Dan's NBA Central

Despite season-ending injuries to Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut and controversies surrounding Charlie Villanueva's use of Twitter during intermission, the Bucks remained relevant in the Eastern Conference. Led by head coach Scott Skiles, the squad showed flashes of their defensive prowess while developing their young core in Ramon Sessions, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Joe Alexander. Unlike past seasons, they persevered through these misfortunes and finally developed an identity that renewed the optimism and excitement in the city of Milwaukee. For nearly seventy games, the Bucks were in the hunt for the last spot in the East until reality had finally set in.

Heading into the offseason, there were feelings that management would continue to build off of last season's accomplishments. This assumption was fueled by the idea that the return of Redd and Bogut and the continuous development of their young nucleus would propel them to their first playoff appearance in years...

However, this huge step forward was not satisfactory enough and management has obviously decided to overhaul the roster. This offseason has been highlighted with trading away their second-leading scorer, Richard Jefferson and refusing to re-sign their former second round gem, Ramon Sessions. In return, the Bucks have acquired Kurt Thomas, Hakim Warrick, Carlos Delfino, Ersan Ilyasova and Roko Ukic while drafting rookies Brandon Jennings and Jodie Meeks.

Having said this, what do these moves signal for the Milwaukee Bucks?

With all these short-term contracts on the roster, the Bucks are looking to accomplish their goals in the next two seasons. While the talent that they acquired clearly does not match last season's roster, they have improved their overall depth. In the frontcourt, the additions of Kurt Thomas and Hakim Warrick should provide improved insurance policies in case Andrew Bogut goes out with another injury. Also, Carlos Delfino and Ersan Ilyasova provide the Bucks with outside shooting that should improve their inside-outside game. More importantly, the trade of Richard Jefferson will open up more minutes for Alexander and Mbah a Moute to continue to develop. Lastly, the main concern will lie in the backcourt. As the Bucks have acquired three unproven guards, it will be interesting to see if these players will be able to provide reliable minutes behind Luke Ridnour and Michael Redd.

Having mentioned the depth of the Bucks, another important aspect to discuss is if management's decision to overhaul the roster was based on financial reasons. Seeing that management has traded for expiring contracts and has avoided signing free agents to long-term deals, the initial thought that comes up is likely the 2010 sweepstakes. However, the Bucks will still have eleven players under contract which amounts to approximately 50 million dollars. This means that there is little chance that the Bucks can sign an all-star caliber player unless he accepts the mid-level exception. Despite this current financial situation, there are still ways that the Bucks can somehow be players in 2010. Quite similar to Richard Jefferson's case, the Bucks can look to trade Redd for players with expiring contracts. Also, Michael Redd has the right to exercise his Early Termination Option where he would eventually become a free agent. If one of these two events occur, the Bucks will have approximately 18 millions dollars to spend in the 2010 offseason.

Looking forward, there are just too many uncertainties both short and long term. Instead of building off of last season's accomplishments, the Bucks have risked their chances of making the playoffs this upcoming season. Whenever there is a major roster overhaul, key issues such as chemistry will need to be addressed. If this team is unable to come together quickly, their window of opportunity has unnecessarily been closed. In response, management will likely gear themselves towards the future. In the 2011 offseason, the Bucks will potentially have enough cap room to sign an all-star caliber player. While they will have financial flexibility, when was the last time management was able to lure a big name player into the city of Milwaukee? Having said this, the Bucks should have continued to develop last season's squad while possibly making minor changes. If the return of Redd and Bogut did not propel them to making the playoffs, then these moves would have been understandable. Ultimately, the Bucks have potentially risked their team's success today while preparing themselves for an unforeseeable future.

Everyone knew this was coming, but no one expected this.

The champagne hasn't even dried off yet and the Lakers are in the midst of losing another key player in Lamar Odom.

If a player wants to maximize their financial opportunities after a championship, can we really blame them? In the off-season, it's all about taking care of business.

However, when championship rings are more important and an agent disregards this desire, it's a clearly unfortunate situation. As we have all probably heard, the initial problem started with Trevor Ariza's agent attempting to make something out of nothing. The Lakers were thinking the mid-level exception, but his agent was commanding seven to nine million dollars. What was the end result? Ariza heading to the Houston Rockets for the mid-level exception deal.

Eureka! He obviously failed.

Ariza wanted to stay in Los Angeles. The mid-level exception deal was there. Another championship ring was in his sights. Everything he wanted was on the table, yet his agent played hardball in hopes of striking it rich. While Ariza will definitely have more individual opportunities in Houston, there's no place like home...

After everything that transpired with the departure of Ariza, it certainly looks like Lamar Odom's situation will follow the same route. With reports that he wants to remain in Los Angeles, his agent is pushing him to move back to the Miami HEAT since they are offering more years in the proposed contract. While the financial situation is quite confusing with the state taxes, it looks like he will receive the same amount of money. At this point, hopefully it will and should come down to what Lamar Odom wants in this stage of his career.

What can Odom learn from Ariza? Whatever his agent advises should be taken with a grain of salt. As the saying should go, the agent works for Lamar Odom. Lamar Odom doesn't work for the agent.

All things aside, it should be interesting as Odom will reportedly make his decision this week. Stay tuned!

A season that was full of expectations ended in turmoil in the City of Brotherly Love...

Will changes have to be made after just one year under the Elton Brand experiment?

SEASON RECAP: After successfully making the playoffs the previous season, the young 76ers had new sights in mind with the addition of all-star forward Elton Brand. With a blend of savvy veterans and a young nucleus, this team sought to make the shift from playoff-contenders to championship-contenders. As most players realized, it would require the ability to play half court basketball to compete with the rest of the contenders come playoff time.

Coming into this optimistic season, head coach Maurice Cheeks planned accordingly to these needs and the frustrated team didn't respond in route to an uninspiring 9-14 record. He was eventually fired and the supposed-savior of the team, Elton Brand was out for the season with a right shoulder injury. Despite this gloomy period, under Tony DiLeo's guidance, the 76ers returned to their high-octane offense where they regained their identity with a 32-27 record.

Heading into their second straight playoff appearance, the 76ers were optimistic especially playing against an injury-plagued Orlando Magic. They were able to play the Magic tough with an impressive road victory in Game 1, but like every thing that has occurred this season, they failed to take the next step towards the top of the mountain...

The stage was set in Game 6. Playing in front of their home crowd, knowing that they were on the brink of elimination and Dwight Howard being suspended for one game...it was the perfect opportunity to bring the series back to Orlando for Game 7. What happened? They lost. It wasn't even a nail-bitter...they lost by 25!

THE TURMOIL BEGINS: If this loss wasn't embarrassing enough, there seems turmoil broiling in Philadelphia. After this loss, players began to point their fingers at the coaching staff. In this league, it's pretty clear that coaches are on a very tight leash. Like most cases this season, it hasn't necessarily been the coach's fault... but more of the players unwilling to adapt/accept to these new schemes.

Since the loss, there have been numerous reports of veterans feeling like the coaching staff didn't properly prepare for this game. In response, some players didn't even show up to their exit meetings which is quite unprofessional in my estimation. Some players are hinting at wanting to be traded during this offseason...where is the Brotherly Love in this city?

MY OUTLOOK: When the 76ers could have taken a big step forward this season, they took a major step back towards mediocrity. The future just looks bleak to me... Andre Miller's future certainly doesn't look good as he quickly burned bridges with the team. More importantly, how will Elton Brand be able to make his presence felt when his style of play doesn't fit with the rest of the team? There are so many questions and not enough answers at the moment.            

Chances are they won't be able to move Elton Brand and will have to build around him. With such a big contract and not being dependable, they're going to have to keep him in this economy. Changes will need to be made. The only real tradable asset I see is Thaddeus Young. He is full of potential and is only going to get better. Maybe package him for a shooting guard that compliments Andre Iguodala? Another idea they should pursue is trading Samuel Dalembert. He was clearly unhappy with his role this season and there are numerous suitors who are looking for his size and rebounding. Lastly, in free agency, the organization will have to find more shooters to surround Brand and Iguodala.

It doesn't look good right now, but adding a couple shooters/players to compliment their nucleus during the summer wouldn't be a bad place to start.

What changes do the 76ers need to make this offseason? Sound off NBA fans!        

For only the second time in his career, Tim Duncan is fishing at the River Walk rather than competing for his fifth championship ring.

This certainly begs the question: Do the Spurs need to rebuild this offseason?

SEASON RECAP: Before any changes are made, this injury-plagued squad was able to win an impressive 54 games and seeded third in the competitive West. Unlike previous seasons and mainly due to injuries, Gregg Popovich approached this season quite differently...

The plan was clear: Get his three star players (Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili) healthy while developing his young players in hopes of making it to June. It certainly worked through the course of the 82 game season as Matt Bonner, Roger Mason, and George Hill were able to gain confidence while making solid contributions.

After the All-Star break, the plan Gregg Popovich envisioned seemingly worked to perfection. With the return of the Big Three and role players making big contributions, this team had a legit chance to make it to the Western Conference Finals or even the NBA Finals...

Like everything that has occurred, it wasn't their destiny to win a championship every odd season. Manu Ginobili was declared out for the season, Tim Duncan's knees weren't holding up, and the young role players disappeared into the night.

DREAMS VS. REALITY: Since the Spurs lost to the Dallas Mavericks, there has been talk regarding the future of Manu Ginobili. The dream is to trade him away for a younger/healthier player. When he is healthy, he is one of the best shooting guards in the league. In reality, he is considered a risk for most offseason shoppers. With so many teams looking to elevate their standing in the league, trading for him would almost be a step back despite his unparallel talent. Teams are looking for durable players, and as of right now, it doesn't seem like the Spurs will be able to trade him (or at least get the same talent back).

Also, free agency should also be a concern. Over the last couple of years, the Spurs have built their team around the Big Three. They didn't necessarily have to get big names in recent years...just veterans who would compliment their stars. In return, they signed players who were somewhat passed their prime years (Michael Finley, Kurt Thomas, etc.). In a very recent poll, players who are 30 years and older prefer to sign with the Spurs. This is a good sign that older players want to play in this market, but it has created somewhat of a bad trend as they seek to get younger. The ultimate question will be if younger players will WANT to play in this market. It should be interesting...

MY OUTLOOK: In my opinion, the San Antonio Spurs don't have to rebuild yet... I fully expect the Spurs to keep Manu Ginobili (whether they want to or not). Hopefully this extended time-off will help him recuperate and be a factor next season. Also, the Spurs have a couple players overseas that can make contributions or at least strengthen their depth. In the free agency market, I don't really see them signing anyone young but a likely scenario would be Rasheed Wallace? He would add size and it would help relieve the pressures Matt Bonner had as the starting center. Lastly, with a year under their belt, the young players on the team can learn from this season and help the Spurs regain their elite status in the NBA.                 

Do the Spurs need to rebuild this offseason? Sound off NBA fans! 

Last night, the Lakers extended their losing streak to EIGHT games at the Rose Garden.

Unlike the previous games where the Lakers weren't able to match Portland's energy, there were some questionable calls made in the second half. There's a clear understanding that referees are human, but there's also expectations that calls should be made on both ends of the court.

The Blazers benefited from this approach as they imposed their will on the Lakers. With the Blazers being so physical in the second half, it's almost expected that there would've been more foul calls against them in an era where the league protects offensive players. While the Lakers did foul in most cases on the defensive end, there was a sense that the referees weren't going to let the Lakers match Portland's physicality.

Looking at the box score, there was a huge disparity at the free throw line. The Lakers committed 31 fouls and attempted 20 free throws. In turn, the Blazers committed 19 fouls and attempted 37 free throws. The seventeen free throw attempts were the difference in the game as every other statistical category was fairly even.

Despite the circumstances, the Lakers were able to keep the game close throughout. Basketball is clearly about making adjustments and Coach of the Year frontrunner Nate McMillan made a late game change that helped the Blazers win its 51^st game of the year.    

For most of the game, Brandon Roy received picks near the elbows which made it easier for the Lakers to trap.

With about five minutes left, McMillan had Brandon Roy isolated in the middle of the court which played well into his strengths. He has the unique ability to drive either way with ease and also has a reliable jumper. Although Kobe has moments of being a great defender, it was difficult for him to gauge how he wanted to defend Roy.

As the season series is tied at 2-2 apiece with both teams winning on their home court...this surely won't be the last time these two teams play each other. If Portland is able to hold onto the fourth seed, it's a strong possibility that they'll face each other in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Maybe a rivalry will be renewed...stay tuned!

Sound off NBA fans! Did the officiating play a role? Questions and comments are appreciated.

It did not have to take last night's game to realize that the Los Angeles Lakers struggle mightily against the Charlotte Bobcats. Whether it has been a lack of energy or simply downplaying the abilities of the Bobcats, the Lakers have lost the last six out of seven games to this franchise. Although many fans will argue that it was just a regular season game and the Lakers are focused on a championship, the play of the Bobcats exposed holes in the Lakers last night. Combined with strong execution and energy, the Bobcats showed ways to stifle this high-octane Triangle Offense.

DEFENSE: On the defensive end, the Bobcats did a solid job of packing the paint and forcing the Lakers to take jumpers that have not been falling for them during this road trip. While Lamar Odom had a spectacular game, the big men quickly doubled Pau Gasol on the box which forced him to kick it out to the perimeter. Time and time again, the Lakers' perimeter players had difficulties passing the ball back inside which resorted to taking low percentage shots. Also, the Bobcats lived with Kobe Bryant taking jump shots which fortunately did not go down as frequently. Raja Bell and his teammates also limited Kobe's free-throws which are usually a way for him to get in rhythm. Lastly, their active hands and feet ultimately jumpstarted and created open opportunities on offense. 

OFFENSE: The Bobcats had offensive sets that were enjoyable to watch last night. While most teams have shooters stationed in the corner, the shooters were in constant motion which kept the floor spread for their inside scorers. This especially benefited them down the stretch as Kobe Bryant was forced to chase Raja Bell around the court, which ultimately slowed down his productivity (or maybe it was his sprained ankle). In these types of offenses, the Lakers tend to resort to a zone where they simply "overload" one side of the court on defense and force the opposition to throw the deadly cross court pass. However, the Bobcats were quite effective throughout the game of passing the ball east to west, causing the Lakers to scramble. In their set plays, they exposed the Lakers' inability to defend the pick-and-roll as well as their poor defensive rotations. By having the big men set picks on both sides of the elbow, Raymond Felton was able to get a layup, an easy dunk for the screener, or an open shot for his shooters. Overall, the Bobcats executed their offensive game plan which helped tire the road-weary Lakers.

AS THE REGULAR SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE:

Although he has been criticized in recent years, any Larry Brown-coached team is guaranteed to play hard on both ends of the court if his players buy into his philosophy. His players have really taken advantage of this learning experience and have elevated their play. They have improved over the last couple of months with their consistency and have shown flashes of solid execution that have fueled them to impressive victories. Led by a young nucleus (Okafor, Wallace, and Felton) and savvy veterans (Diaw and Bell), this team is jockeying for the last playoff spot and  looking forward to making its first playoff appearance in franchise history.

On the other hand, the talented Lakers have already secured the number one spot in the Western Conference and this game may have been a bump in the road. In the next couple of games, it would be ideal for them to regain their energy on the defensive end. As they gear up for another playoff run towards a championship, they need to realize that their defensive efforts have always jumpstarted their offense. Like most effective offenses, the Lakers have got to find their inside-outside game that has led them to this incredible point of the season. Unlike last year, they are the team being hunted in the Western Conference and the Lakers need to redevelop their high level of play in the next couple of games to claim what they have worked so hard for: a NBA championship.

Sound off NBA fans! Questions and comments would be greatly appreciated.