Summer Introspective, Volume 3: Extension Madness

The 2010 NBA draft class may have been more loaded then people expected. When one looks at a draft class after a few years, a few things usually need to standout. How many starters still exists, how many players have contributed in meaningful ways to their teams? How many All Star game appearances or International tournaments have they participated in? Do any of the players have that "It" factor? Interestingly enough, many of the players that were drafted in 2010 do fit the bill and could now see a hefty pay day going into year 4 of their NBA tenure. Below we will look at some of the players that have already inked deals and which players I would offer an extension. This class has the potential to alter to the course of league history with a few subtle shifts, so lets hope it all works out well.

The "STUDS"

John Wall: (1st pick overall: Washington Wizards) 5 - year 80 million dollar contract. Now that's an extension. For some that's a huge number for someone who hasn't led his team to the post season and has a pension for being a little flashy. But when you dig a little deeper and look into the stats (16.9 ppg/8 ast/4.4 reb/1.5 stl) and his growth from year to year you can understand why the Wizards didn't hesitate. It could also be that Wall may be the fastest player ever in NBA history from end to end. He can score in transition and in the half court. He creates for others around him and has all the intangibles to be a "Elite" defender. In a world where having a starting PG with All Star potential is a necessity, few have the upside Wall possesses.


Larry Sanders: (15th pick: Milwaukee Bucks) Just inked 44 million dollar extension. So if Wall is a possible reach for 80 million, why does Sanders deserve 44 million with less production? UPSIDE!!!! Sanders has ridiculous defensive potential. That's once every 10 year kind. The kind that made Mutombo and Mourning household names. From December until April he averaged over 3 blocks per game and only 3.3 fouls, meaning he knows how to maximize his potential and stay on the court. His offensive game continues to grow and no one will complain about 9.5 rebs per game when its up from 3 a game in the previous two seasons. If the growth continues into this season we are looking at 16 ppg, 12 rebs and 4 blocks; putting him in rare company.




DeMarcus Cousins: (5th pick: Sacramento Kings) Speaking of rare company, DeMarcus Cousins might be the most talented big man in the league. Cousins who is no stranger to controversy has shown remarkable growth from a skill level point of view. His maturity however remains the lone question. If he can overcome his emotional shortcomings and push through he should be a All Star for the next 10 seasons. His combination of size, talent and drive makes him the ideal candidate for an extension.





Paul George: (10th pick: Indiana Pacers) George is one of those rare talents. He has the chance to transcend the game. He was a first time All Star and Most Improved Player in 2013. When he was drafted he was compared to Tracy McGrady, now he appears to be more Kobe like. He can create off the dribble, guard multiple positions and has the clutch gene. The Pacers have a big decision to make, whether or not to part with Danny Granger to open up more room for the young phenom to operate or allow him to test the Free Agent waters and risk losing him.


Greg Monroe:  (7th pick: Detroit Pistons) Since Monroe entered the league he has been the lone bright spot on a terrible Pistons team. Now Monroe will be joined by the improving Andre Drummond, the hyper talented Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. Monroe, who has a traditional big man game with quality numbers to back it up (16 ppg/9.6 rebs in 2013). He is in the odd predicament of not knowing whether or not he will gain the extension because the Pistons have options, they can actually afford to let him walk because of the potential for Drummond and recent signee Smith. I am not sure if I would sign him to long term money, when you could move him for assets or sign a more complimentary player if the trio doesn't work out together.

The "Role Players"

Evan Turner: (2nd pick: Philadelphia 76ers) When Turner was drafted out of Ohio St, fresh off of winning National Player of the Year, hopes were high. Turner has been a solid contributor, but has failed to fulfill the potential of a 2nd overall pick. He has great intangibles, but needs to take a step forward in the upcoming season to earn a extension, personally I would let him walk.







Gordon Hayward: (9th pick: Utah Jazz) Hayward is work-a-holic. He is a glue guy in the mold of Mike Dunleavy and Tayshaun Prince. He essentially can fit in any system and always plays hard. His numbers are good (14.1 ppg/3 reb/ 3 ast) and on a team caught in the middle of a rebuilding project he could be an important piece to keep around. Extend.







Patrick Patterson: (14th pick: Houston Rockets) The talented power forward from Kentucky has had a roller coaster experience since he came into the league. His numbers have gradually improved, but his playing time has been all over the place. He was traded to Sacramento at the half way point last season and continued to play well. He is capable of being a consistent contributor however I would sway away from a major extension, maybe a mid level pay day.

Quincy Pondexter: (26th pick: OKC Thunder) Pondexter came alive during this past season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He can handle the ball pretty well and guard opposing small forwards. His true value lies in his ability to score the ball. He can spread the floor and open things up for Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. I say give him a deal, shooters are a necessity in the game and when you find one that gels with your teams you need to keep him on the roster.







Jordan Crawford: (27th pick: New Jersey Nets) Crawford has a similar game to another notable Crawford. He is not much of a passer, nor is he a natural leader but when you want buckets he will deliver. So far he's averaged 12.7 ppg in a bench role, if he can control his shot selection and mature his game will develop. His ceiling is Jamal Crawford/J.R. Smith. For a Celtics team that is rebuilding but in need of buckets I would extend him. You can always trade him, but for now 30 million should do it.






Greivis Vasquez: (28th pick: Memphis Grizzlies) Vasquez had a monster year for the New Orleans Pelicans. He ended up filling the void that was supposed to be filled by Austin Rivers. He averaged 13.9 ppg/9 ast/4.3 rebs per game, while leading a young Pelicans team. His growth gained notice league wide and although he was dealt this past off season to the Kings, he will serve as major upgrade for the rebuilding Kings. If I run the Kings and he makes the big fella happy, then I say extend him.






Avery Bradley: (19th pick: Boston Celtics) Bradley has grown from a D-league rotation player, to a contributor on a veteran playoff team, to one of the few familiar faces left on the team. Bradley was a highly rated high school prospect when he was recruited by Rick Barnes at the University of Texas. When he was drafted it was assumed that he would be a primary back up to Rajon Rondo, instead he became a part time starter and defensive stalwart. In the midst of the rebuilding project, good defensive help on the wing will be hard to come by and if the Celtics part ways with Rondo eventually Bradley has performed enough to warrant a second look. Extend.



Still Blossoming

Derrick Favors: (3rd pick: New Jersey Nets) Favors has shown tremendous growth during his brief NBA career. He will finally get a chance to start and I believe he will live up to the enormous potential that made him a top 3 pick in 2010. DEFINITELY EXTEND.






Ed Davis: (13th pick: Toronto Raptors) Davis played relatively well in spotty minutes during his two year stint with Toronto. During the 2013 season he was traded to Memphis and his value increased with better playing time. He is still pretty young and has all the physical tools to be a great long term replacement for Zach Randolph in the event of injury or trade. I say extend him, his size and skill are hard to come by.







Eric Bledsoe: (18th pick: LA Clippers) Bledsoe could very well be in the STUD category, but he has been primarily a back up. He is too talented to call a role player so I have placed him here because he will finally get a chance to start and produce on a large level with Phoenix. You have to extend him, his speed, athleticism and poise could make him a potential All Star later down the road.






Lance Stephenson: (40th pick: Indiana Pacers) the only second round pick to make this column is worth is weight in gold. He is without a doubt the best second round pick from the 2010 class and has out played most of the first rounders as well. He had a breakout season last year averaging 8.8 ppg and is a outstanding wing defender. His draft stock may have suffered, but he has more than made up for the mistakes of his youth. Extend him.






The Draft Fanatic

Summer Introspective, Volume 2: The Dawn Of A New L.A. Dynasty

In 1981 Donald Sterling purchased the then San Diego Clippers and moved them to L.A. to rival the in town Los Angeles Lakers. Problem with that, the Lakers had recently drafted Magic Johnson and were already beginning a dynasty that would dominate the 1980's. Meanwhile the Clippers, which at one point were actually pretty decent found themselves coming up short, time and time and time again. Its not like they never had the talent, it was more about luck. There was a brief period during the Danny Manning/Ron Harper years that saw a young core push the middling Clippers to the playoffs. If not for the following 15 seasons of roller coaster like activity they may have sustained themselves like the early 90's Spurs or early 90's Pacers.


During the 1990's both teams experienced struggles, but one would eventually bounce back. The Clippers had some fresh faces such as Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Darius Miles and once again had plans for their young nucleus to make waves. Initially they were right, the young core led by Brand played a more exciting "Brand" of basketball, but it failed to yield results. Eventually Brand would depart in search of money and the remaining players were not too far behind. The Lakers returned to greatness after a decade of ups and downs sparked by the abrupt retirement of Magic for health reasons. In 1996 they drafted Kobe Bryant out of high school and added Shaquille O'neal. With those two future hall of famers in place the team took off and found themselves in the mist of a dynasty. Like the 80's, the Clippers continued to play second fiddle to the Lake Show. Meanwhile the Lakers, sans Shaq were able to win back to back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Once again the Clippers found themselves with the top pick in the NBA draft. The number one prize was Blake Griffin and with him came a potential trip to certain greatness. Griffin destroyed defenders while playing in the SEC on his way to a consensus National Player of the Year season (22 ppg, 14 rebs). So as anyone could imagine, hopes were hight for the most talented player ever drafted by the Clippers. In typical Clippers fashion, the arrival of Blake Griffin was delayed a year due to a knee injury that sidelined him for a full season. It appeared that the Clipper Curse was rearing it's ugly head yet again.

The year off gave Griffin the time he needed to mature and put on muscle. In his debut season the Clippers dramatically improved with second year player Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin leading the charge (21 ppg and 11 rebs) and eventually earning Rookie of the Year honors. The following offseason proved to be a rather dramatic one. The Lakers had plans of adding All Star point guard Chris Paul, however the league blocked the deal and instead Chris Paul found himself being dealt to the Clippers for Eric Gordon and others. This of course was the beginning of "Lob City" and a complete franchise turnaround.

Two years later, the Clippers have completely taken the city of L.A. and NBA by storm. Their high power, high speed brand of ball is possibly the most entertaining in the league. They are no longer the bottom dwellers of the West Conference. This year they are actually the potential favorites to dethrone the Heat. They have reloaded the roster and will be led by new head coach Doc Rivers. His defense first style, combined with the raw athleticism of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will make for an instant improvement. New shooters Jared Dudley and JJ Redick will help to free up the paint for Chris Paul to create and orchestrate the new offense that will be implemented. Reserves Matt Barnes and the enigmatic Jamal Crawford should continue to provide quality veteran leadership and a entertaining spark off the bench. Backup point guard Darren Collison and rookie shooter Reggie Bullock will also help to improve the scoring opportunities.

The Clippers should find themselves atop the league standings this year, while the Lakers have hit a rough patch. They failed to sign Dwight Howard in the offseason and Kobe Bryant continues to nurse his injured ACL. They amnestied Metta World Peace and have assembled a band of misfits that rivals the 2012/13 Dallas Mavericks team that failed to make the playoffs. It appears as if for the moment, the tide has turned and the Clippers hold the cards. As long as they remain injury and drama free they should continue to succeed and excel. The Clippers have the coaching, the talent and the fan base to harvest a winning environment, lets see if they can make it happen and maintain their dominance as L.A.'s new dynasty.

The Draft Fanatic

BONUS VIDEO: LOB CITY!!!!

Summer Introspective, Volume 1: The Brooklyn Bombshell

I wonder what it would be like to own a NBA team. Who would I hire to run things, who will coach and what players would I have on the team. I can go one step further and think about how much of my own money would I have to pour into the organization. How much time would it take and how can I maximize my opportunity? Well I don't own a basketball team, but you know who does? Mikhail Prokhorov. The Russian mogul purchased the Nets in 2009 and since then has been on a war path. He joined forces with fellow mogul and Hip Hop legend Jay-Z to relocate the Nets to Brooklyn. In the process of re-establishing the brand formerly known as the New Jersey Nets, he managed to accumulate a force of nature.

Mr. Prokhorov has assembled the anti Heat, a team that essentially is the NBA's version of the Injustice League. In the last 2 seasons he has funded a complete overhaul of a team once stuck at the bottom of the league. Now they appear to be ready to make a run at the thrown. Mr. Prokhorov is no stranger to making headlines and he has a brazen veteran leading the ship in Billy King. King is one of the elite General Managers in the NBA and has the career moves to prove it. In 2011 he traded Devin Harris and a young Derrick Favors to the Utah Jazz for All Star point guard Deron Williams. His next big move brought the sweet shooting Joe Johnson to town from Atlanta for several players and a draft pick. One would think the foundation of Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brooke Lopez would be enough, but King pulled off a bigger trade in 2013. 

At the beginning of the off season, King made headlines when he took advantage of the Boston Celtics tank project. The Nets acquired life long Celtic Paul Pierce, NBA great Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry for 3 first round draft picks and a hoard of players. He acquired 3 potential Hall of Fame players for the price of none. Not bad for the team which three years prior was heading towards NBA mediocrity. Those additions in concert with the uber cheap contract signed by the NBA's version of Inspector Gadget, Andrei Kirilenko and you now have a team that is built to win now. The high speed drama of off season acquisitions did not end there, the Nets made an even bigger splash when they announced recently retired point guard Jason Kidd will be the new head coach.

Its safe to say that this side of the Miami Heat in 2010 and Boston in 2007, the Brooklyn Nets have had the biggest offseason of the last 10 years. Prokhorov and King have created a potential juggernaut that may yield some championship results. Now lets be fair about some things, the Nets have a few mountains to climb. Anything short of 60 wins and a deep playoff run will look like a failure. Kidd will be watched like a hawk by every more experienced out of work coach and media outlet in the country. The new additions have to mesh with the returning players and none will have more pressure than Deron Williams. He controls the show and he will be expected to keep everyone happy, while getting his numbers and leading the charge. Garnett, Pierce and Terry will bring a much needed championship punch to a team that was lacking playoff experience last season.

The immediate future is bright for a organization that was in need of a overhaul. Age will certainly dictate the pace of the season, but experience should push them through. They have the talent, depth and leadership to finish at the top of the league, but putting it all together is a different ball game.

The Draft Fanatic.

Free Agent Frenzy: Best Potential Playoff Acquisitions

The free agent season is usually a time of great shock and awe. Year after year top tier talents like LeBron in 2010 or Deron Williams in 2012 set the sports media world ablaze with rumors of their looming decisions. This past year the focus was on Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and Chris Paul. Both Smith and Howard opted to take a pay day and join new teams, while Paul decided to continue the Lob City movement in LA. While the stars and teams that sign them attract most of the attention, there are other players and teams that make deals. Most of these deals are players finally getting a pay day, some are players that finished rookie contracts and may have made a decent impression. The ones that matter though, are the veteran players that might be the final piece to that championship puzzle.

During the free agent signing period, trades are another valuable way of acquiring either that one player or multiple players that may put you over the top. Again, we are not going to focus on deals like the Brooklyn Blockbuster or the Clippers Bledsoe move. We are looking for those decisions that were made from a tactical point of view, knowing full well that the moves could potentially put the teams in a position to compete during May and June.

During this years free agent spending frenzy teams have clearly had a similar game plan. Go BIG. Most teams are copying the Indiana/San Antonio model of going for a larger more physical line up to match Miami's non-traditional small ball line up. In response the champs themselves make a cameo on this list with a decision that may allow them to compete for a third straight championship. Other teams opted to go with depth. Every team in the NBA has the collective of talent they consider their "stars" but the truly great teams all have depth. That additional scoring punch or leadership presence can provide a team with valuable minutes in big time situations, much like Shane Battier and Mike Miller did for the Heat last year.

Below is my list of moves that will either catapult a team to that next level or help them to cement their place in the league as a contender.

1. Indiana: Luis Scola: Scola was acquired in a trade with the lowly Suns for a bloated Gerald Green contract and Miles Plumlee. Scola instantly upgrades a Indiana bench that was starved for talent last season. He also brings grit and experience to a team that already has a reputation for playing hard. Career Avg. 14.2 ppg and 7.5 rebs.







2. Detroit: Brandon Jennings: Jennings was acquired via a sign and trade with his former team Milwaukee. Initially Jennings was thought to be one of the better options available on the free agent market, however after asking for a max contract many teams went with more affordable players. On the Pistons end, they needed a genuine lead guard to help lead the trio of Josh Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. Not only will he provide a shooters touch to a large line up, but if Mo Cheeks can keep him focused he may be in for a All Star caliber season. Final positive, Detroit got him for cheap, 3 years at 24 million is a bargain for a young talent like Jennings. Career Avg. 17.7 ppg, 5.9 ast and 1.5 stl.



3. Cleveland: Andrew Bynum: The often injured big man with a big ego "should" finally find his way back after a year off. Bynum can be outright dominant when healthy. He has had monster games (16 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks against Nuggets in 2011;16 points, 30 rebounds and 2 blocks against Spurs in 2011) and if healthy will be the perfect counterpart to Kyrie Irving. The ego issues should be held in check by the combination of Mike Brown and a contract full of milestones which should challenge Bynum. Bynum can help lead Cleveland back to the post season for the first time in the post LeBron era, if he can overcome his demons and play basketball. Career Avg. 11.7 ppg, 7.8 rebs, 1.8 blk.







4. Memphis: Mike Miller: After spending the last 3 years with the defending champion Miami Heat, Mike Miller is headed back to Memphis. Miller was amnestied this summer by the Heat because of the large tax they would've incurred had he remained on the roster. No worries, Miller is an elite shooter with a pension for showing up at right time (23 points, 7-8 3pts, Game 5, 2012 NBA Finals). He is a great locker room guy, low maintenance and competitor. He will bring a much needed shooters touch, to a team that ran out of options in the playoffs last season. Career Avg. 12.3 ppg and 4.8 rebs. 








5. LA Clippers: Darren Collison: The apprentice returns to the master. Collison spent his rookie year under the tutelage of Chris Paul in New Orleans before Paul's departure. He rejoins Paul in a potential championship run year, with new coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the Lob City family. After a year of failed expectations in Dallas, Collison is taking his talents to the Clippers where he will be a great back up. He should excel as the second point guard, because the pressure will never be on him and he has enough talent to provide both scoring and leadership off the bench. Another year playing with the best point guard in the game won't hurt either. Career Avg. 12.1 ppg and 5.2 ast.


6. Chicago: Mike Dunleavy: The coaches kid has carved out a nice niche in this league as a high IQ player with a good shot. Dunleavy will not wow with athleticism or impressive stats, but his ability to play the game, shoot the ball and play defense will help. He will serve as the perfect upgrade to the now departed Richard Hamilton and fits in with the culture of the Bulls. Career Avg. 11.9 ppg and 4.5 ast.











7. Brooklyn: Andrei Kirilenko: Kirilenko is the ultimate utility man. Quite literally a jack of all trades and master of many skills. Lets all be honest right now, this was an absolute steal and a hook up via the Russian connection. He was also signed for one reason and one reason only, to keep the added pressure on the King, Melo, Durant and now Paul George whenever Paul Pierce goes to the bench. Its that depth thing I mentioned above. He will also be a important part of the puzzle the deeper into the season the Nets go, because he can score and rebound. Career Avg. 14.4 ppg, 6.6 rebs, 3.3 ast, 1.7 stl and 2.3 blk.

 

8. Miami: Greg Oden: Its hard to say what a team needs when they have been so dominant over the last 3 years, but Miami did have one glaring weakness. They absolutely sucked when it came to rebounding and defending against starting front courts. Enter Greg Oden, the player selected before the best scorer in the league Kevin Durant. Oden has played 82 games (full season worth) in 6 years. He was hailed as possibly the new Bill Russell when he left Ohio St. after his freshman season, a year that he dominated and led his team to the National title game.

His knees had different plans and derailed a career potentially destined for greatness. In between the injuries he did show promise (13 points, 20 rebounds and 4 blocks vs Miami, Dec 2009) but he never got his chance. Now things are different, he will get his opportunity after the long road back. Miami is hoping for much of the same they received from Chris Anderson after his time away from the NBA, a slow improvement month by month with a decent role by the playoffs. All he has to do is what he knows, be a big body, rebound, block some shots and dunk the ball. It should help having LeBron and D-Wade pass him the ball and it should also take the pressure off. No matter who you are, fan of the Heat or not; you have to be rooting for Oden to be successful, because it wasn't too long ago many of us were hoping he would become that next "BIG" thing.

The Draft Fanatic.