Andre Miller Signs With Portland TrailblazersMiller has signed a 2 year 14 million contract with the Blazers with an option for a 3rd year. He definitely makes the Blazers better on paper simply because he is a much better player than Steve Blake. However, I think he is a little bit of a ball dominant PG and that could take the ball out of the hands of Brandon Roy more than it needs to be. He also can’t be used to stretch the floor because he is not a 3-point shooter at all. This could allow teams to play off of him defensively and make it tougher for Brandon Roy to get to the basket. Miller is more of a running, go to the hoop type PG and Portland happens to be one of the slowest paced teams in the league. However, the word is that they want to run more, which would fit Miller’s style better. The move won’t cripple the Blazers salary wise, so I think it’s worth a shot, but I don’t see this move getting Portland past the second round of the playoffs. Right now I’d have to say the Lakers and Spurs are still much better than Portland and then Denver and even Dallas might be better than them as well. Plus, there’s always a chance Utah, Houston, and New Orleans could finish ahead of the Blazers, depending on how well Miller fits in. I think they’ll finish somewhere between 3rd and 5th in the West and then lose to either the Lakers or Spurs in the second round.
Lamar Odom
Kobe seems pretty confident that Odom will be returning to the Lakers, but word of him headed to Miami is starting to heat up. If Odom wants to win another championship, he’d be wise to stay with the Lakers. If he’s just trying to get paid then he might as well just go to the Heat. Personally, I think even if he’s making less money with the Lakers, he’ll be worth more in endorsements and fame from playing in LA with Kobe on a possible dynasty. It’s definitely something he should consider when making his decision. Being a star player on a multiple championship winning team will pay him long after he’s retired. Playing with D-Wade in Miami and losing in the first round won’t, point blank.
Philadelphia 76ers
Word on the street is that Jamaal Tinsley could land in Philadelphia and have a chance to replace Andre Miller. You don’t know what you’re going to get with Tinsley, who has been away from the NBA for a while now. Either way I think the 76ers could take a step back this year if Elton Brand doesn’t return to form and if Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights don’t improve. I’m definitely sold on Andre Iguodala though; he impressed me a lot in the playoffs this past season. However, this team is in serious need of some guards, which is why they are also looking to sign Flip Murray as well. Even with Murray, I think the lack of play making guards on the 76ers roster could hold this team back this year for sure. They might want to make a trade with the guard heavy Wizards where something like a Nick Young for Jason Smith swap might make sense.
Boston Celtics
It looks like Big Baby Glen Davis will not be headed to the Nets and will in fact stay with the Celtics. The Nets know that Boston will match any reasonable offers for Big Baby and I also recently saw some comments from Danny Ainge that included Big Baby when he was talking about next year’s younger players on the Celtics. Sounds like he expects Davis to be back, so I’m gonna assume that’s how things will play out. There’s also rumors that Big Baby could be sent to the Nets in a sign and trade for Yi Jianlian.
In other Celtics related news, it looks like Cleveland is interested in Leon Powe and the Celtics are trying to go after Bruce Bowen. Not sure how much sense it would make to pick up Bowen, who doesn’t have much left in the tank if you ask me. Plus, I would think the Celtics still need to make a move for a backup PG.
Emeka Okafor For Tyson Chandler Trade?
Rumors started today that the Hornets and Bobcats are talking about a potential Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler swap. I personally think that Okafor is a better player than Chandler and if Okafor was to play with Chris Paul then it wouldn't even be a question who was better. Both are solid defensively and Okafor is coming off his best season and has more offensive capabilities than Chandler. They are about equal on the boards and also blocking shots. Okafor turns the ball over much less than Chandler. The only distinct advantage Chandler has is that he shoots a higher percentage from the floor, but I think a lot of that has to do with Chris Paul. Okafor would definitely see an increase in his FG% by playing with Paul. If I were the Hornets, I'd make the move right away.
Other NBA News
- The Cavs recently signed Jamario Moon, who is a solid player and should help contribute to an already strong Cavs defense. Not sure how he’ll fit in offensively, since he is not a solid shooter and would be coming off the bench behind Lebron at the 3. One thing I think the Cavs should consider this season is playing Lebron James at the PF spot at times and using him to create matchup problems similar to how Orlando does with Rashard Lewis.
- The Grizzlies pulled their offer for Hakim Warrick, but they insist it’s not because they are going to sign Allen Iverson. AI is still looking for a team to play on next season and it appears the Clippers are more interested in Ramon Sessions than Iverson as well. I still think this situation has Pat Riley and Miami Heat written all over it. Hell, if he came cheap I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lakers or Celtics sign him for next to nothing.
- Drew Gooden signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He gives them some depth in the front court and probably will take over the role of Brandon Bass, who left for the Orlando Magic.
- Looks like the Knicks will be bringing back Nate Robinson on a 1-year deal, which I’m sure Knicks fans will be happy to hear. I’m not sure why the Knicks don’t want to keep Robinson around longer than one year as long as they could have him at a decent price. He’s the perfect scorer/igniter off the bench for an NBA team.
More: NBA Weekly
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