Atlanta was well on their way to that record before they traded Dominique and I contend they would have had a chance to do something in the playoffs if they had kept Nique instead of trading him for The Oft Injured One.
You're right about Marbury with the T-Wolves, Nets, and Suns, but the Knicks sucked before he got there, sucked while he played there, and continued to suck after he left. The Rockets didn't get better after Pippen left, so that doesn't count either.
The jury's still out on this one, but it's looking to me like the Lakers & Artest. While the Lakers don't suck, they definitely are not playing Championship caliber ball like they did last year. They struggled mightily down the stretch this year & haven't exactly dominated in the playoffs. Artest was brought in to bring more toughness, but his deficiencies on the offensive end & lack of athleticism are hurting team chemistry in my opinion. They really miss Ariza's contribution right now.
Would Nique have been difference in them beating the Pacers, who went on to push the eventual Conference champions to 7? Atlanta would not have given the Knicks a tough series.
They're having a much easier time in the playoffs so far this year than they did last year, and Bryant is a year older and not as effective.
We didnt suck with Rafer.... He helped with the 22 games straight.... But, he did blow alot of shots. So annoying. His tear-drop bricks..... Glad hes gone.
This. Not that he wasn't a good player; he just didn't fit the system. Imagine if Shaq went to the Spurs this year.
