Dwight Howard has finally been traded! I have longed to hear those words and to get this behind us. After it's over, I am now sitting here confused as to why Orlando did this deal and not the others... I thought the Nets, Rockets, and the previous Lakers offers were better. The picks they got were all protected, the best player they got was Aaron Afflalo, and the best prospect they got was Moe Harkless. OUCH!
On the flip side, I loved the move for the other three teams involved. The Sixers got the second best center in the league in Andrew Bynum and they kept a veteran presence by adding Jason Richardson. This makes the 76ers a definite top 4 seed in the East and potentially a top 2 team. They also are still relatively young and have room to grow.
The Nuggets were a deep team that lacked a star veteran. That's what they got in Andre Iguodala. I think this makes the team better and more ready for winning in the playoffs. It doesn't put them up their on the same level as the top teams out West though.
The Lakers however made the move to make them elite once more. Not only did the get the best center and biggest force in the league, they kept Pau Gasol in the deal. Couple those two with Bryant and newly acquired Steve Nash and you have the core of a championship caliber team. I believe this makes them the favorites out west and in the NBA.
With saying that, I am not ready to hand them the championship. The Spurs had the best record in the NBA last year and will have something to say about that. The young Thunder could easily emerge as well. Just as Howard is a tough matchup for those teams, the Spurs have Tony Parker who will torch Nash, and Durant is the most un-guardable player in the West. No easy ride to the finals.
The Miami Heat are obviously the defending champs and won't go down easy in the finals. The Lakers though now are a team that will give the Heat fits. Howard and Gasol will eat the Heat for lunch. That's why I give the Lakers the current edge as best title contenders.
All this though is predicated on health. Howard is currently injured and nobody knows how he will play upon return. Kobe is old so can he retain fresh legs for the playoffs? Nash is even older and Gasol just spent all his energy for Spain's Olympic team. The two teams from the finals last year (Heat and Thunder) are young and more athletic. The Lakers must stay healthy and intact for the stretch run. Adding a midseason guy to add depth may be important too.
Nonetheless, this trade took the league by storm and instantly put the Lakers back on the map. It will be another exciting season in the "Association." For my official predictions though, check back at the start of the season. I can't wait!
Andrew
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