For better or worse, teams change in offseason
For better
HOUSTON: Should Ron Artest be willing to share ball-time with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, should he continue playing mad-dog defense, should he avoid trying to impose his head-strong personality on his teammates, and should he stay out of trouble — then the Rockets will take a giant step upward. Indeed, their winning a championship would not be out of the question.
However, should Ron-Ron fail to do any of the above, he will totally destroy team chemistry and the Rockets will be in for a long, aggravating season.
MIAMI: The newcomers include Jamaal Magloire, James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara, plus blue-chip rookie Michael Beasley. Except for the possibility that Beasley is the real deal, none of these guys are close to being prime movers. However, since the Heat had nowhere to go but up, any change has to be an improvement.
In truth, the team's most significant boost is the apparent return to full strength of Dwyane Wade.
NEW ORLEANS: Yes, losing Jannero Pargo deprives the Hornets of a scorer off the bench as well as a useful backup for Chris Paul. But the signing of James Posey makes them tougher and infinitely better defensively. And since Posey has made no secret of his desire to be a starter, the probability is that he was given assurances that he'll eventually replace Peja Stojakovic in the starting lineup — which would be another excellent move.
PHILADELPHIA: Adding Elton Brand gives the Sixers a potent inside force that they've lacked for so long. Also, Donyell Marshall will improve their outside shooting, which has been a major problem since the trading of Kyle Korver. And Theo Ratliff provides valuable insurance in the middle. In a much less celebrated move, Philly signed Royal Ivey, one of the top defensive guards in the league. Subsequently, the team's hopes of challenging the Celtics might not be a pipe dream.
PORTLAND: While the newly signed Steve Blake isn't much of a defender, he's an athletic, authentic point guard who will certainly help calibrate and facilitate the Blazers' offense. Rudy Fernandez is an experienced, and explosive big guard. And the long-anticipated presence of Greg Oden has to be a plus.
These guys might still be a year away from being a serious contender, but look for this team to get better as the season progresses.
For worse
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DENVER: While Marcus Camby was an overrated straight-up defender, he could at least be counted on to erase many of the defensive shortcomings of Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith. Camby has been replaced by the undisciplined antics of Chris Anderson and the slender presence of Steven Hunter. The Nuggets have never been known for playing defense, but the paint will now be a launching pad for opponents' dunks and layups.
GOLDEN STATE: Added together, Ronny Turiaf, Marcus Williams and Corey Maggette can't replace the explosive presence of the departed Baron Davis. Monta Ellis's mysterious injury will further ensure that the Warriors will lose too many battles as the campaign opens and will be playing only for honor as the season comes to a merciful conclusion.
NEW JERSEY: Eduardo Najera is tougher defensively but can't equal Nenad Krstic's scoring, and at best Jarvis Hayes and Bostjan Nachbar are a wash. But which of the newcomers can hope to replace the scoring and the defense provided by Richard Jefferson? Not Yi Jianlian. Not Bobby Simmons. Not anybody currently under contract. All of which means more touches and more shots for Vince Carter — which, in turn, means more opportunities for VC to continue his habit of choking in the clutch.
Meanwhile, the Nets will barely tread water (while hoping that they don't drown) as they wait for Godot, er, LeBron.
SACRAMENTO: Without Artest, the Kings are much softer at both ends. Except for the coming-of-age of Kevin Martin, most of the holdovers and newcomers are either too young, too old or just lacking in talent.
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