August 5, 2008 – Dr. J-Water
This weekend I went out of town to a family reunion and fortunately for me and my basketball jones there was a hoop. Although the majority of the day the rim was set to a whopping 8 feet high so the 10 and unders could play with relative ease, it also facilitated some interesting games of H.O.R.S.E and Dunk-offs between my cousins and I. It’s days like these that rejuvenate my love for the game. These days I spend too much time hooping in a well manicured gym, and not enough time doin’ it old-school with whatever makeshift court, indoors our out, that we can find. Anyhow, after returning from my weekend of booze and ball, I spent quite a bit of time getting caught up on NBA news and transactions. In reviewing the latest summer NBA business activity, two pieces of news stood out from the pack. The first was the various media outlets reporting that the Cleveland Cavaliers are working hard to get their hands on Denver Nuggets free agent guard J.R. Smith to play the wing alongside Lebron James. The second less flashy news was the reported signing of Lou Williams by the Philadelphia 76ers. Although the latter didn’t get as much play, it may be quite a bit more significant.
Sixers sign Lou Williams to 5 year, $25 million deal
The 21-year-old Williams was selected out of high school in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft. His numbers have been fairly modest to date, but don’t let that fool you. This guy has shown tons of talent, and his work ethic, drive, and determination to improve and help his team is the perfect fit for the current composition of players on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. Lou Williams proved his worth in the 2008 NBA Playoffs when he was a significant factor in the Sixers success against the heavily favored Detroit Pistons in pushing the series to 6 games before ultimately losing. After a summer in which the 76ers signed big name free agent Elton Brand, I hope the Philly fans don’t just gloss over the Williams transaction as relatively benign. I really believe that Williams will be an eventual starter on the much improved 76ers franchise given his steady improvement and talent. Williams is very athletic and quick, and sort of reminds me of a less polished version of the Golden State Warriors high scoring guard Monta Ellis. They have similar skills and body types, and with a little added confidence and playing time this year, Lou could have that break out year Monta had two years ago.
Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski had this to say about the signing “He is not only a very talented player who exemplifies our up-tempo style of play, but he is also a young man who exhibits great character and qualities off-the-court, as well. We look forward to having him in a Sixers uniform for many years to come.”
Now what about locking up free agent Andre Iguodala Ed?
J.R. Smith to Cavs?
Well I was happy to hear that the Nuggets are putting the word out that they will match any offer extended to J.R. Smith as they wish to retain him. At only 22 years old this cat has improved leaps and bounds every year since being drafted out of high school. Although his maturity and shot selection have been questioned numerous times over the past few years, he was probably the sole bright spot in the short 2008 NBA Playoff run for the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers completely hammered the Nuggets and shut down virtually everyone except Smith. J.R. was shooting 3’s like they were layups. He put up 18.3 ppg in only 27 minutes per game throughout the series. Well above his 12.3 ppg he averaged throughout the 2007-08 season. If anything this offensive outburst we saw from J.R. Smith in the post-season should send a strong signal to the Nuggets management that this kid’s potential is no joke and they should do everything within their power to re-sign him to a multi-year deal. All indications seem to be pointing to the Nuggets doing just that, however what has yet to be determined is how much money it will take to sign him. My guess is he will sign somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-5 million per year for 5 years. Something similar to the deal mentioned above that the Sixers gave to Lou Williams would make sense for the Nuggets. My only concern for the Nuggets fans at this point, is they have shown willingness to let go of premium talent (Marcus Camby) in exchange for financial relief in cost-cutting measures. So the only shot the Cavaliers really have in landing J.R. would be in a a sign and trade deal for some of the Cavaliers expiring contracts. I have a feeling if that went down Carmelo Anthony would not be a happy camper upon returning from Beijing, regardless of whether or not he had a Gold Medal around his neck.
Calling all Nuggets fans, do you want to see JR stay or go?
