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Buyer beware NBA clubs gamble with youth movement
Caveat Emptor. No, it's not the name of the latest 7-foot Bulgarian center whom Bulls G.M. Jerry Krause is secretly scouting. Caveat Emptor, of course, means "buyer beware." And it should be the motto for all those NBA GMs who shelled out big bucks to talented -- but largely unproven -- young players this past offseason. Tracy McGrady (Magic), Tim Thomas (Bucks), Rashard Lewis (Sonics), Austin Croshere (Pacers), Cuttino Mobley (Rockets). Each was the object of intense courtship by NBA teams during the offseason, with GMs practically tripping over one another for the privilege of paying them countless millions.
But are these young guns worth it? History says no way. The NBA is a veterans' league, dominated by established big-name stars who know the tricks of the trade, not youngsters with dazzling verticals. Think Karl Malone and Reggie Miller, not Antoine Walker and Corey Maggette. Because of the salary cap, however, most NBA teams have no way to improve their rosters in the offseason. Their only option is to re-sign their own free agents, even if it means overpaying them to keep them away from the clubs that might have cap room. Thus, players who in some cases have barely cut their NBA teeth are suddenly being paid like proven superstars. Lewis, for example, has started just eight games his entire career. Mobley had just eight starts last year (and shot a less-than-dazzling 43 percent from the floor). Thomas was so unimpressive as a Sixer that coach Larry Brown traded him two years ago. Even the wondrously talented McGrady only become a starter during the second half of last season. Does anybody really think one of these peach-fuzzed skywalkers is going to lead his team to a championship any day soon? Not that many of these young guns aren't going to be terrific players someday. McGrady, for example, should fit in nicely with the Magic. He gets to step right in at shooting guard, and his open-court skills will mesh with Orlando's up-tempo approach. The presence of Grant Hill, meanwhile, means McGrady won't have to shoulder the burden of being a "savior" alone. Likewise in Seattle, where Lewis has a clear starting spot at small forward and ample veteran leadership around him in Gary Payton, Vin Baker and Patrick Ewing. Though still raw and nowhere near as polished as McGrady, Lewis should in time prove himself worth the money. In most cases, however, building a team around a player who hasn't even been a starter is taking optimism to an absurd new level. What if Croshere, a surprise to most foes a year ago, can't contend with defenses geared toward stopping him? What if Thomas can't play power forward? What if Mobley can't guard Kobe Bryant? To paraphrase Ricky Ricardo: "Somebody's gonna have some 'splaining to do." In the meantime, NBA fans can get ready to watch the Lakers, Blazers, Heat and Spurs -- four teams that added seasoned veterans to their rosters -- battle it out for the 2000-01 title. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Look for his columns
throughout the offseason. Click here to send Marty a comment.
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