NBA OFFSEASON: FACT OR FICTION

By: Chris

And so... the NBA season concludes. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers stand at the pinnacle of the NBA, celebrating their victory with the upcoming parade, as other teams are focusing on regrouping, and reloading. Rumors are swirling, whispers of players opting out, trade rumors, draft rumors, etc are running wild. This article will try to separate Fact vs. Fiction

1. Hedo Turkoglu will return to the Magic next season: FICTION

Yes, the Magic are extremely limited in their cap space, however Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins has confidently stated, "the luxury tax won't be a hinderance". By paying the luxury tax, the Magic might have the cap space to sign Turkoglu, which is heavily occupied by the monster contracts of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. Aside from the Magic's finance side, I think that Turkoglu can really hit the bank this offseason. During the playoffs, he showed he is a consistent threat, clutch shooter, and above average defender. He was key to the Magic playoff run and could do so for other teams as well. Look for Turkoglu to go for big-money to a destination where teams are looking for that one extra player to go over the top.

2. Allen Iverson will play next season: FACT

I think there is little doubt that AI will be playing ball next year, however if it is playing in the NBA... now that is a whole other issue. (I am joking of course) AI will be playing in the NBA next season but a large part of this debate factors into his accepting (or rather lack thereof) nature of coming off the bench. He was a terrible fit in Detroit's system and single-handedly managed to dismantle a team that was enjoying dynasty-like success in the Eastern Conference. At this point, Iverson has to get over his absurd ego and realize that he isn't the dazzling star of his days in Philly but rather an overrated, injury-prone, old veteran. Look for him to go to a major title contender, coming off the bench as sort of a "spark" if you can even call him that. All the best AI, just please, get over yourself!

3. The Lakers will be able to retain both Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza: FACT

Although this goes against what many people are thinking (or probably hoping at this point), the Lakers will retain both Odom and Ariza. Both proved to be vital role players during the playoffs, and the fact that the Lakers have a great core of Bryant and Gasol paired with a plethora of role players, creating the best team in the NBA, it is hard to believe that Lakers management would risk losing any of that mojo. Coming off of a 3.1 million dollar salary in 08-09, Ariza (turning 24 later in June) will hit the bank. His three point shooting, hustle, and amazing defensive ability (perfectly demonstrated in his Game 5 shutdown of Hedo Turkoglu) makes this guy the real deal. Meanwhile, I can't see Odom going to any other team and feel as if he has really settled into LA, even coming off the bench at times, which makes him a perfect fit for the Lakers. Look for both to stick around with the Lakers, as LA's front office will do everything in their power to reel them in. Result of both re-signing: Lakers will make a run at the repeat.

4. Josh Smith will remain a Hawk in Atlanta: FICTION

Even though this discussion of Smith being traded, which has resurfaced offseason after offseason now in Atlanta, seems absolutely ridiculous to me, there is still a possibility it might happen. The fact is, the Hawks are having extremely hefty financial problems, and as the saying goes "This is a business, too". Still, trading away your franchise, athletic-freak player in Josh Smith for something rumored to be as little as a bunch of picks grouped together makes me furious. If I was a Hawks fan, I would feel completely betrayed. Last offseason, they let Childress go to Greece, now they want to get rid of Smith, leaving.... an aging Joe Johnson surrounded by sub-par talent which will further drive the Hawks into the depths of the Eastern Conference standings. Finally, tell me Mr. Rick Sund, how will things work out financially, when (albeit you will be shedding millions in getting rid of Josh Smith) yet half of your fan base will (might not, but SHOULD) abandon your team after you continually disrespect them by not doing anything to put a real, contending team out on the court. But again, financials DO play a part in this, so that is the only reason I could see this being a remotely intelligent idea.

5. Shaq will be playing alongside LeBron James next season: UNDECIDED

The fact is, conflicting reports from both camps make this a very difficult decision to call. Shaq, I'm sure, wants out of Phoenix which now with the success of the Lakers, seems even more like a dead-end to push for another championship run. Meanwhile, the Cavs who were lacking big-time in the frontcourt, would love to add a big man in the post that can bang like Shaquille can. Also, what better way to get back at now-defending-champ-Kobe who "couldn't do it without me? Kobe, tell me how my #$% tastes" as Shaq himself admitted. This move does make sense for both sides, but trades in the NBA aren't as easy as swapping flavors of candy you don't like after opening a bag. Cap, expiring contracts, etc. will play a huge role in this. Still, don't be surprised if Cleveland rolls the dice and pursues this deal.