The free agency 2015 has been, of course, roaring: many teams have worked massively on the market, changing the skin of their roster and touching also the balances of the league. Shams Charania, expert NBA insider of ‘RealGM’ , has spoken about what has happened so far and some implication that could occur in the next season. In an exclusive interview with ‘Nbapassion.com’, the journalist also talked about the draft of 2015, the comeback of Paul George and revealed some little anecdote about his career.
Shams Charania.
Which team do you think worked best in this free agency? The San Antonio Spurs have signed LaMarcus Aldridge, the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings were very active: the person who made for you the best grafts?
The Spurs elevated their stature in the West, but the Clippers undoubtedly had the most important offseason. It was franchise-altering for not just one team, but two: the Clippers and Mavericks. By re-signing DeAndre Jordan, LAC saved a championship contender and prevented one in Dallas, in fact derailing a team’s summer moves and setting the Mavs back. Doc Rivers, Gary Sacks and the Clippers front office have done a fantastic job this offseason of compiling a roster with talent and depth when their salary structure wouldn’t allow them to be significant players for other teams’ free agents.
What do you think of the case DeAndre Jordan? The NBA would do well to change some rules regarding free agency?
“Of course, Jordan could have handled the situation better. He had committed to a deal with the Mavericks and never has the league seen a max salary signing change course on a decision that impacts the future of two franchises. It was the best move for Jordan to go back to the Clippers: He’ll receive max money, those timely Chris Paul lobs, reunite with his closest friends and compete for a title far sooner than he would have with the Mavericks. The NBA could look into tweaks of the July moratorium, but Jordan’s situation is isolated. No one else went back on their word this summer, nor has it happened to a max player before. The rules as they stand have always worked”.
The project of the Milwaukee Bucks is really interesting. What they can do next season? In a few years they can become a real contender?
“Milwaukee was a winner this offseason — with Greg Monroe in the fold, Khris Middleton re-signed and a healthy Jabari Marker, they should compete for a top five seed in the Eastern Conference. On paper, of course. They gave the Bulls a real series in the first round, and easily could have extended it to seven games. Jason Kidd has more and more input in this team’s decision-making, and the front office staff has coordinated well two years into this regime”.
After a difficult season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to go under the orders of coach Billy Donovan: What do you expect from them?
“Another season of contention, another year in which Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook must stay healthy to give OKC a legit championship opportunity. Billy Donovan should bring different sets to the offense, too. Re-signing Enes Kanter was critical to the organization and gives them continuity to make one more push before Durant is a free agent”.
Paul George is ready to return to the field: do you have the chance to win the MVP?
“If the Pacers can compete among the best teams in the East — and the NBA at large — Paul George will give himself a shot. He’s recovered well from last year’s leg injury. For a team that lost two anchors of its contending teams in Roy Hibbert and David West, Indiana recovered tremendously. Monta Ellis rejected a more significant offer to join the Pacers. Rodney Stuckey prioritized a return, and he turned a resurgent season into a nearly $6 million pay raise. This team is deeper now, more capable to run in transition”.
What are the rookie that you think will have a big impact in the league next year? Who could have more difficulty? Who could be the steal of the Draft 2015?
“Emmanuel Mudiay separated himself in summer league as a talented rookie who will thrive instantly in the NBA. He has the body, the finishing ability, the proper mindset. How Jahlil Okafor meshes in Philadelphia’s rebuilding team will be interesting to watch. Two steals out of this draft were apparent in summer league: Justin Anderson to Dallas and Jordan Mickey to Boston. Both played well and have defined skills and positional size in the league”.
What was the deal thicker as you reported the news? How beautiful the work of insider NBA?
“Doing this job is what I focused on when I knew which path I wanted to take in my career. I have always loved the NBA, so there were always three routes in mind to stay around the league and cover it. I report on news and write column and feature stories”.
For NBA Passion,
Olivio Daniele Maggio (@daniele_maggio on Twitter)
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