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Volume XI

1. What are your feelings on Russian tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov's bid to buy the New Jersey Nets? If that happens, what might it mean? Will this be start of a new trend?

John Mitchell: I don't really have a problem with Prokhorov buying the Nets. With the economy the way it is, we need anybody we can get really. It's also good for the NBA, because that gain them more business in Russia with TV deals and merchandise, etc. I'm not sure his bid for the Nets is going to start a trend with rich people from other countries laying bids down to other pro franchises in the United States. I think it's a good move for the NBA to have a foreign owner, but I don't think it's a good move to have multiple foreign owners.

Andy York: Well, a lot of teams are losing money right now. I don’t think this will start off a trend of foreign billionaires buying up NBA teams, but if a person has the money right now it seems like several teams are available. I actually hope the deal goes down. Everything I’ve heard about Prokhorov suggests that he’s willing to spend money.  There are far too many owners more interested in staying under the salary cap than trying to contend.

Alexander Jefferson: I don't honestly know, but if Mr. Carter (Jay-Z) is now out of the picture, say goodbye to LeBron coming to play for a Russian investor. If it does in fact go through, look for the Nets to spend a ton of money in the future because he will want to make his mark on the NBA. I do think it will be the start of a trend because these wealthy businessmen are seemingly it for the money and fame, and what better choice is there than the NBA? It's popular, global and a money-making machine (looking at it from the business standpoint, that is).

Dan Vachalek: I think that it is a good thing that the NBA is getting owners from different countries. If they are valuable to the league and are worthy owners- then it’s a good thing. If this actually happen, it’ll mean that more foreign people will buy NBA teams and expand the NBA to different countries. This also means more revenue for the NBA, as more Russians will be curious in the NBA. This seems like it has the possibility to be a new trend- so I wouldn’t be surprised if a trend started.

Summary: our writers seem to generally believe this is good news. Because of the economic crisis, the money involved and also because of the likelihood of the NBA tapping into the Russian market. Is this the beginning of a trend? Maybe yes, maybe no.

2. David Lee has signed a 1-year contract with the Knicks. Is he going to be traded before the season ends? Does this move make sense for the Knicks?

John Mitchell: I think the Knicks should have locked David Lee up for longer than just a year. Now, that may have been all they could have signed him for, and if that is the case then it's okay. He could be traded sometime during the season, and I wouldn't be surprised. I do however think the Knicks should hold on to David Lee. He had a breakout year last year averaging over 16 PPG along with just under 12 RPG. Lee is just 26 years old, and unless the Knicks get a monster offe r for him, they would be smart to hang on to Lee, and try to lock him up with a long term contract.

Andy York: The one year deals for both Nate Robinson and David Lee just allow the Knicks to be somewhat competitive this year. Utah owns the Knicks’ first rounder in the next year’s draft, so tanking won’t help them this season. These deals preserve the Knicks’ cap space for next summer. Getting LeBron or another big free agent next year is pretty much the entire plan for the Knicks. I wouldn’t expect a trade at all. New York won’t be taking on anything other than more expiring deals.

Alexander Jefferson: The Knicks could package him and Nate Robinson to a team in Alaska and it would fail to surprise me. This was probably the right move for the Knicks, because looking at it, what choice did they have? Lee is their best player, and an affordable one at that. He has his chance to prove he deserves a long-term contract, and the Knicks get to re-play the whole situation when it actually means something- next summer. At this point it really isn't a big move since Lee wasn't coveted like an all-star and the Knicks won't be going anywhere this year.

Dan Vachalek: I don’t think Lee will be traded before the season ends. I think this is a good deal for the Knicks, and the Knicks are trying to be in contention. They are trying to contend for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, which is easy to get- as there aren’t many good teams in the Eastern Conference, compared to the Western Conference. Good move by the Knicks.

Summary: Lee could be traded, or not, during the season. But besides that, most writers believe this is a smart move by the Knicks, keeping them with all options open.

3. The Rockets have lost Yao Ming for the season due to injury, Ron Artest is now a Laker and Tracy McGrady's health is a also an issue. How many wins are you projecting for them next season? (you can give an interval)

John Mitchell: I think the Rockets will be alright. All signs seem to be pointing towards McGrady playing this season, and he seems really determined to get back to the All Star level he played at before the injuries. The loss of Yao Ming hurts, and I think that is the going to be the thing that keeps them from winning as many as they won last year. I like the signing of Ariza. He is a strong defensive player, and can also step up and score on the offensive end. I think the Rockets will still win between 45-50 games this season, and finish as one of the last two playoff seeds in the Western Conference.

Andy York: With a healthy McGrady I would say around 35, but I don’t think we’re going to see a healthy McGrady. So, with T-Mac out, who’s going to score? The Rockets have a decent roster of role players, but they need a player that can create his own shot. I’m going to predict wins in the low to mid 20’s.

Alexander Jefferson: I'd say between 30 and 40. Aaron Brooks is a very nice PG, Trevor Ariza is a good role player and they have lots of good big men who are effective without the glory. But at the same time, Aaron Brooks isn't going to confuse anyone with a dependable first option. Ariza has yet to show he can do anything outside of playing with Kobe (and Pau Gasol) and there is a reason that none of Houston's bigs get a lot of recognition. Look for this team to surprise some people, but at the end of the day, the talent needed to make the playoffs in the West just doesn't really seem to be able to hold up for a whole season for them.

Dan Vachalek: I’m predicting anywhere from 25-30 wins this year. Artest and Ming gone for the Rockets- that will hurt their team a lot this year and will be a huge concern because McGrady isn’t guaranteed for eighty games. That is definitely going to hurt them a lot and will affect them to the point of a below .500 record, especially in the tough Western Conference.

Summary: If we add the middle figures that each writer pointed out, and divide that by 4, we get to the conclusion that the Rockets are poised to win around 33 games next season.

Submitted 9/30/2009

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