It is far better to give (it back) than receive (this junk)
Indiana: Um, yes, I'd like to return this Stephen Jackson. So what if that was years ago? How about the warranty? No, not warrant, a warranty. That's very funny. Yes, I did purchase it here. You take no responsibility? Hello?
L.A. Clippers: Though they certainly wouldn't take it back, the Clippers are hoping they made the right choice in tying Chris Kaman up for the long term. He's worth the investment, but his early struggles this season have to make them nervous.
L.A. Lakers: The Lakers are satisfied with their roster, but would love a mulligan on their Christmas Day effort in Miami. It looked like some of the guys enjoyed the gift of South Beach a bit too much.
Memphis: Thanks for the memories, Mike Fratello.
Miami: It's not who the Heat signed, but maybe who they didn't. Returning as champs without any significant new blood created an atmosphere in which many vets were too satisfied. That attitude led to them getting embarrassed by Chicago on opening night and has factored into their inability to climb back above .500 minus Shaquille O'Neal.
Milwaukee: Bobby Simmons was a great signing at the time, but he's in his second season of giving the Bucks zilch. Aren't they entitled to a full refund for a defective product?
Minnesota: You'll hear from many Timberwolves fans that the team would be better off without Mike James. The slumping point guard was the team's prized free-agent signing this offseason, but hasn't adapted well. He says he's a slow starter, but with the new year practically here, he's taking an awfully long time to get going.
New Jersey: The Nets are too worried about the medical bills of all their big men to concern themselves with much else. Josh Boone, Clifford Robinson and Nenad Krstic have all missed time, leaving New Jersey to scour the NBDL for size.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City: Giving Peja Stojakovic a long-term contract was a mistake, and that is painfully obvious now that he's out indefinitely with a back problem and likely won't be able to contribute until next season. The Hornets knew they were taking a gamble by signing the injury-prone forward, who lasted 13 games before going down.
New York: If this column's premise was real, the Knicks would be at the front of the line, trying to find a way to get any part of Larry Brown's buyout back. Heck, they would love to take the entire era back. How about Steve Francis? Will you take him at least? How far back could you go with this. Pre-Isiah? Pre-Scott Layden? Pre-Frederic Weis?
Orlando: I know Magic fans swear by J.J. Redick, but the smarter ones will admit he looks awfully one-dimensional out there. Considering how well Ronnie Brewer is adapting in Utah, this past draft is another they would love to have back. Fran Vasquez just grabbed another rebound in Spain.
Philadelphia: Given the chance, the Sixers would've moved Iverson over the summer. They were close a couple of times, but inexplicably held out. I doubt Andre Miller, Joe Smith and a pair of draft picks could've landed the "Answer" in July.
Phoenix: Shooting specialist Eric Piatkowski seemed perfectly suited to run with the Suns when he signed this offseason, but he has played exactly one game all season -- and missed all three 3-pointers he took.
Portland: Was acquiring Raef LaFrentz really necessary?
Sacramento: Rumor has it, the Kings have already fished out their receipt for Ron Artest. Who needs defense?
San Antonio: The Spurs don't spend recklessly, so there's no need for them to join this rush. I wonder if they would like to have that J.R. Smith for Brent Barry deal they almost made. Though it would've made them more explosive, chemistry may have suffered.
Seattle: Backup point guard Earl Watson would welcome the first ticket out of town.
Toronto: Everything is coming up roses for the Raptors of late, climbing to the top of their bad division without Chris Bosh. Clearly, there are some quality pieces in place, and they're just now coming together.
Utah: Why did Utah bring in Rafael Araujo? To have the BYU alum sell tickets?
Washington: Due to a nagging back problem that required surgery, Darius Songaila has yet to play a game in a Wizards uniform. It sounded like a great signing at the time, but hasn't panned out. Washington could badly use another low-post threat.
