Does Nash deserve a maximum contract? (POINT MEN: There are many point guards on the rise who can rival or overshadow Nash (Kidd, Marbury, Parker, Davis, Iverson, Francis, Bibby, Wade). ) By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News Does Nash deserves a maximum contract? The question will be answered on the free-agent marketplace in July. For now, Staff Writer Eddie Sefko offers the pros and cons of Nash’s case. Mavericks/NBA Steve Nash trades $6 million for hopes of longer-term riches PROS DURABILITY: He’s always there, having missed only four games in the last three years. People say his body is beaten up, but he never seems to show it. SHOOTING: Pure and simple, he can shoot. He has shot more than 40 percent from 3-point range and more than 46 percent overall five consecutive seasons. FRANCHISE ICON: He’s not Larry Bird with the Celtics, but he’s every bit the centerpiece of the Mavericks that Michael Finley is. MENTOR TO THE STAR: A big reason Dirk Nowitzki has blossomed. Nash helped the big German get Americanized. Not bad for a Canadian. HORSES FOR COURSES: In Don Nelson’s system, Nash knows how to maximize the many aspects of the Mavericks’ offense. CONS WEAR AND TEAR: So far, it hasn’t been a problem. But at some point all that mileage will start to exact a toll. This is the biggest fear. HEADROOM: Have we already seen the ceiling for Nash? Will he get any better? Will his game stay level or start a slow decline? POINT MEN: There are many point guards on the rise who can rival or overshadow Nash (Kidd, Marbury, Parker, Davis, Iverson, Francis, Bibby, Wade). STUNT MAN: His presence could stunt the growth of Marquis Daniels. If the Mavs think Daniels is something special, Nash may be obsolete in two years. DEFENSELESS: Can’t guard the perimeter and can’t guard the slashers. That’s a bad combination, although he fits right in with the Mavericks. MAXED TO THE MILLIONS Players who are under contract through next season and were considered "maximum level players" when they signed (salaries in millions): Player (signing age) Team '04-05 salary Total contract 1999 Shareef Abdur-Rahim Blazers $13.5M 6 years, $70.9M Ray Allen (24) Sonics $14.625M 6 years, $70.9M *Kobe Bryant (20) Lakers $14.625M 6 years, $70.9M *Anfernee Hardaway (28) Knicks $13.5M 7 years, $86.68M Zydrunas Ilgauskas (24) Cavaliers $14.625M 6 years, $70.9M *Latrell Sprewell (29) Wolves $14.625M 5 years, 61.9M Antoine Walker (22) Mavericks $14.625M 6 years, $70.9M 2000 Brian Grant (28) Heat $13.346M 7 years, $86M Grant Hill (27) Magic $14.487M 7 years, $92.9M Eddie Jones (28) Heat $13.44M 7 years, $86.6M Tracy McGrady (21) Magic $14.487M 7 years, $92.9M #Shaquille O'Neal (28) Lakers $29.5M 3 years, $88.5M Jalen Rose (27) Raptors $14.487M 7 years, $92.9M Keith Van Horn (24) Bucks $14.487M 6 years, $73M 2001 Vince Carter (24) Raptors $12.585M 6 years, $79.3M Michael Finley (28) Mavericks $14.61M 7 years, $102.3M Allan Houston (30) Knicks $17.53M 6 years, $100.4M Antawn Jamison (25) Mavericks $12.585M 6 years, $79.3M Dirk Nowitzki (23) Mavericks $12.585M 6 years, $79.3M Paul Pierce (23) Celtics $12.585M 6 years, $79.3M Chris Webber (28) Kings $17.53M 7 years, $122.7M 2002 Baron Davis (23) Hornets $11.326M 6 years, $85M Steve Francis (25) Rockets $11.326M 6 years, $85M Shawn Marion (24) Suns $11.326M 6 years, $79M 2003 Elton Brand (24) Clippers $12.056M 6 years, $82.17M Tim Duncan (27) Spurs $14.26M 7 years, $122M Allen Iverson (28) 76ers $14.625M 6 years, $90.2M Jason Kidd (30) Nets $14.796M 6 years, $103.6M Stephon Marbury (26) Knicks $14.625M 6 years, $105M Jermaine O'Neal (24) Pacers $14.78M 7 years, $126.59M * Player has option to become free agent after this season. # Extension to an existing maximum contract. OTHER NOTABLE NBA CONTRACTS Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves: $226 million over 11 years originally signed in 1997 and extended in 2003 (earned $28 million in 2003-04). Rasheed Wallace, Pistons: $80-million deal ends this season ($16.99 million in 2003-04). WHO QUALIFIES FOR WHAT Here are the qualifications for receiving a maximum contract: 1. A player who has completed fewer than seven years of service can receive the greater of, a) 25 percent of the salary cap in effect for the first season of the new contract, b) 105 percent of the player's salary the previous season or, c) $9 million. 2. A player who has completed at least seven years but fewer than 10 years of service can receive the greater of, a) 30 percent of the salary cap in effect for the first season of the new contract, b) 105 percent of the player's salary the previous season or, c) $11 million. 3. A player who has completed 10 or more years of service can receive the greater of, a) 35 percent of the salary cap in effect for the first season of the new contract, b) 105 percent of the player's salary the previous season or, c) $14 million. Case No. 2 applies to Nash. If the salary cap remains $43 million next season, Nash would have a maximum allowable contract starting around $12.9 million in the first season and growing 12.5 percent ($1,612,500) each year for a maximum of seven seasons. If the Mavericks "maxed" Nash's contract, he would make $124,162,500 over the life of the deal. POINT GUARD PAYDAYS The top-salaried active point guards in the NBA (2004-05 salaries): 1. Jason Kidd $14.796 million 2T. Allen Iverson $14.625 2T. Stephon Marbury $14.625 4. Damon Stoudamire $12.5 5T. Baron Davis $12.330 5T. Steve Francis $12.330 7. Nick Van Exel $11.933 8. Mike Bibby $10.5 9. Gilbert Arenas $9.387 10. Andre Miller $7.367 Note: Terrell Brandon is retired, although still on Atlanta’s payroll for $12.025 million in 2004-05.
he isn't worth the max imo.its nice to know that we can possibly sign and trade steve for him. even though we get better right away, he is no long term solution. we would also have one of the softest teams in the league. i like the idea of having him but not at that price.
I dont know about you guys but I think Sefko is way off base here. Francis's play rivaling or even overshadowing the play of Nash...... I know many people on this board who would rather have Nash then have Francis as PG for the Rox...... Anyways, let me give you a preview of where Steve Nash will probably be next season.........
Not worth the MAX, definitely not as good as Steve, but would be a better fit for us probably. Steve would really flourish with so many scorers and ballhandlers on the Mavs. There would also be no one taking up space in the post, so he could go to the cup at will with Nowitzki and co. drawing defenders out. With his rebounding and heart, he could be the team to put them over the top. However, I'd ask for more than Nash in a deal for Francis. I'd want them to take MoT off our hands for a short contract(s) or they could throw in their choice of Marques Daniels or Josh Howard.
HAHAHAHAHA.... IMO Nash doesn't have enough left in the tank to be a dynasty player. Puuuullllease. There are many people on this board who would wrather have anyone but Francis. What is your point?
Possible although many more consider this to have been his best year than consider that he's shown any sign of slipping. Have you seen signs that I've missed? A lot of his type are excellent well into their 30's.
I would pay him 8M max if I were Cuban. Consider what he had done for Mavs and how important he is for the team. But if more, I have to think twice.
Aside from Jason Kidd, I really don’t think any other point guard in the league deserves the max. I think a player should be an MVP caliber player or at least be a top 10 player to deserve the max. Other than Kidd, none of those point guards have a chance of ever being an MVP candidate and none of them are a top 10 player. Having said that, considering Nash is playing for Mark Cunban, he'll still probably get the max.
Nash deserves the max, if only because the market will bear it. There are plenty of teams this offseason who'll have enough cap space to give out a max contract. Considering all the options on the market, Nash is definitely deserving of being a max contract. In the ideal "all player always signs for 1 year contracts at what he's worth" world, Nash probably won't get the max. But we don't live in such a world, so that's a moot point.
I think I remember something, but nothing huge, just missed a few games at the beginning of the year, then played great. I've always found that his type; the smart/insitinctive floor generals, like a Stockton, Cheeks, etc. age very, very well, and foten have their greatest successs in their 30s. It's different for guys like Francis, Iverson et al, who depend on their ability to beat their man. Once that's gone...and it goes all of a sudden, usually...thhey have little to fall back on. Guys like Nash have seont years developing their skills, and have that instinct that doesn't grow old. Moreover, while he's quick, he's never depended on extreme athleticism to get the job done, but knowing how to do it and having the requisite talent and skill to follow through. Unless health is an issue, I'd be surprised if Nash isn't playing well till 35 or so.
Nash doesn't depend on his ability to get by his man and kick the ball out? Have you even watched a Dallas game?
Nash doesn't depend on his ability to get by his man and kick the ball out? Have you even watched a Dallas game? Rhetorical question I guess.
His game is not contingent on beating his man one on one, no. That's a PART of his game, as I said, he's quick, but there is so much more tom him than that. Not so SF.
I think Baron is capable of becoming a top 10 player at some point. His defense is betetr than Marbury and Francis when he tries, good size, trip-dub threat, scoring, 3-pt shooting is decent. I think given the right supporting cast, he can flourish. We may see this happen now that Byron Scott may become their new coach.
I really thinkg BD is overrated. What can this guy do that Wade can't do??? Wade is already a better defensive player.
I think Nash shouuld get a contract similar to Mike Bibby's. They do similar things and Nash isnt exactly a "young" player anymore. I think around 10M is a good start. I dont feel Nash is a Max type player. Either way, the Mavs will be spending some coin this year. Dirk, Jamison and Finley are ALL Max players. Walker has a huge contract. And Nash is about to get a huge contract. A lot of money there!
Funny how a comparison between Nash and Francis raises the hairs on some posters' necks. The re-signing of Nash is going to be one of the most interesting non-Rocket stories of the summer. Cuban and the Nelsons have to see that Mavs are a worse team with Antoine Walker. Jamison is clearly the one to keep. If Daniels is the PG of the future, would Walker and a re-sgned Nash be enough to pry TMac from ORL? Fortunately (for HOU), if Nash receives anything close to what he's worth, he becomes BYC in a SnT...and the Rockets have this little $6.99m TE that they'd just love to use.
