It seems to me that there isn't going to be much hope for the Milwaukee Bucks. In one off-season they lost 3 of their starters, and only signed one reasonably good name, Brandon Jennings. Okay, they also picked up Amir Johnson amd Kurt Thomas. The Bucks seemed to have made good moves. But for other teams.
Richard Jefferson to the Spurs: Helps put some athletic legs on the court in the face (or back) of Manu Ginobili. Having an athletic 3 that can move and work the arc helps take the pressure of scoring off the back of Tony Parker. Who, much like Manu is going to have back problems from carrying the team on his back. Sorry Timmy D.
Charlie Villanueva to Detroit: In such a dramatic change over from the year before, I'm not sold on this move. Sure, adding Charlie V to the Pistons adds more versatile and young legs and a decent big man, its just seems so drastic to me. I understand where Joe Dumars is coming from, but he spent a lot of money on a kid who, to me and most of the ley public, is unproven. I truely hope that this season he is able to prove that he is worth the money invested.
More thoughts soon on other moves this off-season.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Pre-Season Thoughts on Ricky Rubio
There's a lot of goings-on here in the northern tundra of Minnesota, from the mediocrity of the Twins, to the Winiocrity? of the Vikings, to the confusiocrity? of the Timberwolves.
But, there's also alot of upside.
Interestingly enough, The Timberwolves busy off-season has led to one of the most drastic rebuilds of an NBA team in history. From GM David Kahn's draft selections, to the Foye/Miller trade to Washington, to the third trade of Quentin Richardson, or to the Farve-esque decision by the most coveted spaniard in the league, Ricky Rubio it seems that the T-pups are never going to see the return from the investments that they make.
Foye/Roy trade, anyone? Nevermind.
The one investment that everyone seems to think will help turn the Wolves fortunes around is Ricky Rubio. Rubio has proven to be a dynamic passer. He has proven to have great court vision. He has proven that he changes his mind more than a 14 year old girl. His decision to stay in Spain for 2 more years certainly puts the Wolves in a debilitating position. I don't agree with the 2 point guard choice. I do think that the Rubio choice was smart, but he probably could have been dealt for someone who can help rebuild the team. That being said, I'm not sure that Rubio would have stayed in Spain had he been chosen earlier. But then the Wolves could have taken Tyreke Evans (or someone else) and Jonny Flynn and have moved in a different direction. But, like it or not... we're stuck with the kid.
Thankfully, the Bucks didn't resign Ramon Sessions.
But, there's also alot of upside.
Interestingly enough, The Timberwolves busy off-season has led to one of the most drastic rebuilds of an NBA team in history. From GM David Kahn's draft selections, to the Foye/Miller trade to Washington, to the third trade of Quentin Richardson, or to the Farve-esque decision by the most coveted spaniard in the league, Ricky Rubio it seems that the T-pups are never going to see the return from the investments that they make.
Foye/Roy trade, anyone? Nevermind.
The one investment that everyone seems to think will help turn the Wolves fortunes around is Ricky Rubio. Rubio has proven to be a dynamic passer. He has proven to have great court vision. He has proven that he changes his mind more than a 14 year old girl. His decision to stay in Spain for 2 more years certainly puts the Wolves in a debilitating position. I don't agree with the 2 point guard choice. I do think that the Rubio choice was smart, but he probably could have been dealt for someone who can help rebuild the team. That being said, I'm not sure that Rubio would have stayed in Spain had he been chosen earlier. But then the Wolves could have taken Tyreke Evans (or someone else) and Jonny Flynn and have moved in a different direction. But, like it or not... we're stuck with the kid.
Thankfully, the Bucks didn't resign Ramon Sessions.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Interesting Off-Season So Far
Look who decided to rise from the grave. Me. That's right. Here's a quick recap and thoughts on the NBA Off-season.
Allen Iverson to Memphis Grizzlies: Not a bad move. AI is now the best player on a young team. After a bad season, this move gives him a chance to prove how he can be an effective leader, it also gives him a chance to prove that he still has some juice left going into next year's pre-season hijynx. (****)
Minnesota Timberwolves: Adding Mark Blount adds some veteran depth at C, adding Chucky Atkins and Damien Wilkins allows the TWolves some more depth, and I believe their contracts allow more cap room for next off-season. Probably my favorite addition is Ramon Sessions. A young point, and has some experience with a year in the NBA. GREAT addition. Looks to be a really strong rebuild so far. Oh and don't forget Kurt Rambis, Reggie Theus, and Bill Laimbeer. Words can't describe how GOOD that sounds. I think most people are waiting for GM David Kahn to "McHale" something, but so far... (*****) (I'll go into this at a later time)
NBA Hall of Fame: David Robinson, The Admiral finally gets the spotlight. Probably one of my favorite Centers of all time. John Stockton, one of my idols while growing up, a great basketball mind, great court vision, and one of the most unsung heroes of the NBA. Jerry Sloan, one of the best coaches of all time. C. Vivian Stringer, one of the best coaches of all time. Michael Jordan, GOAT. Nothing else I need to say about him.
That's it for now, going to get back into this to get into the swing of things.
God I love Basketball.
Allen Iverson to Memphis Grizzlies: Not a bad move. AI is now the best player on a young team. After a bad season, this move gives him a chance to prove how he can be an effective leader, it also gives him a chance to prove that he still has some juice left going into next year's pre-season hijynx. (****)
Minnesota Timberwolves: Adding Mark Blount adds some veteran depth at C, adding Chucky Atkins and Damien Wilkins allows the TWolves some more depth, and I believe their contracts allow more cap room for next off-season. Probably my favorite addition is Ramon Sessions. A young point, and has some experience with a year in the NBA. GREAT addition. Looks to be a really strong rebuild so far. Oh and don't forget Kurt Rambis, Reggie Theus, and Bill Laimbeer. Words can't describe how GOOD that sounds. I think most people are waiting for GM David Kahn to "McHale" something, but so far... (*****) (I'll go into this at a later time)
NBA Hall of Fame: David Robinson, The Admiral finally gets the spotlight. Probably one of my favorite Centers of all time. John Stockton, one of my idols while growing up, a great basketball mind, great court vision, and one of the most unsung heroes of the NBA. Jerry Sloan, one of the best coaches of all time. C. Vivian Stringer, one of the best coaches of all time. Michael Jordan, GOAT. Nothing else I need to say about him.
That's it for now, going to get back into this to get into the swing of things.
God I love Basketball.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
It's OK. I'm still alive.
It's true, I am still alive. Needed a few days to digest all that went down on Draft Night.
Rubio to MN, Shaq to Cavs, Jefferson to Spurs, and Vince Carter to Magic. Who knew that this draft that was considered "weak" would be such an interesting night. With that said, I have some thoughts.
Minnesota: First of all, Good on Sacramento for taking Tyreke Evans. While they already have a great SG in Kevin Martin, I think that he'll certainly add some shooting and be a strong building block for a while. Four picks in the first round. Let's roll! So, our boy Ricky Rubio fell to 5, and landed right in the middle of the midwest. Of course, being a Minnesota native, I was shocked and reasonably suprised when he landed in our laps, but David Khan's gamble seemed to pay off. Until the next pick...
Don't get me wrong. I am very excited about Jonny Flynn. I think that he'll be a great young leader and start the next season. But for Kahn to take two Point Guards, makes my head spin. Until the next pick...
Okay, this is getting crazy. Ty Lawson? Seriously? 3 Point Guards? Listen, I understand that Boston has the Big Three, but they're at different positions. Oh. We're going to trade him to Denver to learn under Chauncey Billups. Wait, the guy that we let go? The All-Star? The guy who helped lead the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals? Until the next pick...
Wayne Ellington. Nothing wrong here. Move along.
To be honest, It may sound like I'm complaining about Ricky Rubio. I'm not. The only thing that I'm uneasy about, and most people can agree on, is the fact that Rubio may not play next year. At the same time, I understand he is young and his contract status isn't quite the best situation, so we'll see what happens. It's all drama and headlines in the end.
Cavaliers: Interesting that they move for Shaq. I'm not sure if the gamble will work, but much like how Phoenix was, the Cavs are looking for a quick fix. I think Shaq is a great post player and his career shows that, but he is aging, and we'll see how he fits in the rotation. Good on Zydrunas Ilgauskas. After starting for so long and being Big Z, he probably has to step to the side and let Shaq Diesel start. Maybe Diesel will be the new Kryptonite?
Spurs and Magic: Not too much to be said other than that in the long run, both great moves for both teams. Actually, great moves for all teams involved. The Magic get a great off-guard who can shoot and make his way into the paint, and the Spurs got a great wingman who can take the reins and help San Antonio's big three. The Nets get Rafer Alston, who was very impressive ALL season, and rookie sensation Courtney Lee. Plus, they get cap space for next off-season. Which, of course, increases their chances to land someone the caliber of Lebron James.
Such a huge weekend. With more coming, I'm sure. As always, thanks for reading.
Follow me!
Twitter: twitter.com/memoobo
Rubio to MN, Shaq to Cavs, Jefferson to Spurs, and Vince Carter to Magic. Who knew that this draft that was considered "weak" would be such an interesting night. With that said, I have some thoughts.
Minnesota: First of all, Good on Sacramento for taking Tyreke Evans. While they already have a great SG in Kevin Martin, I think that he'll certainly add some shooting and be a strong building block for a while. Four picks in the first round. Let's roll! So, our boy Ricky Rubio fell to 5, and landed right in the middle of the midwest. Of course, being a Minnesota native, I was shocked and reasonably suprised when he landed in our laps, but David Khan's gamble seemed to pay off. Until the next pick...
Don't get me wrong. I am very excited about Jonny Flynn. I think that he'll be a great young leader and start the next season. But for Kahn to take two Point Guards, makes my head spin. Until the next pick...
Okay, this is getting crazy. Ty Lawson? Seriously? 3 Point Guards? Listen, I understand that Boston has the Big Three, but they're at different positions. Oh. We're going to trade him to Denver to learn under Chauncey Billups. Wait, the guy that we let go? The All-Star? The guy who helped lead the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals? Until the next pick...
Wayne Ellington. Nothing wrong here. Move along.
To be honest, It may sound like I'm complaining about Ricky Rubio. I'm not. The only thing that I'm uneasy about, and most people can agree on, is the fact that Rubio may not play next year. At the same time, I understand he is young and his contract status isn't quite the best situation, so we'll see what happens. It's all drama and headlines in the end.
Cavaliers: Interesting that they move for Shaq. I'm not sure if the gamble will work, but much like how Phoenix was, the Cavs are looking for a quick fix. I think Shaq is a great post player and his career shows that, but he is aging, and we'll see how he fits in the rotation. Good on Zydrunas Ilgauskas. After starting for so long and being Big Z, he probably has to step to the side and let Shaq Diesel start. Maybe Diesel will be the new Kryptonite?
Spurs and Magic: Not too much to be said other than that in the long run, both great moves for both teams. Actually, great moves for all teams involved. The Magic get a great off-guard who can shoot and make his way into the paint, and the Spurs got a great wingman who can take the reins and help San Antonio's big three. The Nets get Rafer Alston, who was very impressive ALL season, and rookie sensation Courtney Lee. Plus, they get cap space for next off-season. Which, of course, increases their chances to land someone the caliber of Lebron James.
Such a huge weekend. With more coming, I'm sure. As always, thanks for reading.
Follow me!
Twitter: twitter.com/memoobo
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Countdown to NBA Draft: 1 Day
Interestingly enough, there is one day left until the NBA Draft, and I for one can't be more excited. Granted, this year seems to be a weak draft. And shooting for par, the Timberwolves have 4 picks in the first round. This leads me to the first topic...
Yesterday, the T-Pups (A name that is remarkably close to accurate, considering all the fresh young blood the team will have.) made an interesting trade that puts them with two! top 10 first round picks. Seems new GM wants to make a splash in his first draft. It's a tad refreshing seeing that there is some life from the higher-ups in the team. After 15 years of Kevin McHale's mediocre run, it's good to see them with a clean slate. Especially after all of the past few years of draft-busts that the team has had.
So the Timberwolves end up with the 5 and 6 picks, and gain a few key vets that are in their last contract year. The key being the free cap space they recieve after the year is over. Barring waiving them soon.
In other news, the Spurs pick up a STEAL in Richard Jefferson. Yes, the poor old Spurs picked up Richard Jefferson, the man who kept the Bucks afloat while they were drowning in injuries. Not only that, but the Spurs shed a bit of fat for one more run. Tim Duncan only has so many more years left on his feet, so the addition of Jefferson gives them at least some new blood and a very potent wingman to pull the pressure of the Spur 3-man offense.
There's so much speculation going into tomorrow. The only thing that seems to be for-sure is the #1 pick, Blake Griffin. I only hope he lives up to the potential everyone sees in him.
More tomorrow with more draft-day buzz and hopefully alot of drama.
Yesterday, the T-Pups (A name that is remarkably close to accurate, considering all the fresh young blood the team will have.) made an interesting trade that puts them with two! top 10 first round picks. Seems new GM wants to make a splash in his first draft. It's a tad refreshing seeing that there is some life from the higher-ups in the team. After 15 years of Kevin McHale's mediocre run, it's good to see them with a clean slate. Especially after all of the past few years of draft-busts that the team has had.
So the Timberwolves end up with the 5 and 6 picks, and gain a few key vets that are in their last contract year. The key being the free cap space they recieve after the year is over. Barring waiving them soon.
In other news, the Spurs pick up a STEAL in Richard Jefferson. Yes, the poor old Spurs picked up Richard Jefferson, the man who kept the Bucks afloat while they were drowning in injuries. Not only that, but the Spurs shed a bit of fat for one more run. Tim Duncan only has so many more years left on his feet, so the addition of Jefferson gives them at least some new blood and a very potent wingman to pull the pressure of the Spur 3-man offense.
There's so much speculation going into tomorrow. The only thing that seems to be for-sure is the #1 pick, Blake Griffin. I only hope he lives up to the potential everyone sees in him.
More tomorrow with more draft-day buzz and hopefully alot of drama.
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