Michael DeStefano

Grade:  C

2009-10 Payroll:  $79.98 MillionAnthony Parker

Grade: B+

2009-10 Payroll:  $69.8 Million

Grade:  B-

2009-10 Payroll:   $79.2 Million

Highlights:  The Boston Celtics have one of the highest payrolls in the League, but if you ask Danny Ainge, that's a small price to pay for their 2008 NBA Title and a potential return to prominence in 2010.  

Grade:  B+

2009-10 Payroll:  $56.8 MillionBrook Lopez

Grade:  C

2009-10 Payroll:  $73 Million

*HD will be updating this page throughout the summer, so check back to get the latest on free agent signings around the League.

Chris Andersen - Denver Nuggets (5 years/$26M)

It was vital that the Nuggets re-sign Andersen, and they did. Andersen's surprise season last year was rewarded with a long-term deal worth approximately$26 million. With the defense and energy he brings, he's well worth it.

Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets (5 years/$33M)

You could feel the excitement.
Fans smiling, crossing their fingers, hanging on David Stern’s every
word. “With the third pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder selects…James
Harden.” Instantly, they break into a chant of “Ru-Bi-O.”

Over the course of an 82-game NBA season (plus playoffs), there are so many significant happenings or performances that never receive the recognition they deserve because of a lack of postseason awards.  The NBA pretty much hit the nail on the head with the five player awards (and so did we, I might add) while totally embarrassing itself with the Coach of the Year.  Nevertheless, here are some more awards to consider while reminiscing about the year that was.

I didn't plan on writing a piece regarding Game 1, but when my friend suggested a diary a la Bill Simmons, I couldn't resist.  If worse came to worse, paying such close attention to the game might spark a different, better idea to write about.  It didn't.

9:02 PM (Eastern Time) - The game hasn't started yet, but something newsworthy has already happened.  I put my pad on the table to write down my pre-game expectations and knocked over John's (my friend) drink.  It seems even writers are susceptible to Game 1 jitters.  Anyway. predictions:

It's finally here.  What began in October will be over in a mere seven games as the Lakers and Magic fight for the right to hold the Larry O'Brien trophy.  While that's an intriguing matchup, there's an even more important battle of the ages to pay attention to:  Hoopsdaily's Jon Pastuszek vs. Mike DeStefano. 

Think of them as two lawyers in the case of their lives.  Mike DeStefano will be representing the Los Angeles Lakers while Jon Pastuszek will speak on behalf of the underdog Orlando Magic.  

Let's get right into it.