Western Conference Summer Changes: Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, & Seattle SuperSonics
August 10 07
The mid-August, dog-days of summer are typically quiet for NBA teams. However, things have been too quiet for most clubs in the Western Conference. Even Dallas’ enthusiastic and controversial owner, Mark Cuban, has been rather silent-hidden away like a witness in the FBI’s relocation program, communicating periodically through his blog.
While the west has been vacationing in the warm sun, their eastern foes have stolen the headlines with splashy signings and blockbuster trades. Still, here are five Western Conference teams who have stayed out of the summer sun and found time to make major off-season changes.
Houston Rockets: Houston was already competitive with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Now add Steve Francis, Luis Scola, Mike James, summer-standout Aaron Brooks, and a new, fresh coaching philosophy from veteran sideline boss Rick Adelman. The former franchise, Francis, will make an impact as the third scorer, while Scola has consistently been one of the best players outside of the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz didn’t pout after losing the Greg Oden-Kevin Durant lottery sweepstakes. Instead they added Darko Milicic, J.C. Navarro, super-frosh Mike Conley Jr., and rookie Coach Marc Iavaroni to a team that already boasted some young and talented pieces. Memphis will be a surprise next season and could challenge for a playoff spot.
Minnesota Timberwolves: The post-Kevin Garnett era will be tough to watch. But, frankly, the last few years with Garnett have also been tough to watch. The Wolves possess a plethora of talented prospects to rebuild around. Post Al Jefferson is obviously the center piece. But who else will emerge as a standout in Minnesota?
Portland Trail Blazers: Book it: the Jail Blazers are dead and Rip City is back. But just how good is this new school version of Rip City? Greg Oden, the first overall pick, is the main building block. Rudy Fernandez and Channing Frye will add to Portland’s youth movement. And don’t overlook the addition of utility guard Steve Blake, either. He’ll help stabilize the one-guard spot.
Seattle SuperSonics: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are out. Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are in. Out with the old and in with the new-or something like that. Problem is the new Sonics won’t be very competitive for a couple of seasons, but Durant’s high-flying antics will surely entertain.
Will these changes be good or bad for Houston, Memphis, Minnesota, Portland, and Seattle? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts?
Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA blog.
