IC Cold Links: Pacers Begin Bargain Shopping

by Tom Lewis on Jul 2, 2009 6:43 AM EDT in News Comment 6 comments

Here are a few items of interest to ponder after day one of the free agent period:

Pacers read to go discount shopping
Mike Wells blogs about the Pacers' goal to make the most out of the little cap room they have to spend this summer. We also learn about a few Nuggets on the Pacers' radar as well as Atlanta eyeing Jarrett Jack.

Conrad Brunner on Kravitz & Eddie (audio). Bruno leads the league in reading between the lines so I found his comments on Jarrett Jack possibly fielding offers the Pacers won't be willing to match quite interesting.

From the FanPosts, dbcb links to stories about the Pacers' interest in Marcin Gortat and Fabricio Oberto.

Ron Artest reportedly piquing Cleveland's interest
I imagine the Cavs would rather sign Ariza but Ronnie may be the next option for the right price. Artest has indicated that he wants to assess a team's championship capabilities when signing but I'd think any team that considers themselves a championship contender will have to think long and hard about adding Ronnie to the mix.

Sources: Trevor Ariza leaning toward leaving Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN
Yikes! I'm rooting for Ariza to Portland because I really don't want to see that defensive menace come to town with the Cavs. Forget Shaq, this should be the type of player LeBron James wants the Cavs to bring in if he's going to stay past next year. Ariza could become the defensive version of Robert Horry, just popping up on championship teams.

If Gordon Leaves, Bulls Could Get Daniels -- NBA FanHouse
Tim Povtak makes the case for Quisy to joing the Bulls to fill the void left by losing Ben Gordon.

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Comments

On the Ariza comment

100% right that the Cavs are way way better off looking for guys like Ariza over Shaq. He would really be a perfect complement to Lebron cause he can hit open shots (which Lebron will provide) and he can D up on wing players (especially when playing Orlando). I still hate the Shaq move but Ariza would definitely help. Artest isn’t a bad thought either, but only as a backup plan.

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Jul 2, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ariza

Is the reason I think the Lakers were pushed forward to a championship. If the Cavs pick him up, it’s going to be a very good season for Cavs fans.

I’d still love to have Ariza locked up here for when we’re ready to compete. I’d be willing to overpay him a little bit to get there. Unlikely, but I do so wish.

by goodlucksaturday on Jul 2, 2009 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

artest would ruin the cavs already shitty offense.

I know the artest love his heavy hear, but his offense keeps getting worse and worse. It is ugly. He dominates the ball. You don’t dominate the ball with James on your team.

Ariza would be perfect. I hope he stays out west (but not on the lakers)

by dbcb on Jul 2, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right now..

there are a bunch of teams getting REALLLYYY good. The league is going to be crazyy top heavy next year. Cleveland, already with Shaq, and either going to get Ariza and/or Artest. Lakers obviously. KG back next year. Imagine there was contraction, and only 20 teams in the league, we’d have so many good teams it would be great. I know it will never happen, but it would be great.

by captain flitzy on Jul 2, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It would be like the 80’s against where people have 4 HOF’s on one team.

But to me, the same teams that were really good last year are really good this year…

lakers (assuming they don’t lose both odom and ariza)
magic
cleveland
boston (if they are healthy)
spurs (assuming manu can stay healthy)

Then right under that I think you have Denver and the improving Trailblazers, then a huge drop off.

But all these teams were really good last year…

by dbcb on Jul 2, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The big difference

is that the best teams from last year are all going to be a notch better next year. It seemed like last year that the best teams (Lakers, Cavs, Celtics) all stayed stagnant during the season by not adding players and only losing players to injury. I’m glad to see the rich get richer for the sake of the league. Now if only the Pacers can get in on some of that action.

by spstevenson on Jul 2, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs