Which offseason deals make the grade?
Elton Brand to Philadelphia
Coupled with his ever-improving mid-range shooting, Brand is simply one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. If he's neither a superb passer nor (despite his penchant for blocking shots) a defensive ace, Brand figures to transform the Sixers into a legitimate challenger to Boston's supremacy.
By taking the must-score pressure off of Andre Iguodala and Willie Green, by perfectly augmenting the off-the-ball specialties of Samuel Dalembert, and by providing an aggressive, full-sized rebounder and interior point-maker, Brand instantly becomes the face of the franchise. He also becomes the only Sixer who warrants perpetual double-teaming, a necessity that will generate open looks for his new teammates.
GRADE: A+
Corey Maggette to Golden State
Maggette can now assume Baron Davis' role: Shoot whenever the rim is clearly in sight and pass only when it isn't. Operating from either wing position, Maggette will be more dependent than was Davis, however, on someone else getting the ball into his itchy hands.
Give Maggette the edge over Davis in rebounding, durability, ability to get to the stripe, shot selection and (if he's motivated) defense. Overall, the substitution of Maggette for Davis is just about a wash.
GRADE: B+
Baron Davis to L.A. Clippers
With Brand and Maggette forsaking the Clippers, the significance of Davis' arrival in LA is greatly diminished. Unless the Clips have other radical changes in store, look for Davis to have even more license to shoot than he did with the Warriors. Indeed, there's a very good chance that Davis might actually wind up as the league's leading scorer.
As presently constituted, however, the Clippers seem destined to be lottery-bound once more.
GRADE: B+
Mickael Pietrus to Orlando
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| Mickael Pietrus should be a great fit in Orlando. (Fernando Medina/NBAE / Getty Images) |
A terrific pickup for the Magic. Pietrus can (and will) knock down shots from anywhere at any time, perpetually hustle and play aggressive defense. Some calming down of his frenetic play will be in order, but the security of a big contract and guaranteed playing time will certainly serve to make Pietrus a much more dependable player.
GRADE: A-
Chris Duhon to New York
While there's a huge gap between Steve Nash and Duhon, the latter is admirably equipped to run Mike D'Antoni's giddy-up offense. Duhon is a clever handler who rarely makes mistakes, a surprisingly accurate 3-point shooter and an above-average defender. Bet on him to respond to the max with his new responsibility.
It should be noted, though, that Stephon Marbury's continued presence on the roster (even if he's shifted to full-time duty at the shooting-guard slot) will considerably hamper Duhon's effectiveness. Indeed, it's hard to believe that the Knicks would rather try to squeeze one last season out of Marbury than simply buy him out.
GRADE: B
Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee
If RJ was upset by Vince Carter's getting so many shots and so much media attention in New Jersey, wait until he sees what it's like trying to feed both his ego and his scoring average on Michael Redd's and Mo Williams' leftovers. And, after playing for the mild-mannered Lawrence Frank, how will the rather arrogant Jefferson react to Scott Skiles' much more confrontational style?
If Jefferson is ready, willing and able to revert to playing the kind of shut-down defense that characterized his early career and if he can find a satisfying niche in the offense, then the Bucks have themselves a two-way stud. If not, then they've inherited a headache.
GRADE: B
Mike Miller to Minnesota
Another good fit. Miller's long-distance dialing will help open up the middle for Al Jefferson. Also, escaping from Memphis to a team that at least has the glimmer of a viable future will make Miller a much happier camper.
GRADE: A
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Yi Jianlian to New Jersey
For all the talent this guy has he's still too weak, too fragile and too defenseless to make his mark with the Nets. Plus, despite being much more comfortable with so many countrymen in the vicinity, the pressure of playing in full-view of the cynical metropolitan-area media and fans won't help Yi's self-esteem.
GRADE: D+
Bobby Simmons to New Jersey
A half-step slow, a notch under-talented, Simmons is nevertheless a streak-shooter who can occasionally make a difference in any given game. Very occasionally. In other words, when the league's defenses caught up with him after his bust-out season with the Clippers back in 2004-05, Simmons has proven to be an adequate journeyman.
GRADE: C-
Ike Diogu to Portland
The Blazers become the third team hoping that Diogu can evolve into a forceful interior scorer. The trouble so far has been his defense and his handle. Look for him to thrive at last under Nate McMillan's crafty guidance.
GRADE: C-
Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto
Now that this deal is finalized, what do the Raptors have? A powerful and versatile inside-scorer who has confessed that he'd rather play at the high-post. An oft-injured player who has routinely come up short in the clutch. A big-time rebounder who's always in foul trouble. If O'Neal can stay healthy, and if Sam Mitchell can restore his belligerence, then the Raps will have the perfect compliment to the softly slashing talents of Chris Bosh.
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| The Raptors are taking a chance on Jermaine O'Neal. (Rocky Widner/NBAE / Getty Images) |
Despite O'Neal's considerable downside, getting him (and getting rid of T. J. Ford) is well worth the gamble.
GRADE: B
T. J. Ford to Indiana
Ford's biggest concern is being able to play aggressively while at the same time avoiding another career-threatening injury. This will not be easy to accomplish.
For certain, Ford is quick enough to penetrate most defenses and either find a makeable shot for himself or his teammates. But he's also physically weak and liable to be overpowered on defense — and he's much too shot-happy for a 5-10 point guard.
GRADE: C-
Jarrett Jack to Indiana
While Jack lacks the quickness and the athleticism to play starter's minutes, he's the perfect backup point guard. Strong, defensive-minded, unselfish, an improving shooter, and not afraid to take important shots. Excellent insurance should Ford either fail to satisfy or get hurt.
GRADE: B+
Rasho Nesterovic to Indiana
Yes, he's slow and decidedly lacking in the requisite athleticism, but Nesterovic compensates by playing hard, smart and strong. Plus, his jump hook is steady and his screens are sturdy. A useful backup/alternative to both Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster.
GRADE: C+
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