Well it is now time to kick off the 2007-08 NBA season and the best way to do that is to go over exactly what happened while we were hibernating this summer. Today we will kick off with the sludge from the Eastern Conference (teams that did not make the playoffs) and find out exactly what they have done this summer.

 

15.  What went right: No other team in the NBA made a bigger splash this summer than the Boston Celtics.  Fresh off of one of the most disappointing seasons in their storied history, they promptly got a lottery night gut punch that seemed to mark the end of Danny Ainge in Boston.  Then Ainge pulled off a much scrutinized draft night trade for the tender ankled Ray Allen.  It was thought to be a move of desperation at the time. A last ditch effort to "look the part" of a upper echelon team.  Then there was the mishandled attempt to facilitate a Keven Garnett to Phoenix deal that was thwarted by Shawn Marion.  In a true darkest before the dawn scenario, Kevin McHale decided to cement himself in Celtic lore by gift wrapping KG to Boston for a package significantly worse than one he turned down on draft night.  The Celtics were left with three players that could rival the real Big Three in talent level.  It will probably go down as one of the all time image turnarounds in sports.

What went wrong: Lost in the hoopla of the KG and Jesus deals was the fact that the NBA is not a 3 on 3 tournament.  The Celtics are thread bare beyond 2nd year point guard Rajon Rondo.  Rondo is a capable starter and should shine with all the attention the stars will get.  However, there is nothing on the front line to help Garnett.  Also, the C's do not have a credible backup at PG or any other position.  Another problem the C's face is that Doc Rivers is still their coach.  It will be interesting to see if Boston can defend well enough to warrant all the hype they will get this season. I am doubtful.



14.  What went right: The Bucks took one for all the small market teams in the NBA and stood up to the bullshit that was Yi's handlers.  They drafted the player they thought was the best for that pick and got him signed.  The Bucks also kept their two free agent guards, Mo Williams and Charlie Bell, despite their flirtations with South Beach.  Also, Michael Redd came out of this summer healthy and ready to get back to the playoffs.  The Bucks also brought back Desmond Mason, who they traded away in a horrific deal for the player formerly known as a real NBA player (Jamaal Magloire).

What went wrong: The Bucks supposedly had to give Yi a promise of playing time to secure his signature.  If this is true then I hope that he is a credible NBA player.  My guess is that he will struggle early until he adjusts to the speed of the NBA and then his natural gifts will start to take over.  They also severely overpaid to retain their guards.  I am not sure if they are even good enough to make the playoffs in the East which would be a bad sign with so many long term deals on the books.  Also, I will be monitoring Charlie Bell's play.  I mean I would be pissed if I had to pass up the chance to be a 20 something year old millionaire on South Beach to go back to Milwaukee.

13. What went right: The Atlanta Hawks did not hit ground zero and kept two 1st round draft picks.  The Hawks selected seasoned college players that should be able to help the team right away.  Al Horford should be able to step in to the center position and compete from day one.  Acie Law should finally give them a high level talent at the point guard position.  Also, Marvin Williams and Josh Smith are a year more experienced which should show significantly on the court.  Smith looked to be on the verge of becoming a force after  Joe Johnson went down.

What went wrong: The Hawks drafted two more players.  It amazes me that teams that have long playoff droughts continue the cycle of drafting young players.  Young teams simply struggle in the league for a variety of reasons.  The Hawks struggles should be compounded by the fact that the lack quality NBA size and interior defenders.  Also, the Hawks supposedly were going to pass on the chance to trade for Amare Stoudamire.  So I guess the worse thing that happened to the Hawks was that they have the same dysfunctional ownership group.

12.  What went right: The Knicks acquired a prime 20 and 10 PF for peanuts.  Heck, they got him for less than peanuts.  Zack Randolph should immediately become the Knicks go to scorer and take a lot of pressure off of Eddy Curry.  Teams will struggle to defend the Knicks low post threats.  If the Knicks can get any perimeter shooting, they could actually be dangerous by the end of the season.  This might explain why they are in pursuit of Allan Houston.  I think they would be better served dealing for a perimeter shooter under 30 years old.

What went wrong: Most would say the sexual harassment trial but that is small potatoes in New York.  Thomas failed to bring in a big name player to satisfy the lust of New Yorkers.  So we should see a stream of rumors and potential trades from the papers until he does brings an All Star into town.  One other bad point is that Nate Robinson is still on the roster which should cost them 10 games at least.

11. What went right: Although the Bobcats did not acquire an All Star, they did get a real, live NBA player instead of another freaking draft pick.  Jason Richardson should take a lot of pressure off the youngsters in Charlotte.  Raymond Felton should finally have the PG position all to himself and show he belongs in the conversation with Chris Paul and Deron Williams.  With Emeka Okafor anchoring the middle, the Bobcats have a chance to finally make the playoffs in the East. The Bobcats also kept Gerald Wallace at a seemingly good price.

What went wrong: Michael Jordan is still in charge and the Adam Morrison pick can't be undone.  Can you imagine if they would have taken Tyrus Thomas to go with Wallace and Emeka or Brandon Roy. Jeez....

10. What went right: The Philadelphia 76ers did not trade Andre Miller.  When some teams lose their star players, they eject every credible NBA player over 25 off the roster.  This just delays the rebuilding process (see Atlanta). The 76ers will extend Andre Iguodala.  Unfortunately, they will probably give him $20 million more than he is worth.  Louis Williams looked like a potential breakout player in summer league.

What went wrong: Sam Dalembert got hurt playing for Canada.  The 76ers also took on the contract of the Nutcracker (Reggie Evans).  This team has same interesting parts on the roster but most of them would be better served playing off of superstar talents and there is not one on the roster.

9. What went right: Jermaine O'Neal is not in Los Angeles or New Jersey. As long as the Pacers have this anchor in the post, they have a chance to be decent.  If O'Neal is healthy they could contend for a playoff spot despite what most national media guys will tell you.  Jamaal Tinsley is supposedly healthy (and not imprisoned...yet). Diogu, Foster, and Murphy gives them some interesting options next to JO.  I expect this team to be much better than expected.

What went wrong: Shawne Williams got popped for pot.  For an organization that is struggling with off the court problems, this was not good news.  As punishment, he was suspended for his only appearance in his hometown.  Another problem is this team is counting on Mike Dunleavy to finally make consistent contributions to a winning team, something he has not done his entire career.  If these funny looking parts can play some defense, then they should be ok.