I will preface this by saying it feels good to be back. I'll be updating fairly regularly for the foreseeable future. If I won't be posting for a prolonged period, I'll be sure to advertise it well ahead of time. But without further delay, I give you part one of a two part series on the intrigue surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays' decision as to whether or not they should trade their ace Roy Halladay. Enjoy.
What to do with Doc?
Much has already been written about the theoretical trading of one Roy Halladay. It is a complicated situation, and to lift from one of my favourite writers, it is also packed with peanuts. The first question that needs to be addressed is perhaps the most basic: Should the Toronto Blue Jays attempt to trade Halladay? The answer is actually not as clear as some pundits would have you believe. Most people that follow baseball would agree that Halladay is probably the best pitcher in all of baseball. Statistical evidence to back this claim up is not necessary, but can be found here if you are curious.
The way that most trades unfold in baseball involve one team trading a star, or superstar, calibre player in return for a collection of young players and/or minor league prospects. In reading the many Halladay rumours, what becomes immediately apparent is that none of the potential suitors are willing to give up an MLB-ready roster player. The Blue Jays are essentially left to pick through a package of prospects and other possibilities. Most of these are players that are projected to be good, but could just as easily never even make it to the major leagues. Right now, the consensus best pitching prospect in baseball is Stephen Strasburg, who was just drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals. Ignoring for a second the complicated logistics of the Nats' attempts to sign Strasburg (50 million dollars seems like a lot for a kid who has yet to pitch a single game in the majors, but that's neither here nor there), what is the absolute best case scenario for Strasburg's development? Isn't it a Halladay-like career? The man's put up Hall of Fame numbers for years now.
So, hypothetically speaking, Strasburg should have the best chance to just duplicate Halladay's career, let alone surpass it. Now, none of the teams in the running for Halladay are even offering the top prospects in their systems, let alone anyone of the calibre of Strasburg. Baseball prospects are notoriously difficult to evaluate with any degree of precision. If we pegged Strasburg as having a 50-50 chance of having a Halladay-like career, and, frankly, I think that's being generous, wouldn't everyone else have a much lower chance?
To sum up, the Blue Jays are proposing the following: to take a sure thing, probably the best of its kind, and trade it for a package of possibilities. Strictly from a team building perspective, this seems like a futile excercise. The odds are simply too stacked against them. Which means none of this makes sense, why would J.P Ricciardi commit career suicide?
Unless of course, Doc Halladay has told the Blue Jays' management that he won't re-sign with the team after next season (when his contract expires). This part confuses me as well. Roy Halladay is one of the most loyal athletes in all of professional sports. In fact, one could say Roy has been loyal to a fault. He signed a big extension when the team was in much worse shape than it is today. Why now would he suddenly have a change of heart about the city? If he was really thinking of bolting after the 2010 season, wouldn't we have heard something, anything, to that effect? If I were in Halladay's position, I would at least consider signing with a contending team, but it's always been his insistence that he wanted to be part of building a playoff calibre team in Toronto. I also would never believe that Halladay would force J.P's hand with a trade demand. Further, if he had requested a trade, J.P would absolutely have leaked that aspect to the media as well.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Situation:
All of this adds up to a lot of confusion on my part. I see no real reason the Blue Jays are in such a panic to trade the most valuable asset in the market. To summarize their position using a metaphor: the Blue Jays are a factory and they have the best machine in the factory business. It is a highly loyal machine that has never indicated it wanted to leave for another, better factory, instead choosing to remain with the inferior factory. Out of fear of losing this machine when its contract expires, a somewhat unfounded fear I would suggest, factory management propose to trade it for several boxes of unassembled parts. Some of these boxes of parts contain highly combustible materials. There is a very good chance that once assembled these boxes of parts will amount to nothing useful. There is just as good a chance that they will combust and never even make it into the factory, leaving a wake of fiery destruction behind them (Okay, that last part might have been a bit of hyperbole). There is also a very, very, very remote chance these newly assembled parts will contribute to the well-being of the factory. There is an almost zero percent chance these newly assembled machines will replace the best, most loyal machine they just traded for these boxes of parts. And everyone is in agreement that this is good business? This is how to keep your factory open, err, run a successful baseball team?
This all makes no sense, and yet the Blue Jays are intent on making it happen. Thus, part two of this piece will examine the return the Blue Jays can expect for Halladay, as well as further consequences of trading the good doctor. You can expect to see the post Monday evening.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The LeBron James Show
I know we haven’t even reached the halfway mark of the NBA season. I know there is still so much to decide. I know these things. I am aware of the dangers of making bold predictions less than 40 games into the season. Believe me, I am well aware. But now that I have all that out of the way, I think we can safely say that if things stay as they are, no one is touching the Cavs. There are so many reasons to believe this.
The Cavaliers are now 19-0 at home:
They won’t go 41-0 at home, but they are not just beating teams at home; they are demolishing them. The Q was popping last night and it gave the game a playoff-like atmosphere. I never thought I’d say that Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland would be a scary place to play, but it sure looked like it last night. How does Cleveland lose a 7 game series with home court advantage? If they lock up the number one overall seed, I really think they are going to win it all.
LeBron James has no regard for human life:
This header is pulled from Marv Albert’s call on one of LeBron’s vicious dunks in the Celtics-Cavaliers series last year. Here’s the youtube clip, including Marv’s fantastic call.
LeBron is unstoppable. The Celtics had no answer for him in any aspect of the game and they are supposed to be the best defensive team in basketball. He went for 38 pts, seven rebounds, 6 assists, four steals and three blocks. Those are, dare I say it, Jordan-esque numbers. He even went made all nine of his free throws.
The Celtics are struggling without a real outside shooting threat:
The Celtics second unit is a joke. Their starting five is still probably the best in the league, definitely the best when Rajon Rondo is clicking, but after those five, they have nothing. Last night was a good example of that. Eddie House, their supposed scorer off the bench went 2-7 in 19 minutes of play and didn’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of the Cavs’ defenders. Big Baby Davis put up a whopping 0 points on 0 of 4 shooting and aside from 3 offensive rebounds, he was a non-factor.
The Celtics had this missing piece last year in James Posey. Against weaker teams, it is not a big deal, the Celtics overcome their offensive struggles with defensive dominance. However, as they are presently constituted, I don’t see how they break down the Cavaliers stunning defense. Heck, Orlando might even give them a run for their money if they played a seven game series today.
We can all calm down on crowning Rajon Rondo the best Point Guard in the East:
When the Celtics were rolling on their 19 game win streak, people started to get a little crazy about Rajon. I’ll admit I probably got a little caught up in the hype myself, but I think it’s time we all took a step back. Rondo did get 13 assists, no small feat, but he couldn’t hit the ocean with his jumper. As the game progressed, the Cavaliers started doubling off him to help on KG and sometimes on Pierce. A number of Rondo’s assists were just run of the mill passes that his shooters knocked down too. He wasn’t getting the kind of penetration the Celts need from him. During the Celtics 4 game losing streak, he is shooting 30% from the floor, 55% (!!) from the FT line and he has only 27 assists to 14 turnovers. It’s been ugly folks and without a serviceable back up PG, the Celtics live and die with Rondo.
I had hoped last night’s game would be a classic between two very good basketball teams, but it turned into a bit of a lopsided victory. It’s just one game, but I can’t help but see this as a microcosm of where the Celts and Cavs are at right now. If I had to put my life’s savings on one team, it would be the Cavaliers. A month ago, I would have said the Celtics. If they acquire an outside shooting threat, say a Jason Kapono, then I might have to go back to Boston. For now though, it’s LeBron and the Cavs’ world and we are all just living in it.
The Cavaliers are now 19-0 at home:
They won’t go 41-0 at home, but they are not just beating teams at home; they are demolishing them. The Q was popping last night and it gave the game a playoff-like atmosphere. I never thought I’d say that Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland would be a scary place to play, but it sure looked like it last night. How does Cleveland lose a 7 game series with home court advantage? If they lock up the number one overall seed, I really think they are going to win it all.
LeBron James has no regard for human life:
This header is pulled from Marv Albert’s call on one of LeBron’s vicious dunks in the Celtics-Cavaliers series last year. Here’s the youtube clip, including Marv’s fantastic call.
LeBron is unstoppable. The Celtics had no answer for him in any aspect of the game and they are supposed to be the best defensive team in basketball. He went for 38 pts, seven rebounds, 6 assists, four steals and three blocks. Those are, dare I say it, Jordan-esque numbers. He even went made all nine of his free throws.
The Celtics are struggling without a real outside shooting threat:
The Celtics second unit is a joke. Their starting five is still probably the best in the league, definitely the best when Rajon Rondo is clicking, but after those five, they have nothing. Last night was a good example of that. Eddie House, their supposed scorer off the bench went 2-7 in 19 minutes of play and didn’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of the Cavs’ defenders. Big Baby Davis put up a whopping 0 points on 0 of 4 shooting and aside from 3 offensive rebounds, he was a non-factor.
The Celtics had this missing piece last year in James Posey. Against weaker teams, it is not a big deal, the Celtics overcome their offensive struggles with defensive dominance. However, as they are presently constituted, I don’t see how they break down the Cavaliers stunning defense. Heck, Orlando might even give them a run for their money if they played a seven game series today.
We can all calm down on crowning Rajon Rondo the best Point Guard in the East:
When the Celtics were rolling on their 19 game win streak, people started to get a little crazy about Rajon. I’ll admit I probably got a little caught up in the hype myself, but I think it’s time we all took a step back. Rondo did get 13 assists, no small feat, but he couldn’t hit the ocean with his jumper. As the game progressed, the Cavaliers started doubling off him to help on KG and sometimes on Pierce. A number of Rondo’s assists were just run of the mill passes that his shooters knocked down too. He wasn’t getting the kind of penetration the Celts need from him. During the Celtics 4 game losing streak, he is shooting 30% from the floor, 55% (!!) from the FT line and he has only 27 assists to 14 turnovers. It’s been ugly folks and without a serviceable back up PG, the Celtics live and die with Rondo.
I had hoped last night’s game would be a classic between two very good basketball teams, but it turned into a bit of a lopsided victory. It’s just one game, but I can’t help but see this as a microcosm of where the Celts and Cavs are at right now. If I had to put my life’s savings on one team, it would be the Cavaliers. A month ago, I would have said the Celtics. If they acquire an outside shooting threat, say a Jason Kapono, then I might have to go back to Boston. For now though, it’s LeBron and the Cavs’ world and we are all just living in it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cleveland - Boston: TONIGHT!
I've sufficiently recovered from my ACL surgery so that I don't need to be drugged all day. I'm planning on watching the Celts-Cavs game tonight and doing a mini post-game synopsis after the fact. It's the second biggest game of this season and should be highly entertaining. There are tons of subplots:
What's wrong with Boston lately?
Can Cleveland continue its undefeated start on home court?
Does this year's edition of the Cavs have way it takes to take down the Celts?
The post will probably go up sometime tomorrow in the early afternoon. Should be a great game.
What's wrong with Boston lately?
Can Cleveland continue its undefeated start on home court?
Does this year's edition of the Cavs have way it takes to take down the Celts?
The post will probably go up sometime tomorrow in the early afternoon. Should be a great game.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
20 Second Timeout
I'm taking a little time off from writing while I get back on my feet (literally) for the start of the semester. I recently had major reconstructive surgery on my left knee and the pain killers are making me exceedingly dopey, which in turn makes it hard to write. I'll be back as soon as I can manage to hold a coherent thought for more than 20 seconds at a time. Thanks to everyone who's been reading so far, you are all great. 2009 is going to be sweet.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Wishlist: Western Conference
This post comes a little bit late, but the holiday season has been wildly busy for me. I am also without my usual editor pushing me to write, so I’ll have to admit that some of this has been laziness. I hope you guys are enjoying what I’ve been putting out so far. A big thanks to everyone that’s been reading along.
Without further ado, I give you the second half of my Christmas Wish List column.
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets:
What they want:
Kenyon Martin’s contract is one of the most ridiculous in the business but at least he’s putting up something close to his career numbers. Even though the Nuggets have been good since acquiring Billups (recent slide notwithstanding), Carmelo Anthony is a shell of his former self. How can he be putting up the worst numbers of his career with an unselfish distributor like Billups? It just doesn’t make any sense
What they will get:
The Nuggets got away with highway robbery in the Iverson deal. Billups was exactly what this team needed and with Nene healthier than ever, the Nuggets will cruise to 50 wins. Unfortunately, I can’t see a way in which they get past the Lakers in the West, but they’re a whole lot closer than they were at the start of the season.
Portland Trailblazers:
What they want:
For their inexperienced young core to gain the experience necessary to contend for a championship. All the pieces are there, it’s just a question of playing together, and in the playoffs for a year or two before they are ready to win it all. The only other real concern is the health of Greg Oden. If Oden stays healthy (and figures out a way to stop committing almost 4 fouls a game), the Trailblazers are a terrifying team
What they’ll get:
Probably the happiest first round exit in league history. Things are so bright for Portland with the Roy-Aldridge-Fernandez-Oden core that it’s just a matter of time. Everyone who follows the NBA knows it, it’s virtually inevitable. Especially if Oden stays healthy, pencil them in as early contenders for 2010 and 2011.
Utah Jazz:
What they want:
To continue to fly under the radar while their team gets healthy. The Jazz are absolutely loaded in their depth, with only the Lakers surpassing them. When Carlos Boozer is back and healthy, the Jazz are a very scary team. They are so good at home that they need a top four finish in order to take advantage of those crazy Mormon fans.
What they will get:
The quietest 55 win season in NBA history. Everyone is so focused on the Big Three, Portland, Orlando and the reborn Nuggets that Utah is getting almost no coverage. The Jazz will be around until the final 8 at very least, if not the final 4.
Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder:
These two teams depress me so much I made the executive decision to combine their sections into one. It’s my blog, so I’ll do what I want.
First off, the Thunder shouldn’t even be in Oklahoma City. Seattle got absolutely jobbed. Secondly, Kevin McHale must have incriminating pictures of someone high up in the Timberwolves organization to still have his job. If it wasn’t for Kevin Durant and, to a lesser extent, Al Jefferson, there would be nothing positive to write about these two teams. May God have mercy on their fans.
Pacific Division:
L.A Lakers:
What they want:
The Lakers got exactly what they wanted with an impressive win over a Celtics team that was on an absolute rampage. Although they couldn’t stop KG or Pierce, they did a great job of keeping Allen and Rondo in check. Really, any Lakers fan is pretty happy already
What they will get:
I still wonder if the Lakers will be able to consistently play at the level that they demonstrated against Boston. This is a team that has been sleep-walking lately and lack of motivation is a scary thing. I still think they are so talented that they will cruise in the West but I don’t feel quite as good about them as I did at the outset of the season.
Phoenix Suns:
What they want:
A little more cohesion on a team with a lot of talent would be nice. If Shaquille O’Neal morphed into himself from 20 years ago, that would help too. Their management want them to slow the game down and play a half-court game. I don’t think the same can be said for a large part of their roster.
What they will get:
Rolling to dice to get the Diesel was a risky move and right now it seems to blowing up in the Suns’ face. Their offense is still plenty deadly, they are 4th in the league in offensive efficiency, but their defense is not a whole lot better despite Terry Porter’s claims to the contrary. I hate to say it, but the Suns are losing ground in the West fast. They will finish 7th or 8th and bow out in the first round
L.A Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings:
Once again, my blog, so I’ll do what I want. These three teams are all going pretty much nowheresville this season. For everyone’s talk about how strong the West is, the top teams’ records benefit greatly from having some really terrible teams to pick on.
The Clippers’ roster is a dysfunctional mess. Zach Randolph and Baron Davis, their two marquee players, are completely incompatible. Asking Randolph to run the court is futile. The Clippers want to stay relevant in L.A. I think they need to engineer a major rebuild for that to happen
Golden State is a team that plays the run and gun, but is actually a pretty terrible shooting team. Their three leading scorers, Jackson, Maggette and Crawford are all shooting less than 42 percent. Wow. They want to outscore every team they play. They won’t do that until they unload at least a couple of their gunners. At least they still have Andris Biedrins.
The Sacramento Kings’ page on ESPN.com still features Ron Artest. Here, see for yourself: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sac (He’s pictured dribbling the ball in the top left corner). I think that says just about everything about the kind of season the Kings are having.
Southwest Division:
San Antonio Spurs:
What they want:
Get everyone healthy for the playoffs. With Tim Duncan, Greg Popovich, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs always have a shot to win it all. The Spurs are kind of boring to write about, but you have to respect their skill. As a basketball fan, I don’t really like them, but I do admire them.
What they will get:
I think the Spurs make it to the quarterfinals, but this is the year that their bench depth fails them. After the amazing Roger Mason, there isn’t a whole lot going for them. All that being said, never, ever, bet against Tim Duncan.
New Orleans Hornets:
What they want:
They don’t just want, they desperately need Peja Stojakovic to make their team work. For all of Chris Paul’s brilliance and David West’s skill as a scorer, the Hornets require Peja’s outside shooting to make their offense work.
What they will get:
A healthy Peja makes New Orleans a definite threat to the Lakers. Chris Paul is such a dominating guard that I can envision them taking down the Lakers and they are the only team in the West I can say that about.
Houston Rockets:
What they want:
Tracy McGrady needs to remember that he’s a good basketball player. He is ruining the Rockets, and that’s not an exaggeration in any way. They still play good defense but they need T-Mac to win in the playoffs.
What they will get:
They’re stuck in this glut of teams right below the Lakers. Like the Hornets, Jazz, Spurs and Nuggets, they have a chance to win the West, but only an outside shot. If T-Mac is over the hill, they are out in the first round. If he can find the fountain of youth, they could go to the Conference Finals or maybe even the finals.
Dallas Mavericks:
What they want:
Jason Kidd needs to revive his career just long enough to get the Mavericks through the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki is still one of the league’s absolute best players, Jason Terry has been fantastic off the bench and Josh Howard has been solid but they need Kidd to run the point and distribute the ball.
What they will get:
The Kidd trade may have seemed like a good idea at the time but now he looks like he has to take Advil to get out of bed every morning. If Kidd doesn’t get rejuvenated in a real hurry, the Mavericks are doomed to a first round exit.
Memphis Grizzlies:
At least they have the Gay-Mayo combo. That’s about it.
Without further ado, I give you the second half of my Christmas Wish List column.
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets:
What they want:
Kenyon Martin’s contract is one of the most ridiculous in the business but at least he’s putting up something close to his career numbers. Even though the Nuggets have been good since acquiring Billups (recent slide notwithstanding), Carmelo Anthony is a shell of his former self. How can he be putting up the worst numbers of his career with an unselfish distributor like Billups? It just doesn’t make any sense
What they will get:
The Nuggets got away with highway robbery in the Iverson deal. Billups was exactly what this team needed and with Nene healthier than ever, the Nuggets will cruise to 50 wins. Unfortunately, I can’t see a way in which they get past the Lakers in the West, but they’re a whole lot closer than they were at the start of the season.
Portland Trailblazers:
What they want:
For their inexperienced young core to gain the experience necessary to contend for a championship. All the pieces are there, it’s just a question of playing together, and in the playoffs for a year or two before they are ready to win it all. The only other real concern is the health of Greg Oden. If Oden stays healthy (and figures out a way to stop committing almost 4 fouls a game), the Trailblazers are a terrifying team
What they’ll get:
Probably the happiest first round exit in league history. Things are so bright for Portland with the Roy-Aldridge-Fernandez-Oden core that it’s just a matter of time. Everyone who follows the NBA knows it, it’s virtually inevitable. Especially if Oden stays healthy, pencil them in as early contenders for 2010 and 2011.
Utah Jazz:
What they want:
To continue to fly under the radar while their team gets healthy. The Jazz are absolutely loaded in their depth, with only the Lakers surpassing them. When Carlos Boozer is back and healthy, the Jazz are a very scary team. They are so good at home that they need a top four finish in order to take advantage of those crazy Mormon fans.
What they will get:
The quietest 55 win season in NBA history. Everyone is so focused on the Big Three, Portland, Orlando and the reborn Nuggets that Utah is getting almost no coverage. The Jazz will be around until the final 8 at very least, if not the final 4.
Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder:
These two teams depress me so much I made the executive decision to combine their sections into one. It’s my blog, so I’ll do what I want.
First off, the Thunder shouldn’t even be in Oklahoma City. Seattle got absolutely jobbed. Secondly, Kevin McHale must have incriminating pictures of someone high up in the Timberwolves organization to still have his job. If it wasn’t for Kevin Durant and, to a lesser extent, Al Jefferson, there would be nothing positive to write about these two teams. May God have mercy on their fans.
Pacific Division:
L.A Lakers:
What they want:
The Lakers got exactly what they wanted with an impressive win over a Celtics team that was on an absolute rampage. Although they couldn’t stop KG or Pierce, they did a great job of keeping Allen and Rondo in check. Really, any Lakers fan is pretty happy already
What they will get:
I still wonder if the Lakers will be able to consistently play at the level that they demonstrated against Boston. This is a team that has been sleep-walking lately and lack of motivation is a scary thing. I still think they are so talented that they will cruise in the West but I don’t feel quite as good about them as I did at the outset of the season.
Phoenix Suns:
What they want:
A little more cohesion on a team with a lot of talent would be nice. If Shaquille O’Neal morphed into himself from 20 years ago, that would help too. Their management want them to slow the game down and play a half-court game. I don’t think the same can be said for a large part of their roster.
What they will get:
Rolling to dice to get the Diesel was a risky move and right now it seems to blowing up in the Suns’ face. Their offense is still plenty deadly, they are 4th in the league in offensive efficiency, but their defense is not a whole lot better despite Terry Porter’s claims to the contrary. I hate to say it, but the Suns are losing ground in the West fast. They will finish 7th or 8th and bow out in the first round
L.A Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings:
Once again, my blog, so I’ll do what I want. These three teams are all going pretty much nowheresville this season. For everyone’s talk about how strong the West is, the top teams’ records benefit greatly from having some really terrible teams to pick on.
The Clippers’ roster is a dysfunctional mess. Zach Randolph and Baron Davis, their two marquee players, are completely incompatible. Asking Randolph to run the court is futile. The Clippers want to stay relevant in L.A. I think they need to engineer a major rebuild for that to happen
Golden State is a team that plays the run and gun, but is actually a pretty terrible shooting team. Their three leading scorers, Jackson, Maggette and Crawford are all shooting less than 42 percent. Wow. They want to outscore every team they play. They won’t do that until they unload at least a couple of their gunners. At least they still have Andris Biedrins.
The Sacramento Kings’ page on ESPN.com still features Ron Artest. Here, see for yourself: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sac (He’s pictured dribbling the ball in the top left corner). I think that says just about everything about the kind of season the Kings are having.
Southwest Division:
San Antonio Spurs:
What they want:
Get everyone healthy for the playoffs. With Tim Duncan, Greg Popovich, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs always have a shot to win it all. The Spurs are kind of boring to write about, but you have to respect their skill. As a basketball fan, I don’t really like them, but I do admire them.
What they will get:
I think the Spurs make it to the quarterfinals, but this is the year that their bench depth fails them. After the amazing Roger Mason, there isn’t a whole lot going for them. All that being said, never, ever, bet against Tim Duncan.
New Orleans Hornets:
What they want:
They don’t just want, they desperately need Peja Stojakovic to make their team work. For all of Chris Paul’s brilliance and David West’s skill as a scorer, the Hornets require Peja’s outside shooting to make their offense work.
What they will get:
A healthy Peja makes New Orleans a definite threat to the Lakers. Chris Paul is such a dominating guard that I can envision them taking down the Lakers and they are the only team in the West I can say that about.
Houston Rockets:
What they want:
Tracy McGrady needs to remember that he’s a good basketball player. He is ruining the Rockets, and that’s not an exaggeration in any way. They still play good defense but they need T-Mac to win in the playoffs.
What they will get:
They’re stuck in this glut of teams right below the Lakers. Like the Hornets, Jazz, Spurs and Nuggets, they have a chance to win the West, but only an outside shot. If T-Mac is over the hill, they are out in the first round. If he can find the fountain of youth, they could go to the Conference Finals or maybe even the finals.
Dallas Mavericks:
What they want:
Jason Kidd needs to revive his career just long enough to get the Mavericks through the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki is still one of the league’s absolute best players, Jason Terry has been fantastic off the bench and Josh Howard has been solid but they need Kidd to run the point and distribute the ball.
What they will get:
The Kidd trade may have seemed like a good idea at the time but now he looks like he has to take Advil to get out of bed every morning. If Kidd doesn’t get rejuvenated in a real hurry, the Mavericks are doomed to a first round exit.
Memphis Grizzlies:
At least they have the Gay-Mayo combo. That’s about it.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Wishlist: Eastern Conference
In the spirit of the holiday season, it’s time to look at what each NBA team wants for Christmas. Unfortunately for some of these teams, there is no Santa in the NBA to bring them yuletide cheer. They are stuck with cold, hard reality. I’ll go through the teams by division in the Eastern Conference today and then the Western Conference on Friday.
Atlantic Division:
Boston Celtics:
What they want:
A victory over the Lakers in their marquee Christmas Day matchup would the icing on the cake of a season that has gone absolutely perfectly so far. Everything else has gotten absolutely perfectly. They have practically clinched a playoff berth already with a 13 and a half (!!) game lead over 9th place Chicago. Their season won’t really start until the playoffs
What they’ll get:
I wouldn’t bet against Boston winning tomorrow or making a return trip to the finals. As good as Cleveland and L.A have been, Boston has to be the favourite right now. Boston’s been good and Santa is going to reward them
New Jersey Nets:
What they want:
The continued speedy development of Brook Lopez and the sustained play at a ridiculously high level by Devin Harris. It would also be nice if they could get out of the Swamp.
What they’ll get:
The Nets are playing a whole lot better than pretty well anybody expected and a lot of that has to do with Devin Harris morphing into an unstoppable slashing guard. I see no reason for that to stop any time soon. Lopez has looked good in the action that he’s seen but he’s not the third scoring option they so desperately need. Much to Jay-Z’s dismay, they ain’t leaving New Jersey any time soon
Philadelphia 76ers:
What they want:
Elton Brand to live up to the massive contract they signed him to in the offseason. Someone who can make a 15 foot jumper when Brand is getting quintuple teamed in the low post.
What they’ll get:
It’s too early to make definitive judgements with regards to the Brand signing, but it does seem like they are trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. Brand is a half-court, post-up player who demands double teams. The 76ers succeeded last year because they ran like crazy and their high flyers made easy baskets in transition and thus masked their horrifying inability to make outside shots. As long as they don’t have any outside shooting, 76ers fans will be stuck watching their team trying to fast break with four players while Brand lags back court
New York Knicks:
What they want:
For LeBron to openly declare that he is coming to the Big Apple in the summer of 2010. If Nate Robinson and David Lee continue having career years to distract from the facts that the Knicks are THROWING THIS SEASON that would help ease the transition. But mostly just the LeBron thing.
What they’ll get:
LeBron is way too business savvy to tip his hand with regards to 2010. There has been a lot of speculation concerning his love of NYC but, at least for now, I can’t see him making a choice one way or another. Knicks fans, you can only hope these next two years of suffering aren’t for naught.
Toronto Raptors:
What they want:
An athletic swingman would be nice. Some secondary scoring to help Chris Bosh out a little would be appreciated. If things keep going as they are, it might be best to wish for a swift, merciful end to the season.
What they’ll get:
Another wasted all-star season from Chris Bosh. Jermaine O’Neal has been a bust so far and his contract is becoming burdensome. Jose Calderon has played well at times, but not quite at the level that some expected. Andrea Bargnani....well, you get the idea. Things aren’t getting better any time soon. Get ready for a big lump of coal.
Central Division:
Cleveland Cavaliers:
What they want:
To win an NBA title either this season or next in order to convince LeBron to stay. To that end, for the Celtics to stop being so damn good and ruining their chances of winning the Larry O’Brian Trophy.
What they’ll get:
Another fantastic season, and perhaps the first MVP trophy of many to come from LeBron. Unfortunately, what really matters is the playoffs and Boston is still the team to beat, despite Cleveland’s outstanding start. Will LeBron stay or will he go? I have no idea.
Detroit Pistons:
What they want:
To have a do-over on the Billups-Iverson trade. A return to form for Rasheed Wallace and some more minutes for Rodney Stuckey.
What they’ll get:
The Pistons must have made the Iverson trade with the goal of clearing cap space for 2010 because they could not be a worse fit for A.I. He has slowed a step and his perimeter defence has greatly deteriorate. Rasheed Wallace might be over the hill by now, he’s 34, and he isn’t getting any younger. Stuckey has looked pretty okay, but nothing to write home about this season. Joe Dumars and co. are hoping to land a big free agent to go along with Prince and Hamilton, but what those two need above all else is a high quality point guard who will get them the ball. They just traded that away. Maybe Dumars sees something I don't. Regardless, things are not looking so bright.
Milwaukee Bucks:
What they want:
To have Michael Redd stay healthy and start making jumpers again. To have Ramon Sessions continue to develop and eventually replace Luke Ridnour. A player who can create his own shot.
What they’ll get:
Richard Jefferson continuing to eat up more than 13 million in salary while shooting 42 percent from the field. Yikes. Another .500 record and a battle for the 8th playoff spot in the East. At least the Packers are good and Brett Favre is leading them to glory again. Oh wait.
Chicago Bulls:
What they want:
Considering how well Derrick Rose has turned out, I don’t think the Bulls can ask for much more. I guess if Luol Deng lived up to his mega-deal that would be nice, but I think Bulls fans are so euphoric from the arrival of Rose that everything else seems trivial.
What they’ll get:
The Bulls are another team with a chance a shot at the 8th spot in the East and not much else. I don’t think this season matters too much, the Bulls will have their chances in the coming years.
Indiana Pacers:
What they want:
For T.J Ford to do a little more passing and a little less shooting. One more play maker to help Danny Granger out. Right now, the Pacers are Granger, MeJay and a whole lot of role players.
What they’ll get:
A lottery finish and a high draft pick. Danny Granger is someone to build around and maybe they could be something in a couple of years. They aren’t there yet. If someone could talk T.J Ford into passing a bit more, he could be a deadly point guard with his tremendous speed, but I don’t know if that’s possible.
Southeast Division:
Orlando Magic:
What they want:
To contend in the Eastern Conference with Cleveland and Boston. For Jameer Nelson to continue to have a career year and good health for Mickael Pietrus.
What they’ll get:
Some people would contend that I have a bone to pick with the Magic based on the fact that I don’t include them in discussions about the NBA’s elite teams. Dwight Howard is a beast and Rashard Lewis is a very good scorer. With the addition of Mickael Pietrus, they now have a lock down defender who can pitch in offensively too. All this points to the Magic being very good but I think too much is riding on Jameer Nelson. If Nelson keeps this pace up all year, they are very close to Boston and Cleveland. If he regresses, they aren’t. Good luck Jameer!
Atlanta Hawks:
What they want:
Josh Smith getting it together would help. He’s been a little off so far this
season. If some people came to watch this exciting basketball, maybe the Phillips Arena wouldn’t seem so much like a morgue.
What they’ll get:
A great up and coming team with a bright future that will contend for years to come. Josh Smith will round back into form and the Hawks will win 45-50 games. Look for Marvin Williams to keep improving...but the fans still won’t show. It is Atlanta we are talking about after all.
Miami Heat:
What they want:
Beasley becoming a viable secondary option behind Wade would improve their chances going forward. Find a willing trade partner for Shawn Marion. I don’t think the Heat need Marion’s skill set as much as they need a true big man.
What they will get:
Dwayne Wade carrying them to a 40-45 win season and hopefully a half decent draft pick. The Heat are still a prime free agent destination, so if they unload Marion for cap room, maybe they make a run at a major free agent.
Charlotte Bobcats:
What they want:
The Bobcats are stuck in a big way. They have one useful player, Gerald Wallace, one player with potential, D.J Augustin, and a whole bunch of role players making way too much money. They need a new team.
What they will get:
Larry Brown trying to murder Sean May with his eyes before the season’s over and at best a 35 win season. Bobcats management has doomed this team for a long time to come. It’s really kind of sad.
Washington Wizards:
I can’t even bring myself to write about the Wizards. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are having good years and everybody else is a catastrophe. I don’t see Arenas’ return as saving this team either. If the Wizards win 25 games this year, it will be a success.
Atlantic Division:
Boston Celtics:
What they want:
A victory over the Lakers in their marquee Christmas Day matchup would the icing on the cake of a season that has gone absolutely perfectly so far. Everything else has gotten absolutely perfectly. They have practically clinched a playoff berth already with a 13 and a half (!!) game lead over 9th place Chicago. Their season won’t really start until the playoffs
What they’ll get:
I wouldn’t bet against Boston winning tomorrow or making a return trip to the finals. As good as Cleveland and L.A have been, Boston has to be the favourite right now. Boston’s been good and Santa is going to reward them
New Jersey Nets:
What they want:
The continued speedy development of Brook Lopez and the sustained play at a ridiculously high level by Devin Harris. It would also be nice if they could get out of the Swamp.
What they’ll get:
The Nets are playing a whole lot better than pretty well anybody expected and a lot of that has to do with Devin Harris morphing into an unstoppable slashing guard. I see no reason for that to stop any time soon. Lopez has looked good in the action that he’s seen but he’s not the third scoring option they so desperately need. Much to Jay-Z’s dismay, they ain’t leaving New Jersey any time soon
Philadelphia 76ers:
What they want:
Elton Brand to live up to the massive contract they signed him to in the offseason. Someone who can make a 15 foot jumper when Brand is getting quintuple teamed in the low post.
What they’ll get:
It’s too early to make definitive judgements with regards to the Brand signing, but it does seem like they are trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. Brand is a half-court, post-up player who demands double teams. The 76ers succeeded last year because they ran like crazy and their high flyers made easy baskets in transition and thus masked their horrifying inability to make outside shots. As long as they don’t have any outside shooting, 76ers fans will be stuck watching their team trying to fast break with four players while Brand lags back court
New York Knicks:
What they want:
For LeBron to openly declare that he is coming to the Big Apple in the summer of 2010. If Nate Robinson and David Lee continue having career years to distract from the facts that the Knicks are THROWING THIS SEASON that would help ease the transition. But mostly just the LeBron thing.
What they’ll get:
LeBron is way too business savvy to tip his hand with regards to 2010. There has been a lot of speculation concerning his love of NYC but, at least for now, I can’t see him making a choice one way or another. Knicks fans, you can only hope these next two years of suffering aren’t for naught.
Toronto Raptors:
What they want:
An athletic swingman would be nice. Some secondary scoring to help Chris Bosh out a little would be appreciated. If things keep going as they are, it might be best to wish for a swift, merciful end to the season.
What they’ll get:
Another wasted all-star season from Chris Bosh. Jermaine O’Neal has been a bust so far and his contract is becoming burdensome. Jose Calderon has played well at times, but not quite at the level that some expected. Andrea Bargnani....well, you get the idea. Things aren’t getting better any time soon. Get ready for a big lump of coal.
Central Division:
Cleveland Cavaliers:
What they want:
To win an NBA title either this season or next in order to convince LeBron to stay. To that end, for the Celtics to stop being so damn good and ruining their chances of winning the Larry O’Brian Trophy.
What they’ll get:
Another fantastic season, and perhaps the first MVP trophy of many to come from LeBron. Unfortunately, what really matters is the playoffs and Boston is still the team to beat, despite Cleveland’s outstanding start. Will LeBron stay or will he go? I have no idea.
Detroit Pistons:
What they want:
To have a do-over on the Billups-Iverson trade. A return to form for Rasheed Wallace and some more minutes for Rodney Stuckey.
What they’ll get:
The Pistons must have made the Iverson trade with the goal of clearing cap space for 2010 because they could not be a worse fit for A.I. He has slowed a step and his perimeter defence has greatly deteriorate. Rasheed Wallace might be over the hill by now, he’s 34, and he isn’t getting any younger. Stuckey has looked pretty okay, but nothing to write home about this season. Joe Dumars and co. are hoping to land a big free agent to go along with Prince and Hamilton, but what those two need above all else is a high quality point guard who will get them the ball. They just traded that away. Maybe Dumars sees something I don't. Regardless, things are not looking so bright.
Milwaukee Bucks:
What they want:
To have Michael Redd stay healthy and start making jumpers again. To have Ramon Sessions continue to develop and eventually replace Luke Ridnour. A player who can create his own shot.
What they’ll get:
Richard Jefferson continuing to eat up more than 13 million in salary while shooting 42 percent from the field. Yikes. Another .500 record and a battle for the 8th playoff spot in the East. At least the Packers are good and Brett Favre is leading them to glory again. Oh wait.
Chicago Bulls:
What they want:
Considering how well Derrick Rose has turned out, I don’t think the Bulls can ask for much more. I guess if Luol Deng lived up to his mega-deal that would be nice, but I think Bulls fans are so euphoric from the arrival of Rose that everything else seems trivial.
What they’ll get:
The Bulls are another team with a chance a shot at the 8th spot in the East and not much else. I don’t think this season matters too much, the Bulls will have their chances in the coming years.
Indiana Pacers:
What they want:
For T.J Ford to do a little more passing and a little less shooting. One more play maker to help Danny Granger out. Right now, the Pacers are Granger, MeJay and a whole lot of role players.
What they’ll get:
A lottery finish and a high draft pick. Danny Granger is someone to build around and maybe they could be something in a couple of years. They aren’t there yet. If someone could talk T.J Ford into passing a bit more, he could be a deadly point guard with his tremendous speed, but I don’t know if that’s possible.
Southeast Division:
Orlando Magic:
What they want:
To contend in the Eastern Conference with Cleveland and Boston. For Jameer Nelson to continue to have a career year and good health for Mickael Pietrus.
What they’ll get:
Some people would contend that I have a bone to pick with the Magic based on the fact that I don’t include them in discussions about the NBA’s elite teams. Dwight Howard is a beast and Rashard Lewis is a very good scorer. With the addition of Mickael Pietrus, they now have a lock down defender who can pitch in offensively too. All this points to the Magic being very good but I think too much is riding on Jameer Nelson. If Nelson keeps this pace up all year, they are very close to Boston and Cleveland. If he regresses, they aren’t. Good luck Jameer!
Atlanta Hawks:
What they want:
Josh Smith getting it together would help. He’s been a little off so far this
season. If some people came to watch this exciting basketball, maybe the Phillips Arena wouldn’t seem so much like a morgue.
What they’ll get:
A great up and coming team with a bright future that will contend for years to come. Josh Smith will round back into form and the Hawks will win 45-50 games. Look for Marvin Williams to keep improving...but the fans still won’t show. It is Atlanta we are talking about after all.
Miami Heat:
What they want:
Beasley becoming a viable secondary option behind Wade would improve their chances going forward. Find a willing trade partner for Shawn Marion. I don’t think the Heat need Marion’s skill set as much as they need a true big man.
What they will get:
Dwayne Wade carrying them to a 40-45 win season and hopefully a half decent draft pick. The Heat are still a prime free agent destination, so if they unload Marion for cap room, maybe they make a run at a major free agent.
Charlotte Bobcats:
What they want:
The Bobcats are stuck in a big way. They have one useful player, Gerald Wallace, one player with potential, D.J Augustin, and a whole bunch of role players making way too much money. They need a new team.
What they will get:
Larry Brown trying to murder Sean May with his eyes before the season’s over and at best a 35 win season. Bobcats management has doomed this team for a long time to come. It’s really kind of sad.
Washington Wizards:
I can’t even bring myself to write about the Wizards. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are having good years and everybody else is a catastrophe. I don’t see Arenas’ return as saving this team either. If the Wizards win 25 games this year, it will be a success.
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