It's nice to cash your check...

... especially in these hard times for the economy.

As we all expected, the salary cap fell down, luckily only about 2 mln, but is expected to get a full hit for next season. Yeah, THAT season, when the Free Agent Bonanza of 2010 hits the market.

First news, we hear after that is our GM offering the extension to Andrea Bargnani, worth roughly 50 mln for 5 years. Yes, 50 mln, Andrea, good job, you can close your mouth now.


This is definitely a bold move and yet another cocky reassurance, that Raptors mean their business. It brings a sense of security over our frontcourt, securing the Center and Small Forward position for next 5 years. And if the economy was thriving, nobody would question any of these contracts. In reality we're wondering if it's not too much money.

So, the ball is on your court, Andrea, and all our eyes are on you. Are you gonna be our doom? Or you will become such a superstar that you'll have Man In Black following you around, deleting the memories of you being dunked on and stealing the video footage?

The interesting fact, I noticed previous season, our Magician seemed to play better, while unshaven. Hope he won't celebrate his contract extension by buying new razors.


Other news:

Ron-Ron becomes an official entertainer for Lakers' fans. The contract is signed, sealed and put into fire-proof safe-box. Shannon Brown also stays in LA.

Birdman will be still in Denver, the place, where his tattoos are the most appreciated.

San Antonio Spurs are flirting with Antonio McDyess. Seems that Big Baby Davis is still the wallflower. Don't worry, your time will come, Cinderella.

NBA Free Agency for Dummies

Here's the list of some NBA free agents 2009, described in short Twitter-like fashion and non-scientific language. The order is random.

Marcin Gortat - Polish Hammer, he can block the King in the name of Polish Democracy.

Glen Davis - known for crying, and killing little boys after shooting a winning shot.

Anderson Varejao - man, he flops.

Chris Andersen - his blocks are as colorful as his tats.

Linas Kleiza - having him won't hurt you when Melo is hurt.

Wally Szczerbiak - his abilities of playing ball are only a little better than your abilities to spell his name.

Eddie House - he'll defend you so much that you'll want to slap him.

Nate Robinson - don't be cheated by his size, he can dunk.

David Lee - Mr Double-Double, he makes sure to follow every shot he misses.

Grant Hill - aging like a good wine, still capable of giving you a kick on some nights.

Mike Bibby - his 3pointer looks way better than his tats.

Trevor Ariza - Mr Hustle, he follows every loose ball and steals inbound passes.

Allen Iverson - best crossover in the league, but is he the answer?

Shawn Marion - as ugly as his shot looks, it usually goes in.

Jason Kidd - triple-double for me please.

Hedo Turkoglu - he can both dribble and shoot really well.

Rasheed Wallace - big mouth and big shot.

Ron Artest - fantastic defender and entertainer, he's been in the stands before.

Lamar Odom - good force on the team providing he gets his candies.

Ben Gordon - you will love and hate him multiple times on each possession.

Carlos Boozer - power forward with a power.