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Authored by Jarrod Rudolph - 27th October, 2009 - 10:41 am
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Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans
The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
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Winning a championship takes a collective effort from a great team. Last season, the Lakers proved to be the NBA’s best, beating Orlando to claim their fourth title of the decade and the 15th in franchise history. Their journey to a second straight championship will be much more difficult this season as each of the NBA’s elite teams has added a significant piece in hopes of dethroning the defending champions. The additions of these all-star-caliber players should make the race to the NBA Finals very competitive and entertaining.
Here are the best offseason additions.
T-1. Vince Carter (Orlando Magic , SG)
Vince Carter will have an immediate impact in Orlando; the eight-time NBA All-Star is a perfect fit for the Magic.
Playing with a dominant big man and sharp-shooting power forward should make Carter more dangerous than in previous years. Opposing defenses will focus their efforts on stopping Dwight Howard’s inside dominance and running Rashard Lewis off the three-point line. This will open the floor for the 32-year-old guard. The number of double-teams Carter faces will be greatly reduced allowing him more one-on-one scoring opportunities. He also gives the Magic a legitimate go-to guy. He has the ability to create offense for himself and others without relying on set plays.
There should also be an improvement in Carter’s defense. Playing with Howard gives Carter a shot-blocking presence that will allow him to take risks without the fear of getting beat for scores.
He’ll have the impact of a franchise player while playing a supporting role. He gives the Magic a dynamic they haven’t has since the Tracy McGrady days. The addition of Carter gives Orlando their best opportunity to repeat as Eastern Conference champion.
T-1. Ron Artest (L.A. Lakers , SF)
Ron Artest’s arrival in Los Angeles all but guarantees the Lakers’ return to the NBA Finals.
The 29-year-old forward will have a direct impact on Kobe Bryant. He’ll be the team’s primary perimeter defender and facilitate some of the offense. Having Artest means the league will be forced to deal with a fresher Bryant at the end of games – good luck with that!
There is a belief that Artest, at some point in the season, will do something bazaar and damage the Lakers’ chemistry – not going to happen. The All-Star gets a bad wrap from many people with an opinion because it’s easy to paint him as a head case due to his past actions. Truth be told, Artest isn’t half as bad as people would like to believe. Sure, he says things at times that may make you scratch your head, but he comes to play every night with great success. He wants nothing more than to be on a championship team and understand this season is going to be his best shot at a ring.
3. Richard Jefferson (San Antonio Spurs , SF)
Richard Jefferson gives the Spurs an athletic forward that will get out on the break with Tony Parker.
The 29-year-old forward can both attack the basket and hit open shots. He’ll force defenses to give both Parker and Tim Duncan a little more room to work with. He’ll also have more open lanes to the basket than he’s ever seen.
Jefferson is a perfect fit for the Spurs in every way. Watching him work with Parker will be fun for fans and productive for the team as they look to get back in the championship hunt.
4. Rasheed Wallace (Boston Celtics , F/C)
Rasheed Wallace gives the Celtics another capable veteran.
The 35-year-old All-Star will defend, rebound, set good screens and stretch the floor for the Celtics. Wallace, unlike the other players on the list, is a high-profile name but will have a smaller, yet equally significant role. His contributions will help an already capable team while the other players on the list must play great for their teams to have a chance at a championship; Wallace is on a team that can win 60 games without him.
Wallace’s technical fouls have been a topic of discussion. There have been some whispers of whether his propensity for technical fouls will hurt the Celtics’ chance at getting back to the NBA Finals – that’s a negative. The four-time All-Star will be playing with Kevin Garnett, in my opinion, the NBA’s greatest leader. Wallace will be allowed to be passionate but not at the risk of the championship. But that won’t be an issue. As volatile as he can be, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that will say anything negative about Wallace as a teammate. He’s smart enough to control himself when it counts.
5. Shaquille O’Neal (Cleveland Cavaliers , C)
The 15-time NBA All-Star brings championship experience to a city starving for a title. O’Neal will give the Cavaliers a capable low post presence and depth at center (Zydrunas Ilgauskas will come off bench). Not only can he score, the four-time champion is the best passing big man in the league and will give guys opportunities for easy scores.
O’Neal’s most important job, and primary reason he’s in Cleveland, is to defend Dwight Howard.
The 23-year-old superstar gave the Cavaliers major problems last season. There is a belief that the Cavaliers can beat the Magic if they can slow Howard down without the use of a double-team – enter the 325-pound O’Neal. It’s safe to say that at 37-years-old he will have his hands full. The veteran center is no longer a spring chicken. He has the know-how, but at his age chasing Howard around is much easier said than done.
As good as O’Neal can be for the Cavaliers he doesn’t fix the team’s biggest issues.
LeBron James still sets the table for everyone on the floor. While O’Neal may get him a few easy baskets, James will still be asked to create most of the offense for the team. Feeding O’Neal, who will want his touches, won’t make James’ life any easier. It will make it much, much harder. |
