Joe Smith has signed with the Bulls. He's solid, and should be a nice role player for them, but his presence really allows them to explore trade options, which sucks.

Maybe worse, the Nets just signed Magloire. Magloire isn't an All-star type guy, but he does rebound, run the floor, and block shots. He also gives them a functional low-post presence. Kristic in the high-post, Magloire in the low, to go along with Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson...that's a tough starting five. Marcus Williams is a rock solid reserve PG. Nachbar is a professional marksmen at the swing postions. Boone and Collins give them quality depth at the big spots. New Jersey could make some noise.

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"I'm still glad that we didn't shake their hands," Bill Laimbeer said Wednesday. "They were whiners and criers. Piss on them."

Magloire also offers an important intangible: Paint intimidation. He's not afraid of the hard foul, and will make some guards hesitate to drive the lane.

The thing is they sign Magloire at the expense of Mike Moore, so the upgrade really isn't tremendously significant. However, if the kid they drafted Sean Williams from BC pans out, then they would have a nice frontcourt with Kristic and Boone. Still, I've always thought the "Big 3" in Jersey have been a bit overrated. Having Kristic healthy will be nice, but I don't see them as even being favorites over the Knicks and Celtics (who both improved pretty significantly in the off season) in the Atlantic.

Magloire could be a double-double threat every night with the help of Kidd. Jersey seems to make their bigs better. If Magloire wakes up and plays like he did a few years ago, he could be a factor.