I'm moving into Phil's old pad over the weekend so I may not have a chance to post...    







It's still very early in the off-season, but the San Diego Sports Guy is doling out a few grades.  The hard luck Los Angeles Clippers now find themselves scrambling after Elton Brand bolted for Philly.  While losing EB does sting, it may ultimately turn out to be a blessing.  The two restricted free agents they are now wooing, Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor, are much younger and will tie up less cap space.  When healthy, Brand is an automatic 18 and 10 every night.  However, he's coming off a major injury and $81 million dollars over five years is a big commitment.  I'm not so sure I wouldn't rather have Smith or Okafor for $60-65 million over that same period of time.  The caveat is that the Hawks and Bobcats can both match any offer, potentially leaving Los Angeles empty handed.  If that happens and the Clippers are forced to start Tim Thomas at PF then it's going to be another very long season.  GRADE:  C+  (Increasing to a B+ with the addition of either Smith or Okafor)  


Philadelphia plugged a big hole in the lineup by bringing in Brand to team with Samuel Dalembert in the front court.  If promising shooting guard, Andre Iguodala, can also be retained then the 76ers could potentially be a #5 seed in the East.  Talk of the Sixers being the team to beat along with the Celtics is preposterous though.  Brand definitely makes them better but another shooter is still needed to spread the floor.  GM Ed Stefanski should use the trade exception that was acquired from the Timberwolves to add a bonafide three point threat.  If that can be done within the next couple of months then the City of Brotherly Love will likely have a 48 win team.  GRADE:  B 


Golden State - Lost Baron but gained slashing swingman Corey Maggette.  Adding the high energy Turiaf (if the Lakers don't match the offer sheet) would be a nice addition.  Locking up Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins are an absolute must.  GRADE:  B-


Toronto - A healthy Jermaine O'Neal could make them a top four team in the Eastern Conference now that Jose Calderon finally has the keys to the car.  Conversely, a hobbling O'Neal could cause the Raptors to miss the playoffs.  Signing Hassan Adams earlier today was inconsequential.  GRADE:  B   


Washington -  Ernie Grunfeld doesn't make very many mistakes (exhibit A being the Caron Butler for Kwame Brown deal a few years ago).  However, giving Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison $160 million dollars doesn't strike me as being very shrewd.   Because the cupboard was bare, talented young guard Roger Mason couldn't be re-signed and fled to San Antonio.   Mason had some very nice games while Arenas was out of the lineup and certainly will be missed if Agent Zero's knee flares up again this season.   GRADE:  D