This move does not come as much of a surprise.  Webber has been out with an injured left knee that has been giving him problems in recent years.  I thought Webber could help them make a run in the playoffs with his ability to score in the low post, but it was apparent that Webber’s lack of speed did not fit well with the Warriors’ up-tempo style of play.

Webber was at his best and one of the best players in the NBA while playing for the Sacramento Kings.  After signing a maximum guaranteed contract, Webber had microfracture knee surgery and he was never the same player. 

Now in retirement, Webber can go back to his first love, smoking pot.  Now, he does not have to worry about any of those annoying drug tests.

The roller coaster ride is over for Jason Kidd as he is finally granted his wish of leaving the sorry New Jersey Nets to the team that originally drafted him, the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Mavericks must have felt they needed to do something to try and get over the hump and avoid another upcoming playoff loss, after watching the Suns and the Lakers make blockbuster trades to bolster their rosters.   The Mavs get 2 lame players in forward Malik Allen and swingman Antoine Wright.  The Nets acquire Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, swingman Trenton Hassell, guard Maurice Ager, already retired Keith Van Horn, first-round draft picks this June and in 2010 and $3 million in cash. 

Luck yVan Horn gets a cool $4 million just for passing a physical and showing up in New Jersey.  I am curious if Van Horn can still play and if the Nets give him a chance.

The Asiansportsfanatic’s take is this is a great trade for both teams.  The Nets are terrible this season and need the extra salary cap room to improve their team for the future.   In Harris and Diop, they get 2 starters that can help them right away and for the next few years.  For the Mavs, its now or never for a title as they ship out 2 young stars and acquire a sure Hall-of-Fame point guard who at almost 35-years-old, is still a fan favorite and can still play at a very high level.    At best, The Mavs are still maybe the 5th best team in the stacked Western Conference.    They will need some luck if they are to make a run for the NBA Title.

The Phoenix Suns realize that their fast-break offense is exciting, but not built to make a serious run at an NBA Championship.  So, instead of going through another disappointing playoff run, they decided to take a chance and trade for Shaquille O’Neal from the Miami Heat.

I like the trade for many reasons.    Even at 35,  O’Neal when healthy is still one of the most dominating low-post players in the NBA.  O’Neal gives the Suns that dominating inside presence which they have not had in years and which is killed them in the playoffs.   This will allow Amare Stoudemire to play the power forward position.  Also, the Suns will now have a good low post defender to matchup against the likes of the San Antonio Spurs.   Shaun Marion wanted out of Phoenix, so he gets his wish.

The Phoenix Suns’ fast-break offense may not be a good fit for O’Neal, but who cares.  When you can add a superstar to your roster, you make adjustments.  Certainly, the Suns will do just that.    

I am sure Shaq cannot wait to get another crack at the Lakers’ Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant.   Bring it on!

After 13 years, Chris Webber is back with the team he started his NBA career with,the Golden State Warriors.  Personally, I like the move for the struggling Warriors who are in desperate need of a low post player to complement all of their great guards and small forwards.  This is not a move that suddenly makes the Warriors title contenders, but it will help them sneak into the playoffs for another year.  Webber is not the same MVP caliber, 20+ ppg player he was while playing for the Sacramento Kings, but he can still provide a solid 20-25 minutes per game in the low post and runs the floor very well.  

I do not think the rift that existed between coach Don Nelson and Webber 13 years ago, will be an issue.  Both have made it clear its not an issue and I expect them to get along just fine.   The media has simply made too big of a deal of this issue.  It is not as if PJ Carlisimo is bringing back Latrell Sprewell back.  Now, that would be a great story.

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Greg Oden,  the next great NBA center is already injured.

OMG..  can you say Sam Bowie!!!!  damaged goods!!  The best one I saw on ESPN from Bill Simmons:  Bowie 2.0.   This is nothing new to the Blazers if you look at Bowie and more recently, Telfair as they have once again blown it in the NBA Lottery.  Its the never-ending dream to find the next Shaq that these big men keep getting drafted #1.  As Kevin Durant is averaging 25 points per game last year, Oden will be recovering from major knee surgery.  Good luck!