NBA Southwest Division Off-Season Grades
By David Solar
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 12:53am
Year in, year out, the Southwest is one of the most competitive divisions in the NBA. While the last place New Orleans Hornets finished eighteen games behind the first place Dallas Mavericks, every other division in the league saw a more considerable difference of at least thirty-two games. Dallas and San Antonio have been the front runners in the Southwest for the last decade but with sabermetrics genius Daryl Money steering the Houston franchise, a young and improving Memphis team and a healthy Chris Paul in New Orleans (provided they hold onto him), the division looks like even more of a dog fight in 2010.
Dallas Mavericks:
Draft Picks: Dominique Jones (South Florida, Pick purchased from Grizzlies), Solomon Alabi (Florida State)
Additions: Dirk Nowitzki (re-signed for 4 years $80 million), Brendan Haywood (re-signed for 6 years $55 million), Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca (acquired via trade for Erick Dampier, Eduardo Najera and Matt Carroll), Ian Mahimini (San Antonio, 2 years $4 million)
Subtractions: Eduardo Najera, Matt Carroll, Erick Dampier
Despite landing the second seed in the Western Conference, the Mavericks once again failed to get out of the first round despite having home court advantage. With owner Mark Cuban to report to, GM Donnie Nelson had to make a move. He once again reached into Cuban's bottomless pockets and reestablished him as the market standard for overpaying mediocre centers. His first move was to re-sign, franchise cornerstone, Dirk Nowitzki. There was little doubt Dirk Diggler was going to resign but the fact he signed a four-year extension worth eighty million dollars (sixteen million dollars less than what he would receive on the open market) must have factored in Nelson’s desperation in later moves.
The initial savings of $32 million (16 for the contract itself and 16 for the luxury tax ramifications), gave Cuban a mandate from Dirk to spend to help them get their elusive championship, and spend he did. Resigning Brandon Haywood, a thirty year old center, to a six year contract valued at a staggering $55 million. While Haywood does provide a commendable defensive presence, this move exemplifies the old saying, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” I assumed Shaq would be the likely recipient of Mark Cuban's annual charitable donation to the overvalued big man du jour. I was wrong. That honor was bestowed upon Haywood whose career averages are 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds respectively. While his best season came last year where he averaged 9.1 points and 9.3 rebounds with 2 blocks, Haywood now joins the likes of Erick Dampier (seven year $73 million), Shawn Bradley (seven year $42 million), Raef LaFrentz (seven years $70 million) and DeSagana Diop (six year $32 million) as grossly over paid Cubanaires.
To make matters worse, the Mavericks traded away Erick Dampier (whose non-guaranteed contract was a valuable trade chip) for Tyson Chandler. Chandler is coming off his worst season since his rookie year (6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds). And will be making 12.75 million in the last year of his contract. With these moves the Mavs grabbed two centers with limited offensive ability at an expensive valuation while Al Jefferson, a former franchise cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves was acquired by conference rival Utah Jazz for 2 future first rounders and an expiring contract.
The acquisition of Big Al would have finally giving Dallas a high low offensive presence with Dirk and Jefferson. Overpaying marginal players and hesitating on what could have been a phenomenal trade will cost the Mavericks dearly next season and sadly; we will notice the impact for years to come.
Final Grade: C-
San Antonio Spurs:
Draft Picks: James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Ryan Richards (England)
Additions: Tiago Splitter (Brazil, 3 years $11 million), Matt Bonner (re-signed for 4 years $16 million), Richard Jefferson (has opted out, but resigned to a more cap friendly 4 year $38 million)
Subtractions: Ian Mahimini (Dallas, 2 years $4 million) Roger Mason (UFA, not expected to return)
Each year it seems the Spurs are set to fade into the background, yet they consistently stay relevant by making some great off season decisions.
So how do the Spurs manage to stay competitive while Tim Duncan's numbers have dropped off in each of the past four seasons? RC Buford has proven to be one of the shrewdest GM's in basketball, finding quality free agents at bargain prices and turning late first round and second round picks into impact players and All Star performers. Last year, San Antonio’s off-season was filled with mixed results. The Spurs pulled off what seemed to be a heist for Richard Jefferson, acquiring the 20 point a game scorer for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s performance and consistency were below expectations. Meanwhile, they landed a steal in second round pick DeJuan Blair whose performances were good enough for the all-rookie second team. This off season they were fortunate when Jefferson opted out of a contract due to pay him $15.2 million this upcoming season to a more manageable four year contract that helped them avoid the luxury tax. With the 20th pick they drafted Big 12 player of the year James Anderson who should be able to contribute immediately.
The Spurs also signed former first rounder Tiago Splitter to a three year deal worth eleven million dollars.
Tiago SplitterCompared by some to Taj Gibson, the Brazilian born Splitter is coming off 2010 MVP of the Spanish League. If nothing else, the 25 year old center should infuse energy, size, and youth into an aging front court.
As always the Spurs have done well this off-season. They had nothing more to offer than their mid-level exception, and have divided it up to grab Splitter and potentially Shaq diesel and kept Jefferson and Bonner. With a front court rotation of Duncan, McDyess, Blair, Splitter and potentially the big Aristotle, the Spurs are primed to be contenders again in the west. Without making a splash, I can't justify an A, but the Spurs have yet to have a poor season in the Tim Duncan era. Even Kobe can’t boast that for his Lakers.
Final Grade: B
Houston Rockets:
Draft Picks: Patrick Patterson (Kentucky)
Additions: Brad Miller (Chicago, 3 years $15 million), Luis Scola (re-signed for 5 years $47 million) Kyle Lowry (re-signed 4 years $24 million)
Subtractions: None
GM. Daryl Money has managed to turn a team composed mainly of late draft picks into one of the most difficult playoff outs in the NBA. This off-season, the Rockets attempted to upgrade their post scoring by wooing Texas native, Chris Bosh, but when he ultimately re-buffed them for Miami, they did the next best thing resigning restricted free agent Luis Scola. While Scola is not at the star level of CB4, he was highly coveted player during free agency. In 2009, the 30 year old Argentinian turned in his best season as a pro (16.2 pts 8.2 rbds) in the absence of Yao Ming. \The five year deal Scola received (worth $47 million) may be regrettable in the last couple years, they did sign the best off season center. Plus, I can practice saying, “they should trade him for the expiring contract of Luis Scola.”
The Rockets with the last pick of the lottery, drafted Kentucky product Patrick Patterson. At 6'9 Patterson should be an instant contributor having the ability to possess both a nice interior game as well as range out to the three point line. Patterson averaged 14.3 and 7.4 as a junior while sharing touches and adjusting his game to John Wall, Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins. His dedication of working on his perimeter game between his sophomore and junior season made him a more appealing NBA prospect.
With the return of the 29 year old giant Yao Ming combined with last year's additions of Trevor Ariza and Kevin Martin, mixed with the growth of some of the younger players should make Houston compelling to watch. The addition of Brad Miller with the mid-level exception provides a capable back-up to Yao as well as insurance should Shaquie Chan go down again.
Last year Rockets focused on retooling, with a year under their belt and the return of a 20 and 10 center expectations and results will be higher.
Final Grade: B+
Memphis Grizzlies:
Draft Picks: Xavier Henry (Kansas), Dominique Jones (South Florida, pick sold to Mavericks), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland),
Additions: Rudy Gay (re-signed for 5 years $80 million), Tony Allen (Boston, 3 years $10 million)
Subtractions: Ronnie Brewer (Chicago, 3 years $12.5 million), Lester Hudson (waived)
On the first day of free agency, the Griz committed to franchise cornerstone Rudy Gay. The approach to these negotiations left many puzzled. With Gay being a restricted free agent, the Grizzlies could have chosen to match any offer that he might have received. With that being the case, the logic of giving him a maximum contract must have convinced them that he will elevate his game to the next level. His 20 and 6 statistical averages don't seem indicative of that type of money. Were they worried he would force a sign and trade, was the preemptive move their only real option, or could they have played possum and waited to match a competitive offer? We will never know. As much as I like Rudy Gay, his five year $80 million deal was steep, especially considering two years ago the team dealt away a better player, Pau Gasol, for financial reasons. Gay isn't a #1 option on a contending team. But for a struggling franchise, it's a huge challenge to attract free agents without overspending, so overpaying to some degree for Gay is somewhat excuable.
As far as the rest of the off-season moves? Drafting Xavier Henry was a nice pick at 12 as his stock dropped during the season due to alleged lack of production, but 13.4, 4.4 and a 42% clip from downtown are impressive figures on a talented and veteran Jayhawk team. Plus at a legitimate 6'6 220 with a 6'11 wingspan he has a good NBA body and could turn into a terrific defensive player. Now they just need to sign him.
With three total first round picks, Memphis drafted Dominique Jones, then sold the pick to Dallas and then drafted Greivis Vasquez at the end of the first round. Vasquez has a competitiveness that you seldom find in players which should allow him to overcome his lack of ideal footspeed.
Neglecting to re-sign Ronnie Brewer also goes down as a failure. His three year deal with Chicago was worth $12.5 million; a small price to pay for a player of his age and caliber; and given the fact they had already invested a future 1st round pick to acquire his services. Luckily, the Grizzlies offset the loss of Brewer's defensive prowess by bringing in lockdown defender Tony Allen (3 years $10 million).
The Memphis core that witnessed a 16 game improvement is back minus the substitution of Allen for Brewer. This young team should continue to grow and mature, but the standings will likely fail to reflect that in a loaded Western Conference. In an off-season defined by the rich getting richer, the Grizzlies lack of player movement will likely keep them out of the playoffs for yet another year.
Final Grade: C+
New Orleans Hornets:
Chris Paul
Draft Picks: Craig Brackens (Iowa State), Quincy Pondexter (Washington)
Additions: Aaron Gray (re-signed, 2 year contract terms not released)
Subtractions: Morris Peterson (traded with the rights to Cole Aldrich for the rights to Craig Brackens and Quincy Pondexter)
I would be pretty worried if I called myself a Hornets fan. GM Jeff Bower found himself out of a job, and new GM Dell Demps starts in an unenviable situation. With the bloated contracts of Emeka Okafor (4 years remaining at roughly $52 million), Peja Stojakovic (1 year $15 million), and James Posey (2 years $13.4 million), the team is having trouble balancing wins with salary cap implications. With just under $69 million committed next year, the Hornets barely escaped getting hit with the luxury tax (set at $70 million). Unfortunately in order to do so, the team from NOLA had to attach their eleventh overall pick with Morris Peterson to get under the threshold. A shrewd financial decision, yes but the eventual trade of Peterson and Cole Aldrich for Craig Brackins and Quincy Pondexter skews towards the Thunder. While Pondexter should contribute as a rookie, Brackins appears to be more of a work in progress. In summer league Brackins averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds on a paltry 38% field goal shooting while Pondexter thrived dropping 15.2, 4 and 2.
Aside from this trade, New Orleans roster remains remarkably unchanged. However, the biggest story from the Bayou is the unhappiness of franchise player Chris Paul. Paul’s stay in Louisiana becomes more and more strenuous as the summer roles into fall. Allegedly, Paul promised the teaming of himself, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire as an alternative big three in New York. Orlando and Portland also are a rumored destination. That fire could fuel speculation all season long and with the emergence of point guard Darren Collison (18.8, 3.5 and 9.1 in 37 games as a starter) and the already state Hornets financial constraints; a Paul trade is no longer out of the question.
The Hornets may have best served to keep the 11th draft pick and take Xavier Henry who has the potential to be the dynamic wing player the Hornets so desperately needs. Of course it’s foolish to ignore fiscal and cap space implications in any transactions, so for that I must give the Hornets credit. They managed to dump salary while not losing much talent.
Final Grade: C
RELATED ARTICLES:
NBA Southeast Division Off-Season Grades
NBA Northwest Division Off-Season Grades
NBA Central Division Off-Season Grades
Dallas Mavericks:
Draft Picks: Dominique Jones (South Florida, Pick purchased from Grizzlies), Solomon Alabi (Florida State)
Additions: Dirk Nowitzki (re-signed for 4 years $80 million), Brendan Haywood (re-signed for 6 years $55 million), Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca (acquired via trade for Erick Dampier, Eduardo Najera and Matt Carroll), Ian Mahimini (San Antonio, 2 years $4 million)
Subtractions: Eduardo Najera, Matt Carroll, Erick Dampier
Despite landing the second seed in the Western Conference, the Mavericks once again failed to get out of the first round despite having home court advantage. With owner Mark Cuban to report to, GM Donnie Nelson had to make a move. He once again reached into Cuban's bottomless pockets and reestablished him as the market standard for overpaying mediocre centers. His first move was to re-sign, franchise cornerstone, Dirk Nowitzki. There was little doubt Dirk Diggler was going to resign but the fact he signed a four-year extension worth eighty million dollars (sixteen million dollars less than what he would receive on the open market) must have factored in Nelson’s desperation in later moves.
The initial savings of $32 million (16 for the contract itself and 16 for the luxury tax ramifications), gave Cuban a mandate from Dirk to spend to help them get their elusive championship, and spend he did. Resigning Brandon Haywood, a thirty year old center, to a six year contract valued at a staggering $55 million. While Haywood does provide a commendable defensive presence, this move exemplifies the old saying, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” I assumed Shaq would be the likely recipient of Mark Cuban's annual charitable donation to the overvalued big man du jour. I was wrong. That honor was bestowed upon Haywood whose career averages are 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds respectively. While his best season came last year where he averaged 9.1 points and 9.3 rebounds with 2 blocks, Haywood now joins the likes of Erick Dampier (seven year $73 million), Shawn Bradley (seven year $42 million), Raef LaFrentz (seven years $70 million) and DeSagana Diop (six year $32 million) as grossly over paid Cubanaires.
To make matters worse, the Mavericks traded away Erick Dampier (whose non-guaranteed contract was a valuable trade chip) for Tyson Chandler. Chandler is coming off his worst season since his rookie year (6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds). And will be making 12.75 million in the last year of his contract. With these moves the Mavs grabbed two centers with limited offensive ability at an expensive valuation while Al Jefferson, a former franchise cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves was acquired by conference rival Utah Jazz for 2 future first rounders and an expiring contract.
The acquisition of Big Al would have finally giving Dallas a high low offensive presence with Dirk and Jefferson. Overpaying marginal players and hesitating on what could have been a phenomenal trade will cost the Mavericks dearly next season and sadly; we will notice the impact for years to come.
Final Grade: C-
San Antonio Spurs:
Draft Picks: James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Ryan Richards (England)
Additions: Tiago Splitter (Brazil, 3 years $11 million), Matt Bonner (re-signed for 4 years $16 million), Richard Jefferson (has opted out, but resigned to a more cap friendly 4 year $38 million)
Subtractions: Ian Mahimini (Dallas, 2 years $4 million) Roger Mason (UFA, not expected to return)
Each year it seems the Spurs are set to fade into the background, yet they consistently stay relevant by making some great off season decisions.
So how do the Spurs manage to stay competitive while Tim Duncan's numbers have dropped off in each of the past four seasons? RC Buford has proven to be one of the shrewdest GM's in basketball, finding quality free agents at bargain prices and turning late first round and second round picks into impact players and All Star performers. Last year, San Antonio’s off-season was filled with mixed results. The Spurs pulled off what seemed to be a heist for Richard Jefferson, acquiring the 20 point a game scorer for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s performance and consistency were below expectations. Meanwhile, they landed a steal in second round pick DeJuan Blair whose performances were good enough for the all-rookie second team. This off season they were fortunate when Jefferson opted out of a contract due to pay him $15.2 million this upcoming season to a more manageable four year contract that helped them avoid the luxury tax. With the 20th pick they drafted Big 12 player of the year James Anderson who should be able to contribute immediately.
The Spurs also signed former first rounder Tiago Splitter to a three year deal worth eleven million dollars.
Tiago SplitterCompared by some to Taj Gibson, the Brazilian born Splitter is coming off 2010 MVP of the Spanish League. If nothing else, the 25 year old center should infuse energy, size, and youth into an aging front court.As always the Spurs have done well this off-season. They had nothing more to offer than their mid-level exception, and have divided it up to grab Splitter and potentially Shaq diesel and kept Jefferson and Bonner. With a front court rotation of Duncan, McDyess, Blair, Splitter and potentially the big Aristotle, the Spurs are primed to be contenders again in the west. Without making a splash, I can't justify an A, but the Spurs have yet to have a poor season in the Tim Duncan era. Even Kobe can’t boast that for his Lakers.
Final Grade: B
Houston Rockets:
Draft Picks: Patrick Patterson (Kentucky)
Additions: Brad Miller (Chicago, 3 years $15 million), Luis Scola (re-signed for 5 years $47 million) Kyle Lowry (re-signed 4 years $24 million)
Subtractions: None
GM. Daryl Money has managed to turn a team composed mainly of late draft picks into one of the most difficult playoff outs in the NBA. This off-season, the Rockets attempted to upgrade their post scoring by wooing Texas native, Chris Bosh, but when he ultimately re-buffed them for Miami, they did the next best thing resigning restricted free agent Luis Scola. While Scola is not at the star level of CB4, he was highly coveted player during free agency. In 2009, the 30 year old Argentinian turned in his best season as a pro (16.2 pts 8.2 rbds) in the absence of Yao Ming. \The five year deal Scola received (worth $47 million) may be regrettable in the last couple years, they did sign the best off season center. Plus, I can practice saying, “they should trade him for the expiring contract of Luis Scola.”
The Rockets with the last pick of the lottery, drafted Kentucky product Patrick Patterson. At 6'9 Patterson should be an instant contributor having the ability to possess both a nice interior game as well as range out to the three point line. Patterson averaged 14.3 and 7.4 as a junior while sharing touches and adjusting his game to John Wall, Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins. His dedication of working on his perimeter game between his sophomore and junior season made him a more appealing NBA prospect.
With the return of the 29 year old giant Yao Ming combined with last year's additions of Trevor Ariza and Kevin Martin, mixed with the growth of some of the younger players should make Houston compelling to watch. The addition of Brad Miller with the mid-level exception provides a capable back-up to Yao as well as insurance should Shaquie Chan go down again.
Last year Rockets focused on retooling, with a year under their belt and the return of a 20 and 10 center expectations and results will be higher.
Final Grade: B+
Memphis Grizzlies:
Draft Picks: Xavier Henry (Kansas), Dominique Jones (South Florida, pick sold to Mavericks), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland),
Additions: Rudy Gay (re-signed for 5 years $80 million), Tony Allen (Boston, 3 years $10 million)
Subtractions: Ronnie Brewer (Chicago, 3 years $12.5 million), Lester Hudson (waived)
On the first day of free agency, the Griz committed to franchise cornerstone Rudy Gay. The approach to these negotiations left many puzzled. With Gay being a restricted free agent, the Grizzlies could have chosen to match any offer that he might have received. With that being the case, the logic of giving him a maximum contract must have convinced them that he will elevate his game to the next level. His 20 and 6 statistical averages don't seem indicative of that type of money. Were they worried he would force a sign and trade, was the preemptive move their only real option, or could they have played possum and waited to match a competitive offer? We will never know. As much as I like Rudy Gay, his five year $80 million deal was steep, especially considering two years ago the team dealt away a better player, Pau Gasol, for financial reasons. Gay isn't a #1 option on a contending team. But for a struggling franchise, it's a huge challenge to attract free agents without overspending, so overpaying to some degree for Gay is somewhat excuable.
As far as the rest of the off-season moves? Drafting Xavier Henry was a nice pick at 12 as his stock dropped during the season due to alleged lack of production, but 13.4, 4.4 and a 42% clip from downtown are impressive figures on a talented and veteran Jayhawk team. Plus at a legitimate 6'6 220 with a 6'11 wingspan he has a good NBA body and could turn into a terrific defensive player. Now they just need to sign him.
With three total first round picks, Memphis drafted Dominique Jones, then sold the pick to Dallas and then drafted Greivis Vasquez at the end of the first round. Vasquez has a competitiveness that you seldom find in players which should allow him to overcome his lack of ideal footspeed.
Neglecting to re-sign Ronnie Brewer also goes down as a failure. His three year deal with Chicago was worth $12.5 million; a small price to pay for a player of his age and caliber; and given the fact they had already invested a future 1st round pick to acquire his services. Luckily, the Grizzlies offset the loss of Brewer's defensive prowess by bringing in lockdown defender Tony Allen (3 years $10 million).
The Memphis core that witnessed a 16 game improvement is back minus the substitution of Allen for Brewer. This young team should continue to grow and mature, but the standings will likely fail to reflect that in a loaded Western Conference. In an off-season defined by the rich getting richer, the Grizzlies lack of player movement will likely keep them out of the playoffs for yet another year.
Final Grade: C+
New Orleans Hornets:
Chris PaulDraft Picks: Craig Brackens (Iowa State), Quincy Pondexter (Washington)
Additions: Aaron Gray (re-signed, 2 year contract terms not released)
Subtractions: Morris Peterson (traded with the rights to Cole Aldrich for the rights to Craig Brackens and Quincy Pondexter)
I would be pretty worried if I called myself a Hornets fan. GM Jeff Bower found himself out of a job, and new GM Dell Demps starts in an unenviable situation. With the bloated contracts of Emeka Okafor (4 years remaining at roughly $52 million), Peja Stojakovic (1 year $15 million), and James Posey (2 years $13.4 million), the team is having trouble balancing wins with salary cap implications. With just under $69 million committed next year, the Hornets barely escaped getting hit with the luxury tax (set at $70 million). Unfortunately in order to do so, the team from NOLA had to attach their eleventh overall pick with Morris Peterson to get under the threshold. A shrewd financial decision, yes but the eventual trade of Peterson and Cole Aldrich for Craig Brackins and Quincy Pondexter skews towards the Thunder. While Pondexter should contribute as a rookie, Brackins appears to be more of a work in progress. In summer league Brackins averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds on a paltry 38% field goal shooting while Pondexter thrived dropping 15.2, 4 and 2.
Aside from this trade, New Orleans roster remains remarkably unchanged. However, the biggest story from the Bayou is the unhappiness of franchise player Chris Paul. Paul’s stay in Louisiana becomes more and more strenuous as the summer roles into fall. Allegedly, Paul promised the teaming of himself, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire as an alternative big three in New York. Orlando and Portland also are a rumored destination. That fire could fuel speculation all season long and with the emergence of point guard Darren Collison (18.8, 3.5 and 9.1 in 37 games as a starter) and the already state Hornets financial constraints; a Paul trade is no longer out of the question.
The Hornets may have best served to keep the 11th draft pick and take Xavier Henry who has the potential to be the dynamic wing player the Hornets so desperately needs. Of course it’s foolish to ignore fiscal and cap space implications in any transactions, so for that I must give the Hornets credit. They managed to dump salary while not losing much talent.
Final Grade: C
RELATED ARTICLES:
NBA Southeast Division Off-Season Grades
NBA Northwest Division Off-Season Grades
NBA Central Division Off-Season Grades
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