NBA 2012-13 Offseason Thread

[Paulie]

I've ended up on that site many times, but like many blog sites, I've also seen some ignorant stuff on there, along with lots of good. Have they said what number Calderon will be wearing in Portland?

The number Oden was supposed to wear, I'm told.

It feels like the league is going to get a massive shake up this off-season. Round and round, and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows. It should be a very interesting season.
Another rumour I've read is Calderon to the Bulls to fill in for Rose in his absence. That could mean Luol Deng for the Raptors which would be awesome, or Joakim Noah which would totally suck as he's one of the players I truly detest in the league.

 

[Stavingo]

]I am happy for him that he's coming back, even if in another uniform, and for limited minutes. If he goes to OKC, Miami, or Utah, I am still booing him though. You know, don't hate me man, hate the game.

Wait a minute, he's coming back out of retirement!?

I thought his knee injuries/surgery was supposed to be career ending?

 

[JohnBM01]

Two Top 10 picks for the Rockets in an attempt to trade for Dwight Howard. So I'm hearing about my Rockets. I do have my concerns about Dwight Howard. We do need a more solid big man, but I always stress we don't need any characters. Good news (if this all pulls through) is that we may have a solid Center to fill up the inside.

This deal will have to mean we will have to get rid of Kyle Lowry (hell of a player). Even if to get better inside support, I would like to see Dwight Howard be a proper Center for the Rockets. Either that... or somehow get Yao Ming back to being extremely healthy and back to his beast days with the Rockets. Anything to help the Rockets return to relevance is fine with me.


Thinking back on this past season, I'm really surprised and pleasantly amused how this 66-game season all materialized. I was reading some of the past comments to this post going from fears the season would be dead... to getting this abbreviated season. How would you assess the NBA and getting in this season? How would you assess this past season in general and all that has happened?

 

[a6m5]

That could mean Luol Deng for the Raptors which would be awesome, or Joakim Noah which would totally suck as he's one of the players I truly detest in the league.

Deng definitely qualifies for the Oden's #52(bum knee?). Noah, after the surgery, it remains to be seen?

Wait a minute, he's coming back out of retirement!?

I thought his knee injuries/surgery was supposed to be career ending?

He is shooting to come back this upcoming season.

There was something fishy going on there with his abrupt retirement, plus the immediate exercise of the amnesty on his contract by the team. It's like a JFK assassination, like we are not getting the whole story.

 

[Stavingo]

There was something fishy going on there with his abrupt retirement, plus the immediate exercise of the amnesty on his contract by the team. It's like a JFK assassination, like we are not getting the whole story.

What was wrong with his contract in Portland?

 

[a6m5]

What was wrong with his contract in Portland?

There wasn't any problem with the contract itself. Basically, as soon as the Blazers signed him to the max contract, he became a crippled NBA player. 2010-11 season, he was seriously hobbled. At the beginning of last season, he surprised everybody with the announcement of his medical retirement. Reportedly, the doctors warned Roy that if he kept playing, he may lose his ability to walk(I assume long after retirement).

 

[Stavingo]

There wasn't any problem with the contract itself. Basically, as soon as the Blazers signed him to the max contract, he became a crippled NBA player. 2010-11 season, he was seriously hobbled. At the beginning of last season, he surprised everybody with the announcement of his medical retirement. Reportedly, the doctors warned Roy that if he kept playing, he may lose his ability to walk(I assume long after retirement).

Right, so Roy announcing his retirement gets him out of his huge contract?

 

[Spacegoat]

My brother found a good site on the interwebs today called the Bleacher Report, has all up to date rumours, speculation and analysis on every team.

Nice, I just checked it out. There's some interesting speculation on what the Hornets may do with the #10 pick.

 

[Pupik]

Is it okay to talk about a 2.2 liter Marcus Camby in this thread, or am I going to lose my moderator status over that discussion?

 

[Stavingo]

Is it okay to talk about a 2.2 liter Marcus Camby in this thread, or am I going to lose my moderator status over that discussion?

Honestly I think he'll finish his career with the Rockets.

 

[a6m5]

I don't know what 2.2 is, but Camby could lock Miami's Championship next year. If he can stay relatively healthy, not only is he a above average defensive center, he is an elite passer at his position. Has excellent basketball I.Q., and court vision. If he could move like he could in 2010-11, he would actually upgrade the Heat IMO.

Right, so Roy announcing his retirement gets him out of his huge contract?

It would have, except the Blazers exercised their amnesty(every team got '1' out of the collective bargaining agreement, which let teams erase '1' contract) as soon as the word "retire..." came out of Roy's mouth. Had this been a genuine retirement, all Blazers had to do was wait until the retirement went through & Roy's contract came off the books.

My guess is that Roy & the team came to some kind of secret agreement. Blazers had largest amount & the longest length tied up in Brandon Roy contract. Negative publicity still haunt the Portland Trail Blazers. They fear bad PR by kicking Roy off the team for financial reasons, but makes it clear to Roy that he no longer have bright future with the Blazers. They tell Roy to lay off a season or two, they will release him through amnesty. Blazers cut loose of Roy, Roy becomes a free man, still gets paid the every penny of his max contract, but will not count towards the Blazers books(salary cap). And while he's at it, he could rest & rehab his knees.

I think it was a ploy to protect the company image, but that's just my guess.

 

[Paulie]

Two Top 10 picks for the Rockets in an attempt to trade for Dwight Howard. So I'm hearing about my Rockets. I do have my concerns about Dwight Howard. We do need a more solid big man, but I always stress we don't need any characters. Good news (if this all pulls through) is that we may have a solid Center to fill up the inside.

This deal will have to mean we will have to get rid of Kyle Lowry (hell of a player). Even if to get better inside support, I would like to see Dwight Howard be a proper Center for the Rockets. Either that... or somehow get Yao Ming back to being extremely healthy and back to his beast days with the Rockets. Anything to help the Rockets return to relevance is fine with me.


Thinking back on this past season, I'm really surprised and pleasantly amused how this 66-game season all materialized. I was reading some of the past comments to this post going from fears the season would be dead... to getting this abbreviated season. How would you assess the NBA and getting in this season? How would you assess this past season in general and all that has happened?

You think the Rockets would trade that many good draft picks and an excellent point guard for a one dimensional centre who can't even hit free throws (and is therefore easily neutralised)? In terms of what they'll need to do to get him, it doesn't sound like a smart move to me.
I'm really glad we had this season though, it's been fun hasn't it? Plus with that season out of the way the Raptors have a real chance to progress towards a winning season. Without the lockout season we'd be looking at what we got winning wise in the lockout season now in the next season.

Is it okay to talk about a 2.2 liter Marcus Camby in this thread, or am I going to lose my moderator status over that discussion?

What is a 2.2L Marcus Camby?

I don't know what 2.2 is, but Camby could lock Miami's Championship next year. If he can stay relatively healthy, not only is he a above average defensive center, he is an elite passer at his position. Has excellent basketball I.Q., and court vision. If he could move like he could in 2010-11, he would actually upgrade the Heat IMO.

Isn't there something about the Heat only being able to sign one verteran player, which, assuming Miller is forced to retire, they'll probably try and use on Ray Allen. With Jones and Miller both retiring they'll need another 3pt threat.

 

[Omnis]

A 2.2L Camby can out accel anyone.

 

[Brett]

And it is because he knows how to.

 

[JohnBM01]

According to the title of a YouTube video from ESPN, Chase Budinger is no longer with the Rockets as we try to get Dwight Howard. Bud was a solid player. I especially like when he can bank the 3-point shot. He'll certainly make some other team solid from behind the arc.

If we do get Dwight Howard, he's going to have to improve by leaps and bounds because I can't stand the Rockets being any more mediocre (or at least, not good enough) to return to being a playoff contender. The Southwest Division is about as brutal as it gets. Especially with the likes of San Antonio and Dallas, even having a winning record is not good enough to survive out here. A third NBA title for the Rockets is something we've long wanted even if it isn't the Clutch City days here in H-Town. How long are the Rockets going to have to settle for next season again and again? I can only hope next season provides [positive] winds of change.

 

[a6m5]

I guess another trade today?(how, how, how!?). "Rockets trade Chase Budinger to Minnesota for 18th pick" Looks like the Rockets going after Dwight Howard rumor was true. If they are serious about Howard, I'm sure there will be at least one or two more trades. Then again, Rockets do have some coveted talent in Lowry, Dragic, Kevin Martin & Scola. I guess they could already put together a package for Howard if they had to.

I hope my Blazers counter this. Maybe they can sign Greg Oden's brother or something. He's shorter, but much healthier knees(I think). No hops though, not at all.

A 2.2L Camby can out accel anyone.

Aww god.....

Isn't there something about the Heat only being able to sign one verteran player, which, assuming Miller is forced to retire, they'll probably try and use on Ray Allen. With Jones and Miller both retiring they'll need another 3pt threat.

They should sign me, I'm the Japanese Larry Bird.

 

[Spacegoat]

I guess another trade today?(how, how, how!?).

Here's another one to wrap your head around. Bobcats trade Corey Maggette to the Pistons for Ben Gordon and a 2013 projected 1st round pick.

Also, I heard on PTI, that the Rockets are trying to clear some cap room, in the hope of signing Deron Williams.

 

[a6m5]

Here's another one to wrap your head around. Bobcats trade Corey Maggette to the Pistons for Ben Gordon and a 2013 projected 1st round pick.

Also, I heard on PTI, that the Rockets are trying to clear some cap room, in the hope of signing Deron Williams.

Ben Gordon's still alive!? I haven't heard that name in awhile. I didn't see this one coming from the Bobcats at all, as I thought they were dumping salary, starting anew. I do like the deal, as Ben Gordon, he at least was a capable shooter & scorer. First round pick in addition does help.

The article says the Maggette is in the last year of his contract. That's couple of teams nobody wants anything to do with, and I'm not at all familiar with their game plan either. It's gonna take some work to make either team work, that's for sure!

P.S. Williams rumor is a interesting one. Looks like Houston might be trying to steal this off-season, but I saw a headline on CBS Sports that Houston source claims that NJ Brooklyn is the front runner in securing Williams or something like that. I wouldn't mind seeing Brooklyn fail big time though.

 

[Spacegoat]

P.S. Williams rumor is a interesting one. Looks like Houston might be trying to steal this off-season, but I saw a headline on CBS Sports that Houston source claims that NJ Brooklyn is the front runner in securing Williams or something like that. I wouldn't mind seeing Brooklyn fail big time though.

I'd be very surprised if the Nets don't re-sign Williams. There was an article on ESPN a few days ago that stated sources close to Williams, saying he is only interested in playing for the Nets or the Mavs next season. I'm sure though, he would be tempted if the Rockets come a knocking. (especially if they get a deal done for Howard before hand)

 

[a6m5]

With the Heat winning it all this year, I expect to see more star players teaming up in large market teams, screwing the smaller market teams(my new excuse for Blazers sucking). I'd be surprised if Deron Williams sign with the Nets without having another star player sign the team with him.

If I was Williams, I'd seriously consider Dallas. Dirk has the special power to turn kings into princesses, and Christina Bosh into Christina Bosh..... wait.

 

[Omnis]

Pipe down, Rally Bild. Everyone knows Dwight Howard and Greg Oden are going to be Heets.

And Norris Cole is going to be 7 feet of hightop fade in 3 seasons. Hope he doesn't get called for goaltending.

 

[Paulie]

I hope Deron doesn't go to Dallas, I don't want to see another super team.
I was thinking the other day, if Allen leaves the Celtics, and Garnett retires (unlikely IMO), could the Celtics actually for once become a bad team? I sure hope so!

BTW, you guys have given me the idea of trying to get Camby as a backup centre in my NBA 2K12 Raptors association.

Edit: Oh look J.R. Smith is now a free agent as well after declining his contract option.

Edit 2: And Jason Kidd is thinking about heading to the New York Knicks as a backup to Lin. Rather interesting, Lin gets mentoring from a veteran at the Point and the Knicks get a decent backup PG.

 

[Stavingo]

I hope Deron doesn't go to Dallas, I don't want to see another super team.
I was thinking the other day, if Allen leaves the Celtics, and Garnett retires (unlikely IMO), could the Celtics actually for once become a bad team? I sure hope so!

Edit: Oh look J.R. Smith is now a free agent as well after declining his contract option.

Deron going to Dallas to team up with Dirk wouldn't exactly last, Dirk is like 34 or 35? That duo would last 5 years at the most.

It'd definitely be interesting to see the Celtics starting 5 if that happened.

J.R Smith declined his contract option? I thought he wanted an extension with NY?

 

[Paulie]

Deron going to Dallas to team up with Dirk wouldn't exactly last, Dirk is like 34 or 35? That duo would last 5 years at the most.

It'd definitely be interesting to see the Celtics starting 5 if that happened.

J.R Smith declined his contract option? I thought he wanted an extension with NY?

Here's the link to the J.R. Smith article on the NBA site.
http://www.nba.com/2012/news/06/26/knicks-smith.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2
He'd be a worthy addition to any team in need of a shooting guard.
I suppose Boston would still have Rondo and Pierce, I just hope that wouldn't be enough.

 

[Stavingo]

Hmmm, maybe JR would go to Boston if they don't have Ray Allen anymore

 

[a6m5]

Paulie, Boston usually do suck. In my time following the NBA, Boston has sucked most of the time. Between Larry Bird(80's) & the Allen/KG/Pierce(recently), nobody took them seriously.

And I think JR sucks. Too much hot & cold with that guy. Good player don't disappear during games, but with JR, it's like he might show up, or maybe not at all. I wouldn't want him on my team if it was the worst team in the league(Blazers are almost there!).

Kidd/Lin combo would be a interesting one. Personally, I'd start Kidd(and I'm a Kidd hater), but it is true that Jeremy Lin could learn a lot from that loser. Did I say loser? I actually meant to say loser.

 

[McLaren]

You think the Rockets would trade that many good draft picks and an excellent point guard for a one dimensional centre who can't even hit free throws (and is therefore easily neutralised)? In terms of what they'll need to do to get him, it doesn't sound like a smart move to me.

He may not be able to hit free throws, but there is absolutely no denying that Howard is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. He's a leading offensive rebound player as well as block shots & can average 20 points a game.

He's not exactly a player to try a "Hack-a-Shaq" with.

I'd be very surprised if the Nets don't re-sign Williams. There was an article on ESPN a few days ago that stated sources close to Williams, saying he is only interested in playing for the Nets or the Mavs next season. I'm sure though, he would be tempted if the Rockets come a knocking. (especially if they get a deal done for Howard before hand)

The Nets have nothing to build around Deron. Even if they do manage to grab Howard (who wants to play with Williams), you can't build a championship team around 2 players.

Deron going to Dallas to team up with Dirk wouldn't exactly last, Dirk is like 34 or 35? That duo would last 5 years at the most.

It's not actually Dirk the Mavs want with Williams. It's Howard. We need a younger, more athletic center & point guard (Beaubois still has things to learn at 24) to help lead the team besides Terry & West who normally play shooting guard. Deron & Howard would be extremely beneficial, and judging by the rumors of the Mavs possibly trading off Marion (which I hope not since Odom & Marion make around the same amount and Odom obviously being cut should leave room for Marion) & Terry considering other options, the 2 younger players will hopefully be acquirable.

If anything, it would be nice to get 1 of the 2, but the Mavs want Williams in hopes of luring Howard.

Edit 2: And Jason Kidd is thinking about heading to the New York Knicks as a backup to Lin. Rather interesting, Lin gets mentoring from a veteran at the Point and the Knicks get a decent backup PG.

This is actually along the lines of why I hoped Nash would consider New York. Either player wouldn't be bad, though I would miss having Kidd retiring on the very team he started with.

 

[Spacegoat]

BTW, you guys have given me the idea of trying to get Camby as a backup centre in my NBA 2K12 Raptors association.

Just while, we are on that subject. The cover for 2K13 will feature Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin. The last of which, I'm sure will make a6 and Paulie very happy.

Oh and yet another Rockets trade.

 

[JohnBM01]

All I know for the Houston Rockets' wheeling and dealing is that we're trying to return to being relevant again after recent years of mediocrity. I don't think the Rockets are trying to be the next super team. All we're doing is trying to bring back winning basketball. Ultimate goal- another NBA championship (which would be our third in franchise history). It's not like we're some no-name, small market podunk trying to become a national power. Houston is usually one of the most miserable sports cities. And as a native Houstonian, I'd love to see one of Houston's proud franchises become champs.


Sorry if I sounded too much like a homer, but the Rockets can be much better than what they've shown the past few years. If these huge moves are what it takes to make them better for the future, then so be it. I'm just sick of my boys not being good enough to be relevant.

 

[a6m5]

Is 2K13 the game the player on the cover break their knee? I remember hearing about one of the sports game franchise, which the cover athlete have horrible season or something like that.

Houston might not be looking to build a superteam, but a lot of the star players now are. I think Dwight Howard is one of those star players. I'm not a big fan of Howard, but I'm not gonna lie, wherever he lands, they would be lucky to have him on-board.