Pietrus seems like a really nice, down to earth and humble guy. He clearly plays with a lot of joy/passion. Unfortunately he also continues to make some of the same mistakes over and over again which makes one question his lack of improvement in those areas. I definitely appreciate all he’s brought to the Warriors, but it appears he’s not in the long term plans of Mullin/Nelson. That’s probably for the best.

Do you think Nellie’s musings on the inevitability of a mid season trade is all a smoke screen or the real deal? In the past, Mullin’s been pretty tight lipped about all of his trades. If Nellie is letting the cat out of the bag that would seem Nellie’s either ruining Mullin’s MO or just putting the usual Nellie motivational tactics to work. What’s your take?

I’m not sure that Camby makes the squad, however. His defensive numbers are impressive to be sure, but I agree with Kenny and Chuck on this one; his offense is totally non-existent. If they go with another big man I say a surprise pick could be Tyson Chandler, with 12pts 12rbs giving the team a 2nd player from the Hornets squad.

However … I don’t see those things coming to pass. I think McGrady is going to win and he’s going to play. And even though I feel this is the Year of the Guard in the West, the coaches could just as easily go with (as you mentioned) Josh Howard, who should have made it last season, or Denver’s Marcus Camby. The guy’s second in rebounds (14.4) and first in blocks with an astounding 4.0 per game. That’s just plain crazy.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if McGrady bumps AI and Camby bumps BD from your squad. Don’t forget that BD will never get the support of Byron Scott and probably George Karl as well — and that’s 14 percent of the voters for reserves right there.

– Geoff

MP knows that a) his stock wasn’t regarded that highly last summer, when he failed to get a suitable deal and had to take the Warriors’ qualifying offer and b) his stock is most likely falling, not rising, with his numbers down across the board and his coach talking about how he’s not the same player as last season.

Given those facts, what’s the point of waiting for a sign-and-trade this summer? Sure, the Bird rights allow you to get more money at the top end, but MP already failed to get offers at that level last summer. Right now, he just wants a chance to make his numbers more attractive to potential employers. And that’s not going to happen as the eighth man on a team that barely goes eight deep.

– Geoff

Assuming TMac sits out due to injury, this is what I predict:

SG- Kobe Bryant
SG- Allen Iverson
SG- Brandon Roy

PG- Steve Nash
PG- Chris Paul
PG- Baron Davis

I give Roy the slight edge over Ginobili, Williams and Parker not only because of the impact he’s had on the Blazers but because at 6’6″ Brandon can also play the 2 guard.

Carlos Boozer is a lock at the PF spot, along with Tim Duncan. That insures that the Jazz and Spurs will have representation on the team effectively leaving Williams, Ginobili and Parker off. Chris Paul is a mortal lock not because the game is in New Orleans but because he’s been the best PG in the West this season, period.
Baron gets the nod in recognition of the impact he’s had on transforming the Warriors over the past 2 – 3 seasons. He was arguably the best PG in the entire playoffs last year, even better than Parker, Nash, or Williams. Indeed, he almost beat the Mavs by himself, and his dunk over Kirilenko was the best dunk by a guard in the playoffs since John Starks slammed on the Bulls.

The remaining spots will go to the following:

C- Yao Ming
C- Amare Stoudemire
F- Tim Duncan
F- Carlos Boozer
F- Dirk Nowitzki
F- Carmelo Anthony

I also expect Josh Howard of the Mavs to get serious consideration just not enough room for him this year.

Marcus,

Considering the rampant trade rumors involving Mickael Pietrus; Isn’t he a one year bird player? Doesn’t that mean he must agree to any deal for any trade involving him to happen? My understanding is, if Pietrus agrees to be traded, his Bird status will be reset and he will be viewed as a non-bird free agent this summer. Why would he want to do that? Wouldn’t he really be better off in a sign and trade scenario? If this is true, wouldn’t any trade scenario involving him be that much more complicated that just a salary for salary swap since Pietrus would need to be signed to a new, higher salary by his prospective new team?

Thanks!

JustPuked