The 2014 Free Agency in the NBA sure did turn into a "Where's Waldo Convention?" with analysts, commentators, and fans alike keeping tabs on their favorite players and teams like a stalking ex girlfriend on Facebook. With the majority of the big name free agents signed in there new and yet some previous destinations; which teams really has taking strides to make their teams better and/or contenders? While the players themselves had motives of their own that stem from money, location, and loyalty; one thing is for certain this was one free agency in the association that will stand out for years to come. Major power move decisions along with a new alignment of powers in conferences have changed the landscape of the NBA. Veterans taking less and showing humility while big market cities swindling faster than Donald Sterling brain cells has created a new plateau among the elites and has Vegas odds back and forth more than Wall Street. Let's take a look at how this free agency has set the stage for an anticipated NBA season even if it is just July.
CLEVELAND ROCKS:
Of course Cleveland is rocking and most of the northeast part of Ohio as there beloved King has returned to his home court. After a 3 team deal that involved Brooklyn and Boston we knew the focus was clearing space upon placing James back in a Cleveland uniform. Now LeBron James is back with the Cavs after 4 years as James put it a, "college layover" in Miami. The Cavaliers have not seen postseason action since James decided to take his talents to South Beach in 2010. Loyalty and love for his hometown and their fans; the same fans that cried, burned, and just about dare I say crucified the 4 time league MVP was just the beginning of his return. A four year learning experience that consisted of two titles James brings to a young and talented new look Cleveland team. A nice young group that landed three overall number one draft picks in James's absence including point guard Kyrie Irving (2011), power forward Anthony Bennett (2013) and shooting guard Andrew Wiggins (2014). Their star point guard Irving locked up a 5 year $90 million dollar extension that will keep him in Ohio until 2021 unless he decides to opt out a year early. With Ray Allen in there sights and Mike Miller now inked up on a 2 year deal as well as James Jones on a 1 year, places Miller and Jones back with James as Cleveland are definitely making LBJ type moves for the future. The known unknown is new head coach David Blatt. Blatt has never coached in the NBA but has years of experience in the Euroleague. A decision turned into a hiatus that led to an emotion driven letter, which ultimately turned into a young man growing into an adult that returned where it all started. We know that the smoke from Dan Gilbert's letter and James's "The Decision" four years ago may be over but it will not be forgotten. The power of forgiveness and the loyalty of a hometown kid may make the Cavs the frontrunner for a title. A chance for the king to bring a title to a city that has seen much more misery than jubilance; however as James learned this past season in Miami and once in before in Cleveland, one man cannot do it by himself.
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND:
Knicks president Phil Jackson wanted Carmelo Anthony to take less but he eventually changed his tune and offered the All-Star a deal close to the max to stay put in the big apple. After a flourish of teams in Anthony's radar and weeks of deliberations he finally chose to stay at home with the Knicks. A decision that was based on love of his city, family, but most importantly faith. Faith in his teams new president Phil Jackson. Jackson along with general manager Steve Mills, and new first year head coach Derek Fisher must have convinced something for Melo to stay; although $122 million would convince maybe anyone to stay even with a mediocre roster. New York has already made roster moves by sending center Tyson Chandler and point guard Raymond Felton to Dallas. They added a true point guard to run the triangle in Jose Calderon, a post presence with Samuel Dalembert, Shane Larkin and was able to grab two second round draft picks for a team who had none in a decorative draft. Their new talent will mesh well with last years draft pick Tim Hardaway Jr. and compliment JR Smith and Iman Shumpert. Subtractions needed with over bulging contracts of Andrea Bargani and Amare Stoudamire are next. Neither were picked up by another team thus far and both have serious injury issues. We all know next season may be as bad as 2013-14 but after the 2015 free agency Melo may have the help he needs in Gotham. New York is praying that the Zen Master has more tricks up his sleeve; even though Anthony is a premiere scorer, a new cast around him will hopefully help the Knicks end a 41 year championship drought.
SPANIARD'S DELIGHT:
He sure wasn't the Bulls top priority in free agency but getting forward/center Pau Gasol is still hitting the lottery just not the jackpot. After 7 great years and 2 NBA championships in Los Angeles, Gasol now adds as a viable piece to an already solid Chicago squad. A much easier schedule in a weaker but gaining ground Eastern Conference for the 34 year old who can give the Bulls a nice 25-30 minutes per game. A multi year deal in the works and now with an amnesty of forward Carlos Boozer allows Chicago to keep the bulk of their roster that includes forward Taj Gibson and guard Jimmy Butler to go with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah and point guard Derrick Rose. If Rose is 100% healthy the Bulls could be the one team to beat in the East. With two big men that has the passing abilities of Gasol and Noah in the starting rotation will help with Derrick Rose coming off injury. Gasol a strong double-double a night All-Star can help take the offensive pressure off the former league MVP. A well put roster that can go 9-10 deep and with the addition of draft pick Doug McDermott and now with Gasol, he helps the Bulls stretch the floor. He is also another presence in the post while his experience will be valued on a youthful Chicago team. The Chicago Bulls will go as far as Derrick Rose and his health will take them; nevertheless, two knee surgeries in consecutive seasons on both knees has Bulls fans very cautious of their native Chicago star. Alongside coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy Chicago will definitely be the madhouse on Madison once again in the United Center.
TWO'S COMPANY:
After losing arguably the best player in the world LeBron James, Miami Heat president Pat Riley always finds ways to get a formable roster for the Miami Heat. The Heat loss there 2-time NBA Finals MVP and the end of an era that included four straight NBA Finals appearances and consecutive NBA Titles in 2012 and 2013. The Big 3 era didn't obtain all the rings James and company promised when they formed four years ago however two titles out of four straight trips was an accomplishment in itself. They were able to keep 2 of the core 3 in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh for the future. Bosh landed for a 5 year $118 million dollar contract which is outrageous but Riley didn't have much of an option after James took his talents back to Cleveland. Dwayne Wade probably will retire as a Miami Heat and just signed a 2 year deal with the money to be still to be determined. More than likely a ridiculous contract as Chris Bosh's received probably in the works. With the lucrative contract the guy once named "flash" will receive; a gold implanted wheelchair should be his first priority. Riley continues to show why he was the 2011 Executive of the Year attempting to form a team of not the best caliber but of what he could assemble with that was out there. They reached out and grabbed forwards Josh McRoberts (Charlotte) 4 years 23 million, Danny Granger (LA Clippers) on a 2 year 4 million dollar deal and Luol Deng (Cleveland) for a 2 year $20 million dollar contract with a player option for a third year. Deng has tons of mileage on him but is still their biggest signing besides resigning Bosh and Wade. Obviously losing your leader in points, rebounds, and assist per game not to mention exhausting all your minutes will be tremendously missed. The Miami Heat are far from being there usual commodity as the favorites but are not in as bad of shape as we all may assume. A decent lineup but of course it doesn't guarantee a fifth straight finals berth but the playoffs are definetly in there reach.
TEXAS TRIANGLE:
The champs are still the San Antonio Spurs and the Spurs ended up doing what the Spurs do best, win. They won by locking the 3 time coach of the year in Gregg Popovich for a multi year extension. Another victory was Future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan has opted in for 2014-15. While he is only making $10.3 million, he has helped make room for their roster to compete for its franchises 6th NBA title and continues he and Pops legacy. They kept the Frenchman Boris Diaw for 3 more seasons and Patty Mills is staying for now to keep there impressive crop of international flavor intact. Coincidentally San Antonio drafted well taking swingman and former Bruin 6'9 Kyle Anderson. Once again the focus is on LeBron but once again San Antonio will quietly be right in the mix when its all said and done placing themselves for a chance at another title.
Houston didn't get any of the big name talent they desired and even loss a rising player in Chandler Parsons but gained former Rocket Trevor Ariza. Once again general manager Daryl Morey strikes again after obtaining James Harden (2012), Dwight Howard (2013), and now Trevor Ariza (2014) for a cheaper price tag than Parsons. Houston didn't match the just about $15 million a year price tag and saved about $7 million in cap. The Rockets released center Omer Asik and point guard Jeremy Lin and still have a respectable team on the floor. Defense will be the key once again because as quickly as the Rockets can score, that's as fast as they get beat on the other end of the court. They gave up an average of 103 points per last year which will not get it done especially in the wild wild west. At the same notion if head coach Kevin McHale doesn't get them further than the first round he will find his way down I-45 quick fast and in a hurry.
Yes the Dallas Mavericks did pay forward Chandler Parsons on a 3 year $46 million dollar deal that makes them good on paper but how about the court. You accepted a trade with the Knicks to bring back defensive anchor Tyson Chandler but also received an out of shape point guard in Raymond Felton. Your able to move Monta Ellis to the two spot but your franchise forward Dirk Nowitzki took a massive pay cut of $14 million for a 3 year $25 million dollars. Folks Chandler Parsons makes more then Dirk and we have no idea how Parsons will really pan out. Dallas stayed with guard Devin Harris while parted ways with veteran Vince Carter. The Mavericks do have a seasoned lineup but will they be compatible in one season? More than likely the Mavs will be in that 7th/8th fold in a difficult Western conference.
HOLLYWOOD HORROR:
While the LA Clippers are still owned by the narcissist that is Donald Sterling and the continuous saga that he drags out for the franchise remains an ongoing affair, the Clippers made quiet but efficient moves. They were able to grab center Spencer Hawes and guard Jordan Farmar after losing Darren Collison to Sacramento. Hawes a solid double-double a night guy along with Farmar who can back-up Paul at point gives them more depth to an already deep bench for Doc Rivers. Farmar's former team that also plays in Staples, needs more than bandages to heel there wounds. No one wanted to come to LA and play and yes you do still have Kobe Bryant. Even with that said no one wanted to play with Bryant and his bad Achilles or his absorbing contract. The fact is they still have no coach so why would you purchase the car without knowing all the details first? So the Lakers after finishing a dismal (27-55) resigned center Jordan Hill for $9 million per (not worth it) for 2 seasons and a grown man who calls himself "Swaggy P" guard Nick Young on a 4 year $21 million dollar deal. You still have the 40 year old point guard Steve Nash while taking on Jeremy Lin's ludicrous contract so you might as well go ahead and help Knicks fans by taking Amare Stoudamire's contract and add Carlos Boozer while your at it. Those would be Jim Buss type moves as I continue to ponder the thought why his sister Jeannie Buss isn't running the team. Although drafting forward Julius Randle is a nice commodity to go with second year point guard Kendall Marshall and undrafted rookie DeAndre Kane are a progression; however one thing Lakers fans need to notice and recognize is Kobe "bean" Bryant will not be the same whether he is wearing #24 or #8, sorry it's reality.
IS WASHINGTON "THE TRUTH"?
The Washington Wizards advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. Now they look to improve from the team a year ago by resigning big man Marcin Gortat to a 5 year $60 million dollar deal and added 37 year old Paul Pierce on a 2 year mid level exception. They also took on forwards and ex-Kardashian Kris Humphries for 3 years and a sign and trade with Dallas for Dejuan Blair. They did lose forward Trevor Ariza but adding Humphries and Blair can help Gortat and NeNe in the interior, while Paul Pierce brings veteran leadership and helps the Wizards build from there 44 wins season a year ago.
STAN THE MAN:
Stan Van Gundy does it all in Motown but sing the songs and dance. Not only is he the head coach of the Detroit Pistons but also the president of basketball operations. Van Gundy multitasking has proven a bit successful signing free agent guards Jodi Meeks and Caron Butler respectively. While he is in the works of retaining 6'11 center/forward Greg Monroe for a the long haul who is a key piece in there frontcourt along with forwards Josh Smith and Andre Drummond. The new additions mixed with the progression of what they have to go with star point guard Brandon Jennings gives Van Gundy a rotation to play with. To go with second year standout from Georgia Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who is averaging almost 30 points per game in summer league play, Detroit is aimed to make a push and improve from a disappointing 2013-14 campaign.
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT:
The Phoenix Suns have a flourish of going guards and too many for one team to work with. A crop that consist of Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Ish Smith, and now with Isaiah Thomas from the Kings and draft pick Tyler Ennis; second year head coach Jeff Hornacek should have no worries of spreading the ball around. More than likely one or several may disappear off the roster or converted to shooting guards. Ennis along with reigning ACC Player of the Year TJ Warren were great draft picks as Warren can be a go to scorer. A nice contribution with the Morris twins (Marcus/Markief) and a healthy Alex Len in the middle the Suns are poised to get over the hump for the playoffs which they nearly made last season.
BUZZWORTHY IN CHARLOTTE?
That Adam Morrison pick was 8 years ago folks and I believe now owner Michael Jordan and his staff have figured things out in the front office. After drafting Kemba Walker (2011), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2012), Cody Zeller (2013), and Noah Vonleh (2014) this year Charlotte has a nice young core. Free agency they struck well with Al Jefferson (2013) and now landing Lance Stephenson on a 3 year $27 million dollar deal to bring one of the leagues most colorful players to the Queen City. After losing Josh McRoberts to Miami they received a shooter in Stephenson who just "blew" right into the Hornets hands. He is a shooter who they desperately needed if the antics can stay down after missing out on Gordon Hayward since Utah matched there offer. After the teams second playoff stint since MJ has taken over the helm at owner; the team formerly knowns as Hornets before it was Bobcats and now once again Hornets will defiantly fill up the seats with there new look team for 2014-15.
ONLY IN THE "A":
It baffles me that every off-season and free agency the Atlanta Hawks never get that big name superstar. Have you been to Atlanta? You might as well call it the East Coast Hollywood with the rappers, celebrities, and stars that live in and around the metro Atlanta area; however not since Dikembe Mutombo nearly 20 years ago no big name free agent has went there willingly. General Manager Danny Ferry didn't go after LeBron nor Melo. He did attempt a run at Luol Deng (Miami) and that's all I heard of. So Atlanta settled for guards Thabo Sefolosia and Kent Bazemore. Could be the fact that they didn't fit coach Mike Budenholzer system and Sefolosia and Bazemore did. I'm also assuming that Greg Monroe and Lance Stephenson didn't either. The Hawks did draft well with former Spartan stud Adriean Payne and Lamar Patterson who will compliment young guns Mike Scott and DeMare Carroll quite well. Maybe Dennis Schroeder will be a decent backup and John Jenkins will finally get healthy but this free agency is not the splash ATL fans were looking for. Yes, granite they've formed there own "mini" big 3 of Horford, Millsap, and Teague but give it time to develop, this San Antonioan diagram will be successful the question is when will it get Atlanta out of the second round of the postseason?
SUMMER'S WINNERS AND LOSERS
WINNERS: San Antonio, Cleveland, Chicago, Washington
LOSERS: Miami, LA Lakers, Indiana
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