(63-19) First Round Wraps Up [4-0]

2011 NBA Draft (cont.)

AS: "With the fifteenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select... Tristan Thompson out of the University of Texas."

EJ: "Well Thompson, a teammate of thirteenth pick Jordan Hamilton taken later than expected. They both led the Longhorns to the Elite Eight in this year's NCAA Tournament, but came up short against the Butler Bulldogs."

KM: "Thompson is a very raw prospect, but this is a suitable place for him to get taken. At 6'9", 225 pounds, he's an excellent defensive player. However, his offensive game is very limited. He has no range whatsoever outside of twelve feet from the basket. He struggles at the free throw line shooting less than 50% this past season. Ultimately, the rebounding and shot blocking is obviously what the Pacers are after, and thus that explains their selection."

CB: "I really like this pick. Realizin' that Thompson was still on the board, Indiana snatches him up. If he doesn't improve his offensive game in the future, he'll definitely do well on defense."

KS: "And since talent at the power forward position in Indiana is thin, I like Thompson's chances at earning a starting spot."

AS: "With the sixteenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select... Bismack Biyombo out of out of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He last played for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada of Spain."

KM: "Another raw prospect here, and Biyombo is as raw as it gets. No offensive game whatsoever is a harsh way to put it, as all he is capable of doing is dunks. At 6'9", 240 pounds, Biyombo has got an outrageous wingspan of 7'7". With that wingspan, he will become an excellent shot blocker, interior defender, and fierce rebounder. All of this is an upgrade at the center position for Charlotte, as they now have someone to do the hustle work for them."

KS: "He got a triple-double at the Nike Hoop Summit this year, in points, rebounds, and blocks. The Bobcats add another athlete and shot blocker next to Tyrus Thomas."

EJ: "Charlotte allowed the fewest points last season, and with another shot blocker added, they may allow less than 90 points per game this year."

CB: "The next Ben Wallace for sure. Might win a defensive player of the year award somewhere along the way."

EJ: "That would be when he reaches the potential that scouts have endlessly raved about."

AS: "With the seventeenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select... Kemba Walker out of the University of Connecticut."

CB: "Whoa! Outrageous! How was this guy still on the board! I pity those turrible teams who have overlooked him, especially Minnesota!"

KM: "Fresh off graduating from UConn and winning the NCAA Championship, I understand why you're angry, Chuck. Walker at 6'1", 172 pounds is as quick as they become, and an excellent scorer. In LA, his role will most likely be coming off the bench as an energizer and backup to Mo Williams. If he starts however, there are questions to whether he can be a true point guard in the NBA. A score first mentality point guard isn't really traditional, but there's another exciting player to watch heading to the Clippers."

KS: "The Clippers are starting to become better. This will probably kick Eric Bledsoe out of the rotation, or maybe they will be looking to deal Walker instead. Either way, I'd consider this a steal, especially if Walker can become a star; he's already led a team to the top, I'm sure he can do it again in the pros."

EJ: "Many people are convinced, there are a lot of expectations for him to meet, probably even as much as first overall pick Derrick Williams."

AS: "With the eighteenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select... Kenneth Faried out of Morehead State."

KM: "And so the raw bigmen continue to pile up. With the success of undersized power forwards in this league like Paul Millsap, Chuck Hayes, and DeJuan Blair, many scouts think Faried can make a name for himself in the pros. The most notable aspect of his game is rebounding. Despite standing just 6'8", he goes after those rebounds like a seven-footer, arguably better. He led the entire nation in rebounding this past season at 14.5, and shooting above 60% from the field. True, he didn't play in a very big conference, so therefore many think his scoring average of 17.6 is a fluke, but you can't deny the fact that his rebounding and toughness will be most welcome in Denver."

EJ: "He's an excellent all-around defender. A good shot blocker, and a good ball thief. Adding a defensive-minded player in Denver is a very good way to go."

KS: "He could end up being a better rebounder than that one other guy they called the Round Mound of Rebound, right Chuck?"

CB: "In yo' dreams, Kenny. He may be a hustler, but he ain't a good scorer, and that's what's gon' separate my career from his."

KS: "And the fact that he'll win a championship."

CB: "What?"

EJ: "Settle down, guys. Adam Silver is approaching the podium with a highly anticipated pick."

AS: "With the nineteenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select... Iman Shumpert out of Georgia Tech."

The abundance of Knicks fans boo.

EJ: "Well apparently the Knicks fans here aren't too happy with this selection. Shumpert at 6'5" has unusual height at the point guard position, what do you think is the reason behind the selection with this, Kevin?"

KM: "Shumpert is a tremendous athlete. As you mentioned, great size for a point guard, and a willing defender. What intrigues me is that they didn't chase a center, not that there's many to begin with. He really doesn't fit in well with Mike D'Antoni's offensive system, since he has a limited offensive game. Your guess is as good as mine, Ernie."

CB: "I'm surprised the Knicks picked someone who actually plays defense. That defense is gon' disappear in New York with D'Antoni as coach and what will be left? A benchwarming scrub."

KS: "You're being way too harsh, Chuck. I don't know what James Dolan is thinking, first firing Donnie Walsh and now making an unusual draft selection. Not too uncharacteristic for New York as they don't really draft well to begin with."

AS: "With the twentieth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select... Zee Otoo out of the University of South Carolina."

KM: "And there's another small forward picked by Washington. Otoo most likely won't get playing time with Rashard Lewis and Derrick Williams above him in the rotation, but let's discuss his game. At 6'8", he can play either forward position because of his shooting ability and great rebounding. His three-point shooting is off the charts. He led the nation in three-pointers made last season, shooting well beyond NBA three-point range in college."

CB: "He may be an outstanding three-point shooter, but that's really the only thing that's special about his game. It don't matter, he'll be wasted away sitting on the Wizards' bench."

KS: "Three-point shooters do create good assets in this league, Chuck. If given the playing time, I think this guy could become a solid player. Scouts have said he still has some improving to do and a high ceiling to reach."

EJ: "I guess we can maybe say Otoo's a poor man's Derrick Williams? With good three-point shooting and good rebounding, and someone who can score inside and out, maybe a good way to put it."

CB: "That's probably the case. I've said Williams is gon' be a bust, but just imagine how bad this Zee guy is gon' be."

KM: "I think that's being way too harsh. He'll find a way to crack the rotation, I'm sure of that."

AS: "With the twenty-first pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select... Marcus Morris out of the University of Kansas."

KM: "Marcus Morris, the first of the Morris twins taken in this draft, has the potential of becoming an all-around player in this league. He's got a decent shot and offensive game, he's a good rebounder, and brings toughness to the table. That's exactly what Orlando wants playing alongside Dwight Howard."

CB: "I like the looks of this guy. In my opinion the superior Morris twin, and I think his versatility is a much needed upgrade at the small forward position for Orlando. Hedo Turkey just ain't gon' cut it."

KS: "With the rejuvenation of Gilbert Arenas, I see this being a solid pick for the Magic. They can possibly end up building a great team in a couple of years that can get back to the NBA Finals. Of course, assuming Howard doesn't leave after next season."

EJ: "I think a selling point for Howard this year is whether or not the Magic can make another deep playoff run. Getting past the second round would be ideal, but I don't exactly think they're East Finals caliber yet. Selecting Morris and adding depth to the thin small forward position is a small step towards that process."

AS: "With the twenty-second pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select... Xavier Nelson out of Clemson University."

KM: "This pick is self explanatory. The Lakers desperately needed to add youth at the point guard spot and there you have it in Nelson. Only 19 years old, Nelson is arguably the best playmaker in the draft, leading Clemson in scoring and assists at 19 and eight respectively. A solid shooter from mid-range and beyond, he should fit in well in LA. He's a capable defender, knows his role, and can get the job done. Tony Parker walked circles around the Lakers in this year's playoffs. If they meet again next year, Nelson will be there to make sure it doesn't happen again."

EJ: "Scouts have said that he, like Jordan Hamilton, tends to rely too much on outside shots, thus when his jumpshot isn't falling, he disappears and becomes a non-factor. He'll be a hit or miss on most games."

KS: "Well what you must understand about basketball is that you're not always gonna have good or decent shooting nights. When you're taken out of your rhythm, the best players find a way to contribute in other areas and not disappear, and the stars know how to get out of those slumps and continue to dominate. In time, I believe Nelson will learn that, he's only 19 after all."

CB: "That shows his potential. He's a special player, but I'm not sure if Phil Jackson would want to start him right away."

AS: "With the twenty-third pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select... Willie Lewis out of Louisiana State University."

KM: "Lewis, expected to go in the second round gets taken early. Utah making a very odd pick here considering they've taken a shooting guard already, Alec Burks. Lewis is a 6'3" two-guard that's a scrapper of a player. Grabs rebounds like a forward, and has strong defensive instincts. The question is if he can guard other taller shooting guards like Kevin Martin, Kobe Bryant. He is a decent shooter and scorer, but his strength is definitely on the defensive end."

KS: "This is a Jerry Sloan-type player, but with Sloan gone, who knows how Lewis will fit into the system. The Jazz were a hard-nosed team during Sloan's 20 plus year reign, we'll see if the next coach can keep that up."

CB: "He may need to lose a bit of weight to be able to keep up with those quick guards like Martin and Wade. He may be a scrapper of a defender, but they'll run circles around him if he can't chase them down."

KS: "And you definitely know all about losing weight, right Chuck?"

CB: "I'ma get you Kenny. You're lucky we on air, next commercial break, I will-"

EJ: "And so I wonder whether or not Lewis will be able to crack the rather tight guard rotation in Utah, seems a bit of a stretch to me."

AS: "With the twenty-fourth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select... Valdis Iesalnieks out of UCLA."

CB: "Smart move by the Spurs to add another big body to their lineup. I'd like to know what this Eesalnics brings to the table."

KM (laughs): "Well Iesalnieks another raw prospect, 6'11", 271 pounds. His specialties are rebounding and shot blocking. This is a smart pick by the Spurs. They always draft very well, and I don't think this is an exception. Tim Duncan isn't getting any younger, and the more help he can get up front, the better. I like Iesalnieks' chances at playing time; I'm sure Coach Popovich is going to love his grittiness on defense."

EJ: "A player like Iesalnieks would've been ideal for San Antonio in the second round against the Houston Rockets. They had no shot-blocking presence with Duncan gone, thus making that series a walk in the park for Martin, Yao and the Rockets."

KS: "Spurs are more well-prepared now. Their core is getting older, but they're adding more and more to their stellar and young bench."

AS: "With the twenty-fifth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select... Travis Leslie out of the University of Georgia."

KM: "Leslie impressed many scouts with his extremely rare combination of speed, athleticism, and strength. He's a superb defender, gritty, tough. This is all very appealing, but due to his raw offensive game, who knows what the Bulls were thinking taking him in the first round. Yes they are in need of a two-guard, but ideally a shooter like Klay Thompson would've sufficed. Leslie doesn't have a legitimate jumpshot, and pretty much just depends on dunks and penetration to get points. But in reality, this is a player that would succeed under Coach Thibodeau's defense."

CB: "I don't know what the hell the Bulls are thinkin', but someone wake them up. It's gon' take a looong time for this guy to even crack the thin two-guard rotation in Chicago. I don't see it happening unless he lives up to the potential that some scouts have drooled over."

KS: "Plain and simple. When you can't shoot, drive to the basket. You see a new breed of point guards that penetrate a lot taking over this league. Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo. When you look at the success they've had despite not having a threatening jumpshot, they're still considered top tier point guards in this league. I'm gonna disagree with Chuck and say that Leslie will have some success in this league."

EJ: "Too early to tell at this point, but obviously the Bulls must know what they're doing drafting such a raw player."

AS: "With the twenty-sixth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select... Markieff Morris out of the University of Kansas."

KM: "Now here's the other Morris twin. At 6'10", 245 pounds, the Thunder add another big body to their lineup. Markieff Morris, an excellent rebounder, decent shooter, and has a decent post game as well. Not as defensive minded as his brother Marcus, but I find it surprising that both of them got taken this late in the first round. A solid pick for OKC."

CB: "He's more of a finesse type player. In the Final Four game against UConn, he struggled and that eventually led to the Jayhawks' elimination. To start, it's best if Morris comes off the bench."

KS: "Now this is the sentimental part, can the Morris brothers whom are well bonded after playing high school and college ball together, can they play well when they are so far away from each other? With no brother to stick up for them in periods of slumps, that will be a tough road for them."

EJ: "Remember Kenny, these guys are tough. Tougher than you. They should get along just fine."

AS: "With the twenty-seventh pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat select... Cory Joseph out of the University of Texas."

KM: "The Heat, looking for a good point guard, should be disappointed to know they won't find a really good one this late in the first round. However, scouts have claimed that Joseph has a high ceiling; at only 19 years old he contributed to running Texas' offense. He didn't impress very much though, but that can probably be attributed to having prior draft picks as teammates, Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson. Now the Heat have two solid young point guards in Joseph and Mario Chalmers."

KS: "He tended to turn the ball over a little too much especially in the NCAA Tournament. Another year in college would've prepared him better for the pros in my opinion, but that's just what I think."

CB: "Well you find a bunch of dumb nancies who go just one year to college, suck, but still declare for the draft and with luck on their side, get taken in the first round. Joseph is that type, and it's only so fitting that he goes to the Heat."

"Fuck you, Chuck! Fuck you, Chuck!" chants slowly begin to arise.

EJ: "Seems as if you got on the bad side of some Heat fans present here at Prudential Center, just like during the Eastern Conference Finals of this year."

CB: "They can kiss my ass for all I care. And it's just not Heat fans that are doing it."

KS (chuckles and dances along with the rhythm): "Seems as if fans from other teams are chanting along just for the heck of it."

AS: "With the twenty-eighth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select... Brad Halstead out of Fresno State."

EJ: "Halstead, not your normal common name. Many of us have never even heard of him, but after this year's NCAA Tournament, he's made a name for himself."

CB: "I like this kind of guy. Reminds me of a Charles Oakley type player, someone who plays physically and as long as the refs don't blow their whistle, he's just gon' keep doin' it."

KM: "Well Halstead, 6'9" and 236 pounds is one heck of a physical specimen. He's got great handles, with the potential of becoming a point forward in this league. He's a fierce rebounder, and has a decent jumpshot. But the most notable thing in his game is his defense. He led his 14 seeded Fresno State Bulldogs to the Elite Eight because of his defense. He most notably shut down Ben Hansbrough in the first round and won an upset game over the third seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish. And there's the thing, Halstead has the quickness to keep up with guards, and the strength and length to guard forwards and centers. Such a valuable defensive asset leaves me surprised he gets taken late in the first round."

KS: "It's cause he's got attitude problems. He can't stand the fact that there are players better than him. He's arrogant, self-centered, and though he is a team player, always considers himself above his teammates. He's had a few problems with the law as well, so while Houston is getting a very rare specimen of a player, they're risking the team chemistry by setting this guy loose."

CB: "I don't see him giving the Rockets crap, not as long as Shane Battier is there. Battier don't take crap from no one, and with a true leader like Kevin Martin, they should be able to keep him under control."

AS: "With the twenty-ninth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select... Chris Singleton out of Florida State University."

KM: "Here comes another player with a similar build as Halstead. 6'9", 230 pounds, Singleton is a defensive-minded player. Not as good offensively as Halstead, but he is just as good defensively. This is the type of player that Doc Rivers will love. Tough, gritty, just like Celtics basketball has always been known for. Really solid pick for Boston."

CB: "Singleton was shut down by Halstead in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. We know who's better head-to-head, but I think letting this guy drop to the Celtics was a mistake by other teams. He should fit in well in Boston."

KS: "His offensive game needs some improvement, and his jumpshot is a bit inconsistent. Hopefully he develops into a solid player, Shane Battier-style."

EJ: "Well we are nearing the end of the first round, and Adam Silver has the last pick. Let's see who the reigning champions the Dallas Mavericks take."

AS: "With the thirtieth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select... Klay Thompson out of Washington State University. This ends the first round of tonight's draft. The second round will begin momentarily."

KM: "Solid pick by Dallas to take a scorer. Thompson can penetrate really well to create scoring opportunities, but he can also shoot very efficiently from anywhere on the court. He's got a solid, fundamentally sound jumpshot, he's the complete package when it comes to scoring. Averaged 22 points this past season, Dallas' high-powered offense suits him well."

KS: "With Jason Kidd retiring and JJ Barea's contract expiring, I would've thought that Dallas was after a point guard, but I'm obviously wrong. Thompson was the best player available, and he should be able to contribute right away with three years of college ball under his belt."

CB: "Dallas adds another three-point shooter to their lineup. That's not a turrible move."

EJ: "And so begins the quest for the repeat. Dallas starts by adding more depth to their bench. And as the first round ends, saying that it's shocking that no trades have been done would be an understatement. Maybe teams are waiting for the second round to begin before negotiating. The second round, a place where it's extremely difficult to find significant talent, but there are always gems hiding in the rough. As guest host Shaquille O'Neal makes his way to the podium, he's got the first second round pick."

Shaquille O'Neal: "Wit the thirty-first pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select... Tobias Harris out of the University of Tennessee."

Baller

Looks like Ra$hard is going to fall out of the rotation pretty soon...

What, the 2nd round is just now? I thought the 2nd round was when those NLSCers were drafted.

^LMAO.xD I'm really excited for the preseason.xD

Baller

Not when you need to lose weight!

Looks like Ra$hard is going to fall out of the rotation pretty soon...

You're getting a bigger contract than his?

What, the 2nd round is just now? I thought the 2nd round was when those NLSCers were drafted.

Nope. There's still one more NLSCer to be drafted though.

^LMAO.xD I'm really excited for the preseason.xD

Still won't start yet.

Next will be a tl;dr version of the draft, including the second round.

can't wait to see what the diesel is going to say...

"with the XX pick, the ___ team select _____.....

....CAN YOU DIG IT!?"

haha

also...i didn't notice any draft day trades? pretty quite night then

oh and Kemba the Clipper get rid of Mo Williams! Kemba+Bled will be an awesome rotation to match with EJ and Blake....as long as Lowry doesn't gun them down first

Looks like Ra$hard is going to fall out of the rotation pretty soon...

You're getting a bigger contract than his?

Well, when I outplay him in our first practice and every subsequent practice, I'll take his spot in the rotation, and then ask management for a little extra $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Would the NLSCer drafted on the second round be the sleeper of the draft? Sorry Zee, you're not the steal of the draft.

can't wait to see what the diesel is going to say...

"with the XX pick, the ___ team select _____.....

....CAN YOU DIG IT!?"

haha

also...i didn't notice any draft day trades? pretty quite night then

oh and Kemba the Clipper (Y) get rid of Mo Williams! Kemba+Bled will be an awesome rotation to match with EJ and Blake....as long as Lowry doesn't gun them down first

Coverage won't be the same in the second round, as second round picks don't matter. I'll just provide a list (recap) of the entire draft. And yeah, no draft day deals yet, but I will say there was some (and not very many). Getting rid of Mo Williams would be ideal for the Clips; he led the playoffs with six turnovers a game.

Looks like Ra$hard is going to fall out of the rotation pretty soon... :lol:

You're getting a bigger contract than his?

Well, when I outplay him in our first practice and every subsequent practice, I'll take his spot in the rotation, and then ask management for a little extra $$$$$$$$$$$$$. :lol: :lol:

Lewis sucks, but I think he's a 78 rating in my association though, while you're at 66. You'll have to wait for a trade or his decline to see the PT light.

Would the NLSCer drafted on the second round be the sleeper of the draft? Sorry Zee, you're not the steal of the draft. :razz:

Lamrock's yet to be drafted; he's the highest rated second round prospect at 68. He just has one of the lowest potential ratings.

Is it just me, or are emoticons not working today? Odd. Anyways, entire draft recap is next.

It's only in some threads. I can do it other threads. :?

:evil: :evil: :evil:

2011 NBA Draft

Below is the complete draft list, with the order, and teams that picked each player:




Trades:
Washington sends Rafer Alston to Charlotte for the 45th pick (Jacob Pullen).
Houston sends Jordan Hill and the 59th pick (Elias Harris) to Oklahoma City for Thabo Sefolosha.

So that concludes the NBA Draft! Next up will be an article to recap the rest of the off-season, and then it will be time for the preseason.

lol Lamrock dropped to 41

I think he's fine with that. It's the Blazers after all.

clippers get Kemba Walker and Isiah Thomas

Mo really needs to be traded away now

Why'd you trade Hill?

Why'd you trade Hill?

To get Sefolosha.

Mo Williams out you go!

lol Lamrock dropped to 41

I think he's fine with that. It's the Blazers after all.

What I thought when he was drafted. Actually, I think he's got a fair chance at some PT, being Portland's only draft pick and his rating not being too far off from Andre Miller's 74 rating (he's at 68).

Mo Williams out you go!

clippers get Kemba Walker and Isiah Thomas

Mo really needs to be traded away now

That gives them four point guards. Too many in my opinion, seems Sterling wants to be the next David Kahn. As I try to work out trades for teams, trading Mo Williams is something I'll take into high consideration. Any suggestions for what the Clippers need? Their roster is virtually similar to that of real life.

Why'd you trade Hill?

To get Sefolosha.

Exactly why. I had a log jam at the PF position. Thought I'd like to give Patterson a run as I see more potential in him than in Hill. Plus, acquiring Sefolosha I think is a huge steal.

Hope everyone liked the draft coverage! Next will be an article to sum up the rest of the season, and then I will begin playing preseason games.

2011 Off-Season in the Books

Posted by Axel Gomez, September 28, 2011 at 8:19 AM
Disappointment and despair comes to the mind of the Houston Rockets and their fans when they think of the 2010-11 season. Redemption is on the minds of everyone in support of the Houston Rockets, and so begins the season which brings them that ultimate chance. Now that the off-season is over, the pre-season is set to begin at the start of next month. Before we get to the subject of the Rockets again, let me inform you on the new pre-season changes and how the rest of the league has done with free agency.

To limit injuries before the start of the season, the NBA along with its new CBA, has decided to cut pre-season games to six minute quarters. That insures that key players don't have to play as much, and role players will still be able to get their minutes to be able to warm up for the season. "It's a change that was a long time coming. With a long 82-game season waiting to be played out, I like that they shorten the preseason games in half. That ensures that not very many players will get injured before the season begins," were Yao Ming's words on the change.

Arguably the most prized free agent of the off-season, Zach Randolph, has signed a new deal with the New Jersey Nets. Randolph and his 20 points, 10 rebounds double-double have decided to part ways with the Memphis Grizzlies after years of mediocrity, and now look to move on to a promising up-and-coming Nets team. Randolph signed a four-year, $47.6 million deal in New Jersey, but he's not the only one taking his talents there. During the season, there were rumors flying around Shannon Brown that he was unhappy in Los Angeles. Those rumors were confirmed true as Brown declined his player option, and went on to sign a four-year, $41.31 million deal with New Jersey, and he has a player option to go along with that at the end of the deal.

"We're very excited to have upgraded our roster drastically these past few months. We now have a very talented roster surrounding Brook (Lopez) and Deron (Williams). After this season, everyone will forget about the 12-win season we had a couple of years ago," Nets' owner Mikhail Prokhorov commented on the huge off-season he and the franchise had.

It can be said that New Jersey are the biggest winners of this off-season, but the free agent signings don't end there. The Atlanta Hawks added themselves to the mix by first retaining Jamal Crawford for three more years, and he is due $22.62 million. They also succeeded in signing Tayshaun Prince and Kenyon Martin. Both were signed for two years, with Prince getting a team option attached to his contract. Prince's deal is worth $6.04 million while Martin's is worth $4.17 million.

Additionally, the Golden State Warriors have added depth to their bench, acquiring Delonte West and Tracy McGrady. West was signed for three years, $18.44 million, while McGrady's deal is three years, $25.11 million. McGrady's cousin, Vince Carter, was retained by the Phoenix Suns for one more year worth $10.22 million. That was apparently the only offer the Suns had for Carter, and the only option he had if he wanted to keep playing on a team. Michael Redd is the next veteran shooting guard signed, as he signed a two-year, $8.41 million deal with the champion Dallas Mavericks.

To keep rolling, Thaddeus Young was acquired by the Indiana Pacers for four years, $38.59 million. Carl Landry joins him for four years, $33.53 million. Jeff Green opted to sign with the Sacramento Kings for four years, $40.22 million. And to top it off, JR Smith was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers to a three-year, $21.94 million deal.

Now, moving on to the subject of the Rockets. After re-signing Chuck Hayes and Shane Battier, the Rockets did not have the cap space to go off chasing free agents. Their focus was on retaining Aaron Brooks, as they gave him a qualifying offer of one more year, $2.98 million. They opted to try and re-sign him to a better deal, but Brooks wanted an outrageous four years, $63.12 million deal, that quite frankly (or so I thought) any team would be real stupid to accept. I was wrong, as New Jersey thought they'd throw some more money around the room by offering Brooks $63.25 million for four years. Quite surprisingly, Brooks denied that, but it makes sense seeing as how Deron Williams is the star point guard there, and so his playing time would be greatly reduced if he moved to New Jersey.

Brooks received no other offers, as his price was just too high. He was forced to accept the qualifying offer, and so ends all the contract extension drama that began in November of last year. With that, Houston retains their core which led the franchise to a Conference Finals appearance, but that alone is just not enough.

Players on the roster are hungry, and as seen in training camp, some have made improvements to their game. Kevin Martin has improved his rebounding capabilities, Kyle Lowry has refined his jumpshot, and Patrick Patterson looks more comfortable and aware on defense. Also, head coach Rick Adelman has let slip that he will be starting Lowry over Brooks this season. "I see Brooks as more of an energizing scorer off the bench. Lowry is more of a true point guard, capable of scoring, but standing out as an excellent playmaker. Brooks and Lowry change roles, as Brooks is now our sixth man," Adelman told the Rockets media.

Before the start of the season, the young Rockets team is hyped, pumped, and hungry to continue and recover from the let-down of last season. You can bet this team will come back with a vengeance to finally win it all. They got through a season relatively injury-free, and with a bit of luck on their side, can hopefully go another season without injuries as they get another chance at the NBA Championship.

"The league better be ready. We will take it by storm, and this time, there will be no let up from us. We won't be as merciful as last season, and with improved and hard-working players, the NBA Championship has our name on it this year," Kevin Martin's words begin the quest for the Rockets' first NBA title since the Olajuwon era.

Comments: (3)

Posted by Chuckwagon, September 28, 2011 at 8:43 AM
Will be a fun season. The team has always shown hard work and determination season in and season out, but we will push ourselves to the limit knowing that the championship is just a few inches away from our grasp.

Posted by Ariza's Bricks, September 28, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I definitely see a 60-win season coming for the Rockets. They can beat any team in a seven-game series, especially when they have a non-brick-shooting Kevin Martin on the team.

Posted by The REAL K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!), September 28, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I see another breakout season in store for K-Mart. He averaged 31-4-4 in the playoffs; there's hopes for a 30-5-5 this season hopefully.

So you didn't sign anyone new?

Hawks will win if they can work as a team well

CLIPPERS GET JR SMITH F*CK YEA! NOW WE HAVE A GANGSTA TO GO UP AGAINST KYLE "THE THUG" LOWRY!

haha

trade Mo + Kaman for Iggy + Speights....or any other good/really good SF and a decent C

that would make Smith a kickass 6th man

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3zhyz3n

You don't have an exception? And KidJustin is still bitter on Kyle Lowry.

Thank you Ariza for the compliment! Or you assume that'a a sarcastic statement..

So you didn't sign anyone new?

As I said in the article, no cap space. I believe that the team I have now can go all the way.

Hawks will win if they can work as a team well

Adding two veterans isn't a championship-winning move, though. Prince and Martin won't make a huge difference, but it definitely gives the Hawks good depth. Conference Finals at best to me.

CLIPPERS GET JR SMITH F*CK YEA! NOW WE HAVE A GANGSTA TO GO UP AGAINST KYLE "THE THUG" LOWRY!

haha

trade Mo + Kaman for Iggy + Speights....or any other good/really good SF and a decent C

that would make Smith a kickass 6th man

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3zhyz3n

Kyle Lowry can't even compete to JR's thuggery. At least Lowry's a better defender and knows how to injure people.

Ultimately I think that's too big a ripoff for the Sixers, but I will try to find other deals that will benefit both teams. I think I'm fairly decent at that.

You don't have an exception? And KidJustin is still bitter on Kyle Lowry.

Thank you Ariza for the compliment! Or you assume that'a a sarcastic statement..

No exception? As in what the Rockets used to sign Ariza a couple of years ago? No, no player got badly injured this season so no need for it. And no, Ariza wasn't being sarcastic, in fact he was jealous as he left the Rockets right before they became contenders.

Will begin to play preseason games and should have the recap up by this weekend. Hopefully.