LakeShow
09-04-2008, 06:33 PM
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/global/writer_headshots/marty_burns.jpgMarty Burns>INSIDE THE NBA
Fittingly for an area that encompasses the San Andreas Fault, the Pacific Division experienced a series of jarring tremors this past summer. Baron Davis left the Warriors. Elton Brand bolted the Clippers. Ron Artest was dispatched from the Kings.
But when the chandeliers stopped shaking, the old house pretty much looked the same as before. The Lakers were still living in the penthouse. The Suns were on the main floor, peeking up around the stairs. And the Warriors, Clippers and Kings were still rearranging the decor in the basement.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
What went right:
They didn't lose everybody
It might have seemed that way to those outside the Bay Area, but GM Chris Mullin did manage to re-sign restricted free agents Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Kelenna Azubuike. Ellis, in particular, was crucial. The fourth-year combo guard continued his development into a star last year and will be counted on to help replace Davis as Golden State's main playmaker. However, Ellis injured his ankle last week and will be out the next three months (see below).
They added Corey Maggette
Striking back at the Clippers for stealing Davis, GM Chris Mullin lured Maggette away from L.A. with a five-year, $50 million offer. While the price tag was a bit high, the 6-6 Maggette is a proven scorer entering his prime who averaged 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a year ago for the Clippers. He should join with Ellis, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington to give Nelson some serious firepower on the wings.
They netted a PG prospect
In a little-heralded move, Mullin acquired backup point guard Marcus Williams from the Nets in exchange for a conditional future first-round draft pick. Williams, a former first-round pick in '06 (No. 22 overall), showed signs of being a quality set-up man while stuck behind Jason Kidd (and then Devin Harris) in New Jersey. With Ellis still learning the point guard position, Williams could turn out to be a valuable pickup.
What went wrong:
They lost their QB
No matter how the Warriors try to spin it, Davis' defection was a huge blow -- at least for the immediate future. The 6-3 point guard was an All-Star caliber player whose rare ability to get in the lane at will and also shoot from outside made him a perfect catalyst for coach Don Nelson's Small Ball system. Ellis can pick up some of the scoring slack, but he's not a true point guard like Davis.
Barnes and Pietrus also walked
Davis was not the only Warrior free agent to walk away with nothing in return. Matt Barnes (Suns) and Mickael Pietrus (Magic) also left for greener pastures. While the two players had seen their roles reduced last year, they were experienced veterans familiar with Nellie's system. It remains to be seen how well, and how quickly, their replacements will fit into the Warriors scheme.
Ellis injured his ankle
Ellis had ankle surgery last week after suffering a severe sprain while working out in his home state of Mississippi. The 6-3 guard is expected to make a full recovery, but he likely will be out until December at the earliest. His absence from training camp and the first month of the season could be a serious setback as he tries to make the transition to lead playmaker for the Warriors.
Grade: D
Synopsis: Davis' departure and Ellis' injury spell trouble for the Warriors. It might be time to start thinking about the post-Nellie Era in the Bay Area.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
What went right:
They welcomed home Baron
In the first blockbuster of the summer, Davis opted out of the last year of his contract in Golden State and signed a five-year, $65 million free agent contract with his hometown Clippers. While his plans to pair up with Brand fell by the wayside (see below), the two-time All-Star nonetheless brings careers averages of 17.1 points and 7.2 assists per game over nine NBA seasons. Perhaps just as important, Davis gives L.A.'s "other team" a much-needed new face to the organization and a jolt of excitement.
They stole Camby
Seeking a replacement for Brand, Clippers GM Elgin Baylor acquired veteran center Marcus Camby from the Nuggets in exchange for a jug of Gatorade and a sack of balls (actually, it was for the right to swap second-round picks in 2010, but what's the difference?). The 6-11 Camby, a former Defensive Player of the Year, won't score like Brand, but he should join with Chris Kaman to form a solid frontcourt tandem. Given the price tag, it has to be considered a steal.
They shuffled the deck
In addition to getting Davis and Camby, the Clippers signed free agents Ricky Davis and Jason Williams to one-year deals while adding point guard Jason Hart in a trade with the Jazz (for Brevin Knight). The three veterans bring loads of experience and they are all in the last year of their contracts, so they should be motivated to play well. Along with Cuttino Mobley and rookie Eric Gordon, the Clippers at least appear to be well-stocked on the perimeter.
What went wrong:
They got Brand-ed
Or should that be Falk-ed? Whether it was Brand himself, or agent David Falk, that engineered it, Brand's controversial departure stung the Clippers. By opting out of his contract and signing a free agent deal with the Sixers, Brand left L.A. without its best low-post threat, its hardest-working two-way performer and its most popular player. Just as important, it brought back all those old jokes and doubts around the NBA about the Clippers organization.
Corey walked, too.
Though not as painful as Brand's defection, and not at all unexpected, Maggette's departure did not come without a cost. Even if L.A. did not want to pay the defensively-challenged swingman the money he was seeking, it hurts to see your leading scorer walk away with nothing in return. The Clippers can only hope that Tim Thomas, Ricky Davis and young Al Thornton can combine to replace Maggette's production at the small forward spot.
They said "So Long" to Shaun.
In a perfect world, the Clippers would have been able to keep young point guard Shaun Livingston. But Davis' arrival meant the end of the line in Clipperdom for the former first-round pick (No. 4 overall in '04), who is attempting a comeback from a horrific knee injury in 2007. Livingston is now a free agent, and if Clippers luck holds true, he will someday come back to haunt them like so many other former stars.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: Give them credit for landing Davis and bringing in new blood, but the re-branding won't make up for the loss of the old Brand.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
What went right:
They re-signed Sasha
Seeking continuity for his defending Western Conference champs, GM Mitch Kupchak re-signed sharp-shooting reserve guard Sasha Vujacic to a three-year, $15 million contract. Vujacic proved a key contributor off the bench a year ago, averaging 8.8 points (on 43.7 percent shooting from downtown) in just 17.8 minutes. With so few other long-range threats who can also defend, the Lakers could not afford to let Vujacic get away.
Bynum made progress
In news that had Lakers Nation breathing a sigh of relief, third-year center Andrew Bynum continued to make progress in his rehabilitation from offseason knee surgery. The 7-foot, 280-pounder, who blossomed into a star a year ago, was reported to be bigger and stronger, and showing no ill effects from the knee injury that wiped out his season last January. Bynum was expected to be 100 percent healthy for the start of training camp.
They imported some Sun
It probably won't pay big dividends this season, but Kupchak added a piece for the future by signing Chinese guard Sun Yue to a two-year contract. The 6-9 Sun, the Lakers' second-round pick (No. 40) in '07, started for China's national team at the Olympics and is considered a solid prospect. For the short term he will compete for playing time with Jordan Farmar as backup in the L.A. backcourt.
What went wrong:
They didn't trade Odom
Maybe it will turn out to be the right move, but hanging on to Lamar Odom (at least for now) appears to be a big risk. The 6-10 forward is talented, but his lackluster showing in last year's Finals was a bad sign. Odom's height, meanwhile, is less of a factor now that the Lakers will have Bynum and Pau Gasol in the frontcourt. Ideally, L.A. would have been able to move him for a better defender/outside shooter on the perimeter.
They struck out on Posey and Barry
Kupchak tried to land free agents James Posey (Hornets) and Brent Barry (Rockets), but both veteran forwards opted to sign elsewhere. Due to financial constraints, Kupchak then decided not to match Golden State's offer sheet for reserve forward Ronny Turiaf (four years, $17 million). The loss of Turiaf, without the addition of any other proven veteran, leaves L.A.'s Bench Mob a bit thin in the frontcourt.
Kobe didn't get any rest
After carrying the Lakers through a long season that stretched into June, Kobe Bryant spent the summer helping lead Team USA to the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Due to those commitments, the reigning MVP also put off surgery to repair ligament damage in his right pinky. Bryant insists he's feeling spry as ever at age 30, but it remains to be seen how the long season affects him down the stretch next spring.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: The defending conference champs seem to be in good shape with a healthy Kobe and Bynum. But will they make a move with Odom?
PHOENIX SUNS
What went right:
They signaled for a Porter
Seeking a new voice and approach after several near-misses at the Finals, Suns GM Steve Kerr hired Terry Porter to replace Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Porter brings a toughness honed from a long NBA playing career, most notably with the Blazers, and experience with Xs and Os from a stint as head coach of the Bucks. He should be able to implement Kerr's vision of a more balanced team while earning the respect of his players in the locker room.
They brought in Barnes
Unwilling to make many moves because of the luxury tax, Kerr did manage to add one key reinforcement in the form of Barnes. The 6-7 swingman brings scoring off the bench, and a toughness that should blend well with Raja Bell as the Suns go about trying to become a fiercer defensive team. With a one-year contract, Barnes also comes at a relative bargain.
They imported Dragic
In a bit of a surprise, the Suns managed to buy out the European contract of Croatian combo guard Goran Dragic and bring him to Phoenix with a four-year deal. The 6-4 Dragic, a second-round pick (No. 45 overall in '08), averaged 11.8 points and 3.2 assists last year for Tau Ceramica. He is expected to play a key role as Steve Nash's primary backup.
What went wrong:
Arriverderci, D'Antoni
Say what you want about his cavalier approach to defense, but D'Antoni's Suns teams won a lot of games and were always fun to watch. He surely brought out the best in Steve Nash. Kerr can hardly be faulted for wanting to put his own imprint on his club, but it doesn't take away from the job D'Antoni did in his four-plus seasons in the Valley. It's just too bad that his departure wasn't handled a bit more gracefully.
They got a year older
Not much the Suns could do about it, but Father Time continues to work against them. Nash (34), Shaquille O'Neal (36) and Grant Hill (soon-to-be 36) all got a year older. Given their history of injuries, they have to be considered longshots to make it through the entire season. But do the Suns have the depth to replace them if/when that happens?
Grade: C
Synopsis: Porter better implement his system fast, and pray for health, because the window appears to be closing fast.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
What went right:
They said bye-bye to Ron-Ron
Eliminating a potential distraction for his rebuilding club, Kings GM Geoff Petrie traded veteran swingman Ron Artest to the Rockets for veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and a future first-round draft pick. Though an All-Star-caliber talent, the volatile Artest simply was not a good fit for a young team. By dealing him to the Rockets, the Kings not only rid themselves of a possible headache but also got back a popular former player (and expiring contract) in Jackson, as well as the promising Greene (see below).
They re-signed Beno
Hoping to solidify the point guard spot, Petrie re-signed veteran Beno Udrih to a reported five-year, $32.7 million deal. The 6-3 Udrih was one of the few bright spots for the Kings last year, averaging a career-best 12.8 points and 4.3 assists after being waived by the Spurs early in the season. Udrih won't ever make fans forget Mike Bibby, but if he can play like he did a year ago -- while maybe dishing a few more helpers - Sacramento will be more than content.
They added prospects
On draft night the Kings used their first-round pick (No. 12 overall) on Jason Thompson, a 6-11 power forward from Rider. He joins Greene, an athletic 6-10 forward from Syracuse who was drafted No. 28 overall in '08, to give Sacramento two top frontcourt prospects to go with last year's first rounder, 6-11 center Spencer Hawes. Along with blossoming star Kevin Martin and Udrih, the Kings at least now have a promising nucleus around which to build for the future.
What went wrong:
They didn't get immediate help
It's hard to fault Petrie for taking the package he got from Houston for Artest, but it will probably cost them victories this season. With Martin and solid pros such as Brad Miller, Mikki Moore and John Salmons, Sacramento probably could have contended for a playoff spot with the addition of even one quality veteran such as Odom. By not going that route, Petrie basically has sent the message to his roster and coach Reggie Theus that this year is really more about the future.
Brad got busted
Miller, the veteran center, will sit out the first five games of the '08-'09 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The 7-footer was coming off a nice bounce-back season, averaging 13.4 points and 9.5 boards. It remains to be seen how Miller's run-in with the NBA police might affect his trade value, and his absence certainly won't help Sacramento in its quest to get off to a good start.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: Petrie's moves have all been solid as he goes about rebuilding, but it's probably going to be another long season in Sac Town.
Fittingly for an area that encompasses the San Andreas Fault, the Pacific Division experienced a series of jarring tremors this past summer. Baron Davis left the Warriors. Elton Brand bolted the Clippers. Ron Artest was dispatched from the Kings.
But when the chandeliers stopped shaking, the old house pretty much looked the same as before. The Lakers were still living in the penthouse. The Suns were on the main floor, peeking up around the stairs. And the Warriors, Clippers and Kings were still rearranging the decor in the basement.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
What went right:
They didn't lose everybody
It might have seemed that way to those outside the Bay Area, but GM Chris Mullin did manage to re-sign restricted free agents Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Kelenna Azubuike. Ellis, in particular, was crucial. The fourth-year combo guard continued his development into a star last year and will be counted on to help replace Davis as Golden State's main playmaker. However, Ellis injured his ankle last week and will be out the next three months (see below).
They added Corey Maggette
Striking back at the Clippers for stealing Davis, GM Chris Mullin lured Maggette away from L.A. with a five-year, $50 million offer. While the price tag was a bit high, the 6-6 Maggette is a proven scorer entering his prime who averaged 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a year ago for the Clippers. He should join with Ellis, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington to give Nelson some serious firepower on the wings.
They netted a PG prospect
In a little-heralded move, Mullin acquired backup point guard Marcus Williams from the Nets in exchange for a conditional future first-round draft pick. Williams, a former first-round pick in '06 (No. 22 overall), showed signs of being a quality set-up man while stuck behind Jason Kidd (and then Devin Harris) in New Jersey. With Ellis still learning the point guard position, Williams could turn out to be a valuable pickup.
What went wrong:
They lost their QB
No matter how the Warriors try to spin it, Davis' defection was a huge blow -- at least for the immediate future. The 6-3 point guard was an All-Star caliber player whose rare ability to get in the lane at will and also shoot from outside made him a perfect catalyst for coach Don Nelson's Small Ball system. Ellis can pick up some of the scoring slack, but he's not a true point guard like Davis.
Barnes and Pietrus also walked
Davis was not the only Warrior free agent to walk away with nothing in return. Matt Barnes (Suns) and Mickael Pietrus (Magic) also left for greener pastures. While the two players had seen their roles reduced last year, they were experienced veterans familiar with Nellie's system. It remains to be seen how well, and how quickly, their replacements will fit into the Warriors scheme.
Ellis injured his ankle
Ellis had ankle surgery last week after suffering a severe sprain while working out in his home state of Mississippi. The 6-3 guard is expected to make a full recovery, but he likely will be out until December at the earliest. His absence from training camp and the first month of the season could be a serious setback as he tries to make the transition to lead playmaker for the Warriors.
Grade: D
Synopsis: Davis' departure and Ellis' injury spell trouble for the Warriors. It might be time to start thinking about the post-Nellie Era in the Bay Area.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
What went right:
They welcomed home Baron
In the first blockbuster of the summer, Davis opted out of the last year of his contract in Golden State and signed a five-year, $65 million free agent contract with his hometown Clippers. While his plans to pair up with Brand fell by the wayside (see below), the two-time All-Star nonetheless brings careers averages of 17.1 points and 7.2 assists per game over nine NBA seasons. Perhaps just as important, Davis gives L.A.'s "other team" a much-needed new face to the organization and a jolt of excitement.
They stole Camby
Seeking a replacement for Brand, Clippers GM Elgin Baylor acquired veteran center Marcus Camby from the Nuggets in exchange for a jug of Gatorade and a sack of balls (actually, it was for the right to swap second-round picks in 2010, but what's the difference?). The 6-11 Camby, a former Defensive Player of the Year, won't score like Brand, but he should join with Chris Kaman to form a solid frontcourt tandem. Given the price tag, it has to be considered a steal.
They shuffled the deck
In addition to getting Davis and Camby, the Clippers signed free agents Ricky Davis and Jason Williams to one-year deals while adding point guard Jason Hart in a trade with the Jazz (for Brevin Knight). The three veterans bring loads of experience and they are all in the last year of their contracts, so they should be motivated to play well. Along with Cuttino Mobley and rookie Eric Gordon, the Clippers at least appear to be well-stocked on the perimeter.
What went wrong:
They got Brand-ed
Or should that be Falk-ed? Whether it was Brand himself, or agent David Falk, that engineered it, Brand's controversial departure stung the Clippers. By opting out of his contract and signing a free agent deal with the Sixers, Brand left L.A. without its best low-post threat, its hardest-working two-way performer and its most popular player. Just as important, it brought back all those old jokes and doubts around the NBA about the Clippers organization.
Corey walked, too.
Though not as painful as Brand's defection, and not at all unexpected, Maggette's departure did not come without a cost. Even if L.A. did not want to pay the defensively-challenged swingman the money he was seeking, it hurts to see your leading scorer walk away with nothing in return. The Clippers can only hope that Tim Thomas, Ricky Davis and young Al Thornton can combine to replace Maggette's production at the small forward spot.
They said "So Long" to Shaun.
In a perfect world, the Clippers would have been able to keep young point guard Shaun Livingston. But Davis' arrival meant the end of the line in Clipperdom for the former first-round pick (No. 4 overall in '04), who is attempting a comeback from a horrific knee injury in 2007. Livingston is now a free agent, and if Clippers luck holds true, he will someday come back to haunt them like so many other former stars.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: Give them credit for landing Davis and bringing in new blood, but the re-branding won't make up for the loss of the old Brand.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
What went right:
They re-signed Sasha
Seeking continuity for his defending Western Conference champs, GM Mitch Kupchak re-signed sharp-shooting reserve guard Sasha Vujacic to a three-year, $15 million contract. Vujacic proved a key contributor off the bench a year ago, averaging 8.8 points (on 43.7 percent shooting from downtown) in just 17.8 minutes. With so few other long-range threats who can also defend, the Lakers could not afford to let Vujacic get away.
Bynum made progress
In news that had Lakers Nation breathing a sigh of relief, third-year center Andrew Bynum continued to make progress in his rehabilitation from offseason knee surgery. The 7-foot, 280-pounder, who blossomed into a star a year ago, was reported to be bigger and stronger, and showing no ill effects from the knee injury that wiped out his season last January. Bynum was expected to be 100 percent healthy for the start of training camp.
They imported some Sun
It probably won't pay big dividends this season, but Kupchak added a piece for the future by signing Chinese guard Sun Yue to a two-year contract. The 6-9 Sun, the Lakers' second-round pick (No. 40) in '07, started for China's national team at the Olympics and is considered a solid prospect. For the short term he will compete for playing time with Jordan Farmar as backup in the L.A. backcourt.
What went wrong:
They didn't trade Odom
Maybe it will turn out to be the right move, but hanging on to Lamar Odom (at least for now) appears to be a big risk. The 6-10 forward is talented, but his lackluster showing in last year's Finals was a bad sign. Odom's height, meanwhile, is less of a factor now that the Lakers will have Bynum and Pau Gasol in the frontcourt. Ideally, L.A. would have been able to move him for a better defender/outside shooter on the perimeter.
They struck out on Posey and Barry
Kupchak tried to land free agents James Posey (Hornets) and Brent Barry (Rockets), but both veteran forwards opted to sign elsewhere. Due to financial constraints, Kupchak then decided not to match Golden State's offer sheet for reserve forward Ronny Turiaf (four years, $17 million). The loss of Turiaf, without the addition of any other proven veteran, leaves L.A.'s Bench Mob a bit thin in the frontcourt.
Kobe didn't get any rest
After carrying the Lakers through a long season that stretched into June, Kobe Bryant spent the summer helping lead Team USA to the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Due to those commitments, the reigning MVP also put off surgery to repair ligament damage in his right pinky. Bryant insists he's feeling spry as ever at age 30, but it remains to be seen how the long season affects him down the stretch next spring.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: The defending conference champs seem to be in good shape with a healthy Kobe and Bynum. But will they make a move with Odom?
PHOENIX SUNS
What went right:
They signaled for a Porter
Seeking a new voice and approach after several near-misses at the Finals, Suns GM Steve Kerr hired Terry Porter to replace Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Porter brings a toughness honed from a long NBA playing career, most notably with the Blazers, and experience with Xs and Os from a stint as head coach of the Bucks. He should be able to implement Kerr's vision of a more balanced team while earning the respect of his players in the locker room.
They brought in Barnes
Unwilling to make many moves because of the luxury tax, Kerr did manage to add one key reinforcement in the form of Barnes. The 6-7 swingman brings scoring off the bench, and a toughness that should blend well with Raja Bell as the Suns go about trying to become a fiercer defensive team. With a one-year contract, Barnes also comes at a relative bargain.
They imported Dragic
In a bit of a surprise, the Suns managed to buy out the European contract of Croatian combo guard Goran Dragic and bring him to Phoenix with a four-year deal. The 6-4 Dragic, a second-round pick (No. 45 overall in '08), averaged 11.8 points and 3.2 assists last year for Tau Ceramica. He is expected to play a key role as Steve Nash's primary backup.
What went wrong:
Arriverderci, D'Antoni
Say what you want about his cavalier approach to defense, but D'Antoni's Suns teams won a lot of games and were always fun to watch. He surely brought out the best in Steve Nash. Kerr can hardly be faulted for wanting to put his own imprint on his club, but it doesn't take away from the job D'Antoni did in his four-plus seasons in the Valley. It's just too bad that his departure wasn't handled a bit more gracefully.
They got a year older
Not much the Suns could do about it, but Father Time continues to work against them. Nash (34), Shaquille O'Neal (36) and Grant Hill (soon-to-be 36) all got a year older. Given their history of injuries, they have to be considered longshots to make it through the entire season. But do the Suns have the depth to replace them if/when that happens?
Grade: C
Synopsis: Porter better implement his system fast, and pray for health, because the window appears to be closing fast.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
What went right:
They said bye-bye to Ron-Ron
Eliminating a potential distraction for his rebuilding club, Kings GM Geoff Petrie traded veteran swingman Ron Artest to the Rockets for veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and a future first-round draft pick. Though an All-Star-caliber talent, the volatile Artest simply was not a good fit for a young team. By dealing him to the Rockets, the Kings not only rid themselves of a possible headache but also got back a popular former player (and expiring contract) in Jackson, as well as the promising Greene (see below).
They re-signed Beno
Hoping to solidify the point guard spot, Petrie re-signed veteran Beno Udrih to a reported five-year, $32.7 million deal. The 6-3 Udrih was one of the few bright spots for the Kings last year, averaging a career-best 12.8 points and 4.3 assists after being waived by the Spurs early in the season. Udrih won't ever make fans forget Mike Bibby, but if he can play like he did a year ago -- while maybe dishing a few more helpers - Sacramento will be more than content.
They added prospects
On draft night the Kings used their first-round pick (No. 12 overall) on Jason Thompson, a 6-11 power forward from Rider. He joins Greene, an athletic 6-10 forward from Syracuse who was drafted No. 28 overall in '08, to give Sacramento two top frontcourt prospects to go with last year's first rounder, 6-11 center Spencer Hawes. Along with blossoming star Kevin Martin and Udrih, the Kings at least now have a promising nucleus around which to build for the future.
What went wrong:
They didn't get immediate help
It's hard to fault Petrie for taking the package he got from Houston for Artest, but it will probably cost them victories this season. With Martin and solid pros such as Brad Miller, Mikki Moore and John Salmons, Sacramento probably could have contended for a playoff spot with the addition of even one quality veteran such as Odom. By not going that route, Petrie basically has sent the message to his roster and coach Reggie Theus that this year is really more about the future.
Brad got busted
Miller, the veteran center, will sit out the first five games of the '08-'09 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The 7-footer was coming off a nice bounce-back season, averaging 13.4 points and 9.5 boards. It remains to be seen how Miller's run-in with the NBA police might affect his trade value, and his absence certainly won't help Sacramento in its quest to get off to a good start.
Grade: B-
Synopsis: Petrie's moves have all been solid as he goes about rebuilding, but it's probably going to be another long season in Sac Town.