Changing of the Guards

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AUBURN HILLS -- This probably doesn't qualify as a major news bulletin, but the way things are shaking out early in this NBA season may facilitate a whole bunch of player movement before the Feb. 21 trade deadline.</p>

There are a lot of teams who expected to be serious contenders barely keeping their heads above water right now. I am thinking of Cleveland, Chicago, Miami, New Jersey and Washington, Dallas, the Clippers, Houston and Memphis.</p>

There are a few other teams who maybe expected to be in a transition or rebuilding mode suddenly in a competitive position -- Indiana, Atlanta and New Orleans.</p>

So the landscape appears to be a little unstable right now.</p>

It is a good bet there will be some big-name point guards moved. There has been plenty of noise about the Kings trying to move Mike Bibby, especially now that Beno Udrih has stepped in and proven worthy of a starting job.</p>

Philadelphia's Andre Miller and Seattle's Luke Ridnour have been mentioned as possible trade fodder. And, of course, the drama surrounding New Jersey's Jason Kidd has been well documented.</p>

Add the Mavericks' Devin Harris to that list, too. Harris went through a recent five-game stretch in which he shot a miserable 17-for-55.</p>

"He really hasn't played well over the last couple of games," coach Avery Johnson said. "And he's going to have to snap out of it and do something because right now I'm playing with one point guard, Jason Terry."</p>

The biggest frontcourt name frequently mentioned is Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal. There is a perception held by some around the league that the Pacers are better off without O'Neal. They are 10-10 and trying to play an up-tempo game. The oft-injured O'Neal does not suit that style at all.</p>

The teams most desperate to alter their makeup, you would think, would be the Cavs, the Heat and, unless they snap out their funk soon, the Mavs. But here's the sticking point with that. Dallas is already on the line to pay $9.1 million in luxury tax. Cleveland is on the hook for $8.7 million and Miami $7.6 million.</p>

They are going to be looking to rid themselves of some bad contracts, and that's not generally the way you lure top-tier talent.</p>

Stay tuned, though. Things could get pretty interesting in a month or so.</div></p>

Source: Detroit News</p>