1) Looking back at Bruce Bowen's career, especially his years with the Spurs, do you believe he played it fair, or that he used dirty or illegal tactics in his approach to defense?

 

Denis Moric: Of course he used illegal tactics to help on defense.  Have you not seen the Youtube videos? http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=aFvk4qHkT10 But still, he was one of the best defenders of the decade and won 3 championship rings, so you can't take that away from him. He was a one-of-a-kind player that, if he wasn't on your team, you hated him.

 

Alexander Jefferson: He used illegal tactics, and it's pretty clear to me. Yeah, I know everyone does things to get inside the heads of other players, but Bowen was the type of guy who would use elbows, knees, hand-checking, and anything else he could. It's obvious that he was a great defender- but he certainly was a dirty player, as well.

 

Dan Vachalek: I do not think that he played dirty in any way during his career. He played a clean game for his career, and he was just a great defender. There was not any illegal thing that he performed on any of the opponents, in my opinion; he played it cleanly and fairly.

 

2) Ramon Sessions is very close to being signed by the Timberwolves. Is this a bad, decent, good or great signing? (also consider the money involved)

 

Denis Moric: I think it's a great signing. Sessions can play both alongside Flynn and as the PG when needed, and he wasn't overpaid at all. He has great court vision and averaged 12.5 PPG and 6 APG, which is really good for a 23 year-old PG. He has great potential and to have him at $4 million a year is a bargain. I am starting to think that Minnesota actually has a plan to build around Flynn, Sessions, Jefferson, Love, Gomes, Hollins, Brewer, and Ellington.

 

Alexander Jefferson: As a Wolves fan, I'm gonna say it's a good signing. He's definitely an upgrade over rookie Wayne Ellington, and a backcourt of him at SG and Jonny Flynn at PG looks nice- ion large part because he came at such a reasonable price. If worst comes to worst, they can always just trade him because his contract makes him very tradeable. However, I have doubts that he can consistently perform well as a shooting guard: something he isn't used to doing. But at the end of the day, Minnesota got a young, developing, good player at a very reasonable price.

 

Dan Vachalek: I say that this is a good signing by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is only signed for four million dollars a year, for four years. They signed a guy that averaged about thirteen points per game and seven assists per game, which is solid. The Timberwolves are not a good team- so they signed someone who can lead their team at the point of attack. Plus, they still have plenty of salary room to go after Joe Johnson. He is a point guard, but can play shooting guard if needed, which is just so much more value for Minnesota. He poured on double-doubles last year against the Lakers, Pistons, 76ers and other teams. He’s a good signing for Minnesota.

 

3) Should the Warriors try to deal Stephen Jackson?

 

Denis Moric: No. He is one of the most underrated players in the league. What they need to do is find a way to put Monta Ellis at SG and find a way to get rid of Corey Maggette and bring in a pass-first point guard. This way, they have all the right pieces to become a future contender. As for Jackson, he is one of the best defenders in the league and can hit the three-pointer. You don't just trade away one of the only players on your team that play defense...

 

Alexander Jefferson: I'll be honest, I have no idea about this situation, but I'm gonna say yes. Stephen Jackson is an underrated player who is effective and very capable of playing a key role on a successful team. But at the same time, the Warriors are currently more of a rebuilding team as opposed to a team looking for a deep playoff run. Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are the future of that team, as a backcourt, they need to be able to score, and Jackson will limit their opportunities and growth. Next, everyone's favorite breakout player, Anthony Randolph will need to play SF/PF, and how can he possibly get the chance to shine with Jackson? Throw in Biedrins and Brandan Wright, and you have a ton of young, not quite ready, talented players who all have the same specialty: scoring. In order for this team to emerge with those guys being the key cogs, Jackson (and Corey Magette for that matter; nice signing, Golden State) are going to have to be moved.

 

Dan Vachalek: If they can get back some good talent for him, then yes, they should. His salary is over seven million dollars, and he doesn’t rebound much- just scores. He only averages fifteen points per game over his career. The Warriors should try to trade him.

 

4) If so, which teams would you advise to make a run for his services?

 

Denis Moric: If the Warriors DO decide to ship him, they need to move him with Corey Maggette for Josh Howard and Erick Dampier, two expiring contracts. There is no way I make a deal if I don't get expiring contracts in return and also can help right away. Another trade option would be Maggette and Jackson for Boozer, Harpring, and a pick.

 

Alexander Jefferson: Phoenix is a team that likes to run, is decent at rebounding and doesn't play any defense, so Jackson would fit in perfectly with them; but I doubt they would trade him in their own division. So...call me crazy, but I'm gonna say Orlando. Imagine the run-n-gun offense with him in the mix. Orlando was never a great defending team, so they won't lose anything with him starting. I know they got VC, but they still need another dependable shooter and Jackson might fit in alright. Just think about that athleticism! Jameer Nelson runs the break with Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and Jackson! And with Dwight Howard trailing? That's the best starting lineup in the Eastern Conference. It seems crazy, but with those five guys, I'd take the Magic over Cleveland or Boston.

 

Dan Vachalek: I’d say the Atlanta Hawks should make a run for him. They need another scorer on the team, and Stephen Jackson could do that. He is still in his prime, so he can give them solid point production throughout the year.