by Andrew on Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:42 pm
Kobe Bryant - about a month ago, I had him picked to leave, but now I'm thinking he might reconsider. I still can't shake the feeling he's heading out of LA so that he can be The Man on his own team, but it seemed much more likely about a month ago.
I think Iverson and T-Mac will both stay. A shakeup probably won't effect either player too much, as their teams can't really get anything fair in return. I expect them to stay in Philadelphia and Orlando respectively, at least one more season.
The same goes for Pierce and Carter. I anticipate Boston and Toronto will be keen to hold onto their All-Stars despite disappointing 2003/2004 campaigns.
Unless both parties have seen something they like, I think Sheed will move on, if not during the offseason then by next year's trade deadline. I expect the Mavericks will hold onto Steve Nash, and most likely Antoine Walker.
Erick Dampier and Marcus Camby have been solid role players for their respective teams this season. I think Golden State and Denver should definitely consider keeping them, I anticipate that at least one of them will stay put.
As we all know the boos have been getting to C-Webb, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him try to leave the Kings this offseason. He might change his tune if the fans change theirs...and if the Kings go deep into the playoffs.
I'll pick Ginobili to remain a Spur.
I'm hoping Curry and Chandler stay in Chicago, and I'd say there's a fairly good chance they will. I wouldn't be surprised if this is their last chance though. Another injury plagued season or uninspired effort will probably see them traded as soon as possible. I wouldn't be surprised to see Crawford shopped this offseason, but I couldn't say whether anyone will make an offer the Bulls cannot refuse.
Kenyon Martin, Brent Barry, Quentin Richardson and Michael Finley most likely aren't going anywhere. Antawn Jamison and Jerry Stackhouse might be moving on, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them remain where they are.
The Cavaliers should keep McInnis and probably will, though his attitude might change their minds. Jerome James will probably exercise his option for another season, so the Sonics will probably keep him one more year. I think that Mark Blount will decide to leave Boston, as I've read that he's unhappy being a Celtic.
That leaves Rodney White and Mehmet Okur. I say they'll also be back with the Nuggets and Pistons next year.
Some of these guys are difficult to pick right now, but I expect most of them to remain where they are at least through the offseason.