2012 NBA Draft and Offseason Blog
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Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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2012 NBA Offseason Winners - July 23
Miami Heat
The rich get richer. After making amends for last year by winning the NBA Championship, the Heat have done an outstanding job of adding more pieces around their Big Three.
Ray Allen is a huge acquisition, at a very affordable rate, since his sharpshooting from the perimeter will be a dangerous weapon for drive and kicks from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. That will also open up driving lanes for the duo. Rashard Lewis signed for the veteran's minimum, which adds another proven three-point assassin who could turn out to be a major steal - if he can put his recent injury history behind him.
Miami was also smart in turning the 27th pick into a possible mid-first-round pick next summer when the team made a trade with the 76ers.
New York Knicks
I actually really like what the Knicks did this offseason. They wisely did not match the overpriced offer sheets for Landry Fields and Jeremy Lin, choosing to let them walk rather than make the team's cap situation even worse in the future.
New York also added some veterans: Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Raymond Felton, and Kurt Thomas. They arrive at cheap rates, but should be able to play valuable roles along with bringing leadership and experience. The Knicks were also able to retain three-point gunner Steve Novak and J.R. Smith for reasonable rates.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks didn't land their main target of the offseason, Deron Williams. However, they still made some incredibly smart decisions that will keep them competitive for the upcoming season. Not only that, but they, perhaps more importantly, gave themselves a ton of cap flexibility for next summer. That will allow team to try to make a run at Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, or one of the marquee free agents to hit the market.
First and foremost, Dallas pretty much stole Darren Collison from Indiana in a sign-and-trade deal for reserve big man Ian Mahinmi. Collison should step in right away and replace Jason Kidd as the team's starting point guard. Putting the cherry on top; Collison is in the final year of guaranteed money for his contract.
The Mavericks also upgraded their center position by amnestying Brendan Haywood. That will save them more than $21 million over the next three years. Dallas also replaced Haywood with a more talented, skilled big man, Chris Kaman, who agreed to sign a one-year deal.
The Mavericks also brought in O.J. Mayo at a very affordable rate and won the amnestied rights to Elton Brand for next season. Dallas likely won't be competing for the Western Conference Crown, but should be a playoff team that could potentially make some major moves next summer.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2012 NBA Offseason Winners - July 23
Miami Heat
The rich get richer. After making amends for last year by winning the NBA Championship, the Heat have done an outstanding job of adding more pieces around their Big Three.
Ray Allen is a huge acquisition, at a very affordable rate, since his sharpshooting from the perimeter will be a dangerous weapon for drive and kicks from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. That will also open up driving lanes for the duo. Rashard Lewis signed for the veteran's minimum, which adds another proven three-point assassin who could turn out to be a major steal - if he can put his recent injury history behind him.
Miami was also smart in turning the 27th pick into a possible mid-first-round pick next summer when the team made a trade with the 76ers.
New York Knicks
I actually really like what the Knicks did this offseason. They wisely did not match the overpriced offer sheets for Landry Fields and Jeremy Lin, choosing to let them walk rather than make the team's cap situation even worse in the future.
New York also added some veterans: Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Raymond Felton, and Kurt Thomas. They arrive at cheap rates, but should be able to play valuable roles along with bringing leadership and experience. The Knicks were also able to retain three-point gunner Steve Novak and J.R. Smith for reasonable rates.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks didn't land their main target of the offseason, Deron Williams. However, they still made some incredibly smart decisions that will keep them competitive for the upcoming season. Not only that, but they, perhaps more importantly, gave themselves a ton of cap flexibility for next summer. That will allow team to try to make a run at Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, or one of the marquee free agents to hit the market.
First and foremost, Dallas pretty much stole Darren Collison from Indiana in a sign-and-trade deal for reserve big man Ian Mahinmi. Collison should step in right away and replace Jason Kidd as the team's starting point guard. Putting the cherry on top; Collison is in the final year of guaranteed money for his contract.
The Mavericks also upgraded their center position by amnestying Brendan Haywood. That will save them more than $21 million over the next three years. Dallas also replaced Haywood with a more talented, skilled big man, Chris Kaman, who agreed to sign a one-year deal.
The Mavericks also brought in O.J. Mayo at a very affordable rate and won the amnestied rights to Elton Brand for next season. Dallas likely won't be competing for the Western Conference Crown, but should be a playoff team that could potentially make some major moves next summer.
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