A labor war is looming. Owners are claiming poverty. Commissioner David Stern is vowing to rid the NBA of deadbeat contracts.
So what happens Monday, the last day for NBA teams to work out extensions with players who began their rookie year in 2001?
Owners hand out a jaw-dropping $390 million worth of contract extensions. Tracy McGrady (four years, $85.7 million), Zach Randolph (six years, $84 million), Jason Richardson (six years, $70 million), Tony Parker (six years, $66 million), Troy Murphy (six years, $60 million) and Brendan Haywood (five years, $25 million) all struck gold.
The averages? That's $65.11 million per player. No wonder the owners are all claiming they're broke. And that's not factoring in the $86 million Pau Gasol and Andrei Kirilenko each got earlier in the week, nor the $76 million Richard Jefferson landed or the $40 million Jamaal Tinsley signed for earlier in the fall.
Nor does it include the billions of dollars owners forked out this summer for free agents.
Billy Hunter, the head of the NBA Players Association, is going to laugh at the owners, who seem to be begging for stricter gun laws while shooting themselves in the foot -- repeatedly.
The most amazing thing is that the owners know better. They are on the verge of getting a new collective bargaining agreement that will have fewer contract years, smaller raises and a reduced mid-level exception, limiting free agent movement. Was this a going-away gift?
The McGrady extension had to happen. If it didn't, he would have opted out of his contract this summer and someone else would have paid him. The Parker deal actually was reasonable given the market. He's a 22-year-old point guard with a ring and would have been one of the hottest commodities on the free agent market next summer. The Spurs would have had to spend considerably more to keep him next summer. With him the Spurs are a serious contender for the championship. He's worth the cash.
From there ... it gets a lot more iffy.
Randolph's a marquee player -- and a poster child for the Blazers' ills.
Start with Randolph. He posted monster numbers last season, but has the maturity issues. Anyone who knows Randolph claims he's a nice enough kid, but the emphasis is heavily on the "kid" part. He's been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately, and seems to be the poster child for all that has ailed the Blazers this past decade.
So what do the Blazers do? They give him a near-max deal (it will hit $86 million if Randolph makes the All-Star team). Why? What was Randolph's leverage? His agent, Raymond Brothers, claimed that Randolph would sign the one-year tender and then bolt the Blazers in 2006. They Blazers apparently bit.
In fairness, the deal isn't really as big as it appears. As reported Monday, 30 percent ($25 million) is deferred to an additional six years after the contract expires in 2011. But for cap purposes, this contract reads like a straight max deal.
Randolph's contract, along with the deals to which the Blazers signed Theo Ratliff and Darius Miles this summer, takes away any potential for cap space next summer – something John Nash was adamant about keeping just six months ago.
Why? Nash explains: "We were very, very comfortable, knowing what we know about Zach Randolph, the person and the player, to go forward. Suffice it to say, we wouldn't have proceeded if we were uneasy."
It might turn out to be a good deal for the Blazers in the long run with the deferred money. But Randolph's a risk, regardless of what the Blazers are saying now.
The Haywood deal just proves the old axiom that NBA teams always will overpay for seven-footers. The Nets did it when they gave Jason Collins four years, $25 million, and the Wizards did it with the Haywood contract.
Haywood has done virtually nothing in his career, and he's shown very few signs that he's going to get better. This is exactly the type of contract Stern despises, but it's also the NBA's old faithful. If you are big and have a pulse over 60, you're getting a big deal.
That leads us to what I like to call "Monday's Perfect Storm."
Adonal Foyle, Derek Fisher and Chris Mullin
Mullin's latest head-scratching deals comes months after making Foyle, left, and Fisher, center, rich beyond belief.
On one side you have one of the most feared agents in the NBA, Dan Fegan, representing two players on the Warriors – Richardson and Murphy. Fegan has an uncanny knack for getting extraordinary deals for his clients.
Shandon Anderson, Howard Eisley, Austin Croshere, Erick Dampier -- B-list players with A-list contracts.
On the other side, you have the Warriors. Their history of handing out bad contracts is almost as long as their league-leading playoff absence. New GM Chris Mullin had already signed two of the worst contracts of the summer -- a five-year, $40-million deal for Adonal Foyle and a six-year, $37 million pact for Derek Fisher.
It wasn't a fair fight.
Fegan claimed he wanted both clients traded if they didn't work out a deal. Mullin claims he didn't panic, that he planned to hand out the $130 million worth of new contracts all along. Richardson's deal is huge, but it's within the realm of reason. He put up great numbers in Golden State last season has enough raw potential to become a star in a league. The Warriors paid a premium for it -- but so did the Nets with Jefferson, right?
Murphy's deal is one for the record books. Can you name the last player who missed 54 games in a season, has career averages of 8.9 ppg and 6.9 rpg and was rewarded with a huge deal? Murphy is a solid player who can be a great rebounder when he's healthy. But $60 million?
Mullin has now spent more than $200 million this summer locking up three players who have never been to the playoffs. and a fourth who was a bit-player on a former champion. He's determined to keep together a core which has never generated a winning season.
Before the season, the Warriors were preaching change. Change from a horrendous streak of losing. Change from the bad contracts that former GM Garry St. Jean loved to sign. Change from the dysfunctional ways of one of the NBA's worst franchises.
Then they fired the only coach who's had any success in the last decade, hired an unproven college coach, let their best center leave via free agency, signed Foyle to a ridiculous contract to compensate, overpaid Fisher and then locked the franchise into six years of the status quo by throwing $130 million at Richardson and Murphy.
People wonder why I'm down on the Warriors. I rest my case.
The Beat Goes On
Still not convinced that teams have lost their mind? On the same day that owners were handing contracts rivaling the GNP of a small country, two more overpriced, under-performing players hit the waiver wire.
Eddie Robinson and Bo Outlaw were bought out of their contracts. Robinson had two years, $14 million left on his deal. Outlaw had one year, $6.6 million remaining.
Earlier in the week, Eisley was bought out of the last two years -- $14 million of his deal. And Anderson is expected to be released, with three years, $24 million remaining on his deal.
“ Eddie Robinson is about one word: winning and losing. ”
— Paul Collier, agent for former Bulls F Eddie Robinson, in the Nov. 2 Chicago Sun-Times
Don't be confused by the waiver wire. These teams are still on the hook for these players' contracts. The players might have given up a million or two for their freedom, but the team is on the hook for most of it. The players just don't have to suit up.
You'd think that a laundry list of bad deals (two of which Fegan negotiated) would give an owner pause. It didn't. Stern is right, the owners need protection from themselves. But it's hard to generate sympathy for successful businessmen who no longer seem capable of running their own businesses.
The Almost Deals
After that rant, it's probably hypocritical to criticize some teams that didn't get deals done by the deadline. For the most part, teams such as the Bulls did the financially prudent thing in refusing to overpay for the potential of players such as Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler.
But there was a deal that didn't get done that could haunt one team down the road. The 76ers' inability to get Samuel Dalembert locked up could cause them some big problems down the road.
Agent Marc Cornstein claimed that the two sides did strike up negotiations Monday, but "we were still very far apart."
Cornstein was comfortable turning down the Sixers' offer in part because "we've taken a look at the free agent landscape and are pretty confident that the teams with cap room will be interested in Sammy."
He's right. Once the Warriors, Spurs and Wizards locked up their players, the free agent pool shrunk. Teams such as the Hawks, Cavaliers, Bobcats, Clippers and possibly the Sonics will head into the summer with significant cap room. The Hawks, Cavs, and Sonics in particular will be in the market for a big man, and Dalembert might be the best one on the board come July 1.
If Dalembert progresses at the pace he did last year (or even if he doesn't: see the big man axiom above), the Sixers could get taken to the cleaners. Factor in the team also has Willie Green and Kyle Korver hitting the free agent market, and the Sixers could be the one team wishing it would have come to terms.
Quote of the Day
Who would have thought we'd ever have a quote to rival Latrell Sprewell's ridiculous "I've got a family to feed" line from Monday. Well, Robinson's agent, Paul Collier, might have topped it Tuesday.
Here's what Collier said about his client after the Bulls dumped Robinson and agreed to eat the remaining $14 million of his deal.
"Eddie Robinson is about one word: winning and losing." Ummmm ... actually Paul, he's just about losing.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
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Wednesday, November 3 Updated 9:28 AM EST
Rumor Central
Injury-depleted Jazz might re-sign veteran Eisley
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Howard Eisley
Howard Eisley
Jazz Nov. 3 - The Eisley Era, Part II, might begin Wednesday in Utah.
According to the Oct. 2 Salt Lake Tribune, the guard-strapped Jazz are expected to re-sign Howard Eisley and insert him into the regular rotation by the Oct. 3 season-opener against the Lakers. Eisley, who played from 1995-2000 with the Jazz as a backup to John Stockton, was bought out of his contract by the Suns last week. The Jazz are expected to be the winners of a five-team pursuit to sign him.
They need the help. Point guards Carlos Arroyo (sprained ankle) and Raul Lopez (knee) are on the injured list, and the remaining point guard is little-known Keith McLeod. Eisley must clear waivers, pass a physical and sign a contract.
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Etan Thomas
Etan Thomas
Wizards
Injury Nov. 2 - Thomas might be sidelined by a strained abdomen until Thanksgiving or longer, the Washington Times reports.
Newly-signed to a six-year, $37 million contract extension, the center suffered the injury early in training camp. It was hoped he would be ready by the start of the regular season. But the Times, citing a source "with knowledge of the situation", reports Thomas will need a much longer recovery timeline.
Thomas was placed on the injury list, guaranteeing he will miss at least five games. The already-depleted Wizards – seven players will miss the Nov. 3 season opener either by injury or suspension – know this injury well. Last season guard Gilbert Arenas missed 27 games because of a strained abdomen.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Glenn Robinson
Glenn Robinson
Sixers
? Nov. 2 - Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson is trade bait, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Rookie Andre Iguodala will start ahead of Robinson at small forward, and the Sixers would prefer to trade Robinson, 31, rather than use him off the bench. Robinson has started all but 11 of the 679 games he has played. He is entering his second season with the Sixers after one season with the Hawks and eight with the Bucks.
"There's no hard feelings," said Robinson, in the last season of a contract that will pay him $12 million. "I just want to be in the best situation possible. We both agreed here may not be that situation."
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph
Trail Blazers
Six more years Nov. 2 - The Trailblazers have signed Zach Randolph to a six year, $83 million contract extension league sources told ESPN Insider Chad Ford Nov. 1.
Paying Randolph the $83 million was a big concession Blazers, who on Oct. 29 were only offering $72 million. However, don't be deceived by the big upfront number. The Blazers are deferring a full 30 percent of his contract (a whopping $25 million) for another six years after the first six years is up.
Randolph, 23, averaged 20.1 points and 10.5 rebounds to earn the NBA's most improved player award.
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Chat Wrap with NBA Insider Chad Ford!
Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford will drop by to take your questions.
Ford writes the daily NBA Insider column for ESPN Insider. He also in a frequent contributer to ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and makes weekly apperances on ESPN Radio and ESPNEWS.
Send your questions now and join Chad in The Show at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday!
SportsNation The ShowGirl: Welcome to The Show! NBA Insider Chad Ford will be here to talk all those hoops Qs at 1 ET. Send in your comments now!
SportsNation Chad Ford: Hey everyone. I'm in the house and ready to roll.
Gibson (Detroit): The PISTONS have looked sloppy during the preseason, do you expect them to win tonight against a very talented Rockets squad???
SportsNation Chad Ford: The pre-season doesn't mean jack. They will be fine. I think this team Pistons team will be better than last years and I fully expect them to repeat as NBA champs. I also like the Rockets, but they're pretty thin at point guard right now. They really need to pick up another player until Bob Sura gets off the IL.
Corey (Michigan): Can Ben Wallace become MVP if he starts scoring?
SportsNation Chad Ford: That's a great question Corey because when people claim the Pistons have no stars, I wonder if they've seen Wallace play. To me the definition of an MVP is a guy who has the biggest impact on the game. Wallace is so dominant defensively, I think he should be considered even if he doesn't average 10 ppg. The Pistons are a defensive team and he's their motor.
mike, roseville, mn: How can you pick the Spurs over the T-Wolves when all they have added is Barry? He is nothing great, maybe hit an extra shot or two unlike Bowen but the T-Wolves bring back the same guys and with the addition of Wally and T-Hud healthy there is no way the Spurs can win the West.
SportsNation Chad Ford: Huh? Are you watching the same T-Wolves team I am this fall? Sam Cassell is pouting, Spree is demanding a trade . . . the great chemistry they had last year appears to be crumbling. I put the T-Wolves at No. 2 but over the last week I have my doubts if they'll be that high.
Ali (NYC): If KOBE can lead his team into the playoffs is he a lock for MVP?
SportsNation Chad Ford: No. It will take more than that. Of the last 15 MVP award winners, all of them played for teams that finished first or second in their conference. If Kobe can get the Lakers into the top three in the West, I think he has a great shot. But no one is going to give Kobe the award for just earning an eight seed. Getting in the top three will be a big feat for the Lakers. The only way it happens is if Kobe trusts his teammates and passes the ball occasionally.
Jimbo (Miami): I know Shaq is a great player, but do you think he'll stay healthy enough to make a difference?
SportsNation Chad Ford: Yeah, he'll make a big difference. The question is . . . can he lead the Heat to the Finals. Really, anything short of that is a disappointment. I'm not sure he can. I don't believe the team has enough depth to go that far. They're a Shaq or Dwyane Wade injury away from the lottery.
Andy (Twin Cities): Chad, what do you think of the Cavs this year? Their late season run last year nearly had them in the playoffs and nearly had them a winning record. Do you think they have a shot at the playoffs this year? What do you think of Lebron for MVP?
SportsNation Chad Ford: I like the Cavs, and have them ranked 5th in the East this year. The Boozer loss was a blow, but I like the pick-ups of Drew Gooden, Anderson Varejao, Eric Snow, Sasha Pavlovic and Luke Jackson. All very solid. LeBron will be legit MVP candidate if that happens.
Rick (SF): Hi, I have one question on the Kings. What was their rationale for rejecting the Peja-for-Artest trade over the summer? It seems to me that Artest's defense would have been a perfect fit for the Kings. Thanks.
SportsNation Chad Ford: I agree that it would've been a good trade for the Kings and the Pacers. The concern was Artest's erratic behavior. It's difficult to know how he'd react to a trade like that. I think the Kings will be just fine in the West, but if they start to slip, they may have no choice but to show Peja -- he's their most tradable asset.
shawn (Grand rapids,MI): Lebron MVP!?!?! on a 5th Place barely above .500 team? You cannot be serious
SportsNation Chad Ford: I'm not saying he'll win the award . . . he won't with a 5th place finish. But any time an 19 year old kid lifts his team from the cellar into contention you have to being the discussion. His name will be mentioned for MVP if he gets the Cavs that far. In another year or two, if the Cavs continue to improve, he could even win the thing. He's that good.
Mike (Indianapolis): Whats up with the Pacers not getting any credit for the season they had last year? Especially since they have everyone back from last year and they added a playoff experienced veteran in Stephen Jackson . It seems to me no one wants to give them any credit just b/c they aren't in one of the top three markets.
SportsNation Chad Ford: I agree Mike. In my mind the Pistons and Pacers are the two best teams in the NBA -- not just the East -- in the NBA. They are a serious threat to Detroit. They have great depth, a great coach, two All-Stars and Stephen Jackson looks like he's really stepping up his game there. They don't get enough credit, especially team president Donnie Walsh who's done a brilliant job with that team.
Joe (London, UK): Ok, here's another one Chad, what do you see for the Mavs?Most pundits have them falling off from the last few years. Is Nash that important? Essentially they've swapped him for a center presence they've needed for ages (Dampier), Devin Harris and Jason Terry to take care of point duties and an extra year's experience for Daniels and Howard. Is that not an improvement?
SportsNation Chad Ford: Tough one. Nash was very important to what they did. They're a different team with Devin Harris, Jason Terry and, most importantly, Erick Dampier in the middle. They should improve defensively (Harris led the preseason in steals and Damp will block shots) but I'm not sure about the chemistry yet. They have a lot of offensive minded players and I'm not sure if Harris is ready to feed all of those hungry mouths. I've projected them fourth in the West, but honestly they could be a little bit better or a lot worse. It's all about how this team gels because they clearly have the talent.
Jeremy ((Orlando, FL)): If the Magic remain relatively healthy do they have a shot at making the playoffs and if so do they finally make it out of the first round?
SportsNation Chad Ford: If Grant Hill, in particular, can stay on the floor, the Magic not only have a great shot at making the playoffs, I think they could be as high as a fourth seed in the East. I think Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley are both going to have big years and I was really impressed with Dwight Howard when I went down to camp. The key is Hill, though. When he's on the floor, the team really seems to find it's groove. They'll be tough to stop. You've got to hand it to GM John Weisbrod. I was skeptical this summer, but it looks like he might have turned this thing around.
Jim (NY): I think the T Wolves are overrated and the latest actions of Spree and Cassell could lead to their departure and the team's implosion. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Nuggets win the Northwest.
SportsNation Chad Ford: It could happen. I really like the Nuggets. Great front line. Carmelo will only get better and Andre Miller is one of the under rated point guards in the league. I'm not sure they have the experience yet to take the leap to elite status, but I do believe they'll be very, very good. If the T-Wolves slip, the Nuggets or Jazz will pounce.
Alex (Morristown): The NETS made some poor front office decisions will they turn into the bad new Nest of the early 90s or will they hold a .500 record???
SportsNation Chad Ford: The Nets are a mess. Jason Kidd won't be back until December and when he does come back, it will be to convince teams that he's healthy enough to trade for. That leaves a lot, too much, on Richard Jefferson's shoulders. He's a nice role player but he'll struggle in the spot light. I don't think they'll be a playoff team and suspect they'll move Kidd by Christmas if he gets healthy.
Russ: (Luverne, MN): Your column Monday mentioned a Jason Kidd and Alonzo Mourning trade to the T-Wolves for Cassell, Spree, and Ebi. Is this something that could actually happen? Wouldn't this be a steal for the T-Wolves who would add a fabulous center (as long as healthy) and the #1 point guard in the league?
SportsNation Chad Ford: Kidd has a list of teams: the Wolves, Nuggets, Mavericks, Lakers and Spurs that he'd like to be traded to. The Wolves seem to want him the most. If the Nets made this trade it would be to clear cap space. They could get way under the cap by doing it. That might be the best they can do if teams determine that Kidd is damaged goods.
Shawn (Gilbert): What do you think of the Phoenix Suns this year? They have looked awesome in preseason and they seem to be playing together real well. How far do you invision them getting record wise and playoff wise?
SportsNation Chad Ford: I like them a lot. Nash and Q will help them tremendously. I think they'll lead the league in scoring this year. The question for them is on the defensive end. If they defend, they will be very dangerous. If every game is a shoot out, they'll hover around .500.
Chuck (Philly): Give me some love about the Sixers...They are looking good, and playing good defense. Any positive predictions?
SportsNation Chad Ford: They're tough to predict. They have the potential to be as good as a 4 seed, but they could also slip out of the playoffs. It's up to Iverson to stay healthy and embrace his role as a point guard and then, from there, they need a couple of their young players like Andre Iguodala, Willie Green or Samuel Dalembert to deliver. If they play well, it will work out.
Matthew (Brentwood, Cali): Warriors in the 8 spot! You agree?
SportsNation Chad Ford: You're smoking the same stuff Chris Mullin was when he gave $40 million to Adonal Foyle and $60 million to Troy Murphy.
Chad Ford (Florida): Im Chad Ford. I hate the knicks. I refuse to talk about them. Ladeedadeedaa
SportsNation Chad Ford: What do you want me to say? They have enough talent to be a mediocre team for the next six years. They might make the playoffs. Throw a parade Knicks fans.
SLY (Nashville, TN): Mr. Ford, lets get right to it. Why aren't the Grizzlies listed by more experts to be a sleeper in the NBA this season? Hubbie can still coach and Gasol is an up-in-coming ALL-STAR!
SportsNation Chad Ford: We're probably under rating them again. The Grizzlies are the deepest team in the league and we all love the coach. The question is less about the Grizzlies (who essentially stood pat this summer) and more about how many teams in the West improved this year. They still have a great shot at the playoffs, but I don't think it's a slam dunk either.
Benzino (UMass): The Pats rule, the Red Sox rule, Kerry wins tonight....will the Celtics make Massachussetts the best state of the country this (and next) year???
SportsNation Chad Ford: The pressure's on Danny! I like their starting five of Gary Payton, Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis, Raef LaFrentz and Mark Blount. And I'm a big fan of Jiri Welsch. But after that, their bench falls off the map. They might make the playoffs, but depth will be a serious issue.
SportsNation Chad Ford: I've got to go everyone. Have a fun time deciding between watching the Pistons, Rockets, Lakers and Nuggets or watching the elections. The NBA picked the wrong night to start the season.
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Talk NBA with ESPN columnist Marc Stein!
Welcome to The Show! ESPN.com senior NBA writer Marc Stein will drop by to talk about all the stories making news as the NBA regular season gets underway. Send your questions now and join Joe in The Show, Tuesday at Noon ET!
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Hey everyone! Marc will be here momentarily!
SportsNation Marc Stein: Hello, friends. Welcome back to Chatland and, more importantly, welcome back to the league we love. I'm in LA, prepping for Nuggets vs. The Kobes. But we can sneak in a little chatting before shootaround.
Carlos (Fresno): I am a loyal reader of your power rankings and I always agree with you, but I find it highly offensive how you've seem to dog out the Lakers in your preseason rankings. I don't disagree with the ranking(14) but I find you very hypocritical in saying to not put to much stock in the Lakers 6-2 preseason start, when you seem to have bought in plenty to the Nuggets 7-1 start and you even called the Suns 7-1 start PROMISING. What's up with that?
SportsNation Marc Stein: C'mon, Carlos. I know it's early, but it's never too early to read things closely. I didn't give the Nuggets anything extra for their 7-1 preseason. And I wouldn't say PROMISING is a huge compliment to the Suns, who didn't move up any spots from the first batch of rankings. I've been consistent from the start -- I don't think The Kobes have enough to make the playoffs in the mighty West. I'll be the first to put my hand up if I'm proven wrong.
Paul (Los Angeles): Question for you Marc: How is it possible that a team of Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and Dwayne Wade makes it to the playoffs, gets to the conference semifnials (AND takes Indiana to a seventh game) and everyone and their mother talks about "what a scrappy, young, up and coming team" they are and "what a bright future this young team has". OK, now take a team of Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant and replace Dwayne Wade with KOBE BRYANT - THE GREATEST, MOST CLUTCH BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE...THE SECOND COMING OF JORDAN.....THE MOST PROLIFIC GUARD ON THE PLANET and HOLDER OF THREE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS and all of sudden we're fighting to make playoffs??? what are people not understanding? WE TOOK EVERYONE on their playoff team and gave them a 33 year old Shaq......how are WE the team in trouble?
SportsNation Marc Stein: Because Lamar and Caron are not in the East any more, that's why. And because I don't know that B-Grant can hold up to the rigors of the West. And because these Lakers are just getting to know each other as a group and have a suspect bench and even more questions about their ability to defend inside. Kobe will have to be as good as you describe him -- getting others involved as well as getting himself going -- to make it happen.
san jose, California: Who are your west coast sleepers? I say none, except that Utah is in the top eight and Sacramento finds itself on the outside looking in.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Since I can't find anyone but myself touting the Nuggets, I'd have to say Denver.
AC: Did the Warriors just over-take the Knicks as the team with the most contracts that can't be traded? Assuming they sign Dunleavy for at least $8m next year, their starting five of Fischer, JRich, Dunleavy, Murphy, and Foyle will eat up the entire salary cap for four years or more.
SportsNation Marc Stein: I wouldn't go that far. First of all, there aren't many guys who are untradeable -- teams always seem to find a way. Secondly, it seems as though that the Warriors felt it was wiser to lock up Richardson and Murphy than gamble on having cap room. When you've been out of the playoffs for a decade, it's hard to argue. We haven't seen marquee free agents clamoring to get to the Bay Area.
Greg: Steiner the Denier of the Indiana Pacers! They have to be at least no. 2 due to being one Jermaine O'Neal sprained knee away from a world championship last year. Besides the aging and maturity of Ron Artest, Jamal Tinsley, and the rest of this relatively young squad, they added a perimeter scoring veteren in Stephan Jackson who has a NBA championship. You'll have the Pacers as THE Beast of the East by mid-season. Mark my words Mr. Stein
SportsNation Marc Stein: Good line ... haven't heard that one before. Can't put the Pacers at No. 2, though. Not with JO out at the start of the season and not with realignment poised to give them the scroogie. Winning the Central is huge and the Pacers' injuries, beyond their control or not, are going to give the Pistons a bit of a head start. But I will be just as mad as Pacer People when Detroit and Indy wind up playing each other in the second round just so some Atlantic Division team can raise a meaningless banner in the fall of 2005.
Neil (Tempe): When will Stein desist the "by East standards" nonsense? PleasePleasePlease find a new line. The Pistons are the champs. Deal with your beloved Lakers' loss and shut up!
SportsNation Marc Stein: Will do ... as soon as the East offers up more than three elite teams. Also enjoy how you call me a Laker Lover -- they barely let me into the city at LAX last night after picking the Lakes to miss the playoffs.
Randy Zinna: I am biased since I live in Baton Rouge, but I think you are dead wrong on the Hornets. I have them at 14 and hope for better.
SportsNation Marc Stein: You're right, Randy. You're biased.
Aaron (Phoenix): I don't get it. Last power rankings you said that these power rankings would be affected by each team's preseason. So the Suns go 7-1 and you move them up from 11 to...11?
SportsNation Marc Stein: In the Suns' case, a 7-1 preseason KEPT them at No. 11. It kept them ahead of the Mavs, even though I expect Dallas to make the playoffs and Phoenix to just miss out come April.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Also, just to clarify, what I said in the initial batch of power rankings was that teams had a month to impress me. Again, let's please read closer.
Rob (Staten Island): With all due respect, you are out of your mind if you put the Celtics Sixers and Nets ahead of the Knicks in the Atlantic. That is all. Thank you.
SportsNation Marc Stein: You're not the first New Yorker to send me a note along these lines. Sorry. I like all three of those teams better. I like Boston's top six, and I like Jim O'Brien as Philly's coach and I think Kidd will play enough to keep the Nets in the top eight. Guess we'll find out soon enough.
Je (Montreal): OK, you better get cracking on those Bulls comments. You're starvin us man!
SportsNation Marc Stein: I'm open to suggestions on Le Bulls. It just seems like the same story, week after week, season after season. Maybe Nocioni will spice things up and give me some new material. Sorry. I'll try harder.
Tyler Olpin (Ogden, UT): You say the Jazz have a real problem with Stock, Mail, AND Carlos Arroyo out. First, Arroyo isn't out long. Second, you said the same thing when Harpring went out last year, but nothing changed. The Jazz have good depth and athletic young players who can fill in when needed. Here's my question: Will the Utah Jazz, with the moves they have made and with the young talent on the team, be a title contender in the next couple of years?
SportsNation Marc Stein: I was being a bit facietious, Tyler. After doubting the Jazz in print, I fully expect Arroyo to heal instantly or Utah to win regularly without him.
Korey WICHITA: i seem to remember you ranking the lakers pretty high even though they were fighting like crazy. the wolves had the best record in the west last year and stayed pat while other teams scrambled to keep up with them. they deserve respect until someone knocks them down a notch.
SportsNation Marc Stein: The Lakers had a long history of winning in the face of squabbling. Minnesota has to earn that kind of respect by proving it can do the same. Besides, I only dropped them to No. 4. Which means I did show them respect, because Spree and Sam are bang out of order with all this squawking. They're not showing much appreciation for Wolves management giving them a chance to compete for a title by making tax-inducing trades to bring them in.
JKlipp USMC (Mahmudiyah, Iraq): Keep doubting my Bucks. They'll bring the same heart, guts, and determintation this year, and "suprise" you again. Any more hate, and I'm moving them out here to Iraq. The "Mahmudiyah Bucks", nice ring don't you think?
SportsNation Marc Stein: I still have them making the playoffs, so "hate" is a bit strong. But we'll let it slide because we all appreciate what you're doing and where you're sending this from. Be safe.
Marc Bethesda, MD: You say the East only has 3 elite teams.... who other than San Antonio, Minnesota, and Sacremento are elite in the West?
SportsNation Marc Stein: Good point. I should have used the word "quality" teams. The West's elite is still forming. Fact remains, though, that the West has 13 teams that can make a legitimate case for playoff contention ... and the East has three quality teams and a lot of question marks.
Greg (Denver): Can Philly actually trade the Big Dog without taking on bad contracts in return? If that's the case, why wouldn't they just keep him and dump his salary at year's end, so that ownership won't balk when the team wants to pay that money to Dalembert, Korver and Green?
SportsNation Marc Stein: That's the challenge. There will be plenty of interest in Big Dog's contract, but the reasons you state are exactly why Philly can't/won't just give him away.
Joe Huntsville, AL: Ok I'll ask it. Is Grant Hill going to play a significant amount of minutes this year?
SportsNation Marc Stein: I think so. But that's purely an optimistic view because I feel for the guy. Nobody knows, of course.
brianj cleveland, OH: Do you think that Drew Gooden will step it up & be a formidable replacement for Carlos Boozer?
SportsNation Marc Stein: I liked Boozer better because he could be effective without the ball. Gooden needs touches and I'm not sure he and Z mesh well.
Andrew Eastwood(Melbourne Aus): I've probably said more intelligent things than this before, but The Wizards actually have a good chance to make the playoffs this year. Arenas and Jamison played together in Golden State and although they didn't make the playoffs in the West, they clearly did better than most other Eastern teams would in the West.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Can't agree with you on this one, Andrew. Their bigs (Kwame, Haywood, Etan) have to prove it to me over the course of a whole season. The East is gradually getting bigger all the time.
Joe (Honolulu HI): Vince for Spree! We'll even throw in Hoiberg or Madson.
SportsNation Marc Stein: I'll pass it along to McHale and Babcock. But it's not going to happen. Can Spree sell tickets in Toronto? Can the Wolves really afford Vince on top of KG? No and no.
Dalvin, Canberra Australia: Hi Marc, I just wanted to pay tribute to the wonderful career that Scottie Pippen has provided us. He is the epitomy of a team-player while embodying the adage that even great ones make mistakes!
SportsNation Marc Stein: I was admittedly never the biggest Pip fan, but there's no question he was one of the great defenders of his time who will probably never fully get his due.
Joaquin Uy from Las Vegas: Do you really think that the Heat can go as deep as the Eastern Conference Finals considering how they don't have depth coming off the bench? Sure, they've got the Diesel, Mr. Wade & EJ on there team but they lack considerable back ups. Specially on the wing and on the low post.
SportsNation Marc Stein: If Shaq stays reasonably healthy, I don't see how Miami falls short of the conference finals. With a No. 2 seed, which isn't that hard to get because of realignment, Miami can avoid Detroit or Indy until the third round. Who else in the East is going to beat them?
Paul Chang (Detroit): Your rankings are right where they should be. PURE GENIUS. Good job and kudos.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Only got one of these but I had to run it. Thanks, Paul.
q (San Antonio): PLEASE tell me you're picking the Spurs to win it all
SportsNation Marc Stein: Sorry, Q. Picked the Pistons over the Spurs in the Finals. But it has nothing to do with the previous posting. Really. The Pistons simply have a better team than they had last season.
Nose - Loon, Texas: Line, Sure, the Mavs miss Stevie, but doesn't the young crew of Devin, Daniels, Howard and the Diggler get your Man City pants going crazy for the future!! Go Cottagers!!
SportsNation Marc Stein: City reference ... this guy must be a chat veteran. The Mavs are smart to start focusing on youth because I can't help but see this as a transition year for them. Their defense is ahead of their offense after Nash's departure, and whoever thought we'd say that? Plus they've had several key guys (Finley, Stack, Terry) miss huge chunks of camp. I'd say they're going to need at least a season to learn how to play together; Nowitzki is their best passer from what I've seen in the preseason. But I suppose they could surprise me. Anything's possible if we've got Fulham fans submitting questions now.
SportsNation Marc Stein: As always, thanks for the great questions everyone. I have to head out but we'll do this again next week, sprinkling rankings questions in among the general questions. Enjoy Week 1.
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Chat with ESPN's Tim Legler!
Welcome to The Show! Former NBA 3-point champion and ESPN basketball analyst Tim Legler will drop by to talk about all the stories making news as the NBA regular season gets underway. A dead-eye shooter from long distance, Legler spent 11 seasons in the NBA. Send your questions now and join Joe in The Show, Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET!
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday! Tim is here!
SportsNation Tim Legler: Hello!
mike(coral springs,fl): Tim Do you think Houston will have a better focus with the extension of McGrady done and are they tittle contenders?
SportsNation Tim Legler: They are not title contenders yet. They don't have enough parts to go with McGrady and Yao. McGrady probably more than any other player is under the microscope this year to see if he can lead a team. Getting his deal done will help him mentally but they just don't have enough to go around him.
John Los Angeles CA: Shaq got out-played last year by Ben Wallace who is 4 inches smaller and 120 pounds lighter. But no one mentions this, why?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I would disagree with that. It's difficult to put Shaq in an individual matchup with a player and say he was outplayed. He is usually double or triple teamed all the time. I think the Pistons outplayed the Lakers as a team. But it's just hard to say anyone outplayed Shaq one on one.
Luke (St. Paul, MN): The Celtics look to be much improved, especially inside with the return of LaFrentz, the signing of Gugliotta, and the two young kids (Perkins and Jefferson) ready for some minutes. They're still under many people's radar, however. How do you see them doing this year?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I see the Celtics as a team fighting for a playoff spot. There are four teams in the East .. Indiana, Detroit, Miami and Philly .. that are playoff teams. Celtics have a lot of depth though and will be competitive every night. They should be in the playoff hunt.
Matt (Sydney, Australia): Should us heat fans be worried about Shaq having a similar Kobe-Shaq relationship with D-Wade in 4-5 years? (I've heard Wade has no problem with Shaq being the team focal point, but will he fell the same in the future?)
SportsNation Tim Legler: Yeah, I don't think that will ever be a situation with Wade. I've known Kobe since he was in high school and he has always had that air around around him, it's hard to understand where he is coming from. But Wade came in more unheralded and is more grounded. He has been watching what went on in LA just like us so he doesnt' want it to happen there. He will defer to Shaq and that will help everyone.
Michael (houston): Do you think Phil Jackson would be good or bad for the current knicks??
SportsNation Tim Legler: Interesting question. I'm curious to know what he would do with a team that is less talented than what he has had in the past. I even read a quote where Jackson said he would look at how talented a team is before he coached them. I'm not sure he would want to coach a team with average talent.
Joe (Dayton): I've been telling everyone that the Magic are much better than people are giving them credit for, this is a totally different team than last year. Are we playoff caliber?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I picked them to be my sleeper team of the year. They can make some noise and will be competitive.. which they were not last year. I like the fact they gave up Grady but got a lot of parts they could use. They just have to stay healthy to fight for a playoff spot.
jeremy (kansas city, mo): even with detroit winning the championship last year, are they the favorite to win again or is it still a team out west?
SportsNation Tim Legler: This year I think the best team is the T-Wolves. I think it's going to be Minnesota-Detroit in the finals with Minnestota winning. The Wolves are healthy and they just have so much firepower. The thing that can hurt them is a chemistry issue with Spree. But if they can get everyone on the same page, I think they win it all.
joe (d.c.): is an NBA team seriously building around Mike Dunleavy Jr?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I don't think they are building around him. He is a good player but he's a complimentary player to an All-Star guy. But he is not a guy you build around.
MR (KC): How will the Cavs be this year without Boozer? Can Luke Jackson make an impact for them as a rookie?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I think losing Boozer was big. But they did a nice job of replacing him .. Gooden is a good player. Jackson is on my Rookie sleeper list. They didn't have many guys who could catch, spot up, and hit a 3. Getting Jackson on the floor a lot could be hard early but by end of season he will be contributing every night.
Salim: Elgin, IL: Yo Timmy whats going on? You got to answer my question. Im still one of the only guys that is proud to say Im a Bulls fan. Just wondering if my precious Bullies will trade Curry before the deadline and if they do for whom?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I think they are going to move him if he doesn't show more maturity and consistency. But the problem they will have is many teams do no cover Curry. They see him as having great size and potential but they don't think he has a high basketball IQ and is kind of lazy. The Bulls are in a tough spot. I don't expect too many teams knocing on the door.
pete - mpls: Your thoughts on Sprewell and his comments? Would love your view as an ex-player.
SportsNation Tim Legler: I think it shows a lack of focus on his part. I'm a little surprised because he has never won a championship and this year is his best shot. Seems strange to be disruptive right now. As a player, you don't have much recourse so you try to force a team's hands. But I would think a championship is the most important thing and he would have a great shot at one this year. I'm disappointed by his comments.
Sean (Jersey): Senor Legler - Are we going to see a change in the formula for a championship, from the Lakers "Star System" or the Detroit "Team Concept", and if so could this save the NBA?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I think teams want to try to play that way but Detroit's talent is underestimated. They have a lot of high quality player who know their roles. Teams will try to duplicate that but most teams don't have the character or the talent.
Jesh (Charlotte, NC): I don't think the Bobcats hit double digits in wins this year...what are your thoughts?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I think they will get about 15. I played on a 13 win team .. teams are complacent to play you so you will sneak some wins that way .. you will play some teams on their fourth game in five days .. they will get wins.
Mike, Philly: Whats up Tim former Lasalle grad here. Is Lebron the real deal. I've watched him three times during the preseason. Good player but I'm starting to think he's maybe a little over-rated. Poor outside jump shooter and average ball- handling skills. Exceptional athelete though . What do u think?
SportsNation Tim Legler: I would agree completely on the outside shooting. If LeBron wants to be a superstar, he has to be a better outside shooter. He has to improve that. But I think he is a better ballhandler than you give him credit for. He has incredible court vision also. He is a good player but to be in that Superstar category, he has to be a better outside shooter.
Paul (NYC): Was Barry the missing piece for the spurs, and do you think they will win the west?
SportsNation Tim Legler: Yeah, I think that is a huge pickup. He could be the Sixth Man of the Year. He will have a big impact. He can just flat out shoot the ball and will open up the floor for Duncan. He is also a great passer.
JR - portland: I haven't seen many Blazers games, but is Zach Randolph good enough on both ends to deserve the contract he got?
SportsNation Tim Legler: That's tough. I'm a Randolph fan because he plays hard and is consistent and produces. I'm not sure you can build your team around him though because he's not a great defensive player.. doesn't have the quickness or athletic ability. But he produces each night and stays healthy. Is he worth that kind of money? I think the only guy worth that much is a guy you think can win you a championship.
Zack (j-town): How many wins do you think the Pacers will get with all of these injuries they have? With Croshere and Polard as the starting frontcourt, their odds can't be that great.
SportsNation Tim Legler: Early on they will struggle. But only a few teams are strictly built for April-May-June and they are in that mix. They aren't too concerned about getting out of the gate hot or cold. They have veterans and understand this is a marathon and not a sprint.
J, Gold Coast, Australia: Tim, who would you rather be in control of now if you had the choice -- Seattle, Atlanta or Golden State? What would you do?
SportsNation Tim Legler: Definitely Golden State. Atlanta is a situation where they just don't have the support or fan base. Guys feel like it's going to Siberia. Seattle hasn't really shown the inclination from the front office to try and do something to compete in the West. Golden St. has a lot of good talent and guys that want to win. They have young talent. They are a few parts away but the commitment is there.
Thanks for the questions .. looking forward to a great season! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Take care!
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Thanks, Tim! How's everyone doing? Buzz has a public service announcement .. we are at a crucial time in our country .. it is ultra important that each one of you do you duty .. excercise your God given right .. go out there and buy an NBA Fantasy Team! The future of this great land we live in depends on it. Buzz will even give you a little sticker to wear.
SportsNation Buzzmaster: OK, the NBA train is going to keep rolling today with Marc Stein at noon ET, Chad Ford at 1 ET and Ken Bikoff of Basketball News at 2 ET .. for those looking for Len Pasquarelli at noon, click on his name in the ''Lineup'' to take part in his chat.