Western Conference Rankings Pre-Season.

1.Thunder
It's a close race for the #1 spot, but Durant/West/Harden is such an exciting young trio, they have to get it. Keeping the same core group with a slimmed down Perkins (lost 20 lbs!) has the Thunder starting off right.

2.Mavericks
The main song you heard being sung during the Mavs playoff run was "Tyson Chandler changed Mavs attitude". He's now a Knick, but Dirk/Kidd/Terry/Marion remain along with the additions of Vince Carter and Lamar Odom. The old legs may catch up to them, but the Mavs will remain a powerhouse throughout.

3.Grizzlies
Lest we forget, what a run this team had. Pushing the #1 ranked Thunder to the brink without Rudy Gay. A year of seasoning for this young team and I can easily see them passing one of the two top teams.

4. Clippers
It's not hype people! MVP worthy pg with a Finals MVP guard in the backcourt is not an everyday thing. Blake Griffin/Jordan are mean and hungry, Caron Butler joins them to open the floor with his shooting and his defense will add a nice touch. Gomes/Mo/Foye is a nice bench, just have to wonder about the back up bigs.

5.Lakers
Amazing how much the Celtics/Lakers have in common. From the old legs, to the loss of key players (Odom/Green) to an obvious tension that comes from trades that never happened.  Bryant is still an elite player and Gasol/Bynum are a good frontline. However, the way I feel about this old team in a shortened season is best defined by the moment where Kobe Bryant tried to take it to the hole on DeAndre Jordan during the pre-season and ended up injured. It's gonna be a LONG, shortened season for the Lakers.

6.Spurs
The Spurs have a very bad taste in their mouth from last year's very short playoff run, however they also have more rest. A slim-downed rejuvenated Tim Duncan and rested Paker/Manu will probably get the Spurs to a strong, fast start. However, they need to do something about that bench. Let's see if they pick up any players in the next few weeks.

7.Nuggets
This team was actually ranked 5th overall in a Sports Illustrated article on their site recently, but I don't see it. Sure they are young and have nice pieces in Nene/Affalo, but that run late last year reeked more of  frustration over the "MELO'DRAMA" than any indication of being a real contender. Youth may get them further then it should though.

8.Trailblazers
Let's be clear, the Blazers are used to the idea of "no Roy/Oden" so don't put too much into it. As long as LaMarcus is healthy, this is a team that should make their annual appearance in the playoff, but not much after that.

9.Rockets
The trade that never was keeps Kevin Martin and Luis Scola on the roster, add in Dalembert and it could be a solid season for them. I like Patterson and Budinger to make some noise this season.

10.Hornets
Replacing David West and Chris Paul is not possible so let's end that speculation and focus on reality. Kaman/Gordon/Ariza/Okafor/Jack is a nice line up. Throw in Landry/Aminu along with a team who has something to prove after being written off and they may surprise everyone with a playoff appearance ala last year's Nuggets.

11.Wolves
This pick here is one that will surprise many, but I will stick to it for now. You have Kevin Love who deserves more press than he gets. A winner in J.J. Barea, mixed with Beasley, Rubio, Randolph and rookie sensation Derrick Williams and I think they will over-achieve. A shortened season helps....a lot!

12.Kings
Losing Dalembert will hurt more than you realize when you look around and see no one that can hold down the middle. Evans and the JIMMER will add points and an up and down pace with lots of points and zero defense. I think John Salmons will have a much better season.

13.Warriors
Mark Jackson no longer wears an NBA uniform, but he will have the biggest role in how this team does this season. There is no reason this team shouldn't do better than they have, but defense is something they badly lack. If Coach Jackson can get them on the same page, the Warriors should jump a lot higher than this position. Big "IF".

14.Suns
Steve Nash is not only a legend, but such a a classy guy. He still has game left in him, but not much, yet he is loyal to Phoenix. Sadly, there isn't much to look at except the will of one of the best point guards in the last 20 years.

15. Jazz
Is Devin Harris healthy yet?

Eastern Conference Rankings Pre-season

1.Heat
Adding Battier and young legs in a tough season should get them to the top. Should is the key word with Lebron's mental game hopefully caught up with his physical game. Inside presence is a big question mark.

2.Bulls
Adding Richard Hamilton gives them a legit shooter and allows rose to be more of a passer and save his legs for a grueling playoff run. Health is always key with this team with Boozer/Noah injury prone.

3.Knicks
Lots of names added on to this team from Chandler to Davis and now Stat and Melo should have better chemistry. However, who's team is it, will Chandler/Davis stay healthy and will the addition of assistant coach Mike Woodson help the Knicks finally play some D in the "AntonI" era.

4.Magic
This team could drop big time before the season ends if Dwight Howard leaves as expected. For now, they have added a championship experienced player in Glen Davis and the same core group remains. Chemistry is a big attribute in a season with less practice time/pre-season.

5.Pacers
The underdog has bark and bite since they added David West. As long as no health issues occur with West, coming off surgery, this is a very dangerous front-line. Granger/Hibbert/West need to mesh quickly and Darren Collison needs to continue to improve his impressive game to the next level.

6.Celtics
Names don't help old legs. Garnett/Allen/Pierce are still an incredible nucleus to begin a season with, but with so many games in such little time and little rest, there's bound to be deep repercussions. Still have that championship spirit, but will Rondo get over the trade rumors? Keep an eye on Rondo.

7.Sixers

An exciting team with young legs, some playoff experience under their belt and still have the same core group. Will Andre Iguodala step up and take on a leadership role? Brackins and Turner now have a full season and if they added confidence to their game, the Sixers may take full advantage of a shortened season.

8.Hawks
The Hawks remain a mystery. A team with three marquee players like Joe Johnson , Josh Smith and Al Horford should have better results. The truth is they have no leader. If any of these three decide to carry the team, this team could certainly go up a few spots.

9.Bucks
I like some of the new players they added on, beginning with Stephen Jackson and Mike Dunleavy is a nice pick-up. A healthy Andrew Bogut combined with a more mature Jackson and Brandon Jennings could make this a nice season. Drew Gooden returning from the dead would really help too!

10.Wizards
Rookie of the year pg, John Wall, young exciting center in Mcgee and veterans Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard make the Wizards a sleeping dog. The main issue will be John Wall's shot selection as well as improving that shot (40%!!). The future is bright, but is it now?

11. Cavs
Sometimes teams have a better season than expected because they improved and other times it's because other teams got worse. While #1 pick Kyrie Irving looks to be the early favorite for ROY, the Cavs should take advantage of other bad teams in their conf. Jamison/Varejo are a nice frontcourt, Parker returns for his shooting/D. Playoffs seem far off though.

12.Nets
Deron Williams, DeShawn Stevenson and Mehmet Okur will take the Jazz....oh wait, actually they are on the Nets now. Unless Dwight Howard walks in through that door (Rick Pitino voice), Brooklyn may not be too excited yet for the Nets to arrive. I still like Damion James very much, look out for him.

13.Pistons
There are actually some nice pieces on this team from Stuckey to Maxiell , however, the other pieces need to show up. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are still getting their paychecks, but certainly not earning them. If Lawrence Frank can get them to mesh, they may move up a few spots.

14. Raptors
In the battle to avoid being dead last, the Raptors win second to last for a few reasons, but nothing to be excited about. They have a number of returning players who under-achieved badly last year, but still have a nice skill set. Barnani, Calderon and Barbosa is not a bad group of players. Add on some strong 2nd year players and who knows.....I think we all know how it will end though. Sorry Raptor fans.

15. Bobcats
They have Kemba Walker and get all the free Air Jordan sneakers they want. Merry Christmas.

"If they new I gotta get them first ....." Concords released, mayhem ensues

Anyone recall when this blog posted about the Air Jordan Retro 11 Concords coming out on Dec 23rd? This is what makes this blog different, there's more to being an NBA fan than just stats and opinions. Look to this blog to always get your info on sneakers, music and fashion that NBA fans are always on top of. 

Hopefully in the future , stores will learn a better way to keep control of the crowds as sneakerheads overall are not like the knuckleheads in this story. 

Relax, Buggin' Out

"Runners whom renown outran And the name died before the man"

We say goodbye to three players who gave us a lot of great memories.

Peja Stojakovic , Antonio Mcdyess and Brandon Roy. 

While we will miss all three of these great players, your heart has to ache for Brandon Roy who retires at the young age of 27 after doctors told him if he kept playing, it could keep from him walking one day. 

Thanks for the memories guys.

Whenever I see some well respected athletes hang it up , I always return to this poem. 

To An Athlete Dying Young

by A.E. Housman

The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields were glory does not stay
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl's.

I'm leaving on a jet plane.

The Knicks did not get Chris Paul as they had hoped and the rumors ran wild with how Chris Paul would come to the Knicks including trading Amare for Chris Paul!! Well, the Knicks certainly did well as they picked up a 29 year old who has just won a title with the Mavericks and was the anchor to their defense in Tyson Chandler. Hopefully, the idea of defense will rub off on Knicks Coach "Antoni" (no D in his name till he coaches D). How this will affect the Knicks this season will be written in a upcoming blog. 

On Dec, 1st a person I personally admire among the nba writers/reporters/bloggers, J.A. Adande, tweetd me that my idea of Billups on the Alanta Hawks in a 3 team trade for Paul to the Knicks wouldn't work because Billups wouldn't work on a  young team. I understand why he suggested this, however, it's looking like a veteran with a championship and nba finals MVP is going to work out nicely on a very young LA Clippers team. Nonetheless, I highly suggest you follow J.A. Adande on twitter as he is one of the best informed NBA insiders and his suit game is pretty serious (Wait, till I get there Adande!). 

LA belonged to the Clippers as soon as the Clippers got Chris Paul from the Hornets for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu and the Timberwolves 2012 1st round pick. A few days before that trade, the Clippers picked up Chauncey Billups off waivers after the Knicks let him go to get Tyson Chandler. 

Now the Clippers have a backcourt that can both play defense, push the ball, and throw alley-oops to Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, who signed for 4 years for $43 million matching the offer sheet given to Jordan via Golden State. Los Angeles or Lob Angeles? It's gonna be fun.

While there was a lot of excitement in the trades, rumors and signings during a crazy two weeks of transactions, let us take a moment to wish Jeff Green best of luck as he will miss the season in order to have heart surgery on Jan. 9. Green is a very young 25 years old with a bright future and a grim reminder of how quickly life can change on us. Wishing him the best on his surgery ,recovery and  a return to the court. 

Obviously we have so many transactions to comment on, but these 3 for me stuck out the most. 

The other notable transactions:

Baron Davis is now a Knick. Vince Carter and Larmar Odom give the Mavs some names after losing some names (Chandler, Butler), Jamal Crawford signed with the Trailblazers, Mehmet Okur got traded to the Nets, David West is now a Pacer making an underdog earn a bigger bite, Bulls have a shooter in Richard Hamilton, J.J. Barrea joined the Timberwolves because three starting point guards is the new thing for 2012, Boston traded their under-achieving PF Glen Davis for Orlando's under-achieving PF Brandon Bass, Shane Battier goes to the Heat, thus the "Heatles" are complete. Who's Ringo?

Microphone check 1, 2.

So here we are a few hours from the NBA season and yes, the blog is back. With so many changes and, changes abruptly halted, I found posting about players who weren't getting traded or playing a waste of time for the reader and myself.

However, the rosters are set, the moves have been made and now reality sets in.

66 games in less than 5 months.

Unpack your bags, fellas. NBA calls off Chris Paul Trade

Oops

So now it's being reported that the 3 way trades between the Rockets/Lakers/Hornets has been called off.

For those who were not aware the New Orleans Hornets are owned , for now, by the NBA and teams felt it was unfair for the NBA to allow the Lakers to get a superstar when they already have a big name players.

So now what? Stay tuned......(and look out for a lot of false rumors)

Pay It Forward. Kwame Brown spawned Pau Gasol and now Chris Paul, wow!

Amazing to think that obtaining Kwame Brown has spawned Paul Gasol, some rings, and now Chris Paul.

The NBA , where amazing happens huh?!

Nothing Lasts Forever (Chris Paul to Lakers, Odom/Gasol traded away)

About an hour ago, Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Lakers are very close to picking up Chris Paul in a 3 tream trade.

Hmm, a 3 team trade to obtain Chris Paul.... sounds familiar, don't it?!!

Here's how it breaks down

to the Lakers: Chris Paul
to the Rockets: Pau Gasol
to the Hornets: Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic , some picks may be included.

If this trade goes through, I see the Hornets as the strongest team and the biggest winner. They have added a player who gets buckets with ease (Martin) , a player with championship experience (Odom) and one of the best post players in the league (Scola) Here you have a team that resolved it's issues with it's star player before training camps open tomorrow. This is the correct way to do this,

THIS IS NOT

3 The Hard Way! Report: Chris Paul asks for trade to NYC, but how?

After awhile , it can get embarrassing, reading other sites/blogs as they repeat the same old lines and repackaging them like they are new. As I pointed out in a previous post on this very blog, Chris Paul wants to be a Knick and has felt this way for quite a long time.

Now we have a report from the New York Daily News that Chris Paul has asked the Hornets to make a trade to the Knicks happen. However, this is old news, let's get to the good stuff.

HOW?

It has to be a three team trade. There has to be a third team that wants to shake up their roster to take on Billups contract (and perhaps one more) so they can have cap space following this season.

Here's the cast for this soap opera and the possible solutions that have not been considered as of  yet.

First, the players
New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul has an opt-out option after this season.
New York Knicks: Chancey Billups ; gets paid 14 million this year and then his contract expires.

Second: the hidden pieces
New York Knicks: Ronny Turiaf; gets paid just under 5 million this year; contract expires after this season

Potentially, the Knicks have nearly 20 million worth of players to give up to a team that needs cap space for next year. Now what team needs to blow up their roster and may have something worth passing along to the Hornets as far as players/picks.

Third: Teams that have players to give up that match the contracts they take back

Atlanta Hawks:
Josh Smith/Kirk Hinrich to the Hornets; Chauncey Billups/Ronny Turiaf to the Hornets, Chris Paul to the Knicks

Josh Smith: 12.4 million signed till 2012-2013, Kirk Hinrich: 8 million free agent after this season.
Chaunecy Billups: 14.2 million free agent after this season. Ronny Turiaf 4.36 mil free agent after this season

The Hawks would have a PG in Billups, Joe Johnson at the SG and Al Horford at PF and Turiaf at Center. Billups and Turiaf contract ends after this season and the Hawks can go shopping for a new pg/Center or maybe even keep Billups with their MLE and still have room for new free agents.

The Hornets get a young defensive minded player who has been waiting to be the man in Josh Smith and Kirk Hinrich is an experienced PG who's contract ends after this season. Two years to try out Josh Smith, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor as a strong front court is better than watching Chris Paul walk off to the Knicks for nothing.

Memphis Grizzlies
Rudy Gay to the Hornets; Chauncey Billups (need a second contract , perhaps Balkman) to the Grizzlies, Chris Paul to the Knicks

Rudy Gay;15 mil signed till 2015-2016

Rudy Gay is owed 15 mil and signed till 2014-2015 and a supreme talent. However, the Grizzlies showed they could do a lot of damage without Rudy Gay. This way Grizzlies get a veteran PG in Billups to help Memphis make another push this year and then have more cap space next year after Billups contract expires. The Hornets get a strong player in Gay who can put up points fast and the idea of Ariza and Gay on defense together could be a scary one for the league.

Milwaukee Bucks
Andre Bogut, Shaun Livingston or Carlos Delfino to the Hornets; Chauncey Billups to the Bucks, Chris Paul to the Knicks


Andrew Bogut: 12.1 million this year; signed thru 2013-2014

Andrew Bogut was the number one pick for the Bucks several  years ago and while he has a good career, a change of scenery may be a good idea. Hornets get a young center to create a scary line-up of Bogut, Okafor and Ariza. Billups can be a mentor for the talented but somewhat reckless Brandon Jennings, while adding a veteran presence. Once Billups contract ends after the season, the Bucks will have a lot more cap space than they would with Bogut still signed to them.

While their a lot of other crazy scenarios, these are what I found to be most beneficial to all teams involved. Plus the teams I mentioned have been in the rumors of other sites/blogs for a possible trade.

Overall, I see the Hawks trade as the best one for the Hornets. Smith with Okafor and Ariza for two solid years (injuries notwithstanding) could really be something. Get the right free agent pick-up or draft pick and the Hornets may really have something.

Thoughts?

Kevin Durant "Weatherman" Kicks , a house of hoops exclusive 12/10 this Sat

Nike Zoom KD IV "Weatherman"

Do you have a HOUSE OF HOOPS by you ? If so, next Saturday (12/10), HOUSE OF HOOPS will have these kicks from Kevin Durant. Turns out KD's dream job, other than that NBA thing, is to be a weatherman.

I don't know what else to add to that

click here for more pics/info.

thoughts?

I'm On One: DeAndre Jordan (Slept-On Free Agents)

While people try to figure out which team Dwight Howard goes to , let's focus on some players who may get over-looked in the fray. 

DeAndre Jordan Center, 6-11 F/C 23 years old

2010-2011 stats

• Pts7.1
• Reb7.2
• Ast0.5

Imagine a player nearly 7 ft tall , explosive athletic skills, who's points/rebounds have improved each season and avg just under 2 blocks in 25 minutes last year and no one knows him? Well, I just described DeAndre Jordan for you and it's time we give him his due!

Obviously, DeAndre is cursed several times over. He plays for the lowly Los Angeles Clippers, the team across the street are the Los Angeles Lakers, there's this guy named Blake something on his team and he has gone through 3 coaches in his 3 years.

Three coaches in three years!!! Yet, this kid has improved with each year and I can see him being what Tyson Chandler is , but with youth on his side. 

Though DeAndre Jordan is a restricted free agent, remember he's on the Clippers a team that has let go many good players in the last 10 years alone.

Rumors (Links from other sites and a pic to keep you smiling)

Remember when Penny was the next Magic, then MJ?

"Rumors generally grow deformed as they travel."
-EDWARD COUNSEL, Maxims


I'm happy to share with you other views on the current crop of free agents and the rumors attached to them.
Plus, I don't see going too deep into something that has no basis, ala Chris Paul to Boston for Rondo.

Apparently, EVERYONE is going to the HEAT (SunSentinel)

The old Bynum for Dwight Howard rumor rears it's ugly head again (cbssports)

Kobe/Chris Paul/Dwight the new big 3? Is this NBA2K12? (BleacherReport)

Rudy Gay for Monta Ellis? just because......   (Gather)

Update: Chris Paul to Boston a no-go

@Chris_BroussardChris Broussard 

Let all the CP3-to-Boston chatter cease. CP will not sign long-term ext with Celtics, according to source close to situation.

I don't want to say "I told ya so" , but.......

Chris Paul shows no change in his I Heart NY feelings, lets look back a year ago

As was discussed previously on this blog, Chris Paul can opt out of his contract after this season and the rumors are flying. Celtics sending Rondo for Paul? Thunder sending Westbrook for Paul? yawn........

No team will take Chris Paul unless he agrees to sign an extension with his new team first! So say good-bye to the idea of Chris Paul joining an old team like the Celtics. Kevin Garnett (36 next year) and Ray Allen (37 next year) will be free agents at the end of this year and with the exception of Jeff Green (still not re-signed) and Paul Pierce (35 next year) the Celtics future looks bleak.

The Oklahoma Thunder is an intriguing idea because Chris Paul does know the fan base (anyone remember OKC Hornets?) and Kevin Durant has already signed one extension while making clear his loyalty to the team.

However, this article from February 2011 in the daily news shows that the roots were planted over a year ago.

" "talking, playing and having fun" at Carmelo's wedding in the summer, when he toasted to the idea of teaming up with Amar'e Stoudemire and Anthony in New York. "

A lot of people are familiar with the "toast heard around the world", but then there's this small slice of info has been overlooked. 

"Paul and Anthony are good friends, sharing the same agent, Leon Rose, and having played on the same Olympic gold medal squad in 2008."

So how long has this idea been brewing between these 3? It was more than hinted that Lebron and Wade came up with teaming up during the 2008 Olympics so what did Chris Paul and Carmelo talk about?

Player's Choice-check out Kevin Durant's pregame song (video inside)

@KDTrey5Kevin Durant

Got a new pregame song, that Yelawolf ft Lil Jon- Hard white, go check that out, off his Radioactive album!

10 minutes ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet Reply

For the Knicks first game on 12/25 vs the Celtics, this is what Carmelo's wearing.

So one of my fave sites for kicks, SoleCollector.com , featured the sneakers that will be on Carmelo's feet.

                      Jordan Melo M8

Um, well.....they are festive! 

Go here for more info on these sneakers 

or just check out the site for other kicks/clothing.

thoughts?

Rondo available??? Should the Knicks take a different path?

According to recent reports, the Celtics are NOT shopping Rajon Rondo, but they are open to trade offers. With the other "big 3" getting long in the tooth, another scorer would be a great help to Pierce and the boys.

Without getting into wild speculation, I have to add this. The Knicks do NOT need more scoring, they were 2nd in scoring, but 27th in defense! Rondo can run the team, plays defense and has a lot of fire in him. Chris Paul has the sexy stats, but Rondo doesn't need to score to be helpful to the Knicks.

Remember , Rondo ran the Celtics when they made their championship run and was the point when they went to 7 games with the Lakers the following year. Chris Paul is still a "what if"........in the end , I won't complain if we get Paul either!

thoughts?

This just in.............

@HowardBeckNYTHoward Beck

NBA teams will indeed play two preseason games. Same opponent both games, one in each arena. Pairings TBD, but likely geography-based.

Thoughts??

Air Jordan 11 Concords re-release Dec 23, 2011!

For a mere $180, you can pick up these beauties at your local store. They come out December 23, 2011 and should sell out fast the way the Retro 3's did! So get there early!

In case you forgot how they looked, check out this pic of Michael Jordan wearing them back in the 90's

For more images, go to one of my favorite sites for kicks by clicking here!

Money, it's a crime. (Free Agents pt 2 of 3)

Every year it never fails, does it? A player has a good year on a bad team and/or is in the last year of his contract and they get rewarded with a big fat contract. Well, the Spanish philosopher George Santayana once said "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

History has shown us that most NBA GM's aren't up on their Spanish philosophers.

Let's look at the players that teams should (but probably won't) avoid rewarding with big contracts

Boston Celtics: Glen Davis 

2011 stats 

• Pts11.7
• Reb5.4
• Ast1.2

Here we have a player who improved on his stats from the year before and above the league averages at his position (9.3 pts, 4.7 rebs), however he lacks in many areas. 

Last year Davis played in 78 games and started in 13 of those games. For the season, Davis shot just under 45% , but as a starter in 13 games he shot under 42%. Davis has never been a defensive presence and rebounds are not something that he is known for. While you can admire his effort and teams may like the fact that he has been around great players which should have helped him in his development. Davis has mainly shown himself to be a jump-shooting power forward with a basic skillset. However, some team will fall in love with the fact he's been a Celtic and does have a championship ring and overpay him. 

Alanta Hawks: Jamal Crawford

2011 stats:

• Pts14.2
• Reb1.7
• Ast3.2

Well, before I start it should be noted that there are reports of Crawford returning to the Knicks. However, this is a common ploy to get more money from the team that a player is about to re-sign to, the Hawks, and doesn't make much sense. It's very clear that the Knicks want Chris Paul as was discussed earlier in this blog. That's where the Knicks money is going, people. Now back to reality. 

Jamal Crawford is an interesting story due to his impressive ability to create his own shot and his limitless confidence in his shot. However, as Knick fans know, Crawford suffers from Allen Iversonism, terrible shot selection and doesn't know when to stop. Last year Crawford's numbers were down from 18 pg to 14.2pg. His field goal percentage, which has never been good, dropped from a career high 44.9% to 42.1% last year. Defensively, things don't get much better. Crawford couldn't even average a 1.0 in steals last year. Overall, Crawford is a firecracker off the bench, exploding in an outburst of points and energy. To reward him , at age 30, with a fat contract, teams should remember that firecrackers are only good for a quick pop and nothing more. Buyer beware!

These two are just an example of players who will get over-paid. The honorable mentions are as follows:

Tyson Chandler, Thaddeus Young, Jason Richardson......let me know who I missed and your thoughts.

The Sun Always Shines For The Cool (Free Agents pt 1 of 3)

For part one on this series of upcoming nba free agents, let's look at the players who are on everyone's radar.

In case you were not aware, "restricted" free agents means that the players original team can match any offer from another team for example. Knicks could offer 30 million and a lifetime's supply of Gray's Papaya hot dogs to Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies would have every right to match that (do they have hot dogs in Memphis?).

So let's take a look at the main names you will read and hear about in the next few weeks:

Jeff Green (Celtics) RESTRICTED
Tyson Chandler (Mavericks)
Nene Hilario (Nuggets)
Shannon Brown (Lakers)
Shane Battier (Grizzlies)
Marc Gasol (Grizzlies) RESTRICTED
David West (Hornets)
Grant Hill (Suns)
Jamal Crawford (Hawks)
Glen Davis (Celtics)

Basically, I listed the names that will get the most headlines , either due to the fact they are in a big market (G.Davis) or their resume (G.Hill). However, this list has more fill-in players than marquee players. Sure, names like Hilario and West will get attention with rumors of where they may go, but we can't give as much attention to Marc Gasol. As you can see Pau's brother is a restricted free agent and the Grizzlies are not going to let a 7 ft 26 year old who still hasn't tapped his full potential go! I think they learned from trading Marc's brother for a bag of peanuts. Though you never know.......

Before you start playing GM in your mind with your fave team, read what teams currently owe in salaries this year. and remember the salary cap stops at 58 million.

To make your day easier, here are the teams with the most cap space who may make some noise.

INDIANA PACERS - $36,942,191 for 11 players
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - $44,919,032 for 10 players
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - $48,630,539 for 13 players
NEW JERSEY NETS - $40,921,102 for 9 players        *may want to re-sign  Kris Humphries (why?)
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - $45,516,223 for 7 players  *need $$ to re-sign David West
SACRAMENTO KINGS - $29,903,967 for 8 players
TORONTO RAPTORS - $47.179,431 for 10 players
WASHINGTON WIZARDS - $40,792,788 for 7 players

Before you throw your Ipad against the wall, remember two things that may help your team if they are over the salary cap (like my knicks) or have very little salary cap space (like the Cavs).

1. the Mid Level Exception or as you may see in a lot of articles, the MLE. Currently the MLE is a starting salary of $5 million with a contract length of four years. However, remember if your team goes over 4 million over the luxury tax (70 million) then the MLE can will be reduced to a starting salary of $3 million and a maximum length of three years. 


2. Amnesty Clause- The Amnesty Clause basically lets a team let go of a bad/bloated contract (Arenas/B.Davis/R.Lewis) and it won't count against the salary cap. For ex. Gilbert Arenas is owed just under 20 million for next year, why would anyone pay this? So the Magic can let him go and spread the payments out for 10 years. Now the Magic only owe 2 million a year on their cap and Arenas will still get  paid. However, any player let go via Amnesty can be picked up by teams under the salary cap first. 


The main reason to keep this in mind is you may have heard of rumors that Baron Davis/Richard Hamilton etc will all be going to the Heat, but this isn't possible if a team with cap space, let's say the Nets, want to pick up Richard Hamilton first. This is fair for the teams in the rebuilding process and means the Heat/Lakers can't keep stacking up players as if this was a season on NBA 2K12.