Top Free Agents in 2011 http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...ry?id=7284501&_slug_=nba-top-free-agents-2011 Spoiler
<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:7290203&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>
I forgot all about Jerebko. He was out injured for the whole season but he's a starter in this league. He'd be a nice pick up for the Rockets if they end up trading away depth at SF/PF.
Some comments on top free agents: 1. Nene, PF/C, Nuggets Will be overpaid by somebody. Not worth pursuing because of the price tag. A good C who has reached his peak. The idea he has upside is nonsense. You can count on Nene to be a warrior on the court just a few times a year. Nene would be an impact player if he brought it every night, but that's not his programming. 2. Tyson Chandler, C, Mavericks Chandler was great in the Mavs championship run, which will cause someone to greatly overpay him. His choice is staying with the Mavs to chase another ring or maxing out his income. 3. Marc Gasol, C, Grizzlies (R) I believe Gasol has upside. Needs to lose some of his gut. Grizzlies will keep him at all costs. IMO, Z-Bo hinders his development. 4. DeAndre Jordan, C, Clippers (R) Most overrated C on the market and a big payday is coming. Benefits greatly from playing next to Blake Griffin, whose example seems to motivate Jordan. He will disappoint whatever team he signs with. 5. Rodney Stuckey, G, Pistons (R) Will never be a PG. Best role is off the bench as a 6th man. 6. David West, PF, Hornets Normally I would say definitely pass, but the last several seasons of Antonio McDyess' career may be a template for David West. Not worth big money because his career is in decline. 7. Tayshaun Prince, F, Pistons Would be a great backup SF on a contender. 8. Greg Oden, C, Blazers (R) Do not touch under any circumstances. Just not meant to be. 9. Thaddeus Young, F, 76ers (R) Young is young, but will he improve from where he is now? I don't know. 10. Samuel Dalembert, C, Kings A worthwhile player at the right price. Biggest problem is a daily lack of effort and focus. When he plays hard, Dalembert is very good. 11. Andrei Kirilenko, F, Jazz I despise the guy, but he'd be a good addition to many teams at the right price. 13. Jeff Green, F, Celtics (R) I've been calling him for what he is for 2 years. Now everyone finally knows since he went to Boston. He's a decent 8th man on a contender. If he's getting big minutes, your team will suffer. If it weren't for his poor defense, I'd cut him some slack. Doesn't do anything particularly well at the NBA level. 14. Carl Landry, PF, Hornets A very good 6th/7th man scorer off the bench. Doesn't defend or rebound well, but his passion on offense makes up for it. 15. Jamal Crawford, G, Hawks Very creative, streaky scorer who doesn't defend at all. Too old to be worth a big investment. He will follow the money. 16. Jason Richardson, SG, Magic Would fit into the Bulls rotation nicely as an outside jump shooter. Hits clutch shots and would play off Rose very well. If only the Bulls could dump Korver. 17. Caron Butler, G/F, Mavs Not worth the risk for anyone but the Mavs and Heat. 18. Shane Battier, F, Grizzlies A good backup to a heavy minute SF like KD or LeBron. Would fit OKC like a glove because of his toughness and leadership. 19. Marcus Thornton, SG, Kings (R) I like this guy more than most people. Whoever signs him will be happy. Thornton is one-dimensional but he's good at what he does. A team with trouble scoring can't go wrong signing him. 20. Arron Afflalo, SG, Nuggets (R) Nuggets will definitely keep him. They HAVE to. Other teams shouldn't waste their time. Dahntay Jones leaving for the money was a blessing to Denver.
If the Rockets could land Gasol and AK47 that'd be one hell of a coup and coudl set them up for some legitimate success. Lowry, Dragic, Flynn Martin, Lee AK47, Bud, Morris Scola, Patterson, D-Mo Gasol, Hill, Hayes Great combination of offense and defense. Probably still need a closer, though.
Gasol will be retained by Memphis at all costs, even if it means trading Rudy Gay to do it. Ak47 will be most probably sign with the Nets and be with his Russian owner and his ex teammate Deron. Rockets should heavily pursue Nene and try to get a SF via trade, possibly dangle Scola for Granger or Iguodala?
fine with me, too... just pointing out that Gasol/AK47 would probably be the best tandem. Efficient offensive players with solid defensive games. I'm also fine with the Rockets sucking another year to keep lotto draft picks in what should be a solid draft.
Pacers need a stretch 4 who can bang in the post and are pursuing the likes of David West, Nene, and others. West won't sign with them and Nene is too much for them. Scola for Granger could work if we send back some salary. Sixers may Amnesty Brand and have publically shopped Iggy for a while now.
Scola is a stretch 4? Since when? Pacers have no interest in him. Why would the Sixers amnesty Brand and trade for Scola? Brand is just as good and he's been there a year.
Sign DeAndre Jordan and D.West....tank .... Draft Barnes , keep Lowry and Martin... Trade Scola for whatever is satisfactory...Lace em up , and let's go!!!!
Pacers need someone who can rebound from the 4 since Hibbert is not a great rebounder. Scola would be a good fit for the Pacers. Brand and Scola are quite similar players. Brand's contract is worse but is expiring (IIRC).
Lol, what? How do you propose the team tanks with a lineup of Lowry, Martin, Bud(?), West, and Jordan?
