Pistons And Lakers Open Up NBA Free Agency With A Bang

Sports Betting News - July 3, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

With the beginning of the Free Agency period, in the NBA, many teams are scrambling to try and fill their rosters, with the best available talent. Two of those teams, the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers, have already made some big deals, which can only improve their squads, for the 2009 - 2010 NBA Season.

The Pistons, are seeking more talent to try and rebuild to the form, which saw them win the 2004 NBA Championship. In order to accomplish that, the Pistons have signed free agents Ben Gordon, from the Bulls, as well as Charlie Villanueva, who comes over from the Milwaukee Bucks. Both free agent pick ups spent their amateur careers at the University of Connecticut, as did Richard Hamilton, the Pistons' best all around players. Gordon will bring a scoring threat to the Pistons that they somehow lacked last season, as well as an ability to drive to the hoop. Gordon is skilled at shooting the jump shot, as he shoots above 40 percent from beyond the 3 point line. The Pistons have some tough decisions to make. Do they have Ben Gordon come off the bench and Hamilton start, or do they start both Hamilton and Gordon with Rodney Stuckey coming off the bench? Unlike Allen Iverson, who the Pistons acquired for the 2008 - 2009 season, Gordon is fine with coming off the bench, to make his impact. Villanueva is a player who has been getting better every year, and he will likely replace Rasheed Wallace. Villanueva averaged 16 points last season and has the ability to add a low post threat combined with a nice jumper. Even with these moves, there is a chance of Hamilton being placed on the trading block, in an attempt to bring in another skilled big man

The 2008 - 2009 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers have made an attempt to get better. When you are already the NBA champions, it is hard to bank on anything, that will make the team better, without a doubt. Even with that said, the Lakers made a very solid move Thursday, by coming to terms with free agent Ron Artest, who will be coming over from the Houston Rockets. The deal is rumored to be worth $18 Million, over the next 3 years. Laker fans were concerned about the possibility of losing Trevor Ariza's tenacious defense, but those worries have now been quelled, with the addition of Artest. Known for being a lock down defender, and for being someone that loves to do it, Ron Artest will bring an intensity and attitude, which will benefit Los Angeles, especially on the defensive end.

More teams are sure to striking while the iron is hot. There are still several very skilled players, that are currently entertaining offers. More players are going to be moved, including a rumored deal of Trevor Ariza taking Ron Artest's place on the Rockets squad. This time of year marks a time where NBA General Managers are constantly on the phone, working deals, and proposing trades. Stay tuned for more NBA news and free agent signings.