It's that time of year again, the playoffs are now a distant memory, the Lakers are now the kings, the draft has been done and now it's the time when all teams clamour to grab that top prize free agent. July 1st has come and gone and by now we have a clear sense of who's gone where and who's still up for grabs.
Ben Gordon - Detroit: They replace a 33 year old undersized shoot first 2 for a 26 year old version. Not sure what Detroit was thinking on this one, at least AI can distribute the ball, Ben can do one thing, he can get you 20ppg and that is about it. Is he worth 55 mil? No way, but hey if Joe D. wants to have him then so be it. Chicago is way better off without him. Don't get me wrong Ben is a great player, a great 6th man that is.
Charlie Villanueva - Detroit: Role player being paid starters minutes. He's a decent scorer, but he's way too soft to be paid this much. His size should help in Detroit, especially now that Sheed's gone. If he can develop any sense of strength or rebounding ability he'd be a great starter. He kinda reminds me of Bargnani up in Toronto, will give you 15ppg, 5-6 boards, 2 dimes, decent shooting and that's about it. At least Detroit didn't give him a 50 mil extension. Ouch!!! Toronto.
Rasheed Wallace - Boston: Perfect fit for him at a perfect price. He's getting up there in age, but he can still contribute at a high level. Pairing him with KG should help maintain his focus and stability. Also playing for those rabid bean town fans should move him into some better play. Having him down in the post should help Boston's low post scoring tremendously. Great pick up.
Ron Artest - LA Lakers: I love this addition. Ron Ron can play and his tremendous competitive edge should complement nicely with Kobe's. I've said for years now that this team has needed some edge, something Ron should add quite easily. Think Dennis Rodman's energy and toughness with Scottie's defensive chops. If LA can re-sign LO than this team should be poised for a great run at repeating.
Trevor Ariza - Houston: Oh how you've fallen Trevor. You were insulted that LA low balled you? Do you really believe all that hype? Because if you do then shame on you, there is now way you'll be the same player in Houston. Say thank you to Phil and Kobe for that contract, and yes I know you earned some of this, but it ain't gonna be the same in Houston. It was all about the respect eh? Well you got your ring, now you'll get your losses. Enjoy the ride, you're gonna regret it.
Grant Hill - Phoenix: Why did he re-sign? Why oh why? Grant you've been in the league a long time, your time is almost up, why re-sign with a team that has no plans and no future for quite the same money you could have received in Boston plus a chance at a ring? I understand loyalty to a point, but when a team can trade you with the snap of a finger than I say all bets are off. Loyalty comes in the form of the Kobe's, LeBron's and Duncan's of the league, they get loyalty and they should return it, but when it comes to a 36 year old small forward with injury history, then I say go where you can win and enjoy it for all it is worth. You won at Duke, you were one of the best in the late 90's, you were injured in your prime, I say fuck it and go for the green and win. I understand your loyalty I just would not have done it.
Jason Kidd - Dallas: The same goes for Kidd as with Hill, why re-sign? At least Dallas is a somewhat formidable team with an owner who's dying to win, all great ingredients for success. Would I have left? Maybe, but in his case this is probably the best situation.
Allen Iverson - Memphis?: Oh how this star has fallen and oh how he deserves it. This is the best offer and only offer he's going to get and he better make the best of it. It's just unfortunate that a player of his talent has to fall this far in the twilight of such a great career. But in all reality, Iverson in my opinion has been over valued his whole career. A great scorer no doubt, but a franchise player, no way. He's too small, too selfish and too one dimensional. Here's my advice to Iverson, go to Memphis, play your ass off, make those kids better, give that team some sort of hope and then when your contract is up, STAY and retire there. Do your best to make this team grow, if you win and make the playoffs then you've done it, you've shown you can make others better, something your legacy still needs. If you lose then you can safe face and say you tried. Going to Europe doesn't help your legacy. Playing one year in Memphis doesn't help your legacy, you need stability. I say go and be a good boy.
Hedo Turkoglu - Toronto: Great pickup at a fair price. He helps solve their go to scorer needs, he's a big 3 who can play some 4. He's seasoned and he should help grow Bosh's game. Not much else to say here, I love this addition, Toronto is moving the right direction.
Shawn Marion - Dallas: Good pickup for a lost soul. Marion needs a team atmosphere to survive, he's a great 3rd or 4th option on a decent team. Playing with Kidd, Nowitzki and Howard should help ease his stress and burden of performing as a main guy, something he clearly floundered in both Miami and Toronto. I don't like the contract size but hey it's Mark Cuban so it doesn't shock me.
Shaquille O'Neal - Cleveland: Worth a shot no? The big mouth is going to help stabilize an underwhelming and quite putrid big man lineup. With Illgauskas aging faster than MJ's corpse (RIP Michael, you were great) and Varejao being over paid and asked to do more than he's capable of, Shaq should provide some much needed scoring help, leadership and an overall strong presence in the Cavs locker room. Good pickup.
more later.
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