Pictured from Top Clockwise:
Ron Artest - Houston to LAL
Richard Jefferson - Bucks to Spurs
Shaquille O'Neal - PHX to Cavs
Rasheed Wallace - Detroit to Boston
The NBA offseason has proven to be as exciting as this past year's playoffs were. Here is some quick analysis of whether the biggest movers and shakers are moving closer to the promised land, or closer to Clipperland.
EAST
Cavs - Made the biggest splash, (pun intended) by trading for Shaq while only giving up mothballs in Pavlovic and a rusty Big Ben. They missed out on top-level wings Ariza & Artest but did sign underrated Raptors SG Anthony Parker which should help some of the size mismatches in the backcourt. However, one can question the steep financial commitment they just made to Anderson Varejao (6 years, $50million), a hustle player with no apparent offensive upside. Verdict - UP
Celtics - The biggest additions for the C's will come with a healthy Kevin Garnett throughout the season and playoffs. They pushed East finalists Orlando to the max without KG and now add Rasheed Wallace to the mix. If Big Baby Davis can be resigned at a reasonable price, their frontcourt depth should be restored. However, they are still lacking a veteran off the bench to back up Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, both of whom will need substantial rest during the regular season. If Grant Hill accepts less money to rejoin Doc Rivers, banner number 18 could be on its way. Verdict - WAY UP
Magic - First of all, trading Hedo Turkoglu for an aging, notoriously selfish Vince Carter already downgrades the Magic. Much of their unconvential offense revolved around putting the ball in Hedo's hands and letting him create for teammates, something Vinsanity isn't exactly known for. Second, to make this switch, they had to give up a capable big man (Marcin Gortat), a starting-quality point guard (Rafer Alston) and a promising two-way backcourt player (Courtney Lee). Unless Dwight Howard suddenly does become Patrick Ewing, this team won't come close to the success it had last year. Verdict - WAY DOWN
Pistons - Detroit lost Rasheed Wallace and AI but added Ben Gordon and tweeter Charlie Villanueva at the dawn of free agency. However, the biggest move this offseason is not signing Avery Johnson and instead choosing Cavs assistant John Kuester to run the show on the bench. A rookie head coach won't win next season, especially with this collection of role players; they'll again exit the playoffs in the first round. Verdict - PUSH
Bulls - Sure, Luol Deng will be healthy and Derrick Rose will only get better, but they let their biggest go-to scorer leave for a division rival. The Bulls can't count on their youth growing up fast under Vinnie Del Negro to overcome the other juggernauts in the East, at least not next year. Once again, the Baby Bulls will scrap just to make the playoffs. VERDICT - DOWN
WEST
Lakers - Picked up Ron Artest, but lost underrated glue guy Trevor Ariza. While it may seem like a great move, will Artest's combustibility be the demise of the Lakers? As long as he stays somewhat sane and refrains from stalking Kobe in the shower, they should be a better team. However, the most intriguing Laker subplot will be the development of Andrew Bynum, who's shown flashes of greatness, but not for an entire season. If he makes a big leap and stays healthy, expect a repeat. Verdict - UP
Rockets - Also basically traded Artest for Ariza, who may not find the same success out of the triangle offense. They have also yet to deal with the loss of Yao and Dikembe Mutombo, leaving a gaping hole on the inside. I love Chuck Hayes, but if he's your starting center in the playoffs, you're team has issues. Some may expect the return of a healthy and motivated Tracy McGrady could lead Houston on a march through the playoffs, but don't hold your breath! Verdict - WAY DOWN
Spurs - Added Richard Jefferson, DaJuan Blair, and Antonio McDyess this offseason while getting rid of some dead weight. While none of them may singularly catapult the Spurs to the top, each person will inject some new blood to the elder statesmen of the West Elite. If the bodies of Parker, Ginobli, and Duncan can hold up, expect the Spurs to at least return to the West Finals. Verdict - WAY UP
Mavs - Signed Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet and added Shawn Marion while also dumping Devean George, Jerry Stackhouse, and Antoine Wright. They did hold on to Jason Kidd, but there's no way this roster will jump the Spurs or Lakers. At best they'll reach the Conference Semis. Verdict - PUSH
Clippers - Ironically, the Clips may have had one of the best offseasons in the NBA. Adding Blake Griffin and dumping perennial malcontent Zach Randolph is the best thing this franchise may have ever done. As long as Mike Dunleavy lets Baron Davis play up-tempo they will be way up, and could possibly sneak into the postseason. Although, with Mike Dunleavy in charge, don't expect any miracles. Verdict - UP
