Cruel Summer
It's hard to believe that in the middle of July I'm as busy as I've ever been. Thirteen-game Friday nights are not as busy as things are right now, with constant free agent signings, trades and the Draft Guide deadline looming. Anyway, here's a quick trip around the league in case you've slept in the past month.
Check me out on Twitter at docktora. In addition, you should also be following Rotoworld_BK as well, in order to get your hoops news as quickly as possible.
Atlanta Hawks - Re-signed both Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia, but still waiting to see what becomes of restricted free agents Marvin Williams and Josh Childress. Also traded for Jamal Crawford, which gives them a very crowded backcourt with Bibby and Joe Johnson.
Boston Celtics - Signed Rasheed Wallace, who may or may not start in front of Kendrick Perkins, and are still waiting for Grant Hill to decide if he wants to come to Boston, New York, or stay in Phoenix. Stephon Marbury is likely headed to Europe, while Big Baby Davis is being pursued by many teams, and Leon Powe was not re-signed. Rookie Lester Hudson broke his finger in summer league and could need surgery. If so, he may never be signed by the Celtics.
Charlotte Bobcats - Are poised to re-sign Raymond Felton and lose Sean May, but their lack of offseason movement is now a major concern. And wouldn't they like to have that Adam Morrison pick back from a few years ago? Wow. They did sign rookie Gerald Henderson on Wednesday, but that is not a surprise.
Chicago Bulls - The Bulls lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and signed Jannero Pargo, who has played in Chicago previously. With so many teams making big moves recently, the Bulls appear to have lost in the equation of – Gordon + Pargo = not much.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Now we're talking. They traded a bunch of nothing for Shaquille O'Neal, re-signed Anderson Varejao, who should start at power forward now that Ben Wallace is gone, and signed shooting guard Anthony Parker. Those are all solid moves for the Cavs, who look like an elite team – again. Wally Szczerbiak is unrestricted, but I haven't heard a word about him lately. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is expected to come off the bench, while Varejao should start at the 4, along with Mo Williams, Parker, LeBron and Shaq.
Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs midnight, four-team trade for Shawn Marion was so complex it took about three different blurbs to sum it up. As far as fantasy owners are concerned, Marion to Dallas, Hedo Turkoglu and Antoine Wright to Toronto is about all you need to know. The Mavs also re-signed Jason Kidd, should get restricted free agent Marcin Gortat from the Magic in a week, and will likely be losing forward Brandon Bass. Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Marion, Dirk Nowitzki and Gortat - say hello to your new starting five in Dallas, with Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry coming off the bench.
Denver Nuggets - The Nuggets have been very quiet, but did re-sign Chris Andersen and lose Dahntay Jones to the Pacers. They're also likely to lose Linas Kleiza, so it has not been a great summer for Carmelo Anthony and company.
Detroit Pistons - They hired a new coach – a guy named John Kuester who once coached a George Washington team to a 1-27 record in the late 80s. Gone are Allen Iverson (Miami, Memphis?), Antonio McDyess (Spurs), Rasheed Wallace (Celtics) and Amir Johnson (Bucks), while Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon were signed as free agents. Rip Hamilton's name keeps popping up in trade rumors, as he and Gordon play the same position, while Rodney Stuckey will get another shot at starting point guard. Center is the big concern after losing Sheed, with Kwame Brown currently looking like the starter. And given that Villanueva is more of a long-range specialist than a rebounder, the Pistons could have some issues under the glass.
Golden State Warriors - The team is for sale, Amare Stoudemire doesn't want to go there, no free agents want to go there, and they signed draft pick Stephen Curry. Oh, and they traded Jamal Crawford (who has talent) to the Hawks for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton (who don't appear to have much talent). It's been another fantastic summer for Don Nelson, but at least my man Tim Kawakami has had plenty to write about, and no one rightfully rips the Warriors as well as TK does it.
Houston Rockets - The Rockets have taken an unbelievable fall over the past six months. Tracy McGrady is injured and the Rockets would trade him for a 12 pack of Heineken. Or maybe even a 12 pack of Natty Light. Yao Ming's broken foot will likely keep him out the entire season, and Ron Artest bolted for the Lakers. They added Trevor Ariza, but a starting five of Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Ariza, Carl Landry and Luis Scola looks like a lottery team if I've ever seen one. T-Mac is still there, but won't be healthy right away, and you have to think the Rockets are not even close to being done reworking their lineup.
Indiana Pacers - The Pacers quietly signed free agent Dahntay Jones, the defensive specialist from Denver, and hope to retain restricted free agent Jarrett Jack to start at point guard. Tyler Hansbrough has been tearing up summer league, and already looks much better than the talking heads at the World Wide Leader said he would, but I'm still not a huge fan of the pick. It sounds like Rasho Nesterovic is probably heading to the Raptors, while the Pacers would still like to re-sign unrestricted Marquis Daniels for less money. Mike Dunleavy's rehab from knee surgery continues, but there's still no word on when he'll play again. Roy Hibbert has also looked very good in summer league action, and should start at center from day one.
Los Angeles Clippers - The Clips traded Zach Randolph to clear a spot for Blake Griffin to start, and a lineup of Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Griffin and Marcus Camby (with Chris Kaman off the bench, or traded) doesn't look too bad.
Los Angeles Lakers - The salary cap will drop next season, leaving many teams in a bind and in the luxury tax. Teams also won't be able to sign free agents for as much as they had hoped, all of which means the Lakers are not likely to budge on their low offer to Lamar Odom. He wanted $10 million per year, but it's just not there. The question is now whether or not his relationship with the Lakers is damaged beyond repair, as they await his decision. The Lakers lost Ariza and added Artest, which could make them even better if Artest can keep the crazy to a minimum. They also re-signed Shannon Brown, and they need to re-sign Odom, but it sounds 50-50 right now.
Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizz added Zach Randolph and rookie Hasheem Thabeet, and are looking at a starting five of Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol/Thabeet. I've seen worse, but probably not a playoff team. They are in discussions to add Allen Iverson to the mix, which will only stunt the growth of Mayo. I don't get it. The Grizz were also mini-players in the Marion trade, agreeing to take on Quincy Douby and the contract of Jerry Stackhouse, although Stack will not be staying in Memphis due to a prearranged buyout, and will be free to sign wherever.
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Miami Heat - The Heat have done nothing, and still have to deal with free agent Jamario Moon, while centers Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony are unrestricted. That leaves Jermaine O'Neal and Mark Blount at center, which isn't the best news. The Heat are intrigued by Allen Iverson, but if something doesn't happen to surround Wade with some talent for the future, he just might bolt next summer.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks should re-sign Ramon Sessions, which will give them the dreaded three-headed point guard, with Luke Ridnour and Brandon Jennings also around. Andrew Bogut is coming off a broken back, Michael Redd is coming off ACL surgery and Scott Skiles looks like the opposite of a perfect match to coach the volatile Jennings. They lost Villanueva and Richard Jefferson, leaving some serious holes at the forward spots, but did add Amir Johnson from Detroit, and Kurt Thomas from San Antonio. It looks like it's going to be another long year in Milwaukee, which could end up being a fantasy black hole.
Minnesota Timberwolves - If you want a sweet brainteaser, just try to figure out the Wolves' depth chart. They still don't have a coach and Ricky Rubio looks like he's staying in Europe, although he could still end up signing. Any way you slice it, the Wolves are a mess. They have about 50 power forwards, no true centers, a pair of rookie point guards to go along with Sebastian Telfair, and are really thin at both wing positions. Looks like another fantasy black hole, outside of Al Jefferson. And for the record, David Kahn scares me a little bit.
New Jersey Nets - They traded Vince Carter and now have a logjam at point guard with Devin Harris and Rafer Alston, although Yi Jianlian looks good early this summer. Ryan Anderson is in Orlando with Vince, and rookie Terrence Williams could be their starting small forward, while Courtney Lee, who was brought over in the Vince trade, should start at shooting guard. Chris Douglas-Roberts will back him up at the 2. An opening-night lineup of Harris, Lee, Williams, Yi and Brook Lopez is completely possible. Long year ahead for the Nets.
New Orleans Hornets - The Hornets haven't done much besides sign rookies Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton. They may trade Tyson Chandler, and appear to still be in the hunt for free agent Brandon Bass. The Hornets are no longer a contender to win the West, at least for now.
New York Knicks - The Knicks will probably end up being able to keep Nate Robinson and David Lee, as they have failed to draw any offers, and will lose Chris Wilcox. They're also in discussions with Grant Hill, who could sign on with them. They still have a hole at point guard and center is a big question, although they traded Quentin Richardson for Darko Milicic, who could start in the middle. If they get Hill, he would start at small forward, sliding Wilson Chandler over to shooting guard.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Russell Westbrook has been dominant in summer league, while rookie center B.J. Mullens looks like another long-term project. Rookie SG James Harden also looks good in summer play, and a starting lineup of Westbrook, Harden, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic doesn't look too bad.
Orlando Magic - The East Champs lost Hedo Turkoglu (Toronto), Rafer Alston (Nets), Tony Battie (Nets), and probably Marcin Gortat (Dallas), but added Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson, who has been solid in summer league, from the Nets. A starting five of Jameer Nelson, Carter, Mickael Pietrus/Anderson, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard looks solid, but their lack of big bodies is a major, major concern.
Philadelphia 76ers - The Sixers have been too quiet and haven't been able to re-sign Andre Miller, who looks like he's leaving the team. That will leave a huge hole at point guard, and rookie Jrue Holiday doesn't look ready to start in the NBA. They also added Jason Kapono and are hoping for the healthy return of Elton Brand, but unless they get a game-ready point guard, it's going to be a tough year to be a Sixers fan.
Phoenix Suns - They're trying desperately to move Amare Stoudemire, but he could end up staying this season, and traded Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers, getting Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace, who might retire, in return. Matt Barnes and Grant Hill could both potentially sign with other teams, leaving the Suns with a potential lineup of Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Jason Richardson, Louis Amundson and Stoudemire. The Suns are another team that has fallen quickly in the West.
Portland Trail Blazers - Things aren't going well for the Blazers, who are having trouble agreeing to extensions with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. They still have a hole at small forward, and Greg Oden's injury concerns leave some questions at center. They're trying to swing a deal for Paul Millsap, but with Aldridge in the mix, I'm not sure why. A starting five of Steve Blake, Roy, Travis Outlaw, Aldridge and Oden looks fine on paper, but they'd look much better had they just taken Kevin Durant instead.
Sacramento Kings - The Kings picked up Sergio Rodriguez from the Blazers and drafted Tyreke Evans, giving them a potential starting five of Beno Udrih/Evans, Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes. Hawes ticked the team off by skipping summer league, and Andres Nocioni (or Garcia) may not be happy coming off the bench for new coach Paul Westphal. Things are still dicey in Sacramento.
San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs had a huge summer, pulling off a trade for Richard Jefferson, signing power forward Antonio McDyess and stealing DeJuan Blair and Jack McClinton on draft night. Drew Gooden is good as gone, but a starting five of Tony Parker, Michael Finley/Manu Ginobili, Jefferson, McDyess and Duncan sure looks potent. They did a great job of fixing the holes in their lineup this summer.
Toronto Raptors - They got rid of Shawn Marion and Anthony Parker, but added Hedo Turkoglu in one of the most complex trades in league history. They also added shooting guard Antoine Wright in the Marion deal, re-signed Andrea Bargnani at a bargain price, and could be in the process of re-acquiring Carlos Delfino and Rasho Nesterovic. A starting five of Jose Calderon (who should bounce back and be healthy this year), Wright, Turkoglu, Chris Bosh and Bargnani is not bad, but the Raptors still aren't ready to make a lot of noise in the East. Rookie DeMar DeRozan could also make some noise at shooting guard if Wright's not up to the task.
Utah Jazz - The Jazz were "bamBoozled" by Carlos Boozer when he changed his mind and opted in, and are now on the books for too much money. They also may lose Paul Millsap to the Blazers, while Kyle Korver and Mehmet Okur also opted in. The starting lineup of Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Miles/Andrei Kirilenko, Boozer and Okur is solid, but they could be trading Kirilenko, and be in trouble next year when Boozer can walk away an unrestricted free agent. With the walls possibly crumbling in Utah, it could only be a matter of time before Deron starts griping.
Washington Wizards - The Wizards traded most of their underachieving power forwards and a high draft pick for Randy Foye and Mike Miller, who will compete for the starting shooting guard job. A starting lineup of Gilbert Arenas, Miller/Foye, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood looks like a playoff team, and they still have Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee and Dominic McGuire to come off the bench. Overall, it looks like the Wizards are back on track as long as Agent Zero can stay healthy.
It's hard to believe that in the middle of July I'm as busy as I've ever been. Thirteen-game Friday nights are not as busy as things are right now, with constant free agent signings, trades and the Draft Guide deadline looming. Anyway, here's a quick trip around the league in case you've slept in the past month.
Check me out on Twitter at docktora. In addition, you should also be following Rotoworld_BK as well, in order to get your hoops news as quickly as possible.
Atlanta Hawks - Re-signed both Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia, but still waiting to see what becomes of restricted free agents Marvin Williams and Josh Childress. Also traded for Jamal Crawford, which gives them a very crowded backcourt with Bibby and Joe Johnson.
Boston Celtics - Signed Rasheed Wallace, who may or may not start in front of Kendrick Perkins, and are still waiting for Grant Hill to decide if he wants to come to Boston, New York, or stay in Phoenix. Stephon Marbury is likely headed to Europe, while Big Baby Davis is being pursued by many teams, and Leon Powe was not re-signed. Rookie Lester Hudson broke his finger in summer league and could need surgery. If so, he may never be signed by the Celtics.
Charlotte Bobcats - Are poised to re-sign Raymond Felton and lose Sean May, but their lack of offseason movement is now a major concern. And wouldn't they like to have that Adam Morrison pick back from a few years ago? Wow. They did sign rookie Gerald Henderson on Wednesday, but that is not a surprise.
Chicago Bulls - The Bulls lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and signed Jannero Pargo, who has played in Chicago previously. With so many teams making big moves recently, the Bulls appear to have lost in the equation of – Gordon + Pargo = not much.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Now we're talking. They traded a bunch of nothing for Shaquille O'Neal, re-signed Anderson Varejao, who should start at power forward now that Ben Wallace is gone, and signed shooting guard Anthony Parker. Those are all solid moves for the Cavs, who look like an elite team – again. Wally Szczerbiak is unrestricted, but I haven't heard a word about him lately. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is expected to come off the bench, while Varejao should start at the 4, along with Mo Williams, Parker, LeBron and Shaq.
Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs midnight, four-team trade for Shawn Marion was so complex it took about three different blurbs to sum it up. As far as fantasy owners are concerned, Marion to Dallas, Hedo Turkoglu and Antoine Wright to Toronto is about all you need to know. The Mavs also re-signed Jason Kidd, should get restricted free agent Marcin Gortat from the Magic in a week, and will likely be losing forward Brandon Bass. Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Marion, Dirk Nowitzki and Gortat - say hello to your new starting five in Dallas, with Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry coming off the bench.
Denver Nuggets - The Nuggets have been very quiet, but did re-sign Chris Andersen and lose Dahntay Jones to the Pacers. They're also likely to lose Linas Kleiza, so it has not been a great summer for Carmelo Anthony and company.
Detroit Pistons - They hired a new coach – a guy named John Kuester who once coached a George Washington team to a 1-27 record in the late 80s. Gone are Allen Iverson (Miami, Memphis?), Antonio McDyess (Spurs), Rasheed Wallace (Celtics) and Amir Johnson (Bucks), while Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon were signed as free agents. Rip Hamilton's name keeps popping up in trade rumors, as he and Gordon play the same position, while Rodney Stuckey will get another shot at starting point guard. Center is the big concern after losing Sheed, with Kwame Brown currently looking like the starter. And given that Villanueva is more of a long-range specialist than a rebounder, the Pistons could have some issues under the glass.
Golden State Warriors - The team is for sale, Amare Stoudemire doesn't want to go there, no free agents want to go there, and they signed draft pick Stephen Curry. Oh, and they traded Jamal Crawford (who has talent) to the Hawks for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton (who don't appear to have much talent). It's been another fantastic summer for Don Nelson, but at least my man Tim Kawakami has had plenty to write about, and no one rightfully rips the Warriors as well as TK does it.
Houston Rockets - The Rockets have taken an unbelievable fall over the past six months. Tracy McGrady is injured and the Rockets would trade him for a 12 pack of Heineken. Or maybe even a 12 pack of Natty Light. Yao Ming's broken foot will likely keep him out the entire season, and Ron Artest bolted for the Lakers. They added Trevor Ariza, but a starting five of Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Ariza, Carl Landry and Luis Scola looks like a lottery team if I've ever seen one. T-Mac is still there, but won't be healthy right away, and you have to think the Rockets are not even close to being done reworking their lineup.
Indiana Pacers - The Pacers quietly signed free agent Dahntay Jones, the defensive specialist from Denver, and hope to retain restricted free agent Jarrett Jack to start at point guard. Tyler Hansbrough has been tearing up summer league, and already looks much better than the talking heads at the World Wide Leader said he would, but I'm still not a huge fan of the pick. It sounds like Rasho Nesterovic is probably heading to the Raptors, while the Pacers would still like to re-sign unrestricted Marquis Daniels for less money. Mike Dunleavy's rehab from knee surgery continues, but there's still no word on when he'll play again. Roy Hibbert has also looked very good in summer league action, and should start at center from day one.
Los Angeles Clippers - The Clips traded Zach Randolph to clear a spot for Blake Griffin to start, and a lineup of Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Griffin and Marcus Camby (with Chris Kaman off the bench, or traded) doesn't look too bad.
Los Angeles Lakers - The salary cap will drop next season, leaving many teams in a bind and in the luxury tax. Teams also won't be able to sign free agents for as much as they had hoped, all of which means the Lakers are not likely to budge on their low offer to Lamar Odom. He wanted $10 million per year, but it's just not there. The question is now whether or not his relationship with the Lakers is damaged beyond repair, as they await his decision. The Lakers lost Ariza and added Artest, which could make them even better if Artest can keep the crazy to a minimum. They also re-signed Shannon Brown, and they need to re-sign Odom, but it sounds 50-50 right now.
Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizz added Zach Randolph and rookie Hasheem Thabeet, and are looking at a starting five of Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol/Thabeet. I've seen worse, but probably not a playoff team. They are in discussions to add Allen Iverson to the mix, which will only stunt the growth of Mayo. I don't get it. The Grizz were also mini-players in the Marion trade, agreeing to take on Quincy Douby and the contract of Jerry Stackhouse, although Stack will not be staying in Memphis due to a prearranged buyout, and will be free to sign wherever.
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Miami Heat - The Heat have done nothing, and still have to deal with free agent Jamario Moon, while centers Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony are unrestricted. That leaves Jermaine O'Neal and Mark Blount at center, which isn't the best news. The Heat are intrigued by Allen Iverson, but if something doesn't happen to surround Wade with some talent for the future, he just might bolt next summer.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks should re-sign Ramon Sessions, which will give them the dreaded three-headed point guard, with Luke Ridnour and Brandon Jennings also around. Andrew Bogut is coming off a broken back, Michael Redd is coming off ACL surgery and Scott Skiles looks like the opposite of a perfect match to coach the volatile Jennings. They lost Villanueva and Richard Jefferson, leaving some serious holes at the forward spots, but did add Amir Johnson from Detroit, and Kurt Thomas from San Antonio. It looks like it's going to be another long year in Milwaukee, which could end up being a fantasy black hole.
Minnesota Timberwolves - If you want a sweet brainteaser, just try to figure out the Wolves' depth chart. They still don't have a coach and Ricky Rubio looks like he's staying in Europe, although he could still end up signing. Any way you slice it, the Wolves are a mess. They have about 50 power forwards, no true centers, a pair of rookie point guards to go along with Sebastian Telfair, and are really thin at both wing positions. Looks like another fantasy black hole, outside of Al Jefferson. And for the record, David Kahn scares me a little bit.
New Jersey Nets - They traded Vince Carter and now have a logjam at point guard with Devin Harris and Rafer Alston, although Yi Jianlian looks good early this summer. Ryan Anderson is in Orlando with Vince, and rookie Terrence Williams could be their starting small forward, while Courtney Lee, who was brought over in the Vince trade, should start at shooting guard. Chris Douglas-Roberts will back him up at the 2. An opening-night lineup of Harris, Lee, Williams, Yi and Brook Lopez is completely possible. Long year ahead for the Nets.
New Orleans Hornets - The Hornets haven't done much besides sign rookies Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton. They may trade Tyson Chandler, and appear to still be in the hunt for free agent Brandon Bass. The Hornets are no longer a contender to win the West, at least for now.
New York Knicks - The Knicks will probably end up being able to keep Nate Robinson and David Lee, as they have failed to draw any offers, and will lose Chris Wilcox. They're also in discussions with Grant Hill, who could sign on with them. They still have a hole at point guard and center is a big question, although they traded Quentin Richardson for Darko Milicic, who could start in the middle. If they get Hill, he would start at small forward, sliding Wilson Chandler over to shooting guard.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Russell Westbrook has been dominant in summer league, while rookie center B.J. Mullens looks like another long-term project. Rookie SG James Harden also looks good in summer play, and a starting lineup of Westbrook, Harden, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic doesn't look too bad.
Orlando Magic - The East Champs lost Hedo Turkoglu (Toronto), Rafer Alston (Nets), Tony Battie (Nets), and probably Marcin Gortat (Dallas), but added Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson, who has been solid in summer league, from the Nets. A starting five of Jameer Nelson, Carter, Mickael Pietrus/Anderson, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard looks solid, but their lack of big bodies is a major, major concern.
Philadelphia 76ers - The Sixers have been too quiet and haven't been able to re-sign Andre Miller, who looks like he's leaving the team. That will leave a huge hole at point guard, and rookie Jrue Holiday doesn't look ready to start in the NBA. They also added Jason Kapono and are hoping for the healthy return of Elton Brand, but unless they get a game-ready point guard, it's going to be a tough year to be a Sixers fan.
Phoenix Suns - They're trying desperately to move Amare Stoudemire, but he could end up staying this season, and traded Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers, getting Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace, who might retire, in return. Matt Barnes and Grant Hill could both potentially sign with other teams, leaving the Suns with a potential lineup of Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Jason Richardson, Louis Amundson and Stoudemire. The Suns are another team that has fallen quickly in the West.
Portland Trail Blazers - Things aren't going well for the Blazers, who are having trouble agreeing to extensions with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. They still have a hole at small forward, and Greg Oden's injury concerns leave some questions at center. They're trying to swing a deal for Paul Millsap, but with Aldridge in the mix, I'm not sure why. A starting five of Steve Blake, Roy, Travis Outlaw, Aldridge and Oden looks fine on paper, but they'd look much better had they just taken Kevin Durant instead.
Sacramento Kings - The Kings picked up Sergio Rodriguez from the Blazers and drafted Tyreke Evans, giving them a potential starting five of Beno Udrih/Evans, Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes. Hawes ticked the team off by skipping summer league, and Andres Nocioni (or Garcia) may not be happy coming off the bench for new coach Paul Westphal. Things are still dicey in Sacramento.
San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs had a huge summer, pulling off a trade for Richard Jefferson, signing power forward Antonio McDyess and stealing DeJuan Blair and Jack McClinton on draft night. Drew Gooden is good as gone, but a starting five of Tony Parker, Michael Finley/Manu Ginobili, Jefferson, McDyess and Duncan sure looks potent. They did a great job of fixing the holes in their lineup this summer.
Toronto Raptors - They got rid of Shawn Marion and Anthony Parker, but added Hedo Turkoglu in one of the most complex trades in league history. They also added shooting guard Antoine Wright in the Marion deal, re-signed Andrea Bargnani at a bargain price, and could be in the process of re-acquiring Carlos Delfino and Rasho Nesterovic. A starting five of Jose Calderon (who should bounce back and be healthy this year), Wright, Turkoglu, Chris Bosh and Bargnani is not bad, but the Raptors still aren't ready to make a lot of noise in the East. Rookie DeMar DeRozan could also make some noise at shooting guard if Wright's not up to the task.
Utah Jazz - The Jazz were "bamBoozled" by Carlos Boozer when he changed his mind and opted in, and are now on the books for too much money. They also may lose Paul Millsap to the Blazers, while Kyle Korver and Mehmet Okur also opted in. The starting lineup of Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Miles/Andrei Kirilenko, Boozer and Okur is solid, but they could be trading Kirilenko, and be in trouble next year when Boozer can walk away an unrestricted free agent. With the walls possibly crumbling in Utah, it could only be a matter of time before Deron starts griping.
Washington Wizards - The Wizards traded most of their underachieving power forwards and a high draft pick for Randy Foye and Mike Miller, who will compete for the starting shooting guard job. A starting lineup of Gilbert Arenas, Miller/Foye, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood looks like a playoff team, and they still have Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee and Dominic McGuire to come off the bench. Overall, it looks like the Wizards are back on track as long as Agent Zero can stay healthy.
