I decided, with the upcoming NBA season around the corner that I would blog a bit about my thoughts and opinions of how things might pan out this season.   But let’s first begin, or outline if you may, what happened in this very busy off-season, just in case there’s anyone out there that missed out!

Though there were many changes that occurred this off-season, I will try my best to mention the most notable and significant ones.  I guess we can begin with Shaq going to the Cavs.

I guess this wasn’t a move anyone was too surprised about, seeing as how there were tons of rumors just before the trade deadline about Shaq perhaps being dealt to the Cavs in a deal that eventually did not happen.  A ton of questions were raised when this trade happened such as: How effective is he at this point in his career? Will he steal the spotlight from Lebron? Will he demand too much attention both on and off the court? Can he play within the system? Can he last an entire season? Etc.

There is no definite answer to any of these, but there is one fact that can be said. Cleveland clearly, did not have what it takes to take out an Orlando Magic team, without their all star point guard Jameer Nelson. The solution? Well according to Danny Ferry, and rightfully so, they have to beef up their front line. And at the end of the day, could you do much better then Shaq? No matter how old he gets, he still is a presence inside.

The next big thing we can look at is the trade that landed Vince Carter to the Orlando Magic.  You are probably thinking, how can an Orlando Magic team that just got to the Finals go and get a guy like Vince? Well, I’m not too sure if anyone knows the answer to that, but it happened.  Of course, it came at a cost, and they lost someone who I believe, was full of potential in Courtney Lee.  In any case, with the exit of Hedo Turkoglu, the magic will boast a line up presumably consisting of Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Reshard Lewis, Brandon Bass (another off season acquisition), and Dwight Howard. So despite how much VC might have left in the tank, that is one hell of a line up.

The last 2 major moves (I say major, because as I had mentioned before there were just tons of moves), involve powerhouse teams from the finals a year ago Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers.   Let’s start with the Lakers, who had a lot of things to take care of this off-season. For example, both Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza were being coveted around the league, and had Kobe Bryant to hold unto (which was kind of a give in giving the championship season).

In a strange situation, they lost Trevor Ariza (whom we all know had a huge impact in their playoff run), and somehow landed knuckle head/talented/fierce Ron Artest.  The debate of these 2 moves has been going on since it has happened, but the ultimate question is this: Chemistry.

The point is, the Lakers WON with Trevor Ariza playing the role he was, NOT with Ron Artest. With that said, argue amongst yourselves! And of course, after a long wait (a little too long if you ask me), LO decided to lock down with the Lakers after being courted by both Portland, and Miami.

Now unto the Boston Celtics; after a rather disappointing season (not record wise but the way it ended), the Celtics had to take care of some things, and they did….kind of.  They resigned Big Baby Davis, lost Leon Powe, and made their huge off-season move by signing veteran forward Rasheed Wallace.

He was famously courted by all of the big 3, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, as well as general Manager Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers; A lot to sign one player huh? Well that is how much ‘Sheed means to their potential championship run this year.  He can stretch the floor with his shooting, bring his tremendous basketball IQ to the club, as well as his fierce competition and his defensive mind.  In addition, they recently officially signed Marquis Daniels from Indiana. Not a flashy pick up, but one nonetheless that will help them given their lack of depth at the guard spot off the bench.

Stay tuned….until next time!

Other honorary pick ups included:

Hedo Turkoglu to the Raptors
Andre Miller to the Blazers
Allen Iverson to Memphis

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