Break the Curse

Gradebook: 22 most influential off-sesason moves(Part 1 of 4)

#22 Chris Andersen re-signs with the Denver Nuggets (5-yrs, $26m)
Birdman is a nice hustle player. He can play some sticky D and dunk to your heart’s content. Sure he averaged 2.5 blocks but do you really want him to play more than 20 mins a game? Do you really want the Birdman to be your starting center? No, you do not. Hence, you do not give him a ridiculously bloated contract. You are saying the former junkie won’t take 10 mil over 3 years?

Grade: D+ (Denver Nuggets)

#21 Antonio McDyess signs with the San Antonio Spurs (3-yrs, $16m)
I think McDyess will be able to provide Duncan enough inside help. TD has not played with a capable offensive center since the Admiral. The contract does seem pretty high but maybe the Spurs will be able to parlay the expiring contract into something else come the 3rd year. As long as McDyess avoids major injury the first two years, the Spurs will be very happy with him.

Grade: B+ (San Antonio Spurs)

#20 Marcin Gortat re-signs with the Orlando Magic (5-yrs, $34m)
The polish hammer got a nice pay day as the Dallas Mavericks tried to sign him away from the Magic. Not really sure why the Magic would want to pay a backup center so much money when they already have superman. This is a lot of money for someone that is only going to be playing 15 mins a game. The Magic will have enough can space and money to sign a star player during the next offseason. Without Grotat’s contract, they could make an even bigger splash.

Grade: F (Orlando Magic)

#19 Los Angeles Clippers traded Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson
On the court, Randolph will be a good inside force in addition to Mayo and Gay. I don’t know where the passing is going to come from but it sure as hell isn’t coming from Mayo or Zbo. Randolph also comes with a hefty price tag that the Grizzles really don’t need. Not really sure how the Clippers convinced the Grizzles to take Zbo off their hand, but it is certainly a major accomplishment. This also allows the Clippers to start rookie Blake Griffin and give him major minutes.

Grade: A (Los Angeles Clippers), C- (Memphis Grizzlies)

#18 Brandon Bass signs with the Orlando Magic (4-yrs, $16m)
This is a great move for the Magic. It seems like Bass is slotted to start at PF with Lewis moving to SF. This allows them to play a more tradition lineup with more rebounding from the 4. Bass came with a very cheap price tag and should serve well under Coach Van Gundy. He is also a stellar mid range shooter who can bang inside. The problem here is that Orlando resigned Grotat and gave him a huge contract.

Grade: A- (Orlando Magic)