"Hoops Assassin" by The Sportz Assassin

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

DALLAS MAVERICKS: 
ADD:  SF/PF Austin Croshere, PG Anthony Johnson, SF Devean George, SG Greg Buckner, SG Maurice Ager, PF Pops Mensah Bonsu. 
LOST:  SF/SG Marquis Daniels, SG/SF Adrian Griffin, PG Darrell Armstrong, SF Josh Powell, SG/SF Rawle Marshall, C Pavel Podkolzin
Dealing Daniels for Croshere seems to be a minor move....Daniels was an expensive bench guy that wasn't getting minutes.  But the fact they also lose Griffin means they really like Ager to come in and take those minutes as a rookie.  And the Mavs signed Buckner who can do most of the same stuff.  Croshere adds a bit more depth at the KVH position, provided he doesn't return.  So does George, who also provides championship experience from his time with the Lakers.  The Mavs also added Johnson, who gives the Mavs the ability to move Jason Terry to the off guard for stretches.  And all it cost them was two young guys [Powell, Marshall] and the aging Armstrong.  Losing Podkolzin isn't a big deal at all. 

HOUSTON ROCKETS: 
ADD:  SF Shane Battier, SF Steve Novak, SF Lior Eliyahu, SG Kirk Snyder, PG John Lucas III, PG Vassillis Spanoulis, SG Kelenna Azubukie
LOST:  PF Stromile Swift, PG/SG David Wesley, SG Keith Bogans, F Maciej Lampe
I may be the only person who completely hates Houston's draft.  They essentially traded Rudy Gay [who they drafted] and Swift for Battier.  Huh?  Then they draft Novak.  I like what those guys can do....hit open shots...which will be key playing alongside Yao Ming.  Butthe price Houston paid to get Battier was too high.  Not to mention that the Rockets only athletic player is now T-Mac.  Battier may be a great defender, but isn't an athletic offensive player.  They dealt away two great athletes in Gay and Swift and gain two stand still jump shooters.  And they didn't even address their biggest need of a point guard.  Eliyahu may be able to sniff the NBA.  Houston also dealt for Kirk Snyder and let Wesley walk.  Spanoulis set a record for largest initial contract for a 2nd round pick. 

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: 
ADD:  PF Stromile Swift, SF Rudy Gay, PG Kyle Lowry, PF Alexander Johnson, PF Junior Harrington
LOST:  SF Shane Battier, PG Bobby Jackson, C Lorenzen Wright  
They dealt away Battier for Gay and Swift, meaning they did lose their best defender but got two awesome athletes.  Swift has been disappointing with both Memphis and Houston, but could be back in the saddle if Memphis decides to use their new found athleticsm to run a bit more.  Lowry helps that aspect too, and brings depth to the point guard spot since Bobby Jackson left for N'Awlins.  Johnson could make the team if he concentrates onhis rebounding abilities.  Still, the team hasn't found a center yet [they let Wright leave]...and must keep Pau Gasol there until they do.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: 
ADD:  SF Peja Stojakovic, C/PF Tyson Chandler, PG Bobby Jackson, C Hilton Armstrong, PF Cedric Simmons, PG Jannero Pargo, SF Marcus Vinicius Vieira de Souza. 
LOST:  C/PF PJ Brown, SG JR Smith, PG Speedy Claxton, SG Arvydas Macijuaskas, SG Moochie Norris, PF/C Aaron Williams, SG Kirk Snyder
The Hornets shocked everyone by landing Peja.  Peja provides N'Awlins with one of the best shooters in the NBA.  Adding Bobby Jackson is huge since it allows Paul to get some rest and a possibility that Jackson and Paul can run the backcourt for several minutes during games [it also let Claxton out...and they also signed Pargo for even more depth].  The also reeled in Chandler, who could be the young up and coming post guy they need.  It did cost them Brown and Smith, but Brown was getting on in years and Smith was in Byron Scott's doghouse.  So was Synder, who was shipped to Houston for pretty much nothing.  The Hornets have gone from laughingstock to legit rather quickly.  Armstrong and Simmons bring toughness to their frontcourt.  They really need that.  With PJ Brown getting old and nothing else to speak of in the middle, those two guys can come in and make waves.  De Souza was dubbed bysome as a first rounder...so getting him later was a nice move. 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS: 
ADD:  C Jackie Butler, SF Eric Williams, SF Matt Bonner, PG Jaques Vaughn, C/PF Francisco Elson, PF Rich Melzer
LOST:  C Nazr Mohammad, C Rasho Nesterovic, PF Sean Marks.
The Spurs dealt away Nesterovic and let Mohammad leave via free agency.  They also watched Joel Prybilla re-up with Portland.  It will be interesting to see how the Spurs approach their roster.   Williams and Bonner add a little bit of help, but not much. Melzer played in New Zealand last year.   Either Butler or Elson may indeed end up being an important player on this team. 

NORTHWEST DIVISION

DENVER NUGGETS: 
ADD:  PF/C Joe Smith, SG JR Smith, C.PF Jamal Sampson, SG/SF Yakhouba Diawara
LOST:   SF/SG Ruben Patterson, SG Greg Buckner, C/PF Francisco Elson
The biggest news for Denver was locking up Carmelo Anthony long term.  Unlike LeBron, Wade and Bosh....Melo decided to take the long deal for security...which, to me, makes sense because he's less marketable than either LeBron or Wade who can make their lost money from endorsements.  Not to say Melo can't either...he just can't as well as those two.  They also kept Nene...who was highly sought after around the league.  The Nuggs also made a move, bringing in JR Smith via a trade.  It allowed the Nuggets to get a need player and still able to sign some of their own free agents [Nene].  Denver did draft Leon Powe, but dealt him away for a future 2nd rounder.  Not too good for a team with limited cap space and a roster in flux.  Diawara is a rookie free agent that excelled defensively in the summer league.  It isn't known if Sampson or Diawara will contribute much. 

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: 
ADD:  PG Mike James, PG Randy Foye, PF Craig Smith, C Loukas Mavrokefalidis. 
LOST:  PG Marcus Banks, SF Ronald DuPree
Many people don't realize that Mike James averaged 20 pts and nearly 6 assists for the Raptors last year.  Bringing him to Minnesota is a very good move for a team that had no point guard at alllast season.  Foye really helps the Wolves in the backcourt as far as scoring...and James' signing means he won't have to come in and start off the bat.  He could be ROY.  However, the guy they dealt for him, Brandon Roy, was a better fit.  Also, they were screwed by Portland...who snuck in and took Foye and ruined the premeditaded deal they had with Houston.  I like Craig Smith as he's a tough guy around the basket.  He is a bit smallish though. 

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: 
ADD:  C/PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SG Brandon Roy, C Jamaal Magliore, PG Dan Dickau, C Raef LaFrentz, PG Sergio Rodriguez, C Joel Freeland
LOST:  PG Steve Blake, SF Viktor Khryapa, C/PF Theo Ratliff, PG Sebastian Telfair, PF Brian Skinner, C Ha Seung-Jin 
What a draft night for Portland.  They pulled off SIX trades.  Now, you can view what the Blazers did two different ways.  You can assess each deal one-by-one or you can look at the overall haul.  As seperate deals, sure, you can dump on Portland for some overzealous actions [why the 2-for-4 and Khryapa pick??].  However, they also did the shrewdest move of the night byblockingthe Rockets/Wolves deal by drafting the guy that Minnesota wanted Houstonto take.  Then they made the deal.  Overall it looks pretty decent.  Aldridge and Roy are good character guys who can come in and start for Portland.  They already dealt away bad seed Telfair and are looking to deal Zach Randolph.  While LaFrentz isn't the defensive person that Ratliff was, but heis younger and more of a threat to score.  Rodriguez and Freeland can stay in Europe and develop...which is good for Portland who already invested in high school projects in the last 4-5 drafts.  Portland also dealt away starter Steve Blake [with Skinner and Ha] for Magliore....which gives Portland a veteran center, but light at the point guard. 

SEATTLE SONICS: 
ADD:  SF Mickael Gelabale, C Saer Sene, SG Dehnam Brown, PG Yotam Halperin. 
LOST:  C Mikki Moore
What's going on??  The Sonics drafted a very raw center with their first rounder.  Last year, they drafted a raw center Johan Petro in the first round.  In 2004, they drafted a raw center Robert Swift in the first round.  So, what is this??  Not tomention, they just drafted a guy who averaged 3 pts and 4 rbs in the Belgium league last year.  THE BELGIUM LEAGUE!!!!  If that was your average in any colleigate conference last year...you'd be looking to go to graduate school.  Sure, he showed some stuff in some exhibition games...but the Sonics needed more from their pick.  Brown and Halperin could be key players to Seattle in time.  Speaking of draft picks, the Sonics are bringing Mickael Gelabale...their 2nd round pick in 2005...overfrom Spain.  He's a slashing type of swingman with very good defense and a decent shot.

UTAH JAZZ: 
ADD:  SG Ronnie Brewer, PG Derek Fisher, PG Dee Brown, PFPaul Millsap, C Rapheal Araujo. 
LOST:  C Greg Ostertag, SG Devin Brown, SG Keith McLeod, SG Andre Owens, PF KrisHumphries
The big Ostertag has hung them up.  Adding Fisher is a bit odd. The Jazz spent their lottery pick last year on a PG and their lottery pick this year on a SG.  Not to mention that Fisher costs too much.  I think the Jazz did a great job with their picks. Brewer is a Jerry Sloan kind of guy.  He plays tough defense and a guy whocan create his own shot...something they desperately needed.  Brown can back up Deron Williams...his former Illinois backcourt mate.  Brown canbe that change of pace guard who can get the team running a bit.  Millsap is a stud rebounder [he led the country in boards at UTEP] who can contribute in the paint scoring wise.  They dealt for Araujo who is trying to stay in the league

PACIFIC DIVISION

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: 
ADD:  CPatrick O'Bryant, SG Devin Brown,SG Keith McLeod, SG Andre Owens, C Kosta Perovic. 
LOST:  PG Derek Fisher, PG Will Bynum
Losing Fish isn't a big deal.  He was expensive...and that doesn't work when Baron Davis is already there.  What is peculiar is that they waived Will Bynum too...who ledthe D-League is scoring last year and seemed to be ready to make the move to the NBA.  He still might end up with G-State [he was waived or his contract would've been guranteed] or take his suddenly rising stock elsewhere.  They brought in Brown, McLeod and Owens, who are just roster fillers.  Both picks are big men and both need time to develop.  The Warriors needed big men...but these guys are a bit unproven.  However, if O'Bryant keeps improving as he did late in the college season, he could turn out to be quite a player. 

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS: 
ADD:  PF Tim Thomas, PF/C Aaron Williams, C Paul Davis, PG Guillermo Diaz. 
LOST:  PF Vladimir Radmanovic
Vlad-Ram will be missed as a key perimeter shooter....but the Clips acted fast by bringing in Tim Thomas.  Thomas can do more on the floor than Radmanovic.  Aaron Williams adds veteran depth in the frontcourt.  Davis and Diaz are those 2nd round guys who could last a long time in the NBA.  Davis is a big man with a post presence and a nice little offensive game....especially a jump shot.  Big centers who can hit open jumpers are always needed.  Diaz is a ballsy guard whohas some trade value if Miami really, really, really wants him. 

LOS ANGELES LAKERS: 
ADD:  PF Vladimir Radmanovic, PG Jordan Farmar, SF Maurice Evans, PG Shammond Williams, PG Danilo Pinnock
LOST:  SF Devean George
Radmanovic adds a key perimeter scorer for the Lakers.  Someone capable of hitting open jumpers.  Farmar will be in an interesting battle with Smush Parker and Sasha Vujacic for those point minutes alongside Kobe.  The guy who hitsmore consistently from the field will riseto the top.  Farmarcould bethat guy.  He's smart [can pick up the triangle quicker than most] and a leader.  He's also local which couldgive him fan points.  Signing Shammond Williams gives the Lakers a three-point threat at the PG spot.  Pinnock could also be thrown into the mix if he does well in the summer leagues.  Evans wantedout of Detroit and got hiswish.  As a Laker, he'll back up Kobe and whomever is at small forward.  The Evans move means that 3-time champion Devean George isn't needed anymore.

PHOENIX SUNS: 
ADD:  SG Eric Piatkowski, PG Marcus Banks, PF Sean Marks
LOST:  PF Tim Thomas, C/PF Brian Grant, PG Eddie House, F Dijon Thompson, SF Nikoloz Tskitishvili.
Losing Thomas hurts a little.  Thomas was only around about half the year in Phoenix, but came on strong as a keymember of the team in the playoffs.  Losing him to division rival Clippers doesn't help matters.  The Suns did get some bench help...as they signed Piatkowski and Banks [which allowed them the waive g-bye to Eddie House].  Piatkowski is a big time shooter and Banks is that run-and-gunnin' point guard that could give Nash some rest.  The Suns had two picks...but came home with nothing.  And I absolutely hate what they did.  Sure, I understand....kinda.  The thinking is that they like the team they have and really didn't want rookie salaries pushing them into the luxury tax bracket.  They also are looking at resigning some of their own guys in the next summer.  However, they came off like cheapskates [they also dealt Grant away].  They dealt away both of their picks for cash....even though there weresome great players sitting there for their picks.  They did end up with a future 1st rounder from Boston...which just keeps them out of the bottom spot.  Nikoloz Tskitishvili, aka The Euro Bust, was waived.  They have added Piatkowski, a veteran gunner.  Marks has made the rounds in the NBA as a deep bench guy.

SACRAMENTO KINGS: 
ADD:  SG/PG John Salmons, SG Quincy Douby, PG Pooh Jeter, C/PF Justin Williams. 
LOST:  SG/SF Bonzi Wells, SF Jamal Sampson
Salmons had a weird offseason.  He was reportedly a lock to goto the Suns.  Then he accepts a sign-and-trade to go to Toronto...and then backed out.  Now he ends up in SacTown....which allows them to move on without Wells.  I like Douby [I was hoping the Lakers could get him] but he doesn't fill any need.  The Blazers already drafted lanky two-guards in 2005 [Fran Garcia] and 2004 [Kevin Martin]...and they added Salmons [which, actually, came after the pick].  With a ton of point guards available at their pick...including Bobby Jackson-esque Rajon Rondo....this pick made no sense. Jeter and Williams were picked up from the summer league...and I am a huge Williams fan.

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this