Around the League Free Agency News

Post #1 » by **PR07** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 5:59 am

Well, the Lakers have turned into a whole new animal with Artest signing with them. I was starting to warm up to Artest again, but he joined the "dark side" with this move. I rather would've seen him playing alongside LeBron in Cleveland.

Fisher
Kobe
Artest
Gasol
Odom/Bynum

is pretty ridiculous.

Post #2 » by **Gremz** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 7:16 am

Has anyone heard anything regarding Odom's situation? I do agree, that is a formidable team.

I'll be interested to see what moves Cleveland and Boston have left in them.

Thoughts on Ariza to Houston? Simply a reaction move?

Post #3 » by **Miller4ever** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 7:29 am

Houston was one of the teams that actually makes sense for Ariza now. I think that Odom is going to stay in LA now that his best buddy's around.

Kuq_e_Zi91 · Post #4 » by **Kuq_e_Zi91** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 7:49 am

I love Ariza in Houston. It gives him an opportunity to shine with Yao & T-Mac injured and Artest gone.

What's Houston's starting five, though? Brooks/Ariza/Battier/Landry/Scola? I don't think that's scaring anyone in the west. Their bench is basically nonexistent, especially in the front court.

Post #5 » by **Miller4ever** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 8:40 am

Do you guys think we have any shot at Millsap? He is going to want a lot of cash, obviously.

OnFire · Post #6 » by **OnFire** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 9:17 am

Miller4ever wrote:Do you guys think we have any shot at Millsap? He is going to want a lot of cash, obviously.

I think Tyler is pretty
much in the same mold as
Millsap.

Though he'd make a
good addition.

We'll need to move Foster
or TMurph if ever, methinks.

laydo · Post #7 » by **laydo** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 12:18 pm

OnFire wrote:
Miller4ever wrote:Do you guys think we have any shot at Millsap? He is going to want a lot of cash, obviously.

I think Tyler is pretty
much in the same mold as
Millsap.

Though he'd make a
good addition.

We'll need to move Foster
or TMurph if ever, methinks.

Do not move Jeff Foster! He is now the only guy who play well defense in the paint. Also, he is the guy who bring the hustle spirit and the toughness now in the roster. I would like him retire as a Pacer one day.

Don't expect the Pacers will move Troy Murphy now. He just broke the double-double record of the team and set the new league record of 3pt% and rebounds. However, if he cannot improve his defense anymore, I think we should trade him next summer. Maybe to get a point guard, which the Pacers needed most.

Post #8 » by **PR07** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 8:24 pm

Hedo to Blazers. Appears to be a good move for the Blazers as it will take some playmaking pressure off Roy which is always nice.

Post #9 » by **PR07** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 8:27 pm

I think Sheed is the wildcard in the East. If he lands with Cleveland, Orlando, or Boston; it could be the difference in whose making it to the Finals, and whose not.

Post #10 » by **Miller4ever** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 9:22 pm

I'm not so sure. Rasheed is getting really old, and his effectiveness may result in only 2 or 3 extra wins in the regular season. In any case, all of those teams have Shaq, KG, and Dwight. Perhaps his skill set would help Orlando the most, and allow Rashard to play small forward.

chatard5 · Post #11 » by **chatard5** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 10:06 pm

I wanted to see Artest go to Cleveland. All these experts are saying Artest will make them worse. I think that's CRAZY! Others say Ariza is just as good at D as Artest? Ariza may be good, but c'mon. I can see a team wanting Ariza more because he is younger. I think Artest to the Lakers is HUGE and the Lakers are going to win a buuunch of games. He is like a Pippen. He will guard the other teams best player, which can only help Kobe on the offensive end. They just need to make sure that they don't give him too many shots.

Post #12 » by **PR07** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 10:50 pm

It's not his effectiveness in the regular season that will matter though. It will be his effectiveness in a 5 or 7 game series.

If he goes to Cleveland, he gives them a guy who can play outside to complement Shaq's inside game, and another long defender who can guard Rashard Lewis and make him pay offensively by taking him to the low block. He also matches up well against Garnett and Gasol.

If he goes to Orlando, he allows Rashard Lewis to play the 3, which gives the Magic a more normal lineup (which probably helps their success long-term), and will increase defense and rebounding. Gives them another guy to match up against Garnett and Gasol. Also, can play the 5 when Dwight Howard has to sit, since the Magic may lose Gortat.

If he goes to Boston, he'll form a long versatile frontcourt with Garnett. A frontcourt where each member can match up with most of the 3's as well as all the 4's and 5's of the league. Inside-outside, both can play either. Matches up well against Gasol.

Post #13 » by **PR07** » Sat Jul 4, 2009 6:22 am

Turkoglu burns the Blazers for more money with Toronto.

Kid Canada · Post #14 » by **Kid Canada** » Sat Jul 4, 2009 5:23 pm

TURKY GLUE! Going to Toronto had more to do with his wife liking Toronto and it being closer to Turkey.

fj20 · Post #15 » by **fj20** » Sat Jul 4, 2009 6:17 pm

seems all the elite teams are just getting better and better...should leave for an interesting summer next year with most of these teams being good already and lots of moves...
i tihnk right now top 5teams:
1. lakers
2. cavs
3. spurs
4. celts
5. magic

Kid Canada · Post #16 » by **Kid Canada** » Sat Jul 4, 2009 8:00 pm

Those are the top 5 for sure.

Hard to say where they rank right now because there is a long way to go before the season starts and LA could lose Odom (doubtful). I think a healthy Celtics team is still the team to beat.

1. Boston
2. Lakers
3. Spurs
4. Magic
5. Cavs ( I predict they sign Marion)

Post #17 » by **Miller4ever** » Sun Jul 5, 2009 12:08 am

1. Pacers
2. Pacers
3. Pace...

Kool-aid wore off.

These are my rankings:

1. Lakers-ridiculous
2. Magic-Yeah, Carter has a history, but he does fill the role and it's the first contender he's ever been on.
3. Cavs-Shaq is a great addition, but they missed out on Ron Artest, which would've given them another scoring option and defensive presence.
4. Boston-Old, but if they get Rasheed... (btw, why are they shopping Rondo?)
5. Spurs-The wear and tear issues are still there, but you never know...
6. Hornets/Blazers-My dark horse picks, even though they've been missing out this particular offseason thus far.

Post #18 » by **Gremz** » Sun Jul 5, 2009 10:11 am

Miller4ever wrote:1. Pacers
2. Pacers
3. Pace...

Kool-aid wore off.

These are my rankings:

1. Lakers-ridiculous
2. Magic-Yeah, Carter has a history, but he does fill the role and it's the first contender he's ever been on.
3. Cavs-Shaq is a great addition, but they missed out on Ron Artest, which would've given them another scoring option and defensive presence.
4. Boston-Old, but if they get Rasheed... (btw, why are they shopping Rondo?)
5. Spurs-The wear and tear issues are still there, but you never know...
6. Hornets/Blazers-My dark horse picks, even though they've been missing out this particular offseason thus far.

I heard Sportscenter rumors that he was difficult in the locker room. Perhaps it's also due to them being worried about their title chances?

Post #19 » by **PR07** » Mon Jul 6, 2009 1:13 am

Rondo has maturity issues (thinks he's better than he is). That can wear out fast on a team full of veterans who just want to win.

Celtics sign Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeed. Looks like they'll say bye to either Big Baby or Powe. Wonder if Perkins is available at all.

Rondo
Allen
Pierce
Garnett
Sheed

That's pretty darn good.

Kid Canada · Post #20 » by **Kid Canada** » Mon Jul 6, 2009 2:59 am

They have 1 year to win I would say. 4 out of 5 are on the wrong side of 30. Big Baby to the Spurs.