the west. That's going to be tougher. It's also another reason I thought Brand would consider Philly. I mean, the Clippers have been spending more recently, but I didn't think they would try to jump back in the race with such a tough conference. I thought they would say f--- it, let their stars go, and slowly rebuild again. After wishing good vibes for the Clips fo so long, I should be elated that Dunleavy has finally convinced Sterling to spend some cash, but why now?)

This has already created new movement. Sources now report that the Sixers are looking at Josh Smith. Meh.... while I like him, and I think he's going to be a force, he's just way too much like the other guys they have. They can run with him, Thad, and Iggy, but that's about it. They need shooting, preferrably from a big man spot. That's why I was so keen on Brand, and I'm sure that's why they drafted Speights. Smith is a great player, but he's redundant in Philly. He's better off in Atlanta, where fans like him, he has a home base, and he's part of a rising group. Yes, they have a lot of other people to sign eventually, but he should be a priority. They can always let Childress and Marvin Williams go, but they need to keep him.

Now Golden State has a ton of space, though who knows if they'll use it. I don't entirely blame them for taking a conservative approach, when they just spent a lot and still missed the playoffs. Davis has a history of injury problems, and even though he was a catalyst for them, he's aging and they have some young guys coming up. Besides, the west just went from strong to ridiculous. Most importantly, they can say, they never gave up that much in the first place to get him. They had a good run, and while everyone in the bay is prboably very disappointed, at least they ended the playoff drought with a bang. Still.... this is not the way to entice maybe the most passionate fans in the league.

And you still ruined my plans. Damn you, Chris Mullin.

Anyway, onto draft thoughts...

ATLANTA - no picks. Like I said, I would re-sign Smith in a second. He, Horford, and Johnson deserve the big bucks. Everyone else is movable.

BOSTON - feeling great about their chemistry, they took some wild chances at wings J. R. Giddens and Bill Walker. I forgot about Giddens, who once showed much promise at Kansas. He's had problems but the talent is there. Walker had a weird route to college, but health issues are his only concern now. Risky, but maybe a great plan.

CHARLOTTE - while I like Augustin, I thought they could have used their first pick on a big man and their second on a point. Chalmers would still have been available. Instead, they may have to trade Felton, and while Ajinca is interesting, he's not going to help any time soon. For a team close to contending for a playoff spot, they could have done more.

CHICAGO - they bit for Rose. I'm sold if Del Negro is really thinking about going up tempo like his bosses in Pheonix. Now they have to see how to move people. Good luck.

CLEVELAND - for a team that needs help now, J.J. Hickson was a weird pick. He showed promise but will take a few years. I thought they were targeting Koufos, and he was available. This is not the way to make LeBron feel better. They did find a keeper late in Darnell Jackson, who can probably step in earlier.

DALLAS - they need to worry about free agents and trades. A change of philosophy is nice, so they'll start with that.

DENVER - they traded the pick away, thinking no one could have helped them. That's smart. They need a few trades, but probably nothing big.

DETROIT - they didn't like anyone at 29, so they traded for some second round chances. They have a good history with late picks, and I can see one or two of these guys contributing.

GOLDEN STATE - many have questioned taking Anthony Randolph with Brandan Wright there. I'm sure many will be even more angry now that Davis is likely gone. But they have a nice foundation. They seem to have a number of big guys now developing.

HOUSTON - I picked them to pick Greene, and they did, in a roundabout way. Why? Well, they picked up Joey Dorsey in the process. He might be too much like Chuck Hayes, but they can always use more big guys. I really like Greene for them. He can shoot, and they don't have depth on the wings. Great night.

INDIANA - did a lot of dealing, and came out with a completely new team. I guess I liek the direction they have now, although I didn't get the second deal. They gave up the higher pick but got back less, throwing Diogu away when I thought he was going to have more of an impact with JO gone. Also, I like Hibbert, but he has more value on a contending team that needed inside depth. I don't know if he fits in a rebuilding process. They could have gone for more potential there.

Of course, they're going to be in the lottery again next year. So maybe this is just a start.

LA CLIPPERS - had a solid night, picking up Gordon for guard depth and then landing DeAndre Jordan in the second round. He's a nothing-to-lose pick now, so that's big if he actually does something.

LA LAKERS - didn't do much, and don't need to.

MEMPHIS - is still puzzling. I think Love is solid, but they need more than that. Mayo can be their best two guard easily, and is a better pick. So I liked it from that end. They saved themselves by getting Arthur late; that could be a steal. But I chuckled at the fact that while they finally got rid of Brian Cardinal and his horrible contract, they picked up worse ones. At least they can try trading these guys.

They potentially got two starters, so that has to be considered a decent night... but are they going to ever keep any of these guys?

MIAMI - won big, even if Riley doesn't know it. Beasley was the best choice, and they stole Chalmers in the second round. Great picks.

MILWAUKEE - made it appparent that they are trying, and picked up some nice pieces. Jefferson is a good value for Yi, who never fit. I don't like them adding another scorer to a lineup full of them, but he can play some D as well. I don't know why they still drafted Alexander after the trade, but no one else was left. They should look for a defensive, bruising power forward to start and add balance. There may be more deals.

MINNESOTA - on the flip side of Memphis, I like their deals. Love and Miller give them two components, and they won't be hesitant to play there. They may be small, but Love fits with Jefferson and they needed a three who can score. It's a much better step for them.

NEW JERSEY - made it pretty clear that they're going all in for LeBron. There's no question. They added two offensive big guys to mix in with their defensive ones. Ryan Anderson thus makes less sense, but picking up CDR late was a huge steal. I like it, but of course it's all pending on the big prize in two years.

NEW ORLEANS - decided not to take anyone, despite CDR being on the board. Oh well. They'll try the open market.

NEW YORK - is taking it kinda slowly with Gallinari. I pushed for Bayless and Augustin, but I'll trust D'Antoni. He probably didn't want a rookie at the point. Gallinari may actually contribute sooner, and they can use him at several spots.

I have to give them credit. Isiah got hismelf into trouble by always going for the quick fix and the best guy at the moment. He always tried to spend and acquire people as soon as he could, without regards to long term effects. I think Walsh is going to be more patient. He knows he has some huge contracts expiring next year, and he will sit and wait until next year's trading deadline to get the deal he wants. That's a smarter way to work.

ORLANDO - Courtney Lee is solid and will get minutes at the two guard spot for a long time. They'll look at free agents up front.

PHILLY - Dear Mr. Speights,

I know that living in Philly presents a lot of temptations. Trust me, we've all been on board for that late night run to Pat's or Geno's or the Pretzel Factory or the South Street Diner and such. It's tough. But you have to get through it. You have a chance to start and contribute right away on a playoff team. How many middle round picks can say that? Do it for all of us who never could say no to a cheesesteak or a giant slice of pizza. You have a chance to be a big part of the future here.

Please?

PHOENIX - needed a backup point and a wing, and got neither. Robin Lopez is a nice role player, but they need to get more help and I don't know how much cap space they have.... or if they will spend much.

PORTLAND - did a million things and came out on top. I love Bayless next to Roy; he won't have to handle as much and can be a good scorer. They also picked up Diogu, who has some post moves and will add depth. Batum is likely bait for more trades. And they're adding two guys they drafted last year? Yowza.

SACRAMENTO - everyone is ripping them, but I don't think Thompson was a horrible pick. He can score and he doesn't have to be a savior; he just needs to form a decent tandem with Shelden Williams. None of the point guards they wanted were available, so they had to go big. They can probably re-sign Udrih and look at guards next year.

SAN ANTONIO - I have no idea who Geroge Hill is, but I guess they think he's a decent backup. They need wing help, but that may come in free agency.

SEATTLE - refuse to call them Oklahoma City until they're gone. I liked them picking up Westbrook, and they added some future and immediate help in the post. They're a two guard away from making a real turn. Too bad it will come in a weird place.

TORONTO - after the trade, they're looking nice. They need a backup point now, but that's not so hard to get. They did pick up Jawai, who might be a player in a few years.

UTAH - took another big guy. And one who doesn't really have D. I think they could have gone for a point (Chalmers) or someone else.

WASHINGTON - they were disappointed Hibbert was gone, because they could use some immediate help. With him and Lopez off the board, they decided to take another big guy project. It's the best they could do. Signing people is more important, and I'm sure they'll keep it together.

More once more news breaks.

BTW, I feel awful for you, Seattle. What a terrible move. Just an awful debacle, though one we should have seen coming (like Charlotte?)

that's just mean, simmons

Been a while between any news in the hoop world. I totally delved into football and a poss baseball run (not saying anything, don't jinx Philly, move along) but finally we have some news. And not all of it is good.

Boy, it sure is easy to jump on the Kevin Durant bandwagon now, isn't it? You knew he was the better pick, didn't you? Right. Lots of people are covering their tracks. I actually wanted Oden on the Sonics because they need a big man and he could potentially save basketball in Seattle. Durant might be great, but I don't know if he will translate to a franchise player or a winning one. I had him penciled in for top rookie even before Oden did anything, because he'll get plenty of shots, more than any other rookie by far (including Oden if he was healthy).

So now Portland has to hear the names of Sam Bowie and Bill Walton all over again and it's just not fair. Come on, leave them alone. Bill Simmons needs to let the pride of Lebanon, PA rest in peace just like he needs to let his estranged half-brother Lionel go. Bowie, from what I remember, didn't have a great college career like Oden, and Durant is not Jordan. Don't start that again. Portland is on a much brighter path than they were two years ago.

I wasn't going to buy into the Blazers playoff hype before Oden went down, so I don't think much of their chances. They were not going to win 40 games in this loaded conference yet. People who have been making the, "Well, at least they can get another lottery pick now," silver-lining excuse shouldn't have been so optimistic in the first place. Remember, they lost a lot of scoring with Randolph gone, and Oden was not going to replace that. I figured their wins wouldn't go up that much, but they'd be better off in the long run. Now, they have to hope for that.

I put them at 37 or so wins before this, and maybe 30 now. At least the conference is getting easier to figure out: we know they, Sacramento, the Clippers, Seattle, and Minnesota will NOT make the playoffs without some sort of miracle. We can divide the west into four sections:

The lottery certainties (just mentioned)

The gold standard trio (San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix)

Could sneak into the conference finals with luck and health (Utah, Houston, Denver)

Fighting hard for the last two playoff spots (Lakers, Golden State, Memphis, New Orleans)

They can pick up a small forward or point next year. In the meantime, they still have Aldridge, Pryzbilla, Frye, and McRoberts, so they at least retain some big man depth and can give those guys some minutes. This roster is okay (what to do with these point men?) but it's not going to be much better in output than last year.

%%%%

And just when nothing was happening for a long time, we have a trade! And it involves the hometowners!

Denver sends Reggie Evans and the rights to Ricky Sanchez

to Philly for Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones

LOOK OUT, SAN ANTONIO! THE SIXERS HAVE REGGIE EVANS!!!!!!

You know, actually, I've been begging the Sixers to get a hard-nosed, defensive, rebound-first four man to help out Dalembert for years. Evans is the guy to fill in that Tyrone Hill mold, right down to the spot on the all-ugly team. He's not glamorous in any way. Unfortunately, I was begging for that while they still had Iverson. Now they have some defense but not nearly enough scoring. Alas.

I like the post rotation a little bit better now, but it's not much different over the last few months. Dalembert and Evans will stop people down low, while Jason Smith can score off the bench, and hopefully Louis Amudson actually can do something after a good summer league. It's not much, but with another solid front court performer, I like how they're moving. They need someone to score besides Iguadala, and Andre Miller and Kyle Korver are not multi-dimensional enough as second options. The stage is set for Thaddeous Young to get shots, but we'll see if he's ready.

Anyway, decent move for the Sixers, and I hope the rookies can play... because they'll have to.

For Denver, this was a nice move. They had a bunch of power forwards and one center, and no real shot blockers besides that center, Camby. They're looking good, and if they can get a full year or even a decent span out of Nene and K Mart, they might be in the top 4.

BB

Also, after Mo Williams teased them, the Heat signed Charlie Bell. Didn't they already pull this trick with Elton Brand and Lamar Odom? Actually, I really like Bell going to the Heat. He's not a real point (which Milwaukee needs on their bench), but he shoots and plays D, and he'll be a nice compliment to Wade. This makes sense on both sides - he's a cheaper and safer alternative to Jason Williams, and Milwaukee has no room.

I wish the mob had contacted Robert Sarver first

Maybe then the Suns would be more interested in making an offer other people couldn't refuse.

Seriously, what the f is going on lately? Free agency is getting weirder by the minute, and then today this betting scandal explodes onto the front page. Yipes. This is the last thing the league needs.

I have no idea who this guy is... I expected to hear a name like Salvatore or Bavetta in there. But maybe Stern pays them better than the mafia to fix things. ZING!

Anyway, onto moves....

1. The Suns dumping Kurt Thomas wasn't surprising, given that they hated his salary. And I guess them giving up first round picks isn't a surprise, since they do it all the time. But they treated this deal like they were burdened by all of this.

Umm... a guy with a fairly-soon-expiring contract is an asset. So are picks. You don't want to give up BOTH. Boston is trying to do the same thing with Theo Ratliff in order to GET someone, not get rid of him. That's nuts. Especially when Thomas can still play a little. Don't they want another big man besides Diaw on the bench? Someone with some energy? They have the best seven man key rotation in the league, but it helps to have two or three more in case someone gets hurt.... considering that Hill, Bell, Stoudemire, and Nash have all had injury problems in the past few years, they're getting dangerously frugal. Trading away contracts and picks isn't helping that. Maybe you can see why Bryan Colangelo left....

They're like the anti-Knicks: they actually have a great chance to go somewhere, but won't spend that extra cash to do it. With San Antonio losing momentum, I think they should go into next season as the favorite, even without a KG trade. But they won't make those extra steps to ensure a win, mainly, it seems, for cash reasons. Sarver, you're gonna get heat for this.

Seattle gets another vet to help now and then create cap space down the road. Plus more picks. Savvy. Presti is off to a good start.

2. I didn't really get the Steve Blake move, or why Denver thought Chucky Atkins was a better pick, but it doesn't really change much. Both teams stay the same there.

3. I'm kinda surprised to see Steve Francis back in Houston, especially after they drafted Brooks and traded for James, but that's potentially a steal for them. If he can adjust to being a supporting guy, he might be able to turn it around. I did like the trade fro Luis Scola. The Rockets are looking interesting.

Some fans out here thought for sure Franchise would rejoin Cuttino Mobely with the Clips, but it's not so bad that he didn't. Having those two and Cassell in the back court would mean that everyone else would see the ball a lot, lot, lot less. If they need a fill in for a while, please look to Brevin Knight. He passes.

4. Speaking of Knight, I was curious to Charlotte letting him go, then re-signing Wallace and Carroll to go along with Richardson. Now Charlotte has wings and no points or centers. I jus thtoguht of this trade the other day to clear up two logjams at once:

Adam Morrison for Jarret Jack

Works for both parties! Morrison goes back to the Northwest, to a team that needs scoring and a three man. Jack gets out of the three-way battle at point in Portland and gives Ray Felton a boost. This trade makes too much sense not to happen.

5. Chris Mihm and Derek Fisher came back to the Lakers. Well, that'll sure convince Kobe!!!!

But actually, this is nice. With these guys and Luke Walton resigned, they can now more confidentally consider trading away prized youngsters like Bynum and Crittendon. Which will help their trade plans this summer, if they do it right.

6. Magliorre to Nets. Mikki to Kings. Yawn. What good does this do anyone? Just lateral moves.

That's all for now. Things are only going to get stranger, I presume....

whoa oh oh it's NOT magic

Umm...

I might have to take back those comments on Orlando.

I like Rashard Lewis. But at 20 million bucks a year? They could have paid just a little more than half of that. I refuse to believe that Seattle really wanted to spend a lot on him, especially with their young guys coming in. They wanted to cut salary... they would have never poined up for 15 million, let alone 20. Houston can't have that much cap space. Toronto went after Jason Kapono, oddly enough. Who were they bidding against???? They really needed him, but they didn't have to spend all that. He's going to be making more than Dwight, even with the new extension, and DH is the franchise. Bizarre.

And, then, they alienated Darko, who might not be worth it, either, but he's a nice fit with DH they have no post depth. They'll have to scramble to find more big guys for cheap alongside DH and Tony Battie. There's no one else! Strange, strange moves in the Magic Kingdom.

Speaking of Darko, it looks like Memphis is committed to winning. Their lineup suddenly looks very good, with everyone healthy. And even if Conley needs time to develop, Lowry might step up. I thought for sure that they'd trade Gasol and start over, but now, they're back in the mix. The West isn't getting any easier.

Teams are surprising me. I thought that Jason Richardson's arrival in Charlotte would mean that they'd let Gerald Wallace go, but they kept him. They're really showing no faith in Morrison, maybe too early. Now, they actually have a lot of guys fighting for time at wing, when the last few years was barren. They still need a center, but I'm thinking now that they will be going small often and running with these guys. People are talking playoffs in Carolina, but that's a litttle soon. Still, I'm very interested in watching this team now.

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.