<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kenny Smith @ Feb 4 2008, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now that Pau Gasol has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, he’ll take them from playoff team to championship contender. Gasol brings low-post scoring, experience and size. The Lakers are now built for the long run with Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. Unlike the Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies were never going to seriously challenge the Western Conference’s elite teams with their current roster. With a 13-33 record, they evidently came to the conclusion it was time to retool. Gasol isn’t the only star player to hit the market this week. With the New Jersey Nets also reportedly trying to meet Jason Kidd’s trade request, the question all struggling teams must answer is this: When is the right time to part with the face of your franchise? The best way to assess the state of your team is to determine, first, whether it’s mired in mediocrity, and, then second, determine whether mediocrity is its ceiling. If so, it’s time to move on. There are a handful of teams asking themselves those same questions today. They opened the season with high expectations but have now likely lowered their goals to winning the draft lottery. Here’s a look at four of those teams facing that dilemma: New Jersey Nets: After two appearances in the NBA Finals, the Nets have gone from championship contender to playoff contender. Kidd has made New Jersey a postseason regular with his unselfish play and ability to dissect opposing defenses. He has made some average players look good and some good players look great. Now, however, is the time to say goodbye. The big three of Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter and Kidd is anything but big. They have settled into mediocrity and can't be lifted out. It’s time to rebuild and receive some value for Kidd, their aging superstar. Trading Carter also would give them substantially more payroll flexibility, but the phone lines haven’t been burning up with calls about him. Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have a bigger dilemma. They don't have a superstar, so picking the correct player to move is vital. They have plenty of young talent that hasn’t jelled, but nobody that should be considered untouchable. Last season they reportedly vetoed acquiring Gasol because it would cost them Luol Deng. If that’s true, shame on them. Deng, Ben Gordon, Ben Wallace and Kirk Hinrich should all be considered trade assets. Miami Heat: As mentioned in one of my previous columns, it seems the Heat sold their soul for one championship. Shaquille O’Neal isn’t tradable because of his large contract and Dwyane Wade shouldn’t be moved because he’s too good. Unfortunately, the Heat need to stand pat and weather the storm for a couple of years until they clear salary-cap space. New York Knicks: The Knicks have no hope for the future if they keep this roster intact. Isiah Thomas has put some round pegs in square holes. New York has some players who are more suited for an up-tempo game while others prefer a halfcourt style. It’s not certain owner Jim Dolan will remove Thomas, so the shakeup has to start with the players. They have a lot of talent, but not a team. The biggest question is, will Isiah have the courage to start over again? Can he convince Knick fans that this team, plus a couple of additions, will be enough? The answer is no. The Knicks need almost an entirely new team.</div> http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlyF...o&type=lgns I totally agree.
