Bloggystyle -- The Greatest

The NBA's free agency period can certainly take weird turns, like Joe Johnson demanding a trade to a team that won 40 less games than his team the season before.

But I can't remember anything more ridiculous than this Michael Finley bullshit that's been going on since the Mavs cut him under the new amnesty tax.

Under the new amnesty rule, the Mavs were allowed to cut Finley and save what would amount to 25 million in luxury tax fees over the next few years. Now there's no doubt that 25 million is an unbelievable amount of money.

It just happens to be a very believable amount of money for one



The creature shown above has spent millions every year tinkering with the Mavericks, taking on salaries like Raef Lafrentz and Antoine Walker, in the hopes of propelling Dallas over the top of the West. Sure, it didn't work out, but with the acquisition of Terry/Dampier last year and the multiple signings of people this year like Jackie Doug Christie, obviously the Mavericks are still trying to win.

So if the Mavericks are trying to get over the hump in the West (nhjic), why would they release their starting 2 guard, a captain of their team and the longest tenured player on the team?



It's because the men pictured above are more washed up than Natalee Holloway. The reason Dallas cut Finley is because Finley stinks. The guy has become a total bricklayer who still shoots almost 15 times a game, and he has averaged about 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 36 minutes the past few years. Dallas cut Finley because he was ineffective. Anytime you're replaced by Doug and Jackie, you know you're sliding down the slippery slope.

So what happens to the player who was replaced by the Christies? A guy so washed up that Biggie would be crafting God knows how many "played out" rhymes about him? Apparently what happens is every team that thinks they can win the title believe Michael freaking Finley is the vital, missing cog that can get a team a victory parade in June.

But not only are all these teams lining up to try to get Finley. Finley is literally having suitors come to him to meet in Chicago and give him their sales pitch. This overrated son of a bitch had the gall to force superstars like the Big Ticket and Amare Stoudemire to come to him and basically grovel for his services. Here's a list of the teams that are gunning for Finley and have the best chance to secure his 40% shooting.

Miami: I would have sworn Dwyane Wade was a 2 guard, but apparently I'm wrong, because they're the favorites to sign Finley. Again, you can just see the catstrophic meltdown coming.

Detroit: Explain to me how Michael Finley fits in a backcourt with Rip or Chauncey? Does he take minutes from Tayshaun?

Phoenix: They could actually use a 2 guard, except Finley is basically Jim Jackson without the 3 point consistency.

San Antonio: I figure they're trying to get Finley simply because they can, and because making Finley play like 20 minutes and winning the title will be more challenging.

Denver: The Nuggets are apparently trying to sign Finley or Sprewell...I don't like their chances in the West.

I can guarantee right now that whichever team takes Finley will not make it to the NBA Finals this next season.