Tuesday, December 13, 2011
If the lockout didn't hurt the NBA, David Stern will
A lockout can impact a sport in many ways, as NBA associates
and fans should already know. When the NBA locked out in the 1998-1999 season and
missed 33 games, there was fan apathy and ratings declined. With the state of
the economy, the NBA cannot afford to have their ratings decline once again.
The recent lockout has already caused the season to be shortened to 66 games,
with the opening games to be played on Christmas day. Free agency is in full
swing and the season is quickly approaching. So, there should be reason for
excitement for NBA fans, right? Not really, as Commissioner David Stern is
doing everything in his power to further damage the upcoming season.
News spread all over television and the internet about a
blockbuster trade that would send New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul to
the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade involved three teams, New Orleans, Los Angeles
and Houston. It would have sent Paul to the Lakers, PF Pau Gasol to the
Rockets, and F Lamar Odom, SG Kevin Martin and PF Luis Scola to the Hornets.
The Hornets would have also received a first round pick from the Rockets and G
Goran Dragic. To many, the deal seamed fair as every team involved gave up
valuable pieces to their organization. However, David Stern vetoed the trade
after he was under increased pressure from NBA owners around the league. One of
those owners was Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who went as far as
writing a letter expressing his displeasure with the trade. The question is
what were the reasons behind Stern’s decision to veto this trade?
I don’t think anyone really knows. In one way or another,
every team was benefitting from this trade. First, New Orleans was benefitting
because they were going to lose Chris Paul to free agency next year anyway.
Instead of getting nothing in return for Paul, they were gaining a first round
pick and three proven NBA players. The Lakers were to receive one of the best
point guards in the league to compliment Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. Finally,
the Rockets were improving by adding Gasol, a former all-star and a player who
can put up a double-double on any given night.
Sure, there is the argument that the trade was making the
Lakers a powerhouse and decreasing other team’s chances of making the playoffs
in the West. But what about the Rockets? This trade was clearly making them a
better team and therefore increasing their chances of making the playoffs. What
about the Hornets? They may not be in the playoff picture without Chris Paul,
but they were providing the franchise with a base for the future. Last time I checked,
David Stern did nothing about Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joining Paul Pierce
on the Boston Celtics a few years ago. He did nothing about LeBron James and
Chris Bosh joining Dwayne Wade on the Miami Heat a season ago. So why is it
that he denies Chris Paul the chance to win an NBA championship?
As a result of this trade being vetoed, the Lakers backed
out of trade talks with New Orleans and dealt Lamar Odom with the Dallas
Mavericks for virtually nothing. I am sure Mark Cuban is not complaining to
David Stern about that trade. The Lakers hope to acquire Dwight Howard, but the
talks have slowed. No one will ever know the real reason for Stern vetoing the
trade, leaving many NBA fans to speculate the Commissioners intentions.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A look at NBA free agency
With the lockout finally coming to an end, NBA teams have a
short off-season to sort out their rosters and get ready for the first game. The
NBA is set to begin on Christmas day with a triple-header that will kick off
the shortened 66 game season. Free Agency is expected to open December 9th,
but teams can begin talking with players and agents November 30th.
Here is a list of both restricted and unrestricted free agents that will likely
be on the move.
Nene C – Nene has spent most of his career in Denver and is
coming off a season where he averaged 14.5 ppg, 7.6 rebounds, and 1 block. He
has recently come out and said that he wanted to play for a contender. The
Nuggets will probably not be contending for a NBA title this season and Nene
will be taking offers. He could be the missing piece in the middle that the
Miami Heat needs to win the NBA title this year. Nene could take the load off
of Chris Bosh’s shoulders down low and be a solid presence on the glass.
Jamal Crawford SG/PG – Crawford spent time in both the
starting lineup and coming off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks last season. At
times, he has looked unstoppable and like a big time scorer. Other times he
looks like he deserves to come off the bench. Either way, Jamal can provide
depth to a team that needs someone in the back court. He is a career 35% shooter
from beyond the 3 point line.
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| Tyson Chandler will likely remain in Dallas. Photo by BleacherReport.com |
Tyson Chandler C/PF – Chandler is an unrestricted free agent
but it is unlikely that the Dallas Mavericks will let him go in their attempt
to defend the NBA title. Tyson was a key member of the Mavericks defense last
season helping them sweep the Lakers and then beat Miami in the finals. It
would be a surprise if Mark Cuban does not resign the big man and lets him go
to another contender such as the Miami Heat. He averaged 10 points and 9.4
rebounds last season.
Jeff Green F – Green was part of a surprise deal that sent
him to the Boston Celtics for Kendrick Perkins at the trade deadline last
season. He is now a free agent, and it doesn’t look like the Celtics are going
to resign him. Green has struggled with turnovers, but can be valuable as he
can play many positions on the court. He is still only 25 years old and could
start for many teams across the NBA.
Caron Butler G/F – Butler was once considered to be a star
in the league, but has since declined as he has suffered from multiple
injuries. If Caron can stay healthy, he might be worth a bid because he can
score and rebound well. In his career, he has averaged almost 17 points a game
along with 6 rebounds.
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| Greg Oden. Photo by NBCsports.com |
Greg Oden C – Who is Greg Oden? Oh yeah, he was drafted
ahead of superstar Kevin Durant with the first overall pick of the 2007 draft
by the Trail Blazers. Since then, Oden has appeared in only 13 games as he has
had two microfracture knee surgeries. However, it appears that Oden is getting
healthy again and is only 23 years old. If he can stay healthy, the talent is
surely there, and he can be the big man that many teams are missing.
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