Off Season NBA Grades
Atlantic Division
With the NBA off-season winding down and the pre and regular seasons right around the corner, it is time to take a look at how each team fared during the draft and free agency period.
I will break down each division team-by-team. I will give an overview of the players that were added and subtracted by each team and the other players that are still under contract by the team. After that, I will go a little more in-depth with impact of the moves, things needed to still improve, a quick prediction and finally an overall grade of their whole off-season.
The first division we will take a look at is the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.
I will break down each division team-by-team. I will give an overview of the players that were added and subtracted by each team and the other players that are still under contract by the team. After that, I will go a little more in-depth with impact of the moves, things needed to still improve, a quick prediction and finally an overall grade of their whole off-season.
The first division we will take a look at is the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.
 |
|
Under Contract: F-C Kevin Garnet (Re-Signed), F Paul Pierce, G Rajon Rondo, G Avery Bradley, F Jeff Green (Re-Signed), G Jason Terry (Free Agent), F Brandon Bass (Re-Signed), G Courtney Lee (Sign-and-Trade), F-C Chris Wilcox (Re-Signed), C Jason Collins (Free Agent), G Keyon Dooling (Re-Signed)
Drafted: C Fab Melo, F Jared Sullinger, G-F Kris Joseph
Players Lost: G Ray Allen, C Greg Stiemsma, F JaJuan Johnson, G E’Twaun Moore, C Ryan Hollins, F-C Sean Williams
Free Agents Remaining: G Marquis Daniels, G-F Mickael Pietrus
The consensus around the NBA was that the Celtics championship window was closing, but that looks to have been premature talk. Kevin Garnett pried that window back open after an outstanding playoff performance and team president Danny Ainge put forth an outstanding showing in the off-season. Ainge had no choice but to bring back the core and try it again. Brining back Garnett became a no-brainer for Ainge, who made shrewd moves that will improve his team. Losing Allen to the rival Miami Heat hurts, but brining in Jason Terry and Courtney Lee will more than make up for it. Terry does not shoot as well as Allen, but has much more versatility on offense and Lee gives the Celtics an upgrade at the wing over Pietrus. |  KG showed us that age is just a number |
If Jeff Green is healthy, he is a major upgrade in the front court, giving the Celtics a lot of versatility at both forward spots. Bringing Brandon Bass back on a reasonable deal was smart as well, as he meshed well with Garnett being moved to the Center spot.
The Celtics were able to get great value in the draft as well, snagging Jared Sullinger as his draft stock plummeted after rumors of injury problems began surfacing. They then added a project in Fab Melo who can develop into a force on the defensive end of the court. Adding more value in Kris Joseph in the second round gave the Celtics a very impressive draft that was filled with value.
There is not much left for Boston to do other than maybe entertain the idea of bringing back Pietrus. They have said they would like him back, even after having knee surgery after last season. Pietrus though has been pushed down Boston ’s priority list and after his agent declared him one of the better free agents remaining, he will not be accepting the veterans’ minimum.
As much as this pains me as a Knicks fan to say, the Celtics had a very successful off-season. Yes, the “Big Three” era is officially over in Boston , but they are re-loaded again this season with a roster that looks ready to compete with the Heat for Eastern Conference supremacy. Their grade for the off-season is an A.
The Celtics were able to get great value in the draft as well, snagging Jared Sullinger as his draft stock plummeted after rumors of injury problems began surfacing. They then added a project in Fab Melo who can develop into a force on the defensive end of the court. Adding more value in Kris Joseph in the second round gave the Celtics a very impressive draft that was filled with value.
There is not much left for Boston to do other than maybe entertain the idea of bringing back Pietrus. They have said they would like him back, even after having knee surgery after last season. Pietrus though has been pushed down Boston ’s priority list and after his agent declared him one of the better free agents remaining, he will not be accepting the veterans’ minimum.
As much as this pains me as a Knicks fan to say, the Celtics had a very successful off-season. Yes, the “Big Three” era is officially over in Boston , but they are re-loaded again this season with a roster that looks ready to compete with the Heat for Eastern Conference supremacy. Their grade for the off-season is an A.
 |
|
Under Contract: G Deron Williams (Re-Signed), G Joe Johnson (Trade), F Gerald Wallace (Re-Signed), C Brook Lopez (Re-Signed), F Kris Humphries (Re-Signed), F Mirza Teletovic (Free Agent), F Reggie Evans (Sign-and-Trade), G MarShon Brooks, G C.J. Watson (Free Agent), G Keith Bogans (Free Agent), G Jerry Stackhouse (Free Agent)
Drafted: G Tyshawn Taylor, F Tornike Shengelia
Players Lost: G-F Anthony Morrow, G Jordan Farmar, G-F Gerald Green, C Johan Petro, F-C Jordan Williams, G DeShawn Stevenson
Free Agents: G Sundiata Gaines, F Damion James, G Armon Johnson, F-C Shelden Williams
The new-look Nets have been by far the biggest and most aggressive players throughout the off-season period. With a move to Brooklyn being consummated this season, the Nets were determined to move to their new digs with some big named players and that is exactly what they did.
With their pursuit of Dwight Howard proving to be unfruitful, they moved their attention to Johnson and acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks without moving any significant pieces. They were than able to re-sign their own star player in Williams. Re-signing Wallace was the next course of action, along with Lopez and Humphries.
The Nets are believed to be the first team in NBA history to have five players making $10+ million and still found a way to get some bench pieces. Teletovic is a nice piece that adds depth to the front court. Evans is a monster on the boards and defense, making him a perfect pairing with Lopez in the frontcourt. Watson and Bogans bring experience and leadership to the backcourt off the bench. Brooks will have a chance to shine as the 6th man off the bench because that puts him in a comfortable position of just focusing on scoring as the gunner off the bench. |  Johnson has averaged at least 18 points per game over the last 7 seasons |
The Nets whiffed on Dwight Howard, but there is still some work they can do. Getting a viable backup option at Center is a must. Lopez is coming off a lost season due to injury and is a liability on the glass. There will not be many roster spots available heading into camp, so the Nets will need to get creative.
The Nets are now a relevant team again making their move to Brooklyn . They have a solid team that should be able to approach a 50 win campaign even without Howard. Depending on how the bench pieces mesh and how much contribution players such as Brooks and Watson can bring in support of Williams and Johnson could determine if they are first round fodder or a legit contender. Expectations must be handled by everyone if this season is to be a successful first one in Brooklyn . I would give the Nets a grade of B+, missing out on the A- range because of the lack of flexibility the Nets have going forward.
The Nets are now a relevant team again making their move to Brooklyn . They have a solid team that should be able to approach a 50 win campaign even without Howard. Depending on how the bench pieces mesh and how much contribution players such as Brooks and Watson can bring in support of Williams and Johnson could determine if they are first round fodder or a legit contender. Expectations must be handled by everyone if this season is to be a successful first one in Brooklyn . I would give the Nets a grade of B+, missing out on the A- range because of the lack of flexibility the Nets have going forward.
 |
|
Under Contract: F Amar’e Stoudemire, F Carmelo Anthony, C Tyson Chandler, G Jason Kidd (Sign-and-Trade) F Steve Novak (Re-Signed) C Marcus Camby (Sign-and-Trade), G Iman Shumpert, G Raymond Felton (Sign-and-Trade), F Kurt Thomas (Trade), G J.R. Smith (Re-Signed), G Pablo Prigioni (Free Agent), F Chris Copeland (Free Agent), G-F James White (Free Agent), G-F Ronnie Brewer (Free Agent)
Drafted: None (traded 2nd round draft pick Kostas Papanikolaou as part of deal for Felton and Thomas)
Players Lost: G Jeremy Lin, G Landry Fields, G Toney Douglas, F-C Jared Jeffries, C Dan Gadzuric, F-C Josh Harrellson, C Jerome Jordan, F Kostas Papanikolaou
Free Agents: G Mike Bibby, G Baron Davis
Drafted: None (traded 2nd round draft pick Kostas Papanikolaou as part of deal for Felton and Thomas)
Players Lost: G Jeremy Lin, G Landry Fields, G Toney Douglas, F-C Jared Jeffries, C Dan Gadzuric, F-C Josh Harrellson, C Jerome Jordan, F Kostas Papanikolaou
Free Agents: G Mike Bibby, G Baron Davis
 "Linsanity Officially Over in New York" | For what seems like the first time in forever, the Knicks were not the epicenter of media off-season hype in the NBA. They were not even the most talked about team in New York, as the Nets were making waves with big spending. The Knicks went into the off-season with little in the way of assets and cap space, meaning runs at superstars Deron Williams and Dwight Howard were not options. The Knicks were able to make some roster shakeups. |
After being shunned by Steve Nash in favor of the Lakers, the Knicks were able to convince Kidd to come to New York after outlets ran stories of him agreeing to a contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks then went on to add Felton as Jeremy Lin’s contract was determined to be too much to handle. Bringing in veteran Prigioni was a shrewd move by Knicks GM Glen Grunwald as well, as he will add insurance and bring toughness to a backcourt that was sometimes lacking. A positive about all the point guards brought in this season is that they all can run the pick-and-roll well, knock down the 3 point shot, and play defense, all improvements over the point guards the Knicks had last season.
Re-signing Smith to the contract he received was a steal for the Knicks. Bringing back sharpshooter Novak was nice as well, even though his contract may become troublesome down the road.
Brining in Camby and Thomas adds toughness and veteran leadership to the team. Camby also gives the Knicks a legitimate option behind Chandler , something they lacked last season whenever Chandler would need a rest or be in foul trouble.
Re-signing Smith to the contract he received was a steal for the Knicks. Bringing back sharpshooter Novak was nice as well, even though his contract may become troublesome down the road.
Brining in Camby and Thomas adds toughness and veteran leadership to the team. Camby also gives the Knicks a legitimate option behind Chandler , something they lacked last season whenever Chandler would need a rest or be in foul trouble.
Declining to match Landry Fields contract offer from the Toronto Raptors was also smart on the Knicks part, as they were able to replace him with Brewer on a veteran’s minimum contract. Adding Brewer to a group already consisting of Chandler , Shumpert (when he returns from injury) and Camby gives the Knicks a legit defensive team. |  A healthy Shumpert can go a long way |
The Knicks went into the off-season with very little flexibility, but were able to still add significant pieces. There is still some work that needs to be done though, as the Knicks are still in need of a legitimate backup to Stoudemire at the power forward spot and could use some more depth at guard with Shumpert out until January after tearing his ACL in the playoffs against the Miami Heat.
The Knicks message this off-season is that they are going for it. They have become a veteran laden team after letting younger players in Lin and Fields walk. This will be an off-season for the Knicks in which it will be talked about more whom they let walk than who they brought in. I am expecting a big season from Stoudemire after so many people have written him off. A team consisting of him, Anthony and Chandler will not go down easily. The grade for the Knicks off-season is a B-.
The Knicks message this off-season is that they are going for it. They have become a veteran laden team after letting younger players in Lin and Fields walk. This will be an off-season for the Knicks in which it will be talked about more whom they let walk than who they brought in. I am expecting a big season from Stoudemire after so many people have written him off. A team consisting of him, Anthony and Chandler will not go down easily. The grade for the Knicks off-season is a B-.
 |
|
Under Contract: C Andrew Bynum (Trade), G Jrue Holiday, G-F Evan Turner, C Spencer Hawes, F Dorell Wright (Trade), F Thaddeus Young, G Nick Young (Free Agent), G Jason Richardson (Trade), C Lavoy Allen (Re-Signed), C-F Kwame Brown, G Royal Ivey
Drafted: F-C Arnett Moultrie
Players Lost: F Moe Harkless, G-F Andre Iguodala, F-C Elton Brand, G Lou Williams, C Nikola Vucevic
Free Agents: C Tony Battie, F Craig Brackins, G-F Sam Young
The era of the second “AI” in Philadelphia has officially come to an end, as the underappreciated but miscast Andre Iguodala was moved to Denver in part of a four team trade that landed the 76ers a star in the making in Andrew Bynum. Bynum becomes the best Center in the Eastern Conference with Howard going out west to Los Angeles . The game plan of the 76ers also changes with the trade, now becoming more of a post team than a perimeter team. The 76ers got bigger and better this off-season, highlighted by getting Bynum and supported by other moves by General Manager Rod Thorn. Thorn re-signed Allen and Hawes, while adding Brown and amnestying Brand. The 76ers are now one of the deepest and toughest teams in the paint with players whose games should all mesh well together. |  Iguodala is off to Denver |
The overhauling on the perimeter and the wings makes the team more dangerous also. Adding Wright and Richardson gives the 76ers two legit three point threats to surround Bynum when defenses double down on him. Both can play off the ball, which will only benefit the Sixers because their offense will flow through Bynum.
Signing Young for a one year $6 million deal was a steal also. He will fill the role Lou Williams is leaving behind as the scorer off the bench. Young can also fit in the starting lineup, as he is yet another player who can knock down a jump shot as an outlet for Bynum.
Signing Young for a one year $6 million deal was a steal also. He will fill the role Lou Williams is leaving behind as the scorer off the bench. Young can also fit in the starting lineup, as he is yet another player who can knock down a jump shot as an outlet for Bynum.
The last major thing left for the 76ers is to get Bynum’s signature on a contract. He is obviously the cornerstone of this franchise for the better part of the next decade. If Bynum leaves in the off-season, the trade is a failure as well as this whole free agent period. Moving Iguodala and allowing Williams to leave cuts down on the amount of touches needed by perimeter players, but they now a logjam of shooting wing veterans who will not be happy sitting. Head coach Doug Collins will have his hands full keeping those veterans happy while not stunting the growth of young players such as Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner. |  Sign on the dotted line... |
Going into the off-season there was not many people saying look out for the 76ers, but they made people notice with a big off-season. They made moves to put them in position to be a real player during the post season. If they can make the pieces work and keep everyone happy, it could be a very successful season in Philly. They are positioned for a quantum leap in the next two seasons; the 76ers are a team on the rise to keep your eyes on. Their off-season grade is an A.
 |
|
Under Contract: G Jose Calderon, C Andrea Bargnani, G Kyle Lowry (Trade), C Amir Johnson, F Linas Kleiza, G DeMar DeRozan, F Ed Davis, G-F Landry Fields (Free Agent), C Aaron Gray (Re-Sign), G John Lucas III (Free Agent), G Alan Anderson (Free Agent)
Drafted: F Jonas Valanciunas (2011), G Terrence Ross, F Quincy Acy
Players Lost: G Jerryd Bayless, F James Johnson, F-G Gary Forbes
Free Agents: C Solomon Alabi, C Jamaal Magloire
The Raptors made noise this off-season by offering Steve Nash a big contract of $36 million over three years even with Calderon on the books for $10 million. When Nash spurned the Raptors, General Manager Brian Colangelo executed a very nice plan B in dealing Forbes and protected first-round pick for Lowry. Lowry was a borderline All-Star last season and after having a falling out with Rockets head coach Kevin McHale was able to be had on the cheap.
Signing Landry Fields to a 3 year $19 million contract was meant to block the Knicks from using him as a chip to land Nash, which they were successful in; but now they are stuck with a shooting guard who cannot shoot. If Fields is able to regain his form of his rookie campaign, the Raptors have a solid player who can play both the 2 and 3. Valanciunas is the player to watch this season. Many scouts are in agreement had he been in this years draft, he would have gone 2nd behind Anthony Davis. He is a young athletic big that dominated international play against some of the best young players America had to offer. Ross is a great shooter and gives the Raptors another athlete on the wing, while Acy will do all the dirty work in the paint that Bargnani is reluctant to do. |  Landry Fields with his girlfriend Elaine Aldon |
The Raptors have the making of a team that will be much more competitive this season. There are still some things to fix in Toronto , such as the Calderon dilemma. He is severely overpaid as a starter, let alone a backup. He could be a potential asset at the trade deadline. The Raptors have one roster spot left that should be filled with a veteran that will bring maturity and professionalism to a very young and inexperienced team.
The Raptors are a young team that will be exciting to watch develop under second year coach Dwane Casey. The postseason is still a stretch for this season unless something dramatic is done, but the team is definitely improved. Their off-season grade is a B+ and the only thing keeping them from a grade in the A range is the contract for Fields. They stopped Nash from going to New York but are stuck with an overpaid Fields.
Kenneth Teape
August 19th, 2012
Archives
The Raptors are a young team that will be exciting to watch develop under second year coach Dwane Casey. The postseason is still a stretch for this season unless something dramatic is done, but the team is definitely improved. Their off-season grade is a B+ and the only thing keeping them from a grade in the A range is the contract for Fields. They stopped Nash from going to New York but are stuck with an overpaid Fields.
Kenneth Teape
August 19th, 2012
Archives
RSS Feed