NBA free agency is in full spree. The official deals can start tomorrow, but a lot of players are already signed, sealed and delivered. The major shake-up started out West when Baron Davis opted out of the Warriors contract and had an under the table deal already signed with the paper-Clips. It was a shocker because it appeared like the West just got tougher with that deal. It appeared like the Clippers were all set for a playoff spot with Elton Brand being the other free agent (their own), they were supposed to lock up next.
The assumption going in to this off-season was that there was not enough money in the market for high-paid guys like Boom-Dizzle to opt out. In fact, Shawn Marion decided nor to opt-out a while back confirming that notion. But seems like the Clippers were willing to go the extra mile to get the home-town stud. The Warriors were a little pissed and they said we are going after Elton Brand to even the score with the clip-joint. There was also all kinds of noise about Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith and Corey Maggette. Finally the 76'ers get Brand and the Warriors supposedly get Maggette.
This means the Clippers are back to being the paper-clips. Baron is probably worried now. Without Brand, they are just Baron Davis, his 60 million bucks and a bunch of wannabes, The Sixers on the other hand are for real now. They made the playoffs last year in the LEast and now with Brand, their upside is huge. I love Andre Miller and with Iggy and Brand, they have their own big-3 of repute. Corey is a good pickup for the Warriors too. I am not sure if he can fill the shoes of Boom-Dizzle. Baron for all his faults, was still a true, talented PGs. There are not many guys like that in the league and the W's may realize it when they turnover the keys to their kingdom to Monta. He is awesome, but he is not a true PG. Similar issue with Corey. Good talent and a great scorer who also plays hard, but can't quite replace all that Baron brought to the table.
Overall I am happy the West didn't get too bad. As of today, both the Ws and the Clips have taken a small step backwards. In any case, another interesting off-season in the association. Is it me or is the NBA off-seaon really more interesting than the regular season? I know the hot-stove is pretty big in the MLB, but it's always the same 6 teams stealing talent from the other 20+ team. NFL is really not known for free-agency and trades though the draft is HUGE. So the NBA off-season is interesting and fun to follow with all the money changing hands. Or may be its just that America has lost so much interest in the NBA regular season that free agency feels like an upgrade!
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