Update: Caron signs with OKC

[johnhuskies95]

Lamb gets lost a few times on defense, but he's probably a better one on one defender than Butler at this point.

 

[Walker11]

Rumors that Thunder are interested in Ben if he is bought out by the Bobcats. UCONN Southwest.

 

[champs99and04]

Based on what? I'm amazed at people crowning a team in Indiana that has yet to ever win anything all while being ready to bury a team that wins more big games than anyone and hasn't even really rolled it's full lineup out there consistently. As for Caron, it's great that he gets to play on a good team now as opposed to that mess in Milwaukee.

I think he means the Heat are "done" in terms of making roster moves, hence the "could still win the championship...".

For the record, I think Indiana dethrones Miami this year. They've been close the last two years, and were it not for their awful bench, they probably would have finished the deal. This year they've upgraded the bench, and key role players like Allen and Battier are a year older, and Bosh, James, and Wade all have a ton of mileage on them. There's a reason it's so hard to win three straight championships, the NBA playoffs can be a war of attrition more than anything else, and the Heat have played over 100 games the last three years. That has to take a toll.

 

[Scoe]

I think he means the Heat are "done" in terms of making roster moves, hence the "could still win the championship...".

For the record, I think Indiana dethrones Miami this year. They've been close the last two years, and were it not for their awful bench, they probably would have finished the deal. This year they've upgraded the bench, and key role players like Allen and Battier are a year older, and Bosh, James, and Wade all have a ton of mileage on them. There's a reason it's so hard to win three straight championships, the NBA playoffs can be a war of attrition more than anything else, and the Heat have played over 100 games the last three years. That has to take a toll.

maybe they have a great shot

 

[Dogdeacon]

maybe they have a great shot

A little bit of both. This is the last year for the Heat is mostly what I was saying somewhat cryptically. They are certainly as likely as anyone to win the title this year, but I think it'll be their last title or run at one. Wasn't sure why they are missing out on these signings (Indiana signed Bynum as much for his contributions as to NOT have him on Miami) although now it looks like they tried on Caron and he preferred to go to OKC.

 

[Scoe]

A little bit of both. This is the last year for the Heat is mostly what I was saying somewhat cryptically. They are certainly as likely as anyone to win the title this year, but I think it'll be their last title or run at one. Wasn't sure why they are missing out on these signings (Indiana signed Bynum as much for his contributions as to NOT have him on Miami) although now it looks like they tried on Caron and he preferred to go to OKC.

You can't stay on top forever, teams that 3 peat have to play on fumes, its just scary because Lebron is on a path of destruction and D Wade has looked healthy.

 

[Dynasty]

A little joke from the OKC GM: "We actually attempted to sign Kevin Ollie to an extended contract, but he was busy." -Presti on having 3 UConn guys on Thunder roster

 

[champs99and04]

Sefolosha is out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury, so that should open the door for both Caron and Lamb to get significant minutes for a while.

 

[UCONNfan1]

I think RIP is done, he couldn't contribute consistently for Chicago due to injuries so unlikely a contender takes a chance on him.

Caron definitely will take burn from Lamb. Much better defender and Caron can hit the open corner 3 just as well as Lamb. Its up to Jeremy to defend better to protect his minutes or take some from Fischer.

Miami seems like they are done. They will certainly contend for the East (6 or 7 game series with Pacers) and could still win the championship if Wade is completely healthy, but they've missed out on quite a few signings now and it seems more and more likely that this is the last year of LeBron, Wade and Bosh. Bummer for Ray as that could mean his career ends this season as well.

Agree. But Ray has had a great career. Future HOF'er. And a couple of championships to boot. Not many guys can say that. But I won't be sad to see the big 3 break up.

Be interesting to see if Anthony ends up on Chicago. That would change the dynamics in the east as well.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Agree. But Ray has had a great career. Future HOF'er. And a couple of championships to boot. Not many guys can say that. But I won't be sad to see the big 3 break up.

Be interesting to see if Anthony ends up on Chicago. That would change the dynamics in the east as well.

Potentially a LOT of player movement coming up with Love, Carmelo and LeBron. Maybe even Durant the year after. But for now its plenty interesting and wide open in the west with a potentially classic Pacers-Heat showdown in the east.