Analyzing the 2009 NBA Free Agency Period

We should have seen this coming four months ago. When the Boston Celtics acquired Stephon Marbury in late February, we should have seen through what it was (a midseason pickup to add backcourt depth) and known it was a sign of things to come.

There are three requirements to constitute huge free agent moves in the NBA. 1) The team involved must be a legit title contender; 2) the player must be a proven star or have shown signs that he has the potential to become a superstar; and 3) there must be a provocative storyline attached.

The Marbury deal hit off the charts in all three. You can't find a more legit title contender than the defending champs. Starbury averaged a smidge under 20 points and eight assists throughout his career. For storylines, we had Marbury being reunited with Kevin Garnett for the first time since he was a 21-year-old point guard on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Plus, he was joining the division rivals of his former team, which just so happened to pay him NOT TO PLAY!!! It was an embarrassment of riches.

Or so we thought.

Flash forward to the past two weeks. This year's free agency period is barely a toddler, and already we've seen a flurry of blockbuster moves. The big fireworks were supposed to go off in 2010, but three things have made the 2009 NBA free agency period the best in recent memory.

1. The number of legit championship contenders who've thrown their hat in the mix. Three of the top four teams, including the defending champs, have significantly improved (L.A. Lakers, Orlando Magic, Bronland Cavs). The franchise with more NBA titles than anybody (Boston Celtics) suddenly has the deepest frontcourt in the league. A team that's won four of the past 10 Larry O'Brien trophies (San Antonio Spurs) suddenly has the most savvy and explosive backcourt in the NBA. These aren't exactly the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors making headlines. It's the top tier!!!

2. The depth of talent and different personalities on the move. We have the two biggest head cases since Dennis Rodman (Ron Artest and Rasheed Wallace). The best dunker (Vince Carter) since ... maybe ever!! The most physically dominant big man in basketball history (Shaq). Arguably the best player from the Eastern Conference champs (Hedo Turkoglu). And a potential primary scoring option who's starving to be back on a contender (Richard Jefferson). Not exactly a bunch of guys receiving the mid-level exception.

3. The plethora of "Is it Safe to Really Believe What I Just Heard?" type rumors. Ron-Ron meeting a butt-naked Kobe in the shower after the 2008 Finals. Trevor Ariza choosing Houston over Bronland (WHY? WHY? WHY?). Ariza then saying LeBron promised he'd be with the Cavs past 2010, followed by a quick denial from James himself. Shaq in the "security" business. (I don't know what was more surprising from his introductory press conference: Shaq nonchalantly using the words "great" and "Kobe" in the same sentence or a man who thrives with self-given nicknames actually thinking "The Big Freeze" would fly.) The Milwaukee Bucks flipping two middle fingers at their fan base, giving up a legitimate top 20 player for a pair of my socks and leftover pizza from last night. Rasheed Wallace walking into Fenway Park with a Yankees cap and A-Rod jersey, then walking up to David Ortiz and slapping him in the face. OK, you got me. One of those stories didn't happen.

But admit it. Anything seems possible in the summer of 2009.