Zombie Summer of 2016 NBA Free Agency

[Rhal]

14.2 ppg, 5.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds, shooting 41% and 34% from three with a PER of 14.3.

That sounds like max money production right there?

If its third banana on a championship team and you think Batum is the missing piece, then sure. Otherwise I see him getting a huge contract but not max 17 a year.

 

[Rhal]

It sucks, because I am really starting to like Hendo, but I feel like we need more firepower in our starting lineup.

I like Hendo a lot but I like his energy off the bench more then as a starter. Let him be the hustle guy off the bench and shoot the long J's he wants to as long as he we keep him fresh and let him run around like an energizer bunny for 20m a game.

 

[Natebishop3]

I like Hendo a lot but I like his energy off the bench more then as a starter. Let him be the hustle guy off the bench and shoot the long J's he wants to as long as he we keep him fresh and let him run around like an energizer bunny for 20m a game.

Sure, but my point is that I don't think we can keep him if we want to sign someone like Parsons. Need that cap space.

 

[Harry's Raincoat]

Some very good examination of our needs and our team. My take:

Our roster......no messing with DL, CJ, or Vonleh or Mason in starting lineup. Keep playing them and they will keep improving.
Not sold on Aminu. I think because of cap situation and GSW cap especially, we target Barnes on day 1 of FA and give him $$. Move Aminu to bench.

I would also then target Ryan Anderson as a reserve/rotation player. He's a quicker release and more accurate offensive player than Myers Leonard. I fear the kind of offers ML will get. Don't want to over pay for him.

I also don't think we keep both Crabbe and Henderson. Pick one. I prefer Crabbe, but at what price? Keep the Crabbe unless he prices out too high.

Final piece is going after Larry Sanders. Yes, a gamble. A big gamble. But if successful, a real winning team/combo.

Lillard - McCollum - Barnes - Vonleh - Sanders
Crabbe - Aminu - Anderson - Davis - Plumlee
Nameless PG - Harkless - Montero - Alexander

Depending on matchups - Sanders plays more if playing bigger team, Ryan Anderson plays more if smaller team.
Or see what you could get for Aminu and put Harkless in his spot on the roster.

I would also love to see DeRozen on this team instead of Barnes. But, don't think its likely because he's already getting paid and playing for best team in East. Why change? Barnes wants more recognition than he's currently getting.

 

[Natebishop3]

Some very good examination of our needs and our team. My take:

Our roster......no messing with DL, CJ, or Vonleh or Mason in starting lineup. Keep playing them and they will keep improving.
Not sold on Aminu. I think because of cap situation and GSW cap especially, we target Barnes on day 1 of FA and give him $$. Move Aminu to bench.

I would also then target Ryan Anderson as a reserve/rotation player. He's a quicker release and more accurate offensive player than Myers Leonard. I fear the kind of offers ML will get. Don't want to over pay for him.

I also don't think we keep both Crabbe and Henderson. Pick one. I prefer Crabbe, but at what price? Keep the Crabbe unless he prices out too high.

Final piece is going after Larry Sanders. Yes, a gamble. A big gamble. But if successful, a real winning team/combo.

Lillard - McCollum - Barnes - Vonleh - Sanders
Crabbe - Aminu - Anderson - Davis - Plumlee
Nameless PG - Harkless - Montero - Alexander

Depending on matchups - Sanders plays more if playing bigger team, Ryan Anderson plays more if smaller team.
Or see what you could get for Aminu and put Harkless in his spot on the roster.

I would also love to see DeRozen on this team instead of Barnes. But, don't think its likely because he's already getting paid and playing for best team in East. Why change? Barnes wants more recognition than he's currently getting.

I think we swing for the fences and go after Durant/DeRozan/etc. If we whiff, I think Neil re-signs everyone and then makes some trades when we can. I don't think he wants to lose Crabbe/Leonard for nothing. I think Hendo is most likely gone.

 

[Draco]

14.2 ppg, 5.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds, shooting 41% and 34% from three with a PER of 14.3.

That sounds like max money production right there?

With over 20 teams having max cap room, many having room for two max contracts, some such as the Lakers even with 3 max spots; absolutely yes that production is max worthy.

There are only maybe 6 legit quality max free agents but the next tier will all get the max. Heck Enes Kanter, Tobias Harris, and injured Achilllies Wes all got it last summer. If you don't pay them you end up doing what the Lakers did trading for Roy Hibbert and signing Lou Williams. I'd rather have Batum that those two. I expect Crabbe to get close to a max deal if he continues his season to date production.

Irresponsible spending won't hurt teams cap sheets either as the cap goes up another $20 million in 2017.

 

[Natebishop3]

With over 20 teams having max cap room, many having room for two max contracts, some such as the Lakers even with 3 max spots; absolutely yes that production is max worthy.

There are only maybe 6 legit quality max free agents but the next tier will all get the max. Heck Enes Kanter, Tobias Harris, and injured Achilllies Wes all got it last summer. If you don't pay them you end up doing what the Lakers did trading for Roy Hibbert and signing Lou Williams. I'd rather have Batum that those two. I expect Crabbe to get close to a max deal if he continues his season to date production.

Irresponsible spending won't hurt teams cap sheets either as the cap goes up another $20 million in 2017.

People that irresponsibly spend their money now will be in deep shit in a few years. Sure, the cap is going up, but if Neil can wait it out and not spend a ton of money on role players, we might get ahead of it and actually be in a position to snag someone when everyone else is capped.

 

[Stevenson]

I think we swing for the fences and go after Durant/DeRozan/etc.

I don't think we need DeRozen. He's a really just a high-volume scorer like Dame and CJ.

 

[Natebishop3]

I don't think we need DeRozen. He's a really just a high-volume scorer like Dame and CJ.

I think we need a third scorer. Last year we had LMA/Dame/Wes. Right now, if someone shuts down Dame/CJ, we're in deep trouble. That's essentially how Houston got back into the game. They shut down our two scorers and we couldn't recover. I don't care who it is or what position, but we need a third guy who can score consistently.

 

[HailBlazers]

I think we need a third scorer. Last year we had LMA/Dame/Wes. Right now, if someone shuts down Dame/CJ, we're in deep trouble. That's essentially how Houston got back into the game. They shut down our two scorers and we couldn't recover. I don't care who it is or what position, but we need a third guy who can score consistently.

Man that would be so cool if Leonard could develop a post game. (not holding my breath.)

 

[Pinwheel1]

I like Hendo a lot but I like his energy off the bench more then as a starter. Let him be the hustle guy off the bench and shoot the long J's he wants to as long as he we keep him fresh and let him run around like an energizer bunny for 20m a game.

Henderson is a bigger, younger, and all around better player off the bench than Mo Williams was two years ago. I would pay the man. I still think Henderson will come to the conclusion that his energy and production off the bench is where he can excel. As long as he gets paid well, why not? Crabbe can play SF. I say re-sign them both. It makes no sense to me to over pay for Barnes.
If Barnes excels in the playoffs, then disregard everything I said and go after him.

DeRosan who I wanted to trade for last summer, is no longer an option IMO. He is playing too well.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Evan Fournier is my #1 target - after KD.

Career: 39 3pt% on 8 attempts per game - shooting 40% this year.

Improving defensively. The prototypical SF for Stotts' system.

Kevin Durant
Evan Fournier
Ryan Anderson
Alen Crabbe
Matt Dellavedova
Mirza Telotovic

 

[Pinwheel1]

Evan Fournier is my #1 target - after KD.

Career: 39 3pt% on 8 attempts per game - shooting 40% this year.

Improving defensively. The prototypical SF for Stotts' system.

Is he better than Crabbe? Crabbe has a 3" advantage in wing span. My theory is when two players are pretty close in comparison, keep the west coast guy over signing a east coast guy. And by east coast....... I mean France or Spain. Better odds for keeping them happy.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Fournier is Restricted. You would have to severely overpay (like almost max) for ORL to pass on matching.

 

[Draco]

Evan Fournier is my #1 target - after KD.

Career: 39 3pt% on 8 attempts per game - shooting 40% this year.

Improving defensively. The prototypical SF for Stotts' system.

Kevin Durant
Evan Fournier
Ryan Anderson
Alen Crabbe
Matt Dellavedova
Mirza Telotovic

Fournier would be great; he is restricted and will get a max offer which Orlando likely matches.

Anderson will be paid max or close to it; with his horrible defense, injuries and being older than Dame I'd pass.

I think we just end up matching a near max offer for Crabbe then try to keep Hendo/Harkless which I'm fine with.

Obviously getting Durant would be great but seems like a pipe dream.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I like Vonleh (as you can see from my avatar), but...
The Vonleh/Biebs PF rotation is by FAR the weakest part of our team. That's where we should concentrate our energy/$$$. Obviously, Horford would be awesome. However, we may trade/use capspace for a PF we want instead of getting a FA - especially with a team hoping to land an FA.

btw, Monroe is no longer starting in Milwaukee and Penis Kancer sucks, so I'm OK with avoiding free agency

P.S. I wouldn't mind just ditching Biebs, and starting Harkless at PF (he's 6'9") and having Vonleh back him up.

 

[Draco]

I like Vonleh (as you can see from my avatar), but...
The Vonleh/Biebs PF rotation is by FAR the weakest part of our team. That's where we should concentrate our energy/$$$. Obviously, Horford would be awesome. However, we may trade/use capspace for a PF we want instead of getting a FA - especially with a team hoping to land an FA.

btw, Monroe is no longer starting in Milwaukee and Penis Kancer sucks, so I'm OK with avoiding free agency

P.S. I wouldn't mind just ditching Biebs, and starting Harkless at PF (he's 6'9") and having Vonleh back him up.

Either forward spot is really our weak link. I care more about the talent we add than which forward position it's at. Vonleh, Aminu, Harkless are fine at PF if we add a SF. Aminu, Harkless, Hendo, Crabbe are fine at SF if we add a PF.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Parsons! Parsons! Parsons!,

 

[BonesJones]

Parsons! Parsons! Parsons!,

No! No! No!

 

[BlayZa]

we need a starting PF that Vonleh can learn from.

 

[Natebishop3]

we need a starting PF that Vonleh can learn from.

Man I would love to nab a guy like Milsap.

 

[BonesJones]

Man I would love to nab a guy like Milsap.

If they blow it up what do you think we'd have to give for him?

 

[SirReznor]

For my top pick, I'd definitely have to be Hassan Whiteside. The dudes 7'0 265lbs of muscle. 26 years old while only being 3 years pro. So very little wear and tear. Hes an estalished big whos a monster on D. Would easily average double-double's nightly for the blazers. Happens to be the best shot blocking player in the league. He's an unrestricted free agent after this season. Heat couldn't match his offer if he signs elsewhere and they happen to be one of the top teams for being so far over the cap. So for the Heat, throwing/offering him a max would be very problematic; even if Wade is a free agent this summer, he'll for sure be getting another final/last long term deal from the heat since hes their face of the franchise/main attraction for selling home seats.

Whiteside for the Blazers, would give them a true defensive anchor, and really a legit anchor on both sides of the court. Averaging 28.5 minutes a game, he averages 13 pts, 11.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 3.9 blocks with a PER of 24.60. Hes already established himself as one of the best defensive bigs and hes only officially started a season and half. So clearly, hes still developing and has room to further improve. Another pivotal thing to point out is his high level of potential on offense. Against the Timberwolves, 22 pts, 14 rebs, 10 blocks. Against the Wizards, 25 pts, 23 rebounds. Against mavs, 25 pts, 19 rebounds. Hes great at scoring/crashing the boards via second chance points. Has a nasty and consistent hook shot and when very close to the rim, undoubtedly becomes one of the harder players to stop from muscling his way to the rim. With Chris Bosh there, Hassan offensive opportunities are limited vs the Blazers where he'd realistically be their 1st option down low. Only concerns with Whiteside, is he seems to be a little immature; though, nothing on Cousins level. I believe with Lillard and CJ being the voice/leader for the Blazers I'd work out, doesn't help help there all near the same age. So with that, it could help provide a context of where in this together.

 

[SirReznor]

I don't think we target any of those players. Drummond and Barnes are locks to be matched. Horford, Batum, DeRozen, Parsons all stay with their current teams for the max and grab that 5th year. Durant isn't realistic and is frankly just a waste of time when so many other free agents will decide in the first couple days.

I expect an Aminu or Ed Davis type of signing. Neil has a history of trying to buy low on very undervalued players.

Kent Bazemore and Boban Marjanovic are more the types of players I could see us target. Perhaps Festus Ezeli depending on what else the Warriors do. Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, maybe Al Jefferson if we look for a veteran and they have less than expected contract offers.

I think we will primarily focus on our own free agents and extending CJ, Plumlee.

I don't think Barnes is necessarily a lock; though, I'm not saying the Warriors don't resign him. Currently Klay, Dreymond-Green and Curry are all signed to max deals. However, curry only has one year left on his contract after this year at $12 million and after that's up, his annual average jumps up to $25 million. So they also have to prepare for the future salary as well. Realistically the Warriors the could trade away iggy($11 million) or Bogut($12 million) contract to ensure enough cap space for Barnes. But I question if it's worth it for them vs a team like the blazers where giving a max out to him is more worth the money since they lack the collective starters the warriors have.

Surprised no one's really mentioned Hassan Whiteside, hes unrestricted this year and is realistically imo, one of the best players the Blazers have a real chance on signing. Shabazz Muhammad is a player available via a trade that they are currently interested in. At 6'6 225lbs SF, hes shown promising signs of possibly becoming a quality starter. High energy, high hustle, type of player who possess offensive abilities. Just another thought.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

For my top pick, I'd definitely have to be Hassan Whiteside. The dudes 7'0 265lbs of muscle. 26 years old while only being 3 years pro. So very little wear and tear. Hes an estalished big whos a monster on D. Would easily average double-double's nightly for the blazers. Happens to be the best shot blocking player in the league. He's an unrestricted free agent after this season. Heat couldn't match his offer if he signs elsewhere and they happen to be one of the top teams for being so far over the cap. So for the Heat, throwing/offering him a max would be very problematic; even if Wade is a free agent this summer, he'll for sure be getting another final/last long term deal from the heat since hes their face of the franchise/main attraction for selling home seats.

Whiteside for the Blazers, would give them a true defensive anchor, and really a legit anchor on both sides of the court. Averaging 28.5 minutes a game, he averages 13 pts, 11.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 3.9 blocks with a PER of 24.60. Hes already established himself as one of the best defensive bigs and hes only officially started a season and half. So clearly, hes still developing and has room to further improve. Another pivotal thing to point out is his high level of potential on offense. Against the Timberwolves, 22 pts, 14 rebs, 10 blocks. Against the Wizards, 25 pts, 23 rebounds. Against mavs, 25 pts, 19 rebounds. Hes great at scoring/crashing the boards via second chance points. Has a nasty and consistent hook shot and when very close to the rim, undoubtedly becomes one of the harder players to stop from muscling his way to the rim. With Chris Bosh there, Hassan offensive opportunities are limited vs the Blazers where he'd realistically be their 1st option down low. Only concerns with Whiteside, is he seems to be a little immature; though, nothing on Cousins level. I believe with Lillard and CJ being the voice/leader for the Blazers I'd work out, doesn't help help there all near the same age. So with that, it could help provide a context of where in this together.

I don't think Barnes is necessarily a lock; though, I'm not saying the Warriors don't resign him. Currently Klay, Dreymond-Green and Curry are all signed to max deals. However, curry only has one year left on his contract after this year at $12 million and after that's up, his annual average jumps up to $25 million. So they also have to prepare for the future salary as well. Realistically the Warriors the could trade away iggy($11 million) or Bogut($12 million) contract to ensure enough cap space for Barnes. But I question if it's worth it for them vs a team like the blazers where giving a max out to him is more worth the money since they lack the collective starters the warriors have.

Surprised no one's really mentioned Hassan Whiteside, hes unrestricted this year and is realistically imo, one of the best players the Blazers have a real chance on signing. Shabazz Muhammad is a player available via a trade that they are currently interested in. At 6'6 225lbs SF, hes shown promising signs of possibly becoming a quality starter. High energy, high hustle, type of player who possess offensive abilities. Just another thought.

Welcome to RipCityTwo!

 

[BonesJones]

For my top pick, I'd definitely have to be Hassan Whiteside. The dudes 7'0 265lbs of muscle. 26 years old while only being 3 years pro. So very little wear and tear. Hes an estalished big whos a monster on D. Would easily average double-double's nightly for the blazers. Happens to be the best shot blocking player in the league. He's an unrestricted free agent after this season. Heat couldn't match his offer if he signs elsewhere and they happen to be one of the top teams for being so far over the cap. So for the Heat, throwing/offering him a max would be very problematic; even if Wade is a free agent this summer, he'll for sure be getting another final/last long term deal from the heat since hes their face of the franchise/main attraction for selling home seats.

Whiteside for the Blazers, would give them a true defensive anchor, and really a legit anchor on both sides of the court. Averaging 28.5 minutes a game, he averages 13 pts, 11.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 3.9 blocks with a PER of 24.60. Hes already established himself as one of the best defensive bigs and hes only officially started a season and half. So clearly, hes still developing and has room to further improve. Another pivotal thing to point out is his high level of potential on offense. Against the Timberwolves, 22 pts, 14 rebs, 10 blocks. Against the Wizards, 25 pts, 23 rebounds. Against mavs, 25 pts, 19 rebounds. Hes great at scoring/crashing the boards via second chance points. Has a nasty and consistent hook shot and when very close to the rim, undoubtedly becomes one of the harder players to stop from muscling his way to the rim. With Chris Bosh there, Hassan offensive opportunities are limited vs the Blazers where he'd realistically be their 1st option down low. Only concerns with Whiteside, is he seems to be a little immature; though, nothing on Cousins level. I believe with Lillard and CJ being the voice/leader for the Blazers I'd work out, doesn't help help there all near the same age. So with that, it could help provide a context of where in this together.

The Heat are better with Whiteside off the floor. He's a block chaser, not a rim protector. He's a rebound stealer as well. It's like the dude realized that chasing these stats would make him appear like a good big man and would help him stay in the league. He only has 22 assists compared to 850 shot attempts, and that would be a bad fit in Stotts offense that thrives off ball movement. He's also a bad presence in the locker room and will likely be maxed out by a team that doesn't do their homework. Hopefully that team isn't us.

And Welcome to the Board.

 

[BonesJones]

Surprised no one's really mentioned Hassan Whiteside, hes unrestricted this year and is realistically imo, one of the best players the Blazers have a real chance on signing. Shabazz Muhammad is a player available via a trade that they are currently interested in. At 6'6 225lbs SF, hes shown promising signs of possibly becoming a quality starter. High energy, high hustle, type of player who possess offensive abilities. Just another thought.

Muhammeds a terrible defender, and when our starting backcourt doesn't have the greatest defenders to begin with, we can't stand to have a sieve at SF, who will open up and let teams drive at will, resulting in our bigs getting in foul trouble trying to cover his back, causing them to be less aggressive protecting the rim.
This is also why I say "Hell no!" to Chandler Parsons. Some have suggested him, but he's the same way and can't stay healthy. And we don't need another player who can run the pick n' roll. We could use another natural scorer, but Parsons isn't that.

 

[Draco]

Welcome to the board.

I wouldn't give Whiteside more than one guaranteed year. I'd pay him the max; just want to be able to get out of that contract as I could see him becoming a lazy malcontent once he is paid. If that means another team gets him instead so be it.

Yeah Curry will eventually earn more; but the cap will go up another $20million and Iggy/Bogut deals expire by then so it won't effect the Warriors ability to pay Barnes any time soon. They could always trade him years from now. No reason to lose Barnes for nothing now.

We're in an odd place with free agency because we add any of these types of starters it basically cuts major minutes from two of our current key players. Plumlee and Ed have been our third and fourth best players; we can't keep them with Whiteside. Hendo Crabbe Aminu have been a hell of an energetic group but they can't all get minutes with Barnes here. I wonder if we'd just be best resigning our own guys to cheaper contracts and continuing to run 10 deep.

 

[KingSpeed]

Plumlee > Whiteside in our offense.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, The Magic are the biggest threat to steal Chandler Parsons this summer.

Parsons is fully expected to opt out of the final year of his deal this summer and is currently playing some of the best ball of his career, averaging 20.2 points, 4.4 boards, 3.4 assists, 0.8 blocks, 1.2 steals and 2.8 3-pointers over his last five games. The Magic will have a ton of cap space and could throw a max deal at Parsons, but it should be noted that the Lakers, Nets, Heat, Knicks, Blazers, Rockets, Nuggets and Thunder are also going to be in the mix. To be clear, Dallas should still be considered the favorites to keep the dynamic forward.

Florida does have no State Income Tax (either does TX of course) and he did go to College there.