Hornets Sign Posey
Posey is a tough defender and he’ll take and make big shots. But at 31 years of age, he wasn’t worth a four-year, $25 million dollar contract. Posey was instrumental on two of the last three NBA championship teams, but he also benefited from playing a reserve role behind the likes of Dwyane Wade, Antoine Walker, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. The Hornets are going to need more production from him than the Heat or Celtics did. Posey is a decent 3-point shooter and solid defender but instead of adding to a team’s strengths like he did in Miami and and Boston, he’ll be asked to shore up the Hornets weaknesses. I don’t think Posey will meet New Orleans’ expectations.
Danny Ainge’s Decisions
Nearly every NBA prognosticator — myself included — thought the Lakers reserves would have an advantage over the Celtics bench in the NBA Finals. We were wrong. Posey, Eddie House, and P.J. Brown were huge in Boston’s Finals upset. All of those players are free agents. Posey is gone. Who can the Celtics get to replace him? Matt Barnes is available. Barnes had an off-year last season because of the passing of his mother. Barnes’ production is eerily similar to Posey’s and he’s four years younger. Matt also displayed the ability to excel in pressure situations in Golden State’s first round upset of the Mavericks in 2007.
Turiaf To The Warriors?
Golden State’s four-year, $17 million dollar offer is generous. Even by Golden State’s standards. If the Lakers weren’t concerned with the luxury tax implications, I think LA would match the Warriors offer. And they still might. At 25 years of age, Turiaf has room for improvement and he knows the triangle. Ronny is a much better alternative than paying a journeyman veteran half as much and watching him walk after one or two seasons. If the Lakers match Golden State’s offer, it’s time to put an end to the Ron Artest rumors. If they let Ronny walk, that could be a sign that they’re open to taking on the remaining $16 million that’s left on Kenny Thomas’ contract in order to acquire Artest.
The Utah Jazz Sign Deron Williams
Williams agreed to a three-year deal with the option for a fourth-year. This was a no-brainer for the Jazz. Williams is one of my favorite players in the league. He’s strong, plays great man-to-man and helpside defense, and can hit from outside. Don’t be surprised when Williams gets more minutes than Chris Paul in this year’s Olympics.
Camby To The Clippers
I know, this deal has been discussed ad nauseum. There have been rumors of Denver signing Francisco Elson as Camby’s replacement. Elson would be a good replacement. I’d like to see the Nuggets start a two power forward frontcourt featuring Nene and Kenyon Martin. Denver would be undersized, but they could run a five-man fastbreak unlike any other in the league, and finally capitalize on their their Mile High altitude. Their only problem would be finding a point guard who could lead it. Anthony Carter doesn’t fit the bill.
Mike Breen & Doug Collins Will Be Calling The Olympics
Thank you NBC. Next to Hubie Brown, Collins is my favorite NBA announcer.
