take your pick... top free agent

[blackdogsong]

-ray allen
-michael redd
-larry hughes
-joe johnson
-eddy curry
-samuel dalembert
-zydrunas ilgauskas

ray allen is my top free agent. cavs need this guy to keep lebron happy and to finally make the post season. keeping ilgauskas would also be a great move for them.

redd probably wont be moving since the bucks cleared cap space for him. same story w/ joe johnson and the suns.

dalembert impressed me more and more throughout the season and playoffs. he should a lot of hustle and can make defensive plays. 76ers need to keep him. they will a nice team w/ him, iguodala, a.i., and webber hopefully finally to get mesh in training camp. they'll be back in the playoffs.

[Marc]

Allen and Redd seem to be very similar players, although Redd is a few years younger and Allen is the bigger star. We all saw how important Joe Johnson was for the Suns when we was injured. There are some nice players who can make a difference, but no superstar FAs.

[coachJ]

Abdur-Rahim is a nice big man on the market as well.

Although out of those i think i would have to take either Joe Johnson or Larry Hughes. Hughes is pretty young and i think Johnson is too, but im not certain on it.

As far as Redd goes, i see him staying with the Bucks seeing as how they offered him the max deal, and its $20 million over what Cleveland has offered him.

[buckeyefan78]

Dalembert and Bobby Simmons are the two best players IMO. Big men are in shortage, and Dalembert has a good defensive prescence. 76ers will probably match any offer though. Joe Johnson looked good in the Suns offense. I don't trust him. How come he didn't get those numbers in Boston? He needs playmakers. Redd and Allen want too much dough IMO. Abdur-Rahim is a stats man, nothing more. He can get you 20 and 10 and you lose by 30 or he can get you 16 and 8 and you win by 30.

Word is Lebron wants Curry over Iggy. I would agree there. Iggy gets too much hype. Yeah his offensive game is nice, but his defense is horrible. That won't cut it against Detroit or Shaq down the stretch if the Cavs want a banner. Curry's health is an issue though. Tyson Chandler is another nice big man, but I think he's sticking with the Bulls.

[doublee]

You are not serious about the why didn't he play that way in Boston about Johnson are you? Give the guy a break he played half a season in Boston and it was his rookie year at that. It generally takes perimeter guys a year or two to adjust to the NBA's three point line and the faster pace of the game.

Curry over Iggy? I don't know. The only thing Curry will give you is scoring and that is about it. Curry is soft and is a horrible rebounder for a 6-11 center he also doesn't block any shots. Iggy will at least rebound and block shots for you.

Dalembert is going to attract tons of attention just due to the abilities he has shown but the Sixers have already said they intend on matching any offer he gets. One of the primary reasons O'Brien got fired was over the way he handled Dalembert and they knew O'Brien was the reason he was dropping hints about wanting to play elsewhere next season. Mo and Samuel also had a pretty good relationship when he was assistant under Brown.

I think Chandler will attract the second most attention on the big man market this Summer. A lot of folks are starting to compare him to Rodman and Ben Wallace in terms of his defense and rebounding and guys like Wallace and Rodman are capable of changing and dominating a game without scoring a point.

Larry Hughes I would be leery of. Yes, he is young, but he averages just over 60 games a season and always seems to be fighting an injury of some sort. Also, his game is still all over the place consistency-wise.

Kwame Brown is going to be an intriguing free agent this Summer. There was a rumor going around draft night that the Knicks were going to send Sweetney to the Wiz for the rights to Brown and there is some innuendo that the Hawks may offer him a contract. He obviously needs to get out of D. C. and after he got uninvited to the playoffs last year I doubt the Wiz are going to be anxious to match any serious offers made for him.

[Noon]

Originally posted by doublee
Larry Hughes I would be leery of. Yes, he is young, but he averages just over 60 games a season and always seems to be fighting an injury of some sort. Also, his game is still all over the place consistency-wise.

You dare doubt the awesomeness of Larry "the Legend" Hughes?

You do realize he came out of the Great Saint Louis University, do you not?

[doublee]

Yes, being a Sixers fan I am very aware of Larry 'The Legend' Hughes. I always thought he got a bit of a raw deal with LB in Philly. I am not saying he is a bad player I just would not give him a huge contract.

[190 Octane]

Eddy Curry has injury problems. He's tempting with that big, burly frame, but until he can stay healthy for a season AND produce on the boards, I wouldn't throw a whole lot of money at him.

Sam Dalembert has got a lot of good qualities. For one thing, he's a legit 7-foot, something that's no longer a guarantee for NBA centers. He's got a long wingspan, which makes him an imposing shot blocking presence in the key. He'll probably never reach superstar status, but he'll be a servicable center, something that's becoming a rarer and rarer commodity in the League.

Ray Allen is dangerous. He's the kind of guy you could build a franchise's offense around...when he's healthy. That "when" is never a guarantee, either. His offensive production is among the tops in the League, but with the money he's demanding (over $90 million), a team would be up You-Know-What Creek if he fell back into the IR.

I like Larry Hughes. He's not going to wow you with his numbers, but he plays solid defense (was the L's top man in steals), and showed this year he can be a team player. But, as doublee mentioned, he's very injury prone.

Bobby Simmons is one of the most underrated guys in the NBA. He put up close to 20 ppg this season, and did so quietly over in Los Angeles. I'd love to see the Clippers resign him, but that's certainly not a guarantee, especially since they seem to be hot to bring in a bigger name guy.

Joe Johnson is going to be a superstar sooner than you think. And he'll be one in Phoenix. The Suns managed to save big bucks shipping Quentin Richardson to New York. And, since he's restricted, it's safe to guess he'll be back in purple and orange.

Shareef is such a solid player, but never gets the credit he deserves, playing in various NBA wastelands (Vancouver, Atlanta, and Portland after its success faded). I haven't heard who is interested in him, but I'm sure he'll fly under the radar and continue to post 20 per next season.

One doublee mentioned as "intriguing," and I agree completely, is Kwame Brown. Yeah, he had attitude problems in Washington. But he's still just a youngster (22, I believe), and at 6'11 with athleticism as undeniable upside. I can see him going the Jermaine O'Neal route - emerging elsewhere after festering his first few years.

[doublee]

Well, Micheal Jordan did not do anything to help Kwame out either. From everything I have read Jordan just dumped on him and tore him up every chance he got when he was there to try and 'toughen' him up only he broke him to the point where he lost all confidence in his abilities. Kwame is only 23 and did show some signs of life in '03-'04 but then regressed last year. I think he may be able to give a team something where there will be no pressure for him to perform like the top pick in the draft.

According to Chad Ford the Nets, Heat, and Wolves are all interested in Abdur-Rahim but will only have the mid-level to offer him. He is only 28 and would be a nice addition as a number two option in the post where he will not be relied upon to be the go-to guy. Miami or Minnesota would be a pretty good fit for him.

I like Hughes okay, he just seems like a guy who is always going to be a good second or third option but never be that prime time franchise guy. I don't think it is any co-incidence that it took getting him on a team with Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas to have his breakout season.

I don't think Dalembert will ever be a superstar either, but I do think he could eventually develop into a guy who scores 15 ppg and gets 10+ rpg. He is already one of the better post defenders in the league. He more than held his own out there against the Pistons in the playoffs and he usually played well when O'Briend felt compelled to give him more than 25 minutes a game.

[Bran]

Abdur-Rahim is a notorious choker. He get's all the credit he deserves - none. When the game is on the line, or even anywhere in the fourth quarter, he's a complete no show. A team like Miami would be a good fit for him. He can help pad the Heat stat sheets and ride the coattails of Shaq and Wade when the game's on the line.

[buckeyefan78]

doublee...

Perhaps I was harsh on Johnson, but my I stand by my main point: Phoenix's style, system, and proven players (Amare and Shawn) make me leary about Joe. I think you plug in the other guards we have in this discussion down in Phoenix and you get much better results.

Curry might be a little timid, but believe me doublee, Iggy is as soft as baby's bottom. Blocks really don't measure toughness. I mean Zo blocks a buncha shots and is one mean SOB, and then you look at Shawn Bradley and...well, you know.

Brian...

Not sure about their cap space, but that ain't a bad theory. With no pressure and nothing to carry, he could serve nicely in that role.

[doublee]

I never said Iggy is a tough player just that Curry is soft, and am merely pointing out the fact that he at least rebounds and blocks shots. Not only does he do that but he scores as much as Curry does. I am not suggesting that he is any tougher than Curry just merely pointing out the fact that at this stage of their respective careers Iggy is the better all around player and I fail to see where Curry is a huge upgrade over Iggy other than being significantly younger.

[SPORTS FAN 72]

As a Sixer Fan I'd Like Ray Allen On the team. He could take some pressure off of Allen Iverson. We need more talent and scoring.

[doublee]

The Sixers are capped out and only have the money to re-sign their own guys and offer the mid-level veterans exception and I can promise you that Allen is not going to sign for that. Unfortunately, I don't see the Sixers making any significant acquisitions this offseason unless they move Iverson. Nobody is going to touch Webber's contract.

But, I am not so sure the Sixers need to make any drastic changes to compete this year. Their best move was canning O'Brien and bringing in a coach who will have a clue of what to do with the talent they have assuming they hang on to Dalembert and Korver. A lot will depend on the health of Chris Webber. If they can get him remotely healthy Webber and Dalembert could be a pretty tough duo to defend in the low post, especially with Webber so adept at passing out of double teams. I love Igoudala, once he develops his jump shot he is going to be a lethal player from the perimeter.

[blackdogsong]

Korver is a good shooter, but cant play D to save his life. Igoudala is awesome. he is a guy who's game should explode sometime real soon.

[doublee]

True, but every team needs a guy like Korver who can be a prolific 3-pt. shoooter.

Another intriguing prospect who may be a free agent if he is cut loose is Micheal Finley. He may be 32 but the guy can still shoot the rock and I have to think teams looking for a third option on the floor are going to look long and hard at him.

[Tucker The Cub]

Best free agent right now is probably Ray Allen, although I believe he'll stay in Seattle. Also, Eddy Curry already resigned with Chicago.

[doublee]

And, your source on Eddy Curry signing a deal would be? I can't find any word of it anywhere and it is not even postee on the Bulls official team site.

[doublee]

Well, looks as though Ray Allen is a moot point anyway. Indications are that he will be staying in Seattle.

I read that Denver has an interest in Cuttino Mobley. He'd be a great fit if they can land him.

[190 Octane]

Originally posted by doublee
Another intriguing prospect who may be a free agent if he is cut loose is Micheal Finley. He may be 32 but the guy can still shoot the rock and I have to think teams looking for a third option on the floor are going to look long and hard at him.

Speculation is if Cuban and Co. release Finley as part of the new CBA, the Suns would like to add him to their bench. Whether or not that would actually happen, who knows? They barely have the money to offer Joe Johnson, so appeasing Finley seems like something of a stretch.

[190 Octane]

Oh, and on Ray Allen, he reportedly signed a 5-year, $85 million contract to stay in Seattle. Who will be coaching him is a mystery, however. Nate McMillan could go anywhere from Portland to Detroit.

[doublee]

I'd say McMillan was either waiting to see what Allen was going to do or he is waiting to see what goes down in Detroit. He probably did not have any interest in returning to Seattle if Allen bolted. His no-nonsense hardnosed defensive approach would fit perfectly in Detroit. I cannot imagine why he would have any real interest in Portland unless they give him a truckload of money.

I had read Phoenix may be interested in Finley as well as Detroit. If they cannot land Mobley I would think Denver would be interested also.

[Heathen]

Good to see Ray Ray back.... but Nate, a lifelong Sonic, to the JailBlazers hurts me....

[Clipps]

Bobby Simmons has agreed to sign with the milwaukee Bucks. But with Ray Allen, I don't think he's happy with Nate being gone. Ray Allen didn't actually sign the contract, he just agreed thinking Nate would re-sign as well, but Nate signed witht he Blazers, so hopefully that will chance Allens mind and sign with the Clippers. He would have a career witht eh Clippers than with the Sonics.

I hope so at least.

[Shawndo]

Clipps, sorry about Simmons man... I just read that and thought dude that sucks for Clipps..

True, no one has signed anything yet. I wonder how 'stationary' Ray Allen is in Seattle with McMillan gone. I would much rather see Ray Ray come on down to LA (sorry Heathen).

[doublee]

Well, Ray should at least give the Sonics the opportunity to name a head coach before deciding whether he is going to bail or not. He owes them, at least, that much especially since they can pay him the most money. Who knows maybe they can convince Flip Saunders Seattle is the place for him.

What, exactly, are the Clippers doing? After Redd and Allen announced they were staying put I think I would have at the very least locked up Simmons or made a play for Hughes, though I would not have offered him what Cleveland did. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, the Clippers do. Will they sign someone useful or just sit on their cash like they usually do?

[Clipps]

It does suck to lose Bobby Simmons. It wouldn't have been that bad if the Clippers are guaranteed to get Ray Allen to change his mind, but I doubt it, but for now, sorry heathen, but I hope Ray Allen gets pissed off about Nate leaving and changes his mind, but I don't think Ray has that type of attitude, but he would have a better career with Brand, Maggette, and Livingston thanw ith Rashard, Ridnour, and Radmanovic.

Most likely, the Clippers might get Cutino Mobley. I'm not too thrilled with mobley but at least he's a solid SG and Maggette can move back to SF where he belongs.

But with the large contract Simmons got, it's good that the Clippers didn't offer that much. I thought Simmons would get 6 million, but the Bucks offered 9 million. That's too much money for a player like Simmons.

Clippers better atleast do something. As a Clip fan, i'm hoping that Ray Allen tells the Sonics to screw off and sign with the Clippers.

[Deluxe]

Sorry to disappoint you Clipps, but Allen's not going anywhere.

[JayRedd]

Ohhh...to be an NBA free agent in the summer of 2005. Only Jesus Shuttlesworth and maybe Joe Johnson are truly proven NBA studs (apologies to Michael Redd). So that leaves plenty of teams eager to throw big-time money at the rest of these marginal talents.

Larry Hughes makes one All-Star team and gets $55-60M for 5 years. So does Ilgauskas (if big man is still effective getting $11-12M per in 2009-2010, I'll personally pay his salary). Redd gets a max contract. Anyone remember the last jump shooter to get the max? That's right....the $100M albatross that ended the Knicks title chances this decade: Allan Houston. That worked out well.

Most improved player Bobby Simmons gets $47M/5 years (which I think will actually work out well). Curry, Chandler and Dalembert will all soon be the proud recipients of all-star contracts based purely on potential. These are the types of offseasons that leave the Brian Grants, Tim Thomases and Keith Van Horns of the world making $13M/year. Gotta love NBA GMs.

And we wonder why so many teams are crippled by the salary cap with no chance of even smelling the 2nd Round of the playoffs. Let me be the first to wish good luck to the Cleveland Cavaliers three years from now when their mainstays are Larry Hughes and a 7'3" 35-year-old center. And Lebron is off somewhere hanging banners in the rafters at some arena in Brooklyn.

[190 Octane]

Speaking of contracts on potential, I can't wait to see who nets Kwame Brown and how much he gets.

As far as Cleveland, I agree that Hughes' contract is very suspect. If he can continue to be a defensive stud, as he was this season, it'll be worthwhile. But that's a big "if."

Big Z, on the other hand, is a decent enough resign IMO. He's a defensive force in the paint at 7'3", and with centers coming few-and-far-between in the current NBA, I say if you have one, keep him. Cleveland will soon lose several millstones, thus freeing up some money, so they should be able to pick up a center in the near future when Ilgauskus is getting too old to go.

[JayRedd]

It's hard to say, but yes, Big Z is one of the best centers in the League. So that signing wasn't bad, especially for Cleveland, I was just commenting on the state of who wins the lottery nowadays in free agency.

As for Kwame, I think he is gonna be the steal of this offseason. Before he had that falling out in D.C., he looked like he was starting to find his game. And Dude has put on weight. He looks eerilly similar to Jermaine O'Neal in his first year in Indiana, and I don't think that sort of leap over the next 2-3 years is out of the realm of possibility.

And until this week, I heard know one talking about him. They're still talking about the mid-level exception being used on him and even saying that teams are hesitant to bite on the 3-year deal he wants in favor of only signing him for 2. I say if you can get Kwame for the next 3-4 years at $6-7M/year, why not? I mean, damn, Isiah just traded for Mo Taylor who makes $8M. (Not that anyone should base personnel decisions on what Zeke does, but it does show the dollars:performance ratio that's often out there.)

As an Indiana fan, I was disappointed to hear Larry Bird deny any rumor of trading Jeff Foster and Fred Jones for Kwame. JO and Kwame together in the East in 2 years? Could've been exciting.

[doublee]

It depends on where Kwame goes. If he goes to New York, as has been rumored, he will likely flop. He needs to go somewhere where the spotlight is not going to be on him and where he will get time to let his game grow. I like the initial rumor being floated that the Hawks were interested. He is from Georgia and will be playing with a young, rebuilding team.

[Shawndo]

So I just read that the Lakers were considering a deal for Kwame that would send Caron Butler along with possibly Divac, Atkins, or George to the Wizards.
This initially struck me as not so great, but they obviously must see some potential development in Brown.

But I'd much rather keep Butler. He's very strong, has tremendous potential and attitude, is an EXCELLENT free throw shooter, and last but definitely not least: gets along very well with Kobe.

[doublee]

The more I think about it, the more I kind of like that deal for both squads. Now, my assumption here is that the Lakers take Brown with the idea of moving Odom back to the 3 spot where he is more suited to play and plug Brown in at PF alongside Mihm and occasionally play him at center. My guess is the Lakers will try to pawn off Divac and/or George on the Wiz. I doubt the Wiz have any real interest in a guy like Atkins as a backup PG when they already have Arenas playing 40+ minutes per game. Plus, LA really cannot afford to give up Atkins as he is the only established PG they have on the roster right now, unless they have something else in the works to bring in a guy like Dickau or Daniels.

But, if anything Brown gives them an athletic big man under the basket and they can move Odom back out to the 3 spot. Brown did show he can hold his own there two years ago, but he fell apart last season under Eddie Jordan. He should be able to match Mihm's numbers at the very least and he will get up and down the floor a lot better than Mihm does.

[buckeyefan78]

Why does everyone LOVE Iggy? Can I pull some kind of rank and say the guy is way too soft considering I've watched 90% of the Cavs games since I moved back to Ohio? I'm telling you guys, he was overpaid (not as much as Hughes though...talk about breakin' the bank) and can't play D when it comes down to the wire. Someone believe ME !!!!

I'm not too sure about Butler fitting in the triangle or even his worth. Seems to me he got drafted in a good system and played up to his potential then was traded off.

I wonder who that smart GM is that did that?

[Clipps]

Good news for the Clippers: They are very close to not only signing Cutino Mobley, but maybe Shareef Abdur-Rahim as well. I hope it happens because it would really improve the Clippers massively an it will make losing out on Ray Allen and losing Bobby Simmons seem like a blur. Shareef can come off the bench with an Antonio McDyess role, and Mobley bring the Clippers 3 point shooting, defense, and a veteran that can help the Clips go over the hump. If the Clippers get both Mobley and SAR, as well as re-signing Marko Jaric, Mikki Moore, and Zeljko ReBraca, the Clippers will be one very tough team.

[JayRedd]

Word is the Lakers will bring in Antonio Daniels. Losing a talent like Butler will be tough but a starting lineup of Daniels, Kobe, Odom, Kwame and Mihm should make the playoffs. Then you got George/Atkins, Brian Grant, Vlade, Walton and that 17-year-old coming off the bench. Not a bad little squad.

As for the Clipps, I like what they've done here if these deals come through. Mobley will be a great addition to take some of the ball handling pressure off of Livingston and Shareff should compliment Brand pretty well. If only they could've kept Simmons. Still, despite Elgin Baylor's presence, not a bad offseason for LA's B Squad.