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SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:05 PM ET ) Hey everyone, lots of amnesty cuts to talk about so let's get rolling.
Tom (nyc): Great work John! Did James Dolan make a mistake with not cutting Allan Houston in his namesake claus? I realize that if he retires then Dolan looks like a genius, but I have a feeling the words Dolan and genius will not be in the same sentence anytime soon. Your thoughts?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:08 PM ET ) No, he made the right move. If Houston does retire he'll end up saving more than twice as much money as if he had cut him, so the reward is worth the risk. Of course, it says all you need to know about the Knicks that they had seven players under consideration for using the tax amnesty.
Danny (Sandy, UT): Which amnesty cut will make the biggest contribution to a team next season?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:09 PM ET ) Definitely Mchael Finley. He's the only one of those guys that I can see making a real impact. Christie, Grant and Anderson are on their last legs, McKie and Weatherspoon are beyond their last legs, and The Mayor is most likely out for the season.
Fooko, Portland, Oregon: Boris Diaw didn't get any burn with a team as "talented" as the Hawks, is there even a small chance that he surprises anyone with a semblance of a game, or is he this year's Paul Shirley, except he writes his blog in French?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:12 PM ET ) Diaw would be a decent player if he didn't insist on passing up lay-ups to throw the ball back out to the 3-point line. Unless he improves sharply he'll be riding the pine behind Bell and Jackson. But the "Bon jour monsieur ... oust est la basket?" blog entries should be fun.
Alex, Washington DC: What are the Pistons going to do this offseason?? are they just gonna sit around and wait until all the teams around them get better and then get squeezed out of the championship hunt?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:13 PM ET ) Dumars' strategy has been to keep his MLE for the amnesty cuts and then see who came available. If he gets Finley he'll win the gamble, otherwise he'll be picking up scraps.
Paul (Portland, OR): John, isn't Derek Anderson (I don't think there's another you could be referring to) a little young to be "on his last legs"?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:14 PM ET ) He's had so many knee and back problems that he's reallly struggled the past few seasons. That's why Portland cut him and not Ratliff.
andre, miami beach: If Miami gets Finley does the rest of the NBA just give the Heat the trophy?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:15 PM ET ) I don't know if I'd quite go that far -- they still need Shaq to hold up for a full season and that's hardly a gimme. But yes, they'd be right up there with San Anto and would certainly be overwhelming favorites in the East.
Dustin (Plano, TX): John, do you expect the Mavs to be a little more agressive the rest of this summer now that Mark has got to pocket over 50 million from Finley's deal?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:16 PM ET ) They might be more aggressive with trades in taking on contracts, but looking at Cuban's blog today, I think the Mavs are definitely taking a second look at all the free spending they did the past few seasons.
Jim, Philly: How are the sixers looking so far with a new young caoch and an infusion of young talent. Also, how ill they replace Willie Green?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:18 PM ET ) Iguodala and Dalembert certainly have potential, but I'm not a Korver fan and the bench is extremely weak. To be brutally honest, losing Green won't matter because he wasn't any good in the first place.
Tony (Chicago): John, why do GMs try to pack so much star power into their teams? Am I the only one that notices the teams that have been winning have done it with role players and not a buncha stars?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:23 PM ET ) I think that's a common misconception that having too many good players is somehow a bad thing, and it was unfortunately furthered whenthe Lakers won three titles with such a lame supporting cast for Shaq and Kobe. But last I checked Detroit and San Antonio's "role players" were all very good and highly coveted by teams around the league. Along the same lines, I think Miami would love to replay the last two games of the Eastern finals with Walker, Williams and Posey on their side -- maybe then Wade's injury isn't such a problem.
Jon (ATL): Being a hawks fan and all...do you think that maybe the hawks will get curry or watson onto our team?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:24 PM ET ) Curry isn't happening. Watson could have been a possibliity if the Johnson deal fell through, but I doubt Earl will come to Atlanta to be a backup.
Bryan (Denver ,CO: If the Nuggs don't get any free agents like Finley will they still be able to compete having a full year with George Karl?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:25 PM ET ) I think Denver's failure in the shooting guard market is really going to hurt. They had some guys playing over their heads last year for Karl that are unlikely to repeat it, and obviously Camby's healthy is always touch-and-go. I really thought they needed to find a solid player to fill that slot, and it doesn't appear they're going to do it.
Mark (New Jersey): Why is all the talk about Phoenix only being able offer Finley a $1.1 million exception, don't they have the $4.9 mid-level from the upcoming JJ trade?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:26 PM ET ) That's a trade exception, so they can't use it to sign players on the open market -- only to use in a trade where the salaries don't match. So the Suns can't use it on a free agent like Finley.
Noah (Santa Monica, CA): The Arizona Republic reported discussions between the Suns and Gary Payton. Do you know what's going on with that?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:27 PM ET ) For Phoenix to do that it would have to be a sign-and-trade involving the trade exception they'll get from the Johnson deal. I wouldn't do it if I were them. That exception could get a better player at the trade deadline if they're patient.
Tony (Chicago): John to follow up, while the players on the Spurs, Pistons where good there were clear cut guys and other guys where ok with it. Not like the lakers with payton or portland and their clashing personalities when they tried to buy anyone with talent.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:31 PM ET ) But if I recall, Portland and their clashing personalities got within a quarter of winning the championship (basically), and Payton's Lakers didn't fare too badly either. Chemistry matters, but talent is the great divider.
Ed (Atlanta, GA): What is Vlad Radmanovic smoking when he asks for near max money? Don't you think the Sonics would be better off if he just signed for the one year qualifying offer? Do you see them making any other moves?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:33 PM ET ) I think his agent might be insane. It's not like their dealling with Isiah or Paul Allen here either -- the Sonics aren't exactly known for their deep pockets. I'm sure Seattle would be tickled if Vlad took the qualifier, although the Sonics also supposedly have a substantial offer on the table. As for other moves, our Frank Hughes contributed a long piece on this very topic -- basically, they'll probably keep all the RFAs and do little else.
Mike (Salt Lake City): Is anyone going to pick up Spree (and the hungry kids)?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:35 PM ET ) Apparently the Rockets are interested. Picking up his former Knick players like Charlie Ward, Clarence Weatherspoon and Mark Jackson has worked out so well for Van Gundy that he's anxious to try it again.
Delon (New York): Answer a Knick question please...I think its horrible what the Knicks have done in getting Jerome James. With him and Jamal Crawford will the Knicks be able to trade them at all if the fall out of favor with Brown. If so who would take them?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:36 PM ET ) You can always trade somebody if you want to badly enough. It just entails taking back an even worse contract in return, something the Knicks unfortunately have become experts at. I don't think James will keep his job for a week, but don't give up on Crawford just yet.
Charles (San Jose): John, why wouldn't the Suns be looking at a guy who's proven he can run the break like Brevin Knight to back up Nash?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:37 PM ET ) BK would be perfect in Phoenix, but it would require a sign-and-trade with the Bobcats unless he wanted to play for the minimum. So it's not likely to happen.
Tony (Brookfield, CT): Is Charlotte going to keep Kapono and Carroll??? Seem like the same type player to me
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:39 PM ET ) No, different enough that they could keep both. Carroll is a 2 and is much more aggressive going to the basket. Kapono's a 3 but needs to realize he's a 3-point specialist and stop trying to be Larry Bird.
Kidman (Greeley, CO): Don't the Nuggets provide the best combo of money, playing time and being a contender out of any of the other five teams vying for Finley? They did lose to the Spurs in five games last year, but two of their four losses were complete tossups. With Finley I think the Nuggets would be right there with the Spurs.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:40 PM ET ) While it's true the Nuggies can give him the most minutes and a full midlevel, entrusting your postseason chances to Marcus Camby's health is never a good bet.
Akhil (Atlanta): I am a big Hawks fan, crazy huh? Anyways, do you see the Hawks making any moves from the Amnesty leftovers after the whole JJ, ownership thing settles down?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:42 PM ET ) Absolutely not. The amnesty guys are veteran players looking for roles with winning teams. They'll only go to the Hawks if nobody else will give them a contract. Besides, the Hawks have no need for any of these guys -- they need to be going after younger players who can help them make a run in 2-3 years.
Matt (Phoenix): Belkin may be a jerk, but in the end he will be proven right about Joe Johnson's worth. Joe is not a point guard, nor is he a 48% 3-point shooter without Nash and Amare. Atlanta got fleeced in this sign-and-trade! Could they be more irrelevant?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:43 PM ET ) Belkin will be proven right, but his opposition to the trade was a $moke$creen. He just didn't want to spend the ducats.
larry (bay area): John - I am really optimistic that my warriors are going to the playoffs next season. Do you agree?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:44 PM ET ) Well, after a decade of waiting I'd be optimistic too. They're deep and talented enough that they might even be able to overcome a prolonged absence from the Baron.
Shayne (Phoenix, AZ): I haven't seen you answer a question about the Kings yet, so here goes...Realistically what are the Kings chances this year given the moves (and solid ones if you ask me) that they've made this year?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:45 PM ET ) I think the Kings are dangerous, but they're one player away -- they badly need a bruising center in the frontcourt. Sacto's starting five will light up the scoreboard but the Miller-Shareef combo isn't going to provide enough resistance on D.
Roy, LA: Can you PLEASE answer a Clippers question. What's your take on them this year, what do they need, and will the Cassell thing work out? Thanks.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:47 PM ET ) I suspect they'll try to trade Cassell before the trade deadline unless they're in the top eight in the West, which is possible though unlikely. If they can parlay Cassell into another No. 1 pick in February, then they're getting two No. 1s from Jaric, at which point it would be a good deal in my mind.
Robby (Sacto, CA): To follow up your answer about the Kings: What bruising Centers/Power Forwards are left or available? And that would want to play for the Kings (ie Stro Swift)
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:48 PM ET ) They would have to pick somebody up in a trade at this point. It's probably more likely to happen in February than now, unless Petrie can swindle somebody in a sign-and-trade for Songaila.
Greg Sacramento: What about Skinner in Sactown. He may not be a big bruiser but he can play some D in the post.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:50 PM ET ) Skinner is only 6-9. The Kings reallly need a true center, a guy like Pollard was in his prime.
Roy (Mpls, MN): What do you think of that Cassell trade from a Wolves perspective?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:53 PM ET ) It was either get something now or nothing later. Cassell had one year left on his deal and Jaric will help in a couple ways -- he can play multiple spots, he's a better defender and he's less cranky. I think the deal is acknowledgement by the Wolves that they're not seeing themselves as title contenders this year. Incidentally, he's been talked about mostly as a point, but Jaric could also start at the 2 next to Hudson.
Aaron (phx): If the Suns can grab Finley, do you think they would be better than last year?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:54 PM ET ) On paper, yes. The problem is gliding through the whole season without any injuries, which the Suns magically found a way to do last season but are unlikely to repeat.
John (Citrus Heights CA): If the Kings need a bruising center, then, outside of Houston in the West, who doesn't? Nesterovic? Whoever is in Phoenix? I mean, realistically, name me 5 better centers in the west other than Miller not named Yao.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:56 PM ET ) The issue isn't that Miller isn't good -- he's one of the best players in the league. The problem is that Sacto starts a soft defender at center, and another at power forward, and another at small forward, and another at point guard. They had the fourth-best offense in the league last year but couldn't make it out of the first round because of their defense. A powerful frontcourt guy could help change that.
Rob (Dallas): John - Before you go, as rosters stand right now, where do you rank the Mavs in the Western Conference??????????
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:59 PM ET ) Spurs are a clear No. 1. Dallas is a notch below with Phoenix and perhaps Houston. Sacto and Denver aren't far behind. Big gap between those six and the others (sorry Sonics).
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:59 PM ET ) Sorry folks, that's all the time I have. We'll do this again soon.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:05 PM ET ) Hey everyone, lots of amnesty cuts to talk about so let's get rolling.
Tom (nyc): Great work John! Did James Dolan make a mistake with not cutting Allan Houston in his namesake claus? I realize that if he retires then Dolan looks like a genius, but I have a feeling the words Dolan and genius will not be in the same sentence anytime soon. Your thoughts?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:08 PM ET ) No, he made the right move. If Houston does retire he'll end up saving more than twice as much money as if he had cut him, so the reward is worth the risk. Of course, it says all you need to know about the Knicks that they had seven players under consideration for using the tax amnesty.
Danny (Sandy, UT): Which amnesty cut will make the biggest contribution to a team next season?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:09 PM ET ) Definitely Mchael Finley. He's the only one of those guys that I can see making a real impact. Christie, Grant and Anderson are on their last legs, McKie and Weatherspoon are beyond their last legs, and The Mayor is most likely out for the season.
Fooko, Portland, Oregon: Boris Diaw didn't get any burn with a team as "talented" as the Hawks, is there even a small chance that he surprises anyone with a semblance of a game, or is he this year's Paul Shirley, except he writes his blog in French?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:12 PM ET ) Diaw would be a decent player if he didn't insist on passing up lay-ups to throw the ball back out to the 3-point line. Unless he improves sharply he'll be riding the pine behind Bell and Jackson. But the "Bon jour monsieur ... oust est la basket?" blog entries should be fun.
Alex, Washington DC: What are the Pistons going to do this offseason?? are they just gonna sit around and wait until all the teams around them get better and then get squeezed out of the championship hunt?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:13 PM ET ) Dumars' strategy has been to keep his MLE for the amnesty cuts and then see who came available. If he gets Finley he'll win the gamble, otherwise he'll be picking up scraps.
Paul (Portland, OR): John, isn't Derek Anderson (I don't think there's another you could be referring to) a little young to be "on his last legs"?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:14 PM ET ) He's had so many knee and back problems that he's reallly struggled the past few seasons. That's why Portland cut him and not Ratliff.
andre, miami beach: If Miami gets Finley does the rest of the NBA just give the Heat the trophy?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:15 PM ET ) I don't know if I'd quite go that far -- they still need Shaq to hold up for a full season and that's hardly a gimme. But yes, they'd be right up there with San Anto and would certainly be overwhelming favorites in the East.
Dustin (Plano, TX): John, do you expect the Mavs to be a little more agressive the rest of this summer now that Mark has got to pocket over 50 million from Finley's deal?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:16 PM ET ) They might be more aggressive with trades in taking on contracts, but looking at Cuban's blog today, I think the Mavs are definitely taking a second look at all the free spending they did the past few seasons.
Jim, Philly: How are the sixers looking so far with a new young caoch and an infusion of young talent. Also, how ill they replace Willie Green?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:18 PM ET ) Iguodala and Dalembert certainly have potential, but I'm not a Korver fan and the bench is extremely weak. To be brutally honest, losing Green won't matter because he wasn't any good in the first place.
Tony (Chicago): John, why do GMs try to pack so much star power into their teams? Am I the only one that notices the teams that have been winning have done it with role players and not a buncha stars?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:23 PM ET ) I think that's a common misconception that having too many good players is somehow a bad thing, and it was unfortunately furthered whenthe Lakers won three titles with such a lame supporting cast for Shaq and Kobe. But last I checked Detroit and San Antonio's "role players" were all very good and highly coveted by teams around the league. Along the same lines, I think Miami would love to replay the last two games of the Eastern finals with Walker, Williams and Posey on their side -- maybe then Wade's injury isn't such a problem.
Jon (ATL): Being a hawks fan and all...do you think that maybe the hawks will get curry or watson onto our team?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:24 PM ET ) Curry isn't happening. Watson could have been a possibliity if the Johnson deal fell through, but I doubt Earl will come to Atlanta to be a backup.
Bryan (Denver ,CO: If the Nuggs don't get any free agents like Finley will they still be able to compete having a full year with George Karl?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:25 PM ET ) I think Denver's failure in the shooting guard market is really going to hurt. They had some guys playing over their heads last year for Karl that are unlikely to repeat it, and obviously Camby's healthy is always touch-and-go. I really thought they needed to find a solid player to fill that slot, and it doesn't appear they're going to do it.
Mark (New Jersey): Why is all the talk about Phoenix only being able offer Finley a $1.1 million exception, don't they have the $4.9 mid-level from the upcoming JJ trade?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:26 PM ET ) That's a trade exception, so they can't use it to sign players on the open market -- only to use in a trade where the salaries don't match. So the Suns can't use it on a free agent like Finley.
Noah (Santa Monica, CA): The Arizona Republic reported discussions between the Suns and Gary Payton. Do you know what's going on with that?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:27 PM ET ) For Phoenix to do that it would have to be a sign-and-trade involving the trade exception they'll get from the Johnson deal. I wouldn't do it if I were them. That exception could get a better player at the trade deadline if they're patient.
Tony (Chicago): John to follow up, while the players on the Spurs, Pistons where good there were clear cut guys and other guys where ok with it. Not like the lakers with payton or portland and their clashing personalities when they tried to buy anyone with talent.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:31 PM ET ) But if I recall, Portland and their clashing personalities got within a quarter of winning the championship (basically), and Payton's Lakers didn't fare too badly either. Chemistry matters, but talent is the great divider.
Ed (Atlanta, GA): What is Vlad Radmanovic smoking when he asks for near max money? Don't you think the Sonics would be better off if he just signed for the one year qualifying offer? Do you see them making any other moves?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:33 PM ET ) I think his agent might be insane. It's not like their dealling with Isiah or Paul Allen here either -- the Sonics aren't exactly known for their deep pockets. I'm sure Seattle would be tickled if Vlad took the qualifier, although the Sonics also supposedly have a substantial offer on the table. As for other moves, our Frank Hughes contributed a long piece on this very topic -- basically, they'll probably keep all the RFAs and do little else.
Mike (Salt Lake City): Is anyone going to pick up Spree (and the hungry kids)?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:35 PM ET ) Apparently the Rockets are interested. Picking up his former Knick players like Charlie Ward, Clarence Weatherspoon and Mark Jackson has worked out so well for Van Gundy that he's anxious to try it again.
Delon (New York): Answer a Knick question please...I think its horrible what the Knicks have done in getting Jerome James. With him and Jamal Crawford will the Knicks be able to trade them at all if the fall out of favor with Brown. If so who would take them?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:36 PM ET ) You can always trade somebody if you want to badly enough. It just entails taking back an even worse contract in return, something the Knicks unfortunately have become experts at. I don't think James will keep his job for a week, but don't give up on Crawford just yet.
Charles (San Jose): John, why wouldn't the Suns be looking at a guy who's proven he can run the break like Brevin Knight to back up Nash?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:37 PM ET ) BK would be perfect in Phoenix, but it would require a sign-and-trade with the Bobcats unless he wanted to play for the minimum. So it's not likely to happen.
Tony (Brookfield, CT): Is Charlotte going to keep Kapono and Carroll??? Seem like the same type player to me
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:39 PM ET ) No, different enough that they could keep both. Carroll is a 2 and is much more aggressive going to the basket. Kapono's a 3 but needs to realize he's a 3-point specialist and stop trying to be Larry Bird.
Kidman (Greeley, CO): Don't the Nuggets provide the best combo of money, playing time and being a contender out of any of the other five teams vying for Finley? They did lose to the Spurs in five games last year, but two of their four losses were complete tossups. With Finley I think the Nuggets would be right there with the Spurs.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:40 PM ET ) While it's true the Nuggies can give him the most minutes and a full midlevel, entrusting your postseason chances to Marcus Camby's health is never a good bet.
Akhil (Atlanta): I am a big Hawks fan, crazy huh? Anyways, do you see the Hawks making any moves from the Amnesty leftovers after the whole JJ, ownership thing settles down?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:42 PM ET ) Absolutely not. The amnesty guys are veteran players looking for roles with winning teams. They'll only go to the Hawks if nobody else will give them a contract. Besides, the Hawks have no need for any of these guys -- they need to be going after younger players who can help them make a run in 2-3 years.
Matt (Phoenix): Belkin may be a jerk, but in the end he will be proven right about Joe Johnson's worth. Joe is not a point guard, nor is he a 48% 3-point shooter without Nash and Amare. Atlanta got fleeced in this sign-and-trade! Could they be more irrelevant?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:43 PM ET ) Belkin will be proven right, but his opposition to the trade was a $moke$creen. He just didn't want to spend the ducats.
larry (bay area): John - I am really optimistic that my warriors are going to the playoffs next season. Do you agree?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:44 PM ET ) Well, after a decade of waiting I'd be optimistic too. They're deep and talented enough that they might even be able to overcome a prolonged absence from the Baron.
Shayne (Phoenix, AZ): I haven't seen you answer a question about the Kings yet, so here goes...Realistically what are the Kings chances this year given the moves (and solid ones if you ask me) that they've made this year?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:45 PM ET ) I think the Kings are dangerous, but they're one player away -- they badly need a bruising center in the frontcourt. Sacto's starting five will light up the scoreboard but the Miller-Shareef combo isn't going to provide enough resistance on D.
Roy, LA: Can you PLEASE answer a Clippers question. What's your take on them this year, what do they need, and will the Cassell thing work out? Thanks.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:47 PM ET ) I suspect they'll try to trade Cassell before the trade deadline unless they're in the top eight in the West, which is possible though unlikely. If they can parlay Cassell into another No. 1 pick in February, then they're getting two No. 1s from Jaric, at which point it would be a good deal in my mind.
Robby (Sacto, CA): To follow up your answer about the Kings: What bruising Centers/Power Forwards are left or available? And that would want to play for the Kings (ie Stro Swift)
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:48 PM ET ) They would have to pick somebody up in a trade at this point. It's probably more likely to happen in February than now, unless Petrie can swindle somebody in a sign-and-trade for Songaila.
Greg Sacramento: What about Skinner in Sactown. He may not be a big bruiser but he can play some D in the post.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:50 PM ET ) Skinner is only 6-9. The Kings reallly need a true center, a guy like Pollard was in his prime.
Roy (Mpls, MN): What do you think of that Cassell trade from a Wolves perspective?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:53 PM ET ) It was either get something now or nothing later. Cassell had one year left on his deal and Jaric will help in a couple ways -- he can play multiple spots, he's a better defender and he's less cranky. I think the deal is acknowledgement by the Wolves that they're not seeing themselves as title contenders this year. Incidentally, he's been talked about mostly as a point, but Jaric could also start at the 2 next to Hudson.
Aaron (phx): If the Suns can grab Finley, do you think they would be better than last year?
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:54 PM ET ) On paper, yes. The problem is gliding through the whole season without any injuries, which the Suns magically found a way to do last season but are unlikely to repeat.
John (Citrus Heights CA): If the Kings need a bruising center, then, outside of Houston in the West, who doesn't? Nesterovic? Whoever is in Phoenix? I mean, realistically, name me 5 better centers in the west other than Miller not named Yao.
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:56 PM ET ) The issue isn't that Miller isn't good -- he's one of the best players in the league. The problem is that Sacto starts a soft defender at center, and another at power forward, and another at small forward, and another at point guard. They had the fourth-best offense in the league last year but couldn't make it out of the first round because of their defense. A powerful frontcourt guy could help change that.
Rob (Dallas): John - Before you go, as rosters stand right now, where do you rank the Mavs in the Western Conference??????????
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:59 PM ET ) Spurs are a clear No. 1. Dallas is a notch below with Phoenix and perhaps Houston. Sacto and Denver aren't far behind. Big gap between those six and the others (sorry Sonics).
SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:59 PM ET ) Sorry folks, that's all the time I have. We'll do this again soon.
