Stifling defense
Deep threes launched from the corners
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Testing. One, two...
...THREE.
Does anyone still look here ever? Been thinking about reviving it, maybe.
Holla back.
Does anyone still look here ever? Been thinking about reviving it, maybe.
Holla back.
Friday, September 01, 2006
World, Peace!
Well, so much for that.
In a game that no one on the East Coast had much of a chance to watch (3:30 a.m., ESPN2), the latest incarnation of Team USA lost to Greece, 101-95, ensuring the bronze to be the best-case scenario (and beating Argentina certainly isn't a given). Here endeth the World Championships. Not with a bang, but with a whimper.
Not only did no one watch on TV, but there were hardly any American journalists on site in Japan to report the latest failure (Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com being the highest-profile attendee—probably due to ESPN's airing the games). Rather than being a sign of overconfidence, I took this to be more of a sign of apathy. Who really cared? If we won, great. If we didn't—who wanted to be there to see it?
And by now, anyone with a pulse should realize that the world has caught up, at least when it comes to international basketball. No one expects the NBA to be suddenly overrun by Greeks and Lithuanians, putting Americans out of work. But in FIBA-sanctioned games, the USA is just another competitor (ask Tim Duncan). It's no longer a case of winning by just showing up.
Still, this year was supposed to be different. After the Larry Brown Error, Mike Krzyzewski was supposed to usher in a new era, utilizing the LeBron/Wade/Melo-led roster to its fullest potential. The addition of Shane Battier was supposed to show a new emphasis on defense, correcting one of the major problems of '04.
But no one should have looked at this as a lock. After all, most international teams play together WAY more than any US teams do, developing chemistry that never clicks here. Individual talent may not measure up overseas, but their team play makes up for many deficiencies. It also appeared that the US didn't take seriously the biggest needs exposed in the Athens Olympics—the needs for more defense and three-point shooting. One player who could have added both, Spurs veteran Bruce Bowen, was the last cut before the World Championships began.
Instead, the USA selection commitee, headed by Jerry Colangelo, seemed to focus on the usual mix of superstars. No veteran playmakers, no three-point specialists. Should anyone be surprised that we experienced the usual result?
In a game that no one on the East Coast had much of a chance to watch (3:30 a.m., ESPN2), the latest incarnation of Team USA lost to Greece, 101-95, ensuring the bronze to be the best-case scenario (and beating Argentina certainly isn't a given). Here endeth the World Championships. Not with a bang, but with a whimper.
Not only did no one watch on TV, but there were hardly any American journalists on site in Japan to report the latest failure (Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com being the highest-profile attendee—probably due to ESPN's airing the games). Rather than being a sign of overconfidence, I took this to be more of a sign of apathy. Who really cared? If we won, great. If we didn't—who wanted to be there to see it?
And by now, anyone with a pulse should realize that the world has caught up, at least when it comes to international basketball. No one expects the NBA to be suddenly overrun by Greeks and Lithuanians, putting Americans out of work. But in FIBA-sanctioned games, the USA is just another competitor (ask Tim Duncan). It's no longer a case of winning by just showing up.
Still, this year was supposed to be different. After the Larry Brown Error, Mike Krzyzewski was supposed to usher in a new era, utilizing the LeBron/Wade/Melo-led roster to its fullest potential. The addition of Shane Battier was supposed to show a new emphasis on defense, correcting one of the major problems of '04.
But no one should have looked at this as a lock. After all, most international teams play together WAY more than any US teams do, developing chemistry that never clicks here. Individual talent may not measure up overseas, but their team play makes up for many deficiencies. It also appeared that the US didn't take seriously the biggest needs exposed in the Athens Olympics—the needs for more defense and three-point shooting. One player who could have added both, Spurs veteran Bruce Bowen, was the last cut before the World Championships began.
Instead, the USA selection commitee, headed by Jerry Colangelo, seemed to focus on the usual mix of superstars. No veteran playmakers, no three-point specialists. Should anyone be surprised that we experienced the usual result?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Change Of Address
You may notice in the near future that I won't be posting as much on here. (Some of you may wonder if that's even possible, to which I say ha ha.) Thanks to Lang Whitaker and Sam Rubenstein at SLAMonline, my entire blog will be moving onto their server. The best part about that, besides the prestige of the SLAM name, is that you (yes, you) will be able to leave comments without registering. And I guarantee that I will respond to said comments, and so on, and so on. I'm not sure whether the archive here will go to SLAM, but I WILL guarantee that I'll be writing more often.
What may end up happening in the future is this: Basketball-related posts will go up on SLAM, and this site will be a repository for my more esoteric musings. Um, not that I've actually posted any of those yet. But this could be the place for me to write about, say, the new Outkast record (which I still haven't bought), or the lousy weather we've been having lately. We'll see.
Stick around.
What may end up happening in the future is this: Basketball-related posts will go up on SLAM, and this site will be a repository for my more esoteric musings. Um, not that I've actually posted any of those yet. But this could be the place for me to write about, say, the new Outkast record (which I still haven't bought), or the lousy weather we've been having lately. We'll see.
Stick around.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Dyno-MITE!
I have nothing against Jared Jeffries. Having never really spoken to the man, I have no feelings either way on him as a person. As an NBA player, he seems to be a more-than competent defender who can play pretty much anywhere on the floor (although, while he played five positions with the Wizards last year, he seems to be more of a 3-4-5). He's young, he's athletic, and while he hasn't been much of a scorer in his short NBA career, that doesn't mean he CAN'T score. His career average is a single-single—he's something of a poor man's Tyson Chandler, only shorter.
So of course the Knicks gave him their full mid-level exception. (How do they even have a mid-level to give? Didn't they give Jerome James a full mid-level contract last year? And aren't they already at roughly double the alleged salary cap? Shouldn't that matter? Especially when they're able to take a valuable player from a conference rival?) Now they can start a frontcourt of Jeffries, Channing Frye and Eddy Curry, who—if you believe Isiah Thomas, haha—should all be All-Stars before you know it. This moves Jalen Rose to the world's most expensive bench, alongside James, Jamal Crawford, Malik Rose, Maurice Taylor, Quentin Richardson and the ghost of Penny Hardaway. One must presume that the starting backcourt will be Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury, an arrangement that should work great for roughly a week.
Here's the thing that bothers me most about the Jeffries signing. (OK, the most for this instant, and besides the whole mangling of the salary cap and abuse of financial power.) Why sign him and let Jackie Butler go when Butler could have been had for a substantially lower price? At times Butler was the best center on the team last year, and with Curry and James both displaying a decided lack of interest in fitness, it's likely that both of them will be spending at least some time in ugly suits this season. Who's going to man the middle then? Jeffries? Frye? Both of them glued together?
Or maybe this bothers me the most. Who does Jeffries take the most minutes from? Most likely it's David Lee, who's a ridiculous athlete and energy guy. He's also probably the best locker room storyteller/conversationalist on the Knicks, along with Malik Rose, Frye and Jamal. And it's hard to imagine he'll still be a Knick once he gets the chance to go somewhere else. Especially if he finds himself behind Jeffries and Renaldo Balkman on the depth chart. Figure Jalen and Maurice Taylor get traded at the deadline for more veterans with absurd contracts. Maybe someone like Kenyon Martin, who should already be figuring out what number to wear in New York. Or perhaps Seattle's new ownership will decide to cut payroll and make Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis available.
It's pretty obvious that the Knicks don't think twice about adding salary—the last New Yorker to abuse a cap this badly was John Wetteland (and at least he won a World Series, and the MVP to boot). What with the 100 percent tax, Jeffries's deal is actually going to cost the Knicks $60 million over five years, which ain't bad for a guy who averaged 6.4 points and 4.9 rebounds last year. And he's been a starter for all but six games over the past two seasons—for a aplayoff team, no less—so it's hard to imagine him accepting any less than starter's minutes in New York. Sorry, David. And Malik. And Jalen. And Q.
Ironically, JJ seems like he would have been a good Larry Brown guy. Too late.
So of course the Knicks gave him their full mid-level exception. (How do they even have a mid-level to give? Didn't they give Jerome James a full mid-level contract last year? And aren't they already at roughly double the alleged salary cap? Shouldn't that matter? Especially when they're able to take a valuable player from a conference rival?) Now they can start a frontcourt of Jeffries, Channing Frye and Eddy Curry, who—if you believe Isiah Thomas, haha—should all be All-Stars before you know it. This moves Jalen Rose to the world's most expensive bench, alongside James, Jamal Crawford, Malik Rose, Maurice Taylor, Quentin Richardson and the ghost of Penny Hardaway. One must presume that the starting backcourt will be Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury, an arrangement that should work great for roughly a week.
Here's the thing that bothers me most about the Jeffries signing. (OK, the most for this instant, and besides the whole mangling of the salary cap and abuse of financial power.) Why sign him and let Jackie Butler go when Butler could have been had for a substantially lower price? At times Butler was the best center on the team last year, and with Curry and James both displaying a decided lack of interest in fitness, it's likely that both of them will be spending at least some time in ugly suits this season. Who's going to man the middle then? Jeffries? Frye? Both of them glued together?
Or maybe this bothers me the most. Who does Jeffries take the most minutes from? Most likely it's David Lee, who's a ridiculous athlete and energy guy. He's also probably the best locker room storyteller/conversationalist on the Knicks, along with Malik Rose, Frye and Jamal. And it's hard to imagine he'll still be a Knick once he gets the chance to go somewhere else. Especially if he finds himself behind Jeffries and Renaldo Balkman on the depth chart. Figure Jalen and Maurice Taylor get traded at the deadline for more veterans with absurd contracts. Maybe someone like Kenyon Martin, who should already be figuring out what number to wear in New York. Or perhaps Seattle's new ownership will decide to cut payroll and make Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis available.
It's pretty obvious that the Knicks don't think twice about adding salary—the last New Yorker to abuse a cap this badly was John Wetteland (and at least he won a World Series, and the MVP to boot). What with the 100 percent tax, Jeffries's deal is actually going to cost the Knicks $60 million over five years, which ain't bad for a guy who averaged 6.4 points and 4.9 rebounds last year. And he's been a starter for all but six games over the past two seasons—for a aplayoff team, no less—so it's hard to imagine him accepting any less than starter's minutes in New York. Sorry, David. And Malik. And Jalen. And Q.
Ironically, JJ seems like he would have been a good Larry Brown guy. Too late.
Friday, August 04, 2006
USA!
Watched the latest incarnation of Team USA beat the living crap out of Puerto Rico last night. With the exception of the first quarter, which was actually close, it wasn't much of a game. Just a long highlight montage of steals, dunks, threes and salutes (the latest celebration technique). Even without Kobe Bryant (knee) and Amare Stoudemire (knees) this wasn't any kind of contest.
PR opened strong enough, behind point guard Carlos Arroyo. They stayed even with the the American starters (LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, Bosh and Chris Paul) for the first quarter, pulling ahead by four early in the second. Then came the inevitable run. A 31-2 run, no less, fueled by the guys off the bench—Brad Miller, Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard. By the time the run was over, so was the game.
The biggest danger for Team USA now seems to be overconfidence. It's hard to stay focused while on either end of a blowout, but it's important that they keep playing the way they should instead of transforming into a swaggering, obnoxious bunch like the World Championship team of '94. Given the roster—and the presence of Coach K—it's unlikely that would happen, but you never know. Then again, if that's the only concern, things are looking pretty good.
PR opened strong enough, behind point guard Carlos Arroyo. They stayed even with the the American starters (LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, Bosh and Chris Paul) for the first quarter, pulling ahead by four early in the second. Then came the inevitable run. A 31-2 run, no less, fueled by the guys off the bench—Brad Miller, Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard. By the time the run was over, so was the game.
The biggest danger for Team USA now seems to be overconfidence. It's hard to stay focused while on either end of a blowout, but it's important that they keep playing the way they should instead of transforming into a swaggering, obnoxious bunch like the World Championship team of '94. Given the roster—and the presence of Coach K—it's unlikely that would happen, but you never know. Then again, if that's the only concern, things are looking pretty good.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Didn't See That One Coming.
Shawn Kemp busted for marijuana possession? Because he was driving around with a little bit burning in a car with no license plates? That doesn't sound like the Shawn Kemp I know.
So much for the comeback. Then again, forget basketball. Let's find a way to get him in next year's Nathan's hot dog eating contest. He'll break Kobayashi's record, then eat Kobayashi.
So much for the comeback. Then again, forget basketball. Let's find a way to get him in next year's Nathan's hot dog eating contest. He'll break Kobayashi's record, then eat Kobayashi.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Sonic Doom
So let me see if I have this right: The Seattle Supersonics, holders of (according to none other than Commissioner David Stern) the worst arena lease agreement in the League, were recently sold to a group led by an Oklahoma City businessman. The Sonics's previous owner, Howard Schultz—who turned a little coffee shop named Starbucks into a multi-zillion dollar worldwide juggernaut—was having trouble making things work in Seattle. And Oklahoma City showed their NBA readiness by welcoming the hurricane-displaced Hornets with open arms and wallets. About the only thing that seems certain now is that Oklahoma City will be getting an NBA franchise in the near future.
The question now, of course, is which one?
The Hornets would seem to have the edge. After all, they've already settled into the area (Chris Paul surely considers Oklahoma City home, not New Orleans), and the most logical thing to do would be to simply let them stay. New Orleans is still a disaster area, and expecting that fragile economy (and landscape) to support something as expensive—and frivolous—as an NBA team seems silly.
Then again, abandoning New Orleans wouldn't do any wonders for the NBA's reputation. Players should never lose their starting jobs to injury, and cities shouldn't lose their franchises due to natural disasters. The proper thing to do would be to allow the Hornets to play in OKC again next season, with the expectation of their returning to New Orleans full-time for the '07-08 season. If that appears to be unworkable, then other plans could be made.
But will the Sonics slip into OKC instead? That is, to paraphrase Biggie, what has Sonics fans's hearts pounding like Sasquatch feet. (I'm sure they'll miss the Storm too, but—well, no, they probably won't.) If that lease agreement doesn't get settled soon, you can count on the Sonics leaving the Pacific Northwest no matter what. If not OKC, maybe Nashville or hey, why not New Jersey when the Nets move to Brooklyn?
Of course, I have a better idea—a King Solomon sort of solution. Let the Hornets and Sonics BOTH move to Oklahoma City. Not as separate teams, because that would be ridiculous. But merge them (and compensate the owners for half each, or buy one out). Neither team made the playoffs last year, but maybe the Oklahoma City SuperHornets could. Chris Paul at the point, Ray Allen at the two, David West at the three, Rashard Lewis at the four and Tyson Chandler at the five? Kick all those young Sonics centers to the D-league for seasoning, send the Hornets's Euros back to Europe, and let the coaching staffs duke it out for superiority. And to make the East and West even, just fold the Raptors, or sell them as an entity to FIBA. Later on you could always expand back to Seattle and New Orleans if it's feasible (and return New Orleans to the East where they should be anyway).
The question now, of course, is which one?
The Hornets would seem to have the edge. After all, they've already settled into the area (Chris Paul surely considers Oklahoma City home, not New Orleans), and the most logical thing to do would be to simply let them stay. New Orleans is still a disaster area, and expecting that fragile economy (and landscape) to support something as expensive—and frivolous—as an NBA team seems silly.
Then again, abandoning New Orleans wouldn't do any wonders for the NBA's reputation. Players should never lose their starting jobs to injury, and cities shouldn't lose their franchises due to natural disasters. The proper thing to do would be to allow the Hornets to play in OKC again next season, with the expectation of their returning to New Orleans full-time for the '07-08 season. If that appears to be unworkable, then other plans could be made.
But will the Sonics slip into OKC instead? That is, to paraphrase Biggie, what has Sonics fans's hearts pounding like Sasquatch feet. (I'm sure they'll miss the Storm too, but—well, no, they probably won't.) If that lease agreement doesn't get settled soon, you can count on the Sonics leaving the Pacific Northwest no matter what. If not OKC, maybe Nashville or hey, why not New Jersey when the Nets move to Brooklyn?
Of course, I have a better idea—a King Solomon sort of solution. Let the Hornets and Sonics BOTH move to Oklahoma City. Not as separate teams, because that would be ridiculous. But merge them (and compensate the owners for half each, or buy one out). Neither team made the playoffs last year, but maybe the Oklahoma City SuperHornets could. Chris Paul at the point, Ray Allen at the two, David West at the three, Rashard Lewis at the four and Tyson Chandler at the five? Kick all those young Sonics centers to the D-league for seasoning, send the Hornets's Euros back to Europe, and let the coaching staffs duke it out for superiority. And to make the East and West even, just fold the Raptors, or sell them as an entity to FIBA. Later on you could always expand back to Seattle and New Orleans if it's feasible (and return New Orleans to the East where they should be anyway).
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Big Ben and the Bulls reloaded.
Funny I didn't think of this when I made the initial post. I was trying to think of the last time a mainstay player from a championship team signed with a division rival, and nothing was coming to mind. After all, it doesn't happen very often—imagine if Kevin McHale had signed with the Sixers, or if Kobe Bryant signed with the Clippers (which almost happened, but that's besides the point).
Then it hit me, the most obvious comparison of all: Dennis Rodman, who I even mentioned. Lockdown defender and voracious rebounder on Pistons championship teams, he (eventually) signs with the Bulls and accumulates a few more rings. It obviously would have been a lot more similar had he gone to the Bulls in '91, when the wounds were still fresh (and he was less crazy), but I couldn't come up with anything closer. Anyone?
Then it hit me, the most obvious comparison of all: Dennis Rodman, who I even mentioned. Lockdown defender and voracious rebounder on Pistons championship teams, he (eventually) signs with the Bulls and accumulates a few more rings. It obviously would have been a lot more similar had he gone to the Bulls in '91, when the wounds were still fresh (and he was less crazy), but I couldn't come up with anything closer. Anyone?
IVERSON TRADED TO KNICKS FOR CRAWFORD, CURRY
Not really. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Yes, you.
I actually wonder which team would refuse that trade? (Assuming that the salaries would work—and I'm sure they could be made to with some throw-ins either way.) In Iverson, the Knicks would be getting yet another undersized two who'd expect to start (obviously either Francis or Marbury would have to go next, preferably for a big like Jamal Magloire). But he's exactly the kind of player that New York fans are starving for, and his jersey would sell in RIDICULOUS numbers.
In Crawford, the Sixers would get a talented, young replacement for AI (at a reduced price) who showed flashes of brilliance last year. Unlike some of his teammates, Crawford accepted Larry Brown's criticisms, and became a better player for it. And Curry, while still questionable in conditioning and desire, is one of the few young bigs who can score productively in the post. He might never learn to rebound or defend, but he's still somewhat of a rare commodity in today's NBA.
Not that it's going to happen—or even be discussed.
I actually wonder which team would refuse that trade? (Assuming that the salaries would work—and I'm sure they could be made to with some throw-ins either way.) In Iverson, the Knicks would be getting yet another undersized two who'd expect to start (obviously either Francis or Marbury would have to go next, preferably for a big like Jamal Magloire). But he's exactly the kind of player that New York fans are starving for, and his jersey would sell in RIDICULOUS numbers.
In Crawford, the Sixers would get a talented, young replacement for AI (at a reduced price) who showed flashes of brilliance last year. Unlike some of his teammates, Crawford accepted Larry Brown's criticisms, and became a better player for it. And Curry, while still questionable in conditioning and desire, is one of the few young bigs who can score productively in the post. He might never learn to rebound or defend, but he's still somewhat of a rare commodity in today's NBA.
Not that it's going to happen—or even be discussed.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Big Ben and the Bulls.
So big, bad Ben Wallace is a Bull. And I'm torn.
Good: Ben Wallace is a championship-tested veteran who can lead.
Bad: Ben Wallace makes Shaquille O'Neal look like Rick Barry from the line.
Good: Ben Wallace is a defensive and rebounding machine who fits perfectly into Scott Skiles's system.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a one-way player who couldn't score in a roomful of drunken hookers on X.
Good: Ben Wallace is a premier free agent—the first to sign with the Bulls since, well, I don't even remember who.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a 32-year-old who will make $60 million over the next four seasons.
So yeah, I don't know. I like Big Ben, fear the 'fro as much as anyone. But don't the Bulls need scoring? And don't you reserve that sort of money for people who can play at both ends of the floor? Also, it's not going to be much fun if the Bulls win 55 games next season while averaging 75 points a game.
Still, I'll take it. It's not like they were going to land Allen Iverson or Kevin Garnett, and Tyrus Thomas probably won't be ready right away. Factor in the double whammy of taking the defensive linchpin (and symbolic hairstyle) from the best team in their own division, and it seems like a win-win.
Yes, there's the money. Four years, $60 million. A lot to pay for a slightly more sane version of Dennis Rodman (watch the tape of the Artest melee again and remember how much of a role Big Ben played), someone who can't shoot his way out of a wet paper bag. Then again, with Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler gone, the cash is there. May as well use it. I'd rather see the cash go to a proven commodity—and as much as I like Al Harrington, Wallace was the best choice. His championship pedigree being the deciding factor.
It would be nice if J.R. Smith works out too—but if he doesn't, at least he comes off the books. It's hard to believe that Tyson Chandler is going to develop into much more than he is now, and if he doesn't, the Hornets will be looking to unload his contract soon enough. Peja Stojakovic's too, most likely.
Other things from this summer:
• It's nice that the Knicks are all happy and lovey-dovey with Coach Isiah, but let's see what's happening around New Year's.
• J.R. Rider arrested for felony cocaine possession? Never woulda guessed.
• Kirk Hinrich in, J.J. Redick out. Team USA just got a lot more likeable. And, well, better.
• A lot of people saw the T.J. Ford for Charlie Villanueva deal as a decided win for the Bucks. I'm not so sure.
• Kevin Garnett isn't going anywhere—unless the Wolves are out of it around the trade deadline, in which case he's gone for sure.
• I still have trouble believing that Allen Iverson will get traded to the Celtics. The CELTICS? Who were the Sixers archrival for decades, who play in their own DIVISION? Besides the fact that he'd drop 50-plus on his old squad four times a year, I don't think they want to see him in the playoffs. Um, assuming either team gets back there anytime soon.
Denver makes a lot more sense—as does any other Western team—but does Philly really have interest in Marcus Camby or Kenyon Martin? Put one of those guys alongside Chris Webber and you've got an orthopedist's dream come true. And one hell of an expensive frontcourt.
• If Amare Stoudemire is 100 percent next year (or even 85 percent), the Suns are my pick to win it all.
• I can't take credit for this one (thanks, Jeff Pearlman), but if you're the Nets, wouldn't you make an offer to Keith Van Horn? Frontcourt scoring, three-point range, and he'd probably take a hell of a pay cut to play with Jason Kidd.
• WNBA All-Star game tonight! Uh, yeah.
Good: Ben Wallace is a championship-tested veteran who can lead.
Bad: Ben Wallace makes Shaquille O'Neal look like Rick Barry from the line.
Good: Ben Wallace is a defensive and rebounding machine who fits perfectly into Scott Skiles's system.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a one-way player who couldn't score in a roomful of drunken hookers on X.
Good: Ben Wallace is a premier free agent—the first to sign with the Bulls since, well, I don't even remember who.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a 32-year-old who will make $60 million over the next four seasons.
So yeah, I don't know. I like Big Ben, fear the 'fro as much as anyone. But don't the Bulls need scoring? And don't you reserve that sort of money for people who can play at both ends of the floor? Also, it's not going to be much fun if the Bulls win 55 games next season while averaging 75 points a game.
Still, I'll take it. It's not like they were going to land Allen Iverson or Kevin Garnett, and Tyrus Thomas probably won't be ready right away. Factor in the double whammy of taking the defensive linchpin (and symbolic hairstyle) from the best team in their own division, and it seems like a win-win.
Yes, there's the money. Four years, $60 million. A lot to pay for a slightly more sane version of Dennis Rodman (watch the tape of the Artest melee again and remember how much of a role Big Ben played), someone who can't shoot his way out of a wet paper bag. Then again, with Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler gone, the cash is there. May as well use it. I'd rather see the cash go to a proven commodity—and as much as I like Al Harrington, Wallace was the best choice. His championship pedigree being the deciding factor.
It would be nice if J.R. Smith works out too—but if he doesn't, at least he comes off the books. It's hard to believe that Tyson Chandler is going to develop into much more than he is now, and if he doesn't, the Hornets will be looking to unload his contract soon enough. Peja Stojakovic's too, most likely.
Other things from this summer:
• It's nice that the Knicks are all happy and lovey-dovey with Coach Isiah, but let's see what's happening around New Year's.
• J.R. Rider arrested for felony cocaine possession? Never woulda guessed.
• Kirk Hinrich in, J.J. Redick out. Team USA just got a lot more likeable. And, well, better.
• A lot of people saw the T.J. Ford for Charlie Villanueva deal as a decided win for the Bucks. I'm not so sure.
• Kevin Garnett isn't going anywhere—unless the Wolves are out of it around the trade deadline, in which case he's gone for sure.
• I still have trouble believing that Allen Iverson will get traded to the Celtics. The CELTICS? Who were the Sixers archrival for decades, who play in their own DIVISION? Besides the fact that he'd drop 50-plus on his old squad four times a year, I don't think they want to see him in the playoffs. Um, assuming either team gets back there anytime soon.
Denver makes a lot more sense—as does any other Western team—but does Philly really have interest in Marcus Camby or Kenyon Martin? Put one of those guys alongside Chris Webber and you've got an orthopedist's dream come true. And one hell of an expensive frontcourt.
• If Amare Stoudemire is 100 percent next year (or even 85 percent), the Suns are my pick to win it all.
• I can't take credit for this one (thanks, Jeff Pearlman), but if you're the Nets, wouldn't you make an offer to Keith Van Horn? Frontcourt scoring, three-point range, and he'd probably take a hell of a pay cut to play with Jason Kidd.
• WNBA All-Star game tonight! Uh, yeah.
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