A very interest NBA off-season

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

Although it may not mesh well and may need time, look like some team are just take itself as need to win next year. And I thought it is hard to see one team help the other Like Timberwolves to Celtics, or Grizzlies to Lakers, now it happen to 2 teams help the other 2.

Will be interest next year.

Jya-Ning

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Magic acquiring Vince Carter looks like they are trying to add some experience to the roster (or be prepared if Hedo decides to go elsewhere).. Sad to see Battie and Lee traded though- both were quality players and quality people..

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

I guess it is win or dissolve.

Jya-Ning

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

Shaq is going to help Cleveland ??? Maybe, 8 yrs ago. This is a waste of money.

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

It will at least make King James happy. And if it failed, the top management will not get too much hot.

Not sure if they can compete with Laker or Spur. But if they can make sure Shaq play as little as possible in regular season, like it just a warm up, and use him extensively against Magic, it maybe very effective.

Jya-Ning

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Shaq is going to help Cleveland ??? Maybe, 8 yrs ago. This is a waste of money.

I love it. Shaq destroys every franchise he goes. Cleveland is next. This almost assures that LeBron James signs with another Club next summer. Win or lose, he's gone.

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

This almost assures that LeBron James signs with another Club next summer. Win or lose, he's gone.

Not sure about that. I will believe Shaq is a temp borrower. But I am pretty sure the reason Cleveland take that pill is because they are very afraid LeBron will leave.

On the other hand, although LeBron James is still very young, but Cleveland has been building the team around his style for several years. If he goes to other team that are in the verge of Championship or Already a Champion (like Laker), it will not show off his mighty power. I doubt he will be willing to be the supporting cast. If he goes to any other team (Like NY, NJ), it will take some maneuver to be able to get correct people and can compete in championship in 1 or 2 years. I don't see NY pull a Celtic move. So any team he goes, it will take a few years to just be able to have a chance. It is a era of Cap, Tax. Most team will not even try a 3 or 4 year plan. You usually sit there and try to deal with the card you got.

Consider Kobe has tried to pull the similar stun sever times at Laker, but still hang in there. So, I don't see him go. But who knows.

Jya-Ning

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

The main issue Cleveland will face with Shaq in the paint- is that Lebron will have to change how he plays. His outside shot has improved dramatically, but a great part of his game is simply due to his strength and speed driving to the paint. He's such a strong finisher- I'm afraid he'll have a little trouble transitioning to a stop and pop shooter from about ten feet.

With Shaq in the game (whether he's on your team or the opponent)- it's much harder to finish in the paint. Simply due to his size and how he plays the game- he has a tendency to stay close to the basket and keep the defense packed in..

Kobe managed it beautifully- but at the time he was mentally prepared to deal with Shaq hogging both media attention and space close to the basket. I'm not sure if Lebron will be able to accept either as gracefully.

If this experiment is going to have a chance at success- I think Shaq will have to see consistent playing time to allow the entire team to find a rythym together. At his age and size- I doubt if his legs will allow that!

Cleveland would have been much better served to try and acquire Amare Stoudemire from Cleveland than by grabbing the Diesel!

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

And there is rumor that Artest is going to Lakers.

Guess they are preparing to loss Odam

Jya-Ning

[Elan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Elan]

And there is rumor that Artest is going to Lakers.

Guess they are preparing to loss Odam

Jya-Ning

Artest to the Lakers, Ariza to the Rockets. The Lakers got a steal in Artest at a rumored $18M over 3 years, if, and it's a BIG IF, he can keep his head on straight. He's a great physical defender and has good offensive skills. Can shoot the 3 also.

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

Why does NBA teams trade for old superstars when the future will be like the former Laker Ariza now Rocket player?

I understand that there are two (2) NBA seasons in a year. The reqular and the real season the "NBA Playoff Season". Most NBA teams wants that season NBA veteran player for the Playoff.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Anybody have a crystal ball about Brandon Bass? Magic paid $18 million over 4 years so paid a reasonable rate for a young guy- but he's a player I've never seen- and his stats are mediocre at best (around 8pts/4rebounds the last two years).

Otis has been great at evaluating young talent- but from all indications this guy is now slated to be in the starting lineup.. I hope he lives up to at least half the publicity he received... Has it been a playing time issue, or is this just an example of an agent creating empty buzz about a player- and teams getting caught up in the hype?

I am excited about Ryan Anderson though.. He looks to be a quality big off the bench with a nice outside touch, not at all the trade throw-in I'd expected when I first heard his name.. Now if the Magic resign Gortat- (and can pick up another somewhat servicable point guard for the bench) I'll feel pretty confident coming into next season.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I have been a Laker fanatic for 40 years. Losing Ariza and getting Artest may or may not work out. It depends more on Artest keeping his head screwed on. Kobe and Phil Jackson should be able to help a lot in this regard. The Lakers have been missing a physically strong big man up front and hopefully Artest will fill that role. I thought that Andrew Bynum would fill that role before he was injured however, since coming back he has not played very well. He is very young so he still may turn into a great player. Pau Gazol is exceptionally talented but lacks the physical strength to dominate the middle. Odom is one of my favorite players and I think he earned a starting position after filling in when Bynum was out. I am very sorry to see Ariza go as he is very talented and young.

I strongly believe that the Lakers will repeat again next season.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

I agree that Artest is one of the most physical perimeter defenders in the league, but he's only 6'7".. Not really a towering presence on the interior..

He'll match up with any shooting guard or small forward in the league (similar in my thoughts to Kobe on the defensive end)- but you are still going to be depending on Gasol, Bynum, and Odom (if he resigns) to try to match up with any legitimate bigs.

I think Artest's real value to you is that he'll free up Kobe on the defensive end and let him get a much easier match up on that side of the court.