Plenty of player movement during last offseason
Kobe Bryant was hours away from another championship when that large, looming shadow appeared again.
Game 5 of the NBA Finals arrived along with a report that the Cleveland Cavaliers, realizing they needed more help for LeBron James, had renewed talks with Phoenix on a deal for Shaquille O’Neal.
The trade for Bryant’s extra large ex-teammate went through on draft day, creating the tantalizing possibility of a Kobe vs. LeBron and Shaq final, and perhaps making Cleveland the favorite to face Los Angeles for this year’s championship.
Unless it’s Boston.
Or Orlando.
Or maybe San Antonio or Portland stops the Lakers from even getting out of the West.
All the top contenders made big moves, and the one that gets the best return on its investment could get the biggest reward next June.
“A lot of teams in the East got better, a lot of teams in the West got better,” O’Neal said. “It’s going to be one of the most exciting years ever since I’ve been in the league.”
Economic woes this year and the lure of a blockbuster free agent class next kept most teams quiet this summer.
Just not those whose championship window is open.
n The Cavs want O’Neal and James to be a championship pairing like O’Neal-Bryant — without the soap opera.
n The Lakers signed Ron Artest, an upgrade in talent on the court but a wild card in the locker room.
n The Celtics inked Rasheed Wallace, hoping the temperamental forward can either fill in for or play alongside of a recovered Kevin Garnett.
n The Magic traded for Vince Carter, believing he can replace what they lost with the departure of Hedo Turkoglu.
n The Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson, giving them some much-needed athleticism on the wing to play with their trio of stars.
