The Terrific Ten: Transactions That Will Translate Into Victories

Wondering who the big winners have been this off-season? This week’s top ten list examines the most noteworthy transactions so far…

10) Shaquille O’Neal being dealt to the Cavaliers - Shaq’s impact during the regular season probably won’t be significant, but the Big Witness will be expected to pay dividends in the playoffs against Orlando and Boston.  

9)  Indiana signing Dahntay Jones – The Pacers locked up Jones for the next four years at a very reasonable price of $11 million.  Brandon Rush and DJ will form a nice offensive/defensive combo at the shooting guard position.  

8)  Dallas signing Marcin “The Polish Hammer” Gortat – Assuming that Orlando doesn’t match the offer sheet, Gortat will give the Mavericks a younger and more mobile presence in the paint.

7)  The Los Angeles Lakers signing Ron Artest – Although Trevor Ariza will be missed, Artest is a bargain at 3 years and $18 million.  If Artest is able to stay out of trouble the Lakers should have the toughness to prevail against a healthy Celtics team next June. 

6)  New Jersey clearing additional cap space for 2010 – Dealing Vince Carter for young stud Courtney Alexander Lee and two expiring contracts (Tony Battie & Rafer Alston) will result in the Nets being one of the five worst teams in the league next season.  However, there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel as enough money will be available for two max contracts the  following year.  Hello LeBron and Chris Bosh? 

5)  Rasheed Wallace signing with Boston – Although Danny Ainge still needs to acquire an athletic swingman and a backup point guard, a properly motivated Sheed could be the missing link to help the Celtics win their second title in three years. 

4)  Toronto being able to acquire Hedo Turkoglu via trade - GM Bryan Colangelo saved considerable cap space in the big four team trade last week.  As a result, Carlos Delfino and possibly Jarrett Jack will be on the Raptors’ roster next season.     

3)  Washington obtaining Randy Foye and Mike Miller for the #5 pick and a slew of expiring contracts - The Wizards finally have the depth to be a real factor in the East.  Even if Agent Zero is only 80%, Washington still has the fire power to win 45-50 games. 

2)  Dallas acquiring Shawn Marion – The 5-yr $39 million contract was two years too long, but the Matrix’s arrival should enable the Mavs to challenge the Lakers for the title next season.  I sure wouldn’t want to face a lineup of Nowitzki, Marion, Howard, Kidd and Terry in the 4th quarter.  If Dirk is ever going to win a ring, next season will likely be his best shot.

1)  San Antonio acquiring Richard Jefferson for flotsam and jetsam – This deal was a pure salary dump by the Milwaukee Bucks and GM John Hammond got fleeced.  Bottom line: If RJ is the 4th best player on your team then you have a damn good team.  If Dallas isn’t in the Western Conference finals against the Lakers then it’s going to be the Spurs.   

If you have a suggestion for a future Triple T (The Tuurrible Ten or its more optimistic twin brother The Terrific Ten) Drew can be reached at Drew@shawnkempskids.com or right here