Free agency has shown us that NBA players no longer want the burden of carrying an NBA franchise all by themselves. It's all about collaboration. I'm sure when the Celtics put together the original big 3 they didn't anticipate their blueprint would be duplicated so many times. Now everyone wants to join forces in a quest to win a title. Personally, I think the game is more exciting when the best players compete against each other to see who's really number one. On the other hand it's interesting to watch star players sacrifice individual accomplishments for the greater good. This is the trend so I guess I have to go with it. Here's a list of the biggest winners in free agency.
5. Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers re-signed veteran point guard Chauncey Billups and added former 6th man of the year Jamal Crawford. Chauncey's leadership was sorely missed down the stretch this year in the playoffs and Crawford provides instant offense off the bench. This move may get them past the 2nd round.
4. New York Knicks. The Knicks added Jason Kidd and Marcus Camby while matching Houston's offer sheet for Jeremy Lin. Kidd will be a calming influence on Linsanity and will show him how to get the most out of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. Having Camby to go along with Tyson Chandler gives the Knicks the best defensive front court in basketball.
3. Brooklyn Nets. They didn't get Superman yet, but keeping Deron Williams and adding Joe Johnson is a good start. Johnson has always struggled under the pressure of being the front guy, but now he doesn't have to be the only marquee player. Deron Williams will also benefit now that he doesn't have to carry the team offensively every night.
2. Los Angeles Lakers. No disrespect to Derek Fisher or Ramon Sessions, but Steve Nash gives the Lakers a significant upgrade at the point guard position. This move will make Andrew Bynum a better player (if they keep him) and gives Kobe a teammate that can hit clutch shots. Making the finals is now a realistic goal.
1. Miami Heat. The rich just keep getting richer. Adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to a team that already has LeBron James and D Wade almost seems unfair. The rest of the league is now playing for 2nd place. Signing those guys makes Miami a lock to win the championship
As a Knick fan I'm not sure if Kidd has anything left in the gas tank to make a significant difference in New York. We'll see. I'm very pleased at Camby returning to the organization where he enjoyed much success. Chandler sorely needed the relief.
ReplyDeleteLakers improved their team drastically.
Rashard Lewis still in the league? I like Ray Allen signing with Miami. If Brook Lopez stays healthy long enough I believe Brooklyn might make a nice playoff run.
Too much junk in the Western Conference's trunk for Clippers to make any real noise come playoffs, imo.
Forgot to mention that I'm interested in knowing what if anything does James White (Knicks) bring to the table, defensively. If he's able to defend the perimeter as believed, he and Shumpert (along with Chandler and Camby) change the entire outlook of New York's team defense.
ReplyDeleteSomething that was lacking during the Heat playoff series.
@Don: You may be right about Jason Kidd and his recent off the court issues don't make things any better. Looks like I jumped the gun on the Linsanity news. Poison pill may send him to the Rockets after all.
ReplyDelete