Fools (Purple and) Gold: Steve Nash being sent to the Lakers in a sign and trade by the Suns was one of the first big dominoes to fall. To say this move is an upgrade to the point guard position for the Lakers is offensive to the word upgrade. He instantly makes Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol better on offense. He also will give them a deadly shooter on the perimeter if teams try to double Kobe or the aforementioned players. What it didn't cover though is the defensive liability that has been the Lakers point guard position. The Western Conference is home to some of the best point guards in the league. Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, and Chris Paul all reside in that conference. Those are players that Nash will have to guard, and try to contain in order for the Lakers to cash in on this move. Before he was saddled with back injuries, this was a tall task. With all of these guys in their prime, and him dealing with chronic back pain, coupled with his lack of defensive prowess, I don't think this move will get the Lakeshow past OKC or the Spurs. He will create a lot more highlights, and add to the buzz that is the Lakers, but I don't think it will be enough to get them out of the Western conference and into the Finals.
Heat Stroke: Ray Allen set off a storm with his decision to join the Miami Heat. There were a lot of people who were upset with him "not being loyal" to the Celtics. That is something I don't agree with. He played his contract out with the C's, and as a free agent had the ability to go where he wanted. They are saying he and Rondo didn't get along, and the Celtics were actively shopping him around during the season. Where is the loyalty in that? He did nothing wrong, and I think the people that are salty about that are just nervous that the Heat will win another championship. Personally, I don't think that is a foregone conclusion yet. Just like Nash, he is a huge upgrade to the team he is going to. Yet, he alone doesn't get rid of some of the flaws that still plague the Heat. We don't know how effective Dwyane Wade will be coming off of injury. There is a need to add better inside players. Also, how much can we truly count on "the others" to play the way they did in the Finals? Adding Jesus Shuttlesworth was a monster move, and I look forward to seeing how he's integrated into what the Heat do, and if he will help them repeat as NBA Champions.
Jetting to Boston: The Boston Celtics are a team that has been quietly making moves to set themselves up as the chief rivals to the Heat again. They have added some good youth in Jared Sullinger, and Fab Melo. They re-signed Jeff Green(here's hoping he can recover from his heart ailment that sidelined him last year). They also brought in noted Miami Heat killer Jason Terry. Bringing Terry in will soften the blow that was caused by Ray Allen jumping ship to the Heat. While Terry is a lot more of a streak shooter than the ever consistent Allen, he will provide a scoring spark that the Celtics haven't had off the bench in years. He also is a fearless player who won't shy away from big games or moments. The popular thought is that Miami is a shoo-in to win the Eastern Conference. Please let me caution you that they are probably in for another seven game battle with the Celtics, and I would not be surprised if it goes to the C's this time around.
So there you have a few of my thoughts on the offseason so far. There are more to come, including a blog devoted to the only player that can be accused of being disloyal, one Dwight Howard. Anyone that has a problem with Ray Allen, or Steve Nash, or had one with LeBron, but doesn't have one with Dwight Howard should take a moment to smack themselves. I will get to him soon. Feel free to leave any feedback, comments, or thoughts on this one. Thank you for your time, and I'll talk to y'all soon.
I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.
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