The Lone Granger

I don't understand this for Detroit either, but maybe they'd let him play an undersized three for the remainder of the season and then get the cash off his contract? Either way, I think it's a bad deal for Atlanta. Crawford has been hitting huge shots for them so far this year, and why mess up the way this team has been playing so far this season? He's the perfect sixth man in Atlanta, and takes a lot of pressure off of Joe Johnson when he's in the game. Not only that, but he's been a lot better of a team leader this year as well. I just don't think the Hawks should deal Crawford...they should give him a new deal.

I can't say that the Lakers have the best bench, although I think they're #2 for sure. Boston has the most talented bench in my opinion. They also have a center injured in Kendrick Perkins, so when he comes back, your going to have Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, Delonte West, Marquis Daniels, Von Wafer, Nate Robinson, and more off the bench there for the C's. I really don't think you can go against that bench. Maybe that's just me, but my vote goes to the Boston Celtics.

Demar DeRozan Shannon Brown Wes Johnson Eric Gordon Can't argue with the four you put out there man. All I know, is that judging from the way he's been throwing down posters left and right so far this year, Eric Gordon better be in it. He'd be my pick to win the Dunk Contest if he's in it.

I see him getting traded yes. Pietrus is now in Van Gundy's doghouse, and that's not where you want to be. I'm sure they could move Pietrus, and get another good player or two (maybe to Indiana for a deal involving Rush or Dahntay Jones?). Personally, I just don't see where he fits in this year. He's a great player, but with Orlando it seems like he doesn't mesh well with what they are trying to do both now and in the future. If the right deal comes around, I definitely see a deal getting done.

Outside of Blake Griffin, there haven't really been any eye-opening young players out in L.A. the past couple years, but let me draw your attention to another rookie that is playing for the L.A. Clippers that looks like he's turning into something special right before our eyes....Eric Bledsoe. 11/3 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 17 Points, 8 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 3 TO's. 11/5 @ Denver Nuggets 12 Points, 13 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 4 TO's. http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/SEC+Basketball+Tournament+Championship+0FJ4KqzK6Vem.jpg Those last two games for Bledsoe have been very impressive. If he continues to play at this level, then the Clippers look to have a very bright future in the 1-2 punch of Griffin and Eric Gordon in the back court. Both are insanely quick in the open floor, and the two of them on the break at the same time is automatic points. Many people doubted that he could play point guard because he was a shooting guard behind John Wall at the University of Kentucky, but so far in his first two starts, the kid has showed that he can play in this league. Not only has he showed that he personally is a very talented player, but he is really exploiting the weaknesses that Baron Davis has. Bledsoe has been playing so well, that the Clippers are looking to deal Baron Davis to anyone that is willing to pay a decent price. I just thought I'd bring this other young player for the Clippers up, and see what your guys' thoughts on him are? Thoughts?

No doubt it will help a lot. Not only will it bolster their starting lineup (when he gets back into shape and completely healthy), but it also makes Washington so much deeper. Like BFT, he's the best small forward on the roster, so you think about putting him in there, and then you have your current starter on the bench. With the play of Al Thornton he's going to be a force as well, and having a guy like that come off the bench will be a major help. Adding him into the lineup makes them a lot smarter, and better defensively as well, so I think it will help a lot more than most people give it credit for. Good news that he's starting to get back into practice.

I know back when he was with the Indiana Pacers, I thought we should have kept him. He really came into himself when he got playing time in L.A., and it definitely was a signing that went under the radar, but I knew it would help Atlanta a lot. He always plays hard, and he's a decent shot from mid-range, and a rebounder and defensively tenacious. Great pickup for Atlanta, and way to call attention to him Cobb!

O'Brien Considering Starting Brandon Rush And there goes this notion. I thought that O'Brien actually was serious about not playing Rush, like he has said so many times before and never followed up on...and it seems like that will be the case once again. Too bad, because I think we should look to deal Rush to a better situation both for us and him. He's got talent, there is no doubt about that, but he just doesn't fit this Indiana system unless he picks his confidence up. I'm all for giving him a shot, but if he plays cautious like he has most of his career, then I think we'll have to make a move. Thoughts?

This would be perfect for Granger. With his injury issues that he's had the past couple seasons, being able to sit an extra 9-10 minutes would be huge for him. It all depends on what kind of season Rush comes into. If he's gained confidence in his game, then I think we'll be fine, but if he's playing cautious like he has his entire career, then we might run into problems. Hopefully this works out well for us though. Thoughts?

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/69966/20101106/blazers_sign_sean_marks/ Well, I don't understand this at all. Marks isn't a bad player, but what's with passing over Earl Barron for him? I think Barron would have been the much better pickup, and while he would have probably costed a bit more cash, he still would have been able to put up decent numbers for Portland when they need him. I'm very confused about their choice of Marks. Thoughts?

Would you have any interest in either Brandon Rush or Dahntay Jones from the Pacers? I know that Rush would add another athletic, shooting perimeter player for you guys. He also brings some decent defense, and if he can gain his confidence, he could really turn into a scoring 2-guard. Also Dahntay is definitely on the trading block. He's an excellent defender, and while he can't shoot the three, he can get the bucket unlike any other player I've seen, and he's a very good foul shooter as well. His defense is also very solid. Just a thought. And if you would be interested, who are some players that you guys would be interested in moving?

As a Pacers fan, it would be interesting to add him in. Put him in the spot of Dahntay Jones and just have another shooter off the bench? I know it would never happen, but it's interesting to think about. Could the Rockets possibly look at signing him? They could use a knock-down shooter, and even though it would only be for 10-15 minutes off the bench, just having him back in Houston would cause some buzz around the team. It would be interesting to see happen, but I doubt it will. I want to hear htown11's thoughts on that subject.

Actually, what about the T-Wolves. Just saying, Flynn has looked pretty good so far, but they have nothing other than him from the point position. I don't know, because he'd be a very expensive backup option, but he would make sense to have a veteran "playmaker" (if you can still call him that), on the team. Other than that I agree that there's not many teams that he would fit in at all. Maybe Miami? That way they could have a legit point guard running the show other than Carlos Arroyo. That would make sense, but I doubt they want to add the contract. I just don't see any deal going down involving Baron Davis.

With the emergence of Eric Bledsoe since Davis hasn't been playing, I don't see why they wouldn't look to deal him. I'm sure they are looking for another young point guard, that can get the ball up the floor quickly to go along with Bledsoe and their run-and-gun offense. Surprising to all of the sudden see them trying to shop him, but at the same time, he deserves it. He even admits he deserves it, and when you get on Del Negro's bad side, your probably not going to get out anytime soon. Do you guys think any teams will be interested in him? Thoughts?

Definitely good to see that he isn't on the block. With the way he's been playing for the Hawks this year, it would just be wrong to trade him. Smith has a long future with the Hawks if he keeps playing the way he has been. Great start to the season, and also good to see the Hawks clearing the air about this as well.

Lol I remember you were a Magic fan as well. Nice switch there . Seriously though, welcome back. Hope your able to have fun and stay active this time around.

We got ripped on that blocking call for Salmons barreling over Hibbert with 5 seconds to go. That was a horrible call, it should have been a charge, and our ball with 5 second to go. The refs lost this game for us last second, and it's sad to see. That being said, Granger never should have taken that contested jumper trying to tie on the previous possession. We should have worked our offense, and looked for a much better shot. Disappointing loss knowing that we should have had that game. Great to see us right in it again though. Good game Indiana! Come back to play next one.

There is no way that the Raptors would be willing to give up a pick at all for Arenas. First, he has a big contract, and hasn't proven to stay healthy or stay out of trouble. Maybe a deal like Jose Calderon or Jarrett Jack and a couple second rounders would be all they offer, and rightfully so. There is no way that the Wizards are going to be able to just ship Arenas out for good pieces. He may still be a very good player, but his past leaves it very difficult for teams to really go all-in for him. Toronto does need some kind of "star" player, but I don't think they should go after a guy like Arenas. Personally, I think their roster is fairly good. Stick with it, and see if Bargnani, DeRozan, and Ed Davis can step up.

Gameday again! Unfortunately I won't be able to watch it tonight, but I think it will be a very good game. The Jennings vs. Collison matchup will be interesting to watch.

Yessir he most certainly is.

This is interesting. Nash probably could net them a good young point guard, and maybe some other pieces as well. I'm trying to think, maybe New York would be interested in trading a piece like Wilson Chandler and Toney Douglas or something like that to re-unite Nash and Amare? What would you guys think about that? I know Phoenix is going to do something if things don't pick up in the next month or two though, and Nash is easily their biggest trade piece. Thoughts?

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/69934/20101105/isiah_still_believes_he_can_win_with_knicks/ It's true, he probably could be winning with this Knicks team, but it's not true that he would still be there if it hadn't been for the legal issues. No offense to Isiah, but after a few more seasons of losing, the fans would have gotten sick of him anyway, and they would have had to make a move. Maybe some people agree that they would have stuck with him, but I don't buy that. He should get some coaching looks from other teams at some point (maybe even the Pacers once O'Brien's deal runs out), but definitely won't ever be back with the Knicks. Thoughts?

When Ed Davis come back, there would be absolutely no reason to have Barron on the roster. They may have interest, but they aren't going to offer him a deal...simply because they won't need him long term. If I had to guess at a team who will try to acquire him, it will be Portland. Oberto just had to retire, so I think the Blazers will start looking for another backup big, and Barron makes a lot of sense for them.

I'm down as well, SG-EagleLion1112

Welcome to OTR man, good to see another NBA fan join the ranks here. Hope you have fun and are able to stay active. See you around the forums.