Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

[goh]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

July 1, 2010. That's all us Nets fans have to look forward to. At least that's what management is telling us...

When your choices are New Jersery,New York,LA,Miami,Toronto or Chicago (and possibly Denver?) I can't imagine New Jesery is high on that list.

Marion is getting 8 million as an offer from Toronto...If he's smart he will accept. 4 years to boot.

I hope he doesn't...I'd rather go after Marvin or Marquis.

Me too though I also don't see why they don't offer Odom anything. At least put it out there even if he's staying with the Lakers,give him something to think about.

[Cebby]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

When your choices are New Jersery,New York,LA,Miami,Toronto or Chicago (and possibly Denver?) I can't imagine New Jesery is high on that list.

Me too though I also don't see why they don't offer Odom anything. At least put it out there even if he's staying with the Lakers,give him something to think about..

New Jersey is certainly ahead of Toronto. Nobody wants to go to Toronto.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

When your choices are New Jersery,New York,LA,Miami,Toronto or Chicago (and possibly Denver?) I can't imagine New Jesery is high on that list.

It is when your team is not playing in Jersey past next year.

[Vince]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

New Jersey is certainly ahead of Toronto. Nobody wants to go to Toronto.

All Euro/White players want to go to Toronto.

I'll just say Toronto is one of the best cities in North American

[Slymm]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

Ric Bucher's top 20 free agents(per ESPN insider)

*UFA = unrestricted free agent
*RFA = restricted free agent


1. Hedo Turkoglu, SF/PF, Magic (UFA)
His game: Playmaking forward who is as close to LeBron James as any 30-year-old in the league can be. Very good passer but a better scorer, particularly in the clutch. Has complete face-up game -- 3s off the dribble, pull-up jumpers and the ability to finish at the rim. Size and length discourage most teams from attacking him defensively, but without a shot-blocker behind him, he's an easy mark.



Right system: In short: Orlando's. Doesn't have stamina to orchestrate offense all night but is fearless when needed. Has to have shooters spacing the floor because his handle is shaky in traffic. Also needs a strong team-defense concept.



Wrong system: A point guard-dominated one or any emphasizing pick-and-rolls or a drive-and-kick style in which he's not directly involved. Loses much of his value if he's merely a spot-up threat or a third option. Up-tempo is not his strength, either, because he has amazing skills but average athleticism for a small forward/power forward.



Best fits: Magic, Pistons, Blazers, Grizzlies, Bucks

2. Ben Gordon, SG, Bulls (UFA)
His game: Scorer, pure and simple. Despite his size (6-foot-3), he can elevate and knock down contested jumpers off the dribble against almost anybody and get to the rim. Quick brakes and release are the keys. Mediocre or worse in every other aspect of the game, but you can count on between 20 to 30 points every night and half of those in the fourth quarter.



Right system: Simple and wide-open with a place to hide him on defense. Teammates who will do the dirty work without complaint and a point guard strong enough to keep the rest of the team involved and defend the opposing shooting guard.



Wrong system: Low-scoring, defensive-oriented team that sees him as anything more than a designated scorer. Not likely to mesh with a star who expects to get the ball at crunch time. Has to have an agile shot-blocker behind him to discourage opponents from exploiting his size and overall lack of defense.



Best fits: Bulls, Hawks, Mavericks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Hornets



Update: Agreed to contract with the Detroit Pistons.

3. Andre Miller, PG, 76ers (UFA)
His game: Strong on pick-and-rolls and post-ups. Remarkably effective when getting into the paint, considering he is not a threat from farther than 20 feet. Much better finisher than passer in the paint, unless it's a lob. Uses his size and strength well when he can get up into his man on defense; capable of guarding both 2s and 1s.



Right system: A self-sufficient one in which he can be a closer rather than creator. Works well as a calming influence in an up-tempo attack. Exceptional rebounder for a point guard, so when he's paired with athletic wings, there are lots of transition points.



Wrong system: Anything that asks him to be a traditional point guard. A post-up big man limits the best parts of his game. Needs a star who draws double-teams and an alley-oop big man to open up his midrange game.



Best fits: 76ers, Blazers, Warriors, Heat, Raptors, Knicks, Pacers



4. Rasheed Wallace, PF/C, Pistons (UFA)
His game: Unlimited jump-shooting range with ability to turn and score over either shoulder in the post. Excellent help and on-the-ball defender when he's in the mood; has strength to play behind and length to three-quarters on the block. Smartest all-around post defender in the league.



Right system: Half-court, slower tempo, now that age has cut his endurance. Requires a commanding, battle-tested coach because he won't hesitate to go off the reservation at the first whiff of uncertainty or incompetence. Needs an aggressive No. 1 offensive option because he would rather play off a star than be one. A team and coach with a defensive focus are important to keep him committed to the cause.



Wrong system: One without clearly defined roles. Or a team that relies on him night in and night out, offensively or defensively, or with a coach still learning the ropes.



Best fits: Celtics, Mavericks, Spurs, Magic




5. Lamar Odom PF/SF, Lakers, (UFA)
His game: Ultimate facilitator, the basketball equivalent of a utility infielder. Capable of a little of everything -- post scoring, 3-pointers, dribble drives, assists, rebounds, blocked shots -- and usually does exactly that.



Right system: Any that he can enhance rather than engineer. Needs a strong leader, an understanding coach and hard-nosed guys next to him up front to handle the physical chores in the paint. The more structure, the better, because decision-making is suspect.



Wrong system: An inflexible one that counts on him to contribute in a specific area. He does not impose his will, so it's paramount that he finds a matchup he can exploit naturally. Can't be the best or second-best player.



Best fits: Lakers, Spurs, Magic, Celtics



6. Trevor Ariza, SF, Lakers (UFA)
His game: Streaky 3-point shooter, good finisher off cuts, but marginal handle and no midrange jumper off the dribble. Tenacious, eager defender, both on the ball and in passing lanes. Quick and lanky but surprisingly strong, so he can defend bigger players in the post.



Right system: A structured defensive-oriented one with at least one playmaker, because he's not comfortable shooting contested jumpers. Extremely quiet, so leadership has to come from elsewhere. Very adept at moving without the ball and a willing passer, so he flourishes in a pass-and-cut offense.



Wrong system: Freewheeling, drive-and-kick in which he has to handle or be a playmaker. His 3-point shot still isn't good enough to be a staple of his game.



Best fits: Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Bobcats, Magic, Spurs, Rockets, Pistons, Jazz

7. Anderson Varejao, PF/C, Cavaliers
His game: Defensive stopper on the post, clever moving without the ball, chasing loose balls and rebounds for extra possessions, excellent help defender in every way except as a shot-blocker. Deceptively agile and athletic. Finishes well around the rim in traffic. Jump shot is improving but still unreliable.



Right system: Defensive-oriented with four offensive threats around him, leaving him free to score off putbacks and backdoor cuts. Drive-and-kick in which he's the big rolling to the basket.



Wrong system: Post-player-dominated offense or scheme based on pick-and-rolls in which he's not involved. Those frameworks eliminate his cuts off the ball for baskets or chances for putbacks.



Best fits: Cavaliers, Celtics, Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets, Thunder, Suns



8. Marvin Williams, SF, Hawks (RFA)
His game: Versatile scorer, especially now that he has developed corner 3-point range. Can isolate and score on post moves or face-up drives. Might have been Hawks' best defender when healthy; developing into stopper for league's growing legion of playmaking small forwards.



Right system: Handle still needs improvement, so he needs shooters/scorers who space the floor. Good transition finisher. Would flourish with a disciplined defensive team.



Wrong system: One built around a dominant, scoring post player, because the best part of his offensive game is around the paint, and his 3-point shooting isn't that good.



Best fits: Heat, Mavericks, Blazers, Pistons, Bulls, Hawks



9. Jason Kidd, PG, Mavericks (UFA)
His game: Vast change from Kidd of yesteryear. Now he's a respectable spot-up shooter and defender who plays angles and shepherds his man into help. Still has uncanny ability to find an open man with the game on the line, milk a hot hand or recognize a mismatch. Good post-up threat but no longer finishes in traffic. Pass-ahead, fast-break starter off rebounds.



Right system: A balanced offense that he can initiate, but which features a threat who requires double teams. Still good in a team-defense concept, so needs smart teammates and an organized coach. Athletic wings are a must to exploit his outlet passes and protect him on defense. Lots of off-the-ball, pass-and-cut movement allows him to use his passing, vision and timing.



Wrong system: A rip-and-run offensive style with no title-contending hopes or aspirations or players capable of moving without the ball.



Best fits: Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers, Rockets, Magic, Hawks, Celtics



10. Ron Artest, SF, Rockets (UFA)
His game: A matchup nightmare because of his 3-point shooting, handle and physical ability to take contact and still score. Enlivened by defensive challenges, his strength, tenacity and deceptive agility -- even if it has diminished -- make him a rather aggravating cover guy.



Right system: Half-court game with a calm, communicating coach adept at exploiting offensive mismatches. A team with a solid decision-making star who has enough game to command Artest's trust and respect.



Wrong system: My-way-or-the-highway coach without a star bigger than Artest, one that demands its small forward make plays or one that has no chance at the playoffs.



Best fits: Lakers, Rockets, Celtics, Cavaliers



11. Mike Bibby, PG, Hawks (UFA)
His game: One of the best 3-point-shooting PGs in league. Still effective on pick-and-rolls but more of a set-up-the-offense, flare-to-the-corner type now. A defensive liability but better in a strong team concept. Is not a playmaker but doesn't try to be one; moves the ball on the perimeter, happy to feed and play off a bona fide star.



Right system: Thrives with passing big men, a slower pace, a player's coach and at least one screen-setting big man. Long, athletic, hard-nosed wings are recommended so he can hide on defense.



Wrong system: Anything that requires him to create shots or provide dribble penetration. A team that lacks a shot-blocker or at least one defensive-oriented wing.



Best fits: Hawks, Blazers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Wizards, Hornets



12. Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Raptors (UFA)
His game: Even though age has somewhat diminished his legendary pogo-stick legs, the faster the game, the better he is. Unheralded defender, both helping and on the ball. Moves well off the ball and has array of flip shots from 10 feet and in. Can make 3s but at this point is most effective when he keeps those to a minimum.



Right system: Up-tempo with a first-rate passing point guard. Moves well enough that he can play with or without a dominant post player.



Wrong system: Lots of chuckers, because Marion's energy suffers without touches and when his defensive responsibilities are overly isolated.



Best fits: Knicks, Hornets, Bulls, 76ers, Suns, Raptors



13. Paul Millsap, PF, Jazz (RFA)
His game: Space-eater around the rim. Tenacious rebounder, especially good at cleaning up the offensive boards. Can score in the post but limited as a passer. Face-up game is almost acceptable. No jumper beyond 15 feet. Not a shot-blocker but very good at keeping bigger, more talented players off the block or away from their spots.



Right system: Needs shooters around him and a playmaking, penetrating point guard. Works best in a structured system in which he has a well-defined, contributing role.



Wrong system: An up-tempo, free-flowing offense or a defense without a shot-blocker or solid perimeter defenders. Has neither shot-blocking chops nor agility to help on dribble drives. Would get lost next to a post-dominating big man.



Best fits: Jazz, Blazers, Suns, Celtics, Pistons, Nuggets



14. Drew Gooden, PF, Spurs (UFA)
His game: Designated post-up scorer. Is not going to block shots or find cutters but is an above-average rebounder and can create shots for himself on the block, a precious commodity.



Right system: A simple but disciplined one, where his marching orders are clear. Look for him to provide points when the offense bogs down and jumpers are not falling, and he won't disappoint.



Wrong system: A read-and-react format in which he has to provide a defensive post presence or make plays.



Best fits: Spurs, Bulls, Heat, Blazers



15. Allen Iverson, PG/SG, Pistons (UFA)
His game: Improvisational scorer, still capable of breaking down almost any defender off the dribble. Age, plus wear and tear, has him relying more on his midrange jumper than getting to the rim. Needs a strong but thoughtful coach to keep him focused and committed.



Right system: A team that has a need for an electric scorer off the bench, featuring a loose, offensive-oriented attack and a locker room/coach strong enough to keep him happy with that role. Preferably without a post scorer to clog up the lane.



Wrong system: Highly structured scheme that doesn't have at least two excellent perimeter defenders to hide Iverson's steal-or-else defensive approach. A coach without a pedigree would not be good, either.



Best fits: Magic, Warriors, Wizards, Celtics, Suns



16. David Lee, PF/C, Knicks (RFA)
His game: Energy and defense without needing plays called for him. Will sacrifice his body on screens and charges. Undersized but athletic, hard-nosed and low-maintenance. Rebound and loose-ball fiend. Good hands and decent with putbacks and finishing around the rim off pick-and-roll. Not much of a threat beyond 15 feet or on post-ups. Willing help defender, but not a shot-blocker.



Right system: Up-tempo is ideal because he'll outrun most bigs in transition. Need at least three scorers, ideally four, so he has room and reason to chase down rebounds and putbacks. Can't play off an offensive post threat because he doesn't have the jumper to space the floor. Mobile enough to show on the guard in pick-and-roll defense and get back to a rolling big.



Wrong system: A methodical half-court set with a dominant scoring center who is not a shot-blocker.



Best fits: Suns, Blazers, Jazz, Rockets, Thunder, Warriors



17. Linas Kleiza, SF, Nuggets (RFA)
His game: Streaky spot-up shooter from 3-point range. No real in-between game. Unafraid to go strong to the rim and has the muscle to take contact and finish. Good lane-filler on the break. Willing on-the-ball defender who fights over screens and uses his size well to crowd opponents. Not much of a help defender.



Right system: Needs a playmaking point guard or double-team-drawing star because he doesn't create his own shot. Better in a team-oriented, lock-'em-up defensive system with a bona fide shot-blocker so he can crowd opponents and use his strength without fear of getting beat off the dribble. Also better in a structured offense because he moves without the ball well and understands spacing.



Wrong system: An up-and-down style with lots of one-on-one play because he'll get lost in the shuffle, which is what happened in Denver last season.



Best fits: Cavs, Lakers, Hornets, Spurs, Magic



18. Channing Frye, SF/PF, Blazers (RFA)
His game: Solid jump shooter with 3-point range. Unafraid to take and make crunch-time shots, even when playing limited minutes. High basketball IQ. Not a physical player but can post up players his size or smaller. Limited defensively by his size and strength but makes an effort.



Right system: A drive-and-kick offense willing and able to move the ball around the perimeter and disciplined defense with willing and able help defenders. Not a shot-blocker, so he needs to be protected -- not the protector -- around the rim.



Wrong system: Up-tempo, fast-break style. Just not quick or explosive enough to make that work as an undersized power forward. Not going to flourish with a shoot-first point guard, either.



Best fits: Pistons, Heat, Magic




19. Charlie Villanueva, SF/PF Bucks (UFA)


His Game: Intriguing combination of 3-point range, an above-average handle and an underrated post game. His languid body language obscures an exceptional skill set (think Lamar Odom). Shot selection is suspect at times and commitment to defense comes and goes, but seems to have the mentality that he can score on anybody and is willing to die trying.




Right System: Any that can put four quality defenders on the floor, because a winning team can't afford more than one bad one and Charlie has that locked up. A dominant point guard who can feed Villanueva when he's hot (and keep the ball out of his hands when he's not) also would help.




Wrong System: The kind that gives its players too much freedom. It can't be an accident that Villanueva flourished under Scott Skiles, who is pretty explicit with his expectations.




Best Fits: Spurs, Pistons, Cavaliers, Celtics, Magic, Lakers, Bobcats, Pacers, Blazers



Update: Agreed to contract with the Detroit Pistons.




20. Zaza Pachulia, C, Hawks (UFA)


His Game: Physical screener, good at using his body around the rim to get off shots with either hand, has an appetite for contact at both ends. Looks mechanical but can execute every basic facet -- pass, medium-range jump shot, post-up in single coverage, challenge shots -- needed from the pivot.




Right System: Can raise his level to the players around him, but isn't going to raise theirs. Needs a structured half-court system, ideally with an athletic power forward next to him and shooters who allow him to be isolated in the post.




Wrong System: Any scheme that requires speed, improvisation or anything more than dirty work from its center.




Best Fits: Raptors, Hawks, Rockets, Heat, Pistons

[goh]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

I dobut a place nicknamed the swamp is ahead of Toronto.

How much would the Raptors have after Marion if he signs? I think Hakim Warrick would be pretty useful to them.

[23]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

POR

now dont forget that Martell is coming back too

stack em up stack em up

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

It's been said often that Blake/Outlaw will be traded for Andre Miller

[55]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

It's been said often that Blake/Outlaw will be traded for Andre Miller

Yep, I've read that from like 5-6 different sources this week. The Blazers look like they are going to be dangerous next year. Miller, Roy, Turkoglu, Aldridge, Oden is a pretty damn good lineup.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

I dobut a place nicknamed the swamp is ahead of Toronto.

No but a place named Brooklyn is.

[Kashanova]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

No but a place named Brooklyn is.

which is like 2-3 years from now.

[Cebby]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

I dobut a place nicknamed the swamp is ahead of Toronto.

New Jersey can at least resign their star players. All 3 of their worthwhile players have left (or will leave next year) through free agency aside from Carter who just demanded a trade.

To my knowledge, their biggest free agent signing was overpaying for Kapono. Personally, Toronto over New Jersey isn't even a question for me, but people in the NBA apparently don't agree.

[Vince]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

It's been said often that Blake/Outlaw will be traded for Andre Miller

Dre Miller is amazing with young up and coming teams...He will do wonders for the Blazers.

[Vince]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

New Jersey can at least resign their star players.

...

Carter had no problems re-signing with the Raptors. Neither did Antonio Davis.

Toronto is not an attractable NBA destination simply because our team has sucked more often than not.

So many NBA players are there every summer for Carabana and they love the place.

[Flyboy]

Re: Official NBA Offseason/Player Movement Thread

Yep, I've read that from like 5-6 different sources this week. The Blazers look like they are going to be dangerous next year. Miller, Roy, Turkoglu, Aldridge, Oden is a pretty damn good lineup.

Ouch!