2007 NBA Northwest Summer Preview
Nuggets Might Trade Marcus Camby; Sonics Might be Moving
NBA teams will scurry to refurbish and improve their rosters this summer, in hopes of improving next season.
The NBA's Northwest Division will draw a lot of attention this off season. The Utah Jazz finally had a healthy season in 2006-2007 and might be the only team in this division not to make significant moves. With the emergence of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, as well as a solid supporting cast that includes center Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko, the Jazz have a solid core that could lead them into the future.
Though Utah probably won't make too many transactions this summer, they could stand to find a perimeter defender who can hit the outside shot. They relied on a committee of Ronnie Brewer, Gordon Giricek and Matt Harpring to hold down the fort at shooting guard, but might opt to go for more solidarity at that position.
The jury is still out on whether or not the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony - Allen Iverson duo is going to work out. Bringing Iverson to Denver will have its costs. Because of his large contract and because the team signed forward/center Nene to about $10 million a year last summer, the Nuggets will have to move some contracts to free up cap space. Obviously, Anthony and Iverson are untouchable and since Kenyon Martin is untradeable, that leaves 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby and Nene. The Nuggets don't want to part with Nene. He's shown tremendous upside and improvement for someone so young, which means that Camby might be on his way out. Losing such an important piece of the Nuggets' defense could really effect the team's success next season. If Camby leaves, Nene will have a lot of pressure put on him to step up his game. Also on the Nuggets "to do" list is to re-sign Steve Blake. In some ways, he was the glue to the Nuggets' offense late in the season, as he focussed on distributing the ball to their two big time scorers.
The Minnesota Timberwolves need to do its business on the pot or get off. They refuse to deal Kevin Garnett despite no making much attempt to build much of a team around him. It's hard to imagine that the Wolves would trade Garnett, but it might come down to that. In the meantime, they're rumored to be looking to deal Ricky Davis as well as trying to move up or out of the upcoming draft. The Wolves really need some beef in the middle to help Garnett, as well as some consistent perimeter scoring. They're hoping Randy Foye blossoms quickly.
This may be the last season the Seattle Supersonics play in Seattle. With new owner Clay Bennett late in submitting his proposal to have the local county vote for a new stadium, things are starting to look grim for the Sonics' future in the emerald city. Don't expect the Sonics to make a whole lot of off season moves this year. They will and should try to re-sign Rashard Lewis. If they can't keep Lewis, they may think to trade Ray Allen as well and completely start over. The Sonics have some talent, but they don't have much of a distinguished core. Despite drafting project centers in each of the last three NBA Drafts, the Sonics still need a defensive presence in the middle. Robert Swift showed a lot of promise two seasons ago before getting hurt and missing the entire 2006-2007 season. He might be able to provide some help in that area.
The Portland Trail Blazers have improved relations with its fans and have a lot of intrigue surrounding its roster. Zach Randolph is coming off a career year and Brandon Roy showed he belongs in the NBA after winning the 2007 Rookie of the Year award in decided fashion. The Blazers should be rid of Jamaal Magloire's $8 million a year contract and should focus on acquiring another veteran player or two as well as a perimeter shooter.
Also check out:
2007 NBA Atlantic Summer Preview
2007 NBA Central Summer Preview
2007 NBA Southeast Summer Preview
2007 NBA Southwest Summer Preview
2007 NBA Pacific Summer Preview
