This is the classic 'hedge' trade by Bangkok. With the news about Brandon Roy's knees being less than optimistic, Rick decided to get all he could for suddenly fragile star. Roy has not performed up to his usual standards this season and the meniscus in his knees won't be growing back anytime soon. So, Bangkok got all he could. In this case, he picked up two solid role players (and guys that are usually healthy). These 2 players really don't 'improve' Bangkok - but they could help stabilize his squad.
Why did Idaho do this deal? It's the classic risk/reward trade for him. He probably got the 'best player' in the 3 player trade, but he also took on the guy with bad knees. If Roy can stay healthy for the rest of the season then Idaho probably does OK in this trade. The concern I would have is that we know the likelihood of a player with really bad knees staying healthy for another 50+ games is highly unlikely.
So who "wins" this trade? We really won't know until later on this season...
How many games does Brandon Roy play in Idaho? Can he stay healthy?
What kind of impact do Rashard and RJ have in Bangkok?
I think it's a pretty even deal and probably a smart one for Bangkok in his quest to stay atop the JBL Standings. He took a highly injury prone player and turned him into 2 serviceable role players. If Rick was in 5th place and was trying to move up in the standings, I don't think I would like this deal as much for him. But since he's already out front and wants to stay there - I like this 'safe' move.
Idaho on the other hand is taking a huge risk in Roy as he could (emphasize could) miss significant time down the road. Idaho also recently brought in the ailing Tyreke Evans from Brussels. In that deal, Idaho parted with Iguodala and the unheralded Kyle Lowry. The Houston's PG inspiring play will likely end up causing Aaron Brooks to get moved out of Texas. So Idaho is definitely making some risky moves in hopes of moving up in the standings. Time will tell if these moves pay off or not.
How many teams bid on Mike Dunleavy last night? Seoul won his services with a $45 dollar bid. I bid $42 and I heard many other teams tried to acquire his services. Dunleavy isn't a star but he is serviceable. His tendex is 14.8 and we all know how Seoul loves his tendex ratings. Mike Jr's Seoul debut tonight was 12pts, 8rebs, 1stl, 2blks, but he did go 1/7 from downtown. Still, are there many FA's that you could sign right now that would get you 12 and 8?? I don't think so...
With Bangkok and Idaho hooking up on a 2 for 1 deal the FA pool got a little deeper tonight. Taj (Mahal) Gibson and Reggie Williams both ended up as castoffs and I expect both will be signed on Wednesday night. Taj has 29 blocks this season and Reggie is getting lots of minutes with the recent absense of Stephen Curry in Golden State. Reggie put up a sparkling 19pts, 5 rebs, 6 asts tonight with good %'s. His downside is limited steals and blocks and he has struggled when Curry is healthy. So, how much do you bid on their services? Do you blow your wad or do you wait for the next big injury? Do you wait for the NBA teams to start making some trades. Remember, December 15th is the day that NBA teams can trade those guys they signed in the summer. I can think of a few of my players that I wouldn't mind seeing change teams!
What's going on in Belgrade? All is quiet. Has anyone received a trade offer? Has anyone offered him anything? Belgrade started off quite strong but they have faded down to 12th and are really struggling right now. I know he is anticipating the return of Andrew Bynum but I don't know if AB can put up the much needed HUGE numbers. Right now, Belgrade is Carmelo, Monta, and Odom and not much else is going right.
And what is Brussels' next move? This was supposed to be his year. Brussels went into the JBL draft as a pre-season favorite and has had a very disappointing season. He made the big deal and shipped off Kevin Durant but that didn't seem to help. What will he do next?
And for those of you wondering what's going on in Golden. Well, I am trying to be patient, but that's proving to be more and more difficult each week. I really regret my trade of Varejao to French for Batum. That was a panic deal for sure. My team sucked and Batum was on fire. He was a $1 buck and I was thinking next year waaaay too soon. Now, I'm searching for rebounds across the JBL. I think it's well known amongst the top teams (well, Bangkok, Arctic, and Seoul anyways) that when the keeper deadline approaches that one of those 3 teams will be hot on the trail of Derrick Rose. And Golden has been very forward with these 3 teams that Rose will be moved by the deadline. The price is a top flight keeper. I'm sure other contenders like Chilliwack, Idaho, and French could also be in the hunt for his services.
Right now, I'm trying to improve Golden by moving secondary pieces (which can be very difficult when those pieces aren't very good). There is no point in me trading guys like Boozer, Ibaka, or even Eric Gordon right now as they are prime potential keepers for next season. Eric Gordon? A keeper? Really? Well, yes, because he's 6th in the NBA in scoring right now and he's only $23 bucks. Look at all the other top scorers in the NBA and see what their JBL salaries are. Scoring is really hard to come by and EG is having a great season. To have a top flight scorer for just $28 bucks next season is almost a no-brainer.
I can envision a lot of Golden's role players being moved at the deadline as top tier teams try to shore up their contending teams. Arctic needs blocks and a guy like Tyrus Thomas could possibly help out (depending on whether or not Tyrus is in Larry Brown's doghouse at the time). And I know that Bangkok gets a big boner when LaMarcus Aldridge's name comes up. I can see Bangkok making a play for him too.
I am anxiously anticipating the return of last year's standout PG Aaron Brooks. Recently acquired from Chilliwack for Mo Williams I am hoping that a return to Golden will spark his play and he'll be able to add more scoring and his 3PT% can help out my struggling team. Mo Williams is a nice player but I didn't like him being the #1 option in Cleveland. I think he fits better as a #2 or #3 guy. Plus, I am hating all those guys in Cleveland (except for Varejao!). There are rumors that Brooks could be dealt to Sacramento for Carl Landry. I think I'd be OK with this deal as Brooks might be a better fit there. I guess we'll see if he gets moved. Based on how the Rockets have played since he's been out (better) I can certainly see him getting shipped out of Texas.
I am also still waiting for Roddy Buckets to return. This is the kid who dropped 40pts in a game last season by constantly blowing past Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry one night. The kid is fast. Mark Cuban loves him. He's apparently going to start at SG. Jason Kidd says he'll move to the bench to let this uber-talented kid play. I've read the hype. Now I want to see the kid play. Come on already. Let's see what he can do.
And all that being said, I'm still searching for a some rebounds. Trying to package a deal together involving second tier players. However, that's tough to do when those players aren't playing very well. Other teams typically aren't interested in Tyrus Thomas when he's hurt.
Well, that's it for me...take it easy boys.
JE
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