Kind of in shock right now...NBA free agency opened yesterday at 6PM, and NHL free agency at 11 AM today...and my favorite teams won...both! That has never happened! Kevin Durant came to the Nets, the first time EVER a top level player has chosen my team. And he's bringing along Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan as well. When the Nets traded for Jason Kidd in 2001, it got us to the Finals instantly that season and the next, the greatest NBA success the franchise has had. Lack of defense doomed their chances. Now, when KD is healthy, I think we might actually win one. Durant and Irving are both scorers, Jordan is one of the best rebounders in the game, and Jarrett Allen, who has been with the Nets for a few seasons now, is developing into the best shotblocker in the game. Although, with his injury, he's not expected to play at all in 2019-20, which is a bit of a downer. (and, although I'm just guessing, is the reason he left Golden State...there are many people who believe they rushed him back from a previous injury and caused the devastating injuries he and Klay Thompson suffered during the finals)
Now, today, the Rangers get Artemi Panarin! The marquee free agents in both my sports chose my favorite teams...and Panarin is healthy, so will be able to contribute right away! I don't know if he is enough to shift the balance of power in the entire sport like Durant is, but the Rangers, with Panarin, Kappo Kakko and Vitaly Kravtsov joining the team next year, I think we might have a shot.
I don't know as much about Panarin as I do about Durant. KD has been one of my favorite active players since I returned to the NBA in 2012. I'm still learning hockey, and I'm certainly familiar with what he can do on the ice, I don't know much about him yet...although now that he's here...I will!
I'm disappointed they didn't bring Mats Zuccarello back, but I guess I was silly to expect them to after they traded him for magic beans at the trade deadline. I guess I'll be supporting the Wild for the next 5 years too.
I am looking forward to getting my first cards of all these guys with their new teams, although it will likely be a while. Panini usually gets them out first, while Upper Deck usually waits until series 2. Of course, an action photo of the NBA players with their new teams usually has to wait until late in the year, and generally then even only one or two sets with current season photos if you're lucky. I've cut back significantly on new card purchases, so it might take me even longer. But it's going to be a great day when it finally does happen!
I'm more disappointed that the Stars didn't re-sign Zuuc (I wanted that first round pick!). Also I wish him the best because he's now stuck on a team that has no real sense of direction.
ReplyDeleteAs for Panarin I'm excited about the breadman too. Mainly because now the Rangers have enough depth to push Kreider or Buchnevich (assuming they're not traded) down to Chytil's line. Woof, can't wait.
Now the question is what the Rangers do to free up some cap space, which they'll need. I can see Namestnikov and Strome being moved in some sort of salary dump (or maybe NYR retains some salary to get back a pick?). Maybe Smith gets bought out. Maybe they can find a trade partner for Shattenkirk.
As for the Nets, good on them. Give the stadium goers at Barclays something to cheer for (because the Islanders sure won't if Lee leaves). Also, oh Knicks.
I'm not happy about having to support the Wild but I will. If Namestnikov can bounce back to Lightning levels of play that would be great, if he comes back.
DeleteI kind of feel bad for the Knicks...all that planning and expectations, out the window. But years of making only bad decisions has consequences.
This has been exciting to follow. Once again I will be rooting for the Nets, which I haven't done since Kidd left.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the Warriors have a history of rushing players back too soon.
Not sure what the Warriors are doing this off-season. They replaced Durant with D'Angelo Russell and Willie Cauley-Stein. Lost Iguodala and Bell, likely losing DeMarcus and Livingston too.
DeleteGlad free agency was good to you. I was heartbroken to hear Pavelski signed with the Stars. I'm gonna miss that guy.
ReplyDeleteTough year for the Sharks, losing Pavelski and Donskoi.
DeleteI'm not surprised NYR got the Bread Man, but KD and Kyrie to Brooklyn is a game-changer. Congrats to your teams. Rivalry ON! :-P
ReplyDeleteHa! I'm going to be watching the Devils quite a bit too, P.K. is one of my favorite players in the league
DeleteDurant is a great player and it'll be interesting to see what the Nets can do with him and Irving in the fold. I'm excited to see the Nets back in the discussion of contending. Durant is so good and really hope he comes back to his old self after the injury.
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