What a difference a year makes
When training camps open in September Chandler Parsons just might be in the Mavs camp. Parsons has signed an offer sheet and because he’s a restricted free-agent Houston can match the Dallas offer. Last season Parsons claimed he was "responsible" for luring Dwight Howard to the Rockets. Whether this is totally true or not what a difference a year makes, anticipated financial gain by Parsons may have changed his mind about Houston.
A team CAN exceed the salary cap
if they desire
I might be responsible for some of the confusion regarding an NBA team’s salary structure. A team can exceed the salary cap if they desire; each team is unique based on its team payroll. Time and space prevent me from detailing all the variations, it’s far to detailed. Should the team exceed its cap they will suffer a league imposed luxury tax; the tax as well can vary based on a number of variables. The tax level for 2013-14:“The Brooklyn Nets, whose payroll for that season was projected to be over $100 million, would face a luxury tax bill above $80 million, resulting in a total payroll cost of $186 million.” Wikipedia
He’s got a shoe deal
Adidas got its man, number 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. Its noteworthy Wiggins wore the brand his only year at Kansas. As for the other top five picks Joel Embiid and Aaron Gordon are yet to sign shoe contracts. High profile draft picks frequently receive financial remuneration prior to receiving that first NBA check. As reported earlier Dante Exum the 5th pick signed a contract with Adidas in April. 2nd pick Jabari Parker signed with the Nike Jordan brand immediately after the June draft.
“Meet Me in St. Louis”
There was talk at one point the Missouri Valley Conference was exploring a move to another city, Kansas City was even mentioned as a possible destination site. St. Louis has served as host for the last 12 seasons and will continue so through 2018. Although a number of cities besides Kansas City had indicated an interest in serving the conference decided to remain in St. Louis. Attendance for the tourney at Scottrade Center was over 50,000 this past season.
The NBA East
For purposes of this account let’s assume the Heat return intact next season. Which team will face off against them? I have all sorts of questions regarding the Nets and their roster of ageing stars. Kevin Garnett has announced he is returning next season, most likely Paul Pierce will as well. The return of center Brook Lopez from the injured list should aid them if he can remain healthy. They have now replaced Jason Kidd with Lionel Hollins which should improve bench decisions. Bottom line the Nets is a +.500 team however I’m unsure if they are a serious threat to become Eastern Conference Champs. As for the others the most obvious contender (pretender) might be the Pacers.
The Pacers were a disappointment to many, they were expected to rein supreme but failed once again to the Heat. How could a 7-foot player have a few rebounds as Hibbett had during their series with the Heat? Bottom line for the Pacers, “I’m from Missouri you have to show me” you can contend in the East.
I’m probably overlooking the Hawks and Hornets and perhaps another team.
Every season it seems the Hawks are a playoff team but never ever seems to advance. They change coaches and change players and everything remains the same. I have no real clue why the Hawks are never serious contenders. It’s possible the Hornets chances might be more viable in the future than the Hawks. They appear to heading in a positive direction having made the playoffs. This leaves us with the only serious threat left for the Heat the Bulls of Chicago. They too were expected to compete but a Derrick Rose injury curtailed their season, Rose is back and apparently healthy. Two areas were addressed in the draft that is scoring deficiency. Sharpshooter Doug McDermott from Creighton and Gary Harris Michigan State have been added to the roster. The Bulls defense has always been exemplary the problem has been sporadic offense especially with Rose on the shelf. The 2014-15 season might be their break-through season if Rose can remain healthy and McDermott and others provide the vitally needed offensive punch. I will go on record stating if the trio returns intact the Heat will not repeat as Eastern Conference Champions.
