National Basketball Association

Veteran signings could pose problems for elite teams

Published Aug. 3, 2009 6:17 p.m. ET

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Four powerhouse NBA teams seemingly have embraced the notion that a sensational perk of aging is an upgrade in wisdom.




According to prevailing evidence, living and learning are swell partners.

But the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic recently celebrated their collective might by taking separate and presumably calculated risks.

Each of these teams has prepared for even nastier battles by adding a high-profile — and high-maintenance — employee.

Our roll call brings in Rasheed Wallace, Shaquille O'Neal, Ron Artest and Vince Carter.

Individually, these baggage-haulin' hotshots may be capable of altering the imbalance of power that resulted in a Lakers title a couple months ago. Or, as a group, they could end up doing little more than perpetuating the status quo.

However, with each player peeking through the rearview mirror at his prime (in disparate departure rates), the aforementioned riskiness could create worst-case issues for the teams involved.

So, with potential doom and gloom as our objective, let's take a look at how each move could sabotage its corresponding team in the coming season.

Boston Celtics

Rasheed "Raveheart" Wallace will be 35 years old when the C's open a camp designed for a return to the glory road of 2008.

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National Basketball Association