|
|
Out to improve your team? Isn't everybody? Of all the teams in the league, only the Hornets are expected to employ the same starting lineup they finished with last season. But they have a new coach. Indeed, the offseason was hopping, but some moves were better than others.
THE BEST
1. The Timberwolves step up. They dump injured but highly paid Terrell Brandon in exchange for Latrell Sprewell, then add two more starters, Sam Cassell at the point and Michael Olowokandi at center. The efforts to upgrade were appreciated by Kevin Garnett, who signed a contract extension that means the T-wolves can keep their franchise player for six more years.
ADVERTISEMENT
2. Gary Payton goes Hollywood. He trades Wisconsin winters for California cool.
He trades playing alongside Anthony Mason for playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal.
He trades averaging 20 points for a declining Bucks team to averaging 15 for
the favorites to win the title. And he doesn't have to take as big a pay cut
as Karl Malone. Ticketmaster
3. The Bulls bring back Scottie Pippen. His versatility on the floor means as much as his veteran leadership off it for a young team on the right track.
4. The Clippers keep their foundation. For once, Donald Sterling ponies up the big bucks to keep two young players worth keeping, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette. Then he wisely lets the Heat overpay Lamar Odom.
5. Gilbert Arenas hits the jackpot. A second-round draft pick with one good season behind him signs for superstar money with the Wizards, and he won't have to share the ball with Michael Jordan.
THE WORST
1. Jason Kidd passes on the Spurs. Loyalty is admirable, but real superstars measure success in NBA championships, not conference crowns. He passed on his best chance to win the big one. Ticketmaster
2. Stephen Jackson turns down the Spurs. A three-year, $10 million offer from the world champions wasn't good enough for Jackson, who subsequently was ignored by nearly everyone before signing with the lowly Hawks for two years and a lot less money. Memo to agent: About that Christmas bonus ...
3. The Warriors lose top two scorers. Last season's most improved team returns only five players after trading Antawn Jamison to the Mavericks and watching Arenas leave for the Wizards. They better hope Mike Dunleavy is as good as they think and that Nick Van Exel doesn't revert to Nick Van Exit.
4. The Sixers find their Dog. Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson likes to shoot, doesn't like to pass, has little interest in playing defense and was considered locker room poison in Atlanta. Now he has to share the ball with Allen Iverson. Good luck, rookie coach Randy Ayers. Ticketmaster
5. The Jazz sign Keon Clark. Replacing John Stockton and Karl Malone figures to be difficult, but is a stringbean power forward with an ugly jump shot the best they could do? Jerry Sloan soon may be wishing he had stayed on his farm.