Thanks Yardbarker for the photo. With the NBA in it’s dead period, I think it’s fair to give out offseason grades. Putting stock into the draft and offseason additions. We must also subtract points for offseason loses. Here we go, starting in video game order with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Blazers- Grade: C.
The Blazers made some confusing moves. First they fired Kevin Pritchard. Pritchard created that Portland franchise from outhouse to penthouse over the past 4 seasons. Then, they added Luke Babbitt in the draft by trading Martell Webster and Ryan Gomes to Minnesota. With thier draft picks, they made a couple puzzling moves adding Elliot Williams and Armon Johnson. Two more guards. The draft picks only made it more confusing when Portland signed former Jazz swingman Wes Matthews.
Bobcats- Grade: C-
Overall, the Bobcats did alright. However, the Bobcats lost 2 starters in Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler. Both were reason the Bobcats were in thier 1st ever postseason. Now, they replaced Felton with a combo of Shaun Livingston and D.J. Augustine. For Tyson Chandler, they added Erick Dampier back in a trade for Chandler and already have DeSagana Diop.
Bucks: Grade: B+
People forget, the Bucks made the first move in free agency. Drew Gooden is a solid player and might have to start for Milwaukee at the power forward position. Then the Bucks added 2 wing players. Keyon Dooling should replace Luke Ridnour as the backup point guard. Chris Douglas Roberts from New Jersey should provide a scoring off the bench. The biggest addition? Corey Maggette from Golden State. Maggette ( a top 20 scorer in the NBA last season) should start next season for the Bucks at small forward. In the draft, Milwaukee added Larry Sanders, Tiny Gallon and Darrington Hobson- all should contribute in the future.
Bulls: Grade: A
With Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah already there, the Bulls already were in good shape. Add a great defensive coach in Tom Thibodeau. Then, the Bulls moved Kirk Hinrich to clear up more cap space. Since they didn’t get LeBron or Wade, the Bulls decided to build the team. Ronnie Brewer is a fantastic on ball defender, Kyle Korver is a knockdown shooter, Kieth Bogans and C.J. Watson are backup guards who can provide in a pinch. The biggest move, Carlos Boozer. Boozer should allow Rose to do many things on offense.
Cavaliers: Grade: F
Not alot of offseason moves, total flip of the front office and coaching. The Cavs only get a F because they did lose the best player in the NBA in LeBron James.
Celtics: Grade: B
I love the Avery Bradley pick. Bradley could help Boston as a backup next season. The Celtics resigned all there pieces in Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers. With that, the Celtics even added 2 O’Neals. Shaq and Jermaine. Then, they added Von Wafer who could provide a solid scorer off the bench.
Clippers: Grade: C
Similar to the Rockets, the Clippers added Blake Griffin from a season long injury. Also, the draft gave the Clippers Eric Bledsoe and Al-Farouq Aminu. Bledsoe is going to be a backup for Baron Davis. Aminu will be the 6th man off the bench. In free agency, the Clippers made nice moves. Ryan Gomes will start and provide solid defense for the frontline. Brian Cook is a good big man who could shoot. Randy Foye is a excellent move. He could play both guard positions and should be able to backup Eric Gordon.
Grizzlies: Grade: D
After having 4 players in my top 50, the Grizzlies I believe had a terrible offseason. Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez have not signed to thier rookie deals and were not in camp. Then, they added Tony Allen who might be a solid addition but looks like he’s taking Henry’s spot. What if Henry comes back? Then, I think the Grizzlies overpaid for Rudy Gay. For 13 million next season, can he be a superstar?
Hawks: Grade: C
The Hawks had the middle of the road offseason. The draft gave them Jordan Crawford. Crawford is a solid player who can replace Jamal Crawford, who’s a free agent next season. Then, the Hawks resign Joe Johnson for a max contract. Many people dislike it, I think it was the best move. Other then that, the Hawks added Josh Powell who could be a backup power forward.
Heat: Grade: A
It’s not just adding LeBron, Wade and Bosh. It’s what was built around them. Mike Miller, Eddie House and James Jones are knockdown shooters while Carlos Arroyo could be a solid point guard behind Mario Chalmers. Then, they boasted the frontcourt. Adding Juwan Howard, Jamaal Magloire, Big Z to a resigned Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem to a drafted Dexter Pittman.
Hornets: Grade: D
ALOT of questionable moves. The Hornets instead of using the 11th pick on a great player, they moved down, added 2 1st rounders and picked up Craig Brackins and Quincey Pondexter. Both were small forwards in college and maybe Pondexter could be a shooting guard. After the draft, the Hornets added Trevor Ariza last week. The issue about the trade was they gave up there best prospect in Darren Collison.
Jazz: Grade: B
First, I think Utah messed up with the Gordon Hayward pick. I believe Luke Babbitt, Paul George, Xavier Henry and Patrick Patterson were all better players. They also drafted Jeremy Evans who could make the roster. In the offseason, the Jazz STOLE Al Jefferson from the T-Wolves. Then, they resigned Raja Bell. Jefferson could be the man to replace Carlos Boozer. Bell is still a strong perimeter defender and could allow Miles to play off the bench.
Kings: Grade: C
The Kings had a monster draft. DeMarcus Cousins is a potential superstar at the center position. Hassan Whiteside could be another Theo Ratliff. His upside is remarkable. In the offseason, the Kings added Samuel Dalembert who could allow Cousins and Whiteside to develop slowly. Sacramento also added Antoine Wright, who could be a solid defender off the bench. Other then that, Sacramento added two point guards in Pooh Jeter and Donald Sloan who played well in summer league.
Knicks: Grade: A
The biggest addition has to be Amar’e Stoudemire who can provide good numbers. Then, the Knicks moved David Lee for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike. Anthony Randolph was the main piece back for New York. Many people expect him to breakout next season. After that, the Knicks added Roger Mason who could be a great shooter. Raymond Felton could be the next point guard to thrive in a D’Antoni offense.
Lakers: Grade: A
The defending Champions got even better. They resigned Shannon Brown and Derek Fisher for the potential 3 peat. Then, they added 3 very good players. Steve Blake is a great playmaker and shooter to be a solid player for LA. Matt Barnes provides toughness and defense that LA could use off the bench. Theo Ratliff is a good post defender who could be the 3rd or 4th big who could play 10-20 min. In the draft, Devin Ebanks and Derrick Character are two players who might not contribute next season but they should crack the rotation in the near future.
Magic: Grade: C
The Magic got steals in Daniel Orton and Stanley Robinson in the draft. Both should be developed more in the NBDL next season but Orton will see the court with Orlando. The Magic also added Chris Duhon to backup Jameer Nelson and added Quentin Richardson who should add another shooter off the bench. Jason Williams was also resigned to be the 3rd point guard.
Mavericks: Grade: B+
Dallas to me made very good moves. Ian Mahinmi is a good defender opposite of Dirk. Tyson Chandler is someone who could help Dallas against good offensive post players. In the draft, Dallas didn’t have a pick but the addition of Dominque Jones in a trade with Memphis should help them. Jones isin’t much of a point guard but should be able to score off the bench as a solid scorer as a shooting guard.
Nets: Grade: C+
The Nets struck out in the big free agent market but they did get some nice pieces. In the draft, they added Derrick Favors and Damion James, both should contribute next season. Then, New Jersey added Jordan Farmar and Anthony Morrow to lock down the backcourt. Johan Petro could be a solid post player off the bench defensively. The best move was adding Troy Murphy for next season by giving up Courtney Lee. Murphy will provide offensive and rebounding but will not be a good defensive player.
Nuggets: Grade: D+
The Nuggets didn’t make many moves this offseason. The most underrated move this offseason was adding Al Harrington who could be a solid scorer off the bench. Shelden Williams and Brian Butch are also two post players who could help them. Other then that, the Nuggets stayed in tact. With recent rumors of Carmelo being traded, this grade might go up.
Pacers: Grade: B
The Pacers added Paul George, Magnum Rolle and Lance Stephenson in the draft. George is a project who is very similar to Tracy McGrady. Lance Stephenson is a young flashy Brooklyn native who could play both guard positions. Rolle, a second round pick, surprised alot of people when he had a good summer league and might make it on the roster. The Pacers had a quiet offseason until last week when they added Darren Collison and James Posey in a 4 team deal.
Pistons: Grade: D
The Pistons didn’t do much. Not alot of offseason moves. The Pistons did however win the draft. Adding Greg Monroe at the 7th pick was a steal. Then, in the 2nd round, The Pistons added Terrico White. Monroe should start right away while White will need to wait behind Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon.
Raptors: Grade:C
The Raptors lost Chris Bosh but oddly, made good moves after. Linas Klezia is a very good scorer and so is Leonardo Barbosa, who was acquired in the Hedo trade. They also believe they can get something out of Julian Wright, who was acquired in a trade for Marco Belinelli. In the draft, the Raptors took Ed Davis, who was compared to Chris Bosh at times at UNC
Rockets: Grade: B
First, the Rockets will be getting Yao back. That provides 20-10 automatically back into the lineup. In the draft, they add Patrick Patterson who might provide alot off the bench. In free agency, the Rockets resigned Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola. Houston also added Brad Miller as insurance for Yao and last week, added Courtney Lee in a 4 team trade.
76ers: Grade: C
The Sixers made 3 moves all offseason. Adding Evan Turner in the draft. Turner should provide alot of things similar that Andre Iguodala can provide. Before the draft, Philadelphia traded Samuel Dalembert for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. They also add Tony Battie.
Spurs: Grade: B+
Interesting. The Spurs added two solid players in the draft. Ryan Richards was a long, lanky potential 1st rounder who could be stashed for a season or two. James Anderson could be a potential starter for San Antonio. He’s a solid shooter who now could allow the Spurs to keep Manu in the 6th man role.Gary Neal was signed in summer league. Tiago Splitter is a solid player who will provide another big man inside in the post. Bringing back Richard Jefferson was another solid move.
Suns: Grade: C
The lost of Amar’e Stoudemire was huge. He was the Suns only offensive post player. The Suns then decided to spend alot of money on similar players. The addition of Hedo was solid because he is a point forward type. The Suns then decided to add Josh Childress from Greece and Hakim Warrick. These 3 players are all 6-7 to 6-9 players who aren’t big enough to play well in the post but good enough to run and score. Sounds like the same Suns offense in the early 2000’s. Well, without Amar’e
Thunder: Grade: B
Oklahoma City really didn’t make any major moves but the addition of Cole Aldrich was a great one. I think he might be able to start next season. Other then that, the Thunder had a quiet offseason and added Dequan Cook and Morris Peterson in trades/salary dumps.
Timberwolves: Grade: F
The Timberwolves continue to make very confusing moves. First, you pass up on DeMarcus Cousins for Wesley Johnson in the draft. Then, the T-Wolves added 3 more small forwards in the draft. Post draft, the T-Wolves traded Al Jefferson for a 1st round pick to Utah. The only more the T-Wolves made that was a steal was the addition of Micheal Beasley for a 2nd round pick.
Warriors: Grade: C-
The Warriors started off the offseason with the drafting of Ekpe Udoh. For many people ( including me), didn’t understand why taking Udoh over the better player and the better fit in Greg Monroe. Then, the Warriors made a sign and trade deal to acquire David Lee from New York. Lee oddly enough, is the perfect fit for Golden State. He moves back
Wizards: Grade: C
The Wizards gave up alot of contract space in adding Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich should be able to backup #1 overall pick John Wall. Wall should step right in and be able to do well in the NBA. Along with Wall, Gilbert Arenas comes back from a 50 game suspension. Gil will be moving off the ball and should be allowed to score more. Other then that, the Wizards kept two wing players in Josh Howard and Al Thornton.