Well, moving sucks…
Whether it’s my move into a new apartment, or a few NBA players’ respective moves this off season. Some things work great, while others are just plain gut wrenching.
I’m going to list some good and bad experiences from my recent move, and we’ll equate them to some NBA movement.
1) The Truck: Any time you move, you need reliable truck. One that doesn’t slip gears, an automatic if possible and well, ropes and padding for support are key. When you’re well prepared and you execute properly, it’s a fun ride. If you don’t secure your load and drive like a maniac, things are horrible and expensive. My move was very smooth and nothing got broken. Not everyone can say that…
Which brings me to Cleveland and Shaquille O’Neal.
The exact same metaphor can be used for this signing. If Shaq’s looked after, uninjured and the supporting cast work well with him, the Cavaliers could move to a White House visit next June. Failing this, I see a lot of smashed glass and expensive insurance claims.
2) The Real Estate Agents: We all love to hate them but they do, in most cases iron out the details and ensure a smooth and easy transition to life in a new home. With a good Agent, you can make sure all maintenance is taken care of quickly and with minimal delay. A bad agent offers little feedback, leaves your tap leaking and your window locks non-existent. One of our garage remotes doesn’t work, our oven is useless and the condition report was full of more lies than a Florida ballot box.
Which brings me to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Ricky Rubio.
It’s safe to assume that Wolves fans are still feeling a little confused when it comes to their franchise’s basic mission statement. Drafting two stellar Point Guard prospects doesn’t really fill your general fan with much confidence going forward. David Kahn seems to have a plan, but that plan seems to have too any “back up” options at this stage and no clear goal. To keep answering questions with more questions or just trying to shift the focus to anyone else in the equation is average. Every time Kahn is asked about anything to do with Rubio he just states that everything hinges on the movements of the Agents, the Rubio family, DKV Joventut or Dan Fegan. If I was a Wolves fan, I’d be screaming!
3) The Rent: No one wants to pay rent. But in some cases we have to. You want to negotiate a good price and no one ever wants to feel like they’re overpaying. For where we’re situated regarding work, freeways, shops etc… We’re satisfied.
Which brings me to Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd.
Some people just have too much money. For Dallas to sign these two to the contracts chosen is just a shining example to me that Mark Cuban needs a holiday or a shrink… Or both. Kidd, (3yrs at more than $25m) has been decaying quicker than Derek Fisher over the past 2 years and Marion, (5yrs at close to $40m) hasn’t looked like anything since he lived in Arizona. The pair might work great in the open floor and I might have egg on my face, but I think Cuban backed the rental truck into his new house on this one.
And finally…
4) The Friends: With any move, you need good helpers to get the job done. Some good help can be hard to find, but not in my case. My good friend Ryz and my flatmate John were a great help and while their manual labour was appreciated, it was the commeraderie and beer drinking that sealed the deal. Good friends stick together and knowing you can always count on them is the best part.
Which brings me to Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.
Wade wants to win, and I could end the paragraph there really. Miami wants to secure him long term. The trouble is, how can Wade commit himself to a team for 6 years and 3 Playoff appearances? That’s all they might get if they ink Allen Iverson to a stupid deal or perhaps lose a couple of players to the free agent market. I’m with Dwyane on this one. You need to know that your franchise has your back. Make the moves that will boost Miami to the place the Lakers were three years ago. Make a splash and send a definitive message to the League, the fans and most importantly the best player ever to wear your colours that you’re committed to challenging for the trophy. If not, then the Chicago native may take “Wade’s World” to the Windy City to start a new revolution at the United Center. It’s been just long enough in my opinion, Chicago is ready for a new Heir Apparent.
All in all a successful move for me. Time will tell as to which NBA teams can say the same.
