Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Sam Adams' Open Mic: Deadline deals destined to shuffle NBA’s deck

By Sam Adams, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 16, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.
Updated January 16, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.

Text size  

Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.

Related Stories

More Sports Columns & Blogs

More stories »

The NBA trading deadline is Feb. 19. Which contender is going to make a move to fortify, if not solidify, its place in the playoff race?

Remember the good old days, when a team like the Lakers would add a player like Bob McAdoo for the playoff drive? The Celtics would go out and grab Bill Walton or Nate “Tiny” Archibald.

Didn’t seem fair, did it?

Today, I’ll give you four players I believe will be on the move. They will make a difference for a playoff contender — Denver or elsewhere.

Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards. Averaging 19 points and eight rebounds over 10NBA seasons — 20 points and nine rebounds this season. Do you hear much about him? No, because the Wizards stink this season. Jamison is 32 years old and carries a $10 million tag. Pulling him would be akin to the Lakers getting Pau Gasol last season.

Stephen Jackson, Golden State. Sure, he’ll beat you down if you mess with him. So don’t mess with him. Jackson is 30. He’s got the goods to play guard or forward, averaging 19points and six assists for the woeful Warriors. And his price tag is relatively affordable at $7 million.

Marcus Camby, Los Angeles Clippers. Living in L.A. might be nice, but not if your 6-foot-11 frame is crammed into the basement of the Pacific Division. At 34, Camby is averaging a double-double — 12 points and 14 rebounds per game. He costs around $10 million, but could you imagine him blocking shots and pulling down boards for the LeBron James-led Cavaliers? Or the Chauncey Billups-Carmelo Anthony-led Nuggets?

Raja Bell, Charlotte Bobcats. One minute, you’re in Phoenix with Shaquille O’Neal and Steve Nash. The next, you’re traded to Charlotte — with Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. Somebody should free Bell from the abyss. He’s a solid, physical defender — T.R. Dunn with a three-point shot.

Think any one of these four players could make an impact for the Nuggets? If not those four, Denver ought to be looking somewhere for help.

There’s always room for improvement.

Comments

  • January 16, 2009

    1:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    kmeissner writes:

    I love Camby, but I think he's hurt Denvers lineup. Nene is playing too well to have to share major minutes with MC.

    It would be nice to see Camby play for a team that actually has a chance to do some damage though. I'd like to see him get a ring.

  • January 16, 2009

    1:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ccorrea writes:

    The Clock is ticking down.

    Google: kleiza trade Rumors

    Knicks wanted Kleiza

  • January 16, 2009

    2:31 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    anthony1979 writes:

    I'd Like Antawn Jamison but that price is too steep to be just an insurance policy which is what he would be with how good our front court has been playing...specifically Kenyon and Nene

  • January 16, 2009

    3:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    The_Man writes:

    Sam,
    I have to say I appreciate you as one of the few sports writers who actually puts names to ideas instead of the typical crap like we need a big man or we need a two guard. You listen to sports radio and all you here is the Broncos need a safety, a new d-line etc but they never offer their inputs, they are there just to criticize no matter who we get.

    Anyways back to your column, I think Camby is a complete fraud, the Nuggets have gotten better with out him and the Clippers have gotten worse with him. I don't see Jamison really helping the Nuggets seeing how he plays the same position as Carmelo and he certainly isn't a two guard.
    Getting Steven Jackson would not be an upgrade over JR Smith seeing how he doesn't play any D in golden state.
    Raja Bell would be a nice addition to the Nuggets.
    We should have traded for David Lee, I would use Klieza and draft picks since Denver refuses to actually draft anyone in the first round anymore.
    I don't think those moves would make Denver a championship contender because the Lakers will be too tough to beat in the west, but we could get past the first round, maybe the second round with those moves.

  • January 16, 2009

    9:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    303JRfor3 writes:

    i would say that all of these players that are listed up here are not what the nuggets are looking for. i don't really think it would be a good idea to bring in a guy that needs to start because our starting lineup is very solid.. if Raja would come off the bench for us that could really be an upgrade yet i think his salery is a bit high for his production and i wouldn't give up Kleiza for him either 'cuz he fits perfectly in what we want on the offensive end..