The forgotten free-agent point guard

[PtldPlatypus]

Last year, 9 point guards averaged more than 6 assists and fewer than 3 turnovers per 36 minutes, while shooting at least 38% from 3. Of those, the one with the best D-rating also happens to be 25 years old and an unrestricted free agent this year.

Lost among the free-agency talk about Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Amare, Johnson, et al., this player is the only free agent PG on the market (other than the ancient Derek Fisher) who has regularly been a full-time NBA starter.

He seems like he would be a perfect complement to Brandon Roy, he's a true point guard, he plays defense, he's available, and based on his somewhat pedestrian "numbers" (12ppg, 5.6 apg, 15.2 PER), I don't see that he's going to command any more than a MLE-level deal. So why doesn't Raymond Felton get a little more attention as a potential PGoTF? Am I totally off my rocker here?

 

[BGrantFan]

I like the way you think. Felton makes sense to me, and he'd be at the right price.

Depends on who the GM is after the draft, I suppose, and if Felton would mind coming off the bench for a year. Or, would Miller be benched?

 

[BrianFromWA]

Nate Rob, Acie Law, Flip Murray, Earl Watson, Blakey, Fisher, Tinsley, Marcus Williams, Skip to my Lou, Royal Ivey, Ridnour, Chris Duhon, Kevin Ollie, Anthony Johnson, White Chocolate, Allen Iverson, SHaun Livingston are all UFA's. Felton's an RFA, iirc.

If you limit the list to "decent". Um....Nate Rob, Blanky, Tinsley (culturally non-compliant, I'd say), Ridnour. Maybe Livingston if healthier.

 

[huevonkiller]

Felton improved a lot more than I thought. I wouldn't mind him.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Is Felton this summer's "Ramon Sessions?"

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Nate Rob, Acie Law, Flip Murray, Earl Watson, Blakey, Fisher, Tinsley, Marcus Williams, Skip to my Lou, Royal Ivey, Ridnour, Chris Duhon, Kevin Ollie, Anthony Johnson, White Chocolate, Allen Iverson, SHaun Livingston are all UFA's. Felton's an RFA, iirc.

If you limit the list to "decent". Um....Nate Rob, Blanky, Tinsley (culturally non-compliant, I'd say), Ridnour. Maybe Livingston if healthier.

No, he's unrestricted. He would have been restricted last year, but he took the QO.

And yeah, there are other PG's available. But how many can shoot the three, distribute willingly, don't turn it over, and play defense. Given the dearth of players who fit all of those criteria, I don't understand why Felton doesn't get more attention.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

His playoff performance really hurt his value, IMO. He was horrible!

 

[hasoos]

Have you actually watched him play much? IMO his decision making leaves much to be desired, stats be damned.

 

[huevonkiller]

His playoff performance really hurt his value, IMO. He was horrible!

Well I don't think you have to break the bank for him. That's a plus.

I'm speaking more from my team's standpoint though.

 

[Chuck Taylor]

5.6 assists a game is pretty weak for a starting pure PG. But I haven't really seen him play much, and I know that the Bobcats play at a slow pace.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

5.6 assists a game is pretty weak for a starting pure PG. But I haven't really seen him play much, and I know that the Bobcats play at a slow pace.

5.6 apg is 15th in the league among point guards, and that's on a team that's in the bottom 5 in pace, and bottom 10 in FG%. Not great, but pretty decent.

 

[BGrantFan]

Is Felton this summer's "Ramon Sessions?"

Felton is a much better PG than Ramon Sessions. Sessions makes 'Dre look like Reggie Miller in terms of shooting.

 

[Tince]

Felton is a much better PG than Ramon Sessions. Sessions makes 'Dre look like Reggie Miller in terms of shooting.

I think this is a fairly accurate statement. Though there are some Sessions lovers around here that won't agree.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Felton would be an adequate PG. Certainly not the type to put us over the top.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

He had a great first season, I dunno what happened after that. Maybe it's the system, although he wouldn't be any better in our crappy offensive system either.

 

[Blazinaway]

I don't think he's a bad idea at all, where will we do better? only cost might be the MLE. Perfect age, much improved shooter and plays good D? I'd like to have him, seems like a very good match with Brandon. Trade Miller and see what we can get for him.

 

[BGrantFan]

Felton would be an adequate PG. Certainly not the type to put us over the top.

Which elite PG has put his team over the top in recent years?

 

[Natebishop3]

That's funny, I was just looking at a list of free agents for this summer and Felton's name popped out at me. I didn't know he was unrestricted until recently. I wouldn't mind picking him up.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Which elite PG has put his team over the top in recent years?

Rajon Rondo.

As to Felton, I wouldn't be dead-set against picking him up. I have no idea how much he thinks he worth and if he'd be willing to take a mid-level type deal, but if he could be had for 5 million a year or so then I think that would worth looking at

He's no Ramon Sessions though ...

 

[PtldPlatypus]

He's no Ramon Sessions though ...

You're right--Felton can actually shoot the ball.

Actually, despite the fact that I started this thread, I do have a couple concerns about Felton:

a) I have a feeling that he thinks he's better than he actually is (on the other hand, perhaps he actually is better than I think he is)
b) He "broke out" in his 5th season at age 25, which is a little later than most. Is it legit, or was he a contract-year wonder?​

 

[BBert]

Felton is -- good enough. He may be the type of 'out of favor' undervalued player KP looks for. I don't think he has to be an all star to 'put us over the top.' He should definitely be on our short list of realistic PG acquisitions.

 

[Blaze01]

He is not forgotten....

he just isn't a player that should be near the top of POR wish list.....

I'd much rather see them go after guys like Mike Miller, Anthony Morrow, Randy Foye, Wes Matthews, JJ Redick, Kyle Korver, Al Harrington or Luis Scola.....

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Which elite PG has put his team over the top in recent years?

Well, we did a lot better with Miller than Blake. That should give you an inkling that a very good PG is an asset to a team and not a detriment.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I'd much rather see them go after guys like Mike Miller, Anthony Morrow, Randy Foye, Wes Matthews, JJ Redick, Kyle Korver, Al Harrington or Luis Scola.....

I understand Miller, Morrow, Redick, or Korver--dead-eye shooters are valuable. I like Matthews too--he just knows how to play. Scola (expects to start), Foye, Harrington (don't like their game)--not interested at all

However, I think a long-term answer at starting point guard is much more important to the future of this team than anything the guys you listed can bring, so while I'd love to see Morrow as our backup 2, given the choice I'd rather have Felton.

 

[BGrantFan]

Rajon Rondo.

As to Felton, I wouldn't be dead-set against picking him up. I have no idea how much he thinks he worth and if he'd be willing to take a mid-level type deal, but if he could be had for 5 million a year or so then I think that would worth looking at

He's no Ramon Sessions though ...

Rondo had a 15.8 playoff PER the year the Celtics beat the Lakers. This year, he's at 18, which is good but not great.

Try again, because Rondo was not elite in 2008. I also meant which elite PG added to an existing roster has put their team over the top, but that's a different story.

 

[hasoos]

Rondo had a 15.8 playoff PER the year the Celtics beat the Lakers. This year, he's at 18, which is good but not great.

Try again, because Rondo was not elite in 2008. I also meant which elite PG added to an existing roster has put their team over the top, but that's a different story.

PER has it's place, but it says nothing about the team a player is on, and what kind of production is necessary for a team to win. Boston has a great defensive team. When you have a great defensive team, you don't have to have as much offensive stats to win. Rondo was all NBA defensive team. PER doesn't say much about that.

 

[LittleAlex]

Felton wasn't so much forgotten as summarily dismissed as a free agent option.

He isn't that good and certainly wouldn't help Portland reach the next level.

Why waste money on an average player when Portland already has an above average dude at that position (Miller).

 

[Idog1976]

I think this is a fairly accurate statement. Though there are some Sessions lovers around here that won't agree.

I'm a reformed Sessions lover. I was wrong. I man enough to admit it. Funny how most on this board can't admit when they've made a mistake.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Felton wasn't so much forgotten as summarily dismissed as a free agent option.

Initially, I was noting him as forgotten not only by Blazer fans, but by the national media. He's the best free agent point guard available in this summer of unprecedented cap room, and most people aren't even aware that he's a free agent.

Why waste money on an average player when Portland already has an above average dude at that position (Miller).

Miller is 34; Felton is 25. Felton is a better defender and outside shooter than Miller. Felton can play effectively off the ball. Miller may be a better player overall, but Felton will be around a lot longer, and would probably be a better fit next to Roy.

 

[hasoos]

I'm a reformed Sessions lover. I was wrong. I man enough to admit it. Funny how most on this board can't admit when they've made a mistake.

I like Sessions when he was with Milwaukee. But after I saw him in Minnesota, I fully admit I don't want him here anymore. Folks, you have to beware of the players that you can't see play a lot. Felton is that same way. I have seen him play though, and for the most part, I really don't want him here either.