NBA Playoffs Archives - Basketball Betting

Nash and Nowitzki reunited?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

The Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks played well this season, but both teams failed to get to the NBA Finals once again and now the future of these franchises and their franchise players is in serious question.

Once the Dallas Mavericks were knocked out the first round of the playoffs by the seventh seed San Antonio Spurs, the debate already started about whether or not the Mavs could win NBA title with former NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki leading the way.

Months before the NBA postseason began, the Dallas Mavericks made a bold move just before the NBA trade deadline by sending troubled small forward Josh Howard and veteran forward Drew Gooden to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and Brendan Haywood.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

With the exception of Stevenson, these players have All-Star caliber and were a major upgrade to this struggling Mavs squad, but they proved ineffective in the playoffs as the Mavs failed to live up to expectations of a second seed.

Coming into the playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks were considered the one team in the Western Conference that could give the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers a run for their money, but they couldn’t even get past the division rivals Spurs.

After the Mavs were knocked out in convincing fashion by Tim Duncan and company, Dirk Nowitzki said that he would consider opting out of his contract to become a free agent with all the other big names around the league starting July 1st.

Obviously, this was somewhat of a surprise for the Dallas Mavericks, but not unwarranted as it made sense that Dirk would want to play elsewhere after so many disappointing postseason performances by the Mavs.

One possibility, which is also a big stretch, is that the Mavs owner Mark Cuban might pull the trigger on a sign-and-trade deal that would send Dirk Nowitzki to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for LeBron James. Even though LeBron has said he loves it in Cleveland and that the Cavs have the “edge” to re-sign him this summer, playing in Dallas might be intriguing to LeBron and he won’t leave Cleveland empty handed.

One other option for Dirk Nowitzki this summer would be to go play alongside his best friend once again in two-time NBA MVP point guard Steve Nash. The Phoenix Suns will do all they can to re-sign their All-Star forward/center Amare Stoudemire, but if they can’t convince Amare to stay, Dirk would be great second option and Nash would almost certainly be all for it.

Without Amare Stoudemire, the Suns will have the money and a big whole at the forward position where Dirk Nowitzki would fit in nicely, but GM Steve Kerr might be leaning towards signing someone like Carlos Boozer instead.

There is no telling what will happen this summer or even if Dirk Nowitzki will actually decide to opt out and leave Dallas, but the sharp shooting German will definitely have his options with the Phoenix Suns quite possibly being at the top of the list.

Can Andrew Bynums knee hold up for the rest of the NBA Finals?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

Coming into the NBA Finals, many people believed that there was no clear favorite to win the NBA title. The Los Angeles Lakers may have a little edge in this series coming in, but most people agree that the Boston Celtics have just as much chance to win their second NBA title in three years as Kobe Bryant and company do of winning their second straight.

After the first four games of the NBA Finals, the series is dead even at 2-2 and the plot continues to thicken as it is anyone’s game and now it comes down to just a best of three series.

During game one of this series, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers were able to establish themselves as the better of the two teams with some impressive play on both sides of the floor and dominant performances by Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

Even though the defending champs were able to take the early series lead, Rajon Rondo and company came out looking to prove a point in game two and as a result were able to beat the Lakers on their home floor in somewhat convincing fashion. Rondo and Ray Allen lead the way as the All-Star point guard had yet another triple-double and Allen went off for a career night with 32 points and an NBA record eight three pointers.

Despite the impressive performances by both Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo in game two, the defending champs knew they had to make an impression in game three and retake control of this series before it got out of hand.

Fortunately, Kobe Bryant and company did just that as they were able to beat the Boston Celtics on their home floor in the first of three straight games in Boston. This was a big game for the Lakers as it really set the tone for the defending champs as it will be tough for them to play in the devil’s den so to speak for before heading back to Los Angeles.

One of the biggest concerns for the Los Angeles Lakers in this series has been the health of two of their best players in reigning NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant and center Andrew Bynum. Even though Kobe has been banged up for the majority of the season, the Black Mamba has had some of his most impressive playoff performances and is holding up just fine so far.

Andrew Bynum on the other hand, is playing through some tremendous pain his knee which now has been drained twice. Unlike the last three years, Bynum has played refused to take time off and played up to the best of his ability, but as the NBA Finals continues he has really struggled and the debate on whether to keep him out rages on.

The one thing that Andrew Bynum brings to the table against the Boston Celtics is his length as he is a force to be reckoned with in the paint and at times a real problem for Kevin Garnett and company around the basket.

Even though Bynum’s body was able to hold up in the game four loss to the Celtics, he knee is not getting any better, in fact it is getting progressively worse, but Phil Jackson is sticking with him as long as he is will to play through the obvious pain.

Kendrick Perkins on hot seat with technical fouls

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

The Boston Celtics have done it again, they have defied the odds and proven everyone wrong during these NBA playoffs as they have taken down arguably the two best teams in the Eastern Conference in the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers in convincing fashion.

Not only have the Boston Celtics surprised everyone with their second NBA Finals appearance in three years, but they have also done it with the same kind of lockdown defense that they put on display against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals in 2008. Now they will have a shot at beating their hated archrivals once again on the biggest stage.

Although the Celtics will come into the NBA Finals with a lot of confidence and momentum, they do have some problems that need to be addressed.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

The first problem the Celtics will have against the defending champs is the fact that they will be limping into this series with a banged up Rasheed Wallace and All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo. Even though they might be able to manage with the veteran forward, without Rondo in the backcourt they might not stand a chance against Kobe Bryant and company.

The second problem the Celtics have on the horizon is the fact that one of their best defensive players is on the verge of an NBA suspension. Not because he got in trouble off the court or was involved in an altercation of any kind, but because he is one technical away from getting a required suspension from the league.

Kendrick Perkins might not be the prettiest player or the most dominant, but he is vital to the Boston Celtics success on the defensive end of the floor and can contribute with his offense as well.

Without Perkins in the lineup, the Celtics will have to depend solely on Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Big Baby isn’t a bad section option in the paint, especially with his inspired performances throughout these playoffs, but he is not the defender Perkins is and will be something that the Lakers might look to take advantage of is Perkins gets one more technical and is force to miss a game in the NBA Finals.

During the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic, Perkins did a good job to close out the series without getting his temper get the best of him. As a result, the Celtics center was able to avoid getting that dreaded final technical foul.

Much like Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and teammate Rasheed Wallace, Kendrick Perkins is amongst the league leaders in technical fouls and has a lot of trouble controlling his temper and if he isn’t careful, he could let the Lakers get the best of him and ultimately give the Lakers a clear advantage in the paint.

Personally, I can’t see Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers letting Kendrick Perkins get out of control, but with a rivalry like the Lakers and the Celtics have, some of these games could get out of hand very quickly and Perkins could very well be right in the middle of it.

LeBron James gives the edge to Cleveland

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

This summer will showcase the most talented free agent market in NBA history as some of the best players in the league will be available to the highest bidder come July 1st. Even though there will be many talented players becoming available this summer, there are two names that stick out amongst the rest.

LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) will be by far the two big-name free agents this summer which will get more attention than any others, but all eyes will be on LeBron has he is the more likely of the two to be leaving his current team.

Dwyane Wade will almost certainly field many offers from teams like the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls, but he seems more partial to stay with the Miami Heat as he just wants to see Pat Riley bring in some talent to help him lead this team back to title contender status.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

If Pat Riley fails to bring in a big-name free agent like Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire, D-Wade will almost certainly leave town with New York or Chicago being his most likely destination.

As for LeBron James, he is in a similar situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers as he just wants to win, but needs the supporting cast around him. This past offseason and during the regular season, Cavs GM Danny Ferry did all he could to surround LeBron with the talented players like future hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal and All-Star caliber forward Antawn Jamison.

Even though Shaq and Jamison seemed to be the missing pieces to the puzzle in Cleveland, LeBron and company failed to lead the Cavs to victory in the playoffs as they were knocked out in the second round by the defensive minded Boston Celtics.

Coming into the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers were predicted to cruise through their Eastern Conference opponents, including the Orlando Magic who knocked them out last season and make it all the way the NBA Finals.

Much like last season, many people were anticipating a possible Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Finals matchup with Kobe Bryant going head to head with LeBron James. This was thought to be a matchup between the two best teams in the league and the two best players, but once again, like last season, the Cavs failed to live up to expectations.

Now LeBron James has perhaps the biggest decision of his life to make as he has to decide which team to sign with and ultimately try and lead to an NBA title.

After the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics, everyone thought that LeBron would be leaning towards leaving Cleveland and possibly signing with the New York Knicks, but recently King James was interviewed on Larry King Live and asked if there was a team that had an “edge” on the competition to sign him.

Even though LeBron most likely wouldn’t give any indication on his intentions regardless, he did say that he loves Cleveland
and the Cavs without a doubt have the “edge” in re-signing him this summer.

Is Ron Artest the key for the Lakers winning their second straight NBA title?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have battled their way back to the NBA Finals for third consecutive season, but they have their archrivals in their crosshairs and the Boston Celtics have no intentions of laying down for the defending champs in this series.

Despite the Boston Celtics being somewhat rejuvenated in these playoffs with their lockdown defense back to form, the Los Angeles Lakers showed why they are arguably the best team in the NBA as they dominated the Celtics in game one and cruised to an early 1-0 lead with the 102-89 victory.

Kobe Bryant was once again magnificent in game one against the Boston Celtics with a game-high 30 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists, but it was Ron Artest in my opinion who was the game changer and the player that will be the key to the Lakers winning a second straight NBA title.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

Coming into the NBA Finals, Ron Artest was given the toughest defensive assignment on the Lakers by having to guard the Celtics leading scorer and LA native Paul Pierce. Now Pierce isn’t a dominant scorer like Kobe Bryant who can put up 40 to 50 points on any given night, but he is a serious threat to the Lakers defense as he can put up 25 to 30 points in any game of this series.

In game one, Paul Pierce finished with 24 points in a losing effort, but the bulk of his points from the free throw line (12 of 13) as Ron Artest forced him into bad shots all night long.

Much like he did with Kobe Bryant last season in the series with the Houston Rockets, Ron Artest played a very physical brand of basketball in order to get into Paul Pierce’s head and therefore take him out of his game. In just the first 27 seconds, Artest and Pierce already started get into it as the tangled up and went to the ground as they were trying box out for a rebound underneath the basket.

Ultimately, both players were given technical fouls and the mood of the series and bitter rivalry was already starting to show as these teams clearly don’t like each other.

Now the series heads to game two at the Staples Center in Los Angeles once again before going to Boston for possibly three straight games. The Lakers without a doubt already look like the better team in this series, but the Boston Celtics will almost certainly come out with a different game plan as they will be looking for a way to try and contain Kobe Bryant.

Even though Ron Artest will definitely play a pivotal role in this series, Kobe Bryant will dictate how well the Los Angeles Lakers play night in and night out. When Kobe struggles, the team struggles. When Kobe is cruising and scoring like a mad man, the Lakers always seem to put it into cruise control and come out on top.

The Ron Artest and Paul Pierce will be intriguing to say the least throughout this series, but also keep your eye on Kobe as he might be poised to have arguably his best NBA Finals performance of his career.

What does the future hold for Steve Nash?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

Last season in the NBA, the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers were the cream of the crop in the Western Conference and looked like they would be the two best teams in the conference for the foreseeable future.

Ultimately, the Los Angeles Lakers went on to win an NBA title and managed to keep their championship team relatively intact heading into this season with only the addition of Ron Artest. There is no doubt that adding Artest into the mix in Los Angeles only made the defending champions better, but there were still plenty of teams around the league and in the West that were serious threats as title contenders.

Despite also having their team relatively intact this season, the Denver Nuggets played well throughout the regular season, but then completely fell apart in the first round of the playoffs against the Utah Jazz and were knocked out early once again.

Bet the NBA Finals at Bodog Sportsbook

The one team in the NBA playoffs this season that was thought to give the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers run for their money in the Western Conference was the Dallas Mavericks. Heading into the playoffs with the second overall seed in the West, the Mavs looked like a strong team that just made some considerable improvements with the additions of Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and Brendan Haywood through a trade with the Washington Wizards.

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers were struggling and the Dallas Mavericks were starting to come into their own coming into the first round playoffs, the Lakers advanced to the second round and the Dallas Mavericks were dominated by their division rival San Antonio Spurs.

Needless to say, not many people thought any other team in the West could contend with the Lakers from here on out, but the Phoenix Suns knew they had the ability to hang with the defending champs heading into the Western Conference Finals.

In the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, Kobe Bryant and company absolutely dominated Phoenix Suns and made it look like the series was going to be just another sweep. Even though it was the consensus around the league that the Lakers would cruise to a third straight NBA Finals appearance, the Suns stepped up their play when they headed to Phoenix.

One of the main reasons for their newfound success against the defending champs was the resurgence of point guard Steve Nash who was able to inspire his team and lead them to victory in two straight games. Not only did Nash lead them to victory in those games, but he also convinced many people that the Phoenix Suns could beat the Lakers and advance to the NBA Finals.

Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant proved to be too much in the last two games and the Suns fell in game six on their home floor could only watch as the Los Angeles Lakers hoisted yet another Western Conference trophy.

Now the Phoenix Suns will head into the offseason with many questions on what players will be on the roster come next season.

Obviously, the one player that everyone has their eyes on in Phoenix is All-Star Amare Stoudemire as he will become a free agent this summer and has given no indication of his what he plans to do. Not only could Amare be headed elsewhere, but Steve Nash might be considering retirement sooner rather than later.

After extremely impressive performances during the playoffs, Steve Nash still has what it takes to be one of the best point guards in this league, but if the Suns lose Stoudemire and fail to sign another big name free agent to take his place, Nash might decide to call it quits.

Is Steve Nash done in Phoenix?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been a lot of great point guards that have come and gone in this league and redefined the position of floor general in the process.

There are some point guards in NBA history that stick out amongst the rest like John Stockton of the Utah Jazz, Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics and most notably Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers. All three of these point guards dominated the game during their era and brought a new twist to the point guard position.

In my opinion, Magic Johnson was the one that’s had the lasting impression as he was a 6’ 9” point guard that can do literally anything on the floor and played any position if need be. Not only was Magic extremely versatile and virtually unguardable at times, but he is also a Hall of Famer and a five-time NBA champion which leaves him with one of the most impressive resumes of any point guard in NBA history.

Bet the NBA Playoffs at Bodog Sportsbook

These days in the NBA we have seen a resurgence of great point guards at the position with some extremely talented young players coming into the league and dominating the backcourt. Amongst the best in the league right now is Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns.

Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo have quite a few years ahead of them and the potential to be amongst the best at their position when it is all said and done, but the one player in the league at point guard who has redefined the point guard position in this era of basketball is Steve Nash.

With two NBA MVP awards and the consensus around the league as being the best point guard in the NBA over the past decade or so, Steve Nash has shown that point guard can dominated in this league once again and has inspired the young point guards of today to do the same.

Even though the point guards of today look more like scorers and then passers or have a great combination of the two skills, Steve Nash had the unique ability to do whatever is and his team needed him to do at any given moment. If the Phoenix Suns needed him to score 30+ points, Nash would get it done. If it’s the team required him to dish out 15+ assists, Nash was up to the task.

Unfortunately, like many great players before him, an NBA title has eluded this great point guard as he has been able to lead his team to the NBA Finals throughout his Hall of fame caliber career in the NBA.

Despite some people saying he’s on the downside of his career or near the end of
his career in the NBA, Steve Nash has been able to lead his team all the way to the Western Conference Finals this season, but have an enormous hill to climb against the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

As of right now, things are not looking very good as the Phoenix Suns are simply outmatched and are basically on the verge of being eliminated, but one has to think that if the Phoenix Suns do get knocked out, will Steve Nash decide to call it quits.

Personally, unless Steve Nash goes to another team in more limited role, I really can’t see him winning an NBA title from here on out. The Phoenix Suns are a great basketball team with an ability to put up 120+ points on any given night and just run opposing teams out of the building, but their lack of defensive intensity and inability to play in the half court offense or a slower pace is their downfall.

It is uncertain what the future will hold for Steve Nash, one thing is for sure, the sand is quickly falling out of the hourglass in his career will come to an end sooner rather than later.

A Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics NBA Finals rematch on the horizon?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

There are only a few really heated rivalries in professional sports today that despite whether or not you actually a fan of either team still make it really enjoyable to watch as you see two teams that don’t like each other battle it out.

The one rivalry in baseball today that gets a lot of attention and justifiably so, is when the New York Yankees face off against the Boston Red Sox. No matter who you are, matter what team you support in the MLB, there’s a good chance that you as he watched the Red Sox /Yankees game at some point in your life. Players may come and go on these storied baseball franchises, but the rivalry is always there and extremely heated to say the least.

Unfortunately, no other rivalry in any other professional sport really comes close to the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, but the one that has started to come back as one of the best rivalries in sports is the Los Angeles Lakers go head-to-head against the Boston Celtics.

Bet the NBA Playoffs at Bodog Sportsbook

A couple of seasons ago, the Boston Celtics completely revamped their team by adding to superstars into the mix in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Not only was the addition of these two players she which to say the least, but the Celtics also drafted a promising young point guard in Rajon Rondo.

Needless to say, Rondo has come into his own playing alongside superstars Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett and is arguably the best point guard in the league today. With this team as complete as it could be, the Boston Celtics went on to win an NBA title in their first year with the superstars and young point guard together.

The one thing that made this even more interesting than it already was is the fact that they won that NBA title with a victory over Kobe Bryant and the arch rival Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Back in the 1980s, Magic Johnson led his Los Angeles Lakers won multiple titles over the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird. Not only do the Lakers win a few titles during that decade, but so did the Celtics and their rivalry intensified more and more with every passing season.

The rivalry is still pretty heated at this point, but probably will never reach the intensity of the 80s as it was a different game a different time. Even though this is most likely the case, the NBA Finals could shape up to be a very entertaining one this season as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are favorites to reach the NBA championship once again.

Back in 2008, Boston Celtics basically dominated Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals and went on to win an NBA title in somewhat convincing fashion, but since then Kobe Bryant and company have really come on strong and will be the defending champs this time around if they can get past the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers meeting in the NBA Finals for a rematch of 2008 is by far the most desired matchup of any combination of teams left, but both teams still have to finish off their current opponents in order to make their rematch happen.

More than likely though, we will see Kobe Bryant and company try to avenge the 2008 loss against the Boston Celtics In the NBA Finals this season.

Doug Collins agrees to be head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers?

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

In professional sports these days there are few announcers or analysts that really show you their understanding of the game whether it be in the MLB baseball, NFL football or NBA basketball.

Even though many of these famous announcers are no longer around like John Madden in the NFL or Chick Hearn for the Los Angeles Lakers, there are still a few that really seem to get the job done right like Vince Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Doug Collins and Marv Albert covering the NBA.

Bet the NBA Playoffs at Bodog Sportsbook

With MLB baseball, it is much easier to get an announcer or commentator which you come to know and love as the games are played on a daily basis and you just get used to hearing a familiar voice which become synonymous with a baseball team. In the NFL, it is more of the Sunday and Monday thing where you just get used to hearing that voice that has become synonymous with the entire league like John Madden was before he retired. In the NBA, you have announcers of certain teams like Chick Hearn who was an NBA and Lakers legend for his coin terms and enthusiasm during Lakers games.

These days in the NBA there only two names that really get you going and keep you well informed on the announcers bench and that is Marv Albert and Doug Collins. Unfortunately, that will no longer be the case as Doug Collins has agreed to become the new head coach of his former team in the Philadelphia 76ers.

Back in 1973, Philadelphia 76ers drafted Doug Collins with the first overall pick and he went on to become an All-Star and played for eight years on the professional level before going down with a knee injury that ended his NBA career.

Not since the beginning of the decade has Doug Collins been patrolling the sideline for an NBA franchise. During his head coaching career in the NBA, Collins has coached for the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and the Washington wizards.

Even though he hasn’t had much success as a head coach in this league he still has a winning record of 332-287 and is a very respected man in this league for his knowledge of the game.

The Philadelphia 76ers went through a lot of candidates for the new head coach, but decided to go with a familiar face and Doug Collins believe he’s the right guy to turn around the struggling NBA franchise.

One of the most promising things for Doug Collins heading into Philadelphia is that the 76ers will have the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Unfortunately, they probably won’t build get their hands on Kentucky Wildcats point guard John Wall, but they will almost certainly get an extremely talented player and could possibly go with Evan Turner out of Ohio State.

Needless to say, Doug Collins will be starting fresh with a promising young player, but he will be sorely missed at the announcers table as he is personally my favorite NBA announcer.

Chris Bosh’s free agency wish list

Staff Writer: Ryan Ward

There is going to be a lot of wheeling and dealing this summer in the NBA as there will be some big name free agents available to the highest bidder.

It is no secret that the majority of NBA franchises with money to spend this summer will be going after the one and only LeBron James, but there is also a lot of interest in one of the best big men in the game today in the Toronto Raptors Chris Bosh.

Bet the NBA Playoffs at Bodog Sportsbook

Even though July 1st is rapidly approaching, Chris Bosh has still keep his plans secret, at least until now when he says he has narrowed his options to just five teams.

Chris Bosh’s Five Team Wish List

Los Angeles Lakers

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers would be an ideal place of Chris Bosh to play considering it would be the best chance of him winning an NBA title, the chances of him ending up playing alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are somewhat slim as they would not be able to pay him the money he might want.

Chris Bosh is max deal kind of player and will get paid where ever he might end up, but not in Los Angeles unless the Lakers pull off a sign-and-trade deal by sending Andrew Bynum and some other players to Toronto in exchange for the versatile All-Star forward.

If Bosh does end up in Los Angeles, the Lakers would be damn near unstoppable as they would hands down be the most talented team in the NBA with four viable first option guys in Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Chris Bosh.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls would be a good fit for Chris Bosh as he would be that dominant scorer that this young team has been sorely missing. With Derrick Rose running the point and Joakim Noah playing alongside Chris Bosh in the paint, the Bulls would without a doubt be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference once again.

Like most teams with money to spend this summer, LeBron James will be the Chicago Bulls number one target, but Bosh would be a great addition to the team if they can’t land King James.

New York Knicks

There is no other team in the league that will have more money to spend this summer than the New York Knicks. It has been a long time since the Knicks were a force to be reckoned with in the East, but they are planning to change that this summer with some major additions to their roster.

The Knicks already have Tracy McGrady ready to come back and for a serious pay cut, but they will need a big name player like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh to really get things going moving forward.

The one advantage that the Knicks have over the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers this summer is the fact that they will be able to sign not just one, but two big name free agents to max deals.

Obviously, the one player they will be going after more than any other is LeBron James, but Chris Bosh is rumored to be the other max deal free agent they are looking at as a teammate for King James.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat will have one goal in mind this summer and that is keeping Dwyane Wade in a Heat uniform for the foreseeable future. The only way they are going to do that is by surrounding him with some big name talent and creating a title contending team moving forward.

Now the Heat do have one thing going for them in their search for some teammates for Wade and that is their location. Much like Los Angeles, Miami is pretty comfortable living when it comes to weather and nightlife, but it still remains to be seen whether or not they can convince some of the best and brightest the league has to offer to play for them.

Rumors of Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer possibly signing with Miami has
been flying around all season, but Chris Bosh now seems like a more likely candidate as he has put them on the final five team list.

Toronto Raptors

Before the NBA regular season began, I thought that Chris Bosh was going to stay in Toronto for the rest of his career, but after a disastrous end to the season and seemingly no hope for the future in terms of free agents, the Raptors have most likely lost their face of the franchise.