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TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

1. ANTHONY DAVIS
The Pelicans star has landed a big contract extension, reaching a five-year, $145 million time deal with New Orleans. As crazy as it sounds, this deal makes solid financial sense with the huge rise coming to the salary cap in the next 12-24 months. Davis is a transformational player with a chance to be a Hall of Famer. When talk to NBA types, his name is always right at the top of the list of players they would want to build a team around. The franchise needed to lock him up long term for their stability and they got it done.

2. JOHN CALIPARI
Talk about a guy in high demand. The Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as a landing spot for the University of Kentucky Wildcats coach, but he denies he's looking to leave the college ranks. Calipari is as good a salesman as you can find, but doesn't get enough credit for his coaching. He's a solid basketball man. At some point, Calipari he will get tired of the relentless recruiting, the grind of assembling new teams every year and the NCAA scrutiny. I think you'll eventually see him back on an NBA bench one last time.  

3. MO WILLIAMS
I've always liked this veteran combo guard's game. Now a free agent, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets last season. He's 32-years-old and has played a number of years, but he can still go. Williams is a proven scorer and playmaker who has a sound feel for how to run a team. At this stage, he's an under-the-radar guy but could still be a valuable addition to a team that is the right fit.                    

4. BROOK LOPEZ and THADDEUS YOUNG
Brooklyn Nets general Billy King has got to get both of these guys re-signed. Young was a sensible pickup last season, providing versatility, defence and scoring punch and both forward spots. Lopez, when healthy, is a very good post player with excellent mid-range skills. It appears both will stay with the team, which has got to be a big relief for Brooklyn fans. The Knicks will get all of the nonsensical New York media attention, but these signings are solid basketball decisions.             

5. RAJON RONDO
I've been thinking long and hard about the rumors the mercurial point guard will sign with the Sacramento Kings. I'm not sure if he makes sense for this team. Rondo and head coach George Karl are two strong-willed personalities. Add DeMarcus Cousin and Rudy Gay to the mix, and this could be an interesting blend of egos. I've always liked Rondo as a competitor, yet his game has faded a bit. I wouldn't commit to a long-term deal, particularly in a situation where too much could go wrong. Unfortunately, that would be par for the course for this franchise.