London West? Big Ben joins King James, Cavaliers
Somebody needs to give Danny Ferry something to do. Because it looks like he’s been spending WAYYYYYYYYY too much time playing with the Trade Machine.
After hours of negotiations, Ferry pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal that involved three teams, eleven players, and a draft pick in a drastic attempt to give LeBron a supporting cast. After all, a Cavalier who does not support the King is not really a Cavalier at all; if you don’t get it, ask someone who knows something about English History.
So what does it mean? Assuming no one ends up on the DL or in Mike Brown’s doghouse, this trade should provide a boost, but is it enough to vault them past the Celtics or the Pistons in the playoffs? Potentially, and here’s why.
- Statistically, Ben Wallace is having a down year. Age may be an issue, but let’s be honest, Wallace wasn’t the only Bull having a bad season. And being a 6′9″ center isn’t easy. Joining a team that already has a legit center in 7′3″ Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Wallace should spend most of his time at power forward, meaning that his height will no longer be an issue. Wallace is still perhaps the strongest man in the NBA, and now that he’ll be battling for boards againsts fours instead of fives, expect both his rebounding numbers (under 9 a game with Chicago) and blocked shots (1.6 bpg) to increase dramatically.
- Homecoming King? Although ‘King’ might not fly in Cleveland - I heard the nickname’s already taken - it should be a return to remember for Wally Szczerbiak. The former Miami of Ohio sharpshooter had his best years in Minnesota, thanks in no small part to Kevin Garnett. Once again alongside a superstar, Wally has a great chance to resurrect his career - he’s a 40% career three-point shooter and a former All-Star.
The Cavs also received Delonte West in the deal. West, who played in the same backcourt as Jameer Nelson when St. Joseph’s started 28-0, had been with Boston prior to this year. He was shipped to Seattle in the Ray Allen deal, but was buried on the depth chart there with both Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour also on the Sonics. He should help - on this team, how can a young point guard who can shoot from the outside NOT help?
Sure, Chicago and Seattle were involved in this trade, but they’re not heading to the playoffs this season. Cleveland, on the other hand, is trying to prove that they can play with anyone in the conference, if not the league. Remember, they are the defending conference champions, and they have the best player in the NBA who has two healthy pinkies. Will they make it back to the Finals? We don’t know yet. But we do know that lately, it has been unwise to bet against LeBron.
With the 07-08 season is finally upon us, I thought now would be as good a time as any to see who hoopandharmers think are the preseason favorites to win the NBA title. So….., who do you think?
