http://www.clutchfans.net/news.cfm?NewsID=1214 I had always thought Simmons was a restricted free agent, but after checking a lot of info on this, it looks like he is unrestricted. Anyone know differently?
He's unrestricted. Except in the case of first round picks, only those with 3 years or less can be restricted free agents.
He'd have to really want to come, while not getting snything above the MLE. I would love that scerario to unfold. None of the available 4s do as m uch for me as this guy. Anyone know if he has a relationship either fas riends with or same agent as TMc?
I read somewhere that the Clips GM said he would top any offer for Simmons and Simmons was at the rookie camp in Chicago last weekend with the Clips reps. I wonder why he likes it there? The Clips are going nowhere.
I'd guess because they're the team that has given him a chance to shine. Didn't he even get cut by another team? As for signing him to the Rockets - If he's best suited to play small forward I'm not sure I wouldn't just as soon try for Cuttino Mobley. Moving T-Mac out of his position for Bobby Simmons just doesn't make any sense. If we're going to sign a wing man, I think it ought to be somebody who can play the two.
Simmons shouldn't be at the top of anyone's list. But, if he was acquired for the right price (say everybody spent elsewhere and there was little money left and the Clips didn't match some undervalued deal), he would definitely be a positive add and strengthen starting & bench backcourt play.
Simmons would be an excellent 3rd option on this team. He's as efficient a shooter as there is in the NBA. He would have a field day with all the open looks he would get here. I could see him being the Rashard Lewis to Mcgrady's Ray Allen. But it's starting to look more and more like he's a pipedream.
I never did understand the logic, but last summer the Clips took on Kerry Kittles for 1 season @ $10.3m. And all they gave the Nets was a future 2nd round pick. With that back drop, let me say I definitely like Simmons and feel he's a JVG type of defender. Plus Simmons holds most of the cards since he's unrestricted. If the Rockets were really seriously interested, they could SnT for Simmons and still have an MLE to work with. Without insulting the Clips, the Rox can put a deal on the table involving any and all of expiring contracts, future picks and agreeing to pay a portion of the traded players' salary after the Clips waive him.
This guy is going to command some nice money that i doubt the Rockets are going to spend unless of course they start unloading more players in some deals
Yeah, too risky anyway. What if he turns out like another Mo or Moochie. $40 Mil sounds like way to much for only one year of good play.
The only reason the Rockets have even a smidgen of hope of getting a player like Simmons is because he's only had one great season. There are not too many players out there in their early 20's that have had more than one great season and are going to command anything less than near-max money. The only way the Rockets are going to get younger is to take risks. Getting well proven young talent is not exactly an option. I consider Simmons a less riskier option than some of the other young prospects out there (Swift, Kwame, etc.) that have yet to have their breakout seasons and have questions about their desire and work ethic (which Simmons unquestionably has). Knowing how stingy the Clippers are, the fact that they are doing everything they can to resign him is probably a good sign that he's not just a one year wonder. The Clippers would not pony up big money for a player unless they were positive that player was the real deal.
Yeah, but don't forget that the Clips could just be showcasing him for a sign and trade, or they could be trying to scare off fringe teams as to prevent an all-out bidding war. Just because a GM says he's in love with a player doesn't mean his only goal is to sign him at any cost.
I followed Simmons all of last season because I drafted him in the last round of our fantasy league. He's got a good midrange game, takes good shots and can rebound. Playing alongside other scorers like Brand and Maggette, he really proved(to me) that he is a guy that doesn't need to be the first or second option to be able to play his game. He is an adequate defender that works hard and can use his size and strength to his advantage. Overall, I think he would be a nice addition to a team that needs a smart player that can fill the basket, pull down some boards and keep the opposing SF/SG honest. Is he worth an $8 million/yr contract? He was last year. However due to his one year emergence, I would be hesitant to give him that much over 6 years.
Not a bad list to be on.... NBA Most Improved Players 1985-86 - Alvin Robertson, San Antonio 1986-87 - Dale Ellis, Seattle 1987-88 - Kevin Duckworth, Portland 1988-89 - Kevin Johnson, Phoenix 1989-90 - Rony Seikaly, Miami 1990-91 - Scott Skiles, Orlando 1991-92 - Pervis Ellison, Washington 1992-93 - Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Denver 1993-94 - Don MacLean, Washington 1994-95 - Dana Barros, Philadelphia 1995-96 - Gheorghe Muresan, Washington 1996-97 - Isaac Austin, Miami 1997-98 - Alan Henderson, Atlanta 1998-99 - Darrell Armstrong, Orlando 1999-2000 - Jalen Rose, Indiana 2000-01 - Tracy McGrady, Orlando 2001-02 - Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana 2002-03 - Gilbert Arenas, Golden State
