What’s up Raptors, Knicks, and Pelicans?
So, of course, I’m going to chime in on recent NBA activity! While I wasn’t moved to total disbelief by what I saw, I also can’t say I was impressed, either.
Courtesy: cbc.com
CASE 1: I couldn’t see the reasoning behind trading Jonas Valanciunas from the Raptors to the Grizzlies for Marc Gasol. Don’t talk to me about how Gasol’s playoff experience makes him so valuable and, how (with him), the Raptors are in a win-now mode. In truth, Gasol hasn’t helped his team to a playoff berth since the 2017 season!
Meanwhile, last year Valanciunas was a playoff anchor for Toronto. Also, at only 26 years old, JV has a huge upside. Gasol is inarguably on the decline.
CASE 2: Another head-scratching trade was the Knicks basically giving away Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks for … what? … NOTHING!
I say ‘nothing’ because Dennis Smith Jr. is probably going to force a trade, and you’re basically left with Deandre Jordan. That’s because Wesley Matthews has already signed with the Indiana Pacers.
It’s just another example of how those of us in Gotham can’t figure out the inner working of the Knicks’ organization.
Yes, around these parts, a lot of hate and disdain was spewed toward KP’s for requesting a trade. Knicks’ GM Steven Mills said that Porzingis didn’t agree with the franchise’s direction and opted to jump ship.
Hello! No self-respecting and success-driven player would want to be handcuffed to the Knicks! So why would KP want to stay on a sinking ship?
Not even 24 years old yet, KP has had to endure more losing in one season than the Golden State Warriors have endured in a couple. Add to that reality the unceremonious way Carmelo Anthony was handled and … well … you have a modern-day sports soap opera on your hands.
CASE 3: Then there’s the Anthony Davis saga. Here you have a superstar who has averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds a game in his short but very successful career. AD has carried this shaky franchise on his back while singing its praises.
Courtesy: NOLA.com
All AD asked in return was to be surrounded by a team that had a chance to win a championship. He never mentioned the $295 million supermax contract he’s eligible for in 2020. He never mentioned playing with other superstars to help him reach his goal. All AD asked for was a competitive team, a team that would take some of the load off his broad shoulders.
How did the Pelicans respond? They got rid of sharp-shooting guard Buddy Hield, didn’t re-sign Demarcus Cousins, and made no significant moves to acquire talented players.
So can you blame AD? No!
Playing in the NBA’s West is like being in the playoffs every night! Why would a great player, like AD, settle for looking at the playoffs on TV? Why would he settle for seeing his peers advance while he does not?
So it doesn’t settle well with me when I hear fans booing Davis or when New Orleans removes his image from the arena and the pre-game videos. What’s the bottom line for these people? I just don’t get it.
Total disbelief? Maybe not. But not impressed? You bet!
