...*sigh*...the rodeo that is the life of an NBA general manager. They manage hefty budgets all in an attempt to make a profit or win a championship; or both. Sure they have multiple people in the front office helping them with the little things: like marketing, staff, scouting, and all of the other nuances that are included in operating a multi-million dollar business.
Many GM's take personal interest in player personnel though. And sometimes, surprisingly, they appear to put winning ahead of making money in the franchise's "hierarchy of needs." This season, more than most, involved a lot of player trading and the signing of big name free agents. The composition of the league this year got a big make-over from last year as far as the BIG teams go. This has a lot to do with the overhaul jobs of their front office. Their decisions don't always push the team to the next level though. This is why we pay attention to the off-season: to judge the improvement of teams. And judging is exactly what I'm about to do.
I know it's not midseason, but it's worth talking about. It's the biggest acquisition of the year, the signing of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to the HEAT. When I first heard that Bosh signed with Miami, I was quite excited. I felt that the HEAT just added a top notch inside scorer and a good second option to pair with Dwyane Wade. That perspective changed as soon as I, like all you NBA fans out there, watched "The Decision." While it's hard to argue against these guys' resume's, skill levels, or number 2 seed in the east, it's quite easy to argue their obvious lack of chemistry. The money being payed to the Big 3 left Miami with limited flexibility to surround them with role players. This means that Bosh had to play "big" while their wings dominated the ball. I respect Bosh's game, but he is a finesse big. Bosh doesn't compliment the skills of Wade or LeBron at all. Bosh is a scorer. How is he supposed to be of full value when he plays with 2 ball dominant superstars? He can't.
My suggestion: the HEAT should have signed one or the other and used the rest of the cap space to sign role players. Specifically, a center who is actually useful. Unlike Joel Anthony and Erick Dampier.
The Carmelo Anthony trade talks dominated the sports discussion for the longest period of time. I respect that he kept playing hard through it all (or as hard as 'Melo ever plays), but it had an effect on the team. The fact is, both the KNICKS and NUGGETS appeared to improve with the trade. The winner of the deal though? Denver. Hands down. Their record improved significantly after the 'Melo drama and the team chemistry appeared to improve also. As far as New York goes, they still lack what they lacked before: size. All the KNICKS did was trade a lot of scorers for 1 big time scorer to pair with another big time scorer. Doesn't make much sense to me.
My suggestion: No suggestion to Denver. That trade was executed to perfection by them. New York, you should have kept the depth you traded away for 'Melo and Billups and perhaps used it to fix the problem you had: size up front.
Jerry Sloan resigned as coach of the JAZZ, that's a cue for "rebuilding mode" if I ever saw one. Deron Williams is a top tier PG in the league without a doubt. That is exactly why they traded him. They got a lot back. Derrick Favors is destined to be a beast in this league and Devin Harris is a damn good PG. It didn't make them better, but it gave them a fresh look. This will end up having a positive result, considering Williams would have left the team via free agency the following year. As for the Nets, who really knows what Mikhail Prokhorov is thinking? Not even Mikhail Prokhorov. Give him credit for pulling off such a big deal though. Unless he can pull off another one, however, don't expect Williams to stick around and wait.
My suggestion: average move for both teams that have pros and cons. The JAZZ never got any better but at least they switch direction(they were heading straight off a cliff). The NETS didn't make their team better as apparent by their record and they don't have enough pieces to pull off another major deal without trading Brook Lopez. I guess it all depends on how much faith we should be bestowing on Prokhorov.
Perhaps my favorite deal of the year was Gerald Wallace being traded to the BLAZERS. I'm not even going to comment on the effects that made to the BOBCATS, since it obviously made them worse short term and long term (good job MJ). Portland at the time of the deal was without Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby, 2 huge pieces to that team. LaMarcus Aldridge is having a career season and Portland is still in the playoff. If Roy reaches full strength before the playoffs or during the playoffs watch out. They will have 3 stars with an infinite amount of depth to go deep in the playoffs.
My suggestion: Portland-good job. Charlotte-put MJ back on the court instead.
Doc Rivers often says that his CELTICS have never lost a playoff series with his "true starting five." One of those five being center Kendrick Perkins, whom they traded to the THUNDER at the deadline. The players Boston got back for Perkins were serviceable for sure, however, they don't support the identity of the team. The CELTICS made their living defensively with Perkins holding down the fort. Don't expect Boston to make it back to the finals this year, or for a long time. The THUNDER on the other hand made a genius deal. They have 2 lights out scorers in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, so why do they need Jeff Green? They don't, especially when sixth man James Harden steps up and takes over his scoring load. Perkins increases the defensive capabilities of OKC immensely, and this makes their team a legitimate contender.
My suggestion: Boston gave in to rebuilding rather than another championship. They might as well just sell the farm and start anew behind Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green.
The last of the big time deals is only big time because it involves Gilbert Arenas and Vince Carter. The MAGIC pulled off a couple of deals that resulted in: Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark coming in; and Carter, Micheal Pietrus, and Rashard Lewis going out. This is a new look for Orlando, which was, what we thought at the time, exactly what they needed. It is obvious now though that it was not what they needed. Arenas is simply not the player he used to be, and Dwight Howard's offensive game isn't polished enough yet to carry the entire offensive weight.
My suggestion: they need a legitimate perimeter scoring threat. Arenas, Turkoglu, Richardson, and Jameer Nelson simply won't cut the cake.
Other notable deals: (only mentioning useful pieces)
Kirk Hinrich(HAWKS) to the WIZARDS for Jordan Crawford
Marcus Thornton(HORNETS) to the KINGS for Carl Landry
Arron Brooks(ROCKETS) to the SUNS for Goran Dragic
Shane Battier(ROCKETS) to the GRIZZLIES
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