Young Teams Improve in Offseason
Magic, Grizzlies, and Bobcats are Making Moves to Move Forward
Jul 16, 2007
Danny Ainge will find his long-term rebuilding scheme in Boston harder to defend after some of the offseason moves by other teams. Ainge has been trying to restore ancient glory to the fallen franchise for the last five years. Other teams have leaped light years ahead in the rebuilding process this summer alone.
Yes, Ainge did aquire sharp-shooting Ray Allen from Seattle. Yet Allen's age (32) and ankles (recently operated on) hardly guaruntee more than one playoff appearance. Other NBA clubs have rebuilt or built around young foundations to ensure continued success, as well as the confidence of their fans. Three teams in particular have put themselves in a position to be future, if not immediate contenders.
Orlando Magic
Did GM Otis Smith overpay in signing Rashard Lewis to a 6-year $110 million deal? Probably. Yet Smith may not be as blind and spend-happy as many have thought since word leaked out about this monster deal. Lewis is only 27, so when his contract expires he'll be 33, and won't be likely to ask for another long-term contract that would take him well into his late-30's.
Another point of interest, is that when Lewis' contract ends, Dwight Howard will still be only 27. The Magic have six years to see how Howard develops on the offensive end, during his primary growth years. Lewis will keep Howard's progress from being the Magic's only hope, as he will give Howard the scoring needed when Howard is struggling inside.
Orlando has placed itself in a position to contend in the weak Eastern Conference, with a young core that is talented outside of the potent one-two punch of Howard and Lewis. Trevor Ariza, Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Redick will all have ample opportunity to show their stuff as this team matures and progresses. If even on of the aforementioned three develops as a consistent offensive threat, the Magic will be able to contend for years to come.
Memphis Grizzlies
It seems unlikely that a team could change its identity without trading away its franchise player, but that's exactly what Memphis has done this summer. New head coach Marc Iavaroni will change the Grizzlies' former half-court plodding offense to a quick-flowing movement that will catch opponents off guard. Being Mike D'Antoni's prized assistent for many years, Iavaroni has all the tools necessary to make this experiment work.
The key to Iavaroni's success and that of the Grizzlies lies in their prized rookie, Mike Conley Jr. With the former Ohio St. floor general, Memphis has a point guard who can push the tempo, as well as gain the respect of his older peers, who will be dependent on him in Iavaroni's system. Conley will be the engine that transforms the old Grizzlies' tractor offense into a humming sports car on the floor.
Another key addition is Darko Milicic, who has yet to fulfill his vast potential, but won't be expected to right away in Memphis. With Pau Gasol on the block, MIlicic will be able to flourish as an option in the offense, as well as contribute his rebounding and shot-blocking on the other end. Milicic, Conley, and Gasol, as well as role players Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay and Mike Miller, fit Iavaroni's style perfectly. It'll be hard for Memphis to crack into the Western Conference's upper tier of contenders, but they'll no longer be pushovers either.
Charlotte Bobcats
Michael Jordan is also getting mixed reviews on his offseason aquisitions, yet he may find himself chuckling to himself alongside Otis Smith in the near future. By trading for Jason Richardson, the pressure has been taken off youngsters Raymond Felton and Omeka Okafor to carry the franchise. J-Rich will command defensive attention, allowing Okafor more room inside, and creating space for Felton to penetrate. Richardson also makes them immediate playoff material in the Eastern Conference.
Jordan also resigned forward Gerald Wallace for six years without over paying him (around $9.5 million per year). Wallace averaged a career-high in points last year with 18.1 per game, but will be forced into being the primary scorer he's not with Richardson around. Jordan was smart to lock him up during his prime years, as Wallace will be 31 when his contract expires. He scored by signing veteran sharp-shooter Morris Peterson, who's experience and talent will help out further with the Bobcats' evolving young nucleus.
Besides the team's stars already mentioned, the Bobcats have young potential in Adam Morrison, Walter Herrman, and rookie Jared Dudley. Jordan's most important personnel decision will probably come when Richardson's contract ends and he assesses if one of his now-young players has developed into the face of the franchise, or if he looks elsewhere for star-power. In the meantime, the Bobcats potential has grown into a threat for any Eastern Conference team that underestimates them.
