With less than two weeks before NBA training camps open, most of the off-season moves have been made. The best free agent still on the market is Bonzi Wells. I'm a bit surprised he's lasted this long after his impressive playoff performance for Sacramento against San Antonio. Denver seems to be making a late push for Wells. Former Bucks forward Keith Van Horn is still trying to choose between signing another contract and retiring.
In the Central Division, the Bucks reshaped more than half their team. Of the potential newcomers, Charlie Villanueva will be counted on the most at power forward. Ruben Patterson should be a valuable defender and will try to push Bobby Simmons at small forward. How the holdovers perform will be just as critical. Mo Williams will have the opportunity to establish himself as the on-court leader as the starting point guard, assuming he can beat out Steve Blake. Andrew Bogut moves to his more natural center position. One NBA scout told me last season that Bogut "can't defend centers". We'll see.
The Bulls made the Central's biggest splash by signing Ben Wallace away from the Pistons. No one questions the Bulls defensive prowess, but do they have enough low-post scoring when the outside shots of Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon aren't falling? With the acquisition of veteran P.J. Brown, rookie Tyrus Thomas will have time to adjust to the NBA. I don't see Detroit taking a huge step back without Wallace. With Flip Saunders and his offensive emphasis, too often it was like 4-on-5 for the Pistons when Wallace was on the court. Nazr Mohammed could fit in well and Flip Murray was a nice addition to Detroit's bench. Cleveland's biggest move was to sign LeBron James to an extension. But he can't do it alone. Rookies Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson might have a chance to make an impact. Indiana made significant moves to try to get more athletic. They drafted Shawne Williams and James White and traded for Al Harrington and Marquis Daniels. Rick Carlisle is in the last year of his contract and may feel the breath of newly acquired Darrell Armstrong, expected to be a coach when he retires. The Central could have five of the Eastern Conference's eight playoff teams again.
Here's an overview of the rest of the NBA teams heading into training camp:
Atlanta: Speedy Claxton will be the new point guard. The Hawks are counting on Marvin Williams and Josh Smith to become stars. Their ownership situation is still a mess and they didn't get enough in return in letting Al Harrington jump to Indiana. Joe Johnson gained positive reviews in the World Championships. Rookie Shelden Williams is expected to contribute immediately.
Boston: They threw an awful lot of money at Paul Pierce in a long extension. Doc Rivers has a new pair of young point guards in Sebastian Telfair and Rajon Rondo. I've always liked Theo Ratliff for his defense and dirty work. The growth of Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins might control Doc's fate.
How many years will Danny Ainge be able to sell his "youth movement?"
Charlotte: Michael Jordan was their big-name acquisition. Unfortunately, he doesn't play anymore.
Rookie Adam Morrison will get every chance to blossom and Sean May's return from injury will help bolster the front line. There's speculation that Charlotte saved money to chase 2007 free agent and former North Carolina star Vince Carter next summer.
Dallas: The defending Western Conference champions stuck with their nucleus and made only minor tweaks. Rookie Maurice Ager from Michigan State should be a good fit. Former Laker Devean George was an "under the radar" pickup in free agency. Austin Croshere figures to replace Van Horn in the role of an outside shooter off the bench. Wisconsin's Devin Harris has tremendous potential and will look for more consistency.
Denver: Carmelo Anthony was one of the leaders of Team USA in the World Championships. He will try to bounce back from a terrible playoff showing. Kenyon Martin is still around with his big salary and it seems like a given that there will be more friction with George Karl. Wells would be a nice addition but he also has a history of giving coaches headaches.
Golden State: Ol' Nellie (Don Nelson) returns to the Bay Area for a second stint as Warriors coach. I think he can coax them into the playoffs. Baron Davis will have to buy into Nelson's act and stay healthy. This could be Jason Richardson's time to shine. Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy seem like Nellie guys. The development of youngsters Mickael Pietrus, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Ike Diogu may determine whether Golden State can break their long playoff drought.
Houston: Marquette's Steve Novak went to a perfect place to launch his outside bombs off the bench.
Shane Battier is what Al McGuire called a "glue guy" who makes the whole team better. The Rockets have Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming--but the backcourt still seems like a weak spot. This would seem to be a pivotal year for Jeff Van Gundy.
L.A. Clippers: Tim Thomas was signed to replace the departed Vladimir Radmanovic. Shaun Livingston will see more minutes as Sam Cassell conserves his energy for the big moments. Cassell plans on being an NBA coach when his playing days are over. Elton Brand is a true force. Paul Davis was drafted from Michigan State.
L.A. Lakers: Vladimir Radmanovic adds an outside shooter to loosen things up for Kobe Bryant. Rookie Jordan Farmar could end up starting at point guard if he can beat out Smush Parker. Maurice Evans was acquired from Detroit and could bloster the bench. Hope Kobe's happy being the lone ranger.
Memphis: The loss of Pau Gasol to a broken foot suffered in Spain's gold-medal run is devastating to the Grizzlies. Jerry West wants to see young guys like Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and Hakim Warrick get substantial minutes. That's not really Mike Fratello's preference but he has no choice now.
