NBA Free Agent Frenzy: Winners and Losers

Seems like the easiest way to do this: Wait for most of the action in the swapping to die down, then go back and look to see who won and who lost out in free agency. I'm only going to cover the big winners and losers though due to space. It also allows me a breather from the NCAA Pipe Dream Playoffs... results pending.

Winners

Los Angeles Clippers (and Chris Paul)
How could they not be the big winners of the hurried offseason? They landed arguably the most sought-after player on the trading block in Paul, and people in LA will have to have cameras ready for the inevitable 17 alley-oops per game Paul will toss up, and with Blake and Jordan slamming those passes home... oh my.

Does this make them a championship contender? No way, not yet. Give this core time to grow together, and they'll be in line for maybe a second round berth and a tough out in the playoffs.

Orlando Magic
The other big winners because they get to keep Dwight Howard. They said they've taken him off the trading block, but I'm sure they're keeping in touch with teams like the Lakers and Nets, two strong suitors. And even if it comes down to the trade deadline, the Magic would probably still get a couple players, plus a pick, plus cap space courtesy of shipping Hedo Turkoglu. Orlando is probably still a playoff team, but another likely first or second round out, likely first if they do end up dealing Howard depending on what they get back.

Chicago Bulls
Biased? Maybe. But the Bulls addressed their biggest need in a 2 guard without giving up their 2nd biggest strength: depth. If Hamilton can score even double figures per game, he's an upgrade over the waived Keith Bogans. Odds are as a starter he'll average in the mid to upper teens in points, and allow for some spacing on the floor. Key, given that this guy will only get better this year. The Bulls still have to prove that they can get through Miami in a seven game series, but Hamilton will help.




Losers

Los Angeles Lakers
Oh boy. They almost land Chris Paul before David Stern nixed the deal... and it wasn't even a bad deal for all the teams involved. Enough has been said about that trade that I don't need to go any further, but it messed up chemistry so bad that it forced the Lakers to ship off an upset Lamar Odom. And I can't imagine Khloe being too happy about Dallas compared to LA.

(Side note: I hope to God that's the only time I ever mention one of the Kardashians in this blog. I'm ashamed I even brought it up in the first place. Rage.)

Boston Celtics
I know Bill Simmons is already in panic mode about their season, and understandably. Didn't have a lot of room to make improvements, but this team looks to be in trouble between the shortened season and a possibly pissed off Rajon Rondo. I'm not sure if he'll be motivated by the mention of his name in trade rumors for Paul or if it will damage his psyche. The other problem is that the Celtics have no depth, especially behind Allen and Pierce, and their starting center is Jermaine O'Neal. Have fun with that, Bill.

David Stern
For obvious reasons. Between the nixed Lakers deal and the high price for the initial Clippers-Hornets deal, Stern showed that he's either trying too hard or not hard enough. I think more so he's in over his head now and just needs to step down. We can still have a good season, but he doesn't have the same magic anymore. No need to overstate anything more.




In the meantime, the NBA season starts a week from tomorrow. For things Bulls, you can keep tabs on work from my good friend Geoffrey Clark here. He's a big Bulls fan and knows his stuff. A good follow. In the meantime, go Bulls!