Andrew Bynum is on the free agent market

Andrew Bynum

The man, The myth, The Knees

Andrew Bynum is on the free agent market, and he has some suitors. According to hoopsworld, the 2 main teams interested in Andrew Bynum are the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Portland Trailblazers. 2 years ago, he averaged 18.7 points per game, with 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. These are stellar numbers for a big man. However, he was sidelined all of last year with knee injuries. If he was uninjured, he'd be targeted as much as Dwight Howard.

I think Andrew Bynum will fit in perfectly with the Cavaliers and with the Trailblazers. With the Cavaliers, he can be the dominant big man on the team. He will be the 2nd best player on the Cavaliers, with Kyrie being the star. The starting lineup of Irving, Waiters, Karasev (for now), Thompson, and Bynum, with Varejao, Zeller, Bennett, and Gee coming off the bench, would be good. With Bynum, the Cavaliers could make a good playoff run.

Bynum could also fit in greatly with the Trailblazers. With the Blazers, he has a dominant point guard who will get him the ball (Lillard). He has another dominant big man who would take away some of his attention down low (Aldridge). In Portland, the fans would go crazy. They have no other major sports to cheer for in Portland. The Trailblazers are their only team.

In the end, I think Bynum becomes a Cavalier. With the young, developing, Kyrie Irving, and the chance to snag Lebron James in 2014, Bynum will go to the Cavaliers.

Rockets Trade Thomas Robinson to Trailblazers

Courtesy of sportige.com

Has Thomas Robinson finally found a home in the NBA?

Today, the Rockets have traded Thomas Robinson to the Trailblazers for two future second round picks ,and the rights to two foreign players.  Last season, Robinson averaged 4.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG.  Those numbers may seem bad, but the numbers reflect that Robinson hasn't gotten much of a chance to show his talents since he has been in the NBA. He played for the Kings for a brief time, and then he was traded to the Rockets. He then played for the Rockets for a brief time too, and has now been traded to the Trailblazers.  Unfortunately, teams looking for quality players such as Robinson, haven't been looking hard enough. Robinson has been on the trading block since he has been in the league, and for the kind of player he is, it isn't fair that teams have not recognized his talent.  Robinson is capable of playing the 4 or the 5, but is more comfortable in the power forward spot. Having a good power forward is important for any NBA team. During Robinson's last season at Kansas, he averaged 17.7 PPG and 11.9 RPG.  To me, those numbers boast that Robinson could become a guy that could average a 20-10 or a 25-15 every single night.  Again, unfortunately, NBA teams have failed to recognize Robinson's evident talent.

With Robinson being traded to the Trailblazers, he has a chance to blossom.  The only player playing in front of him at the power forward spot is J.J. Hickson, and he may be on his way out since he is a free agent. So with Hickson possibly going somewhere else, Robinson has the chance to take the starting
power forward job.  If Hickson doesn't leave, he still has a chance to be a good duo with Lamarcus Aldridge down low while coming off the bench.  Either way, Robinson could help out in the low post and crash the boards for the Trailblazers.

I don't know why Robinson has been bouncing around the league so much. He has the potential to be an all-star in the NBA. But with the news today that he has been traded to the Trailblazers, I think Thomas Robinson has finally found a home in the NBA.

Mavericks Interested in Rajon Rondo

Courtesy of thegoodinsports.com

I guess the Mavericks want to be relevant again.

With the news today of the Mavericks being interested in Celtics guard, Rajon Rondo, this potential off-season move is sure to be a blockbuster. The Celtics are already crying uncle in the bowels of TD Garden, and the Mavericks signing Rondo would just add insult to injury.  Apparently Rondo wants out.  He has already seen his buddies Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry go to the Brooklyn Nets, and he doesn't want to be the only one left. Can anyone blame him? However, the Celtics aren't being hung out to dry. In this possible trade, the Celtics would get Shane Larkin, the Mavericks draft pick, and the Mavericks would acquire Rondo. If this deal happens, and it probably will, Rondo will have his sights set on his second championship; a championship that he just might get in Dallas.

With the possible acquisition of Rondo, the Mavericks could be looking to lure free agent Dwight Howard into the fold to make a playoff run. They are a candidate for where Howard will end up next season, but they aren't the top candidate right now. Currently, it seems like the Rockets are in first place for the Dwight Howard deal, and if the Mavericks don't sign another big name from the free agent market soon, Howard will be most likely heading to Houston.  However, if Rondo is signed by the Mavericks and that alone lures Howard to Dallas, this could turn into a different story.  The Mavericks would finally have some relatively young players on their roster, and could be playoff contenders once again.  Rondo wouldn't have to score, something he would have to do in Boston if he stays there, and Howard would get an unthinkable amount of touches from one of the best point guards in the NBA in Rajon Rondo.

If the offer is on the table for Rondo to be traded to the Mavericks, I do see him taking it because of the evident situation in Boston.  But he may just get a signing bonus in Dwight Howard coming to join him.

Cavs Draft Review.

We’re about 24 hours out of the 2013 NBA draft. It was a night of surprises. No one expected Anthony Bennett to go #1 to the Cavaliers, and I think everyone was shocked when Nerlens Noel slipped out of the first round and was traded to the 76ers. A lot of people aren’t very sure on the Cavs draft but I’m actually pretty excited. Today I’m going to explain each new rookie to the Cavs. I’m going to tell you why they chose them and what their role will be. After all that I’ll tell you what’s next for the Cavaliers in free agency.

ANTHONY BENNETT

Anthony Bennett is a 6’7 240 pounds. He just came off of rotator cuff surgery. The biggest question about Bennett that everyone is dying to know is can Bennett play the 3? Well there have been several sources stating that he can play the 3 and I believe he can. Bennett is a very good athlete, an excellent rebounder (especially a very good offensive rebounder) he can shoot very well from any were on the court, he has an excellent post game., and he can put it on the floor and take you to the basket with his dribbling skills. I think that he’ll be a very good player in the NBA. Bennett has had many comparisons to guys like Larry Saunders and Zack Randolph. He’s even been called LeBron’s clone before. I think it’s a toss-up right now and I think the Cavs are going to think long and hard about were Bennett should play the 3 or the 4? Eventually I think he’ll be a 3 due to his athleticism but only time will tell. In the end I think that he will become an all-star.

SERGEY KARASEV

Sergey Karasev is a 6’8 small forward who can absolutely shoot the lights out! The Cavaliers were previously trying to move up to 13 to draft him but it just so happens that they didn’t need to he fell right into their laps at #19. After all the hype surrounding Karasev I was watching a lot of footage on him. I am very impressed with Karasev and I would go as far as saying he was the steal of the draft. Kasrasev's ability to shoot the ball from all ranges, his touch, his intelligence and his ability to pass the ball is what makes him a special talent. Some of his weaknesses though are his athleticism, and his small frame, and his defense. Overall I think Karasev will be a knockdown shooter in this league and a big key to the Cavs offense.

CARRICK FELIX

Carrick Felix is a tough small forward/ shooting guard his ability to defend and rebound the ball is what makes him stand out. Felix averaged 14 points and 8 assists at Arizona state what’s very surprising is the 8 rebounds 2 of which were offensive. Felix’s ability to use power, quickness, and athleticism is why he is such a good finisher at the rim. The Cavs will be using him mainly for energy and defensive toughness he will be a nice back up for Dion Waiters and whoever are small forward will be next year (hopefully Anthony Bennett is the guy). I would compare Felix to a guy like Jimmy Butler, whose a very key player on the Bulls.

WHATS NEXT?

With free agency only a few days away look for the Cavaliers to make some moves. I could see them making some trades for an established veteran as well as getting rid of the contract of CJ Miles and probably going to try and collect draft picks for next year’s talent packed draft. I could even see them shopping around Varejao but certainly won’t be letting him go any wear without a lot in return. And finally look for the Cavs to pursue guys like OJ Mayo and Danny Granger.

Celtics-Nets Blockbuster

Kevin Garnett
Courtesy of espn.com

The Big Ticket goes to Brooklyn

In a stunning trade last night, the Celtics traded Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets for Gerald Wallace, Marshon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans, Kris Humphries, and 1st round picks in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 draft. There was only one problem with this trade at first: Garnett's no-trade clause. However, he decided to waive his no-trade clause because this trade allowed him to stay with his teammate Paul Pierce.

I definitely think the Nets won this trade. They acquired two great players in Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, filling the voids left at small forward and power forward. They also got a great sixth man in Jason Terry, who won a championship in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks. The Nets only gave up Marshon Brooks, bad contracts, and 3 first round picks. The picks will probably be situated anywhere from mid teens to early twenties.

The Celtics, on the other hand, got nothing they needed. The Celtics are in the mood to rebuild, but they cannot rebuild because they have no cap room (Gerald Wallace: 3 years, $30 million). They got one starter in Gerald Wallace, a sixth man in Marshon Brooks, and 3 role players/tradeable contracts. As stated earlier, the first round picks will not turn into anything great, even in the great 2014 draft.

The Celtics got swindled by the Nets. Nets will be a title contender in 2013-2014 season.

NBA Draft Winners and Losers

That NBA Draft was a crazy one last night. Trades, surprises, and weird picks were the norm. In my mock draft, I got three picks right (Porter at 3, McCollum at 10, and Nogueira at 16). Within all the trades and craziness last night, some teams fared better than others, and other teams fell flat. Here are my winners and losers from last night's NBA draft.

Winners

1. Brooklyn Nets: Just in the draft itself, the Nets drafted a quality backup big man in Mason Plumlee. He will be the first Nets' big man off the bench, and he will do well when substituted for Brook Lopez. However, the major success of last night was the acquisition of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry from the Boston Celtics. The Nets had to give up Marshon Brooks, Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Lots of expiring contracts, and 3  1st round picks (2014, 2016, 2018). The Nets were always looking to get rid of Wallace and Humphries to save more cap room. Also, the 1st round picks that the Nets gave up will probably not turn into anything better than a high teens pick. The Celtics now have an amazing starting lineup with Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez. This lineup has no holes in it, and could go toe to toe with the Miami Heat.

2. Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks may have only drafted one player (Shane Larkin), but they accomplished their main goal of the NBA draft: get enough cap room to go after Dwight Howard. Also, Shane Larkin will be a good point guard for the future. He won't be the next Chris Paul, but he can be a quality point guard. Because of the multiple trades made last night, the Mavericks can make a run at Dwight Howard.

3. Utah Jazz: The Jazz picked up two great players last night in the draft. Because of a trade with the Timberwolves, the Jazz acquired Trey Burke, the best point guard in the draft. He can become the next great point guard to play for the Utah Jazz, following in the footsteps of John Stockton and Deron Williams. Also, the Nets acquired french big man Rudy Gobert from the Denver Nuggets. This will give the Jazz another quality big man to go with Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap.

4. Sacramento Kings: The Kings may have not had an outstanding draft, but the best shooter in the draft fell into their laps at the 7th pick. The Kings picked Ben McLemore. He is an amazing shooter, who can create his own shot or shoot right off of the pass. Some people are calling him the next Ray Allen because of his amazing shooting stroke. In the 2nd round, the Kings drafted PG Ray McCallum from Detroit. He is a great point guard who could replace Isaiah Thomas at point guard.

5. New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans, in a blockbuster trade, acquired all-star point guard Jrue Holiday for Nerlens Noel (who dropped to number 6 overall) and a 1st pick in the 2014 draft. Jrue is only 23 years old, with no injury history. Last year, he even made the all-star team. Next year, the Pelicans are set up for a playoff run with Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Davis. They will do great last year.

Losers

1. Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers made a blockbuster trade to acquire Nerlens Noel and a 2014 1st round pick. However, the 76ers had to give up their best player in all-star point guard Jrue Holiday. The 76ers will also not resign Andrew Bynum after acquiring Noel. Their base of the future will be Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter-Williams. The pick that they acquired from the Pelicans will probably go in the late teens or early twenties, which will not be a helpful pick. I think that the 76ers are going into full tank mode to get Andrew Wiggins next year. They are wiggling down for Wiggins.

2. Boston Celtics: Danny Ainge may have been a good player, but right now, he is a horrible executive. First, he trade up 3 spots in the draft, from 16 to 13, to draft Kelly Olynyk, the center from Gonzaga. The Timberwolves and Bucks, the teams at 14 and 15, both took small forwards. The Mavericks, whom they traded with, wanted a point guard all along. Kelly OIynyk would have fallen to the Celtics if they did not make the trade. The main gaffe of the night by Ainge was the trade with the Nets, in which the Celtics traded Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry to the Nets for Gerald Wallace, Marshon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Kris Humphries, Keith Bogans, and 1st round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018. These 1st round picks will turn into mid teens picks at best. The Celtics were given 30 cents on the dollar in the trade. The Celtics don't even have any cap room thanks to the contract of Gerald Wallace (3 years, $30 million). Their starting lineup next year will consist of an injured Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Gerald Wallace, Jeff Green, and a center to be named later. They could start Sullinger at center, but then their team will be dominated by any team with a post presence

3. Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats were in need of a dominant presence who could be the center of their franchise and help them finally become a good team. Instead, they passed on Nerlens Noel and Ben McLemore and took Cody Zeller, center from Indiana. He is a good big man, but is not the center of the team. The Bobcats best player is Kemba Walker, who cannot be the best player on your team if you want to contend. Zeller will be hurt in the paint because the Bobcats small forward, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, cannot shoot. His defend will collapse the paint.

4. Detroit Pistons: The Pistons made a decent 2nd round pick with Tony Mitchell, a "tweener" forward, but they made a horrible pick at the 8th pick with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He is a combo guard, which will go nice with the other two combo guards already on the Pistons roster in Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight. They have no true point guard. The Pistons could have gotten Trey Burke, the best point guard in this draft, but instead picked another combo guard.

Why Trey Burke Will Thrive in Utah

By Kaelen A. Jones

In recent years, the B1G Conference has produced top ten selections Deron Williams (2005, Illinois) and Mike Conely, Jr. (2007, Ohio St.).

Rookie Trey Burke (9th overall, Michigan) looks to become the next great point guard out of the conference in the NBA.

Burke capitalized upon an impressive freshman year, improving throughout an awarding sophomore year, and has cashed in on the results. They've translated into him being drafted ninth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who shipped him off to the Utah Jazz. 

The situation could not have been scripted any better for Burke.

During his career at Michigan, he thrived in the pick-and-roll, turning the ball over on only 8.2% of his pick-and-roll plays last year, which ranked 2nd-lowest in the nation (min. 100 plays). 

Not too long ago, Deron Williams once thrived in the same situation on the same squad, and it's a similar offense which guards like Chris Paul and Tony Parker have found much success in.

Trey Burke will grow into one of the league's top pick-and-roll point guards as he develops, and from there his game as a whole will progress. 

He's ridiculously similar to Chris Paul, expressing the ability to both score and assist with ease, despite their lower stature. Even in comparing their pre-draft scouting reports, they boasted similar numbers although Paul was being considered to be a potential superstar. 

Burke averaged 18.6 points and 6.7 assists last year Michigan, similar to that of Chris Paul, who averaged 15.8 points and 6.6 assists in his final year at Wake Forest. Having this dual-threat ability, as well as his demeanor in clutch situations, makes him comparable to Paul, an All-Star caliber player. 

Burke also fell into the right situation.

Since Jerry Sloan took over as head coach of the Jazz, the franchise has been known for featuring phenomenal pick-and-roll point guards in Hall of Famer John Stockton and Deron Williams.

After Sloan was fired in 2011, the team's backcourt has seemingly lost its identity, trading away Williams to the Nets and have been searching for a potential star to handle their offense.

They now have that in Trey Burke. They have also reintroduced Sloan to the organization, giving him a managerial role in their front office, which is a great sign for the development of Burke.

Burke is as tremendous a passer as he is a scorer, and displays a defensive tenacity necessary for him to develop into a top tier point guard. He has been acquired by a team that not only needs him to produce, but a team who's system is beneficial to his style of play.

Burke also has a nice nucleus of players established around him in Gordon Heyward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, and Alec Burks. Although it may not translate to immediate success, there's no denying that Burke has fallen into the most beneficial situation he could have been put in. In a few years, we could easily be regarding him as one of the top floor generals in the league.

Sources: ESPN Stats & Info, USA Today

Follow Kaelen A. Jones on Twitter.

@kaelenjones