NBA Free Agency 2011: Top Targets for Every Team in the NBA
Consider it the eye of the storm or, perhaps, the calm before the chaos: the 2011 Free Agency period is one for the stat nerds and the crafty GMs; those looking for a roster fix, not a star signing. Yes, 2010 was perhaps one of the largest free agent periods in league history while 2012 has it's own jaw dropping assortment of talent on the market (Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and Andrew Bynum are the headliners). But 2011 will determine the complex makeup of a team; little bursts of light as opposed to eye blinding stars.
2011, no doubt, will be a 'down' year (unless you really think Tim Duncan will leave the Spurs). But, for the wise and the patient, the 2011 free agency period has plenty of tools that can help teams in need. They aren't headline bursting signings-in-the-making but they are the types of players that can win you a game in the playoffs, get you in the playoffs if you weren't already there, or at least bring some much needed energy to a tired club.
2011 contains 113 unrestricted free agents and 39 restricted free agents and they all got to go somewhere. Here is a breakdown of what each team needs during the offseason via free agency.
**Note: any names in bold are members of the free agency class that I am recommending
The Atlanta Hawks: Size Matters
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Atlanta's has gone about as far as it can go in it's current configuration. Atlanta will inevitably meet up with personal Southeast Division buzzsaw Orlando in the playoffs in what will likely be yet another early playoff exit (since 2008, the Hawks are 5-11 against the Magic, including a playoff sweep in '10; however, the Hawks did win 3 of 4 this year).
Spending loads of money on Joe Johnson, who remains statistically impressive, doesn't exactly hurt the Hawks, but it doesn't help them progress either. And while Orlando is only one team that the Hawks struggle against that utilizes big men, it is becoming clear, in this PG/SF NBA, that having a big man, or, at the very least, a physical forward, helps.
Now Atlanta has Al Horford, a 6-10 15-9 guy and that's fine. Josh Smith is probably one of the three best defensive players in the league. And Zaza Pachulia is a bruiser who embodies what the Hawks need more of on their roster. But Zaza doesn't contribute much beyond the intangibles hence less playing time.
Other then that, the Hawks have three other 'bigs' that are not only under-performing but are also unrestricted free agents in the offseason (Jason Collins, Josh Powell, and Etan Thomas). Yes, you need height, power, AND skills so these three guys aren't exactly game changers BUT if they lose them in the free agency period, their stuck with Horford and Pachulia and no other bodies.
So my thoughts are that Atlanta should target a big (or 'biggish') man who can score and isn't soft. Rebounding and defense isn't necessarily a must as Josh Smith has that covered. Thus, I think the Hawks should pursue Nene or Kenyon Martin from the Nuggets (both unrestricted free agents), Zack Randolph from the Grizzlies, or Tyson Chandler from the Mavs.
Nene will shoot a high percentage and provide the hustle and bulk Pachulia does with extra scoring while Martin is a great defender (bonus) who can chip in 8-11 PPG. Randolph is Randolph: scoring loads, bringing the muscle, and providing an All-Star to any roster. Meanwhile, childish maturity issues aside, Chandler provides the obvious length and double-double possibility.
Horford is small enough to move to the PF and Smith is agile enough for the SF to allow Chandler in while Nene could be playing center-minutes at PF with Horford still in at C. A bruising line-up like that can add toughness and prevent slashing teams from easily getting to the hole (with three legit shot blockers).
It could work from an Xs and Os perspective. . .the money will be the key. All of this, of course, depends on where free agent Jamal Crawford goes. He's a valuable sixth man who can score. Losing him or keeping him doesn't change the picks from above from being the best options BUT it does influence who the Hawks would prefer: agile scorer or tall, bruising garbageman.
Boston Celtics: ?????
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The Celtics have a whopping ten free agents on their roster this year (9 unrestricted, 1 restricted). While one is surely to retire a C (Ray Allen), the rest could go anywhere and the trade deadline is passed. Add aging superstars like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and the soon-to-be-retiring Doc Rivers and the Celtics are a team on the horizon, looking at the limited days ahead as opposed to the loads of days behind.
Many feel this is their last shot at a title now that the Bulls are rising and the Heat formed their super team but history has shown us to never count out the Celtics, ever.
But predicting who there free agent targets are for 2011 is nearly impossible without knowing who is leaving and who is staying. So, we'll examine who is free to go and how the Celtics need to handle them:
- Ray Allen (he'll resign; 99.9% sure) KEEP
- Carlos Arroyo (has been marginally helpful on other teams but not a priority) DITCH
- Glen Davis (they need to keep him, especially now that Perkins is gone) KEEP
- Nenad Kristic (solid size, solid numbers) KEEP
- Troy Murphy (wants to win a championship and would be good for team spirit/size) ON THE FENCE
- Shaquille O'Neal (he's been done for years but wants that fifth ring and has finally seemed to accept being a bench player (though injuries have made him a starter)) DITCH
- Sasha Pavlovic DITCH
- Von Wafer DITCH
- Delonte West (comes with off court troubles and a mind that is unpredictable but is a hard worker) KEEP
Deciding what to do with all these folks will keep the Celtics busy enough as they figure out what the 'Big Three' are going to do, what the coaching staff is going to do, and how they'll handle offers for Jeff Green (the restricted free agent), a player Danny Ainge likes and who offers athleticism to an aging Celtics roster.
Charlotte Bobcats: "EVERYONE"!!!!!!!
3 of 30Yikes. The Bobcats lost Raymond Felton in free agency who, naturally, is having the best year of his career with the Knicks/Nuggets. They traded Tyson Chandler away who, also, is having a career year and helping Dallas become a top 5 team in the league.
They then signed Kwame Brown. Nothing else to say there. They traded an aging but big body in Nazr Mohammed to the Thunder (which made them even better with the addition of big body Kendrick Perkins).
And, lastly, they traded their one and only franchise player, Gerald Wallace, a 'stab in the back', according to Wallace, for Joel Przybilla, two quarts of milk, and a Bad Co. Greatest Hits CD.
The Bobcats, with one playoff appearance to their name (and no victories), pretty much said 'forget it' and lost or sold everyone. So, you ask, the best option for them in free agency is. . .EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!
If the Bobcats manage to secure a top 2011 free agent than they have a chance to build on something since they do still have Stephen Jackson and impressive DJ Augustin. Seeing as DJ is a PG and Cap'n Jack is a SG, the Bobcats should target a forward or center, seeing as Kwame Brown is manning the middle (and DaSagana Diop (1.3 PPG) and Joel Przybilla (1.8 PPG) are the backups).
Going to the Bobcats doesn't sound fun but Zach Randolph and Tyson Chandler have done their time with bad squads throughout the years. However, I think the Bobcats should target unrestricted free agent Shane Battier. His on court intelligence, age, and dedication to defense can help a young and/or inexperienced squad like the Bobcats build on what little success they have.
Chicago Bulls: Begone Bogans
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The Bulls are lucky: they're not losing too much this offseason (3 unrestricted free agents, all bench players, for the most part). And, though the budget might be tight, they'll need to address their shooting guard issue.
Now, I'll defend Keith Bogans. As a Magic fan, I loved his tenacity, his dedication to defense, and his impressive understanding of the fundamentals. The Bulls are an organization running on team unity and defensive cohesion, something Bogans contributes to, even if the numbers aren't there. Bogans WORKS with the Bulls. But people think he is the one thing that's keeping them from winning a title (which I think is silly).
Oh well, demand from the customer usually yields a trade or a signing so the Bulls will probably look for a SG this offseason and allow Bogans to sit on the bench or go somewhere else. The problem: the 2011 free agency class is DRASTICALLY low on quality SGs.
Three highly offensive SGs that are available next year don't exactly play defense (Leandro Barbosa, J.R. Smith, and Jason Richardson) which would kind of make the loss or downgrade of Bogans a wash (trading good defensive mentality with an offensive mindset) and wouldn't really help the Bulls.
Teams like Orlando function well as a defensive team because they have a big to plug the middle and erase the other's mistakes. The Bulls rely on a more team-level approach (which is why Carlos Boozer can often be seen sitting during key defensive plays). Richardson, thus, is not the answer despite his position on a defensively elite team.
Jamal Crawford might be an intriguing option for the Bulls, both as a decent defender and a spark off the bench as would Sasha Vujacic, who brings championship experience to a team that, with championship aspirations, has very little experience in that area (we'll see what happens soon, though).
Michael Redd is simply out of the question. Willie Green and Nick Young (restricted and likely staying in DC) round out the top quality SG available.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Regardless of Tactics, Cavs Need a Name
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Cleveland is now the wasteland of the NBA. We ALL feel bad for them. We all want them to get some kind of hug from someone. And while many of us may want to see them succeed, just a little bit, in spite of certain people (or person), all logic, tactics, and future needs to go out the door.
Most teams build for the future or try to win now. The Cavs aren't winning anytime soon and building for the future would just be more depressing for the Ohio faithful. Thus: sign a star. Sign the biggest free agent you can and make them the franchise.
The options in 2011, sadly, are a little slim though. Caron Butler is probably the most star-worthy unrestricted free agent on the market but is he a household name? Shaq (been there), Ray Allen (not leaving), Grant Hill (too old) and Tim Duncan (not leaving) are not options.
So do you take a risk and sign Yao Ming to a huge contract?
I don't know but the Cavs need a big, recognizable name, regardless of not-too-distant future outcome, to sell jerseys and keep butts in the seats. The rebuilding will happen anyway. . .right now the Cavs need an emotional makeover and a pat on the back. A star will do that. . .
Dallas Mavericks: "NO ONE!!!!!!!!!"
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Like Boston, Dallas needs to keep it's own house in order instead of going shopping. Of the six unrestricted free agents available from the Mavericks roster come the offseason of 2011, two of them are MUST KEEP players.
For one, the Mavericks are fantastic now, and that is without Caron Butler, a free agent to be. When they had Caron Butler, they were even better.
And the Mavericks success owes a lot, believe it or not, to Tyson Chandler, also a free agent to be. His size helps Dallas compete with traditionally large/tough teams like the Lakers and Spurs. If they lose Chandler, they have tall, blocking stud Brendan Haywood, which is fantastic, but, as a Mavs fan, wouldn't you love to have two premiere centers, in a center-dry league, on your team?
Keeping these two guys is the priority. If there still is money left and the Mavericks wisely do not pursue Brian Cardinal, DeShawn Stevenson, and Peja Stojakovic, then adding a PG might help as Jose Juan Barea might leave in the 2011 offseason and Jason Kidd, an unrestricted free agent in 2012, is approaching 73 years of age.
My recommendation: Goran Dragic. He studied under Nash, can perform in the playoffs, and is wildly underestimated. He is a restricted free agent however so Mark Cuban might need to spill the cash. If not, Aaron Brooks (thumbs up but restricted) and Mike Bibby (thumbs down) are available as well.
Denver Nuggets: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
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The Nuggets have almost as many questions about their immediate future as the Celtics do, granted with less championship/Hall of Fame level intrigue.
The Nuggets stand to lose long-time Nugget veterans J.R. Smith, Nene, and Kenyon Martin. I can't see them ALL staying. My guess is J.R. Smith departs to shoot threes and add tattoo totals to another franchise as Nene and Martin fit into this new defensive philosophy (or maybe it isn't new but de-Melo'd) George Karl is putting on the floor with the new-look squad.
But the Nuggets also have many restricted free agents (like Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler in 2011, and Danilo Gallinari in 2012) and unrestricted free agents (like Raymond Felton in 2012) that threaten this new-look Nuggets squad to be the Temporary-Nuggets squad.
So the Nuggets not only have a lot of inter-team choices to make with it's own free agents but may need to fill some gaps when one (or all) leave. If J.R. Smith IS the one to leave, then I think the Nuggets need to go after a pure scorer or someone who, at the least, throws up a lot of shots. As of this moment, Gallinari is the leading scorer, by average, on the team at 15.9 PPG.
A weaker defender but higher scorer for the Nuggets would then be Jason Richardson. He would basically be the Melo of the bunch and provide the guaranteed scoring while the rest of the blue collar folks (pending Nene and Martin stay) take care of the tough stuff.
If Smith stays and Nene/Martin leave, then Denver should spend cash on medium-to-great defenders and/or bangers to fill the void. Think Zach Randolph or David West. Also, probably cheaper and with less rebounding ability, would be 6-9 PF Carl Landry.
Detroit Pistons: Is Stability Available?
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Yikes. How the mighty have fallen. If 2004 was the high point of the Pistons return to the league's elite then 2011 was it's return to the forgotten realms. Reading Detroit Pistons stories was like a really bad car accident: you didn't want to see or hear but could look away or put the glass on the wall to hear more clearly.
In terms of what Detroit could lose, the Pistons are okay, unless you think losing Tracy McGrady is a bad thing. Sure, Tayshaun Prince, an unrestricted free agent in 2011, IS a player we automatically think of when bringing up the modern day Pistons but he has been injured, has slowed down a step, and has been trade fodder for years now. Plus, his glory days, at least as a Piston-elite, are long gone, though most of that is due to the organization nosediving into absurdity.
Would anyone WANT to go to Detroit right now?
If they do, it'll cost money and Detroit has been willing to splash it in the last few years (with varying degrees of success). But Detroit makes it's name on blue-collar hard work. . .so they should pursue those types of players as opposed to big names that will probably reject them anyways.
I see someone like Chuck Hayes, Louis Amundson, or Matt Barnes being pursued. Sure, none have impressive offensive prowess, but all three contain that 110% energy burst a team needs in the intangible department. Amundson has been buried in Golden State but in Phoenix he was a guaranteed game changer even if the stats didn't agree.
Barnes has been pesky wherever he goes while Hayes, and his enormous rugby legs, is a steal maestro. That said, come to think of it, C.J Miles might work too.
These kind of hard workers are what Detroit needs to get the feeling back in the city.
Golden State Warriors: Does It Matter? They're Fun!
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Golden State is always a fun team to watch on TV or see live. Lots of scoring, a complete disregard for any defense, and players who not only defy the star system (Monta Ellis not elected an All-Star? Whaaaa???) but really don't get phased by the stars who come in. They'll launch threes and run all over you. But most of the time they'll lose. But they're still fun.
So, in the end, free agency is a cherry pick for the Warriors GM. They could always get Jason Richardson back, a fan favorite, while Shannon Brown, James Jones, Leandro Barbosa, or former Warrior Mickael Pietrus would love to run around and shoot errant threes when not doing Slam Dunk Contest-esque dunks or running defenses in circles around the hoop.
But if the Warriors decide to heavily invest in creating a competitor and not just a fun circus, then throwing money at defenders and veterans might be the first step.
Houston Rockets: A Ying to Replace Yao
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Yao Ming may never come back but if he does I think struggling teams will risk his glass-like ankle and sign him so they can get some name recognition to their struggling franchise (see Cavs). So let's pretend Ming leaves as he is a unrestricted free agent.
That means the Rockets need length and size, yes? Well, the last couple playoff runs and regular season records might say otherwise but I'm sure the 6-6 Chuck Hayes (also a free agent) would like to play his natural position for once instead of facing off against 6-10, 6-11, and 7'+ defenders every night. Size will certainly help 9I'm pretending Hasheem Thabeet doesn't exist and Brad Miller isn't 53 years old).
And the time is right. If the Rockets don't bring back an expensive Ming (or Hayes) then they've got money to spend with only restricted free agent Courtney Lee the only person on sale come summer '12.
So spend big, no pun intended, on, well, big.
Here are your bigs, in no particular order, that aren't exactly barn burners but able to help the Rockets in the size department post-Yao:
- Shaq
- Nazr Mohammed
- Tyson Chandler
- Nene
- Jeff Foster
- Erick Dampier (okay, just kidding)
- Earl Clark
- Greg Oden (restricted)
- Samuel Dalembert
Indiana Pacers: Cusp Of. . .well. . .Pacer Greatness
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The Pacers have a prolific scorer and franchise player in Danny Granger. And ever since the Malice at the Palace, when it all seemed to fall apart, the Pacers have patiently grown to a playoff bound team. As of this writing, the Pacers are 34-42 and a game ahead of 9th place Charlotte.
Yes, this is pathetic but yes, it is the Eastern Conference. Aren't we used to this by now. But while the playoff meter for 8th may be pathetic, the Pacers are not. A fine franchise with a rich, if not heavy decorated, history, the Pacers were basically Conference Final pests for 15 years. They were due for a slog.
And now the slog is lifting. But the team IS going to have another losing season and something IS missing.
On paper, the Pacers have very impressive (and relatively young) players at every starting position save SG. SF is obviously manned by the leader, Granger, while Hansbrough and Hibbert are taking baby steps to stardom. Darren Collison is a rising floor general (perhaps a Captain or Colonel at this point).
But that SG position is always shifting while the bench is weak. So why not get a SG and a bench phenom in the same signing: Jamal Crawford. And if struggling (but good) PG TJ Ford goes the way of free agency (as will, likely, SG Mike Dunleavy), fill the void with a Delonte West, Earl Boykins, or Sebastian Telfair as a spark off the bench.
LA Clippers: Surround Griffin with a Name
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The Clippers won't be losing much (a rare thing to say) this off season so it might be high time to sign a mid-level name to go with the impressive talent the Clippers have been able to draft or trade for in the last few years.
Mo Williams and Eric Bledsoe are a solid (if not great) PG combo while Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin are all stars of varying quality. Chris Kaman, an All-Star by fate, is a great center and very underrated.
So it really doesn't matter what position the Clippers aim for as long as the talent matches or meshes with the established future of the Clipper franchise (and isn't TOO big of a name).
SF is thin so that might be the main aim of a free agent but a SG or C wouldn't be out of the question either.
But will they want to go to the Clippers?
My recommendation: throw gobs of money at Grant Hill, Tayshaun Prince, Carl Landry, or even Shaq.
LA Lakers: Really?
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Bigger fish require bigger acquisitions. Unless the Lakers get annihilated in the playoffs due to one specific player I don't see them actually needing someone in the 2011 offseason.
They're locked up, for now, at center. They've got PFs galore. Their SF contingent is deep while their PG department is doing well. Oh, and they have Kobe. If Matt Barnes leaves for free agency in 2011 he won't be missed that much as he is the third option at SF.
Same goes for Shannon Brown: his possible free agency departure makes the depth chart at SG look a little light but the Lakers would manage.
2012 is when they look to strike. We all know why. And who.
Memphis Grizzlies: Resign, Then Hunt
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This is make or break for the Grizzlies. With Marc Gasol a restricted free agent in the summer of 2011 and big names like Zach Randolph and Shane Battier up for grabs without any restrictions, the Grizzlies current run at the playoffs may end after this year.
So matching offers for Gasol (and there probably will be some) and resigning Randolph (preferably) or Battier (second choice) is the first key of 2011.
But the Grizzlies will also lose troublesome talent O.J. Mayo in a trade of some sort. So, if disaster happens and Gasol is given big money the Grizz can't match, Randolph and Battier leave, Mayo is traded, and Rudy Gay never returns to what he is/could be, then the Grizzlies are stuck with Tony Allen and a whole lot of nuttin'.
So it might not be about what they need to find in 2011 but what they need to keep.
Miami Heat: Out with the Old, in with the Mildly Young Veterans
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The Miami Heat are an impressive team but mainly because they have three of the top 10-15 players on the planet. Around them, well, not much. While Mike Miller is a crusty veteran and Mike Bibby is a crusty veteran, the rest of the team is mostly just. . .crusty.
Erick Dampier, Juwan Howard, Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, and James Jones aren't the backbone of a repeat championship contender (if they even win one). Well, lucky for the Heat, ALL of those dudes are unrestricted free agents.
And while keeping Anthony or James Jones might be fine, the Heat need to trim the fat, throw what little money that have at a big name that can help them (say restricted Marc Gasol or unrestricted Zach Randolph) and bring some relative youth/tougness/experience to the table.
Carl Landry, Reggie Evans, and David West are all great power options as well. Anything to get rebounds and Bosh AWAY from the post will help Miami greatly. The only problem is they might not have the money to grab the best of the best in 2011.
Milwaukee Bucks: Offense (and Someone Not Named Redd)
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I like Michael Redd but the only thing that HASN'T happened to the dude has been spontaneous combustion. Its time for the Bucks to let the unrestricted free agent go in 2011 and find another potent offensive option.
The Bucks have defense down. . .they just can't score. So piling on scorers is the priority. Once again (always a popular offensive pick) is Jason Richardson. He'll add 15-20 points for the Bucks which is something they sorely need (the Bucks leading scorer is Brandon Jennings, at 16; the rest are all below 13) as the Bucks are only averaging 91.5 points per game (which happens to be 30th in the league).
And while scoring is needed, so is rebounding (Bucks are 16th in the league but only because of Andrew Bogut). Bogut averages over 11 boards a game. The next Buck is almost 6 boards behind him.
So grab Reggie Evans, whose only skill IS rebounding, along with Richardson.
Or, if money is right, get offense + rebounding (+ defense) in one package and grab Zach Randolph.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Who Is Willing?
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Rick Kamla's Wolves won't be losing much in the next few years (save 60+ games a year) so they should probably do some wheeling and dealing to help Kevin Love and Michael Beasley out.
Love is a restricted free agent in 2012 so people might make a splash for him but, at least, 2011 is safe for Wolves fans. So they need to add. . .anything, really. Despite Love's history breaking statistics and Beasley's offensive explosions. . .the Wolves are terrible.
A quick fix won't work but the Wolves can try adding little components to help in the much needed hustle/intangible categories. C.J. Miles, a life long Jazz player, seems like the type of addition the Wolves would love to add (decent scoring, good hustle, some rebounding but no health) along with a potent scoring option to team up with Beasley.
Josh Howard could use a career resurgence and Minnesota might be a nice place to do it. Michael Redd too.
I'm only listing these oft-injured and mildly good players simply because those are the only three I believe would go to Minnesota willingly.
New Jersey Nets: No. Sleep. Till Brooklyn.
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New Jersey has two years before Brooklyn but only one left with Deron Williams. And if they want to get there with Deron Williams as the franchise point guard, the next Jason Kidd if you will, then the Nets have to grab a big (and I mean that in multiple ways) now.
Look at every big name big man on the list: Marc Gasol (restricted), Tyson Chandler, Zach Randolph, David West: sign one of these past/future All-Stars and New Jersey has something to build on in it's final year before Brooklyn.
The chances of landing Dwight Howard are slim as Dwight will either stay in Orlando or go to a 'big market' (though New York is New York, it comes down to brand value. At this point, Knicks < Nets). So going two or three All-Star deep is the key.
And Prokhorov has the cash. If Travis Outlaw is making a billion dollars over six years then a duel signing of West/Gasol (or any other combination) won't be a problem.
PS: The Nets might benefit from keeping unrestricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Kris Humphries (who is having a career year).
New Orleans/Vancouver/No Longer Exist Hornets: Keep the Franchise First
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#1: Keep the Franchise in New Orleans (or in a city that actually has a vital basketball community *cough Seattle *cough)
#2: Keep Chris Paul happy.
#3: Resign David West (goes with #2).
#4: Resign Carl Landry (not sure if it goes with #2 but it helps the franchise).
#5: Grab an exciting free agent to spice things up a bit. Hints: Thaddeus Young (restricted), Mickael Pietrus, Nick Young (restricted), Jason Richardson, or J.R. Smith.
#6: Win.
New York Knicks: Do the Opposite of the Nets
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The Knicks have issues and they're issues that can't be solved in a 1/4 season. And, frankly, they might not be solved next year either. But 2012 is a HUGE year for a 'big market' like the Knicks.
And while I preached BUY BUY BUY to the Nets so they can solidify a potentially successful roster going into Brooklyn, the Knicks just have to do the LeBron strategy they did before and just suck up to the losses (or .500 record) for the next year, and then rain cash down on prime free agents.
The Knicks, on name alone, can draw Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, or Chris Paul in 2012. If anything, the Knicks should add cheap bench-helping free agents in 2011 and be patient for 2012. A Matt Barnes or Tayshaun Prince might be a temporary 'let's do something before the fans kill us for doing nothing' precursor to 2012.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nothing
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In the next two years of free agency, the Thunder risk to lose Nate Robinson. That's it. Russell Westbrook is a restricted free agent in 2012 but, come on, you think the Thunder, a team on the verge of greatness, are NOT going to match an offer?
The stud-Thunder are at risk of losing almost no one and they are beloved by the media and legitimately on their way to something great. My theory on this one: don't fix something if it isn't broken (and Danny Ainge already gave the Thunder a great assist by providing the Thunder a prize with a nice bow on top).
Orlando Magic: Backup Center. Backup Center. Backup Center, Point Guard.
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Having large PFs act as backup centers is great and supportive claps should be given to Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass for basically playing Dwight Howard in games when the big fella needs a rest. But it isn't going to make things right for an already declining Magic team if Howard were to a)get in foul trouble (likely), b)get hurt (parish the thought), or c)leave in a year (*stare blankly in anger at the future*).
And while backup centers like Marcin Gortat don't come around everyday, the Magic definitely need a quality back-up center to help Howard out or, when needed, pull off a Two Towers routine and phi slamma jamma all over unsuspecting centers.
There isn't a whole lot out there but Tyson Chandler or Samuel Dalembert should take the 'if I can't beat 'em, join 'em' act and come to Orlando. Chandler and Dalembert have been ousted by Howard in the playoffs the last two years (Dalembert receiving a kiss from Turkoglu and a 'thank you, come again' elbow from DH12 for his efforts) and would love to ride on his coat tails.
Chandler has been a surprise success in the USA camp and on the Mavericks roster this year so Otis Smith should splash the cash. Dalembert has size, can block shots, and would buy into the Magic's defensive intensity (which is still heavily underrated).
Outside of free agency (unless the money is there), the Magic need to make a trade for a PG. I love Jameer Nelson but his constant injury woes and inconsistency is bringing Orlando down. And Gilbert Arenas has to feed his sharks. So a PG acquisition in the market (a little thin in '11) or from trades would go a long way to making Orlando a true contender again.
Philadelphia 76ers: Help, Please
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I know nothing about the Philadelphia 76ers. I know Doug Collins coaches them and deserves Coach of the Year. I know the 'other' AI is on their team. I hear rumblings and grumblings about some of their young players and how good they are.
But the last 76ers game I watched was Game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference First Round. I think I've watched every other team at east once. . .but not them. So I have no clue whatsoever what to say about the 76ers and what they need.
A few of their restricted free agents in 2011 are worth resigning (Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young) while nothing much is up for grabs on the unrestricted side.
Since Iguodala is a continual source of trade rumors and leverage for possible deals, the 76ers should probably hold on to the good talent that is on the board in 2011 and figure out what to do with AI. If Iguodala leaves, the 76ers are in bad shape, depending on what they get in return, of course.
Phoenix Suns: Point Guard. Point Guard. Point Guard. Back-Up Center.
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When you think of the Phoenix Suns, you first think of Steve Nash. Then you think of the 1,945 small forwards they have on their team.
I currently live in Phoenix and the locals here were a tad bit confused when 'the next Steve Nash' Goran Dragic was traded for injury prone Aaron Brooks (who also has maturity issues). If there was ANYTHING that was glaring about the Suns' future it was 'what happens when Nash is gone'?
Brooks is fine, but the Suns better draft or plow the free agent market for future point guard talent. The draft probably does the Suns better there but there are a few good third option point guards out there the Suns could grab in the meantime: Sebastian Telfair, Carlos Arroyo, Jose Juan Barea, Eddie House, or Earl Boykins. Of course, they could always splash cash on restricted free agent Goran Dragic too.
Other priorities: keeping Grant Hill and splashing cash on a PF or C. Nene would be perfect for the Suns and would help with their virtually non existent defense.
Portland Trailblazers: Double or Nothing on Oden
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Portland is one of those franchises you like to succeed: great fans, great city, great history, etc. But they always seem to be on the wrong side of luck (save '77 of course, though the backed up bad luck struck the next season). Injuries are just devastating for them, but the Blazers have heart and loads of talent.
But there free agent moves in '11 and '12 all depend on Greg Oden. He is a restricted free agent in 2011 and some teams will surely spring for his talents (which are immense, if little used through no fault of his own). Do they spend and match? If they do, the options will be different.
The Blazers have a lot of stuff to consider for 2012. They have 7 free agents in 2012 (4 restricted, 3 unrestricted) and a number of them are Blazer mainstays. Thus, the money spend on Oden (hopefully not in vain) may sway decisions.
If everyone is healthy, the Blazers don't need a lot of help since they have a stud in Brandon Roy, a hidden stud in LaMarcus Aldridge, and solid veterans. If anything, the Blazers should shoot for a forward or two, as they are thin there. Tenacious folks like Tayshaun Prince, Grant Hill, and Mickael Pietrus would look good (and play well) in a Blazer uni.
But all that pends on Oden and his future.
Anaheim Royals: Depth Chart Blues
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Looking at a Sacremento Kings depth chart is dern scerry. While Samuel Dalembert is always healthy (save for, it figures, the beginning of this year), there are no centers to be had when Dalembert gets a break.
DaMarcus Cousins is a promising, but also troubling, talent while Beno Udrih could be great. And. . .well, that's it.
If the Kings do, indeed, make their move to Anaheim, the location might be a good draw for free agents though there would be no doubt the Kings/Royals would be third in line behind the Lakers and even the Clippers.
Obviously keeping Dalembert is a priority or else the Kings will be hunting for bargain basement centers to fill the massive void. But surrounding the Kings with SG, SF, and PF is key to.
I'd go for a non-starting vet to go behind Cousins to maybe calm him down (Juwan Howard?) whereas starting talent can easily replace Marcus Thorton (SG) and Francisco Garcia (SG-SF). But is there anyone out there willing (or able) to go?
San Antonio Spurs: In Pop We Trust
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Tim Duncan is a free agent in name only. He'll be resigned by the Spurs, as Coach Pop has already managed to get two replacement Duncans ready to go when the Big Fundamental finally hangs it up (DeJaun Blair and work in progress Tiago Splitter).
Tony Parker and George Hill aren't going anywhere while Manu is Manu.
But the Spurs do need some SF and PF depth, considering now-inconsistent Richard Jefferson is the only reliable option at SF and Matt Bonner is second choice behind dinosaur Antonio McDyess.
I trust Pop to draft well, of course, but maybe grabbing a Carl Landry or Jeff Green (restricted) might help. Glen Davis wouldn't be a terrible option either.
Toronto Raptors: Contract
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I don't mean to be disrespectful to Raptors fans. . .but time to throw in the towel. There are some impressive talents on the roster and Toronto has a good fan base but the Raptors aren't getting any better (they are on pace to win maybe 23 games) and no one will go there unless they are traded.
They stand to lose rebounding phenom Reggie Evans if they don't resign him and Leandro Barbosa will do anything to get back to Phoenix; both are unrestricted free agents.
I like their starting line-up a lot but they have no depth. The Raptors (or as a former boss called them 'the Rafters', not sure why) could pick off some aging vets off of the Heat or Celtics but I can't see anything realistic happening with the big names.
Utah Jazz: Is Coach Sloan Available?
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I am a strong component of letting coaches have a few years to feel their way through the tough times. . .but I've lived almost my entire life with Jerry Sloan as the Jazz coach. I'm not even remotely interested in rooting for the Jazz and I miss the guy. Oh well. Coaches aren't free agents or tradable (unless you're the Rays or Mariners).
Anyways, the Jazz not only lost a legendary coach but an all-star point guard on the rise and unlike the Denver Nuggets, who lost a superstar and are almost reborn, the Jazz will most likely not make the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and only the fourth time since 1984.
No need to panic, of course, but the Jazz have lost the heart and soul of the team and need to find a replacement. Many think the next Draft will provide the perfect Utah Jazz player in Jimmer Fredette, but the Jazz can get guaranteed good work from proven veterans.
That is, of course, if they don't lost Jazz lifers Andrei Kirilenko and C.J. Miles (team option) in this upcoming free agency period. Near Jazz lifer Mehmet Okur is a free agent in 2012. The Jazz are, thus, on the brink of losing, in the period of one or two years, every player/coach synonymous with the franchise for years.
And Utah is a great state and all but it isn't exactly a draw for free agents. Thus, the Jazz have to focus on resigning their trusted vets and as many of the other four unrestricted free agents in 2011. Then they can focus on perhaps grabbing a SG.
The Jazz starters are actually quite potent with Devin Harris due to shine on a better team, Al Jefferson always a steady statistical beast, and Raja Bell providing spunk and D. And you can't forget Paul 'Carlos who? Millsap. If the Jazz can keep their core and add to the bench, they'll be back in shape soon.
Washington Wizards: Color Me Redd
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You dumped Arenas and got a stud in John Wall. You got a diamond in the rough Nick Young (who is a restricted free agent I'm sure the Wiz will spend on). JaVale McGee is a wild beast in the making. And all the Wiz stand to lose in free agency is the always hurt, always disappointing Josh Howard.
The Wizards have a bright future in terms of All-Stars and highlight reels but they are dangerously thin anywhere else. Besides Howard, Rashard Lewis has plunged into the depths of nothing since being abandoned by the Magic and Andray Blatche is doing okay numbers wise but not inspiring fear in anyone. And has anyone seen Yi Jianlian lately?
Something needs to be done. Though the Wiz have four centers on their depth chart, they might want to promote Blatche, dump Yi, and sign a center whose willing to suffer in DC. Samuel Dalembert has suffered everywhere: he'd go. Maybe even Tyson Chandler.
And a backup PG for Wall might help: for some reason my magic ball is telling me Michael Redd will be in a Wizard uniform.
