Western Conference OffSeason Grades

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/8710502/1

What are your thoughts on these grades?

Dallas

Though it's still a few weeks away, the Mavericks are all but certain to part ways with longtime star Michael Finley, who has lost a step and is no longer worth the extra $50-plus million in luxury tax money Mark Cuban would have to pay to keep him. It's a difficult decision, but with Marquis Daniels ready to take on an expanded role, Dallas shouldn't feel too great a sting. The team also signed summer league star Josh Powell to its 15-man roster. The former N.C. State standout could be a steal if he continues to board well and flash a nice touch from the perimeter. There are also rumors the team could be interested in bringing back Nick Van Exel, recently let go by Portland. Grade: B.

Denver

Can Phil Jackson clean up the mess in L.A.? (Getty Images)
Can Phil Jackson clean up the mess in L.A.? (Getty Images)
After being the most dominant regular season team during last season's latter half, the Nuggets seemingly lacked only one major piece to truly contend: a shooting guard. So far, they've come up empty. There was reportedly a deal on the table that would send Nene to Sacramento for Cuttino Mobley, but that never transpired and Mobley subsequently signed with the Clippers. The latest rumors are that the team is holding out for Michael Finley, which is why they have not signed fellow free agents DerMarr Johnson and Greg Buckner. At this point, the only shooting guards on the roster are Voshon Lenard and recent draftee Julius Hodge. That's not going to get it done. Grade: C-.

Golden State

The Warriors made their big splash just prior to last year's trading deadline, scoring Baron Davis and taking off from there. As a result, expectations are high entering this season, particularly since the team addressed its need for athleticism up front through draft acquisitions Ike Diogu and Chris Taft. Golden State is still extremely young, but it has to be excited about the nucleus it has built. Grade: B.

Houston

It got lost in the scheme of the blockbuster five-team, 13-player deal, but the Rockets' acquisition of Stromile Swift could go down as one of the stronger moves of this offseason. When Juwan Howard went down prior to last season's playoffs, the Rockets lost that big forward presence required next to Yao Ming. In Swift, they've gotten an athletic bodyguard who can rebound and block shots and play enforcer, providing the final piece to the puzzle in order to escape the first round of the playoffs. First-round pick Luther Head struggled in summer league play and may find himself deep on the team's bench. Grade: B.

L.A. Clippers

The same-ol' Clippers syndrome surfaced when Bobby Simmons skipped town, but you have to give the team credit for spending some money and filling the void with free agent Cuttino Mobley. He'll undoubtedly force Corey Maggette to the small forward spot, allowing them to keep their strength on the wing intact. L.A. also spent money to keep center Zelkjo Rebraca, who does a nice job backing up Chris Kaman. There have been rumors that the team will attempt to move disgruntled forward Chris Wilcox while also shelling out money to retain point guard Marko Jaric to help assist in Shaun Livingston's development. Grade: B.

L.A. Lakers

Obviously, missing the playoffs didn't sit well with owner Jerry Buss and the rest of the Lakers as drastic moves were made. First and foremost was the return of Phil Jackson, given a three-year, $30 million contract to help come clean up the team's mess. His relationship with Kobe Bryant is a fractured one and clearly will be the subject of much scrutiny throughout the offseason. The team also gambled on 17-year-old 7-footer Andrew Bynum, who held his own in summer league play and should see some action as a rookie. Drafting him at No. 10 was a risk, but GM Mitch Kupchak felt the team wouldn't be in a position to get a player of his size and potential again anytime soon. We'll see about that. The Lakers also shipped out Caron Butler in exchange for another gamble in Kwame Brown, hoping that unlike what he displayed in his stint with Washington, he'll mature and commit to making himself better. Clearly, the team is taking stabs in the dark and hoping to be fortunate. Grade: C.

Memphis

After falling flat in the first round of last year's playoffs and carrying around a roster filled with gripers for much of the season, the Grizz decided it was time for an overhaul. Troubled Bonzi Wells and Jason Williams were shipped out in separate deals, as was the talented but injury-prone James Posey. If nothing else, acquisitions Bobby Jackson and Eddie Jones, consummate professionals, will make for a more harmonious locker room. Damon Stoudamire was also brought on board to help handle the point, an indication that Earl Watson's days might be numbered. The loss of Stromile Swift is eased by the superb performances put forth by Hakim Warrick and undrafted free agent Lawrence Roberts in summer league. Both could find their way into Mike Fratello's rotation. Grade: B.

Minnesota

Outside of choosing Dwane Casey to coach the team instead of early favorite P.J. Carlesimo, the Wolves haven't really done much this offseason. What has gone down hasn't been positive. Eddie Griffin was ruled to have violated his probation and spent 15 days in prison, but is expected to soon be re-signed. Latrell Sprewell, an unrestricted free agent, likely won't be. Fred Hoiberg had to undergo surgery to remove an aortic aneurysm and isn't being counted on to return next season. That puts even more pressure on top pick Rashad McCants to hit the ground running, and it didn't help that he missed all of summer league action due to a strained right groin. Grade: C-.

New Orleans

There was talk that the Hornets were going to deal Jamaal Magloire to Toronto on draft night, but an agreement couldn't be reached. As a result, the team's rebuilding project will continue with their big man in the middle in place, and an abundance of youth surrounding him. Top pick Chris Paul should energize the team, and will likely be handed the reins to the offense immediately despite some rocky shooting over the summer. Former first round pick Kirk Snyder, who butted heads with Utah's coaching staff, will join the rotation, as will young small forward Rasual Butler, acquired from the Heat. Arvydas Macijauskas, a Lithuanian who has been playing in Europe since he was 16, was also brought on board, giving the team another competent shooter. All in all, it was a busy offseason for New Orleans, but it's unlikely to pay immediate dividends. Grade: B-.

Phoenix

Quentin Richardson is gone, and Joe Johnson -- grudgingly -- will likely be next. The fun-and-gun days in Phoenix are over. The team will be forced to take a slightly more conventional approach with Kurt Thomas helping Amare Stoudemire in the post. Wings Raja Bell and Boris Diaw are most certainly a downgrade from Johnson and Richardson, and the team struck out in reported attempts to sign Lithuanians Arvydas Macijauskas and Sarunas Jasikevicius. Undoubtedly, the Suns will be weaker bunch. Grade: C-.

Portland

The Blazers scored a major coup in prying Nate McMillan from Seattle, and thus, their rebuilding project has some direction. Clearly, it will be a long process they plan on being patient with, as they handed McMillan major security and brought another prep star on board in highly touted shooter Martell Webster. Veterans Nick Van Exel and Derek Anderson were cut, while Damon Stoudamire was allowed to walk, leaving the point guard duties to Sebastian Telfair. The Blazers signed Juan Dixon and Charles Smith to deals to play alongside Telfair, and are committed to cultivating their young talent before spending money for free agent help. Grade: B-.

Sacramento

Cuttino Mobley never fit in with the Kings, so it was no surprise he didn't return. Instead of promoting Maurice Evans to fill the void, the team traded fan favorite Bobby Jackson in order to acquire Bonzi Wells. Wells is an effective scorer, yet temperamental, so if he's going well and receiving consistent minutes, he should be a valuable pickup. If he struggles and loses minutes, there will be problems. Ironically, first round pick Francisco Garcia may be the guy who takes them from him, as the Kings expect him to contribute right away. Negotiations with free agents Evans and Darius Songaila are ongoing, and the team would be best served keeping both. Jason Hart was acquired to fill Jackson's role as Mike Bibby's backup. Grade: C.

San Antonio

You wouldn't expect too much tinkering to be done with a championship team, and indeed the Spurs simply concentrated on keeping everything intact. Robert Horry, despite several suitors, returned for a run at a seventh ring. Their next move might be to add another point guard given Beno Udrih's struggles in last year's Finals, with the word being that there is interest in Nick Van Exel among others. San Antonio also signed another Argentine in Patricio Oberto, a 6-11 forward, likely ending hopes that fellow countryman Luis Scola will play there next year, if at all. Grade: B.

Seattle

The SuperSonics lost their coach, their center and one of their top reserves in a forgettable offseason that may cause a downward spiral after last season's grand revival. Nate McMillan, "Mr. Sonic," was in fact spurned by the organization, low-balled and disrespected, forcing him to flee to Portland. Jerome James keyed last year's playoff run, and it would be tragic for Seattle if after years of waiting for him to mature, he finally reaches his potential in New York. Antonio Daniels, a veteran influence and fine defender, left for Washington. The Sonics are now in recovery mode, elevating assistant Bob Weiss to try to keep some chemistry in place and signing Rick Brunson to step into Daniels' role. The greatest positive of this offseason was keeping superstar Ray Allen in place with a five-year, $85 million extension. At least they'll have their main cog to build around as they look for new pieces to replace the departing ones. Grade: C-.

Utah
Seeking a point guard to finally replace John Stockton where so many have already tried, Utah traded up for the opportunity to draft Deron Williams, hoping the playmaking and defense that made him one of the college game's greats translates to the pros. His arrival has the team thinking playoffs, which is why, in a puzzling move, the Jazz brought Greg Ostertag back in a package that featured one of last year's first round picks, Kirk Snyder, and once-promising but oft-injured Raul Lopez and Curtis Borchardt. The team is interested in winning now and feels the veteran big man can platoon with Mehmet Okur in the middle and be an asset come playoff time. Losing Raja Bell is a big blow, and the team is reportedly interested in adding a couple more perimeter threats to balance out its backcourt rotation. Grade: B-.

Great thread...I have to agree with all of the grades

What about the East?

I agree with most of the grades, but Houston gets an A in my book, and Phoenix (even though it isn't totally their fault) gets an F.

I agree with most of the grades, but Houston gets an A in my book, and Phoenix (even though it isn't totally their fault) gets an F.

No team that adds Bell and Thomas at the cost of Q and Nate R. gets an F in my book. Loosing JJ will hurt, alot, but they are still good.

These grades are reasonably. However, I was surprise to see that the Rockets received a grade of B. They should get B+ instead.

houston should be a little higher, sonics a little lower

The East are up if u follow the NBA link...

I agree with the grades also

I agree also. Warriors will do good this year.

I agree, the grades are fair and I'm in agreement with most of them. However, I too would grade Houston higher as they've upgraded their roster without breaking the bank or trading anyone away. I'd also grade San Antonio higher for doing the right thing and keeping the team intact. The Clippers' offseason moves are more worthy of a B- or C+ in my opinion.

I agree with most of the grades, but Houston gets an A in my book, and Phoenix (even though it isn't totally their fault) gets an F.

No team that adds Bell and Thomas at the cost of Q and Nate R. gets an F in my book. Loosing JJ will hurt, alot, but they are still good.

Bell is no Q Rich and Thomas is old....Nate will be great but he wouldnt have been able to in Phoenix...so thats OK

indeed, sonics deserves an F. They've lost a lot of players and a coach. I doubt they'll keep all of their remaining FAs. They might just lose Murray, which would really suck. oh and to replace Daniels, they signed Rick Brunson......

Isn't it a bit early giving teams grades already? For instance, I would give the Cavs a lot lower grade right now because they're without a real point guard, but in a few days they've probably done something about that.

indeed, sonics deserves an F. They've lost a lot of players and a coach. I doubt they'll keep all of their remaining FAs. They might just lose Murray, which would really suck. oh and to replace Daniels, they signed Rick Brunson......

i'd have to disagree

daniels wanted to start/get starting money however ridnour had a good season and postseason

brunson is the ideal backup PG. he has experience and plays within his abilities. he just isn't flashy so nobody notices him. he even started a few games for the clips last year and was decent

who cares about murray? he scored a bunch of points when allen was hurt 2 seasons ago and has disappeared off the face of the earth since

jerome james shows up for a playoff series and all of a sudden he's worth the contract he got? sounds eerily like calvin booth...

yes, the players that the sonics lost weren't great, but they still did well. Can you really replace Daniels with Brunson? Murray showed that he has the capability to become a real score, coming off the bench for Allen. If Allen gets injured, can you really find an replacement that can fill his shoes? Murrary will probably do better being a starter, but it'll be difficult to find a replacement for him. As for James, in the FA market theren't aren't anymore centers out there. Would you rather have Robert Swift be at C than James? Of course, the money the Knicks gave him was way too much, but again, can you really find a replacement for him? If there were more FAs, then sonics shouldn't be worried, but more and more FAs are getting signed, and sonics hasn't made a move in a while. They still havn't signed Reggie Evans or Nick Collison yet, i think. So if you look at their roster, they only have about 8 players without the FAs. They need to make some moves real soon.... it's just my opinion.

brunson is not better then daniels but he can provide solid mintues off the bench and comes at a good price. can he throw down dunks or make clutch shots like daniels did? unlikely.

it goes without saying that allen is irreplacable if he were to get injured. murray can score but what did he do last year? from what i've seen, he's showed he can put numbers only when he's in a starting role

i think the sonics would rather spend the time and money developing former lottery picks swift, collison, and possibly petro instead of giving a contract like the one james got (who was a career disappointment up until the playoffs). plus there's fortson too

well fortson is a FA. I agree that the sonics should spend more time on the young players like Swift, but Allen doesn't have many years in him to still be a major score. He can still play for many years, but he's 30 this year. Sonics should think about NOW than the future. They had a great team last year, and it's falling a part.... though they still got their 3 main guys.

hoopshype lists fortson signed on for 2yrs..

you bring up a legit point, after doing well last year, it's too bad they more then likely will be taking a step back. but when you factor in that a lot of the sonic players were up for new contracts...