*** Official 2014 NBA Draft and Free Agency Thread ***

[preslove]

Now that love might go to cleveland, I see them going to the finals. I'd say the western conference team will be more likely to win, but after a series. And then next year they'll be better.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Healthy Rose over Paul for me every time..cant turn down the MVP

I'd take Paul over Rondo, but I'd take Rose over Paul in most situations. If I was on a team with a couple other major superstars, I'd take Paul. But, on any team outside of the Heat and their Big 3, Rose would be my go to. Paul just doesn't play aggressive enough (and doesn't have to most of the time, but even when they are losing, doesn't step it up to another level).

That's absolutely true and a big reason why rose will have a chip on his shoulder...to prove that he can 'get back' to being the best. As little as he's played the last couple years, the statute of limitations on still being able to claim he's the best has definitely passed, and he's going to have to re-earn everyone's respect the hard way...and I think he's going to enjoy doing that.

Don't get me wrong, I'd take a healthy Rose over Paul too. The problem is, you don't know if you're ever getting healthy Rose again. He came back from a full year of rehab, looked a little rusty, was starting to regain some of that old magic, and promptly got hurt again. I'm a Blazers fan; I've seen enough Roys and Odens and Bowies and Waltons to know that expecting someone to come back from a knee injury can be an exercise in futility. I sincerely hope Rose does it, because not only is he a magical basketball player at his prime, but he's a great person in general. But if I'm a GM, I'm skeptical about seeing Rose ever hit the peak he reached in 2011. If he regains that form, he's the best point guard in the NBA. In the meantime, Chris Paul has claimed that title.

 

[HendrixFan]

I don't worry as much about Rose losing "it" after being out for so long, either lacking in explosiveness or in being overly cautious. I worry about him missing out on two plus years of basketball while rehabbing. These are supposed to be some of his years where he shows the most growth in his game and that is being stunted by not being able to play. Losing those years of competitive basketball is worse than the injury in and of itself, assuming that the injury problems don't persist or inhibit him.

I say that while considering DRose to be one of my top 3 players currently in the NBA.

 

[Miramonti]

lakers got him in waivers for 3.25 with bulls making up the rest.

As much as Boozer was a frustration, he's still very skilled and better than most pf's in the league. He can school other pf's that aren't shot blockers. At 3.25m, that's beyond a steal for a starting pf that still has a lot of game left.

Don't get me wrong, I'd take a healthy Rose over Paul too. The problem is, you don't know if you're ever getting healthy Rose again. He came back from a full year of rehab, looked a little rusty, was starting to regain some of that old magic, and promptly got hurt again. I'm a Blazers fan; I've seen enough Roys and Odens and Bowies and Waltons to know that expecting someone to come back from a knee injury can be an exercise in futility. I sincerely hope Rose does it, because not only is he a magical basketball player at his prime, but he's a great person in general. But if I'm a GM, I'm skeptical about seeing Rose ever hit the peak he reached in 2011. If he regains that form, he's the best point guard in the NBA. In the meantime, Chris Paul has claimed that title.

Fortunately his meniscus injury was in his right knee and his acl tear in his left. For a player that doesn't have a history of knee injuries, there's still a reasonable chance he will be as good as gold again. And fortunately (or unfortunately if he gets a significant knee injury again), he and the bulls don't go into contract negotiations for 2-3 years.

 

[lupi]

miami trying to stay ahead of cleveland with most former heat players and resign haslem.

 

[Miramonti]

Wiggins for Love?

Love is not worth one of the most highly touted #1 pick in years...

But is Wiggins worth being the most highly touted #1 pick in years? At some point, one of these franchises will be embarrassed by this trade for years to come (aka Bryant for Divac.) Altho that's nothing new for the teams, whom each have a history of cr@ppy decisions.

I don't believe Wiggins deserves this stature, but I don't believe he's a 'bust' like an Olowokandi either. From a risk standpoint for the cavs, I would do the trade. It makes them an instant contender to get to the eastern conference finals and maybe as good as any to get the to the finals. Down the road, even if James only stays a couple years, Love and Irving are worth building a team around (assuming chemistry is good without James' leadership.) As for wiggins, I don't believe he is a player to build a franchise around, but for the wolves, since Love is gone anyways next year, it's worth the risk on a player with such high expectations from many.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Wiggins for Love?

Love is not worth one of the most highly touted #1 pick in years...

But is Wiggins worth being the most highly touted #1 pick in years? At some point, one of these franchises will be embarrassed by this trade for years to come (aka Bryant for Divac.) Altho that's nothing new for the teams, whom each have a history of cr@ppy decisions.

I don't believe Wiggins deserves this stature, but I don't believe he's a 'bust' like an Olowokandi either. From a risk standpoint for the cavs, I would do the trade. It makes them an instant contender to get to the eastern conference finals and maybe as good as any to get the to the finals. Down the road, even if James only stays a couple years, Love and Irving are worth building a team around (assuming chemistry is good without James' leadership.) As for wiggins, I don't believe he is a player to build a franchise around, but for the wolves, since Love is gone anyways next year, it's worth the risk on a player with such high expectations from many.

This is exactly why this trade is idiotic. If Cleveland waits one year, they can get Love for free; but no, let's throw away a potential FOURTH all-star for a bonus year of Love. That's just utterly moronic. It's not like Kevin Love is going to boost ticket sales; they just got LEBRON JAMES back. Wait one year, have Irving, James, Wiggin and Love together. We're going to look back on this like the James Harden trade; the lack of patience can make you look like an imbecile.

 

[postmortemIA]

Cavs wouldn't even been looking for Love if queen didn't want him. If whole country thinks Wiggins is the no #1 in this year's draft, you'd be crazy to trade him for 1 yr of player. Makes no sense. Wiggins will be dirt cheap for years to come.

 

[Miramonti]

This is exactly why this trade is idiotic. If Cleveland waits one year, they can get Love for free; but no, let's throw away a potential FOURTH all-star for a bonus year of Love. That's just utterly moronic. It's not like Kevin Love is going to boost ticket sales; they just got LEBRON JAMES back. Wait one year, have Irving, James, Wiggin and Love together. We're going to look back on this like the James Harden trade; the lack of patience can make you look like an imbecile.

What are the chances Love signs with Cleveland as a free agent? Not more than 50%, probably more like 25%, as there will be a lot other teams going after him. He will also have to decide whether to go with a slower paced eastern conference offense or an up and down western conference team. I'd be inclined to see him enjoy the western conference more...perhaps preferring the lakers with Boozer's contract expiring. However there is the Suns and Warriors as well. After all, he's coming from Minnesota, so why go from one sh!t location (boring and freezing) to another in Cleveland.

Cavs wouldn't even been looking for Love if queen didn't want him. If whole country thinks Wiggins is the no #1 in this year's draft, you'd be crazy to trade him for 1 yr of player. Makes no sense. Wiggins will be dirt cheap for years to come.

I assume any trade for Love would have to involve Love signing a lengthy extension (sign and trade?) with the new team.

 

[Miramonti]

Bulls enter fray for Love?

Although the full extent of the Bulls' offer wasn't immediately known, it is believed Minnesota would seek a package from Chicago featuring forward Taj Gibson and defensive ace Jimmy Butler in addition to other assets. The Bulls shelved their Love interest while trying to sign Carmelo Anthony away from the New York Knicks but, according to sources, have re-emerged as contenders.

Lol...Gar Forman and Ryan McDonough must have had lunch to discuss how to stock a single position with as many starters as possible. (even tho bledsoe isn't signed yet...otherwise signing isaiah thomas was brilliant )

Another PF would put Gasol make gasol play center more, which he doesn't enjoy. In this trade scenario, it would also require giving a couple of the leagues best defenders in Butler and Gibson. Pretty ridiculous imo, especially when they need a starting 2 or 3 already (butler can play either.) and a backup center.

 

[Red Storm]

Yeah Bulls going for Love doesn't make sense, not buying that.

As for Wiggins. Not only is there the potential that he'll be an amazing player, just think how much it will help his game to have Lebron as a mentor and teammate? Cavs would be dumb to trade him IMHO.

My number one wish for this upcoming season is a fully healthy Derek Rose. He needs it, the league needs it (especially the East), and us fans need it cause it's fun to watch superstars play.

 

[smackababy]

Yeah Bulls going for Love doesn't make sense, not buying that.

As for Wiggins. Not only is there the potential that he'll be an amazing player, just think how much it will help his game to have Lebron as a mentor and teammate? Cavs would be dumb to trade him IMHO.

I think a lot of people are questing Wiggins' work ethic and if he really has All Star potential. He hasn't really shown a ton of that "wow, this guy really is special" type of stuff yet. Plus, Wiggins doesn't exactly fit in where the Cavs need: a shooter. Even Irving isn't that, but they already gave him a huge contract, so he is staying. Love fits right in with how Lebron and Irving play and give both more space to generate offense. It will hurt their defense, but that can be dealt with.

My number one wish for this upcoming season is a fully healthy Derek Rose. He needs it, the league needs it (especially the East), and us fans need it cause it's fun to watch superstars play.

I think Derrick Rose needs it as well. He has got to be beating himself up over not being able to work through that stuff. I am really looking forward to seeing him play with a huge chip on his shoulder this season.

 

[darkewaffle]

Man, Embiid should not have a computer or a phone.

 

[smackababy]

Man, Embiid should not have a computer or a phone.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say he is kidding around and just having fun. Besides, who cares if he did hit on Kim K? Kanye going to do something about it? That guy is about as hood as a Huxtable.

 

[darkewaffle]

Oh I don't think he means anything by it and it's pretty fucking funny, but he does come off like a bit of a dope imo

 

[Miramonti]

Rose on a mission

LAS VEGAS -- Derrick Rose's basketball resurgence continued Wednesday as the former MVP opened more eyes during Day 3 of Team USA's training camp.

Rose, who has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons because of two serious knee injuries, has been drawing praise from all corners of USA Basketball for the speed and explosiveness he has regained since tearing the meniscus in his right knee Nov. 22.

I'm sure you guys have read these articles by now but it's worth posting. So far, Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Calipari, and a tempered Thibs have basically been blown away by the dominance and maturity of one player in particular, DRose, both offensively and defensively. Given the competition he's practicing with and against now, that of course says a lot. I'm really looking forward to watching Team USA play soon.

 

[UncleWai]

Never questioned drose's game. The problem is whether his knees can sustain a full season plus playoff.
They lack a pure shooter, hope dunleavy can play with more consistency

 

[dbk]

omg PG.... He done

 

[HN]

omg PG.... He done

That was Fcking gruesome. And then ESPN showed it in slo-mo

 

[Miramonti]

omg PG.... He done

That's an unbelievable tragedy. This will change Team USA forevah...back to college kids after next years olympics, which is how it should be. I can't see most organizations giving their players the same leeway to participate, even tho it can help their games.

 

[darkewaffle]

Just saw the PG injury video today, yeah I'm behind, but man the way his leg bent looked awful, real cringe.

Also surprised/disappointed to see Wall left out of the Team USA lineup. Rose and Curry I understand but I think I'd take wall over Irving/Lillard because of his more well rounded game and 'big game' experience. Hoping Boogie makes it as well, I'd love to see him get over his hump and shed some of that behavioral/maturity baggage.

Rumblings that negotiations between Bledsoe and the Suns aren't really making much headway. Bummer, but I have to side with the Suns - Bledsoe is a really good player with a lot of potential but 5y/80M (I think that's what his camp is seeking) is too much for a player who's only been in a starting role for a single season and was injured for a major portion of it. Hope they can meet in the middle somewhere or maybe have a wink wink deal of sorts setup for next year contingent on how he looks for season 2.

 

[darkewaffle]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sourc...ommits-to-staying-in-cleveland-054657392.html

Woj reporting that Love to Cavs for Bennett/Wiggins/2015 protected 1st rounder is agreed upon in principal (and has been for weeks) but can't be executed until ~8/23 due to Wiggins rookie contract signing. Love also reportedly agreed to sign 5y/120M deal following his contract expiration.

Feel a little bad for Wiggins, some of the interviews he's had recently are just kind of morose and he wouldn't exactly be going into a great situation in MIN.

Here's hoping Rose comes back strong, Gasol/Mirotic fit and play well, Wall/Beal continue to improve and maybe an upstart takes the next step (TOR? CHA? ATL?) so that some really good teams come out of the EC this year.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

That's an unbelievable tragedy. This will change Team USA forevah...back to college kids after next years olympics, which is how it should be. I can't see most organizations giving their players the same leeway to participate, even tho it can help their games.

yeah, lets save the proven NBA players so that we can risk the college players potential future NBA careers

we're not going back to college players, the reason we started using pros in 92 was specifically because of other countries starting to use pros, and the dream team is credited as a major reason why international interest in basketball has really taken off.

The injury was a fluke, plain and simple, no need to overreact to an outlier.

 

[smackababy]

yeah, lets save the proven NBA players so that we can risk the college players potential future NBA careers

we're not going back to college players, the reason we started using pros in 92 was specifically because of other countries starting to use pros, and the dream team is credited as a major reason why international interest in basketball has really taken off.

The injury was a fluke, plain and simple, no need to overreact to an outlier.

The NBA has been talking about doing what Fifa was done for years. They would much rather create their own international tournament (that way, they can get the money from it!) and impose a professional international limit on the Olympics (currently, for soccer it is the under 23 team, and there are two spots for players over that).

I am not saying the injury wasn't a fluke. It really sucks for PG and I do hope he is able to return to the form he was in prior. But, the league and teams aren't going to see it that way, or rather, use this as an opportunity to transition to something that better suits their interest. Indiana has insurance on his contract anyway, so they aren't losing out on the money aspect.

 

[Hacp]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sourc...ommits-to-staying-in-cleveland-054657392.html

Woj reporting that Love to Cavs for Bennett/Wiggins/2015 protected 1st rounder is agreed upon in principal (and has been for weeks) but can't be executed until ~8/23 due to Wiggins rookie contract signing. Love also reportedly agreed to sign 5y/120M deal following his contract expiration.

Feel a little bad for Wiggins, some of the interviews he's had recently are just kind of morose and he wouldn't exactly be going into a great situation in MIN.

Here's hoping Rose comes back strong, Gasol/Mirotic fit and play well, Wall/Beal continue to improve and maybe an upstart takes the next step (TOR? CHA? ATL?) so that some really good teams come out of the EC this year.

Can't we trade Anthony for Wiggins,bennet?