Will Dwight Howard and his happy-go-lucky attitude help the Rockets win NBA championship?

 

                       

 

             Although this year’s class does not even compare to next year’s class, there were names like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul that were available.  Besides, those two, other names like Josh Smith were available to be on the move as well.  Most of the big names have already signed with their respective teams, or have moved on to greener pastures. But yet, the likes of Nate Robinson and Brandon Jennings still puzzlingly remain unsigned. While it seems likely Brandon Jennings will eventually sign his 1-year tender with the Bucks, and rejoin the draft class next year as an unrestricted free-agent, where Robinson sings is a mystery. However, one thing seems clear, with head coach Tom Thiboedeau hesitant on giving the green light to resign Robinson, and with Robinson looking for a bigger payday, the Bulls are out of the running.

 

            There had been quite a flurry of moves in the 1st week of free agency. There were some moves that kept teams right where they are, and with some signings, possibly might have vaulted them into championship contention. Below I am going to discuss the 3 best signing of the offseason in my opinion.

 

Honorable Mention of the Best:

 

1. Mike Dunleavy- NEW TEAM: Bulls, OLD TEAM: Bucks

 

I think this is one of the most underrated free agent pickups during the offseason. Although this is one move that may not necessarily help the Bulls get past the Heat, it sure doesn’t hurt to have a 42.8% career three-point shooter on your side. Mike Dunleavy, has had a solid career to date, but with a lot more on the line, I bet the Bulls can expect a career year. And for a 2-year, 6 million dollar contract, the value is amazing.

 

1. Andre Iguodala- NEW TEAM: Warriors, OLD TEAM: Nuggets   

Quietly, the Warriors have built a very decent team. With a starting 5 that includes, Curry, Iguodala, Barnes, Lee, and Bogut, and a 6th man in Thompson, we are looking at a very exciting team to watch.  Offensively we know what they can do, but with the defensive-mind that Iggy brings, look for the Warriors to surprise some of us next year.

 

            Now we come to the Top 3. I don’t’ think the top two are going to be any surprise to any of you, however I think one of them should be thought provoking.

 

1. Dwight Howard- NEW TEAM: Rockets, OLD TEAM: Lakers

 

Well well, that was unexpected in my opinion. Howard was gem of this class, besides Chris Paul, and boy have the Rockets suddenly become quite rich.  Last year, I remember accusing Rocket’s GM Daryl Morey as being  the most idiotic GM in the league. He traded away valuable picks and assets, and signed Jeremy Lin (who I sorta despise) and Omer Asik (who I dearly miss as a Bulls fan), to some ridiculous contracts. Those two moves left me scratching my head. But then he traded for James Harden, and that made me think he wasn’t so bad. But yet, he still thought he had a chance at Dwight Howard, and I was continuing to think what a moron!! Boy did I do a face-plant when I heard the Rockets were the favorite to land Howard, who had previously said he wouldn’t go there while he was with the Magic.

            This move gives the Rockets a legitimate shot at winning the West next year. They are a young team going forward. With most of their players locked away in multi-year contracts, look for the Rockets to be a force to be reckoned with next season.

 

1. Chris Paul- Resigned with original team- Clippers

Does this move come as any surprise? There were some rumblings that Paul and Howard had talked about teaming up in a city like Atlanta. But Dwight did not want to go back to his hometown, and although Paul had originally wanted to be drafted by the Hawks, he clearly could not pass up the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.  This is again a move that will help the Lob City contend in the West next year. They have one of the best point guards in the league, and with a solid starting 5 together for another season, they will only get better.  With rumors of Lamar Odom signing with the Clippers, and J.J. Reddick on board, look out for the Clippers to be one of the Best in the West.

1. Andrew Bynum-  NEW TEAM:  Cavaliers, OLD TEAM: 76ers

 

Yes, to answer your question! I really do think Andrew Bynum can be considered one of the Top 3 free-agent signings this year. Although this move by no means puts the Cavs into contention in the East, but it certainly can make them a playoff team. Just remember guys; Andrew Bynum was probably a top-three center in the league before injuries (and bowling) de-railed his season last year. With a 2-year 24 million dollar-incentive laden contract, with only 6 million guaranteed, I am positive we will be looking at a very motivated Bynum come next season.  It also doesn’t hurt that Bynum is again looking at free-agency again when he is only 27 year-old. Along with Bynum, if the Cavs have a healthy Kyrie Irving, and improvement from Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson, along with number 1 draft pick Anthony Bennnet they should be one of the more exciting young teams to watch next year.

 

Written by: Omar Dyara