So, our wish list is slowly accumulating more lines through the middle than a Memorial Day weekend at Cedar Point. No, we really never had a shot at offering any sort of money at the big-named guys; a sign and trade was our only path to the promised land.
But what do we have to offer? Aside from some expiring deals and a crazy-haired master of the running 360, all Danny Ferry has to work with at this juncture is that mid-level offer of approximately $6 million - a nominal amount that is simply burning a hole in the pocket of our collective pants.
The next trick: finding someone who will take said amount. Corey Maggette wouldn't do it. You can bet that Monta Ellis won't be signing up either. Let's face it fans - we're not getting a superstar for "mid-level" money. But who would take it? While there is still a chance that we end up extending the offer to Delonte West or Daniel Gibson, Chad Ford has a list of what he's calling "other notables."
Other notables: Matt Barnes, Warriors; Alonzo Mourning, Heat; Patrick O'Bryant, Warriors; Jason Williams, Heat; Juwan Howard, Mavs; Jarvis Hayes, Pistons; Robert Horry, Spurs; James Jones, Blazers; Michael Finley, Spurs; Jannero Pargo, Hornets; Damon Stoudamire, Spurs; Sam Cassell, Celtics; Jamaal Magloire, Nets; Kareem Rush, Pacers; Gordan Giricek, Suns; Michael Doleac, Timberwolves; Francisco Elson, Oklahoma City; Keyon Dooling, Magic; Quinton Ross, Clippers; Antoine Wright, Mavericks; Fred Jones, Knicks; Juan Dixon, Pistons; Maurice Evans, Magic; Primoz Brezec, Raptors; Anthony Johnson, Kings; Tyronn Lue, Kings; Theo Ratliff, Pistons; Adonal Foyle, Magic; Sebastian Telfair, Timberwolves; Kirk Snyder, Timberwolves.
Pretty, ain't she? You have the "should retire" group of Alonzo Mourning, Theo Ratliff and even Damon Stoudamire. You can sure bet that they would love an MLE deal at this point in their careers. You have the "flashes of brilliance" guys that are good for a few double-digit outings per season; just enough to garner some attention. Those would be the James Jones', Fred Jones' and even the Antione Wrights among others.
The other glaring portion of this is the amount of point guards on the list: Sam Cassell, Jason Williams, Keyon Dooling, Anthony Johnson, Sabastian Telfair and Tyronn Lue. Most of these guys will get offers before the end of the summer, so I expect this list to slowly dwindle down.
But as we aren't exactly in the mix for the Rony Turiafs of the world, we could be looking at some of these guys. Another guy that I've been eying up for the past few days (whom you may or may not like) is Brent Barry (San Antonio). Though he's old and a bit of a tweener, he's seasoned enough to play at the level we need this season, is efficient from all parts of the floor, and is a winner. The answer to all of our prayers? Not in the least. But a viable option? I think so.
But what do we have to offer? Aside from some expiring deals and a crazy-haired master of the running 360, all Danny Ferry has to work with at this juncture is that mid-level offer of approximately $6 million - a nominal amount that is simply burning a hole in the pocket of our collective pants.
The next trick: finding someone who will take said amount. Corey Maggette wouldn't do it. You can bet that Monta Ellis won't be signing up either. Let's face it fans - we're not getting a superstar for "mid-level" money. But who would take it? While there is still a chance that we end up extending the offer to Delonte West or Daniel Gibson, Chad Ford has a list of what he's calling "other notables."
Other notables: Matt Barnes, Warriors; Alonzo Mourning, Heat; Patrick O'Bryant, Warriors; Jason Williams, Heat; Juwan Howard, Mavs; Jarvis Hayes, Pistons; Robert Horry, Spurs; James Jones, Blazers; Michael Finley, Spurs; Jannero Pargo, Hornets; Damon Stoudamire, Spurs; Sam Cassell, Celtics; Jamaal Magloire, Nets; Kareem Rush, Pacers; Gordan Giricek, Suns; Michael Doleac, Timberwolves; Francisco Elson, Oklahoma City; Keyon Dooling, Magic; Quinton Ross, Clippers; Antoine Wright, Mavericks; Fred Jones, Knicks; Juan Dixon, Pistons; Maurice Evans, Magic; Primoz Brezec, Raptors; Anthony Johnson, Kings; Tyronn Lue, Kings; Theo Ratliff, Pistons; Adonal Foyle, Magic; Sebastian Telfair, Timberwolves; Kirk Snyder, Timberwolves.
Pretty, ain't she? You have the "should retire" group of Alonzo Mourning, Theo Ratliff and even Damon Stoudamire. You can sure bet that they would love an MLE deal at this point in their careers. You have the "flashes of brilliance" guys that are good for a few double-digit outings per season; just enough to garner some attention. Those would be the James Jones', Fred Jones' and even the Antione Wrights among others.
The other glaring portion of this is the amount of point guards on the list: Sam Cassell, Jason Williams, Keyon Dooling, Anthony Johnson, Sabastian Telfair and Tyronn Lue. Most of these guys will get offers before the end of the summer, so I expect this list to slowly dwindle down.
But as we aren't exactly in the mix for the Rony Turiafs of the world, we could be looking at some of these guys. Another guy that I've been eying up for the past few days (whom you may or may not like) is Brent Barry (San Antonio). Though he's old and a bit of a tweener, he's seasoned enough to play at the level we need this season, is efficient from all parts of the floor, and is a winner. The answer to all of our prayers? Not in the least. But a viable option? I think so.
Original Story:
Vote this post up or down:
