NBA Offseason Review In Progress

Yeah, um, so much for those observations. (For the record, I think Simmons is right when he said the lack of deadline deals pretty much set the Lakers as winners by default.)

Anyhow, now on to the fun of the NBA offseason:

Extreme Franchise Makeover, Bob Vila Edition: The Toronto Raptors
So they gut practically the entire roster to fit in Hedo Turkoglu. Not that the previous make-up was any great shakes, but desperation over losing Chris Bosh seems to be Brian Colangelo's reason du jour. Or so it seems. Work with me here: Hedo running alongside a dominant center, an outstanding point guard, and a bunch of shooters... I think I've seen this movie before. Yeah, Reggie Evans and Andrea Bargnani aren't exactly the same supporting cast he had in Orlando, but I can see Colangelo's mind working. Even if Toronto is a poor man's 2008-2009 Magic, that's a 60 win team he's following. Even 40 wins get you into the Eastern Conference playoffs, and that just might - might - be enough to keep Bosh. (Well, that and the extra cash he'd get for staying in Ontario.)

Extreme Franchise Makeover, Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor Edition: The Orlando Magic
Hot off of a huge Eastern Conference Finals upset, it only stood to imagine that Otis Smith had to work a bit around the edges to push the Magic to the point where they could stand toe-to-toe with the Lakers. Alas, it was well known around the league that the team's skinflint owner wouldn't be able to ante up to renew Turkoglu's services. Or at least, that's what everyone thought.

As it stands now, the Magic are set to be over the luxury tax for at least the next two - if not the next four seasons. Turkoglu and key roleplayers Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee were tossed aside in favor of Vince 'Does This Mean I Have To Start Caring?' Carter and Brandon Bass, returning an unhappy Martin Gortat, and bringing in a guy in Matt Barnes who hasn't had any success in an offense that takes more than seven seconds. Its Smith at his 'throw everything at the wall and see what sticks' philosophy in action yet again, though he's exchanging a successful and highly entertaining team for, presumably, a more conventional one. Whether it will improve on last year's success or implode under the weight of a charge by the Cavs, Celtics, and Wizards, that remains to be seen.

Extreme Franchise Makeover, Howard Fine and Howard Edition: The Detroit Pistons
We're five years removed from a Pistons team cemented on selfless team play and tough defense winning the team's third NBA title. Time wounds all heels, however, and it was time for Joe Dumars to reload the team for its next run. Pistons fans were wetting their lips in picking up a Carlos Boozer to replace an aging Rasheed Wallace, or perhaps ol' Joe finding a few other diamonds in the rough to start the next great Pistons run.

Enter Ben Gordon, Charlie Villenueva, and Chris Wilcox. Selfless team play and tough defense were shortly thereafter found dead, lying facedown along Eight Mile Road. Forget Bill Simmons' remark about spending $95 million on a pair of non-All Stars. If you're Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, or just about any DEEETROOOIIIIT BAAASKEEETBAAALLLLL fan how do you even recognize this team anymore? Bringing in John Kuenster was the icing on the cake, its obvious that Joe's decided that defense was a nice idea but D'Antoniball is where its at in the same conference that boasts Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, and the Lebron-Shaq combo.

Extreme Franchise Makeover, Bob Geldof In A Hotel Penthouse Suite Edition: The Milwaukee Bucks
The team could theoretically have a payroll of roughly $30 million in 2011. Does anyone doubt at this point that they might actually go that route? I imagine they could be in that boat next summer, but even the prospect of playing with the Low-Rent All-Stars probably won't be enough to make Michael Redd forgo the last $18 million on his contract.

On a positive note, any potential John Starks, Jamario Moons, or Smush Parkers now have their chance to shine!