CP3 and LeBron: Mirror Images?

Its no secret that Chris Paul and LeBron James are close friends, its just a fact.  They partnered up in the off season to help lead the USA to gold and they also support one anothers charities every year.  According to CP3 they are like "brothers" and one can certainly see how that bond has grown over the years of competing with and against one another. 

What people do not speak of often is how their careers are intertwined together.  Everyone knows how LeBrons exodus out of Cleveland went and CP3 publicly demanded a trade and was eventually dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers.  Those exits, while different, all lead up to this season as mirror images of one another in terms of pressure to win, and win now. 

Flashback to the off season of 2009 when the Cavs traded for Shaquille O'neal and paired him with a hungry LeBron and the Cavs roster was stacked.  Fast forward to today and the Clippers have one of the deepest and dangerous rosters in the league.  Here's a reminder.. CP3, Griffin, D. Jordan, Jamaal Crawford (via free agency), Grant Hill (via free agency), Eric Bledsoe, Chauncey Billups, Matt Barnes (via free agency), Lamar Odom (sign/trade), Caron Butler, Ronnie Turiaf (via free agency)

With a who's-who roster CP3 now will have the burden of winning in a contract year..just like LeBron had.  The problem is it did not work out for the Cavs and I have to say it might not work out for the Clippers.  Paul is playing with a full deck of cards, by far the deepest team he has ever been on (on paper) and the pressure he will face this season will be more internal than ever before.  The organization has locked up Griffin and would like to have Paul in tow as well, but he will become an un-restricted free agent next summer.  If the Clippers struggle and do not at least make it to the Western Finals (that means beating out one of these guys Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, Grizz) then I could see CP3 bolting for another contender. 

Like LeBron in 09 Paul is the best player on his team and outside of Griffin is surrounded by good (seasoned/old) role players.  Paul (like LeBron) publicized his desire to play with "friends" Carmelo and Amare in New York and I would not rule out a trade or exodus in the off season.  I don't see this working out well for the Clippers and it could be the end of CP3 in LA..at least in a Clippers uniform.  *Hint Hint*

Peace,

Agent34

NBA Offseason Grades Vol. 1

Has your favorite NBA team upgraded or downgraded during Free Agency?

I will be breaking down all 30 NBA teams and ranking them on how well they improved or did not improve thus far in the off season.

1.) Lakers: 

HOW?

The Lake show picked up the most dominant center in the game; acquired the best passer in the game, and kept Pau Gasol while only giving up a disgruntled immature center!  I would say that classifies you to have the #1 spot for team improvement. 

THE GOOD!

Dwight Howard should excel in Steve Nashs version of a pick and roll, and Kobe will save his legs for the postseason by not over dribbling.  Pau will get the ball in his sweet spots, and Artest will be soooo happy to still be around he will show flashes from time to time of his former self.

THE BAD!

Andrew Bynum was coming into his own!  Sure he had his moments (ok he had a lot last season) but he never tried to get his coach fired.  ---->(Dwight)  Team chemistry will be their largest hurdle as D-12 is hurt and Kobe has never played with a PG like Nash.

2.) Heat:

HOW?

They only successfully recruited the best 3 point shooter of all time in disgruntled star Ray Allen.  Most of the roster is still in tact from last seasons championship run, and LeBron is well still LeBron!

THE GOOD!

The Heat have their same team in tow and will feature a lethal threat off the bench in Allen.  Rashard Lewis is a great pickup as well, if he can regain his touch.  Overall, it will be their championship experience that proves to be their greatest strength.

THE BAD!

Will D-Wade continue to defer to LeBron?  Is Bosh satisfied with his role?  Is Allen going to get any shots?  I really struggle to find any flaws with this team. 

3.) OKC

HOW?
By keeping their roster whole and getting to the NBA Finals and gaining valuable experience.

THE GOOD!
They signed Ibaka to $10 million less than what he could have commanded as a (R)FA next season.  That's a power move and what that shows the loyalty they posses in OKC.

THE BAD!
By locking up Ibaka, that all but dooms their chances of retaining Harden after this year.  That is why you heard his name being shopped on draft night for Bradley Beal.  Also, is it just me or do you think Russell Westbrook will be worse in late games this time around?

4.) Nets

HOW?
The addition of Joe Johnson and the re-signing of Deron Williams

THE GOOD!
They are a playoff team as constructed right now, and I still see them as a viable player before the trade deadline.  This team wants to win now, and had they gotten Dwight Howard they would be at #1.

THE BAD!
Is a starting lineup of D-Will, Joey, Wallace, K-Humphries, Lopez really scaring anyone?  The answer is NO!  The East is still bad so they will probably make the playoffs. 

5.) Knicks

HOW?
They did not succumb to the pressure of signing Lin and picked up Felton and Kidd in the process. 

THE GOOD!
Melo looked great in the Olympics and Chandler was sharp.  STAT has been working out with Hakeem in Houston and is healthy for the first time in years. 

THE BAD!
How soon will Shumpert be back?  No backup center?  This team has holes, but also plenty of firepower.  They will make the post season, but can they beat the Heat?

-Peace
Agent34