I've always applauded a team that was never too comfortable in the off-season. It seems to me that if you're opponent is out getting better in that time, there's something you could be doing to get better as well. Its been just a few shorts days since the NBA lockout was settled and the first business day of the NBA season began, and already a flurry of activity has taken place around the league. So, to recap, here's a few of the big trades that have taken place around the league and their effect on the upcoming season.
The Tyson Chandler deal:
Free agent center Tyson Chandler was one of the more coveted free agents this week, and the Knicks have won the rights to his services, in exchange for sending center Ronny Turiaf to Washington and trading guard Andy Rautins to Dallas. Some other small considerations were sent to Washington and New York as well. I really think this trade makes New York a whole lot better, with Chandler being a strong defensive and rebounding presence alongside Amare Stoudemire, who is a known scorer and a sub par rebounder. Along with small forward Carmelo Anthony, this team can go either large up front or smaller, with Amare playing the center and Anthony player power forward. It gives the Knicks great versatility and with Dwight Howard potentially leaving to go out west, a great shot to win the East.
Jeff Green, Brandon Bass in Boston
The Celtics made a few minor (but important) moves this week, trading Glen "Big Baby" Davis away for Brandon Bass, a tougher, hard working player who is a lethal shooter. They then re-signed Jeff Green, a versatile scorer who can play small forward or power forward while also stepping out to hit the three ball. Davis could score, but so can Bass and Green, and I think by signing Bass the team upgraded their toughness while taking away a vital bench player from a rival in the East.
Bulls interested in Hamilton, Howard
The Chicago Bulls remain one of the NBA's most aggressive teams, following up last summer's free agent frenzy with some enterprising ideas this winter. The team could look to sign soon to be ex-Piston Richard Hamilton, a veteran scorer with championship experience, while also hoping to be in the running for Magic center Dwight Howard, by far the most coveted big man in the market this week. Securing Howard would make the Bulls a big force in the east almost immediately, but just getting Hamilton wouldn't be too shabby either.
While these are the moves that have been made so far, they will not be the only ones, and I predict we will see some very interesting deals start to materialize for the likes of Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Keep checking back to the Committed Fan for more info as it becomes available!
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