Beginning yesterday at midnight eastern standard time, NBA teams could officially sign free agents to written contracts. Now that the free agent season is formally open, let's take a look at the early returns on who are this year's winners and losers. I only hope these initial precinct reports are more accurate than CNN's Election 2000 predictions for the state of Florida.
Winners
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are this year's grand prize winner. By picking up two surefire Hall-of-Famers (who can still play, mind you) for less than $7 million combined, the Lakers already had much to pat themselves on the back about. But the real coupe d'etat is in the fact that point guard Gary Payton and power forward Karl Malone fill the two most glaring needs for a team that features two of the top five players in the universe: Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. By convincing the Mailman and the Glove to sign with "tinseltown" for less money and a shot at a ring, the real question Laker fans are asking is not if four (as in fourth championship) is possible, but what about 73 (as in record wins in the regular season)? This dream team lineup will certainly warrant more attention (not to mention a full column) as the season nears.
New Jersey Nets: The Nets not only kept Jason Kidd and coach Byron Scott but also managed to acquire a bona-fide center in Alonzo Mourning. Everyone in the Garden State must have breathed a heavy sigh of relief when the league's top point guard agreed to resign with the Nets rather than play sidekick with Tim Duncan on the Spurs or fun-and-gun with the Mavericks. Although clashing between Kidd and Scott could cause a distraction, having Kidd onboard assures the Nets another shot at Eastern Conference supremacy.
Despite hard pushes by the Mavericks and others to land the Georgetown product, the chance to play with J-Kidd was enough to lure Mourning in to the Swamp. The Nets now boast one of the most formidable front lines in the league with Zo to put alongside Mt. Mutumbo and up-and-coming superstar Kenyon Martin. It is this frontline that the Nets hope will give them a shot against the best of the West. The final grade on the Nets free agent success will depend on how healthy Morning -- who is recovering from kidney disease -- will be after an 82-game regular season.
Losers
Dallas Mavericks: Although owner Mark Cuban is not shy about throwing around cash (for new players or a 13th assistant coach), the Mavericks have been unable to attract any new suitors. After losing out in the Jason Kidd and Alonzo Mourning sweepstakes, the Mavs and their high-flying offense are still in search of a low-post defensive presence. Although centers Rasho Nesterovic and Michael Olowokandi are not what you would call defensive stoppers, both big men are also off the board after signing with the Spurs and Timberwolves, respectively. Dallas is holding out hope for Pacer big man Brad Miller. If they can somehow convince him to come south for less money, they move themselves up to one of this year's winners.
San Antonio Spurs: Although the Spurs did resign all-world power forward and NBA MVP Tim Duncan, they lost out on Kidd. With the Lakers retooling to reclaim the throne, the Spurs were in desperate need to make a big splash in the free agent market. Stealing Kidd from the East was the dream of Popovich and Co. Remember, it was free agent Speedy Claxton who was finishing games in the NBA Finals, not current starter Tony Parker. Moreover, the Spurs were unable to lure Pacer Jermaine O'Neal from the $120 million Indiana threw his way. Instead, the Spurs picked up serviceable, but mediocre, center Nesterovic to replace the retired David Robinson. Despite the attractions of Tim Duncan and no state income tax, the World Champions could not repeat their on the court success in the free agent market.
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