"The Good and the Bad, of the 3 Bests of the East" Article by Chris Bernucca

[The Memo Man]

East's elite making multiple moves and countermoves
By Chris Bernucca July 26 2009

The top of the Eastern Conference is a game of rock-paper-scissors.

Orlando Magic fans will argue otherwise. They will say that their team beat both the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, clearly making the Magic the beast of the East.

Really?

Would the Magic have beaten the Celtics if Kevin Garnett was playing and able to take a turn on Dwight Howard or Rashard Lewis? Would they even have gotten to a seventh game?

We can hear the Celtics fans thumping their chests now. "Garnett is wicked awesome, man! He's a soup-a-staah! No way Orlando gets Game Seven in the Gaah-den!"

Easy, chowderhead. When's the last time you won a game in Cleveland? And where was Game Seven of that series supposed to be?

See what we mean? All three teams can stake a claim to superiority -- and all three can have that aura erased in the next breath.

Which is why all three have been highly active in the offseason, adding pieces that they think will give them the edge come next spring.

Collectively, this is the roster of players added by the Magic, Cavs and Celtics since the end of the season: Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, Brandon Bass, Marquis Daniels, Matt Barnes, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Ryan Anderson.

The group has five championship rings, nine NBA Finals appearances, 27 All-Star berths, one MVP and roughly $58 million in salaries. Add one capable ballhandler, and it would be in the hunt for the title.

But we're not building a fantasy team here. We're dealing in reality and trying to determine which team now has the upper hand in the rock-paper-scissors game.

Some of these teams might not be done, either. The Celts are still trying to bring back Big Baby Davis and the Magic are interested in C.J. Watson.

All three teams are in the eight-figure stratosphere of the luxury tax. The Cavs get the most relief from expiring contracts next summer -- which also means they have the most work to do in keeping together their nucleus. The Celts have the most experience -- which also makes them the oldest. The Magic have the most core players locked up - which could be problematic if the mix is wrong.

Keep in mind that some of our criticism is nit-picking; these are all teams that should win between 60 and 65 games and battle for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

But also keep in mind that at least one of these teams will fall short of the conference finals, which give the expectations and offseason commitment could mean a massive overhaul. Ask the Maloofs or Stan Kroenke -- spending money without seeing results can change an owner's approach in a hurry.

Here's the breakdown.

CAVALIERS

Good: Despite his advancing age, O'Neal still has to be accounted for and will command double-teams. He gives the Cavs an interior threat, which they did not have last season and led to an overreliance on isolating LeBron James. O'Neal also is an underrated, willing passer from the post who finds cutters and spot-up shooters. And he gives the Cavs one of the best backup centers in the league in Zydrunas Ilgauskas, whose pick-and-pop or spot-up ability will provide a totally different look. ... The additions of Moon and Parker make Cleveland a bit longer and more athletic, an issue against Orlando.

Not so good: With O'Neal and Parker in the starting lineup, the Cavs will be worse defensively than they were last season, when that end of the floor - not the greatness of James - was the primary reason they won 66 games. Ilgauskas was a lumbering liability in the pick-and-roll, but O'Neal has been awful in those situations and will put a lot of pressure on Anderson Varejao as a help defender. The Cavs may have been overwhelmed by Dwight Howard in the series clincher, but they had more trouble with the Magic's pick-and-roll schemes. ... O'Neal is a more reliable second option than Mo Williams - until the last five minutes of a close game, when his free-throw shooting becomes an issue.

Issues: James' future will hover all season unless he signs an extension. ... Delonte West's ability to play both guard spots might make him more useful as a backup, but he started last season. It will be interesting to see if he moves to the bench -- and if he stays content. He is a much better defender than Parker, whose arrival pushes Daniel Gibson deeper into DNP-CD territory and virtually eradicates Gibson's value as a trade chip. ... Can Varejao manage his fouls over starter's minutes at power forward? Behind him is the inexperienced J.J. Hickson. ... The Cavs still need a better backup point guard than Tarence Kinsey.

CELTICS

Good: Wallace plays both big positions on defense and stretches the floor on offense. He gives the Celtics versatility they did not have with Davis and Leon Powe. He has been on title-contending teams for most of the decade and will find a way to make his skills fit the Celts, rather than the other way around. ... Daniels has an excellent nose for the rim, some versatility and defensive length that makes him an upgrade over Tony Allen.

Not so good: Even with Wallace, the Celtics are still in need of another quality big. Re-signing Davis plugs that hole; using Brian Scalabrine as your backup big forward does not, given the advancing ages of Wallace (34) and Garnett (33). ... Daniels, Eddie House and Gabe Pruitt all have some point guard skills but are liabilities over extended stretches; a true backup point guard is needed, especially to free up Daniels to spell Paul Pierce.

Issues: Without a backup point guard, Rajon Rondo's importance increases - and perhaps with it the inflated opinion of his game from fawning observers and himself. That is not what you want filling the head of a stubborn player who is due a contract extension. ... Speaking of extensions, if you were Ray Allen, wouldn't you be wondering why Wallace -- who is one year older than you and definitely in decline -- got a three-year deal and your future has not been secured? ... The Celtics have six rotation players born in the 1970s. Their window could close faster than those in Cleveland and Orlando.

MAGIC

Good: Carter's five 3-point attempts per game didn't suit the Nets as well as they will the Magic. He doesn't fly as high as he once did but attacks the rim better than Hedo Turkoglu or Courtney Lee. Let's not forget that Carter is still a 20-point scorer who can carry an offense and make a big late-game shot. ... Bass has a mid-range jumper that will help in the pick-and-roll. His arrival allows Lewis to spend more time at small forward, where he can use his underrated post game. ... Barnes has good range and length. He can play small forward when Lewis slides up.

Not so good: Where the Magic will miss Turkoglu is as a decision-maker in the pick-and-roll. Without him, the bulk of that duty will fall to Jameer Nelson, who despite his All-Star status isn't great as the trigger. ... There were too many times in the postseason when the Magic ignored the post presence of Dwight Howard, who still needs to add a patented go-to move from the block. ... As a small forward, is Lewis going to defend James and Pierce? Not effectively.

Issues: Marcin Gortat didn't hide his disappointment at remaining a backup to Howard. If his grumbling continues, he may have to be moved. And if the Magic cannot get back a center, that puts Bass on the spot. ... Barnes played a career-high 27 minutes per game last season and Anderson played nearly 20 with 30 starts. With the talent in front of them, both will have to accept considerably reduced roles here. ... J.J. Redick, who has worked hard to make himself a serviceable rotation player, is back at the end of the bench as he approaches the end of his rookie contract.

CONCLUSION: Right now, we like the Magic. They seem to have the deepest roster, the most flexibility and the fewest issues, both on and off the court.

http://www.probasketballnews.com/story/?storyid=663

Obviously this guys a magic lover....

This guy also thinks Kinsey is the cavs backup point guard. I take it he doesn't follow the cavs...

 

[jdland]

his analysis of the cavs is way off. Kinsey is not a point guard...he's like 6'6 plus he never plays. And since when is Parker a bad defender? I'm pretty sure he is a great defender or we probably wouldn't have picked him up this offseason

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

1.) He says Parker will be starting over West, which leads to a worse defense. Last time I checked, Shaq is no worse a defender than Z, Delonte will be starting at the 2, and AV is a better defender than a one-legged Ben Wallace.

2) He says how Delonte can play both guard spots, and even has him on our bench in his mind, but then says Kinsey is our backup PG? Over Delonte/Boobie/Parker?

3) Varejao's been playing starter's minutes.

4) He really rips apart the Celtics, calling out their chemistry, which is bologna if you ask me. I despise Boston and think they're significantly behind Orlando and us because of their age and the health concerns with KG, but I wouldn't call their chemistry and mental builds a weakness.

5) He is all over Orlando's jock. Gortat's displeasure being a backup is their most pressing issue? How about their lack of depth at the point guard spot, especially if Nelson goes down for any stretch of time? How about adjusting their offense now that they lost a three point shooter, and their best ball handler?

 

[nime]

How about Wince being a me first player?
He complains about Howard not getting the ball yet ignores that Wince takes about 18 shots a game?

Hedo, Lewis, and Howard each got about 12-13 shots a game?
Can Vince ramp that 18 down to 13 and still be that consistent scorer?
As we have seen in the past, Vince likes to stop driving at the first sight of hard contact, will he shoot Orl out of games?
Will the Magic limit Nelson's scoring ability to turn him more into a pass first pg?

I thought Hedo did a great job last year of involving his teammates and knowing when to find the hot hand or open player in Lewis or get the ball to Howard on screen and rolls. Then he knew when to do the sneak attack to drive or hit that step back elbow jumper. Vince isn't that guy. He's a scorer first and passing comes 2nd after he gets going. His ability to score sets up the double teams and the assists off that.

And I think everyone is underrating Bos. A healthy KG with Sheed scares me.
Doubt Bos is going to enter the playoffs with Ray Allen at SG. I think they upgrade
their team with that expiring contract by the deadline.

Bos is the team to be afraid of if they are healthy.

 

[Typhoon]

Parker is starting? I hope not.

I predict the magic make it to the second round then get the boot. Calling it.

 

[elcheato]

his analysis of the cavs is way off. Kinsey is not a point guard...he's like 6'6 plus he never plays. And since when is Parker a bad defender? I'm pretty sure he is a great defender or we probably wouldn't have picked him up this offseason

Parker is far from a great defender, it was his one knock on him when he played for the Raptors, his defense really isn't that good.

 

[PIP]

Breakdown in July... :rofl:

 

[-Akronite-]

Parker is far from a great defender, it was his one knock on him when he played for the Raptors, his defense really isn't that good.

Parker was a good defender but has lost a step, that is all...

 

[narbar32]

The cavs' record last year was due primarily to their defense, not the greatness of lebron? Is he talking about the same lebron that was runner up for defensive player of the year last year?

 

[Rob822]

Yeah I read this earlier, spoken like a true magic fan. Worst with Diesel n Parker in the starting lineup... please, I think not. Article was wac but he stumbled upon a few good points. Boobie better freeze the rappin and hone his point guard skillls or he'll be warmin the pines. And when was the last time TK got an assist.

DeLonte and Mo would give us a solid one two punch at point guard but since Parker and Lebron also play the position well. Coach has the luxury of using a lot of combinations.

Also time will tell how well Vince fits the magic offensively, prolly a step down from Hedo defensively and lets not forget they lost Lee to boot.

 

[NerdoMcEinstein]

I'm sorry but articles like this just piss me off. Some of these guys write articles and pose as "experts" and then claim Tarence Kinsey is the Cavs backup PG?

First off, does this guy actually WATCH the NBA or the Cavs? They're on National TV plenty, you would think this guy would see them once in a while. Apparently not only does he not watch the Cavs, he's too lazy to swing over to Basketball-Reference.com and see that Kinsey played only 277 minutes in 50 games last year. Also apparently doesn't know 82games.com even exists. What an "expert"!

How do guys like this get jobs writing garbage like this? On top of that, who the heck are their editors? Or do those not exist for online rags like ProBasketballNews?

Sorry, but after reading that it's really, really difficult to take anything this guy writes seriously. Why should I listen to his opinion when he makes such a dumb mistake?

Easing off of this Chris Bernucca dude for a minute, I still don't see what the problem is with Daniel Gibson. His assist-to-turnover ratio has never been bad and on a team like the Cavs where other guys can handle the ball, he is a good fit. Sure he's never going to be Chris Paul, but we all know that.

I'm not sure how a pure PG even fits here. Look at what coming to Cleveland did to Mo's stats last year. His assist per game numbers dropped from 6.3 to 4.1. In the process he attempted almost 2 more 3's per game.

Delonte is also a capable ballhandler, so you can play Gibson with either him or Mo and not have a problem. This team has a wide variety of players who can handle the basketball. The Cavs were one of the NBA's best teams in terms of turnovers and offensive efficiency and now they've replaced Szczerbiak and Sasha with Parker and Moon, two guys with better than 2-1 assist to turnover ratios.

With the amount of ballhandling and playmaking LeBron James does filling a spot on the roster with a pure PG who can't shoot would be a total waste. Why would anyone want to replace Gibson's minutes with a player who plays like that?

With the addition of Shaq and the likelihood the Cavs will play even more of an inside-out game, Gibson may have even more value.

I'd like to ask who exactly were the "pure PG's" who played with Michael Jordan? I seem to remember a collection of guys like Steve Kerr, BJ Armstrong, Craig Hodges, & John Paxson. Heck the two best years the Bulls had they started Ron Harper as their PG.

Unless you are going to make a radical change in LeBron's game where he plays off the ball much more, I'm not sure you ever need a "pure PG" with LeBron James. Pairing him with well-rounded players who can also make jump shots seems like the way to go. Mo, Delonte, Gibson, and now Anthony Parker all fit that mold.

I'd be much more concerned about the PG spot with Orlando. Jameer Nelson isn't a great playmaker and now the Magic are going to have to try and fill Hedo's role with Vince Carter. VC's assist numbers last year were similar to Hedo's but they came a much different way as Carter was a big guard who could command double teams in the midpost. He isn't the pick-and-roll player that Hedo was.

Right now when I look at Orlando, I see a team that has too many shoot-first guys. Hedo and Rafer Alston were far from perfect players, but they were guys who created shots for others, I'm not sure if the guys Orlando has replaced them with are as unselfish or effective.

 

[Blue Magic]

Yeah, this author really is clueless on Cleveland. The Terrence Kinsey comment really exposes him...

With that said, what do you think Coach Brown is gonna do with West? I think he would be a pretty good 6th man with his energy, and he can backup either guard spot with pretty much no dropoff, but it's hard to ask him come off the bench after how well you guys did last year w/ him... But either way, both Boobie and Parker are more than adequate ball handlers off the bench.... I just like Parkers size in the starting unit, but it's hard to bench West... thoughts? I also dont see how you are worse defensively.... Shaq isn't any better in the pick & roll than Z, but he is a better man defender and shotblocker than Z at this point(I would think). Also, Moon is an upgrade over Pav on D and Parkers size will help you guys on D more than it will hurt you.....

As for the Magic, I dont see why he is comparing Meer's ability in the pick & roll to Hedo's.... They have nothing to do with each other. He should be comparing Meer 2 Alston and VC 2 Hedo. So even if VC is a downgrade to Hedo, Meer is a definite upgrade to Alston in the p&r offense. But i'm one of the people who doesnt think VC will suck in the p&r offense, so we'll just have to see who is right here.... One thing I dont like to lose is Lee's perimeter D, but Barnes isnt too bad of a replacement, because he has better size. Kobe & LBJ both did work on Lee because he was too small to check them. Barnes' size will hopefully be able to disrupt more....

 

[CardiacCavs]

I think it's pretty simple. If Boston plays ORL in the playoffs its boston coming out of that. If it's us playing Boston i feel pretty comfortable with that as well. If it comes down to an Orl vs Cle match up in the conf finals...its not so clear then...

 

[David.]

i dont see why people think were a sure thing with boston. havent we split for the last couple years pretty evenly? theyve made moves and are still making moves.

 

[kj1]

i dont see why people think were a sure thing with boston. havent we split for the last couple years pretty evenly? theyve made moves and are still making moves.

well, our best guy is better than their best guy (and that gap will grow this year, IMO), they are older than dirt and KG and 'sheed are the kind of personalities that can hinder a team more than help it a lot of the time. oh, and rondo is a prima donna who might not want the share the spotlight anymore and has clashed with his coach and their bench is BY FAR the weakest of the 3 top teams in the east. good enough reasons?