Post by Braz on May 27, 2024 11:02:09 GMT -8
Let’s take a look here at the free agents at each position and see if anyone stands out. With a mix of age and skill and alot of teams with cap it seems we may be in store for a FA that moves some teams up and down the rankings!
The teams- we have over 12 teams with a max slot it seems and 3 teams over 30 mil in cap with Break leading the way. Scary to think what type of contract he might give out this FA. Other teams with big cap are the Heat, Bucks, clippers, Kings and wolves. Then you have the hornets bulls rockets and pistons with a max. Denver had cap but decided to use it all to absorb Theo Ratliff, vet center from Dallas.
Top 5 per position:
Center
1. Yao Ming- easily this classes GEM. Yao coming fresh off a championship likely returns to Cleveland but if he decides to take his talents elsewhere that team locks in a superstar.
2. Shaq- at 34 he is still the second best player. He will likely make an impact for another 3 years but the issue is how big does a team go to get the big fella!
3. Ben Wallace- wanting 20+ mil a year originally, 32 yr old Ben, has stocks and is a top 10 FA for whoever lands the vet. Defensive stud
4. Carlos Boozer- more of a PF in my eyes but listed at center. One of the studs coming off his rookie deal. Boozer isn’t really a max player but certainly will be bid on by many teams
5. Don Reid- the second of 3 recent champs to hit the market.Don is a very solid player but a bit older. Maybe some better upside guys but Dong came off a value deal and has some left in the tank
Power forward
1. Marcus Camby- another guy who’s misaligned position wise imo. Camby would be high on my big board and that is because of his defensive and rebounding ability. Big third contract could be in store for Marcus
2. Chris Webber - Webber helped the kings reset and has good ratings still for an old man. Don’t expect him to get a huge bag but will be a helpful addition to someone.
3. Joe Smith- Joe wasted last season as a big expiring in DET and wants a finish where he can win. Expect him to turn down offers and take an MLE somewher
4. And 5. Korleon Young & Luis Scola- two solid guys being developed in chi.
Small/Shootig Forward
1. Mike dunlevey- this rank will surprise some people but he has a great last few season in Washington and can break out in a starting role.
2. Tayshaun Prince- former top pick with some solid defense. Let’s see how much cc pays him
2. Sjax- SF/SG hybrid who can bring toughness and scoring to a team. Stephen has another multi year deal in him2. Tayshaun Prince- former top pick with some solid defense. Let’s see how much cc pays him
4. Dejan old guy who can score well. one or two year deal for some help
5. Jamal Mashburn- old guy who can score but not as well as the last guy
1. Ray Allen - coming off a big year in an Utah and off a bit contract of 20 mil it’s interesting to see how far Lums will go here. Allen would push a mid team into contention.
2. Ricky Davis - interesting career for Ricky so far. He has in some ways under achieved but he has nice ratings. Likely gets paid
3. Allan Houston - older vet here but if you need some fire off the bench he is a solid 1 year deal scoring option
4. Tony Delk- after a big tc last year in his late age Delk proves to be a solid player. Should get a day 2/3 deal
5. Peja- someone revive this dude. Or at least 1 year deal for name
Point guard
1. Steve Nash- perhaps the strongest position where we should expect the most movement. Nash coming off a wasted year in SAC getting a reset expecting to be dealt, has no intentions of returning to SAC. He might for a sign and trade but expect him to be paid
2. Stephon Marbury - the most interesting FA given his team is not even offering for him. Let the bidding war for a stud pg under 30 begin
3. Ed Smith- defending champ and one of the most underrated players in the league. Ed has developed into a star and just won playoff mvp. I’d love to see a back end view of Steve’s bids. Good player.
4. Damon Stoudamire- Damon has moved teams a bit in the past but Orlando really needs him back. He’s a great player past 30.
5. Bobby Jackson - I think he’s the 5th best unless I missed someone. Bobby has no ego and played SG for spurs recently. They likely won’t resign him with a tank ahead but someone certainly will.
