There are many teams in the NBA who are swimming in the pool of free-agency-free-for-all- summer-of-uncertainty. And whether you choose to dive in and make sense of everything with a clear head, you will notice there are a few teams who may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Though some of you may not be a fan of the way some of these decisions have been made, it appears the dust has settled and most are prepared to move on. There are three teams which stand out for me right now: the Utah Jazz; the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers. James the Dinoblogger touched on the Matt Barnes 2 year deal with the Raptors worth about 9 million, so let's tap into the teams I just mentioned.
The Bell is ringing in Utah
The Utah Jazz need to get jazzed about something after the departure of free agent Kyle Korver and Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls. So when Raja Bell signed with the Utah Jazz, two things went through my mind. One, what does Kobe think of this? Two, what about Bell's wrist? Bell's deal with the Jazz is worth 10 million over three years and according to Bell, he got a good deal and he's happy. Someone who may not be happy is Kobe Bryant. He's been reportedly pushing for Raja Bell to join the Lakers believe it or not and I don't blame him. Bell is a solid defender and by him joining the 'Lake Show', that would help Kobe keep the preverbial saying true: keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. These two aren't the best of friends but at least if they were on the same team, Kobe wouldn't have to worry about Bell defending him.
This is where I become a little concerned. Raja Bell has played for 6 different teams and during this time averaged more than 10 points a game. Last season he was with Golden State and Charlotte but only played six games due to his having wrist surgery. While he says he's fully recovered, a strong wrist is imperative to making baskets and being effective. Let's hope two times a charm for the Jazz with Raja Bell because like the Cavs, they don't need anymore drama.
The Sun is rising in Phoenix
The Phoenix Suns are expected to make a huge announcement Tuesday naming the team's new President of Basketball Operations. As I write this, it hasn't been made official but there is wide speculation agent Lon Babby will take on the role. As you may or may not know, he represents Hedo Turkoglu who just signed with Phoenix and formerly represented Josh Childress who also recently signed with Phoenix. Further, he represents the Suns' Grant Hill, San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Boston's Ray Allen. He has a wealth of experience to bring to the job since he's also represented baseball players and was a lawyer for the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Redskins of the NFL. This obviously means Duncan and Allen are without representation if Lon Babby takes on the new role in Phoenix since how could he build and represent a team while being looking out for the opposition's interests, too. Steve Kerr stepped down after this season ended for Phoenix to return to being an NBA analyst for TNT. While he says he enjoyed his role as President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns, he expressed a need to be near family. The Suns is another team who needs to be excited about something after Amare Stoudemire turned down the Suns to sign with the Knicks. I wonder what Steve Nash is thinking about right now......
"Play to your strengths" - George Shrinks
You love watching cartoons, admit it. In a recent interview on NBA TV, Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach, Byron Scott breaks down the elements of his team and how they will come together once the 2010-2011 NBA season starts. I couldn't help but think of the episode of George Shrinks when George takes over his friend's seemingly hopeless hockey team, breaks down their weaknesses and gets them to play to their strengths. Coach Shrinks only got his team to one goal and they ended up loosing but the point remains: when things seem hopeless, break everything down into manageable parts, start rebuilding team confidence and the success will come later. Coach Scott believes JJ Hickson will be the Cavs' staring power forward and may be looking to spread out the team's current experience and talent. He is in the speculation stages right now but also sees Antawn Jamison as being more effective coming off the bench. (Interesting considering he was selected in the first round, fourth overall, of the 1998 NBA Draft by the Raptors. Then remember how Toronto traded him to Golden State for -wait for it- draft rights to Vince Carter and cash before the regular season even started. Some Raptors fans may now say the cash in that deal would have been fine. But I digress).
Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert seems to keeping his "inside words" inside now. In another statement to fans, he says thanks to all the loyal Cavs fans who offered to pay down the debt he owes to the NBA for his comments made concerning LeBron's departure to the Miami Heat. He is going to pay down the fine himself, his says. Really? As if he would take money from fans in the first place. We all know someone like this, "Oh look at me. Feel sorry for me that the big bad NBA gave me a fine for going too far with my comments". Puleeze. I really hope this isn't a case of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" because I know other owners in the NBA are watching. Look at what the Cavs agreed to for Lebron:
- a sign and trade deal with Miami to acquire the rights to 5 future draft picks and received a traded player exception for LeBron
- Cleveland now owns 2 of Miami's 1st round picks starting in 2013 to 2017 with the Heat's 2012 second round pick from New Orleans AND the future second round pick Miami acquired from Oaklahoma
- Cleveland will also have the right to swap 2012 first round picks with the Heat.
Amazing right? I hope Gilbert is happy now and this episode of 'jumping up and down and stomping our feet to get our way' is behind us. I also hope owners of other NBA teams don't think they are are allowed to play like that either.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Remember to join me on the DNB this Thursday when we will be dedicating a special edition of "Basketball Beyond on the Floor" to Kid Raptor and all young fans of the NBA and the game of basketball. We will be discussing works from Chris Paul of the NBA, Queen Latifah and LL. Cool J. Happy reading and see you on Thursday.
Showing posts with label Dan Gilbert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Gilbert. Show all posts
7/20/10
7/13/10
Raptors On Court Good, Off Court Not So Much
Only was able to see bits and pieces of this one. But in what I was able to see DeRozan and Weems were continuing there high wire act in Vegas. The 2 young guns are doing an excellent job of taking the ball to the hoop. DeRozan did take a shot in this one but was not going to let it stop him. He was the game's high scorer with 23 points. As for the Raptor rookies it was not as good for Ed Davis today. After an impressive debut he faded into the background today with just 4 points and 4 boards. Raps 2nd round pick Solomon Alabi was a bit better in this on with 10 points and 6 boards in just 18 minutes of action. Also Dorsey again was doing work on the glass and scoring a bit to with 13 points matching Weems total and a dozen rebounds. So the summer version of the Raptors are 2-0 with a 100-91 win over the Rockets. Which is good news.
While off the court, the Raptors deal that had people including me ready to pat Bryan Colangelo on the back. Forget about it!!! It is now but a memory as Michael Jordan on his own or with the encouragement of his coach Larry Brown called off the trade with the Raptors. They quickly went and moved one of the pieces of the deal Tyson Chandler to Dallas. Mark Cuban is the big winner of the 3 way trade between the Suns, Raptors and Bobcats. Who saw that coming? He gets a major upgrade at center with Chandler for Dampier. It also makes you wonder if Cuban is considering bringing in Shaq as the Diesel did not exactly get along with his former center. Story for another day though.
So after Reggie Evans and Jose Calderon were told that they are gone, suddenly they are not. Awkward, and not good at all. Especially in the case of Calderon. If the Raptors had other offers it is safe to say they will be looking at them. Seems Charlotte, if you care to believe them or not, were not happy about a 10% trade kicker in Jose's contract. This was one of the reasons they gave for killing the trade. But now you have a less than thrilled point guard, who has had the only organization he has played for say they didn't want him . While Jack is clearly more in tune with this Raptors young core and is at summer league watching the guys play. It is a pretty awful mess for Bryan Colangelo, and unlike the Bosh saga that played out, a very unforeseen one. Also, not his fault it should be pointed out.
So you are thinking fine but what about Hedo? No he still is gone it would appear. I find it ironic that Suns are not the ones with buyers regret. But everything still seems a go for that trade despite no official announcement yet. Leandro Barbosa will still be a Raptor. While Diaw remains a Bobcat for the moment and Chandler is off to Dallas. In theory the Raps could still move Calderon for Diaw but I think if their were other options for Calderon those will be explored long before Bryan Colangelo makes a call to Charlotte. You have to imagine that Colangelo is hot at Charlotte and with just cause to be.
He may have even have been to angry to hear his former star on the radio give his version of his departure to Miami. I don't think Colangelo would care even if he wasn't busy or angry. I really have to find out what B.C does to deal with his anger and frustration. He handles it far better than me as my Twitter followers can vouch for. However, I handle it a million times better than Dan Gilbert. Who was fined that amount by David Stern. In the first smart thing Gilbert has done since James bolted he told Cavs fans that were willing to donate to pay his fine, thanks but no thanks. He encouraged them to give the money they had planned to donate to the Cavs Charity foundation or some other worthy cause.
Some off-season this is. I think I am working harder now than I would be in the season. I need a vacation to someplace nice....maybe South Beach....I hear it is great. Perhaps not!!!!
While off the court, the Raptors deal that had people including me ready to pat Bryan Colangelo on the back. Forget about it!!! It is now but a memory as Michael Jordan on his own or with the encouragement of his coach Larry Brown called off the trade with the Raptors. They quickly went and moved one of the pieces of the deal Tyson Chandler to Dallas. Mark Cuban is the big winner of the 3 way trade between the Suns, Raptors and Bobcats. Who saw that coming? He gets a major upgrade at center with Chandler for Dampier. It also makes you wonder if Cuban is considering bringing in Shaq as the Diesel did not exactly get along with his former center. Story for another day though.
So after Reggie Evans and Jose Calderon were told that they are gone, suddenly they are not. Awkward, and not good at all. Especially in the case of Calderon. If the Raptors had other offers it is safe to say they will be looking at them. Seems Charlotte, if you care to believe them or not, were not happy about a 10% trade kicker in Jose's contract. This was one of the reasons they gave for killing the trade. But now you have a less than thrilled point guard, who has had the only organization he has played for say they didn't want him . While Jack is clearly more in tune with this Raptors young core and is at summer league watching the guys play. It is a pretty awful mess for Bryan Colangelo, and unlike the Bosh saga that played out, a very unforeseen one. Also, not his fault it should be pointed out.
So you are thinking fine but what about Hedo? No he still is gone it would appear. I find it ironic that Suns are not the ones with buyers regret. But everything still seems a go for that trade despite no official announcement yet. Leandro Barbosa will still be a Raptor. While Diaw remains a Bobcat for the moment and Chandler is off to Dallas. In theory the Raps could still move Calderon for Diaw but I think if their were other options for Calderon those will be explored long before Bryan Colangelo makes a call to Charlotte. You have to imagine that Colangelo is hot at Charlotte and with just cause to be.
He may have even have been to angry to hear his former star on the radio give his version of his departure to Miami. I don't think Colangelo would care even if he wasn't busy or angry. I really have to find out what B.C does to deal with his anger and frustration. He handles it far better than me as my Twitter followers can vouch for. However, I handle it a million times better than Dan Gilbert. Who was fined that amount by David Stern. In the first smart thing Gilbert has done since James bolted he told Cavs fans that were willing to donate to pay his fine, thanks but no thanks. He encouraged them to give the money they had planned to donate to the Cavs Charity foundation or some other worthy cause.
Some off-season this is. I think I am working harder now than I would be in the season. I need a vacation to someplace nice....maybe South Beach....I hear it is great. Perhaps not!!!!
"Jiggly Bits"
"When things hit the fan, you see guys' true colours" - Lebron James. This is so true. We have all been there, maybe not as highly publicized as 'the decision', but we've been there. Emotions run high with any decision - getting married, moving, having children, changing jobs - these are all emotionally charged situations we can all relate to in one way or another. When I saw Chris Bosh and Lebron James jerseys being lit up like the fourth of July, I couldn't help but think this was a little extreme. I know I have made some decisions in my life that to this day people have not gotten over but I assure you - like any reasonable person would - those decisions were not made to intentionally hurt anyone. I did what was best for me and my family. This is what Lebron James and Chris Bosh did when they left the City of Cleveland and Toronto respectively. It is reasonable to receive backlash or dissent for any decision made, especially as high profile as this one, but it is not reasonable to be burned at the stake for it. Chris Bosh, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade teaming up for the Miami Heat did not sour the NBA, cause irreparable damage to the City of Cleveland or taint their collective legacies. There are other individuals or factors responsible for the bitter taste this drama has caused. Let's talk about it.
#1 - Decisions made by politicians are responsible for sustaining an economy, not professional basketball players.
If you visit the City of Cleveland's website, it boasts Coca Cola, Dansani Water, M&Ms, Mars bars, Coppertone, Dr. Scholl, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Duracell batteries have been manufactured or produced in Cleveland. They also go on to brag about the many other items which contribute to making the City of Cleveland what it is. So when a professional basketball player leaves, why is it his fault if the city's economy tanks? There are two people responsible for the City of Cleveland and the greater State of Ohio respectively: Mayor Tom Rowland and State Governor Ted Strickland. If anyone wishes express their disdain for the economic argument to Lebron James leaving the City of Cleveland, should really direct their comments to Mayor Rowland and Governor Strickland. These two gentleman got and will loose their jobs based on how the City of Cleveland or the State of Ohio does economically - not Lebron James. His job is to win basketball games and possibly NBA Championships. Lebron James was an employee of the Cavaliers and honoured his end of the contract. The Cleveland Cavaliers as an organization, through their own decision making (not surrounding Lebron with adequate help, benching him before this year's playoffs to name a few), was most likely a contributing factor to Lebron leaving for Miami. Sure, in Cleveland, Lebron was 40 miles from his hometown of Akron and worked for an organization built on his talents and which catered to his every whim, but that was their decision to run the Cavs franchise that way.
#2 - Dan Gilbert - the pot calling the kettle black.
Although NBA Commissioner David Stern thought 'decision 2010' was " ill-conceived, badly produced and poorly executed", he also agreed Lebron James was entitled to make the decision he did and his honesty and integrity did shine through in the process. So this is where I actually start to feel a little sorry for Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert. In an open letter to Cavs fans, Gilbert described Lebron as "narcissistic" and as displaying "cowardly behaviour" for leaving his franchise. Gilbert also guaranteed the Cavs would win one "before the self-titled former 'king' wins one". Sure, be upset he made a decision you didn't like but to throw a hissy fit in letter form? THAT is cowardly. I hope Cleveland fans see through this and realize he may just be trying to cover his own behind for not doing enough to keep Lebron in Cleveland. I agree with Reverend Jesse Jackson's comments when referring to Gilbert's letter: "He speaks as an owner of Lebron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers". Good thing NBA Commissioner David Stern took his comments seriously. For the follow-up comments Gilbert made with the Associated Press, the Cavs franchise is being fined $100,000. Stern also agrees the comments were a bit extreme.
#3 - LEGACY [leggessi] - ...something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.
So if we look at the literal definition of the word legacy, Lebron's or even Chris Bosh's legacy is still in tact after moving to Miami. The fact that Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are playing on the same team now does not change the face of the NBA for the worse. Remember Kevin Garnett. He played 12 seasons in Minnesota and was 31 before he gave his approval for a trade to Boston. So the fact that Lebron is 25 shouldn't matter. I disagree with Charles Barkley. I think the argument that Lebron's legacy is tainted now because he didn't win a championship "on his own in Cleveland" is a stretch. I think if we use this argument: champions are made solely by the accolades they receive and not by the content of their character, we are going down a very slippery slope. Lebron James had nothing but praise for the Cavs and its fans when asked by the media to comment on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments. He could have lashed back but didn't. If he stayed in Cleveland, he would've have been accused of being in it for the money since he would have been paid more than in Miami. But instead, he went to Miami for less money and a real shot at winning a championship. Remember - Lebron, Bosh and Wade came into this league together and went their separate ways. They played together at the Worlds and in the Olympics and now they found another opportunity to do so full time. The great William Shakespeare once said "No legacy is so rich as honesty". So let's be honest. The Cavs and Raptors are going to miss Lebron and Bosh respectively, but their departure will present new opportunity. As for the NBA franchises who are struggling, the fact that Lebron or Bosh did not move to those cities, is not their fault but the franchise's. If you are desperate and struggling before, you will continue to be unless you start making some sound business decisions. Bosh, Lebron and Wade are just playing by the rules. And if you don't like their recent decision, you know how the saying goes - "If you can stand the 'Heat', stay out of Miami".
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Remember, this Thursday we will be discussing: The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. I will also be giving you my flick pick of the week. Happy reading and see you on Thursday here on the DNB.
#1 - Decisions made by politicians are responsible for sustaining an economy, not professional basketball players.
If you visit the City of Cleveland's website, it boasts Coca Cola, Dansani Water, M&Ms, Mars bars, Coppertone, Dr. Scholl, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Duracell batteries have been manufactured or produced in Cleveland. They also go on to brag about the many other items which contribute to making the City of Cleveland what it is. So when a professional basketball player leaves, why is it his fault if the city's economy tanks? There are two people responsible for the City of Cleveland and the greater State of Ohio respectively: Mayor Tom Rowland and State Governor Ted Strickland. If anyone wishes express their disdain for the economic argument to Lebron James leaving the City of Cleveland, should really direct their comments to Mayor Rowland and Governor Strickland. These two gentleman got and will loose their jobs based on how the City of Cleveland or the State of Ohio does economically - not Lebron James. His job is to win basketball games and possibly NBA Championships. Lebron James was an employee of the Cavaliers and honoured his end of the contract. The Cleveland Cavaliers as an organization, through their own decision making (not surrounding Lebron with adequate help, benching him before this year's playoffs to name a few), was most likely a contributing factor to Lebron leaving for Miami. Sure, in Cleveland, Lebron was 40 miles from his hometown of Akron and worked for an organization built on his talents and which catered to his every whim, but that was their decision to run the Cavs franchise that way.
#2 - Dan Gilbert - the pot calling the kettle black.
Although NBA Commissioner David Stern thought 'decision 2010' was " ill-conceived, badly produced and poorly executed", he also agreed Lebron James was entitled to make the decision he did and his honesty and integrity did shine through in the process. So this is where I actually start to feel a little sorry for Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert. In an open letter to Cavs fans, Gilbert described Lebron as "narcissistic" and as displaying "cowardly behaviour" for leaving his franchise. Gilbert also guaranteed the Cavs would win one "before the self-titled former 'king' wins one". Sure, be upset he made a decision you didn't like but to throw a hissy fit in letter form? THAT is cowardly. I hope Cleveland fans see through this and realize he may just be trying to cover his own behind for not doing enough to keep Lebron in Cleveland. I agree with Reverend Jesse Jackson's comments when referring to Gilbert's letter: "He speaks as an owner of Lebron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers". Good thing NBA Commissioner David Stern took his comments seriously. For the follow-up comments Gilbert made with the Associated Press, the Cavs franchise is being fined $100,000. Stern also agrees the comments were a bit extreme.
#3 - LEGACY [leggessi] - ...something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.
So if we look at the literal definition of the word legacy, Lebron's or even Chris Bosh's legacy is still in tact after moving to Miami. The fact that Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are playing on the same team now does not change the face of the NBA for the worse. Remember Kevin Garnett. He played 12 seasons in Minnesota and was 31 before he gave his approval for a trade to Boston. So the fact that Lebron is 25 shouldn't matter. I disagree with Charles Barkley. I think the argument that Lebron's legacy is tainted now because he didn't win a championship "on his own in Cleveland" is a stretch. I think if we use this argument: champions are made solely by the accolades they receive and not by the content of their character, we are going down a very slippery slope. Lebron James had nothing but praise for the Cavs and its fans when asked by the media to comment on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments. He could have lashed back but didn't. If he stayed in Cleveland, he would've have been accused of being in it for the money since he would have been paid more than in Miami. But instead, he went to Miami for less money and a real shot at winning a championship. Remember - Lebron, Bosh and Wade came into this league together and went their separate ways. They played together at the Worlds and in the Olympics and now they found another opportunity to do so full time. The great William Shakespeare once said "No legacy is so rich as honesty". So let's be honest. The Cavs and Raptors are going to miss Lebron and Bosh respectively, but their departure will present new opportunity. As for the NBA franchises who are struggling, the fact that Lebron or Bosh did not move to those cities, is not their fault but the franchise's. If you are desperate and struggling before, you will continue to be unless you start making some sound business decisions. Bosh, Lebron and Wade are just playing by the rules. And if you don't like their recent decision, you know how the saying goes - "If you can stand the 'Heat', stay out of Miami".
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Remember, this Thursday we will be discussing: The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. I will also be giving you my flick pick of the week. Happy reading and see you on Thursday here on the DNB.
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