John Paxson made it no secret that he was actively attempting to unload Ben Wallace and his 60 million dollar contract. After coming to terms with Ben Wallace on July 4th, 2006, the Wallace signing was praised by many people. The signing was expected to bring the Bulls to the NBA Finals. A year and a half later, all Chicago is overwhelmed that Big Bust was shipped out of town.
What the Sonics got:
The Sonics got nothing more than salary cap relief, something which they have wanted. There's not much more to say but give them an A+ for unloading Wally Szczerbiak's contract.
What the Cavs got:
Dan Ferry received alot of heat for not having been able to complete a trade receiving either Jason Kidd or Mike Bibby. A minute before the trading deadline, Dan Ferry was able to welcome Delonte West, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Wally Szczerbiak to the organization. Now first of all, Delonte West is not a true point guard. He's also shooting it at only 39%, 33% from the arc, and 67% from the charity stripe. Now Szczerbiak is a great shooter, but for every shot he makes, his opposition gets it right back due to his inability to play defense. He is also only 27% from the arc during playoff time. Joe Smith is a good player. He is capable of hitting the mid range jumpshot and is a solid defender. Ben Wallace is more of a substraction than an addition at this point. Even though he works two hours before the game practicing his free throws, he remains the worst free throw shooter of all time in the NBA. In fact, he could very well be the worst all around offensive player in the league. His inability to make a dunk, layup will kill the Cavs. He has also fallen in love with the mid-range fadeaway and running hook, which will make Cav fans rather have Larry Hughes shoot jump shots. Now I've read many people claiming the old Ben Wallace of the Detroit days would be back once he suits up in a Cavalier jersey, but the dude is done. He is an undersized center and has relied with athleticism throughout his career. With his age, he has lost that athleticism and hasnt been able to do much at all on defense. If you play him for over 30 minutes a game, your offense will totally ruined. If you play him for less than 30 minutes, he will be a cancer to the team. Is it a coincidence that a day after Benedict Wallace is no longer with the team, the Bulls offense scores 135 points? Even though they gave up 121, nothing could be done with J.R. Smith jacking up 3's and making them. Is it a coincidence that for the first time this season the entire Bulls team smiled, chest bumped, cheered on the bench, and played with joy? That just proved what kind of cancer Bum Wallace was for the team.
Paxson got rid of Wallass' ugly contract by taking on Larry Hughes' contract, which Cleveland considered just as ugly. Larry Hughes, the oldest player on the Bulls at 29, was plain terrible in Cleveland. Much can be blamed on the way Cleveland utilized him, which Hughes himself, claimed to be the reason he was ineffective. With the Cavaliers, Hughes was expected to be more of a shooter. Hughes best work is without the ball, and slashing to the basket. He was unable to do that with LeBron James on the team. Hughes has also averaged 19 points a game on 44% shooting in February. Even if Hughes is unable to reach my expectations, he will at least not be a cancer to the locker room. John Paxson was able to get Drew Gooden, someone whom he had an eye out for, for quite some time. He is now reunited with 3 year college teammate Kirk Hinrich, and could provide some low post scoring. Shanon Brown and Cedric Simmons could possibly become decent role players. A huge part of the deal for me would be the trade exception we receive. With Gooden's contract expiring next season, Gooden, Nocioni, and the exception could possibly get an Elton Brand or Al Harrington type player.
what do suns gain? They get rid of the upset Shawn Marion, get a solid replacement, and Joakim Noah, someone whom they were highly interested in this year's draft. also get some cap relief with khryapas expiring contract
what do lakers gain? kobes finally gone and could use brown 9 mill expiring with the 8 million for a huge trade. get a scorer in gordon and an allstar in shawn marion.
Will he come to Chicago? Will he even be traded? Do the Bulls want to give up Luol Deng and/or Ben Gordon? What would a Bulls offer be? My trade offer would be: Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Chris Duhon, Viktor Khryapa(Du and Khryapa combine for 5 million expiring), Joakim Noah, and future draft picks for Kobe and Vujacic with possibly Brian Cook if they need to dump someone to even the roster number. Is this too much or too little?
How the Lakers would look:
PG: Crittenton/Farmar/Duhon/Fisher
SG: Ben Gordon/Maurice Evans/Crittenton(not sure)/Luke Walton(not sure)
The Lakers would obviously be loaded at point guard and at forward and thin at Kobe's position. So should they then package Noah and Duhon(or Farmar) for a shooting guard? Would the Lakers be better off than they are now? I would say so, as they get great depth and could make another trade to even out the team. If the Lakers look at it this way, there is a chance the offer gets accepted.
How the Bulls would look:
PG: Hinrich/Sefolosha/Curry/Vujacic
SG: Bryant/Sefolosha/Hinrich/Deng
SF: Deng/Sefolosha/Thomas/Griffin
PF: Thomas/Smith/Deng
C: Wallace/Gray/Smith
Chicago would improve defensively as BG7 gets replaced by an all defensive player. The lack of depth is crucial as one injury could kill their season. Thabo would have to take over the 6th man spot and hit his shots, while Thomas would need to step it up and play more maturely. They could go into free agency though and try to pick up PJ Brown, who would get playing time and at the same time, play for a contender. Are the Bulls better off? It's a tough call as the team truly relies on the sophomores.
Yesterday the young Mel Kiper(me) analyzed picks 1-10, and today he will analyze picks 11-20.
11. Atlanta Hawks: Acie Law
Well guess what? I got some pretty cool news! Wanna hear it? The Hawks finally drafted a Point Guard! Yes, after passing up on Marcus Williams, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and plenty of others, they thought that maybe this year a point guard was needed. Acie Law, is more of a scoring point guard, but hey at least they finally drafted one.
What will Law average? 10ppg, 4aspg
12. Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young
Really a shocking pick here when you have Julian Wright, and Al Thornton on the board that were considered better talent. But maybe they see what I see in Thaddeus. Paul Pierce Jr. He won't be ready to contribute right away, but like most players that come out after a year of college, they will turn out pretty good in several years.
What will Young average? 6ppg, 3rpg
13. New Orleans: Julian Wright
Remember that dude that went up for a tomahawk slam(if thats what it's called) and then stopped in mid air. Yeah, that guy who made himself a candidate for those "Wanna get away" Southwest Airlines(or was it American Airlines) comercial, is a lottery pick. He is similar to Tyrus Thomas, an athletic player without the J. He should be ready to take over Stojakovic's spot once he retires, and play his minutes in case he gets injured again.
What will Wright average? 7ppg,3 or 4rpg
14. LA Clippers: Al Thornton
Now the ideal and logical pick would have been either Nick Young, or Javaris Crittenton. Clippers liked Thornton more though, and will probably make him the Maggette substitute, or maybe replace Ross. He is also capable of playing the PF position, but might be too undersized to succeed in the NBA.
What will Thornton average? 6ppg,3rpg
15. Detroit Pistons: Rodney Stuckey
They had to load up at the guard position especially with the departure of Delfino, and the age of Hunter, and at the time, the possibility of losing Billups in free agency. Stuckey can score, and will progressively become the primary backup for the guard position, and maybe right away.
What will Stuckey average? 7ppg
16. Washington Wizards: Nick Young
It seemed as if their biggest need was a big man, but Young is an improvement over Stevenson, and they will have the "Two Scoring Towers" now in Young and Arenas. Since offense seems to be what Washington wants their strength to be, Young was the right pick.
What will Young average? 9ppg
17. New Jersey Nets: Sean Williams
Marijuana anybody? I think I've heard Williams ask for some. He is a tremendous shot blocker, and would be a sure 1st round pick, if not for his drug addiction. Nets needed a big, and they took a gamble, and if he doesn't stay out of trouble, possibly the best pick.
What will Marijuana excuse me, Williams average? 5ppg, 4rpg, 1 bpg
18. Golden State Warriors: Marco Bellinelli
They dumbed Richardson, and Bellinelli can take that spot over. He's perfect for "Nelly ball." He is a tremendous scorer, who will probably be their 6th man next season. Best player that fit their style at that position, and they took him.
What will Bellinelli average? 8ppg
Breaking down the trade: The Warriors lost a great player, but got his backup with their draft pick, and a talented, young player in return for the dunk king. Wright will need some time till he proves what he's worth, but the Warriors got a 9 million or so trade exception that could help them tremendously to acquire a big star like Garnett if they'd like to.
19. LA Lakers: Javaris Crittenton
They probably will draft another point guard for the next 5 years. Crittenton was projected much higher though, and is a very good pick at the 19th slot. It will take a bit until he can be a productive NBA Point Guard, but they took the best player available at their biggest need.
What will Crittenton average? 6ppg,3aspg
20. Miami Heat: Daequan Cook
He is a young scorer, a 2 guard, and is a decent emergency option in case Wade is in the Emergency Room sitting in a wheel chair. He was projected to go somewhat lower, but if he's who they like, then that's who they like.
What will Cook average? Without Wade needing a wheelchair: 4ppg
With Wade needing a wheelchair:10ppg.
That's it for today, and check in tomorrow for picks 21-30, and who I consider the steals in the 2nd round.
Alright, yes I know, I know it's a month late, but too bad. I'm going to break down the top 15 draft selections of the 2007 NBA Draft, and the trades involving the Top 10 players. You may call me the Mel Kiper of the NBA.
1. Portland: Greg Oden
Well "Franchise Centers" come around every 10 years, and almost every championship team has one, and almost every "Franchise Center" gets a ring. Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan... the list goes on. Portland is building on a young talented frontcourt, that one day will be top 5 or even the best in the league.
What will Oden average? I see him getting, 15ppg, 7rpg, and 1 or 2 blocks a game.
Breaking down the trade: Portland was able to get rid of Zach Randolph's huge contract, and got a nice young backup forward in Channing Frye. The had the option to buy out Steve Francis', which New York had to pay, and once Raef LaFrentz and Darius Miles' contract run out, they'll have the cap to go after a star player. That's pretty good considering you probably have the best young squad in the league.
2. Seattle Supersonics: Kevin Durant
Obvious choice here. Durant is a scoring machine, and has been compared by many as the combination of Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, and Dirk Nowitzki. He's a good rebounder,he has great size, and he is versatile. Can play the SG, the SF, and the PF meaning matchup problems. If he's on a guard, post him up, if he's on a big man, drive past him.
What will Durant average? 18ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg, 1 spg
Breaking down the trade: Seattle got much younger, and a veteran in Wally Szerbiak that I often compare to, a poor mans Ray Allen. Jeff Green and Kevin Durant will create the best rookie combination of the season.
3. Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford
Yes yet another big, but this guy is real. He's been on a winning program and is the best prospect outside of Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. Horford already has an "NBA body" and will produce starting on their season opener. If anybody were to have a better career than the other guys picked above him, than Horford is the guy to bet on.
What will Horford average? 13 ppg, 7rpg, 1 or 2 bpg
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley Jr.
The best point guard of this years draft class, and fits in perfectly with their new coaches "Run and Gun" offense. With the addition of Darko Milicic, Memphis' rebuilding days might be over. Conley might not have the jumper, but he can pass better than most, and drive to the hoop better than most. His one year of college might have benefited him the most compared to others.
What will Conley Jr. average? 11ppg, 5 or 6 aspg, 1 spg
5. Seattle Supersonics received via. Boston: Jeff Green
Jeff Green is a nice player, and can play both forward positions. The combination of he and Durant will create alot of matchup problems. Green can post, pass, and run the floor well. He is also a terrific perimeter defender. Nice picks for Seattle for getting offensive gifted and defensive gifted players.
What will Green average? 12ppg, 6rpg, 4aspg, 1bpg, 1 spg
Breaking down the trade: Rumor had Paul Pierce wanting out if Danny Ainge couldn't get another star. He did just that. Ray Allen is one of the best in the business at shooting the 3, but is often injured. They received the rights to Glen "Big Baby" Davis on top of it who might turn out to be the steal of this years draft. Seattle did their part in the trade, and Boston did their part. Both sides win.
6. Milwaukee Bucks: Yi Jianlian
People will call Mr. Harris, Milwaukee Buck GM, an #### for drafting Yi even though it was clear Yi didn't want to play in Milwaukee due to the fact that they don't have a good Chinese Population. This might have been a great move for the NBA. This shows that players cannot control for what teams they will play, avoiding this to become a yearly thing.
What will Jianlian average? He's gonna ball it out with his panda buddies.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Corey Brewer
Very good pick here. Corey Brewer is a player that can switch off from a guard to a forward. If Minnesota can keep Garnett, they're a center away from playoff contention. Brewer is a top notch defender, and is slowly getting some offensive game.
What will Brewer average? 10ppg 5rpg, 1 spg
8. Golden State Warriors received via. Charlotte Bobcats: Brandan Wright
He was once considered the 3rd best prospect in this draft until slipping once the lottery order was released. This doesn't prevent him from being capable of showing that same skill. He will primarily be a backup for Golden State for his rookie season, as he is more of a potential player than a produce right away player.
What will Wright average? 7ppg 4rpg
9.Chicago Bulls: Joakim Noah
OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!!! THEY DIDN'T GET A POST PLAYER!!! Calm down please. We aren't looking to win a championship in 3 or 4 years, we're looking to win now. Noah was the best player out there that could produce from the start, and he's an interesting trade asset since the Timberwolves and Grizzlies both had interest in him. Yes they both own Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett. If you thought Spencer Hawes should have been taken, he would need several years till he could put up good numbers.
What will Noah average? 5ppg, 5rpg, 1bpg
10. Sacramento Kings: Spencer Hawes
He's the second coming of Brad Miller. DING DING DING!! This team has Brad Miller, and Spencer could learn to be like him from the person himself. Hawes will probably be able to step into Brad Miller's shoes once his contract is done.
What will Hawes average? 5ppg, 2 rpg
Tomorrow: An analysis on picks 11 to 20 from Philip1thru12 who is the "Young Mel Kiper" for the NBA.
Man in wheelchair takes wild ride after getting stuck in grille of semi
Associated Press
Last update: July 26, 2007 – 7:19 AM
PAW PAW, Mich. A man was taken on a wild ride when his wheelchair
became lodged in the grille of a semitrailer and was accidentally
pushed down a highway for four miles at about 50 mph, authorities said.
The 40-year-old man, whose name is Tim Donaghy, was unharmed but
was taken to a hospital as a precaution. He had been secured to his
wheelchair by a seat belt.
"The man spilled his soda pop, but he wasn't upset,'' said Sgt. Kathy Morton of the Michigan State Police.
About 4 p.m. Wednesday, a caller told police dispatchers, "You are not
going to believe this: There is a semi truck pushing a #### guy in a
wheelchair on Red Arrow Highway,'' state police said in a release.
Authorities initially wondered whether the report was a prank call until others called with similar reports.
Officers stopped the truck ? wheelchair still attached. The driver
didn't believe officers until he stepped from his cab and saw for
himself.
"When he saw us, he was like, 'What's going on?' '' Morton said.
An investigation revealed the man in the wheelchair had pulled in front
of the truck at a gas station and it somehow became lodged by its
handles to the front grille.
I'd like to thank AK47Spiderman for giving me this idea. Here it is:
Alright on the 1st comment I will post a video of the Suns- Spurs game 3. You see plenty of bad calls, but not from Tim Donaghy alone, but also from Eddie Rush. On February 9th, a Bulls Warriors game that had to be decided into double overtime, Tim Donaghy gives Andris Biedrins a little tap since he was in the lane for 3 seconds.
As you see it was in the 4th quarter and in the last seconds. If he had been a fair ref, he would have called 3 seconds. That would have probably given Chicago the lead, but if not they still would have received the ball on the side with the shot clock turned off. The Bulls would then have had 50 wins, and the number 2 seed in the East. A Bulls Cavs matchup in te ECF would have most likely been the matchup, and the Bulls would have had home court against them. The Warriors would have had an extra loss, and the Mavs and Clippers was going to be the 1st round matchup. Dallas then, could have had a chance at yet another NBA Finals appearance.
Now looking at the Suns Spurs game 3, you could clearly see that the Suns were getting cheated on. Tim Donaghy wasn't the only official that was involved. Eddie Rush didn't blow the whistle a couple times that made Nash furious. The video will be posted as the 1st comment. I hope the NBA or whoever gets a hold of this blog, or I would like somebody to give be a number or email where I can question Eddie Rush's game calling.
Now if this 1st game between the Warriors and Bulls was called correctly this is what the playoffs positioning looks like this:
Western Conference
1. Dallas
2. Phoenix
3. San Antonio
4. Utah
5. Houston
6. Denver
7. LA Lakers
8. LA Clippers
Eastern Conference
1. Detroit
2. Chicago
3. Toronto
4.Miami
5. Cleveland
6. New Jersey
7. Washington
8. Orlando
Please post other games that clearly prove to be bet on and I will edit these rankings on how it really should have been.
Alright here's the list of the 17 finalist. 12 will make the team.
Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Shane Battier (Houston Rockets); Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New Orleans Hornets); Kevin Durant (Seattle SuperSonics); Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets); Mike Miller (Memphis Grizzlies); Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons); Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); J.J. Redick (Orlando Magic); Amaré Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns); and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).
Who has no chance?
Kevin Durant: I would give him a tiny shot, but it seems quite unlikely. He sucked in the summer league and is unexperienced and hasn't witnessed a minute of NBA action. He's basically on the team for a chance at the Olympic roster.
J.J. Redick: He never really proved anything in his short NBA career and won't be ready to produce for the team. Mike Miller would contribute more than him at this point.
Tyson Chandler: He is a very good defender, but doesn't fit the International style of play. He doesn't bring anything better than what either Amare, Bosh, or Howard would bring at that position. Rather load at another position.
So the list is narrowed to:
Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Shane Battier (Houston Rockets); Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets); Mike Miller (Memphis Grizzlies); Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons); Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); Amaré Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns); and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).
We have now 14 players, but only 12 will make the team.
So let's look at what we have for each position.
PG- Deron Williams, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Kirk Hinrich
SG-Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Mike Miller, Kirk Hinrich(for stretches)
PF- Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard
C- Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire
Who will stay for the PG position? Billups and Kidd
Who will stay for SG? Bryant and Redd
Who will stay for SF? Lebron
Who will stay at PF? Bosh and Anthony
Who will stay at C? Howard and Stoudemire
So the battles are:
one of the two from Kirk Hinrich, Deron Williams, and Mike Miller
Shane Battier vs. Tayshaun Prince
Battle number 1
This can go either way, but I think that Williams will take the 3rd point guard spot after seeing his incredible playoff run. He can get 10 assist and drive to the hoop. So it's narrowed down between Hinrich and Miller. This is really tough as Mike Miller gives Team USA the 3 point shooting they need. Hinrich is good, but can't hit it down as much as Miller can. Hinrich gives better defense and has the ability to play the SG. This spot would go to Miller, but with Bryant playing that position, alot of minutes wil get eaten up and Redd at backup should clean that position up. Team USA takes HInrich for his defense and gives them another point who could get a few minutes at SG.
Battle number 2
Shane Battier is a very solid defender who can knock down the 3 ball well. Prince is a pretty solid defender as well, but plays more of an inside offensive game. I'm giving the nod to Prince since he is a somewhat better all around player.
