Assessing the best deals of the NBA offseason so far

Best player deal:

Dwight Howard, Center

To: Los Angeles Lakers

From: Orlando Magic

Influence: 85%

Benefits: Genuine play maker, variety in the game, reduces dependency on the bench, and possible new leader, hard worker, offensive and defensive rebounds, defense, genuine paint threat, Mr. ‘Clutch’ along with a tandem of brilliance with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

Weaknesses: Injuries, free throws, no versatile shooting ability outside the paint, and yes, add an infinite amount of stress on the salary cap issue!

Most over-rated deal:

Lamar Odom, Power Forward

To: Los Angeles Clippers

From: Dallas Mavericks

Influence: 55%

Benefits: Dynamic shooter, formidable competitor, clutch when on fire, electrifying plays and experience to support Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and good bench strength.

Weaknesses:  Over-paid, zones out of the game constantly, production doesn’t match the hype, and never been top notch despite years in the league, injury issues, coming off his worst year and doesn’t look to match up in size.

Best value deal:

Andrei Kirilienko, Small Forward

To: Minnesota Timberwolves

From: CSKA Moscow (previously of the Utah Jazz)

Influence: 85%

Benefits: Experience, bench strength, clutch, defensive powerhouse, play making, reduce dependency on Love and Rubio. Importantly – internationally renowned player!

Weaknesses: Shot blocking, back spasms, perimeter shooting and turnovers

Best draft deal:

Anthony Davis, Power Forward

From: University of Kentucky

To: New Orleans Hornets

Influence: 85%

Benefits: Predicted stats: 14.5 PPG, 8 RPG and 2 BPG, spreads the ball on the court, passing machine, tempo and versatility in the paint, one of the best clutch shooting and defensive rookies, rebounds, agility threat, blocking and reigning national champion in college.

Weaknesses: Not a pure paint shooter, pick and roll, field goal percentage, foul trouble and physique.

Best contract extension:                                                           

Blake Griffin, Power Forward

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Deal: 5 years, 95 million USD

Influence: 95%

Benefits: Team player, ball control, defensive magnet, spreads the ball out, gets everyone in the game constantly, improves the youth and balances the team in every department, exquisite dunker, great production column and growing potential to be a superstar, if not already one.

Weakness: Injury-prone, height, streak of missed shots, post and free throw shooting.