FREE AGENCY BLOWOUT 2013 PART 1: THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE

This offseason has been pretty fun so far hasn't it? From the Draft to the recent free agent signing of Zaza Pachulia, everything that could happen seems to have happened. I mean, who saw Zaza signing a $15 million contract with the Bucks? If anyone raises their hand to that question they should be buying all of the lottery tickets right now. But I digress; let us first look at some of the moves from this off-season that I thoroughly enjoyed.

•          The 2013 draft. All of it. It was a night of crazy slides and surprise picks. I mean Anthony Bennett going first to Cleveland? How amazing is that. I may hate the pick but it is still enjoyed the announcement of that pick thoroughly. I mean, I have to think that they would be able to trade down for assets and still pick Bennett. But what do I know, Cleveland has been on fire when it comes to draft pick surprises. From Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, and Anthony Bennett, Cleveland has been able to keep people guessing. I guess the thinking behind all these picks is the lack of depth in these past drafts. I personally would like to stay away from in-between position players, especially when that player is billed as a 3/4. His length and strength will definitely help on defense, but I'm not sure he can play the 3. He may have the quickness and shooting that the 3 needs, but I'm not sure how he will fair against the prototypical 3's of the league. And with Tristan Thompson seemingly the 4 of the future for the Cavs, it doesn't seem like he will be spending too much time at the 4. Time that would be needed if he is to develop into the role he would be best in; a 4 that can stretch the floor and beat opposing 4's off the dribble. With Andrew Bynum on board it should be a pretty interesting year for the Cavs. One without a playoff spot though.
•         It's the off-season and Dwight has decided to take his talents to Houston's fine breakfast eateries. But seriously, this is the best situation for him. He and Harden should compose one of the better inside-outside star duos in the league. I was holding out hope that Daryl Morey could work his dorky magic and sign Josh Smith. I mean a front court of Josh and 50% of Dwight Howard would be enough to build a top ten defense. But alas, it was not to be and Josh would go on to confuse the front court situation of the Pistons. A little more on that later though. If Dwight can regain 75% of his 2009 abilities the Rockets could be seriously dangerous in the playoffs. I would venture to say that this could be a perfect fit for Howard, a team with a ton of shooters and a masterful Pick-n-Roll ball handler. And if Morey chooses to flip a disgruntled Asik for depth at different positions this team becomes that much more dangerous. Personally, I think it is the right decision to try and mend the relationship with Asik. This Houston team looks really good on paper. And we know how teams who look good on paper do, right Lakers fans?
•          Nick Young signing with the Lakers. No better place for this irrational confidence guy. I can't wait to see how this Lakers season turns out. With Nick Young on the team it should be hilarious.
•             If I had to pick, I would say Philly had the best draft this year. They turned a team that was treading water into a team with direction. That direction just so happens to be downward. In the NBA, you usually have to be lucky and bad to eventually be good and the Sixers are taking that to heart. By moving Jrue Holiday for Nerlens Noel and a 1-5 protected 2014 first rounder from the Pelicans are in the perfect position to be bad for one of the deeper drafts in recent history. I would have to say the Sixers are in the pole position in the #RigginForWiggins sweepstakes.
•        My favorite move of the off-season would have to be the Golden State Warriors signing Andre Iguodala. The Warriors essentially turned three bad at best contracts into a player that could put them in the top half of the loaded Western Conference.  It's been said a million times, and here it is again, Iggy is swiss army knife out on the floor. He can do a little bit of everything for a team. While Iggy hangs his hat on the defensive end of the court, he is versatile in the half court offense and in transition game. Iggy as a secondary ball handler will be huge for the Warriors. I would think that they plan on starting Iggy at the 3 with Curry and Thompson in the back court  The amount of space this lineup should produce is staggering. With Iggy handling the ball and Klay and Steph moving off the ball around screens, the possibilities for this offense are nearly endless. This move should aid in the development of Harrison Barnes as well. With Iggy starting, Barnes can operate more with the second unit of the Warriors. There, the Warriors will depend on him less and he can continue to build his confidence against other teams second units. Really liked this move.