NBA Offseason: SCIC Roundtable – Part 1
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Andrew Wiggins (Kansas), left, hugs Jabari Parker (Duke) after they were selected number one and number two overall respectively in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Thought Of The Week
Michael Saenz: Watching Paul George leave the Team USA Blue/White scrimmage on a stretcher was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever seen. I’m not going to sit here and act like I know him personally, because I don’t. But from every indication, PG was one of the good guys. He didn’t brag, he wasn’t too outspoken and he tried to say all the right things — along with raising his game to a near-superstar level status.
Now, his whole career climb is on hold. He may never be the same player again. And while I hope he does come back, perhaps even stronger, I’m not going to act naive. Watching the injury was tough to stomach, watching him attempt to return to form may be even tougher to watch. I hope that isn’t the case. It couldn’t have happened to a better man. Here’s to Paul George and to a speedy recover. The NBA is going to miss him.
John Armstrong: I’m a big Kevin Love fan, but I’m glad he and Blake Griffin are no longer part of the Team USA competition this summer. Because now, the whole league … NO … the whole WORLD will have to take notice of the BOOGIE REVOLUTION. Sacramento’s Boogie Cousins will make the roster, dominate, and take over the league next season.
Morten Jensen: While NBA free agency saw its usual overpayments, there was a sense of financial restriction this summer. Phoenix still hasn’t handed out a max deal to Eric Bledsoe for example, and Greg Monroe is also on the market. Teams have become smarter when handing out money, which only adds to the intrigue of next season. Clogged salary caps and bad contracts are becoming less and less of a concern, re-shifting the focus back to what’s happening on the court, as opposed to what goes on behind the scenes. Smarter managements have played a key part in this mini-evolution and it’s one deeply welcomed. Every team should have flexibility, and we’re slowly reaching that point.
George Middleton: The hiring of Byron Scott for the Lakers will be interesting as the Lakers were the second worst defensive team in the league last season, in terms of points allowed. Scott emphasises defense, so Lakers fans are surely crossing their fingers.
Bryce Olin: Doesn’t anyone want Mo Williams? For a backup point guard, Williams had a great season with Portland last year. He opted out of his final year of his contract with Portland, in order to sign a three-year deal. The offers haven’t exactly came pouring in for Williams, and I feel bad. For the love of god, someone please sign Mo Williams! Cleveland, I’m looking at you! #BringBackMo
[Editor’s Note: Bryce’s answer was written just prior to Mo signing with Minnesota for $3.75 million on a one-year deal.]
Brandon Osborne: The FIBA Basketball World Cup is coming up and Team USA started training camp July 29. It’s going to be interesting to see who makes the final 12 as Love’s departure opens up a spot for someone. I will also be looking forward to seeing how Derrick Rose looks coming back from another season ending injury.
David Ramil: I think the days of seeing the Eastern Conference as the league’s weak sister are over. With LeBron James rejoining Cleveland, the balance of power has shifted considerably. Several teams in the East have improved and there are at least five or six teams that could challenge for the title. Meanwhile, while Dallas has improved and the Spurs have kept the status quo, I don’t think any of the other contenders (Clippers, Thunder or Grizzlies) have made headway. The Rockets have stepped back and the Lakers could be the best ugly team to watch this season.
Meanwhile, the East’s sudden parity should strengthen several teams during the regular season and result in postseason that could be one for the ages. Even teams like Philadelphia and Orlando seem to have a plan in place, which is more than can be said of Sacramento or Minnesota.
HoopDon: Enough with all the updates from Derrick Rose practice sessions. Nothing he does matters until the season starts. We were treated to this last summer, and when Rose finally returned, he was terrible for a few games, before missing the rest of the season with another injury. Show us, don’t tell us.
Stefan Abramian: The Spurs locked up Tony Parker for another 3 years, this is means more then likely Parker will retire as a member of the Spurs. Tony Parker is still a MVP caliber player easily.