No Reacquiring:
Teams cannot reacquire a player that they traded during a given season (July 1- June 30) unless the player has been waived.
This rule was put in place to block teams from trading a player to make the salaries work with the understanding that the team would then release that player, so he could be resigned by his original team.
However, if a team waits thirty days, then they are able to reacquire that recently traded player. For instance, in the current proposed trade between the Nets and Mavericks, Jerry Stackhouse will immediately be bought out by the Nets, then will sit out for thirty days, and then will resign with the Mavericks.
On February 24, 2005, Alan Henderson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks along with Calvin Booth for Keith Van Horn. The Bucks then waived Henderson the following day. On March 1, 2005, he re-signed with the Mavericks.
This also occured in a situation with Gary Payton. Like Henderson, Payton was also traded on February 24, 2005 to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that brought former Celtic Antoine Walker back to Boston. The Hawks then waived Payton immediately following the trade, and he returned a week later to Boston as a free agent. Payton started all 77 games he played for the Celtics and they won the Atlantic Division before losing in the first round to the Indiana Pacers.
Trade/Claim:
If a team is over the cap and receives a player in a trade or claims a player off of waivers, they cannot trade the player in combination with other players for 2 months. The player can be traded by himself.
Some current examples of this include: Pau Gasol, Shaquille O'Neal, Kwame Brown, Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks, Stromile Swift, Jason Collins, Javaris Crittenton.
Showing posts with label Shaquille O'Neal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaquille O'Neal. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Riley Reloads the Heat
With the trade last week of Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion, Pat Riley has began to reload the Miami Heat in a short period of time.
Here is a look at the contracts:
Marcus Banks
2007-08 $3,888,000
2008-09 $4,176,000
2009-10 $4,464,000
2010-11 $4,752,000
Shawn Marion
2007-08 $16,440,000
2008-09 $17,180,000
Shaquille O'Neal
2007-08 $20,000,000
2008-09 $20,000,000
2009-10 $20,000,000
In 2007-08, Miami takes on $328,000 of additional salary and in 2008-09, they take on $356,000 of additional salary. However, in 2009-10, when Marion's current contract expires, the Heat will only be tied to two more minimal years of Banks contract. At the same time, the Suns will still be paying O'Neal $20,000,000 at the age of 38.
After this season, the Heat will be locked into Dwyane Wade, Mark Blount, Udonis Haslem, Daequan Cook, and then Marion and Banks' contracts. Additionally, they have a team option on Alexander Johnson ($687,456) and qualifying orders to Smush Parker ($2,400,000) and Dorrell Wright ($2,425,086). Likely, Parker will be freed to go elsewhere and they will likely offer Wright the qualifying offer.
So with a core of Marion, Wade, Haslem, Banks, and Wright, the Heat are in position to contend in the East next season with a few other moves.
The Heat have a handful of expiring contracts now that they can leverage into more talent. If I were Pat Riley, I would look to add a scoring post presence for the new-look Heat. Below is a three-team trade proposal that I think would benefit each team:
Knicks get:
Jason Smith $1,233,840, 2 Years Remaining
Kevin Ollie $3,441,900, 1 Year Remaining
Herbert Hill, $427,163, 1 Year Remaining
Samuel Dalembert, $10,251,435, 4 Years Remaining
Smush Parker $2,250,000, 1 Year Remaining
2009 Heat First Round Pick
76ers get:
Ricky Davis, $6,819,000, 1 Year Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
Jerome James, $5,800,000, 2 Years Remaining
Mardy Collins, $967,320, 2 Years Remaining
Heat get:
Louis Amundson, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
In this trade, the Knicks would exchange Eddy Curry, an offensive-minded center, for Samuel Dalembert, a defensive-minded center. They would also free themselves of James' contract, who has been a huge disappointment in New York. The Knicks would also acquire 2007 first round pick, Jason Smith along with a 2009 Miami Heat first round pick. Although the pick should not be a lottery pick once the Heat rebuild their team in this offseason, it is still an asset. Dalembert starting next to Zach Randolph with David Lee being the third post player would be a nice fit. Dalembert and Randolph are opposite type players and would be able to work well together.
For the 76ers, the key to this deal would be exchanging Dalembert's contract for James' contract. In this exchange, Philadelphia is saving more than thirty million dollars. Additionally, the team would be receiving nearly eight million dollars in expiring contracts this season. This would give Philadelphia even more cap flexibility in their attempt to rebuild. Perhaps, they would have the ability to sign both Gilbert Arenas and Elton Brand this summer.
The Heat would be acquiring the best player in this trade. Curry would be able to provide exactly what the Heat would be lacking: offensive post presence. He would fit nicely next to two defensive-minded forwards in Udonis Haslem and Shawn Marion. In this trade, the Heat would be giving up expiring contracts and a first round pick the year after next. Ideally, the Heat will be very competitive by that time and that pick would not have much value.
After this trade, the Heat would be starting with Banks, Wade, Marion, Haslem, and Curry as its starters. Daequan Cook, Dorrell Wright, and Mark Blount would be keys off the bench for the Heat.
The key part of this is that the Heat are currently the worse team in the NBA, with a record of 9-39. Although their standing would likely improve, the Heat will still have one of the top picks in the upcoming draft. They would be in position to add either a point guard to compete with Banks and play next to Wade, or a big man to fit in with Haslem and Curry. This draft is loaded and both of these spots. The Heat would certainly consider Michael Beasley, DeAndre Jordan, Brooke Lopez, Hasheem Thabeet, Kevin Love, or Darrell Arthur. If they choose to go with a point guard, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, and Darren Collison would all likely be possibilities.
Although the Heat have the worse record in the league right now, they have the ability to reload in a hurry. By this time next season, the Heat could be on the top of the Eastern Conference.
Here is a look at the contracts:
Marcus Banks
2007-08 $3,888,000
2008-09 $4,176,000
2009-10 $4,464,000
2010-11 $4,752,000
Shawn Marion
2007-08 $16,440,000
2008-09 $17,180,000
Shaquille O'Neal
2007-08 $20,000,000
2008-09 $20,000,000
2009-10 $20,000,000
In 2007-08, Miami takes on $328,000 of additional salary and in 2008-09, they take on $356,000 of additional salary. However, in 2009-10, when Marion's current contract expires, the Heat will only be tied to two more minimal years of Banks contract. At the same time, the Suns will still be paying O'Neal $20,000,000 at the age of 38.
After this season, the Heat will be locked into Dwyane Wade, Mark Blount, Udonis Haslem, Daequan Cook, and then Marion and Banks' contracts. Additionally, they have a team option on Alexander Johnson ($687,456) and qualifying orders to Smush Parker ($2,400,000) and Dorrell Wright ($2,425,086). Likely, Parker will be freed to go elsewhere and they will likely offer Wright the qualifying offer.
So with a core of Marion, Wade, Haslem, Banks, and Wright, the Heat are in position to contend in the East next season with a few other moves.
The Heat have a handful of expiring contracts now that they can leverage into more talent. If I were Pat Riley, I would look to add a scoring post presence for the new-look Heat. Below is a three-team trade proposal that I think would benefit each team:
Knicks get:
Jason Smith $1,233,840, 2 Years Remaining
Kevin Ollie $3,441,900, 1 Year Remaining
Herbert Hill, $427,163, 1 Year Remaining
Samuel Dalembert, $10,251,435, 4 Years Remaining
Smush Parker $2,250,000, 1 Year Remaining
2009 Heat First Round Pick
76ers get:
Ricky Davis, $6,819,000, 1 Year Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
Jerome James, $5,800,000, 2 Years Remaining
Mardy Collins, $967,320, 2 Years Remaining
Heat get:
Louis Amundson, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
In this trade, the Knicks would exchange Eddy Curry, an offensive-minded center, for Samuel Dalembert, a defensive-minded center. They would also free themselves of James' contract, who has been a huge disappointment in New York. The Knicks would also acquire 2007 first round pick, Jason Smith along with a 2009 Miami Heat first round pick. Although the pick should not be a lottery pick once the Heat rebuild their team in this offseason, it is still an asset. Dalembert starting next to Zach Randolph with David Lee being the third post player would be a nice fit. Dalembert and Randolph are opposite type players and would be able to work well together.
For the 76ers, the key to this deal would be exchanging Dalembert's contract for James' contract. In this exchange, Philadelphia is saving more than thirty million dollars. Additionally, the team would be receiving nearly eight million dollars in expiring contracts this season. This would give Philadelphia even more cap flexibility in their attempt to rebuild. Perhaps, they would have the ability to sign both Gilbert Arenas and Elton Brand this summer.
The Heat would be acquiring the best player in this trade. Curry would be able to provide exactly what the Heat would be lacking: offensive post presence. He would fit nicely next to two defensive-minded forwards in Udonis Haslem and Shawn Marion. In this trade, the Heat would be giving up expiring contracts and a first round pick the year after next. Ideally, the Heat will be very competitive by that time and that pick would not have much value.
After this trade, the Heat would be starting with Banks, Wade, Marion, Haslem, and Curry as its starters. Daequan Cook, Dorrell Wright, and Mark Blount would be keys off the bench for the Heat.
The key part of this is that the Heat are currently the worse team in the NBA, with a record of 9-39. Although their standing would likely improve, the Heat will still have one of the top picks in the upcoming draft. They would be in position to add either a point guard to compete with Banks and play next to Wade, or a big man to fit in with Haslem and Curry. This draft is loaded and both of these spots. The Heat would certainly consider Michael Beasley, DeAndre Jordan, Brooke Lopez, Hasheem Thabeet, Kevin Love, or Darrell Arthur. If they choose to go with a point guard, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, and Darren Collison would all likely be possibilities.
Although the Heat have the worse record in the league right now, they have the ability to reload in a hurry. By this time next season, the Heat could be on the top of the Eastern Conference.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Suns & Lakers Fire First Shots - What's Next?
With word that Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks will be traded from Phoenix to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol being moved to the Lakers last week, the question is what do some of their competitors do next?
With Boston, Detroit, Utah, Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Antonio seen as their biggest competition for the tile, let's take a look at how they can improve. In New York, the Knicks sit today with a 14-34 record and it appearing like Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are too similar to play together. So, let's assume that Isiah Thomas and company are ready to move Curry.
First, here are the teams from this group that are unlikely to be interested or unable to trade for Curry:
*Boston - limited cap flexbility; Kendrick Perkins has been adaquete at center; biggest expiring contract is James Posey, but he is integral to the teams' success.
*Cleveland - already have a glut of big men; greater need is at the point guard spot.
*Detroit - Curry struggles to defend and rebound, which are two staples of the Pistons' success; would have to trade key players to make the trade work.
*New Orleans - Chandler and West having career years; Curry does not play well enough in up-tempo pace; limited cap flexiblity; Hornets not in position to take on big salaries.
*Utah - starting big man is not needed; limited cap flexiblity; would not fit.
Now, let's take a look at the remaining three teams on the list of true NBA finals competitors:
*Denver Nuggets
Nuggets get:
Wilson Chandler, $1,091,640, 2 Years Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Von Waker, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
Eduardo Najera, $4,952,380, 1 Year Remaining
Yakhouba Diawara, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
J.R. Smith, $2,134,067, 1 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
The Nuggets would get some added interior scoring to go with Nene Hilario, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. Although the Nuggets already have legitimate big men, none of them can score like Curry can. Playing Curry next to a defensive star like Camby would also take some of the pressure off of Curry to rebound and defend, so he can focus more on scoring.
*Dallas Mavericks
Dallas gets:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
New York gets:
DeSagana Diop, $2,146,000, 1 Year Remaining
Maurice Ager, $974,400, 2 Years Remaining
Devean George, $2,369,111, 1 Year Remaining
Eddie Jones, $1,830,000, 1 Year Remaining
Nick Fazekas, $427,163, 2 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
This trade would be attractive for Dallas because they would only have to give up one of their top eight players, Eddie Jones. Jones starts, but plays limited minutes after the first quarter. Curry would instantly become the top scoring post player they have had. He would also fit well with Erick Dampier, who is a defensive-minded center. Curry and Dampier would be a ying-yang type duo at the center position, which would have success in the playoffs. For the Knics, this trade would be attractive because they would basically get all expiring contracts outside of Fazekas and Ager's small rookie contracts.
*Orlando Magic
Magic get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Fred Jones, $3,300,000, 1 Year Remaining
Knicks get:
J.J. Redick, $2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining
James Augustine, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Adonal Foyle, $1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining
Pat Garrity, $3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining
Draft rights to Fran Vazquez
Future 1st Round Pick
With Dwight Howard playing center today and Rashard Lewis at power forward, this trade would allow the Magic to move both of these players to a more natural position. Also, the Magic would be able to bolster their bench by allowing Hedo Turkoglu, who is having a career year, to be their sixth man. The Magic would not give up any player currently in their rotation and would be able to acquire a starting center. The Magic would still have some problems at point guard and potentially shooting guard, but this trade would certainly be an upgrade in talent. In addition, Fred Jones, on an expiring contract, would bring some depth to the backcourt. This trade would also rid the Magic of the J.J. Redick and Fran Vazquez draft mistakes. The Knicks would receive all expiring contracts, except for Redick's rookie contract, plus a first round pick and a former first round pick in Vazquez.
*San Antonio Spurs
Spurs get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Brent Barry, $5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining
Ian Mahinmi, $625,840, 2 Years Remaining
Francisco Elson, $3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining
Like the Mavericks deal, the Spurs would get Curry without giving up anyone of their players who logs more than twenty minutes a game. Also like the Mavericks trade, Curry would fit in nicely at the center spot with Fabricio Oberto, who is exclusively a defensive center, only scoring on offense off put-backs and dunks. Although it would be difficult to lose Barry's versatility and perimeter shooting, the Spurs have other guys who can step into that role. Curry would fit well when Duncan needs to rest because they would still have a post presence with him out of the game. The Knicks would get two large expiring contracts in return, plus a mid-level prospect in Mahinmi, who has shown flashes of potential.
With Boston, Detroit, Utah, Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Antonio seen as their biggest competition for the tile, let's take a look at how they can improve. In New York, the Knicks sit today with a 14-34 record and it appearing like Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are too similar to play together. So, let's assume that Isiah Thomas and company are ready to move Curry.
First, here are the teams from this group that are unlikely to be interested or unable to trade for Curry:
*Boston - limited cap flexbility; Kendrick Perkins has been adaquete at center; biggest expiring contract is James Posey, but he is integral to the teams' success.
*Cleveland - already have a glut of big men; greater need is at the point guard spot.
*Detroit - Curry struggles to defend and rebound, which are two staples of the Pistons' success; would have to trade key players to make the trade work.
*New Orleans - Chandler and West having career years; Curry does not play well enough in up-tempo pace; limited cap flexiblity; Hornets not in position to take on big salaries.
*Utah - starting big man is not needed; limited cap flexiblity; would not fit.
Now, let's take a look at the remaining three teams on the list of true NBA finals competitors:
*Denver Nuggets
Nuggets get:
Wilson Chandler, $1,091,640, 2 Years Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Von Waker, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
Eduardo Najera, $4,952,380, 1 Year Remaining
Yakhouba Diawara, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
J.R. Smith, $2,134,067, 1 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
The Nuggets would get some added interior scoring to go with Nene Hilario, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. Although the Nuggets already have legitimate big men, none of them can score like Curry can. Playing Curry next to a defensive star like Camby would also take some of the pressure off of Curry to rebound and defend, so he can focus more on scoring.
*Dallas Mavericks
Dallas gets:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
New York gets:
DeSagana Diop, $2,146,000, 1 Year Remaining
Maurice Ager, $974,400, 2 Years Remaining
Devean George, $2,369,111, 1 Year Remaining
Eddie Jones, $1,830,000, 1 Year Remaining
Nick Fazekas, $427,163, 2 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
This trade would be attractive for Dallas because they would only have to give up one of their top eight players, Eddie Jones. Jones starts, but plays limited minutes after the first quarter. Curry would instantly become the top scoring post player they have had. He would also fit well with Erick Dampier, who is a defensive-minded center. Curry and Dampier would be a ying-yang type duo at the center position, which would have success in the playoffs. For the Knics, this trade would be attractive because they would basically get all expiring contracts outside of Fazekas and Ager's small rookie contracts.
*Orlando Magic
Magic get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Fred Jones, $3,300,000, 1 Year Remaining
Knicks get:
J.J. Redick, $2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining
James Augustine, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Adonal Foyle, $1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining
Pat Garrity, $3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining
Draft rights to Fran Vazquez
Future 1st Round Pick
With Dwight Howard playing center today and Rashard Lewis at power forward, this trade would allow the Magic to move both of these players to a more natural position. Also, the Magic would be able to bolster their bench by allowing Hedo Turkoglu, who is having a career year, to be their sixth man. The Magic would not give up any player currently in their rotation and would be able to acquire a starting center. The Magic would still have some problems at point guard and potentially shooting guard, but this trade would certainly be an upgrade in talent. In addition, Fred Jones, on an expiring contract, would bring some depth to the backcourt. This trade would also rid the Magic of the J.J. Redick and Fran Vazquez draft mistakes. The Knicks would receive all expiring contracts, except for Redick's rookie contract, plus a first round pick and a former first round pick in Vazquez.
*San Antonio Spurs
Spurs get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Brent Barry, $5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining
Ian Mahinmi, $625,840, 2 Years Remaining
Francisco Elson, $3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining
Like the Mavericks deal, the Spurs would get Curry without giving up anyone of their players who logs more than twenty minutes a game. Also like the Mavericks trade, Curry would fit in nicely at the center spot with Fabricio Oberto, who is exclusively a defensive center, only scoring on offense off put-backs and dunks. Although it would be difficult to lose Barry's versatility and perimeter shooting, the Spurs have other guys who can step into that role. Curry would fit well when Duncan needs to rest because they would still have a post presence with him out of the game. The Knicks would get two large expiring contracts in return, plus a mid-level prospect in Mahinmi, who has shown flashes of potential.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Ideal Player to Build Around
Since the 1990-91 season, there have been six different teams that have won the NBA championship. Each one of these teams had a star player, who was the leader of that team: San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan), Miami Heat (Dwyane Wade), Detroit Pistons (Chauncey Billups), Los Angeles Lakers (Shaquille O'Neal), Chicago Bulls (Michael Jordan), and Houston Rockets (Hakeem Olajuwon).
With that being said, if I were looking to start a team or acquire a star, here are the traits that player would need to have:
-Good chemistry guy
-A warrior on the court
-Strong in the community
-Consistency
-Double-double or near double-double each night
-Entering into prime or in prime of his career
If you take a look at the most one-sided trades over recent history, each time the team trading the star got the short end of the deal because they traded that player for a reason that had nothing to do with talent.
Some examples over the last decade or so: Lakers traded O'Neal because of his situation with Kobe Bryant, Philadelphia traded Charles Barkley after his request because of decreasing talent, Washington traded Chris Webber traded after an arrest, Phoenix traded Jason Kidd after an arrest for spousal abuse, Orlando traded Tracy McGrady in an effort to bring in more talent, Toronto traded Vince Carter because of a trade request, Charlotte traded Alonzo Mourning over a contract dispute, Philadelphia traded Moses Malone in order to cut payroll, just to name a few. Some of these players (Kidd and Webber for "community", Carter for "warrior" while in Toronto) may not fit each trait, but nevertheless, they were still traded for reasons that did not have to do with talent.
It is yet to be seen if Minnesota and Seattle will regret trading Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, respectively. However, both of thse players fit my five traits, especially Garnett.
After going through the requirements and the history, here are a list of other players that I would build around today with all of these traits:
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Jermaine O'Neal, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudamire, Elton Brand, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kobe Bryant.
I clearly left off a handful of great players. Here are those players and the reasons for why I left them off:
Jason Kidd (age), Vince Carter (age/chemistry), Eddy Curry (chemistry), Ray Allen (age), Paul Pierce (age), Rasheed Wallace (chemistry), Chauncey Billups (age), Michael Redd (warrior), Shaquille O'Neal (age), Gilbert Arenas (chemistry), Rashard Lewis (consistency), Steve Nash (age), Shawn Marion (consistency/chemistry), Baron Davis (age/consistency), Ron Artest (chemistry), Greg Oden (age), Kevin Durant (age), Allen Iverson (age), Carmelo Anthony (chemistry), Pau Gasol (warrior).
With that being said, if I were looking to start a team or acquire a star, here are the traits that player would need to have:
-Good chemistry guy
-A warrior on the court
-Strong in the community
-Consistency
-Double-double or near double-double each night
-Entering into prime or in prime of his career
If you take a look at the most one-sided trades over recent history, each time the team trading the star got the short end of the deal because they traded that player for a reason that had nothing to do with talent.
Some examples over the last decade or so: Lakers traded O'Neal because of his situation with Kobe Bryant, Philadelphia traded Charles Barkley after his request because of decreasing talent, Washington traded Chris Webber traded after an arrest, Phoenix traded Jason Kidd after an arrest for spousal abuse, Orlando traded Tracy McGrady in an effort to bring in more talent, Toronto traded Vince Carter because of a trade request, Charlotte traded Alonzo Mourning over a contract dispute, Philadelphia traded Moses Malone in order to cut payroll, just to name a few. Some of these players (Kidd and Webber for "community", Carter for "warrior" while in Toronto) may not fit each trait, but nevertheless, they were still traded for reasons that did not have to do with talent.
It is yet to be seen if Minnesota and Seattle will regret trading Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, respectively. However, both of thse players fit my five traits, especially Garnett.
After going through the requirements and the history, here are a list of other players that I would build around today with all of these traits:
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Jermaine O'Neal, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudamire, Elton Brand, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kobe Bryant.
I clearly left off a handful of great players. Here are those players and the reasons for why I left them off:
Jason Kidd (age), Vince Carter (age/chemistry), Eddy Curry (chemistry), Ray Allen (age), Paul Pierce (age), Rasheed Wallace (chemistry), Chauncey Billups (age), Michael Redd (warrior), Shaquille O'Neal (age), Gilbert Arenas (chemistry), Rashard Lewis (consistency), Steve Nash (age), Shawn Marion (consistency/chemistry), Baron Davis (age/consistency), Ron Artest (chemistry), Greg Oden (age), Kevin Durant (age), Allen Iverson (age), Carmelo Anthony (chemistry), Pau Gasol (warrior).
Monday, July 23, 2007
Lewis Joins the List of Maximum Contract Players
On July 11, Rashard Lewis signed a six-year contract worth more than $110,000,000 with the Orlando Magic. By doing so, he became the twenty-second player currently making maximum money. Here is the full, up-to-date list in order of team they currently play with:
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Paul Pierce, Boston
LeBron James, Cleveland
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Allen Iverson, Denver
Baron Davis, Golden State
Tracy McGrady, Houston
Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana
Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal, Miami
Dwyane Wade, Miami
Michael Redd, Milwaukee
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Stephon Marbury, New York
Rashard Lewis, Orlando
Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Chris Bosh, Toronto
Antawn Jamison, Washington
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Paul Pierce, Boston
LeBron James, Cleveland
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Allen Iverson, Denver
Baron Davis, Golden State
Tracy McGrady, Houston
Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana
Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal, Miami
Dwyane Wade, Miami
Michael Redd, Milwaukee
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Stephon Marbury, New York
Rashard Lewis, Orlando
Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Chris Bosh, Toronto
Antawn Jamison, Washington
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Is Trading a Superstar Worthwhile?
With so many superstars being rumored to be traded, I wanted to take a look at how this type of acquisition has fared in the past. After examining this, I hope it can be determined based on past history whether the Lakers (Kobe Bryant), Timberwolves (Kevin Garnett), and Pacers (Jermaine O'Neal) should trade their top guys or hold onto them and look to improve the supporting cast.
Let's take a look at the superstars who were traded since 1990:
Charles Barkley
8/19/91: Philadelphia 76ers traded to Phoenix Suns
(Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry and Andrew Lang)
After the 76ers traded Barkley, they endured five straight seasons of less than 30 wins. It took seven years after trading Barkley for Philadelphia to get back to the playoffs. On the other end, Barkley was the last piece of the puzzle for the Suns. In Barkley's first season in Phoenix, 1992-93, the Suns made it to the NBA finals before losing to the Chicago Bulls. During Barkley's stay in Phoenix, the Suns made it to the playoffs every season. Hornacek only played two seasons with Philadelphia before being traded to Utah. Perry and Lang were non-factors for Philadelphia.
Winner: Phoenix Suns
Jason Kidd
7/18/01: Phoenix Suns to New Jersey Nets
(with Chris Dudley for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman, and Soumaila Samake)
Kidd's impact in New Jersey was felt immediately. He teamed with Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, and Richard Jefferson to reach the NBA finals in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. During Kidd's stay, the Nets have made the playoffs each year. Marbury's selfish play handcuffed the Suns' franchise, and they only made the playoffs once during his stay there. None of the other players involved in the trade were contributors for their teams.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Tracy McGrady
6/29/04: Orlando Magic to Houston Rockets
(with Juwan Howard, Reece Gaines, and Tyronn Lue for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley)
At the end of the 2003-04 season, the Magic decided that it needed to move McGrady in order for them to bring in more talent and get past the first round of the playoffs. In a large, blockbuster deal, the Magic moved McGrady along with others to bring in three players that could start for them. Unfortunately, the trade did not work out for the Magic and they went 21-61 in the 2003-04 season. In retrospect, the Magic should have continued to develop players around McGrady and by now, they would probably be competing to be on top of the East. The trade has not worked overly well for the Rockets because of some back injuries to McGrady. However, the Rockets will look to compete for the title this year.
Winner: Houston Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal
7/14/04: Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat
(Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and one first round draft pick)
O'Neal and the Magic won the NBA title in 2005-06 and are the winners in this trade. Although Odom, Butler, and Grant were key parts to Miami's success, the opportunity to win a title was too much for them to pass up. Although the Heat at this point look like they are beginning a downward trend in their success as O'Neal ages, I'm sure the Heat would still do the trend knowing they would win a title. The Lakers have not been able to truly contend for the championship since making this trade. There chances were increasingly hurt when they traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins for Kwame Brown.
Winner: Miami Heat
Vince Carter
12/17/04: Toronto Raptors to New Jersey Nets
(Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks)
Although his hand was forced by Carter's public trade demand, Raptors' general manager at-the-time, Rob Babcock, got twenty-five cents on the dollar for Carter. None of the players that the Raptors got in return for Carter were significant contributors for the Raptors. Meanwhile, Carter was only 28 years old when he was traded to the Nets, and has averaged at least 24 points per game during his time with the Nets. The Nets have reached the postseason during Carter's two full years with the Nets, including an Eastern conference semifinals appearance in 2005-06.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Baron Davis
2/24/05: New Orleans Hornets to Golden State Warriors
(Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis)
The Warriors acquired a 25 year old scoring point guard when they brought Davis in from New Orleans. Although he has been injured frequently during his time with the Warriors, this past season was a huge success the organization. The Hornets saw salary cap relief through this trade, which later allowed them to bring in Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. However, Davis is clearly the better player of the three, and the Warriors will look to compete for the Western conference title this year.
Winner: Golden State Warriors
Ron Artest
1/25/06: Indiana Pacers to Sacramento Kings
(Peja Stojakovic)
This trade is the hardest to judge because of what it did for each. At the time, the Pacers hand was forced by Artest's negative attitude. They had to trade Artest and the Kings were willing to take a risk with him. Unfortunately, Stojakovic did not help the Pacers get past the first round of the playoffs in 2005-06 and he then left for New Orleans the next offseason. The Pacers only got 40 total games from Stojakovic. They did receive cap relief when Stojakovic left, but they wasted it on Al Harrington, who eventually was traded to Golden State. This trade really was the end of Indiana's strong run as a title contender. In Sacramento, Artest has struggled to stay focused, and the Kings only won 33 games and Artest struggled to coincide with point guard, Mike Bibby. This season will be a pivotal one for Artest's legacy in Sacramento, but the Kings only project to be a fringe playoff team. At this point, I cannot say that either team benefitted from this trade.
Winner: Push
Allen Iverson
12/19/06: Philadelphia 76ers to Denver Nuggets
(Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round draft picks)
76ers general manager, Billy King, most likely missed his chance to gain equal value for Iverson several times during his career. Last season, the 76ers finally decided to pull the trigger and move him for a group not as talented as him. Miller still has over $19,000,000 and two years left on his contract and Smith left this offseason to join the Chicago Bulls. Philadelphia used both picks that they received from Denver this year and came away with Colorado power forward, Jason Smith, and Vanderbilt guard, Derrick Byars. Denver won 45 games this season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. This season is a big year for the Nuggets, but either way, acquiring Iverson certainly made them a better team.
Winner: Denver Nuggets
So when you look back, it appears that the winning team of each trade has not been the team moving the superstar. Although in some cases the team was stuck and had to move their star for off-the-court reasons, this still has not turned out well for them. In the case of Barkley and Carter, these top-of-the-line players publicly demanded a trade, therefore handcuffing their own team. With Kidd, the Suns were concerned with his image after he was arrested for alleged domestic violence. Orlando felt that the team had reached its peak with McGrady, so they moved him for multiple potential starters. O'Neal was move because a well-documented feud with fellow superstar, Kobe Bryant. In the case of Baron Davis, it was believed that he was not getting along with coach Byron Scott and was often injured. In Artest's case, the Pacers felt like he had become such a distraction that they had to move him. With Iverson, the franchise was falling quickly and the 76ers hope to rebuild without their former star.
Two more all-stars were traded since last season when Seattle moved Ray Allen to the Celtics and Portland taded Zach Randolph to the Knicks. It is too early to tell how these moves will turnout, but based on history, the two teams acquiring these players will most likely come out ahead.
After examining the past, it is obvious that the team trading the superstar is never receiving equal value and that squad struggles for the next several seasons. These superstars tend to get traded for less than fifty cents on the dollar and it hurts the franchise for years to come. The Pacers, Timberwolves, and Lakers need to consider this when they are discussing trade O'Neal, Garnett, and Bryant.
Let's take a look at the superstars who were traded since 1990:
Charles Barkley
8/19/91: Philadelphia 76ers traded to Phoenix Suns
(Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry and Andrew Lang)
After the 76ers traded Barkley, they endured five straight seasons of less than 30 wins. It took seven years after trading Barkley for Philadelphia to get back to the playoffs. On the other end, Barkley was the last piece of the puzzle for the Suns. In Barkley's first season in Phoenix, 1992-93, the Suns made it to the NBA finals before losing to the Chicago Bulls. During Barkley's stay in Phoenix, the Suns made it to the playoffs every season. Hornacek only played two seasons with Philadelphia before being traded to Utah. Perry and Lang were non-factors for Philadelphia.
Winner: Phoenix Suns
Jason Kidd
7/18/01: Phoenix Suns to New Jersey Nets
(with Chris Dudley for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman, and Soumaila Samake)
Kidd's impact in New Jersey was felt immediately. He teamed with Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, and Richard Jefferson to reach the NBA finals in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. During Kidd's stay, the Nets have made the playoffs each year. Marbury's selfish play handcuffed the Suns' franchise, and they only made the playoffs once during his stay there. None of the other players involved in the trade were contributors for their teams.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Tracy McGrady
6/29/04: Orlando Magic to Houston Rockets
(with Juwan Howard, Reece Gaines, and Tyronn Lue for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley)
At the end of the 2003-04 season, the Magic decided that it needed to move McGrady in order for them to bring in more talent and get past the first round of the playoffs. In a large, blockbuster deal, the Magic moved McGrady along with others to bring in three players that could start for them. Unfortunately, the trade did not work out for the Magic and they went 21-61 in the 2003-04 season. In retrospect, the Magic should have continued to develop players around McGrady and by now, they would probably be competing to be on top of the East. The trade has not worked overly well for the Rockets because of some back injuries to McGrady. However, the Rockets will look to compete for the title this year.
Winner: Houston Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal
7/14/04: Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat
(Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and one first round draft pick)
O'Neal and the Magic won the NBA title in 2005-06 and are the winners in this trade. Although Odom, Butler, and Grant were key parts to Miami's success, the opportunity to win a title was too much for them to pass up. Although the Heat at this point look like they are beginning a downward trend in their success as O'Neal ages, I'm sure the Heat would still do the trend knowing they would win a title. The Lakers have not been able to truly contend for the championship since making this trade. There chances were increasingly hurt when they traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins for Kwame Brown.
Winner: Miami Heat
Vince Carter
12/17/04: Toronto Raptors to New Jersey Nets
(Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks)
Although his hand was forced by Carter's public trade demand, Raptors' general manager at-the-time, Rob Babcock, got twenty-five cents on the dollar for Carter. None of the players that the Raptors got in return for Carter were significant contributors for the Raptors. Meanwhile, Carter was only 28 years old when he was traded to the Nets, and has averaged at least 24 points per game during his time with the Nets. The Nets have reached the postseason during Carter's two full years with the Nets, including an Eastern conference semifinals appearance in 2005-06.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Baron Davis
2/24/05: New Orleans Hornets to Golden State Warriors
(Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis)
The Warriors acquired a 25 year old scoring point guard when they brought Davis in from New Orleans. Although he has been injured frequently during his time with the Warriors, this past season was a huge success the organization. The Hornets saw salary cap relief through this trade, which later allowed them to bring in Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. However, Davis is clearly the better player of the three, and the Warriors will look to compete for the Western conference title this year.
Winner: Golden State Warriors
Ron Artest
1/25/06: Indiana Pacers to Sacramento Kings
(Peja Stojakovic)
This trade is the hardest to judge because of what it did for each. At the time, the Pacers hand was forced by Artest's negative attitude. They had to trade Artest and the Kings were willing to take a risk with him. Unfortunately, Stojakovic did not help the Pacers get past the first round of the playoffs in 2005-06 and he then left for New Orleans the next offseason. The Pacers only got 40 total games from Stojakovic. They did receive cap relief when Stojakovic left, but they wasted it on Al Harrington, who eventually was traded to Golden State. This trade really was the end of Indiana's strong run as a title contender. In Sacramento, Artest has struggled to stay focused, and the Kings only won 33 games and Artest struggled to coincide with point guard, Mike Bibby. This season will be a pivotal one for Artest's legacy in Sacramento, but the Kings only project to be a fringe playoff team. At this point, I cannot say that either team benefitted from this trade.
Winner: Push
Allen Iverson
12/19/06: Philadelphia 76ers to Denver Nuggets
(Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round draft picks)
76ers general manager, Billy King, most likely missed his chance to gain equal value for Iverson several times during his career. Last season, the 76ers finally decided to pull the trigger and move him for a group not as talented as him. Miller still has over $19,000,000 and two years left on his contract and Smith left this offseason to join the Chicago Bulls. Philadelphia used both picks that they received from Denver this year and came away with Colorado power forward, Jason Smith, and Vanderbilt guard, Derrick Byars. Denver won 45 games this season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. This season is a big year for the Nuggets, but either way, acquiring Iverson certainly made them a better team.
Winner: Denver Nuggets
So when you look back, it appears that the winning team of each trade has not been the team moving the superstar. Although in some cases the team was stuck and had to move their star for off-the-court reasons, this still has not turned out well for them. In the case of Barkley and Carter, these top-of-the-line players publicly demanded a trade, therefore handcuffing their own team. With Kidd, the Suns were concerned with his image after he was arrested for alleged domestic violence. Orlando felt that the team had reached its peak with McGrady, so they moved him for multiple potential starters. O'Neal was move because a well-documented feud with fellow superstar, Kobe Bryant. In the case of Baron Davis, it was believed that he was not getting along with coach Byron Scott and was often injured. In Artest's case, the Pacers felt like he had become such a distraction that they had to move him. With Iverson, the franchise was falling quickly and the 76ers hope to rebuild without their former star.
Two more all-stars were traded since last season when Seattle moved Ray Allen to the Celtics and Portland taded Zach Randolph to the Knicks. It is too early to tell how these moves will turnout, but based on history, the two teams acquiring these players will most likely come out ahead.
After examining the past, it is obvious that the team trading the superstar is never receiving equal value and that squad struggles for the next several seasons. These superstars tend to get traded for less than fifty cents on the dollar and it hurts the franchise for years to come. The Pacers, Timberwolves, and Lakers need to consider this when they are discussing trade O'Neal, Garnett, and Bryant.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Does a Big Man Guarantee Success?
From the 2000-01 to 2006-07 seasons, 14 traditional post players (excludes Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, etc.) have scored 20.0 points per game or more in more than one season. Shaquille O’Neal (6 times), Tim Duncan (6), Elton Brand (5), Chris Webber (4), Jermaine O'Neal (4), Amare Stoudemire (3), Karl Malone (3), Chris Bosh (2), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (2), Pau Gasol (2), Zach Randolph (2), Carlos Boozer (1), and Antonio McDyess (1) have reached this feat. So how does having a big time scorer in the post affect a team’s success? Let’s take a look at each player, the year they reached the feat, the team they were on, their key teammates, and the success of the team.
Shaquille O'Neal
2000-01, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 56
2001-02, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 58
2002-03, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 50
2003-04, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 56
2004-05, Miami, Dwyane Wade, 59
2005-06, Miami, Dwyane Wade, 52
Tim Duncan
2000-01, Spurs, David Robinson, 58
2001-02, Spurs, David Robinson, 58
2002-03, Spurs, David Robinson/Tony Parker, 60
2003-04, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 57
2004-05, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 59
2006-07, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 58
Elton Brand
2000-01, Bulls, Ron Artest/Ron Mercer, 15
2003-04, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 28
2004-05, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 37
2005-06, Clippers, Sam Cassell, 47
2006-07, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 40
Chris Webber
2000-01, Kings, Peja Stojakovic, 55
2001-02, Kings, Peja Stojakovic/Mike Bibby, 61
2002-03, Kings, Peja Stojakovic/Mike Bibby, 59
2005-06, 76ers, Allen Iverson, 38
Jermaine O'Neal
2002-03, Pacers, Ron Artest, 48
2003-04, Pacers, Ron Artest, 61
2004-05, Pacers, Stephen Jackson/Reggie Miller, 44
2005-06, Pacers, Stephen Jackson, 41
Amare Stoudamire
2003-04, Suns, Shawn Marion, 29
2004-05, Suns, Steve Nash/Shawn Marion, 62
2006-07, Suns, Steve Nash/Shawn Marion, 61
Karl Malone
2000-01, Jazz, John Stockton/Donyell Marshall, 53
2001-02, Jazz, John Stockton/Donyell Marshall, 44
2002-03, Jazz, John Stockton/Matt Harpring, 47
Chris Bosh
2005-06, Raptors, Mike James/Morris Peterson, 27
2006-07, Raptors, T.J. Ford, 47
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
2000-01, Grizzlies, Mike Bibby, 23
2001-02, Hawks, Jason Terry, 33
Pau Gasol
2005-06, Grizzlies, Mike Miller/Eddie Jones, 49
2006-07, Grizzlies, Mike Miller, 22
Zach Randolph
2003-04, Trail Blazers, Damon Stoudamire, 41
2006-07, Trail Blazers, Brandon Roy, 32
Carlos Boozer
2006-07, Jazz, Deron Williams, 51
Antonio McDyess
2000-01, Nuggets, Nick Van Exel, 40
So what does this mean? Of the seven seasons examined, six of them ended with the champion having one of the big men listed above. The one exception is the 2003-04 season, which ended with the Detroit Pistons beating Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, here are the results broken down by number of regular season wins:
0-19 wins: 1 time
20-29 wins: 5
30-39 wins: 4
40-49 wins: 11
50-59 wins: 15
60-up wins: 5
So, it's obvious that having a big man who can score twenty points a night greatly increases your chance of winning the championship. But what about the players around that big man? How does that effect your chance for success?
Recently, after the announcement that the Magic were going to add Rashard Lewis to the mix with Dwight Howard and the rest of the group in Orlando, head coach, Stan Van Gundy said: "I don't know if the formula of a great perimeter player and a great inside guy has failed very often. Those are always very good teams. There may be other ways to do it, but the most tried-and-true formula in this league is to have one great perimeter player and one great inside player."
Well, let's take a look and see how strong inside-outside duo's have done:
Shaquille O'Neal: Playing with Bryant in Los Angeles and Wade in Miami, he has won at least 52 games each season, while winning three championships during that period.
Tim Duncan: From the 2002-03 season to now, Duncan has teamed with Tony Parker. From 2003-04 to now, Manu Ginobili has also been in the mix. During that time, Duncan has won three championships and at least 57 games per year.
Elton Brand: Brand has only played with a legitimate outside threat once in his career. In teh 2005-06 season, Sam Cassell was traded to the Clippers and they won 47 games and made it to the second round of the playoffs. In Brand's other four seasons where he reached the twenty point per game mark, he was paired with players such as Ron Artest, Ron Mercer, and Corey Maggette. Because of inexperience or the inability to score efficiently, I would not consider these players to be real outside threats or at least at the same ability of Rashard Lewis today.
Chris Webber: Each year he has reached the twenty point per game mark, Webber has had the fortune of playing with a great outside game. First, it was Peja Stojakovic in Sacramento, then in the 2001-02 season, Mike Bibby was added to the Kings roster. From 2000-01 to 2002-03, the Kings won at least 55 games per season. The one mark on Webber's history, is his 2005-06 season with the 76ers where he teamed up with Allen Iverson. That season, Philadelphia was only able to win 38 games, which clearly was a disapointment.
Jermaine O'Neal: O'Neal has had the good fortune in playing with some really intriguing wing players during his career. In 2002-03 and 2003-04, a seasoned Ron Artest led the way with O'Neal for the Pacers. Both of those years were a great success as they were clearly a competitor for the championship. In 2004-05, the Pacers season was disrupted early by the malaee in Detroit. Artest was suspended for the season, and Stephen Jackson and Reggie Miller had to provide support from the outside for O'Neal. However, Indiana was still able to win 44 games. The 2005-06 was not successful for the Pacers who were led by O'Neal and Jackson. The Pacers only won 41 games and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Amare Stoudemire: Stoudemire has had a great deal of success during his time with the Suns since point guard, Steve Nash, joined the squad. Unfortunately, before Nash joined the team in 2004-05, the Suns did have their struggles. In 2003-04, Stoudemire scored more than twenty points per game, but the Suns only won 29 games. After 34 games, guard Stephon Marbury was traded away from the team and Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson were the consistent outside prescence for the Suns. This season was a stepping-stone for the Suns, but a failure at the time for the Suns and Stoudemire.
Karl Malone: Malone had great success in Utah during his career as the inside of the greatest inside-outside combination in NBA history. In the 2000-01, 20001-02, and 2002-03 seasons, Malone reached the twenty point per game mark each year and the team won 53, 44, and 47 games each season. Although they lost in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs each year, the Jazz were still a success each year with Malone in the post.
Chris Bosh: This past season, Bosh teamed with T.J. Ford to create a strong inside-outside game for Toronto. The Bosh-Ford duo led to the best year in franchise history with 47 wins and their first division title.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Although Mike Bibby and Jason Terry did become great outside threats later in their careers, when Abdur-Rahim played with them, I do not consider them to be strong enough players.
Carlos Boozer: Boozer teamed with Deron Williams this past season in Utah to win 51 games and reach the Western Conference finals. The Boozer-Williams team was the perfect inside-outside duo and suprised many teams throughout the season.
Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Antonio McDyess: By my estimation, none of these players were teamed with a great outside threat during the season they reached twenty points per game. Therefore, like Abdur-Rahim, they will not be considered in this.
So what does this all mean? At the end of the day, only Webber in 2005-06 (Iverson), Jermaine O'Neal in 2005-06 (Jackson), and Stoudemire in 2003-04 (Marion) played with a great outside threat and did not have success. At the same time, 24 guys during the 2000-01 to 2006-07 season were apart of a great inside-outside duo and in fact did experience success.
So, after looking at this, we can now prove that Magic head coach, Stan Van Gundy, was correct when he made his comments recently. As long as Rashard Lewis can continue his production, the Magic should have big success coming. With a perimeter player who can score twenty points per game every night, and a post player in Dwight Howard, who will score twenty points per game every night, the Magic will have success - at least if you look at recent history.
Shaquille O'Neal
2000-01, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 56
2001-02, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 58
2002-03, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 50
2003-04, Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 56
2004-05, Miami, Dwyane Wade, 59
2005-06, Miami, Dwyane Wade, 52
Tim Duncan
2000-01, Spurs, David Robinson, 58
2001-02, Spurs, David Robinson, 58
2002-03, Spurs, David Robinson/Tony Parker, 60
2003-04, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 57
2004-05, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 59
2006-07, Spurs, Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker, 58
Elton Brand
2000-01, Bulls, Ron Artest/Ron Mercer, 15
2003-04, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 28
2004-05, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 37
2005-06, Clippers, Sam Cassell, 47
2006-07, Clippers, Corey Maggette, 40
Chris Webber
2000-01, Kings, Peja Stojakovic, 55
2001-02, Kings, Peja Stojakovic/Mike Bibby, 61
2002-03, Kings, Peja Stojakovic/Mike Bibby, 59
2005-06, 76ers, Allen Iverson, 38
Jermaine O'Neal
2002-03, Pacers, Ron Artest, 48
2003-04, Pacers, Ron Artest, 61
2004-05, Pacers, Stephen Jackson/Reggie Miller, 44
2005-06, Pacers, Stephen Jackson, 41
Amare Stoudamire
2003-04, Suns, Shawn Marion, 29
2004-05, Suns, Steve Nash/Shawn Marion, 62
2006-07, Suns, Steve Nash/Shawn Marion, 61
Karl Malone
2000-01, Jazz, John Stockton/Donyell Marshall, 53
2001-02, Jazz, John Stockton/Donyell Marshall, 44
2002-03, Jazz, John Stockton/Matt Harpring, 47
Chris Bosh
2005-06, Raptors, Mike James/Morris Peterson, 27
2006-07, Raptors, T.J. Ford, 47
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
2000-01, Grizzlies, Mike Bibby, 23
2001-02, Hawks, Jason Terry, 33
Pau Gasol
2005-06, Grizzlies, Mike Miller/Eddie Jones, 49
2006-07, Grizzlies, Mike Miller, 22
Zach Randolph
2003-04, Trail Blazers, Damon Stoudamire, 41
2006-07, Trail Blazers, Brandon Roy, 32
Carlos Boozer
2006-07, Jazz, Deron Williams, 51
Antonio McDyess
2000-01, Nuggets, Nick Van Exel, 40
So what does this mean? Of the seven seasons examined, six of them ended with the champion having one of the big men listed above. The one exception is the 2003-04 season, which ended with the Detroit Pistons beating Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, here are the results broken down by number of regular season wins:
0-19 wins: 1 time
20-29 wins: 5
30-39 wins: 4
40-49 wins: 11
50-59 wins: 15
60-up wins: 5
So, it's obvious that having a big man who can score twenty points a night greatly increases your chance of winning the championship. But what about the players around that big man? How does that effect your chance for success?
Recently, after the announcement that the Magic were going to add Rashard Lewis to the mix with Dwight Howard and the rest of the group in Orlando, head coach, Stan Van Gundy said: "I don't know if the formula of a great perimeter player and a great inside guy has failed very often. Those are always very good teams. There may be other ways to do it, but the most tried-and-true formula in this league is to have one great perimeter player and one great inside player."
Well, let's take a look and see how strong inside-outside duo's have done:
Shaquille O'Neal: Playing with Bryant in Los Angeles and Wade in Miami, he has won at least 52 games each season, while winning three championships during that period.
Tim Duncan: From the 2002-03 season to now, Duncan has teamed with Tony Parker. From 2003-04 to now, Manu Ginobili has also been in the mix. During that time, Duncan has won three championships and at least 57 games per year.
Elton Brand: Brand has only played with a legitimate outside threat once in his career. In teh 2005-06 season, Sam Cassell was traded to the Clippers and they won 47 games and made it to the second round of the playoffs. In Brand's other four seasons where he reached the twenty point per game mark, he was paired with players such as Ron Artest, Ron Mercer, and Corey Maggette. Because of inexperience or the inability to score efficiently, I would not consider these players to be real outside threats or at least at the same ability of Rashard Lewis today.
Chris Webber: Each year he has reached the twenty point per game mark, Webber has had the fortune of playing with a great outside game. First, it was Peja Stojakovic in Sacramento, then in the 2001-02 season, Mike Bibby was added to the Kings roster. From 2000-01 to 2002-03, the Kings won at least 55 games per season. The one mark on Webber's history, is his 2005-06 season with the 76ers where he teamed up with Allen Iverson. That season, Philadelphia was only able to win 38 games, which clearly was a disapointment.
Jermaine O'Neal: O'Neal has had the good fortune in playing with some really intriguing wing players during his career. In 2002-03 and 2003-04, a seasoned Ron Artest led the way with O'Neal for the Pacers. Both of those years were a great success as they were clearly a competitor for the championship. In 2004-05, the Pacers season was disrupted early by the malaee in Detroit. Artest was suspended for the season, and Stephen Jackson and Reggie Miller had to provide support from the outside for O'Neal. However, Indiana was still able to win 44 games. The 2005-06 was not successful for the Pacers who were led by O'Neal and Jackson. The Pacers only won 41 games and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Amare Stoudemire: Stoudemire has had a great deal of success during his time with the Suns since point guard, Steve Nash, joined the squad. Unfortunately, before Nash joined the team in 2004-05, the Suns did have their struggles. In 2003-04, Stoudemire scored more than twenty points per game, but the Suns only won 29 games. After 34 games, guard Stephon Marbury was traded away from the team and Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson were the consistent outside prescence for the Suns. This season was a stepping-stone for the Suns, but a failure at the time for the Suns and Stoudemire.
Karl Malone: Malone had great success in Utah during his career as the inside of the greatest inside-outside combination in NBA history. In the 2000-01, 20001-02, and 2002-03 seasons, Malone reached the twenty point per game mark each year and the team won 53, 44, and 47 games each season. Although they lost in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs each year, the Jazz were still a success each year with Malone in the post.
Chris Bosh: This past season, Bosh teamed with T.J. Ford to create a strong inside-outside game for Toronto. The Bosh-Ford duo led to the best year in franchise history with 47 wins and their first division title.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Although Mike Bibby and Jason Terry did become great outside threats later in their careers, when Abdur-Rahim played with them, I do not consider them to be strong enough players.
Carlos Boozer: Boozer teamed with Deron Williams this past season in Utah to win 51 games and reach the Western Conference finals. The Boozer-Williams team was the perfect inside-outside duo and suprised many teams throughout the season.
Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Antonio McDyess: By my estimation, none of these players were teamed with a great outside threat during the season they reached twenty points per game. Therefore, like Abdur-Rahim, they will not be considered in this.
So what does this all mean? At the end of the day, only Webber in 2005-06 (Iverson), Jermaine O'Neal in 2005-06 (Jackson), and Stoudemire in 2003-04 (Marion) played with a great outside threat and did not have success. At the same time, 24 guys during the 2000-01 to 2006-07 season were apart of a great inside-outside duo and in fact did experience success.
So, after looking at this, we can now prove that Magic head coach, Stan Van Gundy, was correct when he made his comments recently. As long as Rashard Lewis can continue his production, the Magic should have big success coming. With a perimeter player who can score twenty points per game every night, and a post player in Dwight Howard, who will score twenty points per game every night, the Magic will have success - at least if you look at recent history.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Getting the Heat Back to the Top
The Miami Heat, winners of the 2005-06 NBA Championship, struggled throughout last year, ending with a first round loss to the Chicago Bulls in the first round. The Heat only managed to win 44 games during the regular season, and were plagued by injuries from Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Jason Williams throughout.
So how can the Heat return to the top of the Eastern Conference? Miami is currently taking the first step, by trying to sign Milwaukee Bucks point guard, Mo Williams. Miami can only offer Williams the mid-level exception, which would mean the most he could earn in a five-year deal with the Heat is about $35,000,000. The Bucks, however, could offer substantially more, and are already believed to have made an offer in the $40,000,000 range. However, its believed by many that Williams would take less money to join the Heat in order to have a better shot to win the championship.
The current Bucks point guard, Williams, is 6'1" and only 24 years old. Williams and Wade would make a great backcourt for years to come. In fact, in the 2006-07 season, Williams was one of only seven players who averaged greater than or equal to 17 points per game, 4 rebounds per game, and 6 assists per game. LeBron James, Gilbert Arenas, Tracy McGrady, Chris Paul, Baron Davis, and Dwyane Wade were the others to reach this benchmark.
Williams is a playmaker at the point guard position, who is known as a strong competitor. He has good strength for his size, but must improve defensively. His passing and ball handling could still stand to get better. He has been able to avoid injury for the most part in his career and excels when creating off-the-dribble. Shooting off-the-catch is another spot that Williams could still improve at, but he has had a great work ethic throughout his career. With Wade and Williams in the backcourt together, the Heat would be able to pencil in at least 40 points and 10 assists a night at the guard positions.
Once they acquire Mo Williams, the Heat should turn around and trade Jason Williams. The current Heat guard is in the last year of his contract, which pays him $8,937,500. Charlotte (Walter Herrmann, Jared Dudley), Atlanta (Josh Childress, Shelden Williams), Sacramento (Corliss Williamson, Quincy Douby), Clippers (Tim Thomas), Nuggets (Kenyon Martin, Eduardo Najera), or Cavaliers (Drew Gooden) may all be interested in Miami’s current point guard.
The next move for Heat general manager, Pat Riley, should be to sign free agent guard Steve Francis. Francis is a combo-guard who would be perfect off-the-bench for the Heat. Francis would be able to spell either Mo Williams or Wade and fill in well at either spot. After receiving a $30,000,000 buyout from Portland, Francis would most likely be willing to take a large paycut to have a chance to win his first championship.
With a nucleaus of O'Neal, Wade, Antoine Walker, Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Morning and then adding in Mo Williams, Steve Francis, and the player Riley gets back in return for Jason Williams, the Heat would have a much more successful season next year. Miami also has three young players to develop in power forward, Wayne Simien, shooting guard, Daequan Cook, and small forward, Dorrell Wright. With these series of moves (signing Mo Williams, trading Jason Williams, and signing Steve Francis) the Heat will be a younger squad and should be less injury-prone and ready to make a run next season.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Magic Launch Themselves to the Top of the East
ESPN is reporting this morning that small forward, Rashard Lewis, told the Orlando Magic on Monday morning that he plans to leave the Seattle SuperSonics to sign a max contract with Orlando on July 11. The exact value of a maximum contract won't be known until the league announces the salary-cap figure in effect next season on July 11. However, the agreement is believed to be between $75 million and $85 million over five seasons.
With the addition of the 27 year old small forward, Lewis, the Magic instantly become contenders in the East. Pairing Lewis and Magic big man, Dwight Howard, the Magic have one of the best one-two punches in the Eastern Conference. Here is a look at the other duos in the East and where they compare to the Lewis-Howard tandem.
Kidd-Carter: With Kidd having just turned 34 and Carter on the wrong side of 30, this duo probably does not have much left in the tank. Since both players play in the backcourt, the Nets are lacking talent in the post. Therefore, the Magic led by Howard and Lewis are the better duo.
Marbury-Randolph: A true inside-outside combination, the Knicks certianly have a lot of talent between these guys. The one problem remains that both players have a history of selfishness and there are questions of whether they can coexist. In addition, these two are not half the defenders that Lewis and Howard are. So again, I'm taking the Magic's Lewis-Howard combo.
Pierce-Allen: These two will certainly be fun to watch this year at the Fleet Center. Both are talented wing players who are amongst the best shooters in the league. Unfortunately, they are both talented wing players, leaving the Celtics without much inside. Based on age, potential for injury, and size, I'm taking Lewis and Howard over Pierce and Allen.
Wade-O'Neal: A year ago, most people would take the Heat's duo over the Magic's new pairing. However, today I think most would take the Magic's inside-outside combination. At 35, O'Neal certainly looks like he is coming down towards the end of his career. He only played 40 games last season, and for the first time in his career, he did not manage to average 20 points per game. Although he was often injured last year, Wade is still one of the best players in the league. Based on age and a downward trend in production, I would go with Dwight Howard at 21 and Rashard Lewis at 27 over the Heat's two top stars.
Arenas-Jamison: This is where it gets interesting when comparing duos. Arenas finished third last year in the league in points per game, while Jamison managed to finish twentied in the league in the same category. However, I would still go with the Magic's twosome over the Wizards'. If you compare the two today, I would probably give a slight edge to the Magic. However, if you compare the two for tomorrow, the Magic easily get the edge. Arenas has announced that he will be opting out of his contract after this season and Jamison will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Howard and Lewis are younger and have more certainty around their future than the Wizards.
Billups-Wallace: The Pistons pairing puts up the biggest fight against Lewis and Howard. With Wallace and Billups, the team has won more than fifty games every year for the last four years. They have also reached the NBA Finals twice, while winning it once. Nevertheless, these Pistons are now on the wrong side of 30 and Billups' contract status is in flux. Billups is currently a free agent, but has made it known that he prefers to return to the Pistons. Based on their past, if you assume that these two both return this upcoming season, I would take the Pistons combination over the Magic's for next season. However, past that, I am going with the Magic.
Once the dust clears and all the lines are signed, the Magic have catapulted themselves to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. With young, big man, Dwight Howard, and talented Rashard Lewis about to enter his prime, the Magic have one of the best pairings in the conference. Although the Billups-Wallace due maybe better now, the Howard-Lewis combination will be better for years to come.
Assuming the Magic do not bring back Darko Milicic or Grant Hill, they will still have some wholes to fill in their lineup. They will need to find a big man to put next to Dwight Howard in the post, and another strong shooting year from Hedo Turkoglu. The development of point guard, Jameer Nelson, and wing player, Trevor Ariza, will also be vital towards the Magic's success. However, with the duo of Howard and Lewis, the Magic have guaranteed themselves to be contenders to win the Eastern Conference.
With the addition of the 27 year old small forward, Lewis, the Magic instantly become contenders in the East. Pairing Lewis and Magic big man, Dwight Howard, the Magic have one of the best one-two punches in the Eastern Conference. Here is a look at the other duos in the East and where they compare to the Lewis-Howard tandem.
Kidd-Carter: With Kidd having just turned 34 and Carter on the wrong side of 30, this duo probably does not have much left in the tank. Since both players play in the backcourt, the Nets are lacking talent in the post. Therefore, the Magic led by Howard and Lewis are the better duo.
Marbury-Randolph: A true inside-outside combination, the Knicks certianly have a lot of talent between these guys. The one problem remains that both players have a history of selfishness and there are questions of whether they can coexist. In addition, these two are not half the defenders that Lewis and Howard are. So again, I'm taking the Magic's Lewis-Howard combo.
Pierce-Allen: These two will certainly be fun to watch this year at the Fleet Center. Both are talented wing players who are amongst the best shooters in the league. Unfortunately, they are both talented wing players, leaving the Celtics without much inside. Based on age, potential for injury, and size, I'm taking Lewis and Howard over Pierce and Allen.
Wade-O'Neal: A year ago, most people would take the Heat's duo over the Magic's new pairing. However, today I think most would take the Magic's inside-outside combination. At 35, O'Neal certainly looks like he is coming down towards the end of his career. He only played 40 games last season, and for the first time in his career, he did not manage to average 20 points per game. Although he was often injured last year, Wade is still one of the best players in the league. Based on age and a downward trend in production, I would go with Dwight Howard at 21 and Rashard Lewis at 27 over the Heat's two top stars.
Arenas-Jamison: This is where it gets interesting when comparing duos. Arenas finished third last year in the league in points per game, while Jamison managed to finish twentied in the league in the same category. However, I would still go with the Magic's twosome over the Wizards'. If you compare the two today, I would probably give a slight edge to the Magic. However, if you compare the two for tomorrow, the Magic easily get the edge. Arenas has announced that he will be opting out of his contract after this season and Jamison will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Howard and Lewis are younger and have more certainty around their future than the Wizards.
Billups-Wallace: The Pistons pairing puts up the biggest fight against Lewis and Howard. With Wallace and Billups, the team has won more than fifty games every year for the last four years. They have also reached the NBA Finals twice, while winning it once. Nevertheless, these Pistons are now on the wrong side of 30 and Billups' contract status is in flux. Billups is currently a free agent, but has made it known that he prefers to return to the Pistons. Based on their past, if you assume that these two both return this upcoming season, I would take the Pistons combination over the Magic's for next season. However, past that, I am going with the Magic.
Once the dust clears and all the lines are signed, the Magic have catapulted themselves to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. With young, big man, Dwight Howard, and talented Rashard Lewis about to enter his prime, the Magic have one of the best pairings in the conference. Although the Billups-Wallace due maybe better now, the Howard-Lewis combination will be better for years to come.
Assuming the Magic do not bring back Darko Milicic or Grant Hill, they will still have some wholes to fill in their lineup. They will need to find a big man to put next to Dwight Howard in the post, and another strong shooting year from Hedo Turkoglu. The development of point guard, Jameer Nelson, and wing player, Trevor Ariza, will also be vital towards the Magic's success. However, with the duo of Howard and Lewis, the Magic have guaranteed themselves to be contenders to win the Eastern Conference.
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