This past offseason, there were a lot of big moves and signing for some franchises. Teams and players have gotten more competitive, while others are failing to live up to their expected potential. Some teams made minor additions, signing role players to help win a title. This offseason, there were also a few teams that made drastic changes during free agency, in hopes of improving their odds to win an NBA title.
Here is a list grading some player’s performance for their new team thus far this season:
NATE ROBINSON (G DENVER NUGGETS)
Grade: B-
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Last season, Nate Robinson was a superstar for the Chicago Bulls during the regular and post season. He was spectacular and had everyone believing in “heart of height”. Last season, Robinson, the third string PG for Chicago had his best season in the NBA. He did this with constant minutes, due to Derrick Rose missing the season and Kirk Hinrich missing some games due to an injury as well. Last season, Robinson averaged 25.4 minutes played per game. Per game, for the Bulls, he also averaged, 13.1PTs, 4.4ASTs, 2.1REBs and 1.0STL, while shooting 43% from the field.
Denver’s organization made substantial changes this season, hiring new head coach, Brian Shaw. This season, for the Denver Nuggets, Robinson was their biggest signing. His statistics have not been as big but that is because he is averaging less time with Denver than he did in Chicago.
I think teams still over look Robinson’s ability. Though he is not averaging a lot of minutes, only 17.7minutes per game. The Nuggets made the right choice in signing Robinson, they just need to play him more, give him more of an opportunity. He is the kind of player to seize those opportunities and make the most of them.
Recently, against the Dallas Mavericks, Robison hit huge 4th quarter three-pointers to seal the victory. Shaw uses Robinson as a “off the bench offensive spark”, which is why he is shooting just 37%. I wouldn’t look at that static negatively. His job is to shoot. In a recent win, vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, Robinson shot 50% from all over the court, scored 15 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and one steal. The Nuggets can get more from Robinson, they just need to utilize his abilities. Brian Shaw is still developing as a first time head coach.
MICHAEL BEASLEY (F MIAMI HEAT)
Grade: A
Since entering the NBA, controversy and trouble has followed around Michael Beasley. Now, he is rebuilding his NBA career. The Heat have taken in Beasley, their former draft pick, and he has become an off the bench asset for the Heat.
This season, he is averaging 16.1minutes per game and providing a spark off the bench. In those 16 minutes, Beasley averages 11points and 3.5rebounds.
Beasley has to earn everything in Miami. He has to earn trust, respect and playing time. All of this, is exactly what Beasley needs to rebuild his career and attitude. He has a lot of potential and I believe he will find it this time around in Miami. This signing is paying off for the Heat greatly. He is a great player, providing rest for the Heat’s superstars and makes the Heat’s bench extremely strong.
CHRIS COPELAND (F INDIANA PACERS)
Grade: C+
The Pacers were smart in signing Chris Copeland. The New York Knicks were very stupid for letting Chris Copeland go. Though Copeland has not being in as big of a spot light in Indiana as he did in New York, that is only because the Pacers bench is extremely deep. The Pacer’s biggest weakness was their bench and after this offseason, their bench is extremely deep. Chris Copeland not getting a lot of fame in Indiana or a lot of playing team. This is understandable coming in for Paul George. This also speaks to how well their offense and team is.
He is only in his second year and supposed to be a role player off the bench. Copeland is good at stepping up when his number is called. I believe he will provide a lot of help coming off the bench during the Pacer’s playoff push.
KEVIN MARTIN (SG MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES)
Grade: A+
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a sign and trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure Kevin Martin. He is currently their starting shooting guard and has been spectacular thus far.
Martin has been succeeding in Minnesota averaging 22.9PPG shooting 42% from the field and 43% from behind the arc. Martin’s ability as a shooter is maximized in Minnesota because they have Ricky Rubio, who is a terrific passer. The dual threat of Love and Martin, as options for Rubio makes it tough on defenses to decide where to apply the extra pressure. The small market area, the smaller market players; along with, a team that has a void Martin can fill is exactly what contributes to Martin’s success.
Being in Oklahoma City was tough for Martin. He had to fill the void of James Harden. This was something that made it hard for him to play “Martin-ball” with the Thunder. In Minnesota, Martin is suppose to be the terrific shooter he is, with no added pressures or comparisons. In cases, these extra off court details matter.
JOSH SMITH (SF DETRIOT PISTONS)
Grade: C+
The Detroit Pistons are currently 6-10. Josh Smith signed with the team this offseason. Detroit made a lot of changes and Smith was supposed to be the biggest addition and change for the franchise. I do not think this was the most well thought out move and Smith has been struggling with the Pistons.
The Pistons do have a talented roster but the emphasis on ‘big man basketball’, forces the team to play a certain style. Playing at the three spot, stuck in this style of ‘big basketball’ has decreased Smith’s efficiency. He recently was replaced, by Kyle Singler, in the starting line up for missing practice.
Smith got a deal worth $56 million over four years. He is getting paid $14 million per year and not living up to expectations or his salary. He is starting at the three spot, playing with big men and asked to shoot the ball. Too bad, Smith has a bad jump shot. He shots 40% from the field, usually making 5 of 13 attempts per night.
ANDRE IGOUDALA (SF GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS)
Grade: A+
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The Golden State Warriors landing Andre Igoudala was one of the best signings of the offseason. The Warriors lost Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry in free agency, two key reserves. Fortunately, the Warriors were able to sign Andre Igoudala.
This was a terrific signing. Igoudala is the perfect for the Warriors system and fights right in to their three spot. He is actually averaging the majority minutes on the roster and can be used frequently in different lineups for Mark Jackson. Per game, he is averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
Andre is one of the many reliable shooters that makes the Warriors offense so deadly. This season, he’s been shooting 47.9% from behind the arc and 54% overall. With his help and veteran ability, the Warriors are going to make a deep playoff push.
DWIGHT HOWARD (C HOUSTON ROCKETS)
Grade: B+
A lot of controversy surrounded Dwight Howard and where he decided to sign and play ball. Since being in Houston, D12 has started looking like superman and his Orlando Magic days.
Being surrounded by all these big men is exactly what Dwight needed to help his career. He has improved his low post game learned and working with Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin McHale. The Rockets are currently 12-5 and on a four game win streak. D12 has been averaging a double double this season, 17.3PTs and 12.9Rebs.
When it comes down to it, this was the right move for Dwight Howard. I know Laker’s fans were happy but he wasn’t fitting into L.A.’s system. It was like one of those ugly dysfunctional relationships doomed for failure. Anyway, now Dwight is doing great in Houston.
MONTA ELLIS (SG DALLAS MAVERICKS)
Grade: B+
Mark Cuban has always been a man to take chances. Taking a chance on a Monta-Dirk duo, sounded like a big chance. Cuban cashed in though cause Dallas is 10-7, has the seventh seed in the West and the Monta-Dirk duo have been great together.
After since the offseason after their 2011 NBA Championship, Cuban has been trying to rebuild the Mavericks. This move helped take a big step.
Despite always being ridiculed for poor shooting, Ellis is shooting 47% from the field with. Per game he averages 22.3PTS, 3.1Rebs, 5.6Asts and 1.6Stl. Monta Ellis has not shot better than 43% from the field since 2006. He seems very comfortable in Dallas, which is why I believe he has found stable offensive success.
Monta’s quick offensive ability next to Dirk’s skillset is a perfect match. With these two, the Mavericks have a good chance a grabbing a playoff seed in the very competitive West.
All statistics credited to nba.com and basketball-reference.com
Great article. I can’t lie. I’m a lakers fan so I wanted to see Dwight fail in Houston but you are right, they give him what he needs. He is actually fun to watch now, a lot funnier to watch than last year.