NBA Rumors: 20 Guys We'd Like Contraction to Eliminate From The NBA
Despite LeBron not knowing what the word "contraction" actually means, the rest of the NBA is very much aware of talks to shrink the number of teams in the league.
This move would undoubtedly strengthen the talent on every roster, and force some of the more marginal players around the league to look elsewhere for employment.
Even if you're a fan of one of the elite teams, there's probably still someone sitting at the end of the bench who you wished wasn't a part of the squad.
20. Sherron Collins, PG Charlotte Bobcats
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We'll give him a slight pass because he is still so young, but boy was everyone surprised when Collins heard his name called in the most recent NBA draft.
After an atrocious showing in the NCAA Tournament last March, Collins embarrassed himself in front of a national audience and hasn't done much to recover.
He's gone back and forth between the D-League this season, and is averaging just 0.7 pts, 0.1 rebs, and 0.4 assists per game on the big stage.
19. Luke Walton, SF Los Angeles Lakers
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After signing a lucrative multi-year extension to stay with the team a few seasons back, Walton has been firmly buried at the end of the Lakers bench for quite some time.
He used to be able during his time at Arizona, but it's no surprise to see him airball from beyond the arc these days.
The veteran is a good passer, but at this point, that's about it. And given the fact that his back is liable to go out on him at any moment?
Maybe he'd do better against Euroleague competition.
18. Steve Novak, F Dallas Mavericks
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Novak can shoot the three, but that's just about the only thing he does.
Proudly rocking his New Balance basketball shoes the few times he actually does see action on the hardwood, Novak is notorious for just hanging around the perimeter hoping for a shot to open up.
He might have moved on from the Clippers, but when they don't have an interest in re-signing you, perhaps it's time to re-think the value you actually offer.
17. Johan Petro, C New Jersey Nets
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It still surprises me that Petro was a first round pick, but height is the one thing that you can't teach.
Although he's just 24 (about to be 25), the big man from France is already on his third NBA team and hasn't been able to carve out a significant role on any of them.
With a career field goal percentage under 50 percent and a less than inspiring presence on the glass, contraction could force Petro to take his talents back to Europe.
16. Cartier Martin, SG Washington Wizards
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Martin is the type of borderline NBA talent that would have a really hard time finding employment if there were fewer teams.
He's bounced around quite a bit on short-term ten day contracts, and despite his current role on the Wizards, we're talking about a bench that also features Lester Hudson in a significant role.
This swingman would be best served really honing his talent in the D-League or Europe and then trying his hand at the NBA once again when he's ready to elevate to the next level.
15. Jason Collins, C Atlanta Hawks
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Didn't you know that the Lopez brothers weren't the only twin big men from Stanford?
His brother Jarron was just waived by the Los Angeles Clippers, yet Jason finds himself starting on some nights for the underachieving Atlanta Hawks.
A career 41 percent field goal percentage is inexcusable for someone that is seven feet tall, and he hasn't been a contributor since the 2006-07 season when he was forced into heavy duty for a pathetic Nets team.
14. Sean Marks, C Portland Trail Blazers
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Portland might just be the only team that Marks could play for right now given the slew of injuries they've had at the big man position this season.
Believe it or not, the man from New Zealand has spent at least a part of each season in the league since the 1998-99 campaign. He doesn't offer much more than just a big body to trot out there and soak up space, but sometimes that's all a team needs at the end of the bench.
He never commands much of a salary, but he never really commands much of a presence during his playing time, either.
13. Charlie Bell, SG Golden State Warriors
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Bell fell out of the league once before, and appears to be in danger of doing so once again.
After landing with Golden State this offseason, Bell has done absolutely nothing, and may be wondering if he can find more money and minutes if he goes international.
A divorce would probably benefit both parties, as Bell's game is best suited for somewhere he can garner major minutes.
Perhaps he should consider China.
12. Robin Lopez, C Phoenix Suns
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The real life Sideshow Bob has half the talent of his twin brother Brook, if that.
He's been the starting center for the Suns pretty much by default, but now the recent acquisition of Marcin Gortat has exposed Lopez for the bum that he truly is.
Sure, he's a big body, but his work ethic is a serious question mark, and his stats haven't exactly been eye popping since he entered the NBA ranks.
11. Chris Quinn, PG San Antonio Spurs
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It is utterly shocking that Quinn is on the best team in the NBA.
This guy doesn't even look like he could find court time at his local Y, let alone on a championship contender.
It's no surprise that he went undrafted out of Notre Dame at just 6'0" and 175 lbs, and with a career average playing time of under 15 minutes per game, it's unlikely that he'll secure anything long-term while his NBA days are still alive.
Barely.
10. Dan Gadzuric, C Golden State Warriors
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Another Warriors player makes the list.
A product of the Netherlands, Gadzuric played an incredible eight seasons with Milwaukee before finally moving on this last offseason.
The definition of an insurance policy, at least he's capable of actually adding some value when he's on the court.
He'd be a star in professional basketball in his homeland, and after seeing his playing time decrease drastically over the last few seasons, that might not be a bad idea.
9. Darius Songalia, PF Philadelphia 76ers
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Songalia has appeared in just five games this season for Philadelphia, and frankly I'm not too sure if anyone has even noticed.
The product of the USSR has really had a tough time with his new team after three straight seasons of playing 70-plus games, and the end may not too far in the distance for this veteran.
At 32 years old and with little to offer, even a buyout may not save his playing days at the highest level.
8. Sundiata Gaines, PG Minnesota Timberwolves
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When people are still talking about a miracle shot from the 2009-10 season, it's probable that the following year hasn't been quite as kind.
After Gaines joined the Jazz out of the D-League last season, he enjoyed some marginal success that was heavily fueled by momentum.
Now? He's barely getting off the bench for the lowly Timberwolves, and would be better suited making much more money and gaining infinitely increased notoriety in a European league.
7. Carlos Arroyo, PG Miami Heat
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It pains me to think that Arroyo could very well win a championship ring this season.
The product of Puerto Rico is enjoying a career year, but that was obvious enough when the team re-signed Wade and then brought in LeBron and Chris Bosh to boot.
He has no place starting for any team, let alone on the bench. He's already fallen out of the league once, and it wouldn't be surprising to see it happen again.
6. Brian Cardinal, PF Dallas Mavericks
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It's amazing that Cardinal has been able to last this long.
The product of Purdue has never once played a full complement of games in the regular season, and he's looked rather suspect since he's been forced to play recently in the wake of the injury to Dirk Nowitzki.
As soon as his current contract expires, it seems probable that Cardinal will hang them up.
Thankfully.
5. Brian Scalabrine, PF Chicago Bulls
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Interest was so scarce in Scalabrine this offseason that he almost didn't find a job.
Thankfully, one of his old coaches during his tenure in Boston, Tom Thibodeau, was named head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Now playing for the Bulls, the only time he hears his name called to go into the game is in garbage time when the game has already been decided.
Even he must know that his future in the league is looking a little bleak.
4. Hamed Haddadi, C Memphis Grizzlies
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The crazed Iranian only has one thing more furious than his eyebrows: His temper.
After repeatedly getting into trouble with his girlfriend, it's no wonder he can't keep his focus on the court.
And frankly, there isn't a worse spot for Haddadi to even try and grow as a player. With Hasheem Thabeet garnering the majority of the playing time behind Marc Gasol given where he was selected in the draft, Haddadi isn't going to see any extensive action.
3. Timofey Mozgov, C New York Knicks
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How in the world did Mozgov get a three-year contract worth nearly $10 million?
He's 7'1" and has impressive athleticism for a man of his size, but is that potential really worth that much money?
The Knicks seemed to think so, but perhaps the more telling sign is the rest of the league's unwillingness to invest in this long-term project.
2. DJ Mbenga, C New Orleans Hornets
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He has two world championship rings to his credit, and that's two more than Karl Malone.
However, that's not going to help Mbenga's stock around the league. While he's proved to be a great humanitarian to his native Congo, his success in the league has been rather sparse, and he's an absolute atrocity on the offensive end.
With little touch around the rim and not many defensive skills in his repertoire, his playing days may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
1. Kwame Brown, Charlotte Bobcats
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Brown could go down as one of the biggest flops in NBA history.
After being selected No. 1 overall straight out of high school by Michael Jordan, it's no wonder that Brown is in Charlotte under the tutelage of, you guessed it, Michael Jordan.
Kwame has thoroughly disappointed throughout his tenure in the league, having never averaged double-digit rebounds, and only averaging double-digit points in a single season.
This is his fifth team since he came into the league, and unless Jordan sells the Bobcats and joins another organization, this could be the big man's final chance.
