NBA Offseason 2009's Blog

New York Knicks Need Help

Denis24 — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:10:41 GMT

Here are my thoughts on what they should do, as a Laker fan:

At #8, I agree with you that they should move them. A deal that goes like this would benefit them greatly. Udonis Haslem and Miami's future 1st Round Pick for Jared Jeffries and the #8 pick.

Then, I'd trade Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Danillo Galinari and Quentin Richardson for Manu Ginobili, Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, and their 2nd round pick (where they draft Derrick Brown).

Then, for their third and last trade, they send Al Harrington and Nate Robinson (sign-and-trade) to Cleveland for Ben Wallace and their 1st Round Pick (where they draft Darren Collison). Ben Wallace and the Knicks come to a buyout, then Wallace retires.

Then, in free agency, they sign Raymond Felton, Marcin Gortat and Kyle Korver, then resign David Lee.

PG - Raymond Felton, Darren Collison
SG - Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen
SF - Kyle Korver, Derrick Brown
PF - David Lee, Udois Haslem
C - Marcin Gortat, Kurt Thomas

With this lineup, you have solid "glue-guys" and role players that understand what is expected from them. They can also run-and-gun, plus they get rid of their bad contract of Jared Jeffries. Sadly, Eddy Curry is untradeable, so they will just buyout his contract.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was a playoff team, plus, the only players that go past 2010 are Gortat, Lee, Korver, Collison, and Felton. This could be a great year for New York if they did these moves.

What do you think?

NBA Offseason: Dallas Mavericks

Denis24 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:48:27 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents: Jason Kidd, Brandon Bass, Ryan Hollins (RFA), Gerald Green, James Singleton

Draft Pick: #22

Team Needs:

A Center: If you think Erick Dampier will get the job done, you are wrong. I think bringing back the idea of Shaq to Dallas might be a smart idea. I would trade Shawne Williams, Erick Dampier, and Jerry Stackhouse to Phoenix for Shaq. He brings the rebounding and inside scoring that the Mavs have been lacking. If Phoenix wanted, Dallas could throw in a future pick.

Young Starting Point: At this point of his career, I'm not a big Jason Kidd fan. He is too slow to guard many PGs, and is to small to guard most SGs. That's not a good combination. A player like Ramon Sessions or Raymond Felton would do this team good, although I'd probably go with Felton in this situation.

A Solid Starting Lineup: Just this last year, you saw Antoine Wright, Erick Dampier, and Jason Kidd in the starting lineup. That's not going to win you very many games. I've always believed that you start your best players at each position, so it might be time for Jason Terry to move into the starting lineup. Also, by getting Shaq and Felton, it solidifies that starting lineup.

Dallas also resigns Hollins, Singleton, and Bass. They draft Sam Young as well. George stays in Dallas, while Dallas goes out and signs Aaron Gray and Brevin Knight.

2009-2010 Projected Lineup:

C - Shaquille O'Neal, Ryan Hollins, Aaron Gray

PF - Dirk Nowitzki, Brandon Bass, James Singleton

SF - Josh Howard, Sam Young, Devean George

SG - Jason Terry, Antoine Wright, Matt Carroll

PG - Raymond Felton, JJ Barea, Brevin Knight

NBA: Top Free Agent PGs

Denis24 — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:39:26 GMT

The point guard position is basically the most important position on the basketball court. The PG is the player who is expected to lead the team on the floor like a quarterback leads a football team.

There is a big difference between a combo guard and a point guard, and players like Allen Iverson and Eddie House won't be included in this list, but as of right now, here are my top 10 best free agent point guards going into this offseason.

1. Steve Nash - Not many of you know, but the Phoenix Suns have a team option on Nash, but even if they decide to let him go, they will still owe him over $8 million. This could be an interesting decision, as Steve Nash is 35 and isn't getting any better. A trade could be more possible than anything, as Phoenix is looking to get younger and fresher.

Nash is still a star point guard, but there aren't very many playing days ahead of him. He can shoot, he can pass, he can do it all...except for defense. That's why I'm not sure a team should go after Nash that is looking for defense. Nothing more than a 3-year deal would be stupid by any team.

2. Raymond Felton - I am really in love with Felton. His greatest strength are his athleticism and quickness, but he can basically do anything. His court vision and ball handling make him a pass first point guard, something we don't have as much in this league anymore, so any championship team in need of a point guard should take a strong look at him.

He isn't perfect, and his only weaknesses are that he needs to cut down the turnovers and improve his jump shot, both of which can be improved by good coaching. And remember, he is only 24, so there is much more to come from him. And with the situation in Charlotte with DJ Augustin and him fighting for a starting job, I'm sure he would love to play for Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, or any other team in need of a point guard.

3. Ramon Sessions - Spectacular young player with great potential...with only limited NBA experience, he could only get better. He doesn't play any defense, so staying in Milwaukee and playing under Scott Skiles could help out his game, even though that probably won't happen. Charlie Villanueva and Sessions are both restricted free agents, so signing both of them will not happen.

He will turn into a starting point guard with upside, no doubt, but I'm not sure he can turn into a All-Star player. He is a legitamite scorer. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. If he doesn't return to the Bucks, look for the Sixers or Hawks to take a look at him.

4. Andre Miller - So many rumors have been flying around about him going to several teams every since he skipped the 76ers' season-ending team meeting. He is a savvy veteran who can help any team out with his leadership and scoring ability. With Philly hiring Eddie Jordan, they also might be willing to have a new point guard as well.

Miller, in my mind, fits in well with Portland, Atlanta, Dallas, or Miami. There are about 5 teams fighting for 5 point guards, and who knows how things will end up? But don't count out the Pistons, who are looking for a leader, and in I think Rodney Stuckey is more of a SG.

5. Mike Bibby - Bibby has been a solid all-around player for the Hawks this year. He led them to the 2nd round, but don't be surprised if Atlanta lets him go after a good point guard prospect fall to them at #19 in the draft. Bibby is a good three-point shooter, but he might not have that much left in the tank.

Atlanta has some cap space this summer, so an upgrade at the point should be one of their top priorities behind getting another big man.

6. Jason Kidd - At his age, it's hard to tell you what you'll get, but Jason Kidd proved he can still play. He is good enough on defense to guard bigger guards, and he always has been a team-first leader on the court.

I'm sure Dallas would love to have him back, but that might not be his best option. He is on the decline of his career, but any team will want to sign him to a reasonable price.

7. Nate Robinson - The dunk champ might be headed into a complicated offseason. New York wants to save money and dump salary, so signing a player like Robinson might not be to their likings.

Robinson is a fan favorite, so if he would be willing to sign to a smaller contract, the NYK would be glad to do that. But if that doesn't work out, how many teams really want a small, shoot-first point guard on their team?

8. Jarrett Jack - Jack played both guard positions this year, so it is hard to predict what he is suited for. Indiana has TJ Ford and Travis Diener, so a new location might be the best option for him.

I can see him being a very reliable sixth man for any team that invests the money into him. Plus, he is very young and averaged over 13 points this season for the Pacers.

9. Shannon Brown - With his recent playoff performances with the Lakers, I'm sure many teams will try to persue him. He is a amazing athlete who can do a little bit of everything. If you put him on your team, he will understand his role and play his hardest every night.

I'm sure the Lakers won't be the only team fighting to keep Brown, who likely won't be very expensive.

10. CJ Watson - Not the best point guard option, but he works hard and is a solid backup point guard. He has a lot of toughness and scoring ability.

He is a restricted free agent, and the Warriors don't have a true point guard, so he will probably stay in Golden State.

Other Options: Stephon Marbury, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson

NBA Offseason: Cleveland Cavliers

Denis24 — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:26:22 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents:

Zydrunas Ilguaskas (ETO), Anderson Varejao (PO), Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith, Lorenzen Wright

Draft Picks: #30, #46

Team Needs:

Legitamite Scoring Big: Oviously, Ilguaskas and Varejao don't fit those needs. They need someone who can take the pressure off of LeBron so he can get some rest at critical times in the game. Al Harrington and Chris Duhon for Ben Wallace, Daniel Gibson, and their 1st Round Pick sounds like a great trade for both clubs. The only problem with Harrington is that he has to learn to be more unselfish, and that problem could be solved when you're playing with LeBron James, not to mention that his contract ends in 2010.

Explosiveness and Energy off the Bench: By aquiring Al Harrington, this allows Varejao to become the backup center, which helps Cleveland a lot. He is more suited off the bench and brings energy every night. JJ Hickson, Sasha Pavlovic, Wally Szczerbiak (who they resign), and Chris Duhon all need to be significant backups next year for them to give LeBron a championship. Also, by drafting AJ Price in the 1st round, it gives them a guard that could possibly contribute in his 2nd year when Chris Duhon's contract expires.

Experience: Add Donyell Marshall, Keith Bogans, Stromile Swift, and Melvin Ely. These aren't legitamite threats, but they could help out the younger players and even step up in the playoffs. With this lineup, they could very easilly reach the Eastern Conference Finals again, if not farther.

2009-2010 Projected Depth Chart:

C - Zydrunas Ilguaskas, Anderson Varejao, Melvin Ely

PF - Al Harrington, JJ Hickson, Stromile Swift

SF - LeBron James, Wally Szczerbiak, Donyell Marshall

SG - Delonte West, Sasha Pavlovic, Keith Bogans

PG - Mo Williams, Chris Duhon, AJ Price

2009 NBA Mock Draft

Denis24 — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:41:42 GMT

1. Los Angeles Clippers - PF Blake Griffin

2. Memphis Grizzlies - PG Ricky Rubio

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - C Hasheem Thabeet

4. Sacramento Kings - PF Jordan Hill

5. Washington Wizards - SG James Harden

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - SG DeMar DeRozan

7. Golden State Warriors - PG Brandon Jennings

8. New York Knicks - SG Tyreke Evans

9. Toronto Raptors - SG Stephen Curry

10. Milwaukee Bucks - PG Jrue Holliday

11. New Jersey Nets - SF Earl Clark

12. Charlotte Bobcats - SG Gerald Henderson

13. Indiana Pacers- PF DeJaun Blair

14. Phoenix Suns - PG Jonny Flynn

15. Detroit Pistons - PG Eric Maynor

16. Chicago Bulls - SF James Johnson

17. Philadelphia 76ers - PG Ty Lawson

18. Minnesota Timberwolves - C BJ Mullens

19. Atlanta Hawks - SG Terrence Williams

20. Utah Jazz - PG Jeff Teague

21. New Orleans Hornets - PF Austin Daye

22. Dallas Mavericks - SG Wayne Ellington

23. Sacramento Kings - PG Patrick Mills

24. Portland TrailBlazers - PF Tyler Hansbrough

25. Oklahoma City Thunder - SG Chase Budinger

26. Chicago Bulls - PF Gani Lawal

27. Memphis Grizzlies - SF Sam Young

28. Minnesota Timberwolves - PG Nick Calathes

29. Los Angeles Lakers - PG Darren Collison

30 Cleveland Cavaliers - SG Marcus Thornton

31. Sacramento Kings - SF Omri Casspi

32. Portland TrailBlazers - SF DaJuan Summers

33. Washington Wizards - SG Jermaine Taylor

34. Denver Nuggets - PG Sergio Llull

35. Memphis Grizzlies - PF Victor Claver

36. Detroit Pistons - SF Damion James

37. San Antonio Spurs - SF Derrick Brown

38. Portland TrailBlazers - PG Jonas Jerebko

39. Detroit Pistons - PF Jeff Pendergraph

40. Charlotte Bobcats - SF Danny Green

41. Milwaukee Bucks - SF Vladimir Dasic

42. Los Angeles Lakers - PF Josh Heytvelt

43. Miami Heat - SG Jerel McNeal

44. Detroit Pistons - PF Milan Macvan

45. Minnesota Timberwolves - PF Taj Gibson

46. Cleveland Cavaliers - PF Jeff Adrien

47. Minnesota Timberwolves - PG Rodrigue Beaubois

48. Phoenix Suns - PF Dante Cunningham

49. Atlanta Hawks - PG Toney Douglas

50. Utah Jazz - SF Tyler Smith

51. San Antonio - SG Milenko Tepic

52. Indiana Pacers - SF Jonas Jerebko

53. San Antonio - PF Robert Dozier

54. Charlotte Bobcats - PF Chris Johnson

55. Portland TrailBlazers - PG AJ Price

56. Portland TrailBlazers - SG Dionte Christmas

57. Phoenix Suns - PG Curtis Jerrells

58. Boston Celtics - PG Tyrese Rice

59. Los Angeles Lakers - PF Alade Aminu

60. Miami Heat - PF Leo Lyons

Specail Edition: NBA Offseason: Los Angeles Clippers

Denis24 — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:57:20 GMT

Now that the Los Angeles Clippers won the lottory, and are sure to select Blake Griffin, I needed to do a quick post on them. Griffin could suddenly become the face of the franchise, and alongside Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, and Chris Kamen, they could suddenly be a team destined for the playoffs next year...okay...here we go.

2009 NBA Free Agents:

SG Fred Jones, SG Ricky Davis, SF Steve Novak, C Brian Skinner, SG Alex Acker

Draft Picks: #1 (Blake Griffin)

Team Needs:

New Coaching Staff - Their last 44 first round picks.....only 2 have been All-Stars!!! I feel sooo bad for Blake Griffin...but unfortuneately for Griffin, the Clippers won't let him go. Mike Dunleavy has done a terrible job over the past few years, and a new coach good improve this team dramatically. Please contact Eddie Jordan. He could develop this young team, along with Kaman and Baron Davis, so they can contend for a playoff spot.

A New Identity - They don't know who they are? They could turn into an exciting team that ran exciting basketball up and down the court. It worked for Baron Davis in Golden State, so why not try it here. Gordon, Thornton, Griffin...look at all this talent. They should at least be able to get over .500 on paper...but with a coach like Eddie Jordan, they could be really good.

Open Up Minutes For Blake Griffin - Marcus Camby and Zach Randolph are a "must go". They take up minutes for Griffin, plus if they trade them, it adds depth. Here are the two trades...

Jerry Stackhouse and Antoine Wright for Marcus Camby.

Darrell Arthur, Marko Jaric, and Greg Buckner for Zach Randolph.

Also, sign Aaron Gray to add depth and resign Steve Novak.

2009-2010 Projected Depth Chart:

PG - Baron Davis, Mike Taylor, Mardy Collins

SG - Eric Gordon, Antoine Wright, Greg Buckner

SF - Al Thornton, Jerry Stackhouse, Marko Jaric

PF - Blake Griffin, Darrell Arthur, Steve Novak

C - Chris Kaman, DeAndre Jordan, Aaron Gray

New Coach: Eddie Jordan

This is a team with a new culture...and hopefully won't be fully overshadowed by the Lakers.

NBA Offseason: Chicago Bulls

Denis24 — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:26:29 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents:

SG Ben Gordon, C Aaron Gray, PG Linsey Hunter, C Jerome James (PO), G DeMarcus Nelson, G Anthony Roberson

Draft Picks: #16, #26

Team Needs:

Scoring Big Man: There have been rumors about notable big men joining the Bulls roster, but with so many teams asking for too much, I believe all Chicago needs to get a 20 point scorer is give up Tyrus and Tim Thomas. And that big man would be Al Harrington. Sure, it was in New York, but he is a proven scorer and would be a good addition next to Joakim Noah in the frontcourt. The signings of Hakim Warrick and Stromile Swift could also help them up front, but unfortunately, Jerome James wouldn't be stupid enough to opt out of his contract.

Defense: Ever since Scott Skiles has left, their defense has been lacking under Vinny Del Negro. Actually, the reason Skiles left was because of the lack of defense. They've got D with Joakim Noah, John Salmons, and Derrick Rose, but other than that, their D has been extremely inconsistant. Tyrus Thomas has shown signs of being a starter for the Bulls, but isn't there every day. That's why getting Al Harrington, a proven guy, was good. Sure, he isn't as good on defense, but you can't go having your starting big men with a combined total of 15 points altogether can you?

Experience: They need playoff experience, especially in the backcourt where Salmons, Rose, and Williams will be the major contributors. Trade Kirk Hinrich and is not-so-good contract to Los Angeles for Derek Fisher and Adam Morrison would help both teams. Fisher could help out Rose and Morrison could get a new start, but if both players turn out to be below-average, they always have the option to stay away from them next year. Plus, Hinrich's stock has skyrocketed over the past month, and so has every other Bull player. Signing Brevin Knight and Maurice Ager also rounds out the roster.

2009-2010 Projected Depth-Chart:

PG - Derrick Rose, Derek Fisher, Brevin Knight

SG - John Salmons, Terrence Williams, Maurice Ager

SF - Luol Deng, Sam Young, Adam Morrison

PF - Al Harrington, Hakim Warrick, Stromile Swift

C - Joakim Noah, Brad Miller, Jerome James

I believe they would be better off without resigning Ben Gordon, especially since Luol Deng is returning with full health next year.

NBA Offseason: Charlotte Bobcats

Denis24 — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:47:26 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents: PG Raymond Felton (RFA), PF Sean May (RFA), PF Juwan Howard, F Cartier Martin, SG Dontell Jefferson, PG Sean Singletary

Draft Picks: #12, #40, #54

Team Needs:

Deciding on Felton, Augustin, or both?: Now that Raymond Felton is a free agent, this might be one of the hardest decisions the Bobcats have ever made. Do they hand over the keys to DJ Augustin or keep Raymond Felton as well. I say they let Felton go, who is sure to find a starting job in the NBA somewhere. By doing this, you leave a hole at PG. That's when you need to sign a veteran that knows what he is doing by helping Augustin mature as a player, and a trade involving Earl Watson for Nazr Mohammed and their 1st Rounder works for both teams. Resigning Sean Singletary should also add depth at the PG position.

Scoring and Depth at SG: Raja Bell is probably the only real SG on the roster. He brings a defensive pressence to the floor, but they need to compliment him with a scoring threat and someone who is a decent playermaker, and their is one player that they could realistically pick up in free agency, and that's Anthony Parker. He brings his overall game every night, and could prove to be a nice termporary backup for Raja Bell. Wesley Mathews would also be a good pickup in the draft.

Leadership and a Compliment to Emeka Okafor: The need won't be accomplished this year, but if they want to bring a big star in, next year would be perfect. They have the right pieces for a good team, but to be great, they need another star next to Okafor. They are hoping Alexis Ajinca could become a solid starting center in this league, but his development will take some time. Larry Brown has done a good job with these great role players, but without a real "superstar", I'm not sure they can go very far in the playoffs. For now, letting go of Sean May would be good for both the Bobcats and May, while drafting Josh Heytvelt would be a good option to back up Boris Diaw. Signing Maceo Baston and Steve Novak would also add to the depth up front.

Projected 2009-2010 Depth Chart:

PG - DJ Augustin, Earl Watson, Sean Singletary

SG - Raja Bell, Anthony Parker, Wesley Mathews

SF - Gerald Wallace, Vladimir Radmonovic, Steve Novak

PF - Boris Diaw, Josh Heytvelt, Maceo Baston

C - Emeka Okafor, DeSagana Diop, Alexis Ajinca

NBA Offseason: Boston Celtics

Denis24 — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:18:58 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents:

PF Glen Davis, PF Leon Powe, G Eddie House, PG Stephon Marbury, C/F Mikki Moore

Draft Picks: #58

Team Needs:

Deciding on their Backup Power Forward - Glen Davis and Leon Powe are both free agents, so who do they keep? Glen "Big Baby" Davis has really stepped up in the playoffs for the injured Kevin Garnett, but Leon Powe was injured himself. This might seem kinda weird, but I think Boston should let Glen Davis loose and keep Leon Powe. Powe is more suited for the Boston roster while Davis could find a better option somewhere else where he earns more money. Davis is gonna want a higher salary, and with the glaring needs on the bench for Boston, I think they need to solidify those spots as well. If not, it is always a possiblity to save some money for the future. Davis has options going to Detroit, Memphis, or somewhere else he could possibly start. Plus, I like Powe's energy and rebounding off the bench. Also, resigning Mikki Moore could help add depth.

Add Youth - Ever since the offseason Allen and Garnett arrived, they'd know this day would come. They have a veteran roster than needs to get younger. Rajon Rondo is the future of this team, and if they want to start building around him now, they need to find a way to get a few more draft picks in the drafts coming up. I don't know if that is possible this year, but going forward, they can't just wait for Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett to retire.

Get a Deeper Bench - Eddie House is a must keep off the bench. He is a streaky shooter, so when he is on fire, there is no stopping him. Don't overpay though, because that could turn out ugly. Stephon Marbury doens't deserve another year in an environment like Boston. Eddie House could possibly become the backup PG. He is only 6'1". Sign Shelden Williams (who needs a fresh start) and draft Garrett Siler as well.

2009-2010 Projected Depth-Chart:

PG - Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, Gabe Pruitt

SG - Ray Allen, Tony Allen, JR Giddens

SF - Paul Pierce, Brian Scalabrine, Bill Walker

PF - Kevin Garnett, Leon Powe, Shelden Williams

C - Kendrick Perkins, Mikki Moore, Garrett Siler

We know about their defense, but they have to start thinking about their future.

NBA Offseason: Atlanta Hawks

Denis24 — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:46:04 GMT

2009 NBA Free Agents:

F Marvin Williams (RFA), PG Mike Bibby, C Zaza Pachulia, G Flip Murray, PF Solomon Jones, SG Mario West, F Othello Hunter, G Thomas Gardner

Draft Picks: #19, #49

Team Needs:

(Young) Starting Point Guard - The Hawks have done a good job building a solid NBA franchise around player such as Joe Johnson and Al Horford, but they have a big decision to make this offseasonw with Mike Bibby. Like players such as Andre Miller, Allen Iverson, and Jason Kidd, there are a lot of veteran point guards that are free agents. Bibby has been a great leader for this team as the veteran who keeps everything together, but with his ability and skill declining, they need to look for another person young point guard to step in and run the team. Considering the Hawks are under the cap with Marvin Williams and Bibby coming off the books, look for them to capture a starting point guard like Kirk Hinrich or Raymond Felton, or draft a point guard in the draft in the first round. In the end, I believe they go out and steal Raymond Felton from Charlotte. It is almost a lock that they also resign Marvin Williams.

Frontcourt Size - Atlanta has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league for a reason. Their starting center, Al Horford, is only 6'10", while Josh Smith is a 6'9" power forward. I believe they need to slide Al Horford to the power forward position and look to find a legitamite center. It has been said that players like Samuel Dalember and Tyson Chandler are on the trade block, but with the Clippers have two starting centers, I think they need to run up and grap one of them for Josh Smith. A trade of Josh Smith for Chris Kaman and a 1st Round Pick in 2010 sounds reasonable.

Bench Scoring and Depth - Their bench is decent, but there is no real 6th man on this team. Flip Murray was their scorer off the bench and Pachulia brought the energy, but a backup PG and backup forward are lacking. Murray, Pachulia, Jones, and West are all backups and free agents, and oddly enough, all of them resign for an attempt to go far in the playoffs. The Hawks then sign free agent Stephen Graham from Indiana. They buyout the awful contract of Speedy Claxton, and draft Eric Maynor and Robert Dozier. Eric Maynor can be their go-to guy from the bench. Acie Law and Ranolph Morris round out the bench.

2009-2010 Project Depth-Chart:

PG - Raymond Felton, Eric Maynor, Acie Law

SG - Joe Johnson, Flip Murray, Mario West

SF - Marvin Williams, Maurice Evans, Stephen Graham

PF - Al Horford, Solomon Jones, Robert Dozier

C - Chris Kaman, Zaza Pachulia, Randolph Morris

With this lineup, they are serios contenders to come out of the Eastern Conference. They have size, speed, and shooting.