Post by malice on Mar 18, 2014 8:30:14 GMT
Or... Guys who are gonna get paid!
I thought it might be interesting to look at the upcoming Free Agent class, and look at which guys are in line for a payday. Some will stay at their franchise and get that, but some will take their talents elsewhere.
On how likely they are to move, the grading system is as follows: the more houses, the more likely a player is to stay at their current franchise. More Mr Moneybags - more likely to leave.
Currently with the Chicago Bulls, Dwight Howard has a phenomenal amount of talent for such a young player. Only 21 years of age, but possesses a fantastic skill-set, one that with only a little development will have him be a true two-way player. He’s a double/double machine, and that’s impressive on a roster as loaded as Chicago’s. But it’s the other end of the floor that Dwight truly excels. Pulling down 11+ rebounds per, and 2nd-in-the-league 2.7 blocks per game, Howard protects the rim in a way that few players are able to.
Chicago’s long-term plans will be centered around keeping Howard alongside Amare Stoudemire, where they anchor a stingy defense that swallows misses like a black hole. Dwight’s loyal, to a point – but the Bulls have been able to put a winning group around him. Enough so that I believe he will remain in the Windy City.
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The 22yo Milicic signed a 1 year contract, and many were critical – but the intention was obvious: put up big numbers and sign a big deal the following year. Well, whilst it hasn’t quite worked out the way he planned, he has been instrumental in the Bobcat’s resurgence – currently they are in 6th spot in the East. This season, he’s put up solid (14/9), if not spectacular numbers... but Darko is likely to pull in a big contract on a speculative basis: it hasn’t happened nightly, but with enough frequency that most GMs consider him to be a player that could possibly end up being *special*. Someone’s going to pay him, and dollars appear to be Darko’s main motivating force: enough that I think he’ll stay with middle-of-the-ladder dweller Charlotte.
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Ze German. Whilst Dirk’s no youngster, he has proven talent – and appears more than ready to go if he thinks there’s a better offer on the table. This is Dirk’s last big opportunity for a payday, and he knows it: playing some phenomenal ball this season – 21/10 with good percentages. Someone’s going to pay good dollars to have that on their roster.
Playing on a loaded Orlando franchise alongside Tracy McGrady, Dirk could well decide that he wants to finish out his premium years as The Guy. In Orlando, he isn’t – even if he’s playing like he is. The Magic are still T-Mac’s team, and that’s not changing any time soon... but maybe Nowitzki’s uniform is.
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Only 22 years of age, the Brit is a true-both-ends-of-the-floor kinda guy. He’s excellent in defense, even if it doesn’t fill a stat-line – Deng has the ability to remove an opposition wing from the game, and he could well end up being one of the top end wings in the league. Currently playing in the purple & gold of the Lakers, Deng appears to be keen to stay in tinsel town, despite the mid-season slump LA experienced. They’ll be eager to keep his 21-plus-ppg near to Hollywood, and I’m relatively sure they will. Deng will get paid, but in all likelihood that check will be signed in LA’s patented purple ink.
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There’s a very real quandary surrounding GMs interested in Vinsanity’s 30+ ppg. On one hand, he’s producing like it’s the turn of the millennium... but on the other hand: guy is 30 years old. For anyone following Houston this season, there’s no doubt that he’s been a big part of the success they’ve enjoyed.
GM Flip will be keen to keep Carter in Houston – but there’ll be enough interest in him that it could get uncomfortable. Someone’s going to offer Vince the money. Only question is: will that be the Rockets?
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Doyen GM daedalus recently declared, “Great PGs are worth their weight in gold…” and he’s right. The importance of having a damn fine distributor cannot be overstated, and is one of the better ones in the league. And… he’s available. Even if some don’t regard him as truly elite, he’s right up there – producing 15 ppg and nearly-nine-assists per, and at 25 - he still has a lot of basketball to go – this makes him a candidate for quite a bit of money heading his way.
The Rockets are in a corner – but they have the space to keep both Nelson and Vince Carter… but I don’t think they do. I see the Rockets pursuing other players in the FA period, letting Jameer seek fame ‘n fortune elsewhere.
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A lot of people look at a rolling Denver, and look no further than Carmelo Anthony’s dominance there. But scratch the surface, and you’ll see a point guard having a fantastic season. Melo might be the big gun, but it’s Devin Harris who’s the engine of that juggernaut. 22.7 points per game, with 8.5 assists… and enough defense to make opponents blink, Harris is only 24 years of age, and given the importance of points in this league – someone is going to pay him max or near max. Now, given the amount of salary the Nuggets will have committed next season, they won’t be a player in the FA market, therefore GM coldj3 would be foolish to let him walk, and he’s no fool. I have Harris as likely staying.
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There are other guys out there too who will be in the dollars come free agency. Some *honorable* mentions/names-to-keep-an-eye-on: Chauncey Billups, Keyon Dooling, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Tayshaun Prince and Josh Smith.
