| An Early Look at Free Agents from Other Teams Authored by David Mosley - March 15, 2005 - 12:35 am
| Current Featured Columns | | The First Three Weeks of 2008-09 Now that we’ve had a little time to watch free agency unfold, along with the usual accompaniment of trades, let’s look at some of the key moves and how they impact the teams involved.
Grading The Deal: W's Sign Maggette And TuriafThe Boom Dizzle era is over, and the Warriors quickly recovered by signing two nice pieces to complement their young core.
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POINT GUARD – You can bet that point guard will be addressed this summer either through the draft or through free agency. There aren’t any superstars available this summer but there are bunch of guys that would upgrade the Bobcats current situation.
1. Earl Watson (RFA) – Earl wouldn’t be the flashiest signing we could make but he would certainly be an upgrade to Jason Hart and he’s younger and a better defender than Brevin Knight. Earl would give Bernie a tenacious defender out front to anchor his pressure defense, similar to what Bernie had with Nate McMillan in Seattle. Watson is not the long term solution at point guard but he would give the Bobcats some time if they don’t draft a point guard this summer.
2. Jeff McInnis (UFA) – McInnis played high school ball at West Charlotte and went to college at North Carolina. Three years ago I would have argued that McInnis returning home to Charlotte would be a disaster. He has matured since then and now might be willing to ride off into the sunset as the hometown hero, well maybe not a hero but…. McInnis would be a valuable veteran addition if the Bobcats are unable to resign Knight and he might also be willing to mentor a young point guard in the process.
3. Marco Jaric (RFA) – At some point the Clippers have to give the team over to Shaun Livingston so don’t be surprised to see Jaric playing somewhere else next year and it might as well be Charlotte. Jaric is a big, unselfish guard capable of playing both guard spots. He is also a tough defender which would be a welcome addition to a team routinely gets killed on the perimeter.
4. Bobby Jackson (UFA) – Bobby Jackson is the best thing to happen to Salisbury since the invention of the train (no offense to Elizabeth Dole). He is another local product who might welcome a return home. Obviously the injuries are a concern but when healthy there is no better reserve, combo guard in the league. He would be the perfect spark plug for a team that has serious offensive droughts at times.
5. Chris Duhon (RFA) – It’s not very likely the Bulls will let him get away but I included him anyway. Duhon has proven he belongs and a return to North Carolina would be nice. There seems to be an common theme here.
Others to consider – Dan Dickau, Keith McLeod, Steve Blake, Darrell Armstrong and Frank Williams
SHOOTING GUARD – This is easily the deepest position in terms big name free agents, some of which won’t even sniff the Bobcats direction, namely Ray Allen and Michael Redd. This is also the Bobcats weakest position so Bernie must take a long look at these guys.
1. Joe Johnson (RFA) – I realize the Bobcats chances of signing Johnson seem virtually impossible but this is the one guy that I think Bernie might consider throwing big money at this summer. It would take a near max deal to lure him away from the Suns but he seems like the perfect fit to what the Bobcats are doing. He is long, can play three positions and can shoot the lights out.
2. Larry Hughes (UFA) – If someone would have suggested this move to me a year ago I would have kicked them in the teeth. However, just like Ali Larter says in Varsity Blues, “things change Mox”. Gone is the Hughes that played like a cheap version of World B. Free. Now Hughes is a borderline All-star. Put Hughes next to Gerald Wallace and you have the makings of a nasty wing combo.
3. Ronald Murray (RFA) – Here’s hoping that the Sonics are so preoccupied with re-signing Allen the Bobcats are able to steal Murray away. Murray considers himself the next player in a long line of combo guards, like Gilbert Arenas and Dwyane Wade that have made the transition to point guard. There lies the problem with Murray. Do you want him to play point guard even though he is likely to call his own number every other time down the court or can he learn how to play without the ball and embrace his inner shooting guard?
Others to consider – Willie Green, Jon Barry, Raja Bell, Juan Dixon, Richie Frahm and Devin Brown
SMALL FORWARD – Assuming the Bobcats can re-sign Gerald Wallace; small forward is not really an area of concern. However, if there is a chance to upgrade, the Bobcats must at least consider some of the following players.
1. Vladimir Radmanovic (RFA) – Radmanovic is another one of the many key free agents the Sonics have to deal with this summer. Since they already have big money tied up in Rashard Lewis it’s possible the Sonics will pass on re-signing Radmanovic, especially if the offer is larger that he is worth. The reoccurring theme here is the Bobcats will probably have to overpay in order to convince any of the bigger free agents to come to Charlotte at this early point in the franchise.
2. Bobby Simmons (UFA) – Once again I am laughing at the Clippers ability to re-sign there own free agents. Simmons surprised everyone this season and will now be one of the hottest free agents around. He is a tough defender, a good rebounder for his size and he has a fantastic mid range jump shot. The big question is whether or not Simmons can keep up this level of play for more than one season.
3. Kyle Korver (RFA) – Bernie talks about wanting to add shooters to surround Primoz Brezec and Emeka Okafor, well there is none better than Korver. Jason Kapono probably has posters of Korver hanging over his bed. Obviously, it would take a huge offer to scare away the Sixers from re-signing Korver. Is overpaying for Korver worth it? I doubt it, but I’m not Bernie
4. Walter Herrmann (UFA) – I’m not just pulling names out a hat here. There has actually been talk that the Bobcats have some interest in signing the Argentinean Fabio. Herrmann is no Luis Scolia or Andres Nocioni, but he’s still an interesting prospect. I’m in favor of anything that comes from Team Argentina. Those dudes just know how to play basketball the right way.
Others to consider – Nikoloz Tskitishvili, James Jones, Bostjan Nachbar, Lee Nailon and Luke Walton
POWER FORWARD – With Okafor and Melvin Ely around the Bobcats won’t be looking to go after any of the big name power forwards, like Donyell Marshall, Kwame Brown, Stromile Swift or Sharif Adbur-Rahim. However they might try to find veteran to help bring Okafor along or another young forward to provide depth.
1. Udonis Haslem (RFA) – Consider this a long shot, a real long shot. It’s doubtful that Haslem would want to give up a starting role next to Superman on a team fighting for rings, to play behind Okafor, even if it’s for more money. It’s also doubtful that Bernie would spend this much money on a backup. Stranger things have happened.
2. Reggie Evans (RFA) – I’m really not trying to start a fight with Seattle fans, I promise. Evans is the tough, firecracker type that every team needs coming off the bench. Hopefully, Evans realizes his days as a starter are numbered and can welcome the role of bench bully with open arms.
3. Dale Davis (UFA) – Dale still has some gas left in the tank and he might be willing to return to the South to play mentor for a few seasons. Okafor could learn a lot from a former bruiser like Davis and playing in Charlotte just might be enough to rejuvenate Davis for a few more seasons. Of course the old man just might retire as well.
Others to consider – Matt Bonner, Othella Harrington, Mikki Moore, Bo Outlaw and Brian Scalabrine
CENTER - Any time you have the chance to add a quality center you have to take a look. Although the Bobcats won’t be in the running for the likes of Zydrunas Ilgauskas or Eddy Curry, they just make a run at the next tier of centers that will be available.
1. Tyson Chandler (RFA) – Most everyone thinks that Curry and Chandler both re-signing with the Bulls is a lock. I’ll believe it when I see it. Until then, Chandler will remain at the top spot on my center priority list. Tyson, paired with Okafor, would give the Bobcats an absolutely terrifying frontcourt. They may only have once post move combined but defensively they would be awesome. Of course, since Chandler is a restricted free agent, the offer from the Bobcats would have to be impressive, very impressive.
2. Samuel Dalembert (RFA) – I’m not sold that Dalembert will ever be worth the money he’s probably going to get this summer but the Bobcats might at least entertain the idea of making him an offer. Like Chandler, Dalembert paired with Okafor would make an awesome defensive duo. Unfortunately, Dalembert seems to lack the same fire that Chandler plays with.
3. Jerome James (UFA) – Ok this Seattle stuff is out of control. James is finally playing in the neighborhood of the contract he signed 3 years ago. It’s doubtful his next deal will be worth as much money. James will give some team a solid backup center for many years unless that team is really hurting at center like say…Seattle. He won’t beat out Brezec, but he’s surely an upgrade from playing Ely out of position at center.
4. Dan Gadzuric (RFA) – It’s possible that a team could come in a steal Gadzuric away from the Bucks while they are negotiating with Redd this summer. Gadzuric, like James, should make some team a great backup for many years. Gadzuric, who is the 3rd best thing about the Netherlands behind…well, you can figure it out, would compliment Brezec and Okafor nicely with his ability to block shots and run the floor.
Others to consider - DeSagana Diop, Vitatly Potapenko and Zaza Pachulia |
