When the big news still to be decided involves Milwaukee and Mo Williams, you know it's not a banner free agent offseason. Grant Hill took what's left of his athleticism to Phoenix, where at least he can play point forward in an offense suited to what's left of his gifts - I wonder if Boris Diaw is on the block as a result?
Chauncey Billups re-signed in Detroit, Rashard Lewis got an absurdly huge deal in Orlando, and as forecast, that resulted in Darko going elsewhere - to Memphis!? He and Gasol might co-exist on offense, but this doesn't help their interior D at all. Darko can block shots, though - they should definitely play zone D in Memphis next year and tell Darko to work on his jumper.
Other overpays: Luke gets way too many years in LA, Kapono's limitations will be revealed in Toronto (how is he an upgrade over MoPete?), Andres Nocioni gets a lot for his post-peak seasons in Chitown. It looks like Derek Fisher will return to LA, although if they're really going to pay him the midlevel (or close), then their decision to let him go years back (for the midlevel then!) was indefensible. Live and learn, eh, Dr Buss?
As noted, the main speculation left seems to be whether Mo Williams will take the midlevel for Miami, or if they have to go to their fallback, Steve Blake. No wonder teams are trying to preserve cap room for next summer - this summer's crop of free agents are hardly impressive. As things move along, it looks less and less likely that either KG or Kobe will be dealt before the season starts - though I do expect some terrible KG deal to occur close to the trade deadline next February. Even Isiah may have little left to do - especially if he isn't going to trade the only player other teams actually want, David Lee.
The other names outstanding and still available mostly consist of injured has-beens or never-wases (like Chris Webber, Stevie Francis (a Clipper to be?), or Chris Mihm) or prospects who have starred in Europe who may finally come over (Luis Scola, Juan Carlos Navarro). Honestly, the latter are more attractive than the former, but require trades - Scola's rights are owned by the Spurs, Navarro's by the Wiz. The Clips would be better off with Navarro than the self-deluded Stevie Franchise, but that's not the way they think....
So not much so far has occurred that would change the power structure of the end of last season. Roughly, the good teams should stay good, and the bad teams mostly haven't improved much - unless Darko suddenly erupts and turns Memphis back into a playoff team - pretty damn unlikely. And Orlando, despite a max contract for Rashard, probably remains what they were - a fringe playoff team in the East.
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