2007 NBA Pacific Summer Preview
Lakers Might Trade Odom; Kings to Trade Artest
NBA teams will scurry to refurbish and improve their rosters this summer, in hopes of improving next season.
The Phoenix Suns had another great season, the Los Angeles Lakers look to shake things up as do the Clippers and the Golden State Warriors celebrate its stunning playoff upset against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite all this, the lowly Sacramento Kings might be making the most off season noise in the Pacific Division.
Phoenix should go after an athletic, shot-blocking big man to help its interior defense. They should make a concerted effort to go after, say, Denver's Marcus Camby, who may be on the trading block this summer. However, in all likelihood they won't. For some reason, Phoenix loves to remain small to a fault. They're loaded with versatility and talent, but they could really use some beef in the middle. More to the point, they need to somehow find a way to win without Steve Nash, because he won't be there forever.
The Los Angeles Lakers are disappointed in their dysmal playoff campaign this year. They hesitated to offer prospect center Andrew Bynum to any team, but may have to rethink that. Bynum has serious upside, but the Lakers seem more interested in winning now. As a high market team and one of the most coveted locations to play with lots of television exposure, the Lakers don't necessarily have to worry as much about developing young players as, say, a smaller market team. The Lakers arguably have a better chance of attracting free agents in the future. So, it makes sense for them to go after established veterans now to help Kobe Bryant have more playoff success. In addition to Bynum, Lamar Odom will also be on the trade block this summer. The Lakers aren't pleased with how he's fit into the Lakers offense and may look to move him. Jason Kidd has been on their radar for a while, and Indiana Pacers' star forward Jermaine O'Neal may also be on the list.
The LA Clippers followed a promising season with a disappointing season, barely missing the playoffs. With Sam Cassell another year older and youngster Shaun Livingston out for a whole year to injury, the Clippers will be seriously looking for a point guard. Lakers' Smush Parker is said to be on their list. In addition, despite rumors to the contrary, Clippers management has said they do not want to shop Corey Maggette. Though, that might just mean they haven't received an offer that suits them.
Warriors coach Don Nelson has reshaped Golden State into the type of team he likes best. They're guard-heavy and a matchup nightmare for opponents. Still, they were exposed in the middle when Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz had his way with the Warriors' defense. They'll be looking for an athletic big man for situations like that. Also, though Jason Richardson was on the trade block much of the season, a solid playoff performance may have secured his status on the roster. Either that, or it's given the Warriors another player with high trade value.
The Sacramento Kings are a mess. Their core veterans have passed their primes and Ron Artest has not worked out like they'd hoped. Artest is certain to go and the Lakers, Clippers and Miami Heat are the top suitors hoping to land an All Star quality player at bargain price. The Kings might also lose point guard Mike Bibby to free agency, which means next season might be the year to develop some of their other young prospects. Kevin Martin had a break out season in 2006-2007 and players like John Salmons and Quincy Douby could make some sparks next season.
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 Northwest Summer Preview
