David Stern on NBA lockout

Cavs trade J.J. to the Kings for Omri Casspi and future first round pick.

With a roster full at the power forward position and the recent arrival of Tristan Thompson, the necessity to move personnel became apparent.  Today J.J. was the first to go.  In a trade that sends Hickson to the Kings for Omri Casspi and, what could prove to be even more valuable, a future first round pick.  

Sacramento continues to work to find all the right pieces, which means their draft pick could have the Cavs selecting in the top five again.  Casspi has not seen a lot of playing time in Sacramento, but it gives Cleveland a player with some height that can score away from the basket.  This deal seems like another step in the right direction for a rebuilding Cavs squad.

An NBA lockout appears to be imminent, so what will fans be watching this season?

NBA players and owners are meeting today for the final time before the current collective bargaining agreement expires.  Commissioner David Stern refuses to discuss any details during the negotiation process, including the consequences of a deal not being made today.  If a lockout does occur, it will be the first since the 1998-1999 season when only 50 games were played.


With the possibility of a short season, what alternative will basketball fans have?  Everyone can find comfort in the fact that the NBA D-League will not be affected by the ongoing labor dispute.  There may have been a hint of sarcasm in the last statement, but the D-League could be the best basketball available next season.  In an article by Scott Schroeder on ridiculousupside.com, league officials stated it will be "business as usual."  It seems hard to imagine D-League ratings skyrocketing due to the lockout, but it could give some players an opportunity to play on a larger stage.  I am still praying for a quick resolution to the labor talks.


For the complete article follow the ling to ridiculousupside.com.

Shaun Powell ranks the top free agents of this summer's class.

Whether or not there will be an NBA game this upcoming season is still unknown but, anyone of these top free agents would be a huge upgrade to the Cavaliers roster.

  

  1.   Nene (Nuggets, U)

  2.   David West (Hornets, U)

  3.   Tyson Chandler (Mavericks, U)

  4.   Marc Gasol (Grizzles, R)

  5.   Kris Humphries (Nets, U)

  6.   Jamal Crawford (Hawks, U)

  7.   Greg Oden  (Blazers, R)

  8.   J.R Smith (Nuggets, U)

  9.   Yao Ming (Rockets, U)

10.   DeAndre Jordan (Clippers, R)

R - Restricted  U - Unrestricted

For the full article and a write-up on each player, follow the link to NBA.com.