Discussing Other Teams' Moves

[LyricalRico]

A problem with Howard going to LAL is that Jim Buss brought Bynum to LA and he's not willing to trade Pau and Andrew Bynum for Howard.

Maybe it's not his first choice, but I have to think that he'll end up more willing to make the deal than he is to see the team go .500 and either miss the playoffs or get run out of the gym by OKC in the first round. He's not paying Kobe $25M (or whatever he's paying him) for first round exits, and there's not much hope for them for next year to get better. Howard is really their only play at this point IMO.

The alternative would be if they could get something good in return for Gasol. But I'm not sure I see that out there. If HOU was still wiling to give up Scola+Martin+pick, I think that deal would have been made by now.

[Dat2U]

What does everyone make of the Sixers? They're first in the NBA in SRS ("simple rating system" that factors record and schedule strength, maybe victory margin too). 6th in offensive rating. First in defensive rating.

They don't have a marquee superster, the closest being Igoudala. They play eight guys 25+ minutes. They seem to be THE story of the NBA that no one is talking about.

They're one of the youngest teams in the league and could be major players this summer. If they amnesty the final year of Brand's deal (or if he opts out and extends a la Richard Jefferson) they could have max cap space to chase Howard, Deron, Gordon, Ray Allen etc.

So what say you? Are they a mirage? Spencer Hawes and Lou WIlliams are playing out of their minds compared to their career numbers. Could they possibly come out of the East -- are they the new Pistons?

Pretender. Good enough to lose to either Chicago or Miami in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Lou Williams is doing his best Jason Terry impression as their closer.

Just shows how good a coach Doug Collins is when he's not on his knees in front of MJ.

Their built for regular season success but their missing that one big piece to get them over the top in the postseason IMO.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

If the postseason were officiated the same way as the regular season, Philly could do a lot of damage. Unfortunately for them, guys like James, Rose, and Wade will spend all day at the FT line when they play the Sixers. Otherwise, Philly has enough perimeter shooters behind Williams, in Meeks, Holiday, Young, and Turner to win close, hard-fought games. They have bigs with perimeter games who can rebound. Brand can defend and rebound.

Philly can do some damage if they get a high enough seed for the playoffs. With homecourt, perhaps they get some calls they otherwise wouldn't.

I can see them perhaps getting past Boston and even Chicago, but not Miami.

[Ruzious]

The 6ers are built very well for this season, because they've got a bench of athletic guys that they can bring off the bench and score. The extra depth makes a huge difference with the jam-packed schedule. Also, it has been said that their schedule has been relatively easy, so far. Come playoff time - is AI2 going to hit his jump shots? Last playoffs, he was left alone - and he still couldn't hit. But it looks like he worked real hard in the offseason on his outside shooting. And do they have enough size up front? Time will tell.

[closg00]

The Kings GM's neck is on the chopping-block according to Hoopsworld. I guess the Jimmer pick perhaps?

[LyricalRico]

Their built for regular season success but their missing that one big piece to get them over the top in the postseason IMO.

Might they make a play for Gasol? I've mulled Gasol+filler for Brand+Iggy for a while. On the one hand, it would break up Philly's great chemistry and style. But OTOH it would give them a guy they can give it to on the block to get buckets for them in a playoff atmoshphere.

And they would still have Noc's expiring (his last year is non-guaranteed) to use for another piece.

[dobrojim]

I like Philly but agree they probably can't get past MIA.

They might give CHI a run for their money.
Jrue Holliday is doing great. He's got near
Wall-like athleticism and size with better
shooting than Wall has at the moment. I thought
they should have drafted Lawson ahead of Holliday
at the time. Good thing for them I'm not their GM.
Holliday is a player who really has improved his
shooting (player devel thread). At least that is
my anecdotal impression.

I note that Owens has been released and Almond is
available. While this could be fairly described as
rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, could
we cut Mo Evans and Mason and add Owens and Almond.
That's for you CCJ

[fishercob]

Their built for regular season success but their missing that one big piece to get them over the top in the postseason IMO.

Might they make a play for Gasol? I've mulled Gasol+filler for Brand+Iggy for a while. On the one hand, it would break up Philly's great chemistry and style. But OTOH it would give them a guy they can give it to on the block to get buckets for them in a playoff atmoshphere.

And they would still have Noc's expiring (his last year is non-guaranteed) to use for another piece.

Iguodala is central to their success. I don't see them moving him.

I guess if I were a Sixers fan I'd want them to play out the year without any big moves and see how the playoffs go.

If they are willing to eat the final year of Brand's contract this summer they'll be at just $39M in committed salary with a free agent market full of productive veterans. They're going to be able to make really good, credible pitches to a host of FA's. They're pretty dangerous IMHO.

[LyricalRico]

What if LAL goes in a different direction than Howard, like maybe Steve Nash? Assuming Blatche comes back healthy before the deadline...

Wizards trade: Blatche, Turiaf, and Young
Wizards receive: Okafor, Blake, and DAL first (via LAL)

Lakers trade: Gasol, Blake, Walton, 2012 first and DAL first
Lakers receive: Nash, Childress, Ariza, and Blatche

Hornets trade: Okafor, Ariza, and Kaman
Hornets receive: Gasol, Walton, and Turiaf

Suns trade: Nash and Childress
Suns receive: Kaman, Young, LAL first

The NBA gets LAL a PG to make up for botching the CP3 situation, plus SF help. NOH gets a talent upgrade without adding any salary, meaning they could be good next year if they get a good pick and re-up Gordon. PHX does right by Nash while unloading a guy who doesn't do much for them. The Wiz dump Blatche and get some solid vets, plus a pick for taking on salary.

McGee/Vesely
Okafor/Booker
Lewis/Singleton
Crawford/Mason
Wall/Blake

Maybe it won't mean more wins this year, but it does help with the team's character. I think it's worth the cap hit.

[montestewart]

Just as I'm thinking the Clippers have no D, they make a move, signing Kenyon Martin. He's pretty far along, but maybe he'll help, but what they really need is a perimeter specialist. They have plenty of 3pt shooters, but no real 3pt stoppers.

[closg00]

Rubio has 10 double-doubles. Krazy Khan isn't looking so-crazy anymore.

[FAH1223]

anyone see the story about Howard and the Lakers on the wiretap? Kobe told Dwight he would be the 3rd option and L.A. would be Dwight's after Kobe decides he's done playing

Looks like Howard is going to New Jersey and teaming up with Deron.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Rubio has 10 double-doubles. Krazy Khan isn't looking so-crazy anymore.

Dude violated Ernie on Foye and Miller for Rubio.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Just as I'm thinking the Clippers have no D, they make a move, signing Kenyon Martin. He's pretty far along, but maybe he'll help, but what they really need is a perimeter specialist. They have plenty of 3pt shooters, but no real 3pt stoppers.

I won't be surprised if the playoff 4 and 5 seeds in the West are LAL and LAC. I would love to see an NBA version of the Battle of Los Angeles.

The Clippers are for real now. They need front court depth and also wing defenders as you alluded, monte.

[LyricalRico]

General manager Mitch Kupchak may have inadvertently leaked one target to reporter Mike Trudell of Lakers.com.

To the question, what would he like to address before the trade deadline (March 15th), Kupchak answered:

“Well, if there were a way for us to get a 25-year-old, All-Star, ball-handling guard we’d love to do it … but that’s not likely in February. So you look at other alternatives, and see if it’s better than what you have. That’s all.”

<snip>

Additionally, sources have told HOOSPWORLD that the Boston Celtics do have interest in Gasol for their All-Star point guard.

The Celtics have the potential for sizable cap room this summer but there is no true sense that Dwight Howard or Deron Williams would be within their reach.

The list of options after the top two stars is not especially impressive. The Celtics have almost no one inside to play next to Kevin Garnett, who is in the last year of his contract.

<snip>

Gasol has two years on his deal after this season which happens to line up when Paul Pierce’s is set to expire.

The Celtics have shopped Rondo on a number of occasions. For a number of reasons, sources say Boston does not intend to rebuild their roster around Rondo.

The drop off from Rajon to second-year player Avery Bradley (a capable defender but not as experienced as a playmaker) may not be as significant to the Celtics as the void in the middle that Gasol would fill.

Boston could consider bringing back veterans Ray Allen and Garnett, while using their remaining spending power to improve at the point. Alternatively, they could renounce the rights to their free agents and come up with at least $11 million in cap space.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2-rondo-f ... possiblity

Holy cow!

[Ruzious]

Rubio has 10 double-doubles. Krazy Khan isn't looking so-crazy anymore.

Dude violated Ernie on Foye and Miller for Rubio.

Thing is - Ernie could have easily gotten Lawson in that trade, and Lawson continues to put up better all-around stats than Rubio.

[Ruzious]

General manager Mitch Kupchak may have inadvertently leaked one target to reporter Mike Trudell of Lakers.com.

To the question, what would he like to address before the trade deadline (March 15th), Kupchak answered:

“Well, if there were a way for us to get a 25-year-old, All-Star, ball-handling guard we’d love to do it … but that’s not likely in February. So you look at other alternatives, and see if it’s better than what you have. That’s all.”

<snip>

Additionally, sources have told HOOSPWORLD that the Boston Celtics do have interest in Gasol for their All-Star point guard.

The Celtics have the potential for sizable cap room this summer but there is no true sense that Dwight Howard or Deron Williams would be within their reach.

The list of options after the top two stars is not especially impressive. The Celtics have almost no one inside to play next to Kevin Garnett, who is in the last year of his contract.

<snip>

Gasol has two years on his deal after this season which happens to line up when Paul Pierce’s is set to expire.

The Celtics have shopped Rondo on a number of occasions. For a number of reasons, sources say Boston does not intend to rebuild their roster around Rondo.

The drop off from Rajon to second-year player Avery Bradley (a capable defender but not as experienced as a playmaker) may not be as significant to the Celtics as the void in the middle that Gasol would fill.

Boston could consider bringing back veterans Ray Allen and Garnett, while using their remaining spending power to improve at the point. Alternatively, they could renounce the rights to their free agents and come up with at least $11 million in cap space.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2-rondo-f ... possiblity

Holy cow!

That trade would be foolish for Boston unless they have some really good point guard stashed away that nobody knows about. They're not going to go any place with or without Rondo - especially without him. And Rondo more than likely has more quality years left than Gasol - so they'd be hurting the future to make no difference on the present.

It'd be a very nice trade for the Lakers, but do they have enough front court depth? Probably not.

[LyricalRico]

^ Maybe Gasol+Blake+DAL pick for Rondo+JO?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

DeMarcus Cousins is playing like a star, if anyone notices

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball- ... 00839.html

Smart seems to have already made bigger strides with Cousins in 17 games than Westphal did in the previous 89, a fact that says plenty about the ability of both coaches.

That said, Smart's success is built on the strength of Cousins' skill and basketball instincts. He's not a miracle worker, but merely a coach finally giving Cousins the essentials that he has long needed. With that crucial foundation finally in place, Cousins has put up averages of 19 points (on 46 percent shooting) and 14.2 rebounds per 36 minutes this season. No 21-year-old has ever produced at such a prolific level in the history of the N.B.A., making Cousins' success this year unprecedented.

Do players develop? Does coaching matter?

[Illuminaire]

Apparently so. Cousin's rebounding has been tremendous, and I love that he plays with passion. The 46% shooting is pretty terrible for a big, though... that's going to keep him from being a true impact player unless he becomes a defensive beast too.