Orlando Goes All In

Orlando Gets: Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, Earl Clark & a $6.3 million trade exception

Phoenix Gets: Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, a 2011 first round pick & cash (both Orlando)

Washington Gets: Rashard Lewis

For the Magic…

First things first, credit has to go President Otis Smith for shaking up a team that had lost 6 of 7 games prior to the trade and was highly unlikely to beat Boston in the playoffs. The main reason a change was necessary is because Orlando couldn’t score anymore. They had dropped from 2nd in offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions) last year all the way to 14th this season. That may not seem like a lot but they scored 109.5 points per 100 possessions then and are only scoring 104.2 now. Five points a game is huge over the course of the season.

Well the good news for Magic fans is those offensive woes should be cured after about a month or so of growing pains while the players get used to each other and a new system. Richardson highlights the deal for Orlando and should be a major upgrade over Carter. J-Rich is shooting 40.9% from three and VC only 34.6%. Jason is four years younger than Vince, a better teammate and Richardson is also playing for a new contract. This portion of the trade is a home run for the Magic.

Bringing Turkoglu back is a little more risky given his onerous contract (3 years, $34 million left) but Hedo is shooting 41.3% from three and the departed Lewis was only making 36.7% from distance. (Sensing a trend yet?) Turkoglu has been downright awful since he left Orlando via free agency two seasons ago but he flourished as a secondary ball handler/creator and crunch time closer last time around. So it’s probably worth the gamble that a return to his comfort zone will help him regain some of his form.

Taking on Gilbert Arenas is far and away the biggest risk of the deal for Smith. For starters Otis added on $26 million in extra salary which has got to be a tough pill for Owner Rich DeVos to swallow. However it does make sense given the recent reports that Dwight Howard will opt of his contract after the ’11-12 season if the Magic aren’t contenders. As for on the court at this point in his career Arenas is probably best suited to be a sixth man/instant offense type. The issue there is that he is shooting 38.3% from the field and 31.8% from three. Obviously for him to be valuable in that role he has to find his wayward jumper and learn to score a little bit more efficiently. The question of whether Gil can fit in and actually be a team player with a change of scenery will also be answered very quickly.

The other risks for Orlando are a lack of big man depth and questions on the defensive end. Coach Stan Van Gundy certainly has his work cut out for him keeping the Magic’s defense in the top ten since none of J-Rich, Hedo or GA is known for their D (and that’s being kind). With the departure of Gortat backing up Howard now is the decrepit Malik Allen and the out until mid-February Daniel Orton (left knee). Word on the street is that Smith is already looking for a veteran big man and I think they’ll need one before too long.

Earl Clark is long, athletic and versatile. The problem is he has no clue how to play and seems to lack the consistent focus needed when he actually sees the court.

For the Suns…

This was the first big move for team President and ex-agent Lon Babby and I have to say he accomplished quite a few things Phoenix needed. He got out from under Turkoglu’s contract and parlayed it into the big man they desperately needed. He also dumped a complete draft bust and got another first round pick in return. Lastly he added some defense and rebounding to the worst defending and second worst rebounding club in the league.

Marcin Gortat is the headliner of this trade for the Suns. The “Polish Hammer” has long been considered the best backup center in the NBA and now he’ll finally get a chance to play more than 13.3 minutes per game (his career average). Marcin rebounds, blocks shots, hustles and can finish around the rim with authority and touch. He and Robin Lopez should create a pretty formidable duo in the middle. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me if Gortat is eventually named the starter over Lopez.

Pietrus’ $5.3 million player option for next season is what keeps this trade from being a grand slam for Phoenix. While Mickael is yet another swing player added to the Suns stable his main skill is as a perimeter defender, which is something they badly need. As an added bonus Pietrus becomes the best 3-point shooter on the roster at 39.1%.

Did you ever think that Vince Carter would be the throw in to a transaction of this magnitude? Well I’m here to tell you he is. Carter is currently sporting the lowest PER of his career (16.84) AND it’s a virtual contract year for him since only $4 million of his $18 is guaranteed next season. That’s why I think whatever Steve Nash can coax from Vince is gravy because VC is surely going to be released after the season.

With the six, seven and eight seeds up for grabs in the West this deal could be enough to vault Phoenix solidly into the playoffs if Gortat can live up to all his promise.

For the Wizards…

This move is easy to sum up for President Ernie Grunfeld…he finally found someone to take Arenas off his hands. Rashard has one year less on his contract than Gilbert which ends up saving Owner Ted Leonsis $16.5 million. Lewis should step right in and start at SF for Washington but I wouldn’t expect big things from him at all. In theory R-Lew should be a nice floor spacer for John Wall, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee but in practice Rashard is shooting 41.9% from the floor (lowest since his rookie year) and has a career low PER of 11.50. But hey, at least Agent Zero is gone.

Winner – Orlando

The Open of Trading Season!

Lakers Get: Joe Smith, Sergei Lishouk, a 2011 second round pick (Golden State), a 2012 second round pick (Chicago) & a $5.48 million trade exception

New Jersey Gets: Sasha Vujacic, a 2011 first round pick (Lakers, 1-18 protected) & a 2012 first round pick (Houston, lottery protected)

Houston Gets: Terrence Williams & a 2011 second round pick (Sacramento, 31-55 protected)

Sacramento Gets: Jermaine Taylor & cash (Houston)

For Los Angeles…

This was a great move by GM Mitch Kupchak on multiple levels. He parlayed a useless/redundant “Machine” into the extra veteran big man the team desperately needed. While Joe Smith’s best days are LONG behind him hopefully the combination of he and Theo Ratliff can remain healthy enough to give the Lakers a defensive minded veteran fourth big man when called upon.

The second part of this trade for LA is purely financial. Including luxury tax payments they save $8.7 million by unloading Vujacic, and you know that makes Owner Jerry Buss smile. Kupchak also relieved the financial burden of having to pay a low first round pick guaranteed money for at least two years while the club will still be way over the tax line. Mitch acquiring two more second round picks gives the Lakers five second round picks over the next three years that aren’t their own. I doubt you’ll see them use the trade exception that was created since New Jersey was under cap, but it’s also a nice chip to have if/when you need it.

Sergei Lishouk is a 28-year old Ukrainian big man (6’11) who currently plays for Valencia in the Spanish ACB. Apparently he’s a defensive minded banger type. We’ll see if he comes over when his contract expires after next season.

For the Nets…

President Billy King is obviously stockpiling assets and now has five first round picks over the next two years to go along with his treasure trove of salary cap space. With Devin Harris (left shoulder) banged up, Anthony Morrow (right hamstring) out 2-3 weeks and Williams gone Sasha is going to see consistent minutes right away. And being that “The Machine” is in a contract year what he does with that playing time will determine his NBA future.

For the Rockets…

Terrence Williams in an extremely talented and athletic player but a complete knucklehead that had obviously worn out his welcome with former coach Avery Johnson. This a calculated risk by GM Daryl Morey because Williams has looked good in the past averaging 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists over the final two months of last season and 28 points, 11.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 1.3 steals in a recent 3-game D-League “punishment” stint. Even if he wears out his welcome Morey can always flip Terrence combined with one of his many other assets.

For the Kings…

Jermaine Taylor is an athletic SG that loves to score/shoot. He never really got a chance to play in Houston but should finally get his opportunity in Sacramento. This move cost President Geoff Petrie nothing at all since the Rockets will pay Taylor’s salary plus some more and the Kings are highly unlikely to have one of the five best records in the league this season.

Winner – Lakers

Quarter Pole Review

As hard as it is to believe this early I think the playoff field in the East might already be set (barring injuries of course). And while the West seems to have separated into haves and have nots as well, I think you’ll see at least two teams fade and rise still.

Without further ado I give you the seventh annual QPR…

OPFG% = opponent field goal percentage
RBDF = rebound differential
3P% = 3-point field goal percentage

ATLANTIC

Boston Celtics (17-4) – Kendrick Perkins (right knee) hasn’t played at all, Delonte West (right wrist) has appeared in only 5 games and Jermaine O’Neal (left knee) 7 yet they are off to a fast start once again. As has been the case the past two seasons I expect them to slow down around Christmas but they will certainly be there at the end.

New York Knicks (14-9) – These boys still don’t defend (26th in OPFG%) or rebound (21st in RBDF) but they do finally trot out a competent starting five. Things should only get better too when Kelenna Azubuike returns and Ronny Turiaf gets healthy (left knees on both). With as weak as the East is this is a playoff team.

Toronto Raptors (8-14) – They are the biggest surprise to me thus far since they stink on defense (28th in OPFG%), can’t shoot from deep (28th in 3P%) and lost their only rebounder (Reggie Evans) for eight weeks to a broken right foot. The Raps are the perfect example of how far being able to score consistently can take you in the East.

Philadelphia 76ers (7-14) – Coach Doug Collins is still searching for a set rotation and I’m not sure he’ll find one any time soon. I’ve been saying this for years but Andre Iguodala needs to be traded so the franchise can finally move on. He makes too much money to produce so little on such a bad squad.

New Jersey Nets (6-16) – So far this crew has been defined more by their malcontents (Troy Murphy & Terrence Williams) than their play on the court. That said the Nets do have some decent pieces in place but Brook Lopez just isn’t the same guy after a bout of mononucleosis took away some of his bulk this past summer.

CENTRAL

Chicago Bulls (12-8) – Carlos Boozer (right pinky finger) has only appeared in only five games so far but the Bulls have been very impressive nonetheless. Derrick Rose is a flat out star, Joakim Noah is a great at his role and Luol Deng is finally playing with some confidence. Look out for these boys come playoff time.

Indiana Pacers (10-10) – Would you believe that Indy, of all teams, is 1st in OPFG%? Well they are and besides their stellar D these guys get by on balance and chemistry. Everyone who gets regular minutes for them knows his role and contributes. I’d go as far as to give them a very solid shot at a post season berth (barring injuries).

Milwaukee Bucks (8-13) – They are dead last in field goal shooting (40.4%) & 3P% and are easily the most disappointing side to me thus far. Sure Carlos Delfino (concussion) has missed 14 games and Chris Douglas-Roberts (right eye) 15 but that’s no excuse. They have more than enough talent to turn things around but time’s a wastin’!

Cleveland Cavaliers (7-15) – These guys have been in a complete free fall since LeBron James returned home and beat them by 28. They are 27th in both OPFG% and RBDF and quite frankly seem to have quit on the season already. I expect GM Chris Grant to be extremely active at the trade deadline with no one on the roster being untouchable.

Detroit Pistons (7-16) – Yet another team in the East that doesn’t defend (23rd in OPFG%), rebound (28th in RBDF) or get along. Coach John Kuester and President Joe Dumars (Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva & Chris Wilcox might be the worst free agent haul ever) are lucky the franchise is for sale otherwise they both might be fired by now.

SOUTHEAST

Orlando Magic (15-6) – Coach Stan Van Gundy has them defending (8th in OPFG%) and Dwight Howard has them rebounding (2nd in RBDF) but they aren’t shooing 3s at their normal clip (16th in 3P%). Unfortunately what this club does in the regular season doesn’t matter since their success will be based on if they can beat Boston in the playoffs.

Miami Heat (15-8) – Even though they are 2nd in OPFG% the questions continue to be do they have enough big bodies to compete with quality clubs and will the offense ever gel? Without Udonis Haslem (left foot) the answer to the prior is no, and unless LeBron and Dwyane Wade figure out how to share the ball the later will be a negatory also.

Atlanta Hawks (15-8) – In theory losing Joe Johnson (right elbow) for 4 to 6 weeks should be a bad thing but unless your name is Rick Sund (the guy who gave JJ $123 million) I’m not sure it is. Jamal Crawford can pick up JJ’s shooting/scoring, Al Horford should get more touches in the low post and their overall ball movement should improve.

Charlotte Bobcats (8-13) – They are far and away the most painfully boring unit to watch in the entire NBA. They really miss Raymond Felton running the point and their big men are atrocious (although they are 3rd in RBDF somehow). They will hang around the outskirts of the playoff picture mainly because the East is so bad.

Washington Wizards (6-15) – This has to sound like a broken record by now but they don’t defend or rebound either (29th in both OPFG% & RBDF). Rookie John Wall is very exciting with the ball in his hands but outside of him and Kirk Hinrich the Wiz don’t have a single rotation player with even a decent basketball IQ.

SOUTHWEST

San Antonio Spurs (18-3) – While it’s not really a surprise to see this crew atop the West, how they got here certainly is. Tim Duncan is fourth on his own team in scoring, they are 18th in OPFG% and first in 3P%. Only time will tell if the Bizarro Spurs can keep this up but give Coach Gregg Popovich credit for completely changing his style.

Dallas Mavericks (17-4) – These guys are defending at a very high level (4th in OPFG%) and always seem to pull out close games. It will be interesting to see how they integrate speedster Roddy Beaubois (left foot) into the lineup when he comes back and if President Donnie Nelson makes a big splash at the trade deadline or not.

New Orleans Hornets (14-7) – Thanks to Chris Paul’s brilliance this bunch has performed much better than I thought they would right out of the gate but I’m still not sold on their front court depth. With the franchise now being sold to the league I’m also concerned about how that distraction will affect them over the long run.

Memphis Grizzlies (9-14) – The Griz aren’t rebounding like they did last season (26th in RBDF) and I think Marc Gasol’s left ankle has a lot to do with it. They also aren’t getting the same type of production out of O.J. Mayo but Mike Conley and Rudy Gay have both been pleasant surprises.

Houston Rockets (8-13) – Yao Ming and Aaron Brooks (left ankles) have each missed 16 games and they can’t buy a break in close contests. This team might almost have too much talent but they have to start defending better (20th in OPFG%) and playing smarter. If they can do those things and get healthy they still have a run in them.

NORTHWEST

Utah Jazz (16-7) – Deron Williams has been dominant as Paul Millsap gets used to playing big minutes consistently and Al Jefferson assimilates into a new system. The Jazz also play stellar defense (3rd in OPFG%) but I’m worried about their lack of depth at the swing positions and outside shooting until Memo Okur (left Achilles’) returns.

Oklahoma City Thunder (15-8) – They aren’t defending like they did a season ago (22nd in OPFG%) and are a terrible 3-point shooting unit (29th in 3P%). Kevin Durant (left knee) has missed four games and is shooting career lows from the field and three. They obviously have time to right the ship but they aren’t sneaking up on people anymore.

Denver Nuggets (13-8) – Kenyon Martin (left knee) hasn’t even suited up and Chris Andersen (right knee) has missed 16 games yet somehow the Nugs are still in the playoff chase. Kudos must go to Coach George Karl for holding this motley crew together but I’ll be skeptical of their chances until they say Carmelo Anthony isn’t being dealt.

Portland Trail Blazers (10-11) – With Joel Przybilla now back losing Greg Oden (left knee) for the season isn’t a death knell by any means. HOWEVER Brandon Roy (left knee) apparently being hobbled for good is a mountain the Blazers just can’t climb. Even if they do manage to make the playoffs they aren’t going anywhere with a gimpy B Roy.

Minnesota Timberwolves (5-17) – Kevin Love has been ridiculously good, Michael Beasley leads them in scoring and Darko Milicic has finally shown a consistent pulse. With Jonny Flynn (left hip) and Martell Webster (back) about to return the Wolves might actually resemble a real live NBA team in the not too distant future.

PACIFIC

Los Angeles Lakers (16-6) – Andrew Bynum (right knee) hasn’t played yet, Kobe Bryant (right knee) isn’t himself (although he won’t admit it), Pau Gasol (left hamstring) has slowed recently and their laissez-faire attitude has already set in. Even with all that the Lakers are a great side statistically and will be right there at the end.

Phoenix Suns (11-11) – They are dead last in both OPFG% & RBDF, lost starting center Robin Lopez (left knee) for 13 games and counting but still somehow manage to stay in the Western mix. Even with all of Steve Nash’s considerable greatness I just don’t see how this group makes the playoffs without a major trade.

Golden State Warriors (8-14) – While losing David Lee (left elbow) for eight games certainly hurt these guys play basically the same way they did under former Coach Don Nelson. Sure Monta Ellis has looked good and Dorell Wright has been a major surprise but post season bound they are not.

Sacramento Kings (5-15) – They are 29th in field goal percentage & 25th in OPFG%, Tyreke Evans has plantar fasciitis in his left foot and rookie DeMarcus Cousins has already been thrown out of practice. Since this squad can’t shoot or defend and has poor chemistry I think Paul Westphal might be the first coach fired this season.

Los Angeles Clippers (5-18) – Baron Davis has missed 14 games, Randy Foye 16 (left hamstrings on both) and Chris Kaman (left ankle) 13. The silver lining for Clipper Nation is the core of Eric Bledsoe, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan (average age 20.8) has a very bright future.

Quarter Pole Awards

Defensive Player – Dwight Howard (Orlando)

Sixth Man – Jason Terry (Dallas)

Coach – George Karl (Denver)

Rookie – Blake Griffin (Clippers)

MVP – Chris Paul (New Orleans)

All NBA

PG – Chris Paul (New Orleans)
SG – Manu Ginobili (San Antonio)
SF – Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
PF – Pau Gasol (Lakers)
C – Dwight Howard (Orlando)