The West may get tougher

[Freddie]

From today's insider:

It looks like Alonzo Mourning might have no choice but to play for the Mavs. While Mourning prefers to return to the Heat or play in the East on a team like the Pistons, Insider has learned the Mavs are offering him something no one else is -- a four-year guaranteed contract.

The Pistons, Heat and just about everyone else are balking at that because of Mourning's past health problems and his age. If Mourning played out the four-year contract with the Mavs, he'd be 37 years old when it ended. Mavs owner Mark Cuban might be the only one crazy enough to take that risk.

If this happens I would have to annoint the Lakers and Mavs as the two best teams in the west, with Sacramento and San Antonio slightly behind.

 

[Joe Mama]

This is also from today's insider:

2. Jason Kidd, PG, Nets (PO)
In the mix? Nets, Spurs
Outlook: The New York Times is reporting that Kidd is leaning toward signing with the Spurs after his visit to San Antonio over the weekend. While Nets GM Rod Thorn sounds like he's still confident that Kidd will ultimately sign with the Nets, it may be time to start sweating. If Kidd does decide to bolt, don't be shocked if the Nets and Spurs start talking sign and trade that sends Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen to New Jersey and Kidd to San Antonio.
Insider Prediction: We've been saying all summer that Jason stays in bed with the Nets. But right now, it looks like it's 50-50.

My question is why in the world would San Antonio make that trade? It would give them a couple million dollars extra to go after a free-agent center. ESPN Insider and others are suggesting their first target would be Nesterovic. I think they would be better off keeping Parker and Bruce Bowen and signing a few lesser frontcourt players.

Actually I think they would be best served putting their money in their frontcourt and forgetting about Jason Kidd, but apparently San Antonio wants Jason Kidd. Tony Parker has got to have a significant amount of value on the trade market, and Bowen's defense and three-point shooting were a couple of the big reasons they won that championship last season.

I have this sneaking suspicion that San Antonio is going to really screw up their team this summer.

Joe Mama

 

[Freddie]

I agree, Joe. I think they would be better off going after Olowakandi and a versatile swingman. Jackson, Parker, and Ginobli know their roles and can only improve.

A better move would be to go after Kandi and Odom rather than Kidd. Have them start with Manu providing a spark off the bench.

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by Freddie
I agree, Joe. I think they would be better off going after Olowakandi and a versatile swingman. Jackson, Parker, and Ginobli know their roles and can only improve.

A better move would be to go after Kandi and Odom rather than Kidd. Have them start with Manu providing a spark off the bench.

That's assuming they actually re-sign Jackson.

 

[jbeecham]

I hope SA does screw up their team. Signing or trading for Kidd should definately do that. Plus, it makes the Marbury-Kidd swap look a lot better for us.

 

[Freddie]

Originally posted by Chaplin
That's assuming they actually re-sign Jackson.

Good point.

 

[Chaplin]

I suppose if they trade Bowen, signing Jackson will have to become a priority. But with Bowen now, perhaps they're not too concerned...

 

[elindholm]

My question is why in the world would San Antonio make that trade? It would give them a couple million dollars extra to go after a free-agent center. ESPN Insider and others are suggesting their first target would be Nesterovic.

What's the scoop on Brad Miller these days? I haven't heard anything about where he might end up. If Indiana maxes out O'Neal, does that mean Miller is gone?

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by elindholm
My question is why in the world would San Antonio make that trade? It would give them a couple million dollars extra to go after a free-agent center. ESPN Insider and others are suggesting their first target would be Nesterovic.

What's the scoop on Brad Miller these days? I haven't heard anything about where he might end up. If Indiana maxes out O'Neal, does that mean Miller is gone?

ESPN Insider is saying they think Indiana will still find a way to re-sign him. Remember that because he is their free-agent they have to only worry about the luxury tax. They have all the room in the world to re-sign both him and Jermaine O'Neal. That's probably why we keep hearing about the Pacers wanting to acquire Brandon's contract.

I actually think Utah would be a good fit for Miller. He is a big man who is a decent rebounder, a good passer, and a good shooter. He is also white.

Joe Mama

 

[WizardOfAz]

Interesting Fan Poll at ESPN:

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=312

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by WizardOfAz
Interesting Fan Poll at ESPN:

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=312

So far the Phoenix Suns are barely edging Houston as the "other" team that could surprise people and make a run at the conference championship.

If the LA Lakers get Payton and Malone and are without Robert Horry and Rick Fox next season how many "W's" do you guys think they will chalk up? I say 55-60.

Joe Mama