Team by Team Overviews- Atlantic and Pacific Divisions

Boston Celtics

Season Overview: Somehow, there were bright spots in Boston’s 28-54 joke of a season. Al Jefferson emerged as one of the better power forwards in the league, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game. Gerald Green took a huge step forward as well. He played his best basketball late in the season, averaging 20.3 points per game during a seven-game stretch in April. Rajon Rondo and Delonte West proved to be an effective point guard combination. Both have a future with the team. Paul Pierce only played in 47 games, but averaged 25 points per outing.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe
Grade- B
Rondo averaged only 6.4 points and 3.8 assists per game, but came on very strong at the end of the season and showed that he is a tremendous athlete, defender, and playmaker. If he can become more consistent with his jumpshot, Rondo will be a starter for the next ten years.

2005- Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes
Grade- A-
Considering where these two players were picked (18th and 50th respectively), 2005 was one of the best drafts in recent history for Boston. Green has stardom written all over him at just 21 years old. Waterbury’s (CT) own Gomes averaged 12.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 30 minutes of action per contest. He hard-nosed and productive, and is one of very few second round draft picks that become starters.

This Offseason: Boston’s only free agent is Michael Olowokandi, the former 1.7 draft pick…oh no wait, that was his scoring average from last season. The Celts need help at center, but Kendrick Perkins is a better option than Olowokandi at this point. He’ll be let go, and the team will desperately try to move Wally Szczerbiak and his hefty contract.

Draft Outlook: After suffering for nearly two decades, Boston fans finally can expect their beloved Celtics to reach the promise-land again after they draft perhaps the best big man prospect in years, a man amongst boys who has drawn comparisons to former Celtic Bill Russell. Meet the savior of Boston basketball- Yi Jianlian. Wait...what?
After missing out on Greg Oden, Boston sits at #5 and is widely expected to draft a big man that can make Boston fans forget about their misfortune in the lottery- kind of. Jianlian, Brandan Wright, and Joakim Noah have all been mentioned as possible options. They also hold the #32 pick, which they will probably use an athletic wing. The team will target four-year players Reyshawn Terry and Alando Tucker, but don’t be surprised if they go big again and keep BC C Sean Williams at home.

New York Knicks

Season Overview: The Knickerbockers have a solid foundation at the two most important positions in basketball- point guard and center. Stephon Marbury (16.4 points, 5.4 assists) and Eddy Curry (19.5 points, 7 rebounds) may take their share of criticism, but they are the team’s best players. Jamal Crawford (17.6 points) is a dynamic scorer at the shooting guard position, best exemplified by his 52-point performance on January 26th vs. Milwaukee. Quentin Richardson was in and out of the rotation early, but finished the season averaging a solid 13 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. Steve Francis proved he just doesn’t fit in with the team, and neither does Channing Frye, Jared Jeffries, Malik Rose, or Jerome James. James doesn’t fit in with any team, but that’s a whole different story.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Mardy Collins, Renaldo Balkman
Grade- C
Collins played well in limited action in a crowded backcourt, but should see a lot more consistent PT if the Knicks cut ties with Steve Francis. Balkman, drafted 20th overall, was a huge reach, but is the kind of garbage player that the Knicks need.

2005- Channing Frye, David Lee
Grade- C+
Frye has worn out his welcome in New York. His numbers (9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds) are not good, but much of that can be attributed to the fact that everyone on the Knicks like to gun up as many shots as they can. Lee, the last pick of the first round, has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 10.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 29 minutes per game last season. He figures into the Knicks long-term plans.

This Offseason: Kelvin Cato and Malik Rose will finally come off the books this summer. They are the Knicks only free agents, but New York may try to make a trade. Rumors are swirling that the team wants Pacers forward/center Jermaine O’Neal. If Isiah Thomas wants O’Neal bad enough, he will be able to get him for Marbury and Frye or Francis and Curry.

Draft Outlook: The Knicks hold one pick in the draft, the 23rd overall selection. Ohio State SG Daequan Cook’s name is being mentioned as an extremely possible choice for New York. Isiah Thomas says he has known Cook since he was a kid and was very impressed with his performance in the pre-draft camp and in the individual workout. He could be a nice fit, especially if the team ends up trading Francis or Crawford to get Jermaine O’Neal.

Philadelphia 76ers

Season Recap: 2006-2007 saw the Sixers trade their franchise player of the last decade, Allen Iverson. AI’s departure signaled the beginning of a rebuilding project in Philly. The Sixers may not be that far away from turning it back around again thanks largely in part to the development of all-everything SF Andre Iguodala (18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.0 steals). Andre Miller (13.6 points, 7.3 assists) is a proven commodity at PG, and Kyle Korver came on strong last season, averaging 14.4 points per game while shooting 43% from behind the arc. The team is lacking on the interior, but with three first round draft picks, they should be able to bolster the talent in the frontcourt.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Rodney Carney, Bobby Jones, Edin Bavcic
Grade- B+
Carney was a great value at #16, and though he averaged only 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, drew a lot of attention for his defense and hustle. Carney is one of the most athletic players in the league and has some good offensive skills. It may take him a few more years to realize his potential, but once he does, he and Iguodala will be a scary combination on the wing.

2005- Louis Williams
Grade- B-
The super-quick guard left for the NBA straight out of high school, and Philly nabbed him with the 45th pick. Williams was nowhere near ready to play, nor is he today, but its not everyday that you can get a player with Williams’ potential that late in the draft. He will have to improve a lot over the summer to earn more playing time, but there is little depth in the backcourt and Williams will certainly have an opportunity.

This Offseason: Williams and Shavlik Randolph are both restricted free agents. The Sixers will definitely make an effort to re-sign Williams if they can, but Randolph is expendable. Joe Smith and Alan Henderson are both unrestricted free agents, and with the team in the position to draft two or three young big man, both probably will be wearing another uniform come next season.

Draft Outlook: Philly picks 12th, 21st, 30th, and 38th. They have two options, either use all of the picks and collect a lot of youth and depth, or trade up into the Top 5 or 6 and get a stud player and then maybe one or two more players later in the draft. The Sixers will probably hold onto all their picks because if they can’t get to Oden and Durant, which trust me they can’t, it wouldn’t make sense to trade up because there is a lot of uncertainty in the top ten after Oden, Durant, and Al Horford. The team will likely decide between Florida State’s Al Thornton and Washington’s Spencer Hawes with their first pick (12th). Their second selection (21st) will come down to another big man- possibly Duke’s Josh McRoberts or Brazil’s Tiago Splitter. With the last pick in the first round, Philly will hope a talented guard, such as Oregon’s Aaron Brooks or Nevada’s Ramon Sessions will be on the board. They could go anywhere with their last selection (38th), but likely will continue to attempt to upgrade the frontcourt by drafting BC C Sean Williams, Pittsburgh C Aaron Gray, or Purdue PF Carl Landry.


New Jersey Nets

Season Recap: The Nets were one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals and one big man away from being the best team in the inferior half of the NBA. Jason Kidd showed he still has a lot left in the tank, as he averaged 14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists in 12 playoff games. Vince Carter (25.2 points, 6 rebounds, 4.8 assists in the regular season) is not the athlete he used to be, but is still one of the best scorers in the league. Richard Jefferson played in only 55 games, but averaged 16.3 points in the regular season and 19.7 points in the playoffs. He is one of the league’s best small forwards. Mikki Moore stepped up and contributed 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds, but is not the long-term answer at center.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Marcus Williams, Josh Boone, Hassan Adams
Grade- A-
Williams looked spectacular at some points in the season, but hit the wall towards the end of his rookie year. Overall, Williams’ averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 assists per game, but showed the poise and feel that few young point guards exhibit. He will be a fine replacement for Kidd once he retires or gets traded. Boone missed the first 21 games of the year and finished averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds. He recorded back-to-back 20 point games in late March, something that he didn’t even do at UConn. As Boone’s offense continues to develop, he could shape up to be a decent post player for New Jersey. Adams is the real wildcard of the group. He is one of the most athletic players in the game and thrives in the fastbreak game that Kidd and Williams can orchestrate. He may be able to work his way into the rotation on athleticism alone, especially if Carter is dealt.

2005- Antoine Wright, Mili Illec
Grade- B
Wright filled in commendably while Jefferson was sidelined. He finished the season averaging just 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, but while Jefferson was out, Wright was averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds as the starting small forward. He showed considerable improvement in his second year and depending on what happens with Carter, will probably be a big part of the Nets’ future.

This Offseason: Vince Carter is a free-agent and will probably command the maximum contract, or very close to it. New Jersey will likely base their decision on a few factors. If they draft a wing like Georgia Tech’s Thaddeus Young, he becomes expendable. Rather then let him walk, the Nets would most likely try to do a sign and trade so they can get a big man such as Portland’s Zach Randolph or Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal in exchange for Air Canada. If they do indeed let Carter walk to Orlando (rumored to be his desired destination), they will have enough money to pursue another free agent, but there aren’t many players in Carter’s class whose contracts are up this year. Their best bet would be a sign-and-trade. The Nets also will be fielding offers for Kidd, who is getting old and has a promising Marcus Williams behind him. Expect the Mavericks and Lakers to make a strong push for Kidd, but neither has big men that the Nets are very enticed by. When it's all said and done, Kidd should be a Net again next year. The team also will attempt to re-sign Mikki Moore, but if his late season play gives him too much leverage in negotiations, they could let him go, depending on what they do in draft.

Draft Outlook: New Jersey holds the 17th pick in the first round and will likely target frontcourt help. If Colorado State F/C Jason Smith is available, the team will grab him. If not, they may draft a swingman such as Vanderbilt’s Derrick Byers or Ohio State’s Daequan Cook. Both players are athletic and will bring three-point range into a lineup that sometimes struggles mightily to hit jumpshots. If a shooting guard is the pick, that would most likely signal the end of Vince Carter’s run as a Net. In the unlikely situation that Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith are both on the board at 17, the Nets would be in a precarious situation, but would most likely take Young and try to trade Carter for a proven big man.

Toronto Raptors

Season Recap: Toronto went from being one of the worst teams in the East to the #3 seed in one year. Bryan Colangelo is doing a masterful job molding this team. They have a dominant force inside in Chris Bosh (22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds), an electric point guard combo in TJ Ford and Jose Calderon (27 points, 12.9 assists combined) and an array of from the perimeter in Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Morris Peterson, Juan Dixon, and Jorge Garbajosa.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Andrea Bargnani, PJ Tucker
Grade: A-
The Raptors took a lot of flack for picking Bargnani 1st overall last year, but after he turned in a more than respectable 11.6 points per game as a rookie, no one is questioning the pick anymore. A 7-footer who shot 37% from three, Bargnani has all the tools to be the Dirk Nowitzki of the next decade.

2005- Charlie Villanueva, Joey Graham, Uros Slokar
Grade-B+
Villanueva had an impressive rookie year, including a random 48-point eruption vs. Milwaukee on March 26th 2006, but was dealt the following offseason for TJ Ford, the oft-injured guard who couldn’t shoot. A year later, it turns out the trade worked out nicely. Ford is the catalyst of the exciting Toronto offense and Villanueva ended up missing most of the season due to injury. Graham has been a role player in his first two seasons, averaging 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He may never be a great offensive player, but will always have a spot in the rotation because of his defense and athleticism.

This Offseason: It will be an extremely low-key offseason for the Raptors. After re-vamping their entire team in the past two years, they pretty much have everything in place for the future. Toronto’s only free agent of note is Morris Peterson, a three-point specialist who has been with the team since they drafted him 21st overall in 2000. If he can be re-signed at the right price, the Raptors will try to retain him. If not, the team has plenty of wings who can shoot, so his departure wouldn’t exactly cause the city of Toronto to riot (or start going to Blue Jays games in protest). The Raptors have a lot of cap space still and will probably try to make a pitch to a free agent center so they can remove Rasho Nesterovic from the starting lineup and Stephen A. Smith can finally sleep at night. Possible replacements include Mikki Moore, Chris Mihm, Anderson Varejao, and Kurt Thomas.

Draft Outlook: Toronto does not have any picks in this year’s draft, and unless there is a center on the board in the late first or early to mid second round that they covet (such as BC’s Sean Williams, Pitt’s Aaron Gray, or Wake Forest’s Kyle Visser), they probably won’t make a trade. If they do, they will likely give up a future first or second round pick, because that seems to happen an awful lot on draft day.

Pacific Division

Sacramento Kings

Season Recap: The Kings window to win a title closed about two years ago. Their window to have a winning record closed this season. Sacramento stumbled to a 32-49 with a veteran roster, indicating it may be time to clean house and start from scratch. The player that will be the focal point of the rebuilding project is third-year SG Kevin Martin. The skinny sharpshooter averaged 20.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Ron Artest’s numbers were solid (18.8 ppg, 6.5 rebs), but he missed 12 games and his off the court behavior was less than spectacular. Mike Bibby averaged a solid 17.1 points, but only 4.7 assists per game. After those three, the rest of the King’s contributors were old players on the decline. Former All-Pro Shareef Abdur-Rahim averaged only 9.9 points per game, while Corliss Williamson and Brad Miller averaged 9.1 and 9.0 respectively.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Quincy Douby
Grade- D
Douby is an undersized guard who scored a lot at the college level but probably will not ever make an impact as a Pro. He averaged just 2.8 points per game in his rookie year, and to make matters worse, he was drafted ahead of the Nets’ Marcus Williams, who would have made Mike Bibby and his huge contract expendable. As it stands right now, the team doesn’t have another PG so it will be reluctant to move Bibby, who is starting the downside of his career.

2005- Francisco Garcia
Grade- C
Garcia showed a lot of improvement in his second year, averaging 6 points per game. He might develop into a full-time starter next season if he can make the same kind of progression that Kevin Martin did in his third year.

This Offseason: Mike Bibby has an early termination option on his contract, but probably won’t exercise it because he is due to make $12.5 million next season. If Sacramento can either draft a point guard or find one in free agency, they’ll try to deal Bibby. Corliss Williamson and Vitaly Potapenko are unrestricted free agents and are sure to be released. Young bench players Justin Williams and Ronnie Price will likely be retained. Williams has great length and athleticism as a center and Price arguably had the dunk of the year over Carlos Boozer. Both players might figure into the teams future and are worth at least a short-term investment.

Draft Outlook: Sacramento has just one pick, the 10th overall selection, and will make the most of it by drafting a forward or center to take minutes away from the struggling and aging frontcourt of Miller, Abdur-Rahim, Williamson, and Kenny Thomas. Florida State Al Thornton is the name that is being thrown around the most, and if Florida’s Joakim Noah falls, he will also be considered. Even though they need help at PF and C, if Georgetown SF Jeff Green is available, he will be tough to pass up. In that scenario, the team would likely try to deal Artest for some frontcourt help. Green is ready to start from Day 1 and would greatly accelerate the rebuilding process.

Los Angeles Clippers

Season Recap: After making the Western Conference Semifinals last season, the Clips underachieved, finishing 40-42 and missing the playoffs altogether. Elton Brand was one of the best power forwards in the game once again, averaging 20.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Corey Maggette’s scoring average dipped a bit (16.9 points) after being in Mike Dunleavy’s doghouse to start the season, but played his best basketball late in the season when LA was making a playoff push, highlighted by a career-high 39 points (10-15 FGs, 17-24 FTs) against the Lakers on April 12th. Veterans Cuttino Mobley, Sam Cassell, and Tim Thomas all did their jobs, and Shaun Livingston was showing considerable improvement (9.3 points, 5.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds) until he suffered one of the most gruesome knee injuries in sports history. Livingston’s career is in serious question, as is the Clippers PG situation.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Paul Davis, Guillermo Diaz
Grade- B
Both were second-round picks, so not much is going to be expected of either one. Davis averaged a paltry 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in 5.8 minutes of action, but he has good offensive skills and will be given a chance to compete for playing time if he impresses during the summer. Diaz was playing overseas, but the Clippers expect him to join the team next year. The former high school basketball player and University of Miami star shooting guard possesses a 45-inch vertical leap and two of the quickest feet in basketball. Diaz is a real sleeper to watch, as he has the potential to be a Jamal Crawford-type scorer.

2005- Yaroslav Korolev
Grade- D-
Korolev is still young, but at this point, his 1.4 points per game don’t quite measure up to the numbers of some players drafted behind him such as Danny Granger, Gerald Green, and Hakim Warrick.

This Offseason: Korolev, Jason Hart, and Quinton Ross are all unrestricted free agents. There is a strong possibility that all three will be re-signed. Hart and Ross played key roles towards the end of the season after Livingston went down. Hart, in particular, will be important for next year because Livingston’s status is uncertain and Sam Cassell isn’t getting any younger. The team might think it’s too early to give up on the 20-year old Korolev, and they’re probably right. In terms of trading, Maggette’s name has been on the block for about the last four years, and if they haven’t dealt him by now, they won’t. Maggette is too good of a scorer to part with, unless the Clips get someone like Jermaine O’Neal in return.

Draft Outlook: LA picks 14th and 45th, and will almost certainly take a point guard with their first pick. Texas A+M’s Acie Law and Georgia Tech’s Javaris Crittenton are the teams most viable options. If, for whatever reason, both are gone, the Clippers will take a look at Eastern Washington combo guard Rodney Stuckey. With their second pick, LAC would be wise to take a big man to give Elton Brand some rest and Chris Kaman some competition. UMass shot-blocking extraordinaire Stephane Lasme will be an option, as will super-athletic Fresno State SF Dominic McGuire. McGuire is the type of athlete that will block a lot of shots and fit in perfectly in LA’s up-tempo game.

Golden State Warriors

Season Recap: Golden State became America’s team as soon as they took Game 1 in Dallas, their fourth consecutive win against the NBA’s #1 seed Mavericks. Fans fell in love with the Warriors reckless, three-point happy small-ball playing style. Baron Davis was in another world in the 4-2 opening series victory against the Mavs, averaging 25 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the series. Stephen Jackson was the big key to the Game 6 clinching rout of Dallas, a game in which he scored 33 points and made 7 of 8 three-pointers. While Golden State was an exciting team the whole season, it was the midseason additions of Jackson and Al Harrington that put them over the top. Explosive second-year guard Monta Ellis averaged 16.5 points per game en route to winning NBA Most Improved Player. Jason Richardson averaged 14.9 points per game during the regular season, but really stepped it up in the playoffs (19.1 points) and showed he was one of the NBA’s best three-point bombers. Matt Barnes, an ex-teammate of Davis’ at UCLA, fit in beautifully in Don Nelson’s system and 11.1 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. His versatility and long arms on defense was a key in the upset of Dallas, which was the first time an 8 seed beat a 1 seed in a 7-game series. Overall, it was a very exciting season for Golden State. Next year, all eyes will be on the Bay Area to see if they can duplicate their success.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Patrick O’Bryant, Kosta Perovic
Grade- INC
O’Bryant is the center prospect that Golden State desperately needs to develop in order to take the next step into the NBA’s elite teams. He is big and has skill, but is still a bit raw and unpolished after leaving Bradley as a sophomore. He spent a lot of time in the NBDL, and the team hopes he’ll be able to step in as a starter before it’s window of opportunity closes.

2005- Ike Diago, Monta Ellis, Chris Taft
Grade- A
Diago was part of the deal that brought over Harrington and Jackson. Ellis was a true steal with the 40th overall pick. He is one of the most athletic young guards in the league and is a perfect compliment to Baron Davis. Ellis is great at penetrating and hitting the midrange jumpshot, and if he can add a three-point shot to his resume, Golden State could stretch the floor even more.

This Offseason: Barnes might get a lot of money in the free agent market, but he won’t fit in on other teams nearly as well as he does on Golden State. Barnes probably wants to remain with the Warriors, and the Warriors definitely want him as part of their future. A long-term deal is a strong possibility. The team will also re-sign restricted free agent Mikael Pietrus if it can. Pietrus, a phenomenal athlete and defender, was one of the most underrated players on the team last season. He is vital to their success. Keleena Azibukee and Josh Powell are young, but show some promise and will likely be retained. While it may go against conventional wisdom, I think Golden State would be best off if they parted ways with Stephen Jackson, who proved to be a clutch shooter, but also proved to be one of the most selfish, turnover prone players in the league. If the Warriors can trade him for any impact big man, they should do so. With Pietrus, Barnes, Richardson, and Ellis, Golden State already has enough depth at Jackson’s position. Even if they don’t get equal value, I feel trading Jackson would be addition by subtraction.

Draft Outlook: Golden State’s frontcourt is in dire need. Andris Biendrins is much more suited to come off the bench and Al Harrington is a small forward in a power forward’s body. If Colorado State F/C Jason Smith is available with the 18th pick, the Warriors will draft him in a heartbeat. He would give them some stability up front and maybe then Don Nelson won’t have to get drunk before every game.
However, Smith probably will be off the board at 18, leaving GS with project big men such as Josh McRoberts and Tiago Splitter. In that case, the Warriors might want to go with Option B, which is drafting Syracuse G/F Demetris Nichols. Nichols has a long frame and is a lights-out three-point shooter. I wouldn’t put it past Nelson to draft more of what they already have, especially considering how drunk Nelson will be on draft night. If this is indeed the pick, it opens the door for Stephen Jackson to be traded for a big man (say, Zach Randolph).


Los Angeles Lakers

Season Recap: The Lakers lost to the 2nd seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. It is becoming clear that Kobe Bryant (31.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists) will never have the supporting cast to win another championship as a Laker. Lamar Odom battled through an emotional and injury-riddled season, averaging 15.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Outside of Odom and obviously Bryant, LA is playing back-ups as starters. Neither Smush Parker (11 points, 2.8 assists) or Jordan Farmar (4.4 points, 1.9 assists) is an NBA-level starting point guard. LA’s center situation is almost as bad. Kwame Brown, who was brought in from Washington in exchange for All-Star Caron Butler, averaged only 8.4 points and 6 rebounds per game. Andrew Bynum showed improvement, but still has a long way to go as he averaged just 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest.

Recent Drafts:
2006- Jordan Farmer, Dannilo Pinnock
Grade- C
The organization raves about Farmar, but he has yet to translate his superior athleticism into good point guard play. Granted, he only played one year, but LA needs a PG who can come in and make plays right away- before Kobe’s window closes.

2005- Andrew Bynum, Von Wafer
Grade- C
Again, Bynum is young and shows some promise, but the Lakers can’t be building a team that will take 5 years to be good unless they get rid of Bryant and totally rebuild. As long as they have Kobe, they have a chance to win. Their best bet would be to surround Kobe with veterans rather than youngsters like Farmar and Bynum.

This Offseason: The offseason started with a bang when Kobe announced that he couldn’t ever see himself playing for the Lakers again in an interview with Stephen A. Smith and then retracted the statement about three hours later. Chances are, Bryant will be a Laker next year. The Lakers will not be going into next season with the same roster, however. Expect them to pursue a big-name point guard or a big-name center/power forward to give Kobe some help. Possible acquistions include Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, Zach Randolph, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby. In order to complete a deal for one of these guys, LA will have to part with a lot. I wouldn’t include Odom in any deal because then next year’s Laker team will have the same problem it did this year- they’ll only have two scorers. If LA does indeed trade for say, Jermaine O’Neal, a possible deal would include Andrew Bynum and a future-first round pick (which is likely to be low if the Lakers have Bryant, JO, and Odom). From a free agent standpoint, the contracts of Aaron McKie, Smush Parker, Luke Walton, Chris Mihm, and Shammond Williams are all up. Walton will be re-signed if he’s not too expensive. Parker probably will also unless LA trades for a PG. The other three will likely be released.

Draft Outlook: The Lakers pick 19th, 40th, and 48th. They need to take guys who are ready to play right now, so with the 19th pick, expect them to be looking at Acie Law, Derrick Byers, and Nick Young. Law would be a good fit and would solve their PG troubles, enabling LA to strictly focus on acquiring a big man via trade. With their next two picks, the Lakers will draft the best player available. Fresno State SF Domonic McGuire would be an interesting second round pick, as would Florida’s Taurean Green (assuming LA doesn’t take Law in the first round).

Phoenix Suns

Season Recap: The Suns were essentially one sprint from the bench to the scene of the crime away from winning the NBA Finals. Had Amare Stoudemire not been suspended for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, there’s a very good chance Phoenix would have been the NBA Champions of the 06-07 season. Steve Nash didn’t win MVP, but he statistically turned in the best year of his career, averaging 18.6 points and 11.6 assists per game. Nash and Stoudemire (20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds) were both named 1st team All-NBA. Leandro Barbosa took a huge step forward as he won the NBA’s 6th Man Award while averaging 18.1 points per game off the bench. Shawn Marion was once again the team’s most complete player, as he averaged 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Recent Drafts:
2006- No picks.
Grade- INC
PHX traded rights to Rajon Rondo (21st overall) and Brian Grant to the Celtics for a future first round pick.

PHX traded rights to Sergio Rodriguez (27th overall) to the Blazers for cash.

The Suns get the 24th overall pick in this years draft for the pick that would have been Rondo last year. Essentially, it’s a wash.

2005- Marcin Gortat, Dijon Thompson
Traded Quentin Richardson and rights to Nate Robinson (21st overall) to the Knicks for Kurt Thomas.

This Offseason: Phoenix has come up in Kobe Bryant trade talks, but those are simply rumors. The Suns are one of the league’s best teams and were arguably a suspension away from winning the title this year. Don’t expect any drastic changes to the roster. Jumaine Jones, Sean Marks, and Jalen Rose are all unrestricted free agents. Jones and Marks will probably be let go, while Rose has been working as a sideline reporter for ESPN in games that he was suited up to play in, so he will likely pursue his dream of being the next Greg Anthony. Kurt Thomas can opt out of the final year of his contract, but he has a very healthy paycheck on Phoenix and has the chance to win a title, so it's doubtful he'll want to go elsewhere.

Draft Outlook: The Suns have traded all of their first round picks in the past three years (Rondo, Rodriguez, Robinson, and Luol Deng in 2004). They hold two first-rounders, the 24th and 29th picks, and would be wise to use them unless they get a deal they can’t turn down. One player being mentioned as a strong possibility is Italian SG Marco Belinelli. Syracuse SG Demetris Nichols would also be a good fit. Expect Phoenix to take one of those two and then go for speedy Oregon PG Aaron Brooks, who would cause nightmares coming off the bench alongside Barbosa. If Brooks is gone, they could go big and draft a shot-blocker such as BC’s Sean Williams.