NLSC STARS ON THE MOVE
With the 2007/08 season about to start, let's check in on the final transactions that shaped the face of some of the NLSC's finest young stars.
CEEKAY THINKS LA IS A-OKAY
The writing was on the wall from the minute that Cyriel "ceekay" Klitsie expressed a strong desire to not play for the Jazz. Rather than trying to force Klitsie's hand, they instead relented as he was sent in a multi-player deal to the Los Angeles Clippers. The deal sent the draft rights to the Jazz's 2007 draft picks, swingmen Cyriel Klitsie and Vincent Grier, along with last season's 2nd Round draft pick, forward Angelo Gigli, to the Los Angeles Clippers for guards Willie Green and Paul Watson.
The Clippers have to be happy with the coup as Klitsie should provide defensive toughness and should develop into the team's starting SF of the future. The other two players, Grier and Gigli, were thrown in for salary cap purposes.
With the move ceekay puts the camera and spotlight squarely on him. He probably should realise when is a good time for a quick scratch
The Jazz didn't have a lot of choice in this deal and decided to add extra depth in their backcourt, with improving, but ageing 2nd year PG Paul Watson and SG Willie Green. Watson should be Carlos Arroyo's primary backup at PG and Green should get time at both the SG and PG positions. Both should help the Jazz and fit into their team structure and offense well.
Watson was 4th on the Clippers' depth chart at PG so this deal was the best thing that could have happenned for his career
ALL SITS WELL FOR WILL IN THE GOLDEN STATE
Both the Orlando Magic and Will Sit knew that their short playing relationship had not worked out as planned with both sides wanting to part their separate ways. It was announced today that the Magic had sent pint-sized combo guard Will Sit and enigmatic forward Sean Banks to the Golden State Warriors for Euro bigman Andris Biedrins.
The deal works well for both teams, the Warriors were in dire need of a new starting PG, and Will Sit felt ready to take the reigns of a team. The Magic needed a starting pivot and got one in the ever-improving Andris Biedrins, who should slot into the starting lineup next to Dwight Howard. Sean Banks was a throw-in for cap purposes, but could get some burn for the perennially struggling Warriors.
Oakland faithful seem excited about this deal and many think he could be the best PG to hit town since Tim Bug did in the Run TMC days
SONICS CLEAR UP SOME OF THE LOGJAM IN THEIR BACKCOURT
The Sonics made a deal today that appeared to be an "addition by subtraction" deal. With a logjam of talented guards on the roster and wanting to avoid the inevitable rumbling, the Supersonics sent guards Jing "jxuusa" Xu and Donnell Taylor to the New Jersey Nets for improving forward Nenad Krstic and rookie bigman Christopher Lo.
New Jersey's backcourt was looking decidedly dreadful before Rod Thorn pulled off this deal, but now the Nets have a new starting SG in the fold in Jing Xu. Xu might struggle early but playing alongside Jason Kidd can only aid his development. Taylor should get some time off the bench at both guard spots. For the Sonics, they shored up their frontline with two talented bigmen who can play both the PF and C positions.
Don't turn away or you might miss this kid light up the Swamps of the Meadowlands
PISTONS THINK WATSON COULD BE THEIR X-FACTOR
After falling to the Spurs in last season's NBA Finals, the Pistons were not looking to dramatically alter their squad. Instead they added rookie forward Steven Smith in the draft, and now they've added combo guard Andrew "The X" Watson as a free agent pickup. After he failed to be signed by any team during the free agency period, Watson lowered his asking price and took a 1 year deal at the league minimum of $695,000.
Detroit was lacking a bit of depth, specifically in the backcourt. With the addition of Watson, who will come off the bench as a backup at the SG and PG positions, it helps to remedy this weakness. The Pistons view Watson as a tough guard who with his shooting prowess and clutch nature could be the difference between winning the NBA title or not.
Is it just me or does his eyes look a little glazed?!? Either way, Watson should get plenty of open looks as he feeds off a talented Pistons' lineup
