All Work And No Play Makes Mak A Dull Boy

This is the reason I decided to post today, I just could not wait any longer to tell you guys what I think about these moves.  A lot of things have changed in the association in the 8 days I have been away from you guys, some devastating injuries could change the landscape of season records in the East and West.  But in my opinion, this 3-team trade is the beginning of what will be one of the most jaw-dropping active trading seasons in recent NBA history.  This will spark an array of moves in the coming weeks I assure you.  Next up will be Mello man.  Reports indicate Jersey is ready to make some major moves.  A 3 team deal in affect would send half of the Jersey roster all over the place in hopes to attain a core group around Mello which would ensure at least a possibility of him signing a contract extension.  Look for names like Mello, Harrington, J.R Smith, Billups, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy and Devin Harris to all be on the move in less than a month as well as numerous 1st round draft-picks and a few "millis" There is still a strong possibility of a contender picking up Mello, reports indicate two top-tier teams are looking to rent Mello for the remainder of the season, they believe he will put them over the top for a championship...I am just dying to know which two teams are looking to make this potentially monster move. 

Nevertheless, none of the above would even be in discussion if it wasn't for Otis Smith and his large set of testicles.  I really don't think it was necessary to reshape the Orlando Magic the way he did.  A little bit of a slump and people got carried away, the roster was struck with a harsh virus thus limiting their ability to achieve maximum cohesiveness for a small stretch of games.  I think Orlando had a good enough roster to contend in the East...but to win it, it was clearly evident they didn't have what it takes.  So in that aspect I do respect Otis Smith for trying to make something happen.  The acquisition of Gilbert Arenas means Agent Zero will finally be a part of a playoff team again.  This guy is meant for playoff basketball, but Arenas just doesn't seem to have that same swagger that made him one of the most devastating scorers in the NBA a few years back, I remember back in the GS days and early Wiz days he used to drive to the basket with ruthless aggression and shoot with utmost poise and confidence.  I no longer see that drive and passion in any aspect of his game.  His friendship with GM Otis Smith may be exactly what Arenas needs to find the greatness in his game again.  Jason Richardson is presently a better all around player then Vince Carter.  Both with expiring contracts, a pretty even 2 guard swap in my opinion.  Jason did shine under Nash and I suspect his production to dip a little without "2-time" dishing him the ball.  Earl Clark is not enough, losing their backup 5 man and with Bass now in the starting 5, that means this Orlando team that started the NBA season with one of the best benches in the NBA, now has a very weak front-line second unit. Orlando will make another trade I am sure of it, because this bench will not cut it.

The Phoenix Suns are brilliant, in my opinion they are the big winners in this trade.  First off they worked magic (no pun intended) by trading away Hedo Turkoglu's horrible contract to the only team that would find value in him.  Stan Van Gundy has groupie love for Hedo.  Even if Stan puts the ball in Hedo's hands I still don't think Turk will duplicate his performance 2 years ago, it was a contract year and this year the greedy bastard isn't playing for anything and I seriously doubt his overall will, passion and drive.  Nevertheless, if there is any system that can rejuvenate Turk's game it's Nelson, Howard, Stan and the Orlando Magic.  Vince Carter's 4th NBA team...sad really.  I was witness to Vince in his prime, watched him everyday.  He was a human highlight film, did things on the court I hadn't seen since Wilkins.  I honestly thought he had the potential to be a hall-of-fame player, pity to see what he has become.  Nash and Hill will share their hot-tub time machine with him and he will end this season a better player.  Reports indicate he will have surgery on his left knee and be out a month.  Suns can buy him out for 4 million and will most likely do that, but look for Vince to work hard to end the season on a high note and get some "high notes" in anew off season contract.  I think Marcin Gortat could benefit from this trade the most.  I really believe he MUST start to really flourish.  I would keep Robin Lopez as the starting 5 man but would take Frye out and insert Gortat.  Suddenly a team that was trying to play Hedo and Warrick at the 4 spot now have 2 intimidating forces in the lane.  I cannot wait to see Nash and Gortat run the high pick and roll, I think Marcin could fill the void of Amar'e and if Marcin is as good as I think he is and gets the time to showcase his skills....then watch out for the Phoenix Suns.  Air France is perfect for the Nash offense, Steve will make MP into a different player, he will find him in open spots and I am sure MP will play the best basketball of his career under the direction of Steve Nash.  With a 1st round pick as well as 3 million in cash...the Suns were the winners in this 3 team blockbuster.

The Washington Wizards were the losers in all of this.  They swapped for max contracts but will save a little as Arenas had a longer contract then Lewis.  Still they are stuck with another max player for a few years.  Lewis is having a horrific season and I think is in the latter part of his career.  He had one real good finals run and was touted as a great player.  At best Lewis is a good spot up set shooter...that is about it.  He has been playing out of his position for most of his time in Orlando and should thrive back in the 3 spot.  But with guys like Thornton and Josh Howard as well as other youngsters, why get Lewis?  Were there really no other suitors for Arenas?  I doubt that.  In the future landscape this was not a very intelligent move for Washington and I just think they could have searched for something better or just held on to Arenas.   

Do NOT think that Denver will trade anyone but Carmelo. Billups is in Denver to stay. Harrington is playing better, and is hitting his 3-pt shots. As with so many Denver pick-ups (Camby, Andre Miller), Harrington is playing above expectations. What Denver needs is more size (someone like Nene) to control the paint. ESPECIALLY once Melo departs. Who will it be? 

Agree that Phoenix should be better. They need to be in order to be a conference contender. Frye, Lopez, Warrick and Gortat playing in the paint?  Gives me the willies!

Orlando is a mess. I blame Van Gundy, but assume he will work it out during the season. He certainly has the talent now with Arenas, J Rich, and to a lesser extent Turkoglu. If he can't get to the conference finals with that lineup, he deserves to be fired.

Not sure I agree with your assessment of the Wizards. A bored superstar is just someone who eats up minutes. They have some young talent, and with Arenas gone, they may surprise everyone. I am looking to bet them; not fade them.

Happy Holidays.