Let the Games Begin ...

Right now, the talk around Independence is about the same as the buzz around the basketball community – and most of it focuses on the Nets-Bucks trade.

Of course, the name of a player not involved (Michael Redd) is what the media is talking about. Does the deal that sends Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee indicate that Redd is expendable? Or does it portend that Milwaukee is building for this year, and giving Redd a sidekick like R-Jeff is an indication that the Bucks are looking at making a move.

Of course, from the New Jersey side – as it will be from now until 2010 – folks are concerned that the Nets are making salary-cutting moves to make a pitch at LeBron. And it’s not completely crazy to think that way. New Jersey did give up one of the Eastern Conference’s better small forwards for two non-starters. The jury is still out on Yi Jianlian.

I’ve had a couple of readers write in to ask who the Cavaliers would prefer – CDR or Courtney Lee. I think they’re high on both players, but it’ll probably boil down to a simple choice of whether they want a wing player or a big man like Roy Hibbert or Kosta Koufus – if either (or any of the four players) are available.

The Cavaliers do like Courtney Lee and Danny Ferry has said that he likes Douglas-Roberts’ game. Either would certainly solidify the two-guard spot. Both guys are “basketball players” – meaning they’re not shooters or ball-handlers or defenders. They can do it all, and versatility at that position has to be a priority going into 2008-09.

The 2008 tips off in just a few minutes ….