2007 NBA Summer Preview
Ron Artest to be Traded; Vince Carter Tops Free Agents List
NBA excitement continues even after the regular season and playoffs are completed.
The NBA off season can be an exciting stretch for the avid basketball fan. While buzzer-beaters and acrobatic maneuvers on the court are restricted to the woman's game and NBA summer leagues, teams scurry to find the best free agent players and coaches, negotiate trades and scout up-and-coming prospects. This summer promises to be filled with intrigue as NBA teams work to improve their rosters.
2007 NBA Draft
Topping the headlines has been the 2007 NBA Draft, which features two star-quality players in Ohio State University center Greg Oden and University of Texas forward Kevin Durant. Both have made themselves eligible for the June Draft after just one season in college and both are expected to go with the top two selections. The Memphis Grizzlies have the best chance at landing the top pick in the NBA lottery, which will take place during the NBA Playoffs. The Boston Celtics have the second best chance.
2007 NBA Free Agent Signings
After the NBA Draft, teams will be allowed to talk to free agents in July, which should be the start of more interesting developments. The top unrestricted free agents this summer are:
- Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
- Rashard Lewis, Seattle Supersonics
- Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons
- Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
- Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings (Bibby has the option of terminating his contract early, which he probably won't do)
- Grant Hill, Orlando Magic
- Mo Williams, Milwaukee Bucks
- Jamaal Magloire, Portland Trail Blazers
- Kurt Thomas, Phoenix Suns
- Morris Peterson, Toronto Raptors
Summer NBA Trade Rumors
Among the many trade rumors that are bound to resurface as the off season draws near is the certainty that the Sacramento Kings will be shopping their troubled star Ron Artest this summer. If Artest leaves, it will be for the third time in his career. He has All-Star skills, but comes with a lot of off court baggage that can have a negative effect in the locker room. Still, teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat will likely make a push to acquire Artest in hopes of landing a high end player at low cost.
Another name to watch out for this off season is Indiana Pacers' star Jermaine O'Neal. After a disappointing season, highlighted by an embarrassing regular season finish, O'Neal may be wanting out of Indiana. The Lakers, who have courted Kevin Garnett for some time, may turn their attentions to O'Neal who will make roughly $18 million next season. Center Andrew Bynum would likely have to be part of the deal, as well as perhaps Lamar Odom.
After hogging the rumor spotlight toward the end of the NBA season trade deadline, Memphis forward Pau Gasol's name may come up again. The New York Knicks are said to be possible suitors this time. However, with the Grizzlies having such a high chance of landing the top pick in the upcoming draft, the Grizzlies might not be overly anxious to trade its star.
Teams Searching for New Coaches
This could be a good off season to be in need of a head coach. With several credible assistant coaches hoping for advancement and several top-notch head coaches in search of employment, there should be plenty of options for teams to find a coach who fits what they're looking for at an affordable price.
Top available coaching candidates include Rick Adelman, Larry Brown and Paul Silas.
At any rate, there should be much excitement and reason to check online NBA news feeds even long after the NBA champion is decided.
