Real Recognize Real

What I learned from NBA offseason moves

Not that he’ll ever admit it, but Adam Silver is loving all the drama of the offseason.  The Finals capped an exciting playoffs and then we moved right into a draft with surprises and controversy.  And just when you thought the drama was over – BAM – free agency and a moratorium that makes no sense.  The analysts will talk the stats and back-up acquisitions to death, but here’s what we really learned….

• DeAndre Jordan’s decision to run back to LA just days after verbally committing to the Mavs proved that he has no business being a number one or two player on any team. He has every right to change his mind, especially when the contract isn’t signed, but he handled it poorly.  Not calling Cuban was a punk move. He just wanted the Clippers to tell him he’s pretty and invite him to the prom.  And what’s with the slumber party with his teammates?
• The Knicks are desperate. They have a superstar who will never win a championship, much less share the ball with any up-and-coming talent.  Their ownership has been suspect, at best and the Zenmaster seems a little off-center these days.  Face it, young stars don’t feel the connection to a New York basketball team that hasn’t been relevant in their lifetime.  Throw in a young International shooter who needs to grab all the NYC slices he can (not good for your shot) and this is a team looking at a 5 year rebuild.
• Milwaukee is making it happen with a growing young team. Adding Greg Monroe, re-signing Middleton and picking up Vasquez shows this team is committed to getting better and staying young.  Health is always an issue but they could be a sleeper in the East next season.  I’m not sure how they got this kind of talent to commit to MILWAUKEE but it seems to be working.
• Kevin Love was The Dude in Minnesota for years. He was a rebound machine, scored points and led a mediocre team by example.  After one year in Cleveland he was injured in the playoffs, rumored to be leaving and sat at the lunch table by himself while J.R., Shump, BronBron and Kyrie took selfies.  He re-signed hoping to get a ring, but he can’t defend like Thompson or bang like Mozgov.  The ring might happen, but his role will be recurring…..not co-star.
• Speaking of the Cavs, if Irving can stay healthy they will be a force next year, again. Mo Williams will help with the PG load, but the Cavs will use some of the beef they acquired to rest LeBron and allow him to handle the ball while Kyrie rests.  If they can either find a coach or teach this one to get out of the King’s way, they have a real shot at repeating.
• Too many teams just shuffled role players around. Memphis signed YMCA free agents who will be great in practice,  Boston is casting for the Semi-Pro sequel and Portland employed the ostrich method of wooing LMA back.  There aren’t 20 LeBron’s or Curry’s out there, but too many teams seem hell-bent on finding a hidden gem at a bargain-basement price.  This is probably the natural progression of analytics and the lack of collaboration between geeks and coaches.  I believe numbers are important but only when used with informed change.  McHale and  Daryl Morey have made it work in Houston.
• The Lakers have officially gone off the rails in LA. Apologists will blame taxes, distractions and even the internet age for the lack of free agent appeal, but it’s obvious that Jim Buss lacks the expertise to successfully run the team and the humility to hire or allow someone else to fill that role.  This fool tried to woo LMA with marketing opportunities and lifestyle options.  Jeannie has said he has three years to turn the team around.  I say that’s too long of a leash.  They are going to be further from success than the Knicks if they don’t make a change.
• The Hawks and Spurs made the most logical and immediately impactful moves. Atlanta used their draft picks to ultimately get Hardaway, Jr. from the Knicks, who could turn in to a slasher.  They also picked up Splitter from San Antonio, filling the need for a true center so Horford and Milsap can play a 3-4 rotation.  The Spurs, on the other hand, signed the top free agent of the off season in LaMarcus Aldrige.  He will be a difference-maker on a team that needs youth, not stardom.  And in keeping with the geriatric theme of San Antonio, they were able to bring in David West for a little leadership and depth.

Who knows how these moves will pan out this time next year?  One thing is for sure…….

…..Mark Cuban will make sure Dallas never lets DeAndre Jordan get a pass when he comes to town.