The Dime Drop

The Dime Drop. Ten smooth facts, comments, and personal notes written in bullet form. Feel free to enjoy or hate everything is spilled in the Dime Drop. While they’re isn’t much harder assist machines John Stockton and Mark Jackson, the Dime Drop’s consistency of being written this season is humbly kept under the influence of both of these two seam droppers.

• After another promising 07-08 season, (18.8 ppg., 10.5 apg), and a lone playoff run that left fans gasping, Deron Williams finally gets paid, after agreeing to a contract extention with his Jazz.

• While it’s still Summer League ball, it’s definitely fulfilling for me to see Jerryd Bayless completely take over games with his clutch play, resulting in him being T-Mobile’s NBA Summer League Top Rookie.
• The loss of Baron Davis resulted in the signings of Corey Maggette and Ronny Turiaf. None of these players replenish the gaping hole of a primary, dangerous point guard to fit Don Nelson’s offense. The Warriors’ current roster is filled with Ellis, Belinelli and a bunch of oversized guards. So, the swarming news regarding the Warriors’ new desperate chase towards Louis Williams isn’t surprising.
• While being the 28th pick in the Draft, Donte Greene most likely earned himself some future playing time with the Rockets with his Summer League performance. Greene averaged 22.6 points, including a 40-point debut during the Summer League.
• Darius Miles comeback to the NBA is near. His suspension from the NBA stemmed from Miles taking a weight-loss drug, and his potential career-ending knee injury led him to be waived by the Blazers. While that’s besides the story, Darius is still only 26 years young and will attract interest from some teams such as the Mavericks and the Celtics.
• Through the loss of Elton Brand, the Clippers possess one of the most interesting rosters heading into the 2008-2009 season. The likes of the Baron Davis, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon make this team something worth watching if you’re either blessed with living the LA area or plan to order NBA League Pass.
• Three weeks into Free Agency, Josh Smith is still waiting for a fat contact offer from a team (most likely the Hawks) looking to spend big bucks for his play. The problem remains, all of the teams in the league either don’t have the money or don’t need a player like Smith on their roster.
• High School ballaholic, Brandon Jennings carved his own path to the NBA by grabbing money early and skipping college with his 3-year deal with a team in Italy. While Jennings is the first kid to ever make this move since the NBA’s age restriction was implied, this route by Jennings could become a common path for other money hungry high school ballers across the world.
• The newly relocated, OKC Franchise will be named the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2008-2009 season. The newly polished franchise will set up a fresh career for last year’s Rookie of the Year, Kevin Durant, who averaged 20.3 ppg. and 4.4 rpg.
• Devean George’s days as a Maverick are numbered, but it’s not like he cares much, considering the money thats coming his way. It appears as though teams such as the Celtics, Spurs, Suns, T’Wolves, Cavaliers and the Hornets are interested in 6′8” small forward.

Young Summer

Both Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose made their debut against each other in a summer league game between the Heat and the Bulls. As expected, Beasley came out with victorious behind his stats and in the win column. Behind a 94-70 win, Beasley backed his expected rookie value with 28 points and 9 boards in 22 minutes. Derrick Rose put up 10 points along with 4 assists in 28 minutes. Though the competition wasn’t grade-A, Beasley held his own against NBA minute-grabbers, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. The real stage will be set when these two meet up during the regular season. We’ll most likely be blessed with this game on national tv.

Money Talks

Wash Wizards to strike Gilbert Arenas with a 6-year $126 Mil deal.

126 Mil? Yikes. Agent Zero will be seeing nothing but a bunch of zero’s behind that “$126.” The deadly free agent from the Wizards dealt his way to stay in Washington for a fat deal, while successfully keeping Jamison in the bunch for four years, worth $50 Million. After the deal Jamison received a text message from Gil saying he’s “confident” that he’ll return to Washington. Sad news for Philadelphia fans, since it was rumored that Philadelphia was ready to offer Jamison $11 million in the salary cap space they had available for the following season.

Baron Davis to stay in Cali for five more years, worth $65 mil.

The homegrown point guard out of LA has reached a verbal agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers to sign the five year contract. This couldn’t be a sexier team for BDiddy to express his skills. The Clips ended up in last place in their division, with a record of 23-59. Behind such point guards as Dan Dickau and Brevin Knight after letting go of Cassell, the Clippers were due for a prime point guard. While difficult, if the Clippers manage to keep both Brand and Maggette, expect a tight race for the 8th playoff spot for the Clippers next season.

Philly still on hold regarding Free Agency, add two players to Summer League team.

After losing their chances at Jamison and possibly Brand soon. It appears Philadelphia might be aiming at Jose Calderon, Josh Childress, Josh Smith or Corey Maggette. To be more resourceful, it is expected that Philadelphia will meet with Josh Smith today, Wednesday, to try and haul in the 6′9” forward. Even though the Hawks already expressed the fact that they’ll match any offer, it will be difficult for Atlanta to do while trying to keep Childress and facing Philly’s 11 million cap space to fight for Smith. Regarding the summer league team, it has already been said Philadelphia will add Pat Carrol. The other player added was Arizona guard, Jawann McClellan. Here’s a nifty clip of McClellan ripping the court. (Don’t get too excited though, it’s only a pickup game.)

Mavs sign Gerald Green in first day of Free Agency

After going from Slam Dunk champ to being cut from the Houston Rockets, Gerald Green’s NBA hopes remain alive after agreeing to a 1-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. The 22-year-old swingman, was the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Champion. After being traded from the T’Wolves to the Rockets, Houston let go of Green. Gerald has averaged 8.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg. throughout his whole career. He only played one game for Houston for four minutes and scored 6 points. Green’s career has been marked with lack of intensity. His skill will be tested in Dallas’ high-octane offense this season for a year.