The official 2003 NBA free agents thread

[Bored 0]

At least they still have Earl Boykins.

Boykins is a free agent as well and someone is bound to over pay for him. He's a nice sparkplug off the bench but definently not a starting point guard.

[Guest alfdogg]

I still think the Clips should have some faith in LO and give him a nice extention. It will show the other free agents that they have turned over a new leaf

tee hee.

 

Does Minn really have the money to sign Howard?

 

And what happened to the rumored Sabonis-for-Camby deal? Is that out the window as well?

[Guest alfdogg]

Not sure if they go in this thread, but

 

Patrick Ewing is now an assistant with Van Gundy in Houston, and

 

Glenn Robinson was suspended for the first three games for some kind of domestic abuse charges.

 

Keon Clark is also with the Kings for at least one more season after exercising his option.

 

And has anyone touched on the Robert Horry thing yet?

[Guest alfdogg]

From the Chicago Suntimes site

 

Scottie Pippen may be offered a front office position with the Bulls if he returns to that team. He said if they gave him at least the mid-level exception and a front office position after he leaves, he would be crazy not to consider it. Several of the Bulls seem interested in him coming to the team, as well.

 

Ira Newble of the Hawks will be visiting Chicago as well.

 

News that bothers me:

 

According ESPN.com, Pacers President Donnie Walsh has confirmed that Jermaine O'Neal has already scheduled visits to Dallas and San Antonio. Walsh says he isn't worried.

 

I don't know if I buy Walsh's claim that he will re-sign O'Neal AND the Millers without using the luxury tax. I will say that if one of those teams is able to land O'Neal, I predict they will be the NBA champions this season.

 

(bites nails nervously)

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

I know it's probably bullshit, but why do they even want Miller?

 

 

Here is a cool little article about players that can help your team even if they don't have much cap space.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

I like what they are doing in Minnesota. They are bringing in more consistent firepower to help take some of the load off KG. I also hope that free agents get their $$$ elsewhere and leave the Lakers in their current state of disarray. Hopefully, Bryant will come to his senses and really leave after next season.

 

Also, the Rockets did not exercise their option on Moochie Norris. I don't get that move since I think he's a pretty good player. Maybe they are trying to clear some cap space for Sprewell.

[Guest Lethargic]

I still don't think there's any chance that O'Neal leaves the Pacers. If he thinks he can go out West and be as good as he is in the East, he's crazy. Like everybody says, most players only get one shot at complete free agency in their career, so when they get it they like to go around and have the whole league woo them, get smoke blown up their ass, get offers from them and then go back home to make their original team out bid the others. I'm way more worried about then not being able to resign the Millers. Brad worst of all. Brad Miller is more valuable to that team than most people will give him credit for and I think it'd be a big loss if he left. But if they don't trade Croshere I don't see how they can afford all three of those guys PLUS try to bring in Payton like has been rumored.

[Guest Choken One]

I know it's probably bullshit, but why do they even want Miller?

 

 

Here is a cool little article about players that can help your team even if they don't have much cap space.

If you mean BRAD miller...It's because he's a solid Center which is rarity in the Eastern Conference.

 

REGGIE miller-Obvious...A legend in Indy and can still turn it on when he wants...

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

I meant Reggie. And I agree with the first part of your description.

[Guest Lethargic]

At Reggie's age and with his diminished skills, he's probably not worth all that much to other teams, but to the Pacers he's everything. He's the heart and soul of that team. He's the leader. He's like a big brother or a father figure to most of the kids on that team. Even if he can't go crazy and score 48 points in 15 seconds like he used to, losing him would be huge to this team and would hurt them greatly. And as long as he's willing to stick around, why not keep him? At this age, he's not gonna break the bank. He's not gonna be commanding 12 million a year or anything anymore. Even if he's just a backup he's worth having because no matter how he's struggling at any certain time, he scares the other team and they HAVE to guard him. And his leadership OFF the court can't even be measured.

[Guest alfdogg]

I know it's probably bullshit, but why do they even want Miller?

 

 

Here is a cool little article about players that can help your team even if they don't have much cap space.

Yeah, nice little cheap shot at the Kings there at the end, eh?

 

ESPN are such a bunch of Laker fanboys it's disgusting.

 

I do agree that Lue would be a nice fit for the Pacers. I just skimmed through the rest of it. I'll read it when I have time.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

If I'm the Pacers, I plant Reggie on the bench and make him the proverbial sparkplug. He can still do that, he can't however start, play big minutes and consistently score, not anymore.

 

Scottie Pippen back with the Bulls....that could be interesting. If Pip keeps his point-forward role going, then that could really be a pretty dangerous team with all those scorers and a savy veteran setting up good opportunities for them. Or everyone will turn bitchy, Jalen Rose will headbutt Cartwright and Pippen's leg will explode again. Ah well, it'd be fun in any scenario.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

ESPN Insider is saying that Juwan Howard is nearing a deal with the Timberwolves.

I'm not exactly sure how to feel about that. Howard doesn't have the greatest reputation, but if you believe the reports that he behaved in Denver that wouldn't be a horrible signing.

 

I'm go out on limb and say Rasho resigns. Garnett signs an extension before the end of next season.

 

What does ESPN insider say about deals for Brandon? Brandon to Atlanta for Robinson and Ratliff has been rumored around hear. Someone also mentioned Brandon to Memphis for Wright and Battier.

[Guest The Fett]

Looks like the Miami Heat are now a major player in the free agent market.

 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketb...fla-sports-heat

 

Anthony Carter flushes over 4-million dollars down the drain. Agent should be fired ASAP.

[Guest Dangerous A]

Why in the world would Memphis or Atlanta be willing to part with 2 decent players for Mr Injury bug, Terrell Brandon? That doesn't make sense.

 

 

Alfdogg, I saw the article too. ESPN taking pot shots at the Kings. Sad really, especially coming from David Aldridge.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

People want Terrell Brandon because his contract runs up next year. Basically you can trade players on your team that add up to the amount Brandon makes, and then next year you're free to spend that money on free agents.

 

BTW, Brandon isn't expected to ever play another game ever, right?

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Fuck David Aldridge and the ESPN Insider. They said that the Clips aren't for real and that Sterling will NEVER open up his wallet. Consequently, Larry Flint is holding some kind of function here in LA and Donald Sterling will be honored as the humanitarian of the year.

 

As far as the Lakers are concerned, I can't wait until Kobe and Phillip leave that horrible franchise in search of greener pastures after next season.

[Guest Choken One]

umm...Clippers AREN'T for real.

[Guest The Grand Pubah of 1620]

Just saw on ESPN that Kidd is going to San Antonio Sun. and Mon. to meet with the higher ups. That is not a good thing, if it happens.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

Malone and Payton possibly working out some Satanic deal with the Lakers. Christ, and now your Western Conference All Star Starting line up....oops, its just the Lakers. How very Yankee'ish of them.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Those bastards. I hope their egos will prevent that deal from panning out.

[Guest The Grand Pubah of 1620]

Like I said in the Malone thread Polish, I think the egos at LA were taken down a few notches with thier loss on this years playoffs. I doubt that'll be a factor for them next season.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

GP, Shaq, Kobe, Phillip, Karl are all about EGO. Nothing will change that.

[Guest The Grand Pubah of 1620]

I agree with you, but after what happened to them this past season I really think that'll be put aside. The most important thing to the Lakers now is showing people that this past season was a fluke and that they are the dynasty eveybody says they are.

 

Well, I hope that'll be true anyway.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Fuck David Aldridge and the ESPN Insider. They said that the Clips aren't for real and that Sterling will NEVER open up his wallet. Consequently, Larry Flint is holding some kind of function here in LA and Donald Sterling will be honored as the humanitarian of the year.

 

As far as the Lakers are concerned, I can't wait until Kobe and Phillip leave that horrible franchise in search of greener pastures after next season.

Polish you've said Donold Sterling won't open up his wallet. What makes Aldridge saying it any different?

[Guest Vern Gagne]

I agree with you, but after what happened to them this past season I really think that'll be put aside. The most important thing to the Lakers now is showing people that this past season was a fluke and that they are the dynasty eveybody says they are.

 

Well, I hope that'll be true anyway.

Sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth. Alot of Championship teams don't have 4 guys used to scoring points, especially Phil Jackson teams. He's had the two All-Stars, and good role players. Can Malone become a role player? I have serious doubts.

[Guest The Grand Pubah of 1620]

I think Malone wants that ring more then the scoring title. I never thought he'd be thinking of going to the Lakers, but you see what's happening. If he wants a title that bad then he's adult enough to know his role, I hope.

[Guest Lethargic]

What does ESPN insider say about deals for Brandon? Brandon to Atlanta for Robinson and Ratliff has been rumored around hear. Someone also mentioned Brandon to Memphis for Wright and Battier.

That it depends if they can sign another free agent. Howard for example, if they sign him, they'll be paying so much many themselves that they'll keep Brandon so THEY get the cap relief when his contract expires in Janurary. If they can't sign anymore free agents then they'll move him to somebody else so they can get a player or two. But if they sign Howard, Brandon is most likely staying put.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

Like I said in the other thread, Malone is just trying to get more money from Utah with all this bullshit. Then he can take 30 shots a game, get the scoring title, and tell people he's the best player ever.

 

Too bad those people will crack up as soon as he leaves the room.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Fuck David Aldridge and the ESPN Insider.  They said that the Clips aren't for real and that Sterling will NEVER open up his wallet.  Consequently, Larry Flint is holding some kind of function here in LA and Donald Sterling will be honored as the humanitarian of the year.

 

As far as the Lakers are concerned, I can't wait until Kobe and Phillip leave that horrible franchise in search of greener pastures after next season.

Polish you've said Donold Sterling won't open up his wallet. What makes Aldridge saying it any different?

Good point. But as a diehard Clipper fan, I feel that I am entitled to my rants about and against the team for all that I have suffered. However, Aldridge and ESPN are directly related to the NBA, thus, their views should be objective since it may have a direct effect on the teams' perception by the mass public.