Summertime is always an eventful, and often intriguing season for NBA fans. Summer 2010 was one of the most talent rich pools in recent history. Lebron, Wade, Amare, Joe Johnson and Bosh were members of that class. Summer 2013 cannot be confused with summer 2010. Sure, there are bonafide star players like Chris Paul. There are also star players like Dwight Howard (I guess). But, the balance of power in the NBA does not seem to be at stake. After all, as long as Lebron James plays for the Miami Heat, they remain the best team in the business. Unless there is a trade that joins Chris Paul, Dwight Howard and some other "super" star, the balance of power remains the same. The Brooklyn Nets look good on paper, but I do not believe they will even be the third best team in the Eastern Conference.
Chris Paul, in my opinion, was the number one free agent this year. He is widely considered to be the best point guard in the NBA. However, he verbally committed to re-signing with the Clippers today. That said, all the drama that usually comes with super star free agents a la "the decision" is missing this year. He will sign the official contract on July 10, 2013. His deal is rumored to be worth $107 million dollars over five years. The Clippers now have Doc Rivers in tow and I think they will make some other smaller moves this summer. I keep hearing that Eric Bledsoe is a key trading piece that might help them land a wing player. Danny Granger and Aaron Afflalo are the two names I have heard mentioned the most.
Dwight Howard is another free agent that could potentially made an impact. However, he seems to be vey indecisive. He essentially forced himself out of Orlando and landed in Lakerland. I thought he would flourish with the Lakers, but because things were not perfect, he did a lot of complaining. He wants to be the number one option on a championship caliber team. However, he has absolutely no low post moves, is a terrible free throw shooter and seems to lack any redeeming leadership skills.
There are multiple scenarios that have been discussed with respect to Dwight Howard. The first option is that he re-signs with Los Angeles. They can offer him the most money and the longest contract. For some reason, I do not believe he will re-sign with the Lakers. Another scenario is that he signs with the Houston Rockets and joins a team with James Harden. Insider reports have revealed that Howard wants Houston to add another superstar to the team. I guess he wants to build his own personal version of Miami's big three. In case he has not realized, the "big three" model does not guarantee a title. Plus, if he is the best player of a potential big three, I am not convinced he has enough skill to lead a team.
Josh Smith is another big name free agent. He is a mercurial player. In one moment, he seems to be totally committed to playing with his back to the basket, but in the very next moment, he is hoisting three pointers at an alarmingly low rate. He can certainly help a team, but he is not good enough to be the number one option. He would make a great third option on a team like Houston if they land Dwight Howard. That deal could possibly make sense if he and Howard are willing to take a pay cut. I would not hold my breath on that one.
Honorable mention free agents: (1) Andre Iguodala; (2) Andrew Bynum (the next Greg Oden); (3)J.R. Smith; and (4)Brandon Jennings.
Peace
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