2009 NBA Draft

**Jimmy B** · #1 06-15-2009, 01:12 PM

The draft night is next week and Los Angeles has won the jackpot -- the #1 pick of the draft. The prize? Widely regarded to be power forward Blake Griffin from the University of Oklahoma. The Clippers are however reportedly entertaining offers for the top pick....among them, the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to land their hometown hero.

A number of trades either already have taken place or are in the works....one of them already in the books is the trade by Toronto and Philadelphia. Toronto traded Jason Kapono to Philadelphia for Reggie Evans. Kapono, the two-time defending All-Star Three-Point Shootout champion, is a very good shooter; and he will bring his long range arsenal with him, and give the Sixers an upgrade at the perimeter. Leo, I am incredibly surprised you haven't mention this already! lol

Now word has it that a Phoenix-Cleveland trade involving moving Shaq to the Cavs are reportedly in the works. For the Eastern Conference Champions Orlando Magic, the have one key issue to address: Hedo Turkoglu has opted out of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent.

These are just a few of the many things to look out for as the offseason has begun.

**Leo C** · #2 06-15-2009, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the Sixers update Jimmy. I was out of the loop besides watching/listening to the Phils and NBA Finals in the hotel. We could use a new center, a new point guard too if they don't resign Andre Miller.

coasterlove · #3 06-15-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy B

Now word has it that a Phoenix-Cleveland trade involving moving Shaq to the Cavs are reportedly in the works.

I heard this on ESPN earlier today. It would be interesting but I'm not sure what Shaq has left. He had a very good year before that but the two previous seasons, he was on the decline. He'll be 38 years old next season and he has only played over 70 regular season games twice over the last nine seasons. Would he be able to contribute big minutes and numbers that the Cavs would need to succeed along with a grueling 16-28 games in the playoffs in order to help them win a championship?

I tell you what though, if (and that's a big IF)it happened, it would be exciting. And I'd really love to see a Cavs-Lakers series then! Imagine that, Kobe versus Lebron and also the drama of former teammates Kobe and Shaq squaring off after their rocky history. It would easily be one of the highest ratings earners in NBA history. Although a lot would have to happen in order for that to happen, starting with a trade I doubt will happen.

**Leo C** · #4 06-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Can Shaq sit on a bench and be a 6th man in a Cleveland setup?

**Jimmy B** · #5 06-16-2009, 01:14 PM

Here is another piece of trivia: Shaq all his life has played basketball in the south....San Antonio Cole High School, New Orleans LSU, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and now Phoenix Suns. Cleveland would be the first cold weather city he might call home if this deal went through. I am still inclined to believe he still has a chance to be traded to Dallas and remain south.

**Jimmy B** · #6 06-25-2009, 12:53 PM

The San Antonio Spurs retooled and got younger when they acquired Richard Jefferson. If anything, he will give them more youth and athleticism; this also upgrade the Spurs offensive punch by giving them another scorer they desperately need. The big question is would he be able to fit in with the Spurs big three?

And it looks like the Shaq trade will probably be announced tonight at the NBA Draft.

coasterlove · #7 06-25-2009, 04:29 PM

Is that the rumored trade that has Shaq going to Cleveland? Will be interesting tonight if it happens.

I also heard a couple days ago that there was a rumor that both Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo could be leaving the Celtics? Boston would be absolutely stupid to let that happen or to move them. With Kevin Garnett back, there a top three team if not the best next year and a likely NBA champion. Even without Garnett, they nearly made the Eastern Conference Championship series.

**Leo C** · #8 06-25-2009, 06:43 PM

The Sixers officially went back to their old logo. I love/hate it for it's classic yet it's so old fashioned with the basketball. Hopefully they'll put more stars around it on the court. Maybe It will lower the price on hats, apparel since it's now the current logo. I hope they don't suck like the last time they had the logo: early to mid 90's.

**Andrew P** · #9 06-26-2009, 01:06 AM

I wonder if LeBron can be second fiddle to Shaq? From what Cleveland media was saying today was that Zydrunas would be coming off the bench, giving Shaq the starting job. That'll probably be good until Shaq's hip replacement surgery.

Cleveland fans have hoisted a second NBA championship despite the fact the players have yet to win one.

What does this say for Cleveland sports? Will the Indians try to get Orel Hershiser out of retirement to bolster their pitching staff? Will the new Browns try to help an old one by signing Bernie Kosar?

Shaq is a rental, if I understand contracts and what not. After this coming year, will the Cavs sign Shaq to a multi-year deal?

Kyle L · #10 06-26-2009, 03:46 AM

I could've figured Golden State would get Stephen Curry. They seem to love to flood their lineup with young players. Not sure how to feel, I don't think position wise our problems have been met.

**Leo C** · #11 06-26-2009, 02:49 PM

We got a guard out of UCLA.

VekomahangNbang · #12 06-26-2009, 10:37 PM

Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson were traded to the Magic yesterday for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee. This trade all but means Hedo won't resign with the team, but I don't think thats a bad thing with the addition of Carter. Alston and Battie were bound to go because they are both overpaid to be backups. I like all Magic fans didn't want to see Courtney Lee go, he has so much potential, but without him involved in the trade the Magic wouldn't be getting Vince. Carter gives the Magic something they haven't had, a guard who can create a shot for himself anytime, and he can easily replace Hedo as the go to fourth quarter guy. Ryan Anderson is perfect for the Magic, another big man that can shoot. He can be a starting quality forward within the next year or two.

Overall I like the trade. It shows the Magic are serious about winning, and they want to win now, which you love to see as a fan. Those that criticize the trade don't see how 4 all stars can share the ball, but when it comes down to it all of them want to win and are unselfish players in generall. Dwight knows he doesn't have to get a bunch of post touches to dominate a game, and Jameer knows he doesn't need to take a lot of shots if others around him are scoring. They also think that the Magic's defense (#1 in the league in def efficientcy) will take a huge hit with the loss of Lee. I don't think this will happen for a couple reasons. Carter can play defense when he chooses to, and with a coach like Stan Van who pushes his players to the max he will play defense. This year the Magic had the league's best defense with 3 players who aren't known as very good individual defenders (Nelson, Turk, Rashard). Its all about team defense, which the Magic do very well.

The potential starting lineup of Nelson, Carter, Pietrus, Lewis, and Howard is probably the NBA's best starting lineup. Right now the Magic only have 8 players under contract for next season, but its likely that veterans will take a little bit lower salary with the chance to win a championship. Brandon Bass and Rasheed Wallace are rumored to be coming if they will take the Mid Level Exception.

Bottom line is this trade puts the Magic in as co favorites along with Cleveland and LA next year (possibly Boston as well)

**Leo C** · #13 06-27-2009, 12:05 PM

Minnesota's first pick so far is a no show.

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