By Greg Gamble…Founder/CEO of insideplays.com

“Nothing beats a bloody & the daily line to start the day”

Part 1 of Freakin’ on NBA free agency

As a self-proclaimed Guru of the Association, before I roll through my “Baron Davis to Clipperland”-thoughts, I feel obligated to throw a few investment-related ideas regarding the NBA FA movement to my diehard degenerate fans. (Greg Gamble Disclaimer: the NBA is usually apposed to gambling, illegal gambling is not recommended, and viewing Asian …never mind):

ELTON BRAND PICKS A FIGHT WITH THE SMALLER BOYS OUT EAST

After years of seeing his 20 & 10 numbers overlooked in the land of the giants, Brand immediately becomes an All-Star, lands on a team with a guaranteed playoff spot, and might need Latrell Sprewell’s repossessed yacht to carry all his paper. In my opinion, a no-brainer decision by the former Blue Devil. (BTW, kind of funny how Carlos Boozer did the same thing to the Cavs…those life lessons from Coach K really worked-out). As for how Philly’s season fairs, the ATS wizards in Vegas have the over/under on 76er victories placed in the high-40s, but just like how Heather Locklear will look in 4 years, I’m guessing the 50s won’t treat Philly too bad …the Sixers finish 53-29.

ARENAS SIGNS ENORMOUS DEAL IN D.C.

If I was Caron Butler, I would’ve said the same thing as Vanilla Ice…”Lose (Agent) Zero, and get with the Hero”. Seriously, in today’s NBA market, the Wizards could’ve signed three solid players at the mid-level for what they paid for a somewhat-selfish/moody Arenas, not to mention, coming off a year & a half off of knee trouble. Considering this same cast of characters totaled 41, 42, & 43 wins the last 3 years, and lost in the 1st of the playoffs each year, what a brilliant decision to cripple the franchise for years by signing Antwan “Contract Year” Jamison & Mr. Hibachi. As for a Vegas play, I’m predicting we’ll see a racy sex-tape from the Full House Twins before we see the Wiz playing in the 2nd round.

THE WARRIORS OUT-BID THEMSELVES FOR MAGGETTE

I’ll admit I was clamoring for the Bulls to dive into the Maggette sweepstakes (instead of signing Ben “No-D, No-handle” Gordon, let him walk, sign Corey for less money, and Derrick Rose now has some ridiculous options on the wing), but that was for a team desperate for scoring and somebody to get to the charity stripe more than 3 times a game. In Golden St, especially without Baron and Jessica Alba spending her free-time with a baby instead of at Warrior games, I think Nellie & Crew-cut Chris Mullin just wanted somebody from the Clippers to save face for low-ballin’ Davis. As for how the gambling gods see it, with an over/under win total of 42, their begging you to take the over. No chance of that play working out. Without a floor-general to run Nelson’s crazy playground system (rumor has it they’ll be trading a swing-man for one of the Grizzlies 25 PGs), I’d be shocked if they won more than 35 games.

BOUNCIN’ BARON ALL ALONE IN CLIPPERLAND

While everybody assumes Davis and Dunleavy are screwed with Elton bolting for easier frontcourt pastures out East, I contend the Clippers line-up (with the signing of a particular PF) could be back in the playoff mix by the 2009-10 season. Don’t buy-it… let’s take a closer look and see how Baron’s new squad compares with his old:

SG - Monta Ellis vs Eric Gordon/Q-Mobley

While only a handful of lightning-quick guards can roll with the undersized-Ellis, let alone slow his ridiculous mid-range game, an inability to spread the defense in Nellie’s system (which insinuating a 3-ball casting-party from the squad all season) and failing to successfully run the point forced Baron to play too many minutes…which might be why he looked more tired than a newbie at Vivid Entertainment Pool Party by year’s end. I know Ellis was a perfect speedster to utilize Baron’s open court passing skills, but besides having a slower gear, isn’t Eric Gordon kind of a Monta Mini-Me? Throw-in a veteran like Q-Mobley who always loves playing with a showboating PG (i.e. Stevie “no-longer” Franchise) and the SG match-up isn’t as much of a blow-out as you think

SF - Stephen Jackson vs Al Thornton

I know S-Jax is a legitimate, well-rounded, NBA-talent who’s been on his best behavior of late, but I honestly believe his fancy for the 3-pt line was not sound therapy for his trigger-happy floor-general. Not to mention, he’s probably overdue for some off-the-court mischief. As for Baron playing with the athletic-freak Al Thornton, I actually picture Kidd tossing to Vinsanity (without the showboating & ole-defense) and a player with much more discipline in the half-court. Also, Thornton’s a genuine good-guy that will gravitate towards a veteran presence like Davis and provide some highflying gems to keep Baron a regular on Sportscenter. Call me crazy if you like, but I think the Clippers easily have the better baller at SF…especially for the long-term.

C - Andris Biedrins vs Chris Kaman

As a diehard Warriors (and Alba) fan, I can verify the 7-foot jumping jack Biedrins received only 6 passes, not counting alley-oops, from Baron over the last two seasons. While he’s a productive energy guy perfect for GST’s system, Kaman is one of the more skilled 7-footers in the league (athleticism not included) and if he progresses half as much as he did last year Davis will have plenty of confidence passing him the pill. Honestly, while everybody thinks Nellie’s run-n-chuck style was perfect for Baron, with his dominate backside able to back-down virtually every guard at will, I think a half-court set and a big (Kaman) with a soft-touch could make him look even sweeter…especially with that kick-azz beard.

PF - Al Harrington vs Josh Smith

Obviously I have no idea if Hot-Lanta would match, but shredding salary and offering every penny in the bank to Josh Smith immediately turns Clipperland into a highflying circus. To tell you the truth, this might even be a better fit for Baron than if Brand stuck around. Can you imagine Bouncin’ Baron maneuvering through the lane and seeing J-Smith & Thorton slashing-in from either wing? It’s like Fukudome to Wrigley or Jesse Spano in Showgirls-perfect. While everybody says the Hawks will match, most of that talk was if teams were offering around 10-12 million. If they creep closer to the 15-million dollar range, with all the youngsters needing paper in the next few years (Marvin Williams, Al Horford, etc.), could ATL afford to cripple themselves to match? For sake of my beautiful, well thought-out breakdown, I say no-way…And as a result (drum-roll please) Clipperland becomes prettier than Ali Larter in a whip-cream bikini!

Stay tuned for Part 2 and check out more from Greg Gamble at insideplays.com.


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