Got the goods to do what? A lot of blustery movement is not the same as an upgrade. You were way, way down on Peja when he was with the Kings, now all of a sudden he's the difference maker for the Hornets? Do you really think Bobby Jackson is better at this point in his career than Speedy Claxton?
Being aggressive is not the same thing as improving. I liked the Chandler trade, that's the type of player you gamble on, and he may work out well with West. But overpaying Peja and BJax was pretty dumb.
They might improve, but unless Paul turns into a superstar overnight or unless Peja suddenly undergoes a magic rejuvination they're still not that good.
Peja never was, at any point, a franchise type player. He has no heart.
And that matters not at all in New Orleans, and I'm calling right now that he's going to have a big scoring year (provided no major injuries of course). In New Orleans you know what his job is going to be? Just shoot. Just score. he can be as big a wuss as he's ever been, but he's playing alongside a budding star in Paul who is going to drive and dish, dirve and dish all ngiht long. And in that situation, Peja has value. Not as a leader, nto as some great superstud, but as the leading scorer for a team that doesn't need him to do much else. Chandler is there to rebound and block shots, Paul is there to lead and dish, Peja is there to score. Perfect fit.
You are too new around here to remember that once long ago back in the day, before the screeching of the Peja lovers got too loud, I was generally fine with him as a limited second scorer in our prime years. We had everything else covered, we had the bigger star out in front of him, asked to just score while others passed, rebounded, led, Peja was a solid #2...until you hit the playoffs. It wasn't until the shallow insanity of Peja replacing Webb as superstar and elader, and until we started loading up with Peja Jrs at PG (Bibby), C (Brad), PF (SAR), OG (Mobley) that he became superflorous and his lack of heart a truly titanic issue.
Now he goes to New Orleans. He'll be their #1 scorer. He'll get a ton of good looks. And he won't be needed to do much more. He'll be able to get maximum value out of being a glorified roleplayer. Just score baby.
End result is that New Orelans has the goods...to make the playoffs. Maybe high end...6th seed? Maybe. But they've got the talent now. The starting 5 is solid and balanced. Not perfect, but everything is there. With health, they'll be a team to contend with this year, and given their youth, for a lot of years to come. Certianly no title anytime soon, but they are yet another young team just gunnign to make the playoffs, and with the goods to do it if it all breaks right.
7. Sacramento Kings – Eric Musselman replaces Rick Adelman, and he'll place more emphasis on defense. The Kings will have to replace Bonzi Wells' offense, though.
