<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Once again: This is who had the best off-season, not which team is going to win the championship next season. 1. Houston. Added: guards Steve Francis, Mike James and Aaron Brooks; forward Luis Scola; center Jackie Butler. Lost: forward Juwan Howard. This was quite a haul for new general manager Daryl Morey, who got the burly Scola from the Spurs and James from the Timberwolves, drafted Brooks and signed Francis, adding speed, scoring and depth. New coach Rick Adelman got a lot out of Bonzi Wells in Sacramento. 2. Portland. Added: guard Steve Blake; forwards Channing Frye, James Jones and Josh McRoberts; center Greg Oden. Lost: guard Fred Jones and forward Zach Randolph. Oden's charming personality and game are a rock-solid foundation to build on. With precious few veterans around, Portland will struggle this season. But when its experience catches its talent - the over-under is January 2009 - watch out. 3. Chicago. Added: forwards Joakim Noah and Joe Smith. No significant losses. While everyone's salivating about the Celtics, Bulls general manager John Paxson drafted Noah, re-signed Andres Nocioni, and added Smith to a talent-rich roster. Chicago can still make a run at Pau Gasol or make the big pitch for Kobe Bryant.</div> link: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/...off-season.html
