I liked where you started going with this, but I didn't like when you started projecting so many qualities on these players. I don't recall ever hearing Joe Johnson blame his teammates for losses, so how can we conclude he does that? The main good point I liked is the fact that there are what 30 NBA teams, but there ain't 30 superstars that can lead a team deep in the playoffs. Joe Johnson got max money, cuz there were teams with money and nobody better to throw it at. The way the NBA CBA is structured pretty much makes it where LeBron takes up the same % of a team's cap as a Joe Johnson. LeBron should be paid way the heck more, but the NBA CBA prevents that. Therefore, a team is not getting a good value relatively with Joe Johnson. As hard as Joe Johnson plays, he's not going to be on LeBron level, but I don't blame him for taking the money. Thus, a team who is committing that large a % of their cap to a Joe Johnson is not going to be competitive.
Ariza has had a few good games now and is in a bargain deal for a 3 and D guy. Jones is on a rookie deal. I think the price for both is quite attractive.
Melo is the biggest garbage for his price Knicks gave him 2 super max deals now. Ariza and Jones are extremely affordable Jones is in a rookie contract and Ariza at 7M is a steal. Lawson has a bad comtract but even its not as bad as Melo and it is expiring.