OK, first of all, I want to mention the Sammy Dalembert trade today. I had just commented on him yesterday in my blog, and now, he's traded to Sacramento. Great trade for the Kings in my opinion. They give up Andres Nocioni (bench fodder and he wanted out) and Spencer Hawes (classic underachiever). Sammy D has had his issues over his 8 seasons in Philly - but he brings some toughness and defense to a Kings team that desperately needed his blocks. Great job for the Kings. Plus, if he doesn't work out, his contract is expiring soon anyways.
Alright, on to the other 6 JBL teams and their current roster situations as we approach July 1st.
Juan de Fuca (3) - The Mamas have narrowed their choices for 5 spots down to 7 players. Morrow, Blair, Camby, Gallinari, Wallace, Randolph and Monta Ellis. This would be a tough decision for any owner, let alone a 3-headed one...Who will be the final 2 cuts?? Who provides the best value? Where does Anthony Morrow play next season? Can Camby stay healthy? Does Blair play a bigger role next season? Can Wallace repeat his 09/10 season? Can Zach stop dealing drugs? And will Monta be in GS? I could argue for any of them. Personally, if I had to drop 2 guys to get down to 5 players before July 1st - I would cut Morrow (one dimensional and unknown role) and Blair (still an unknown). But man, tough call.
Yuma Thurmans (3) - Chubby has cut his choices down to 7. Still 2 more guys to release before July 1st. Of the remaining options I really think Jason Terry and Rip Hamilton will be released. They really aren't undervalued at their current prices. I think the top 3 potential keepers are David Lee (he's a lock), Brendan Haywood (depending on where he lands), and Corey Maggette ($9 bucks for a big time scorer is a good price). Now, if Tony Parker gets moved out of SA, then I would think George Hill would certainly draw into the equation. S-Jax is a nice player but his %'s are killer - I would think he could be had on draft night for a similar price.
Maui Ribs (2) - Trevor's new home town (where he got married) must be excited to see what kind of product he will put on the floor. Trev's not the 1st team from the Hawaiian Islands - do we all remember Chuck Stanley and his Hilo High Water squad from the late 1990's?? Anyways, Trev has narrowed his choices down to 6 players. I think ultimately, no matter what happens on NBA draft night, Amare will be the one released. No matter where he plays next season - he won't be worth $65 bucks. I think the 2 leading contenders for protection are Varejao and Frye. Both could be starters next season. I've often wondered what kind of numbers Varejao could put up with big minutes. He's been stuck behind Big Z and Shaq and has never had a chance to shine. Frye could start in Phoenix if Amare leaves. Another option could be Tayshaun Prince. He had a horrible season last year and could be poised for a bounce back season. He may also have ticked of Trev enough to be dropped altogether.
Brussels Muscles (2) - Look, this one is simple. It's Durant. It's Tyreke. Those are his keepers. Don't bother making him a trade offer. Those are his building blocks. Tim is expecting HUGE things in 10/11 and his success will greatly depend on those two young studs. End of story.
Belgrade Zombies (1) - Which one player will Marko keep?? At the moment, he has reduced his roster to 7 players so he still has 2 more to drop. What's taking so long with the release of Aldridge?? We all know he's not worth $45 bucks! And Drew Gooden? Can't he always be had late in a JBL draft for under $10 bucks?? Those would be my 2 cuts anyways. That would get the roster down to 5 choices for 1 spot. Eric Gordon, Carmelo, Boozer, Udrih, or Ilyasova. I would rank them this way...
1) Carmelo - one of the best scorers in the league
2) Boozer - a new zip code could motivate the beast
3) Gordon - coming off a down year he could be ready to excel under a new coach
4) Ilyasova - someone has to take the PF spot in Buck-land
5) Udrih - solid player but is he really the one player you want to say you protected?
Idaho (0) - you have nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nadda. No keepers for you!
So, there you have it...still a few drops to be made in the JBL. I think by this time next week (post NBA draft) a few more players will be dropped. For example, if Darren Collison hasn't been traded - he will likely be cut by Golden.
Anyways, that's all for now...other than I should mention VEGAS HAS BEEN BOOKED!!!!! Good job Rick for getting it done...It appears Rick is bunking with Pat and Phil and my room will be myself, Benny, Trev and Timmy (just like our Portland roadie 2 years ago). So excited to have the 4 of us back together on a roadie again.
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