Can Danny?

This year was a difficult one when it came to picking the NBA All-Star game reserves. A lot of players were bunched togethe and there were a lot of arguments to be made. I think the roster is pretty good although I have two complaints.

David West: I've never given David West the respect he deserve and, well, admitting that is as far as I'm going. I don't think he deserves a spot on the All-Star team and, in the end, he might not have it since he's injured and could take the game off. If that happens, I think you have to look at the improved play of the Timberwolves and Thunder and look to reward those teams. The obvious calls, IMO, are old friend Al Jefferson and Kevin Durant. I doubt either of them will make it, however, if Carmelo Anthony is healthy.

Pau Gasol: I guess the Lakers need two guys but I'd have gone with the aforementioned threesome of 'Melo, Big Al, or Durant.

Rashard Lewis: Lewis is another guy that I bash on a lot but, really, he's the 15 highest paid player in the NBA this year and I think he's the 4th most important on his team. There's no way he should have made it over Hedo Turkoglu or Ray Allen.

As for Rondo, I think he's been too inconsistent while Jameer Nelson has stepped up his game and become a key to the Magic's success. I have to be honest, while the Celtics can survive an inconsistent Rondo, it Nelson doesn't bring his A-game to the playoffs, the Magic could be upset early. Rondo looked like an All-Star early in the season but he's fallen back and just isn't steady enough for an All-Star slot. And honestly, I'm glad he didn't make it so he can use this slight to motivate him for the rest of the season and the coming off-season. Ditto for Ray Allen; I kind of wish he'd made it but I'm not upset that he won't get a few days off to rest.

Posted by SoulHonky at 02:30 AM | Permalink

Maybe I'm imagining things but I really don't remember a season that has had so many deals go sour. The Jermaine O'Neal trade hasn't helped either team as the Pacers are still bad and the Raptors have gotten worse. JO is already being shopped, possibly heading to Miami. The Wizards re-signing of Antawn Jamison seemed like a bad idea from the jump but the way that team has floundered, it's becoming more and more questionable. Baron Davis isn't helping the Clippers, Elton Brand is a problem in Philly since he slows down the up-tempo office (or so some claims) and Corey Maggette has already worn out his welcome and is supposedly on the block. Now, word is coming that the in-season deal of Allen Iverson has backfired and Joe Dumars might be looking to deal AI if he can get an expiring contract in return.

So how can we fix these issues?

Jermaine O'Neal for Shawn Marion: I've already written about this deal but I think it helps both teams.

Elton Brand and Willie Green to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, and Joakim Noah

I'm not a huge fan of this deal on paper but on the court, it could be just what the Sixers need. Hinrich's ability to play both positions gives Philly a shooting guard to play alongside Andre Miller this year and a guy who can handle the point guard duties while playing alongside Lou Williams in the future. Nocioni is a good uptempo power forward who I think will put up great numbers if given the chance. The Sixers up-tempo offense would be great. I'm not really a fan of Noah at all but he'd be a backup center.

Or you could go for the wild Power Forward Purge of 2009:

Chris Bosh to Dallas.

Dirk Nowitzki to Phoenix

Amare Stoudemire to Philly

Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young to Toronto 

Obviously, a few more players would be thrown in to make salaries work but those would be the key players in the deal.

Now since I'm a big fan of Thad Young, I think the Sixers are giving up a lot for a guy in Amare who could walk in a year but I think it's worth it. Look at it this way, if the Sixers were offered Amare for Thad Young during the off-season (when they had cap space) would people really have turned it down?

Bosh is from Dallas so the Mavs get a hometown hero to replace Dirk. Toronto moves Bosh because, IMO, he's gone in 2010. I think most free agents in that class are going to stay home but I'd be willing to bet that CB4 is the one to make a move. I can't see him staying in Toronto, even if they are winning. In his place, they get a good big man in Elton Brand and a very talented, potential All-Star in Young. They might have to throw something else in to make it work but I think it makes sense, especially since Brand is tied down for long term and can't leave and they'll be able to match any offers on Young when his contract comes due down the line.

Phoenix makes one last run, bringing Dirk and Nash back together and giving a perimeter PF to team with Shaq.

The odds of this happening are none to so-slim-it-might-as-well-be-none but I think it would help each team and would be a huge new story which could help the NBA's sagging attendance.

Jason Kidd for Allen Iverson: Last year's Jason Kidd deal was a disaster. The AI Era has turned into the AI error. I've proposed this trade before and I think it still makes sense. The Mavs need some new life and AI would give them some toughness that they need. Kidd would get another shot at a ring and could make the Pistons offense run more smoothly. I also don't think it's a bad thing to have Pistons PG of the future Rodney Stuckey watch Kidd work up close for half a season. Definitely better than learning from AI.

Corey Maggette: Honestly, I think the Warriors are stuck with this guy. Granted, I couldn't believe someone would trade for Zach Randolph so stranger things have happened but any Maggette trade would likely be completely lopsided. In fact, they'd probably have to offer Anthony Randolph or Brandan Wright to get much of anything. The one team that MIGHT be willing to make the move is Cleveland, who has Wally Szczerbiak's expiring contract. Maybe Milwaukee could offer something like Dan Gadzuric, Charlie Villenueva, and Luke Ridnour or something. It was a bad signing at the time but this is the NBA, where illogical trades happen.

Posted by SoulHonky at 01:01 AM | Permalink

Admittedly, I've been avoiding the Orlando bandwagon for a while now but I still can't get behind this team. I think they rely way to heavily on a soft style of play, particularly the three pointer. Yes, it's a good idea when you have someone like Dwight Howard in the middle but I don't think they'll ever be a true championship contender until they get another big man to bang down low with Howard.

I also don't think I'll ever get off of the fact that Rashard Lewis is vastly overpaid and that his contract is going to be the difference between the Magic being good and great. Currently, he's the fourth most important player on that team IMO and he's getting paid a ridiculous 20 million a year.

When it comes to the playoffs, I have the Magic ranked 4th behind Boston, Cleveland, and Detroit and I really think they are ripe for an upset. They remind me of last year's Houston Rockets. Everyone got excited about a regular season win streak and then it was one and done for T-Mac and friends. If Miami actually swings a deal with Marion, I might even put them over Orlando since I wouldn't bet against Wade and a, wait for it, an improving Michael Beasley. If New Jersey gets Mike Miller, I could see them or Atlanta giving the Magic more than they can handle.

As for the Celtics, it was a nice statement game. This team is going to lose some games here and there but I think they are focused on what matters most. An 18th banner.

If there's one thing I'd like to see more of, it's some legit minutes for the young guys. Let Tony Allen rest, introduce Patrick O'Bryant to a nice tailor, and give The Alien a clipboard and let the rooks and Gabe get some more run. It's looking less and less likely that the C's will be making a trade or picking someone up off of waivers so these kids are going to need to play a few minutes IMO.

Posted by SoulHonky at 04:17 AM | Permalink

The NBA released the starters for the All-Star game and it seems like Yi Jianlian is just one good nationally televised game (or a small bump in Nets attendance) from being a starter. Something really needs to be done about this but it probably won't. If a Canadian can be handed three MVP trophies, why can't an Asian dude get to start the All-Star game?

All-Star break also brings out the best from John Hollinger who alternatively promotes and ignores his beloved PER which leads to quotes like: "The best small forward in the conference this season has probably been either Kevin Durant  or Andrei Kirilenko, neither of whom has any business being in Phoenix this February." If someone is the best small forward in the conference, how do they have no business being in Phoenix? Not only do you have to be doing something right to be the best at your position in the NBA but centers have been getting in without merit for years (I see you Jamaal Magloire). And while I know I'm a bit biased being a 'Cuse alum but wouldn't you take 'Melo my man over those two? Yes, 'Melo is hurt but that's even better; then you'd have to replace him and would have carte blanche and get away adding a guard like T-Mac or Brandon Roy to the spot.

As for the bench, it seems like our dear Rondo is likely on the outs. Not only did the Iverson trade mean that there was one less guard spot in the East, and the remaining PG spot has to go to Devin Harris. Even without Iverson though, Rondo's game has dipped a bit of late and he's been overtaken by Jameer Nelson. You could also argue that Rodney Stuckey has, at the very least, caught up to Rajon.

Personally, I'm hoping Paul Pierce finds himself on the outs as well. I'd like to give him a few days off. Give the nod to a youngster like Danny Granger or, even better, let Hedo Turkoglu add All-Star to his resume and possibly price himself out of Orlando when he opts out this off-season. (If you ever see Hedo walking around, be sure to mention how great Sacramento is and that he looks better in purple than pinstripes.)

Posted by SoulHonky at 02:38 AM | Permalink

Posted by SoulHonky at 05:05 AM | Permalink

Posted by SoulHonky at 11:21 PM | Permalink

Insane as it may sound, two NBA GM's might actually be close to making a trade that helps both teams.

A Shawn Marion for Jermaine O'Neal deal would look good for both the Heat and Raptors. Miami is in desperate need of a legit big man and Jermaine O'Neal would be a great fit. He gives the Blazers a legit post presence, is a solid defender, and as a guy who came into the NBA at a very young age, he could be a solid mentor for Michael Beasley. The deal gives Dwyane Wade a little more help which could be all he needs to get the Heat to make a little noise in the playoffs.

As for the Raptors, Jermaine has never seemed comfortable sharing touches in the post so the Bosh/JO combo hasn't really panned out. They also need a SF. I like Jamario Moon but think he's better coming off of the pine. Marion helps the team this year and then is off the books. Word is that the deal could include Marcus Banks and I'm still a fan of his. He's overpaid but can help the Raptors on defense and as a backup to the currently injured Jose Calderon. 

On the other hand, the rumored Mike Conley for Joe Alexander and Ramon Sessions deal doesn't really make sense (at least for the Bucks). Right now, I'm not really convinced that Conley is all that much better than Sessions. Also, I don't know how Joe Alexander fits in Memphis. The SF spot is filled and I doubt Alexander is all that much better than Darrell Arthur. On top of that, I still believe OJ Mayo should move to the point guard spot and adding Sessions won't make that any closer to happening.

Posted by SoulHonky at 08:06 PM | Permalink

Posted by SoulHonky at 04:26 AM | Permalink

People often ask me why I waste time on internet message boards. In fact, I often ask myself the same thing. But one of the reasons (besides from it's a good place to shoot the shit, actually talk about your interests with people who share your fervor, and it's a decent place to get off-the-grid news) is that it can be a very funny diversion. Take for example the story of a post called "Hubie Brown best basketball analyst in history." The only content of the post was "the man is 75 years old and he's still as sharp and as on point as ever, hearing dude talk about the game is magic."

Now this post seems fairly innocuous but it had two things going for it: a) it was a definitive exclamation which will always bring out the critics on the internet and b) the guy who posted it was infamous on the boards for knowing very little about sports (or movies) and, more importantly, for once bragging about picking up a girl at a family reunion. So while the post itself seemed rather forgettable, guess who showed up? None other than Hubie Brown himself! (Click on picture for a pop-out of the post).

Of course that isn't the real Hubie Brown but it's a pitch perfect impersonation of his speaking style. The existance of aliases on the Okayplayer boards is one of the things that makes it so much fun to read. Other aliases are Bill Walton (going over-the-top with every compliment, The White Media (spinning every story the white way), Chris Hansen (if someone says a young starlet is hot), etc. It might seem silly, and well it IS an internet message board after all, but it makes for an fun way to kill time. Some people play mob wars on facebook, others sit and stare at a wall, I have heated discussions with people I know only by odd avatars and nicknames.

Posted by SoulHonky at 07:09 PM | Permalink

Now that the C's have lost four out of six, I think it's about time they stopped chirping so much and started focusing on playing the game. The C's, much like the Patriots from last year, have turned themselves into a dominant team that is just too easy too root against. Personally, I think that kind of attitude is more of a hindrance than a help; teams get fired up not just to beat you but to shut you up. Trash talk is part of the game, all the greats do and did it, but the C's have taken it too far.

Also, it's time to make a move or, at least, bring JR Giddens or Bill Walker up to the big team. Not only could the fresh blood help invigorate the bench but they also can't do any worse than the current squad. Benching Big Baby or Tony Allen wouldn't be such a bad thing IMO. The C's bench is killing them now and that is going to kill them in the long run if KG, Pierce, and Ray have to play extended minutes during the season. With the Big Three getting older, we need people to help let them rest. Instead, we have a bench that, more often than not, helps keep the games interesting by blowing leads. 

All that being said, the sky is not falling, the Celtics are still the team to beat, and I think Doc will be able to right the ship but let's take this moment to notice and hopefully address our weaknesses.

Posted by SoulHonky at 01:58 AM | Permalink

Reports are coming in that Stephon Marbury might be reteaming with Kevin Garnett here in Beantown. Granted, ESPN reports have been as reliable as a paper condom so who really knows but this is an interesting mood. The only reason I would shy away from it is because of the sniping between Ray Allen and Rondo during the Christmas game. Part of me wonders about the chemistry of the team. It's already been noted before that Allen and Paul Pierce have different personalities and that they clashed at times last year and I'm not sure if adding a notorious malcontent like Marbury is the right move. Also, how does Sam Cassell react? Will he happily become a full time coach?

On the court, I think the move is a no brainer. Marbury might not have been the best soldier but he often tried (or seemed to try) to make things work with his new coaches. He altered his play for Larry Brown and seemed to be doing the same for Mike D'Antoni during the preseason. Also, Steph is someone who could play either guard spot for us which would make me happy since I'm still not a big believer in Tony Allen. I truly believe that Steph could become an instant candidate for comeback player of the year. He is still a dynamic offensive player and should help the Celtics. His defense? It could be an issue but I think he'll have a chip on his shoulder and will likely try to fit in here.

Marbury isn't an ideal fit; the C's need a backup small forward and another big man more than another PG but he is likely the best available talent that could want to come to Boston. (On a side note, all of the trash talk might be irking a lot of players and keeping people from signing with the C's). And since Starbury will likely be on a one year deal, there's not a ton of long term risk since the C's could always just waive him if things aren't working out.

I'd roll the dice on Stephon but I also wouldn't sugarcoat it and pretend that it isn't a gamble. 

Posted by SoulHonky at 05:04 AM | Permalink