Fantasy Deal: Tyreke Evans for Josh Smith

     Im starving.  Sweet sweet basketball has been eluding me for the past few months.  Ive been following the NBA like an Atlanta Hawk but alas, life has been pulling my strings in a definite evil puppeteer fashion.  This is now my first post in about a month, so I'm gonna try to make it count.

     The trade deadline is fast approaching and a thousand names are being thrown around online in a hectic,  hodgepodge way.  Most are absolutely ridiculous and I, the Zoltar of Basketball Future, am here to clear the cloudy crystal ball of trade scenarios.

Zoltar, teller of basketball trade future

      Anyway who knows me can tell you that I have a healthy respect for former ROY Tyreke Evans, whose strong, limber frame carries a bevy of potential.  Buuuuuuuut, most of you probably know, he is on the Sacramento Kings (the Seattle Supersonics as of next year), which is not a hotbed for NBA elite.  The Kings roster is packed full of guards, all of which are at some point playing off position, with a sparse selection of bigs outside of DeMarcus Cousins.  Evans is one of these guards, the most naturally talented I would say, but has been struggling to find a spot on this chaotically changing team since his injury ridden sophomore season.

     The Atlanta Hawks, after starting fiery hot and exceeding expectations, have fallen off, especially after losing Lou Williams, (winner of a PB and J Dark Horse award for December) who provided a hot, juicy load on offense.  And, after a good long run among the strongest teams in the East, the Hawks look to be fading into NBA limbo.  I think the Hawks have realized this and I believe that this is going to make them hemorrhage some assets.  Namely, forward Josh Smith, who the people of Atlanta have scoffed at as taking stupid shots and trying to do too much.  Although I can agree with that to some degree, THIS GUY IS EASILY YOUR BEST PLAYER WHO MADE YOUR TEAM WHAT IT WAS THE PAST FEW YEARS.  Joe Johnson, a notorious shooter whose actions I describe as "Kobe-esque" (Kobe-esque- adj.- 1. actions such as shooting your team out of a game 2. handling the ball more than a typical point guard while playing a different position. 3. playing terribly then blaming teammates.), has never received so much flak.

     So, even though I don't agree with it, I think the Hawks will part with Josh Smith, who can be a giant pick up for any team.  I hope that the team to do so will be the Sacramento Kings.  The Kings could trade away Evans and a package deal maybe including Jason Thompson(?) for Josh Smith and preferably a veteran like Kyle Korver, who could help them tremendously down the Stretch Armstrong.  Securing Josh Smith would cement two good big men for the Kings which would almost immediately make them contenders because of the lack of quality big men in the NBA right now.

     In my opinion, this deal is beneficial for both teams.  An offensively crippled Hawks secure a scorer in Evans, and the skinny Kings team would receive a crazy solid forward playing better than he ever has.

     Game. Set. Match.

    Do I think this will happen? No.

    Sigh.

The Sharks are Circling

Will Garnett and Pierce be moved?

So, word has it with Rajon Rondo's recent ACL injury that has him out for the rest of the season, the Celtics are receiving tons of phone calls inquiring about the availability of veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Many are assuming now that the floor general for the Celtics is out, (Rondo was averaging 14pts/11ast a game) the Celtics should blow up the team and start the rebuilding process---as opposed to making a move for a stop-gap PG that will help the current 8th seed team limp into the playoffs.

Currently Pierce, 35 and Garnett, 36, are being sought after by playoff contenders that could possibly use one of the the veterans to catapult them to a championship. Of the two, Pierce is the most movable, only owed $4mil for this season---but is under contract for 2013-14 at $17mill, and a player option in 2014-15 for $15mill (Garnett is owed $18mill, but contract is expiring)

Pierce and Garnett are pretty much the only valuable trade chips the Celtics have at the moment; Avery Bradley's stock is wayyyy down after a pretty lousy season thus far. The only obstacle standing in the Celtics way is pride and loyalty, with the latter being directed at longtime Celtic, Pierce. It's hard to see the Celtics part with Pierce unless Pierce openly asks for one. Garnett doesn't hold the same title in Boston, but his departure would mean the Celtics would most likely miss out of any deep playoff run possibilities this season. Coach Doc Rivers has already said: 

"You can go ahead, but I'm not. We won tonight and so, the way I look at it is, we're going to stay in there. In my opinion, we're going nowhere."

Pride may keep the Celtics from trading Garnett (or Pierce) and giving up on the season. 

Personally, I don't think the Celtics are good enough to reach the Championship this year or next year with their current roster. I think it is in the best interest of the team to trade one of them, if not both, for whatever young talent and draft picks they can get.

Ainge has to do whats best for the team.

However, I'm a big fan of franchise players. I love seeing a player stay with a team his whole career. It would be awfully sad to see Pierce leave the Celtics. Danny Ainge and the Celtics organization are walking a fine line with how they handle Pierce; I think they should ask Pierce whether or not he wants traded---a move that could be beneficial to both Pierce and the Celtics: Pierce could pursue 1-2 more rings with another team and the Celtics could start the rebuilding process

As far as Garnett goes, I think he should be traded for sure...if they can find the right deal.

The only problem I have with all this trade talks is finding a suitable trade partner. I can't see the Celtics trading either veteran player to a team not already poised for a deep playoff run. I mean, why would the Celtics ship off Pierce or Garnett (or Terry) to any other team? It wouldn't be right.

Only 2 teams come to mind as possible suitors:

Memphis Grizzlies
- Grizzlies have been in trade rumors all season, specifically with SF Rudy Gay. The Grizz are playoff contenders. Rudy Gay would be a great rebuilding piece for BOS.

Maybe Rudy Gay for Paul Pierce and Garnett straight up? I'm not sure if the contacts add up, but it has to be close. Probably the best case scenario for the Celtics.

Gay would be best-case scenario for Celtics

Philadelphia 76'ers
- The 76'ers may try to trade Andrew Bynum, rather than resigning him or letting him walk this summer. Bynum has been injured all season so far and hasn't been a part of the teams success this year. They could move him and not risk hurting the team. The addition of Garnett and Pierce could catapult them too title contenders (especially with Jrue Holiday plating at an All-Star level) Andrew Bynum could be healthy when Rondo returns next season. Bynum is young and talented, despite injury concerns. They could take the chance. The fact that this would be a trade within the Eastern Conference may hinder trade possibilities, however.

Bynum would be a high-risk, high reward move

The lack of suitable trade partners (that are good fits for Garnett and Pierce, as well as the Celtics) may mean that the Celtics don't make a move before the Feb. 21st trade deadline. They may just play the rest of the season and let Garnett walk this summer and retain Pierce til his retires...or they blow the team up like everyone is speculating.

Who knows.

Flat Hair, Don't Care

If Guile and Gerald had a baby...

Iman Shumpert's hair is insane this season. After recovering from his ACL tear for the last couple months, Shump returned with the most glorious flat top fade I've seen seen. He is the latest to rock the do---Norris Cole of the Miami Heat has been sporting it for awhile now and Brandon Jennings had one couple seasons ago. 

Side burns are a nice touch.

De Loy Shis

I hope the trend continues! and doesn't fade away.

Bye Hornets, Hello Pelicans

The most terrifying team name in NBA history

Well, they finally made the name switch. Announced in December by new New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson, he said he wanted to change the team to one that better represented the state. (remember that the hornets name was carried over from Charlotte when the team relocated to New Orleans in 2002)

Alternate Pelicans Logos

Around this time, many suggested that New Orleans reclaim the Jazz team name from Utah, but as we all know, the Great Salt Lake City state is in no rush to hand that over. So, names like the Brass and Bullsharks were tossed around until the Pelicans name was rumored to be the final choice. From there, there has been hundreds of mocked up logos all over the web. Many questioned if it would be possible to make the Pelican moniker, the least fitting name for a professional sports team full of 6ft+, tattoed covered athletes, intimidating. At first you would think it wouldn't be possible, but believe me, I saw some sweet creations:

This and more great (mock) Pelicans logos here

I even tried my hand at making some logos, but with graduation and job hunting, never quite finished any of them:

I really wish I had more time to really hash a full logo out. I never got past the initial thumbnail stage, unfortunately. It's funny-- originally I thought to make the Pelican into a musical note that acted as the 'N' in New Orleans and I just recently saw somebody do something similar. I even played around trying to make the pelican into the Fleur-de-lis, just like one of their confirmed alternate logos.  It's so difficult to be original, no matter how hard you try!

But, ultimately, today, a final logo was chosen. And while its more certainly not my favorite design, it could be a lot worse. I still don't think it will go over well with NBA fans for quite some time. I feel like eventually, people won't even call them the Pelicans, but possibly the 'Pels' like Pittsburgh does with their NHL team, the Penguins (Proof that a professional sports team can turn a unthreatening bird into a beloved, championship winning juggernaut of an identity for a state)

I loved Chris Paul's response to his former team's name change:

I'm not either, CP3. But, the Hornets name isn't going to be dead too long. Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats has already said if/when New Orleans changes their team name, he'd explore the possibility of bringing the Hornets back to Charlotte. As an NBA fan growing up in the 90's, that's great to hear. I most definitely don't want to see the Hornets leave the NBA.

I'd much rather see the Bobcats and their terrible logo/jerseys go in the dumpster. Gross.

Fantasy Deal: Dwight Howard for Brandon Jennings

Damn. I've been away wayyyy too long. I promise I will never do that again. I recently graduated college and landed my first big boy job in Chicago, IL. It's been super busy since December. But, alas, I'm back....and there's a lot of catching up to do!

Something I want to get off my chest is a trade scenario that I've been drawing up for the last few days. It involves these three, beautiful faces:

                                         Al Horford                                 Dwight Howard                             Brandon Jennings

But, before I get into it, let's look at some backstory to the deal.

Okay. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know full well that the Los Angeles Lakers are playing horribly. They made the coaching change last month, bringing in D'Antoni (instead of Phil Jackson) with hopes that the energetic coach good bring life to their dying offense. D'Antoni was responsible for the offensive juggernaut that was the Phoenix Sun a few years back with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire; he also had a good thing going in New York, prior to the Carmelo Anthony Trade.

D'Antoni has to get the Lakers back on track.

Well, long story short, it hasn't been working. The Lakers are losing left and right. The combination of Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant (and Pau Gasol) is not gelling. Sure, Kobe is putting up almost 30pts. a game (Durant may catch him for points leader) but that may be the only positive. If Nash isn't hurt, he's a defensive liability on the court and if Howard isn't hurt, he's not finishing at the hoop, constantly taking lay-ups, instead of dunks. (to which he then gets fouled and misses his free throws.)

Just a short sidebar...what the hell has happened to Dwight Howard?!? There is no way one of the top 5 best players in the league can fall off so far. Mentally, something is off. His game has been in shambles since coming to La La Land. Howard is putting up about 17pts/12reb/3blks a game, but those numbers are drastically misleading. He is missing screens, missing free throws, and drastically failing in the paint; his FG% is so low. For some reason, he has lost all agression and presence under the hoop.

Any hoo, the Lakers have been just god awful (outside of excellent play from Metta World Peace, Earl Clark, and Kobe Bryant) The big question is how do you solve the problem? Well, for the last month or so, people have been SCREAMING to trade Pau Gasol. Poor Pau Gasol's has been the scapegoat for this disastrous Lakers season thus far; If I had a nickel for everytime I heard that trading Gasol would turn this team around, I would have enough money to buy Steve Nash a Life Alert....and a wheelchair encrusted with diamonds.

Property of Steve Nash

But, Gasol isn't the answer. Hell, what of Gasol has been seen to even suggest trading him would help the team? He barely gets minutes; he comes off the bench and has rarely a play called for him. The only time he sees the ball is if he rebounds it. I'm confident is the 32yr. PF/C was given the opportunity, he would put All-Star numbers on the board.

But, alas, they refuse to give them to him. So, the logical answer is to move him, right? Why not move him to get younger assets? Well, because he currently makes $19mill/year and has 2 years left on his deal. That contract is Joe Johnson big. Who the hell will absorb that cap hit for the next few seasons?

No one that I can think of.

But, you know who is tradable? Dwight Howard. (He's probably the only player they can trade)

I know, I know. Didn't they make the blockbuster of a deal to bring in Howard? Didn't they break up their championship-caliber roster and ship out Bynum in order to bring this franchise cornerstone to LA? Isn't Howard supposed to be the new King of LA once Kobe retires? Well, that was the plan. But, Howard is shrinking in the Los Angeles spotlight faster than Neil Patrick Harris's Penis at a Victoria's Secret fashion show.

I love you NPH

It's just not working. Dwight's personality isn't made for LA. It's obvious he cannot take the heat. He is a great player. A PHENOMENAL player. Better yet, he's a great person. It's not fair to the him and the Lakers to drag this out any more. Jim Buss and the Lakers organization need to admit that they epically fucked up (Phil Jackson is laughing his ass off right now). Once they do that, they can start fixing the franchise.

First thing they should do is move Howard. I propose they move the big man to Atlanta.

Atlanta? Why? Why did you put a picture of Brandon Jennings at the top of this post? Does your dumbass think Jennings is on the ATL roster?

Nope. I think in order to get Howard to Atlanta, a third team is necessary; a team that has assets that LA covets. I'm referring to the Milwaukee Bucks. The thing LA obviously lacks is youth and speed at the permitter. Nash can't keep up and Kobe is doing everything he can-- but it's not enough. I think if they move Nash to 6th man and bring in Brandon Jennings, the team would come alive! Jennings, a LA boy, will fit right into the spotlight he's been born to play in. Sadly, the flamboyant PG has been in the boring Wisconsin of all places. A move to LA would be electric for his career.

Jennings would love the LA Spotlight

A trade of Howard for Jennings wouldn't work however, because there is no chance in hell Howard would sign an extension with MIL....but he would resign if he was traded to his hometown team, ATL (with best bud, Josh Smith still there)

Here's how the trade shakes down:

Los Angeles Lakers Get:
Brandon Jennings (sign and trade, $11mil or so/yr)
Ersan Ilyasova ($8mil)

Milwaukee Bucks Get:
Al Horford ($12mil)
Devin Harris ($8.5mil) Expiring Contract
Kyle Korver ($5mil) Expiring Contract
1st Rd. Pick (ATL)

Atlanta Hawks Get:
Dwight Howard ($19mil)
Drew Gooden ($6mil)

I think the move would be a slam dunk for all 3 teams:

The Lakers get an electric, young PG to lead their team for the next 6+ years. They get a young PF that can shoot from all over the court. This trade allows Gasol to move into his natural position at C and get the touches he needs. Moving Nash to 6th man immediately makes the 2nd unit stronger.

Howard and Smith could excel together in Atlanta

The Bucks get a legitimate big man they need. The 2 Guard play of Ellis and Jennings is exciting, but hurts the team inside. Horford, while not a defensive stalworth, is a credible threat to opposing teams; he's a scorers, too. Devin Harris replaces Jennings at point, which in theory only means he'll feed the ball to Ellis, who will more than likely run the the team. In addition, the Bucks gain financial flexibility by bringing in Harris who's contract is expiring. Kyle Korver's contract is also expiring (the Bucks lack good 3pt SG, other than Ellis, so he's a good fit regardless) Throwing in 1-2 1st Rd picks only sweetens the deal. Gooden (who is very far down the Bucks bench) saves the team even more money.

The Atlanta Hawks get Superman himself, Dwight Howard. He can be their new franchise player. His presence will more than likely trigger Josh Smith to resign. Smith and Howard, plus Teague at PG is a solid foundation for the franchise. Howard should thrive in his return to the Eastern Conference, especially to a franchise much smaller than LA and more similar to Orlando. I wouldn't be surprised if Atlanta made a move to secure a 3rd star player to create their own super team. By trading Joe Johnson last summer, they definitely have some flexibility.

Whew. I'm outta breath. Good to be back!!!

Josh