NBA Power Rankings: Gilbert Arenas and Contracts Each Team Can't Wait to Drop
The Orlando Magic and Gilbert Arenas have a very dysfunctional relationship right now.
It's very similar to that point when you return from a grocery store having just spent $100 and yet within a week have nothing to eat.
Well, with Gilbert it was more like going to the store and spending $100 on a bunch of bags. More on him later.
Let's talk about the other contracts teams have that are not hitting the spot right now.
Oh and the teams are ordered by their current payroll, meaning it goes in order from the team that spends most on players to the one that spends least.
Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton
1 of 30
Salary earned this season: $5,260,00
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $5,680,000
Alright we kick-start this with Mr. Luke Walton.
The Lakers have not been very kind to him in terms of minutes and for all we know he could be a young version of Michael Jordan just rotting on the bench.
Alright, well maybe he is not that good, but I doubt he is bad enough to just be a bench warmer. Nonetheless, the Lakers don't like him so it doesn't matter how good he is.
His contract is not large by Laker standards, but it is big enough to be a bit of a nuisance when trying to improve the roster.
I am guessing that he might be traded for some draft picks before we start next season (if there is one) or maybe in the very beginning.
Dallas Mavericks: Brendan Haywood (if anyone)
2 of 30
Salary earned this season: $6,900,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $7,624,500
This is kind of questionable. While he is no doubt a good player on the defensive end and can grab rebounds in bunches, he is still expensive.
His numbers are nice, but they are not worthy of the hefty salary he is receiving from the Mavericks. With that said, he is a great low post presence and defensively can alter the opposing team's game plan.
If the Mavericks win the championship I would say they should keep him, but if they don't they should find a replacement.
There are better centers out there willing to play for that cash.
In fact, if the Mavs would want, I can come and play for them! My 5'10" skinny frame should be a great difference-maker when guarding the Gatorade bottles.
Orlando Magic: Gilbert Arenas
3 of 30
Salary earned this season: $17,730,694
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $19,269,308
Alright since Arenas is in this, you just know I have to say something about his insane gun-wielding abilities. He has become a wonderful piñata for writers like me who have no sense of humor.
However, I won't say anything this time, just so I will end the streak of making that kind of joke in every article referring to him.
I will say that his No. 1 Jersey should be hung from the rafters of the Magic Arena just so no one else gets jinxed while wearing it.
He is nowhere near the player he was back in his prime, but he is still getting more money per year than many of us will make in our lives.
From fan favorite to an overpriced gunslinger. What a leap!
P.S. Looks like the streak lives on!
Boston Celtics: Jermaine O'Neal
4 of 30
Salary earned this season: $5,765,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $6,226,000
When the Celtics acquired O'Neal, everyone said he would overcome his injury problems. Well, they were wrong.
O'Neal has not been the player the Celtics hoped he would be and now that they have traded away Kendrick Perkins, it seems as though their title hopes have taken a hit.
While we will have to wait and see how badly the lack of Perkins will effect them, I think it is safe to say that no matter what problems they will have, O'Neal will not solve them.
That is of course if he doesn't fall on the ground and do one of his ritualistic dances where he grabs his knees and twists around the court. Maybe, just maybe, he will trip someone important that way.
Utah Jazz: Andrei Kirilenko
5 of 30
Salary earned this season: $17,822,187
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Why do the Jazz dislike him so much? I understand that he is not a superstar by any means, but that does not mean he should be shunned away.
For some unknown reason, when there are trade rumors swirling, Andrei Kirilenko always finds a way to get involved.
His contract is, however, very large and I can understand the frustration of fans when they realize that someone half the price of AK-47 can be putting up the same numbers.
Houston Rockets: Yao Ming
6 of 30
Salary earned this season: $17,686,100
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
I don't really think I need to explain this to anyone.
While Yao is an All-Star, well, at least the fans think so, he's still out for yet another season and is just watching his Rockets slip out of the playoff picture by a tiny little inch.
It is really sad to see a player with so much potential have his career ruined by injuries. I do really wish him luck in the future in whatever he decides to do.
He is a great person and while I can definitely crack jokes here as well, I will let this slide go by.
Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson
7 of 30
Salary earned this season: $16,324,500
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $18,038,573
This is not so much the player as it is the money involved. Johnson is simply not this good, period.
He is a great player and is very versatile on offense, but he does not deserve his contract and will never meet the expectations that type of money has.
The only way he can make this pay off is to win a championship. For Atlanta it will mean beating four teams in a row in the playoffs.
Sometimes, just the very though can make you laugh out loud. It will never happen, they overpaid Cool Joe and now they can live with him for the next couple of seasons.
Portland Trailblazers: Greg Oden
8 of 30
Salary earned this season: $6,796,524
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $8,788,681(Qualifying Offer)
Again, I really do not need to explain this. I have poked fun at this gentle giant in many articles before this. So much so, that he is actually laughing at one of my jokes that I wrote about him.
That guy sitting next to him is me of course, because as you all know I am just a huge hit with the sports players all around the world.
No, unfortunately no sports player, save for a couple of high school basketball phenoms, know who I am. By phenoms, I mean players that will probably sweep the floors of the NBA during games. They just have crazy skill!
Memphis Grizzlies: Marko Jaric
9 of 30
Salary earned this season: $7,625,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
I like his name and hate his game.
He is not a terrible player, but when the season ends I think every member of the Grizzlies fan base will just jump up with joy.
That is, of course, until they realize Adriana Lima will no longer be with them.
Chants for the return of Jaric will sound all around the empty Memphis arena.
All jokes aside (for now), he is an overpaid player and for his price someone a lot more consistent can come along to Memphis.
Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Redd
10 of 30
Salary earned this season: $18,300,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Yes, he is still in the NBA.
In fact the only decent picture of him in high quality is this one from 2008. He simply disappeared and has not been heard of in the league.
This really is a shame because he had a great touch and it was a joy to see him play. Even if he was half his normal self, the Bucks would be comfortably in the playoffs.
Very sad to think about, but I am sure the Pacers are not complaining.
San Antonio Spurs: Antonio McDyess
11 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,860,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $5,220,000
The youth movement needs to start at some point. The Spurs will eventually need to realize that they need young players on their team.
While McDyess is a great old player, they still could use a piece or two for the future and no fan can argue that point.
If they decide to start moving in new players and sets of fresh legs, they will find a way to get rid of McDyess.
This offseason should be very crucial for the Spurs; championship or no championship.
Toronto Raptors: Linas Kleiza
12 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,995,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $4,605,000
This one, I really don't know how to comment on.
Bad player, too much money and no picture with his current team. I think the three-strike rule applies.
Philadelphia 76ers: Elton Brand
13 of 30
Salary earned this season: $15,959,099
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $17,059,726
An easy pick for this list. No matter how good a season Brand is having, he is still not living up to the cash he is making.
He should definitely have a place in this league, but for less money.
No double-double, and not even fifteen points a game is enough for me to call him overpaid and since I live in Philly, I can safely say that he is not very popular around here.
Brand is one of those players who can do no right and there will always be flaws found by the fans in his game, that's just the way the cookie crumbles these days.
New Orleans Hornets: Trevor Ariza
14 of 30
Salary earned this season: $6,322,320
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $6,790,640
New Orleans does not look to have a very bright future ahead, but it is certainly not remedied by Ariza.
He is not a terrible player, but the Hornets need the money they give him for at least two or maybe three other bench players.
They could also save up for a superstar, but that is assuming that Chris Paul leaves.
Whatever happens in New Orleans, Ariza will not stick around there too much longer.
New York Knicks: Ronny Turiaf
15 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,000,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $4,360,000(player option)
It has become a common statement around the Internet to say that the Knicks are a "Ronny Turiaf replacement away from being a contender."
I really wish I could argue, but there is nothing there to argue about.
They need a new center, Brendan Haywood would be simply terrific for them and a better way to spend money.
Golden State Warriors: Vladimir Radmanovic
16 of 30
Salary earned this season: $6,883,800
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Radmanovic is one of those players that has such a versatile game that only two words can describe it: inconsistent shooter.
No matter what team he plays for, that is all he brings to the table every time and yet teams still buy it.
In fact, they buy it for nearly seven million dollars a year. Good for them!
Charlotte Bobcats: Morris Peterson
17 of 30
Salary earned this season: $6,641,640
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Again, he is one of those players that doesn't even have a picture with his current team.
He is a very expensive player, but he is actually pretty skilled. It just sometimes comes down to how much a team is willing to play a certain man.
The Bobcats have some solid young talent and Peterson does not fit into the situation at all and will not be resigned come the offseason.
Charlotte or maybe the "Air Jordans" need change and Morris does not bring it.
Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton
18 of 30
Salary earned this season: $12,650,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $12,650,000
Are you even remotely surprised? I doubt it and I don't blame you in the least bit.
There has been tons of tension between these two parties and there is no way Rip will finish next season there.
Right now, I think they would rather have Jackie Moon than the Rip.
Denver Nuggets: Kenyon Martin
19 of 30
Salary earned this season: $16,545,454
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Just a crazy amount of money! He does not deserve to be anywhere near that figure and once he leaves, the doors in Denver will be opened to simply limitless potential.
It is my belief that Denver could become a championship contender next season. In fact, I am almost sure of it.
Their defense is tight and whoever they will have on their roster in turn for Martin will help them on that path.
I simply can't wait to see the Nuggets tear up the NBA next season.
Phoenix Suns: Vince Carter
20 of 30
Salary earned this season: $17,300,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $18,000,000(team option)
Just like in the last slide, it is simply too much money!
He should not be dreaming of numbers that are on the same planet as those listed above. Carter is one of the most inconsistent players in the league and is one of the better paid.
I can't wait for him to leave Phoenix as soon as possible so that I can at least get a young star in return and maybe look towards some brighter days in the desert.
At least we don't have to worry about a PG for the next 10 years! Nash is just warming up!
Miami Heat: Zydrunas Ilgauskas
21 of 30
Salary earned this season: $1,353,181
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $1,399,507(player option)
The Heat need a center and Big Z just doesn't fit that exact category anymore. He is not bad, but they need a true center who can be a real presence.
In order to kick-start their self-predicted championship streak, the Heat will need to replace Z.
He is not overpaid to the degree some other players are, he simply needs to go so that Miami can open a new chapter.
However, I would not worry if I was him, Cleveland has an open spot!
Indiana Pacers: Mike Dunleavy
22 of 30
Salary earned this season: $10,561,984
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
It is very hard to write an article like this and to really say something different about players who are essentially from the same mold.
They are overpaid and are not very loved on their teams.
Dunleavy is a more or less consistent performer, but his style of play is not what the Pacers are trying to go for. Indiana needs a new group in order to rebuild and maybe find a new core.
What they have now is working and now they have to perfect the group they have on their roster by addition and subtraction.
It is basic Algebra I of the NBA.
Washington Wizards: Rashard Lewis
23 of 30
Salary earned this season: $20,514,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $22,152,000
OK, this one really does speak for itself.
One of the most inconsistent shooters is also one of the highest paid players in the entire league. Not to mention his complete lack of defense or any sort of offensive repertoire.
This guy just really makes me angry and it does not help when I look at the six figures I have listed above. Just frustrating and ridiculous.
New Jersey Nets: Dan Gadzuric
24 of 30
Salary earned this season: $7,243,750
Salary looking to earn in 2012: Free Agent
Again, I could not even find a picture of him on his current team and why would they take a picture with him? The way he charges, a picture might cost a $1,000 or something.
Luckily for the Nets, he does become a free agent this season and takes his two fouls and 10 minutes per game along with him.
Chicago Bulls: Keith Bogans (if anyone)
25 of 30
Salary earned this season: $1,600,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $1,728,000
The Bulls don't have the problem the other teams have, but if they need someone to get rid off it might as well be Bogans.
He does not contribute much at all, but his contract price is not really hurting anyone.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nate Robinson
26 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,200,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $4,500,000
OKC is rich with guards of all ages and they don't need Kryptonate to join the fun with his $4 million.
He could be useful on the bench, but so could a swingman there.
He did fit in Boston, but he was traded to the wrong team all together and the only way I see him getting playing time is if they need a spark of energy in the fourth.
Nate does that very well, but so does Kevin Durant, Westbrook and even Ibaka.
Sorry Nate, but your time will be short-lived with one of the best teams in the league.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Baron Davis
27 of 30
Salary earned this season: $13,050,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $13,950,000
If Cleveland does not want you than you know there are some issues.
Baron has always been known to care more about the meal after the game than the game itself and he was starting to snap out of it alongside Blake Griffin.
However, now that JJ Hickson is his best dunker, his energy level will deplete very quickly. Why he does this I don't know, but it shouldn't take long for him to draw massive boos from the audience.
In fact, I would even dare say he is getting over with the fans rather quickly.
Ladies and gentleman I think I have a new WWE superstar right here!
Minnesota Timberwolves: Darko Milicic
28 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,325,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $4,776,500
Darko will always get hate. At this point in his career there is nothing he could do that would redeem where he placed in the draft.
That is the only real thing people think of when they look at his name, and that is all they will ever think of. At one point, Minnesota looked like they believed in him and now they are all booing him.
When I say them, all I mean are the three fans in section B that still show up. Milicic is still worth some cash and still can't play.
Some things just will never change.
Los Angeles Clippers: Ryan Gomes
29 of 30
Salary earned this season: $4,000,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $4,000,000
The Clippers have a bright future ahead and Gomes is not on the list of invitees. Why? Well, because if you multiply his points per game by his rebounds per game it does not come close to eclipsing his minutes per game.
I don't know how many starters in the league can say that, but I would love to know! Gomes is most certainly in a very unique group of players, and he is lucky he is on Blake Griffin's team.
A terrible player to watch and the money spent for him could find much better use; like getting me a chemistry tutor!
Sacramento Kings: Francisco Garcia
30 of 30
Salary earned this season: $5,500,000
Salary looking to earn in 2012: $5,800,000
Hard to judge a player who plays on a terrible team, but Francisco Garcia makes that job much easier with his consistently bad production and lack of a clear strength.
The fact that he is getting paid $5 million is ridiculous, but it is even more ridiculous that he has started 30 games this season! Sometimes the NBA can just blow your mind.
Well that is all folks! Hope you enjoyed and please leave a comment with your thoughts!
