NBA Offseason Stuff

[alfdogg 0]

Top 20 2005 Free Agents

Key: R = Restricted free agent | PO = Player Option | TO = Team Option

 

1. Ray Allen, SG, Sonics

The skinny: Of the top-tier guys on the list, Allen has the best shot at leaving. He tried to work out a big extension with the Sonics all season, to no avail. The two sides essentially bickered over whether the last year of a five-year deal would be guaranteed. Allen has threatened to bolt if the Sonics don't up their offer … but where would he go? Look for the Clippers to show up at his door step at midnight on Friday. The Clippers believe Allen could make them a serious playoff contender in the West. And head coach Mike Dunleavy has the OK of owner Donald Sterling to make a big offer. Cleveland is also a possibility. If the Cavs don't land Michael Redd, Allen would be an attractive option. Allen hasn't ruled out a return to Milwaukee, either, though that happens only if Redd bolts. Allen's agent says he also expects the Hawks to show interest, though it's tough to imagine Allen being willing to join such a bad team. The rest of the teams with money will look for someone younger. All this means that if the Cavs don't come through, Allen's options will be limited to either signing with Seattle for less money or working out a sign-and-trade with the Sonics. Under those last two scenarios, the Sonics get something back in return.

 

2. Michael Redd, SG, Bucks (PO)

skinny: On July 1, 2005, Redd might be the hottest free agent on the market. He's making just $3 million in Milwaukee this year and tried to bolt the team two summers ago when he signed a three-year offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, he has become one of the league's best shooters and an All-Star. He'll command a huge raise, and the Bucks are prepared to pay it. There has been talk all season that Redd would leave the Bucks for the Cavs. However, since then, Redd has given strong indications to the Bucks that his first choice is to re-sign with them as long as they give him a big deal. Still, look for the Cavs, Clips and possibly the Hawks to make a big push this summer. The Cavs could have the best chance to land him. The opportunity to return to his home state and play with LeBron might trump the extra year and bigger raises the Bucks can offer.

 

3. Samuel Dalembert, PF/C, 76ers ®

The skinny: Of all the talented big men from the class of 2001, Dalembert is the most coveted. His breakout performance in April 2004 (12.3 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 4.8 bpg) got teams drooling. In 2004-05, his performance was all over the board, from stunning to awful. However, most NBA scouts blame former head coach Jim O'Brien more than Dalembert for the center's inconsistent numbers. In the playoffs, Dalembert redeemed himself to an extent, averaging an NBA-high 12.8 rpg in the first round against the Pistons. Dalembert has the size, athleticism and work ethic to be a force somewhere down the road. Good centers don't come along too often. When the good ones are on the free-agent market, teams usually are willing to overpay to get them. The Sixers told everyone as the trade deadline came and went that Dalembert's untouchable and that they plan to re-sign him this summer … but at what price? Sixers GM Billy King is a big fan, and made it clear after firing O'Brien and hiring Mo Cheeks that re-signing Dalembert was a top priority. The Hawks are willing to throw near-max numbers at him. The Cavs and Sonics also are interested, as are teams willing to do a sign-and-trade, such as the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks. Dalembert is going to get paid somewhere … the question is whether it will be in Philly.

 

4. Tyson Chandler, PF/C, Bulls ®

The skinny: Chandler had another up-and-down season for the Bulls. He has stayed healthy, was terrific on the boards again and showed signs that he's an emerging shot blocker. But his offensive game has really stagnated. He still hasn't developed a low-post game, getting most of his shots off offensive rebounds and a nice little 10-foot jumper. However, he was very good in the playoffs, which surely will help his stock. Bulls GM John Paxson loves Chandler. He has a great work ethic both off and on the court that Paxson admires. But what will the GM pay him? Chandler's history with injuries and his limited offensive potential might keep Paxson from throwing the bank at him. Then again, with it looking more likely that Eddy Curry could leave, the Bulls don't want to lose both of these guys. Teams like Cleveland or Atlanta also are considering throwing a max-type deal Chandler's way. In the end, however, it probably would be fruitless. Paxson has said he'll match any deal for Chandler, and I believe it. He's too important to the Bulls' future, and he has the potential to turn into a Ben Wallace-type defensive force (except Chandler is five inches taller) as long as he remains healthy.

 

5. Larry Hughes, G, Wizards

The skinny: Hughes picked a great time to have a career year. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals and was well on his way toward an All-Star berth before suffering a midseason injury. There's no question the Wizards want him back and will be willing to pay him. Hughes just turned 26 and seems to be in the prime of his career. The Wizards likely will have competition from the Bucks (if Redd doesn't re-sign), the Cavs and possibly the Clippers. But at the end of the day, the Wizards can offer the most money and seem inclined to do it.

 

6. Joe Johnson, G, Suns ®

The skinny: People talk about Redd and Allen as the league's premier shooters, but what about Johnson? He ranked second in the league in 3-point percentage this season and seventh in 3-pointers made. Yes, he gets a lot of open shots considering that most defenses are preoccupied trying to contain Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Steve Nash – but Johnson has proved repeatedly that he can take over a game when needed. The fact that he's versatile enough to play backup point doesn't hurt his stock, either. The Suns want him back and own his restricted rights. Suns GM Bryan Colangelo told Insider several weeks ago that the team is prepared to match any offer for him. The recent Quentin Richardson-for-Kurt Thomas swap was made, in part, to clear up some long-term cap room to facilitate the re-signing of Johnson. The Cavs also will strongly consider Johnson if Redd doesn't sign with them. He's also likely to get some love from the Bobcats and possibly the Clippers.

 

7. Eddy Curry, C, Bulls ®

The skinny: Curry is one of this crop's biggest enigmas. He's a talented low-post scorer who still seems to be growing as a player. But questions about his work ethic have haunted him (how can a guy his size play so many minutes and grab so few rebounds?). The relationship between Curry and the Bulls has waxed and waned considerably the past three seasons. There were several points this year when it seemed like a lock that Curry would be back in a Bulls uniform next season. Right now, his return is far short of certain. Curry had a heart problem toward the end of the season that forced him to miss the playoffs. After months of testing, Curry has been cleared by doctors to begin playing again, but in the meantime, his value might have dropped considerably. The Bulls like Curry, but owner Jerry Reinsdorf doesn't sound ready to commit to a huge guaranteed deal for him. If Curry can persuade a team such as the Cavs (LeBron has been recruiting him), Hawks, Clippers or Sonics to roll the dice and offer him a big deal, will the Bulls match? GM Paxson says yes, but it might depend on how the collective-bargaining negotiations turn out. If Curry can get a mere four-year deal somewhere else, the Bulls might be willing to take the risk.

 

8. Stromile Swift, PF/C, Grizzlies

The skinny: Swift took the Grizzlies' one-year tender offer last summer so he'd be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Expect him to take advantage of it. The Grizzlies drafted Hakim Warrick, in part, because they know Swift is gone. He has never quite performed up to expectations in Memphis. Still, Swift has the athleticism, shot blocking and rebounding skills many teams covet. He might never be a great offensive player or a particularly smart player, but on an up-tempo team that likes to get out and run, he could be very, very good. Look for the Hawks, Hornets, Bucks and possibly the Cavs and Sonics to show interest.

 

9. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, PF, Blazers

The skinny: Abdur-Rahim is an enigma. Every year, he puts up great stats for whatever team he's on, but he has never played on a team with a winning record. Never. The chances of his returning to Portland are slim. He knows that Zach Randolph is the Blazers' future at the four and doesn't want to keep playing out of position on one of the NBA's most dysfunctional franchises. At 28, Abdur-Rahim still has plenty of juice left. But who's going to offer him the cash? Most of the teams with money are already set at his position or are looking for someone young. A number of veteran teams – including the Nets, Timberwolves and Heat – would love to get their hands on him, but all they can offer is a mid-level exception. The Blazers might be willing to do a sign-and-trade, but given how chaotic things in Portland are right now, who knows what the team will do?

 

10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Cavs

The skinny: It's pretty rare when an All-Star-caliber center appears on the unrestricted market, but Ilgauskas has issues. He turned 30 in June and, despite having played relatively injury-free basketball the past few seasons, he has a history of foot injuries that could scare away any team doctor. However, his ability to score in the paint and block shots makes him a coveted commodity. The Cavs want to re-sign him, but for no more than a four-year deal that pays him roughly $44 million. If Ilgauskas pushes for more, the Cavs might wait him out this summer. Like Abdur-Rahim, the Lithuanian native doesn't have many potential suitors among the teams that have cap room, and the Cavs have no interest in a sign-and-trade, closing off that avenue. If Ilgauskas has to choose between taking $5 million in the mid-level exception and taking $10 million from the Cavs, what do you think he'll choose?

 

11. Bobby Simmons, G/F, Clippers

The skinny: Simmons stands to be one of the more coveted free agents on the market because he is an unrestricted free agent, plays for the Clippers and shouldn't break a bank account to get signed. Simmons' production made a major leap this past season. In February, he averaged 20 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 57 percent from 3. He is versatile, a great rebounder for his size and one of the league's best free-throw shooters. He's a hardworking kid who just turned 25 in mid-June, so what isn't there to like about him? Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy told Insider several weeks ago that he wants him back badly, but the Clippers are likely to get some serious competition from the Bobcats, the Hornets and possibly the Cavs. If a team offers Simmons more than the mid-level exception, however, don't be so sure the Clippers will match. Dunleavy likes him, but he's not willing to break the bank to keep him.

 

12. Marko Jaric, PG, Clippers ®

The skinny: When Jaric has been healthy, he has looked solid. The pickings are slim at the point guard position, which should bode well for Jaric. A number of teams – including the Magic, Celtics, Bulls, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Wolves, Suns, Jazz and Raptors – are interested, but none of them has more than the mid-level to make something happen. The Cavs have more to offer and are interested, but might be unwilling to lock up their cap space for seven days while they wait for the Clippers to match. Los Angeles is inclined to keep him anyway, as long as the bidding doesn't get out of control for both Jaric and Simmons, and Jaric wants to return. Dunleavy told Jaric in his exit interview that he'd have to accept that Shaun Livingston would be the Clippers' full-time point guard and that Jaric would spend most of his time at the two. That's something Jaric has bristled at in the past, but he has warmed to the idea, partly because he loves L.A. and partly because the Clippers appear to be on the verge of the playoffs.

 

13. Kwame Brown, PF/C, Wizards ®

The skinny: Despite all of Kwame's problems, teams are still interested. In fact, since the Wizards suspended him in the playoffs, the interest has gone up. Before, many GMs felt that Washington would match any offer for Brown. Not anymore. Brown, an athletic 7-footer who's still just 23, has value. A team such as Atlanta, desperate to turn around its fortunes, might just send a significant contract his way. Brown played high school ball in Atlanta and still has a fan base there. Given the loads of cash the Hawks have to work with, they might be able to afford him, Dalembert and a point guard such as Earl Watson.

 

14. Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics ®

The skinny: Radmanovic was the leading contender to win the Sixth Man Award before breaking his leg and missing the last six weeks of the season. He was a critical component in the Sonics' unexpected run this year and has a lot of fans around the league. He'd like to get out of Seattle and move to a team willing to give him a starting role. Although there are a number of teams that would be interested, Radmanovic's problem is the competition at his position going into the summer. According to a number of teams Insider talked to, Redd, Allen, Hughes, Johnson and Simmons all rank higher on the boards of teams that have money to spend. If a number of other options fall through, teams such as Cleveland, Milwaukee and possibly Atlanta are interested. However, if those teams find help somewhere else, Radmanovic might be forced to take the mid-level exception. A number of teams would be interested in giving it to him, but at that point it's likely the Sonics would match. A sign-and-trade might be Radmanovic's best option if he wants out of town.

 

15. Antoine Walker, F, Celtics

The skinny: Walker's re-emergence in Boston was supposed to pay off for him this summer. However, after the Celtics tanked in the first round (and Walker was less than stellar), the 29-year-old seems to be right back where he was in Atlanta. Walker put up decent numbers all season, but many teams are writing them off as meaningless. His abysmal plus/minus numbers for the Hawks, among the worst in the league, haven't helped his cause. In Walker's defense, he was a spark for the Celtics, helping Paul Pierce be happy again and making GM Danny Ainge look like a genius for about a month. But the effect was short-lived. What happens this summer? No teams with cap room will show serious interest in Walker. The Celtics might be willing to re-sign him, but not for anything near the $14 million he made this season. Cut that number to less than half, and the Celtics might start talking. Walker might have no choice but to take it or take a bigger pay cut for another team's mid-level exception (the Knicks are said to be very interested) or work out a sign-and-trade with the Celtics.

 

16. Antonio Daniels, PG, Sonics (PO)

The skinny: Daniels was a contender for the Sixth Man Award and likely will try to bolt Seattle this summer looking for a starting gig. He has posted two solid seasons with the Sonics, is one of the best point-guard defenders in the league and has improved his jump shot. He has become increasingly comfortable as a point guard the past two seasons and should become a solid starter on a team such as the Cavs or Rockets, who are looking for more size and leadership at the position.

 

17. Kyle Korver, SF, 76ers ®

The skinny: Korver has turned himself into one of the NBA's sweetest long-range shooters and should get a lot of attention from teams willing to use their mid-level exception. The Sixers want to keep him and can match any offer up to the mid-level. However, if a team offers more, the Sixers cannot match (they own only Korver's early Larry Bird rights). That's unlikely, though, especially with his poor performance in the playoffs.

 

18. Earl Watson, PG, Grizzlies

The skinny: Watson remains one of the most underrated point guards in the league and should generate significant interest this summer. He has played backup to Jason Williams most of his career, but his player efficiency ratings make him, at the very least, Williams' equal. He's one of the best defensive point guards in the league, and he keeps turnovers to a minimum. He won't score a lot of points with that faulty jumper, but he definitely can run a team. Teams such as the Hawks, Bobcats, Bucks, Blazers, Cavs, Jazz, Rockets and Magic all have shown interest. Memphis won't be able to re-sign Watson unless West finds a taker for Jason Williams (who is being shopped hard by the Grizzlies). Given Watson's desire to be a starter, it's unlikely he would choose to re-up with Memphis unless Williams were traded.

 

19. Sarunas Jasikevicius, PG, Maccabi Tel Aviv

The skinny: Jasikevicius is the best point guard playing in Europe and has led his team to three straight Euroleague Championships. The former Maryland star is an incredible passer, has deep range on his jumper, and plays with lots of emotion and grit. If he were more athletic, a better defender and four or five years younger (he's 29), he'd be near the top of the list. As it stands, he'd be a great mid-level pickup for a team trying to compete for a championship. A number of teams have shown interest, but the rumor is that the Pacers are leading the pack.

 

20. Donyell Marshall, F, Raptors

The skinny: Marshall became one of the most coveted guys on the trading block this past fall and likely will get a lot of interest (for the mid-level exception) from the same teams that pursued him then: the Bulls, Rockets, Heat and Sixers.

 

21. Udonis Haslem, PF, Heat ®

The skinny: The Heat are worried that Haslem, a restricted free agent, might get an offer that exceeds the mid-level exception from a team such as the Cavs or Hawks. If he does, Miami won't be able to match. That's why it drafted Wayne Simien on Wednesday night as insurance. While Haslem is coming off a good season, a contract starting at more than $4 million a year would seem excessive. Had he not been playing next to Shaq, his numbers probably would not have been as high.

 

22. Damon Stoudamire, PG, Blazers

The skinny: He had another up-and-down season for the Blazers, and his run in Portland is likely at an end. Still, Stoudamire would be a great mid-level pickup for a team that needs a solid backup combo guard who can shoot the ball.

 

23. Gary Payton, PG, Celtics

The skinny: It has become evident that the Celtics are unlikely to bring back Payton next season. He still has some juice in the tank and would be a solid addition on a team that needs some veteran help at the point. Don't be surprised if the Sonics make a run at him should they decide to spend some money this summer and re-sign their free agents. The Wolves and the Heat also are options for Payton.

 

24. Jerome James, C, Sonics

The skinny: After James played terribly all season, it looked as though his run in the NBA was in jeopardy. However, a solid postseason in which he averaged 12.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg really resurrected his stock. No one will break the bank for James, but a veteran team in desperate need of some size (such as the Knicks, Grizzlies and Suns) might spend up to the mid-level exception and give him another chance.

 

25. Dan Dickau, PG, Hornets

The skinny:With Chris Paul headed to New Orleans, Dickau has to search for a new home. Dickau was unexpectedly solid for the Hornets this season, averaging 13.3 ppg and 5.2 apg.

 

Best of the rest

 

Player/Team Option: Darius Songaila, F, Kings (PO); Cuttino Mobley, SG, Kings (PO); Bonzi Wells, SG, Grizzlies (TO); Nick Van Exel, PG, Blazers (TO); Devean George, SF, Lakers (PO)

 

Unrestricted: Latrell Sprewell, SG, Timberwolves; Jeff McInnis, PG, Cavs; Chris Anderson, PF/C, Hornets; Dale Davis, C, Pacers; Kerry Kittles, SG, Clippers; Robert Traylor, PF/C, Cavs; Glenn Robinson, SF, Spurs; Jahidi White, C, Bobcats; Bo Outlaw, F, Grizzlies; Ervin Johnson, C, Timberwolves; Raja Bell, G/F, Jazz; Mark Madsen, F, Timberwolves; Tyronn Lue, PG, Rockets; Darrell Armstrong, PG, Mavericks Clifford Robinson, F, Nets; Greg Buckner, G, Nuggets

 

Restricted: Gerald Wallace, G/F, Bobcats; Dan Gadzuric, C, Bucks; Zaza Pachulia, C, Bucks; Reggie Evans, F, Sonics; Ronald Murray, G, Sonics; Luke Walton, F, Lakers; Jason Kapono, F, Bobcats; Willie Green, G, Sixers; Matt Bonner, F, Raptors

 

European Free Agents: Maceo Baston, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Arvydas Macijauskas, SG, TAU Vitoria; Anthony Parker, SG/SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Travis Hansen, SG/SF, TAU Vitoria; Nikola Vujcic, C, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Jose Manuel Calderon, PG, Tau Vitoria; Dimitris Diamantidis, PG, Panathinaikos; Demos Dikoudis, SF, CSKA Moscow

 

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

[Dangerous A 0]

I'd love to see the Kings take a chance and package some guys (specifically Peja) to Seattle in a sign and trade to attempt to get Ray Allen. That is fantasy GM talking, but still.

[Rendclaw 0]

There is no way in HELL that Phoenix will let Johnson go.

 

Korver would be better served staying in Philly, though I think his stock dropped after Detroit abused him in the playoffs.

 

There is a lot of noise in Detroit about Dumars chasing after Larry Hughes, but its really doubtful that he would come off the bench. Still more noise is being made about Jalen Rose, but he costs too much I think, despite his ability to play three positions. Finley seems the most logical choice.

 

If the Hawks got Dalembert, Watkins *and* Kwame Brown (should he ever get his head right), look the hell out.

[Ripper 0]

I think the Suns did a great job stopping everyone they needed to when they needed to except for the Spurs. HOPEFULLY, Portland drops Theo Ratliff and the suns make a run for him. Honestly, fuck Steven hunter for wanting more than the 1.6 mil they are offering him. He isn't THAT important.

 

Stromille Swift would be PERFECT for the team but he will need alot of money and they aren't giving that up. I think that the Suns will have the inside track on Finely, and seeing as when dropped he will get paid 15 mil next year ANYWAY, he might sign for the vets minimum to try and win a championship.

 

The guys they also are looking at Radja Bell(although he is asking for the entire exception...don't know what he is smoking) and Arvydas Macijauskas who is one hell of a shooter.

 

It all depends on what resigning Joe Johnson and extending Amare will cost them.

[Brett Favre 0]

The Knicks need to make runs at Kwame, Chandler, and Dalembert. Even if they dont succeed, I'd be very satisfied with one of the 3.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Can someone please explain this new Allan Houston rule to me. I keep hearing about guys like Michael Finley getting cut because of it. How does it work? What are the cap implications? Who is in danger?

[Brett Favre 0]

You can cut a high priced player, and this will save you money because of the luxury tax. It only saves the owner money, but the salary still counts towards the cap.

[Rendclaw 0]

I dunno Rip, the way I saw it, the Suns ran people out of the gym and outscored them more than they actually stopped anyone.. The Spurs did one hell of a job in exposing them.

 

IMO, Finley would be better served on a team like the Pistons than on the Suns.

[alfdogg 0]

According to ESPN.com, Raja Bell will sign with the Suns when the waiting period is up. First free agent to change teams thus far.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

There is a lot of noise in Detroit about Dumars chasing after Larry Hughes, but its really doubtful that he would come off the bench. Still more noise is being made about Jalen Rose, but he costs too much I think, despite his ability to play three positions. Finley seems the most logical choice.

 

I thought the skinny on Jalen Rose was that he was a contender to be cut via the new rules, ie he'd still get paid money from his previous contract, which would (thereotically) make his asking price very very low (since he's already getting the $$). I could be wrong about that though.

Also, I think Rose has wanted to play for the pistons, being a fan and a Michigan guy. I am a fan of the idea of picking up jalen and feel he would might not cost nearly as much as you think.

[MrRant 0]

With at least the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks and the Seattle SuperSonics in the running for the coaching services of Nate McMillan, Sonics CEO Wally Walker confirmed he gave McMillan a deadline of the middle of next week to make a decision on which team he wants to coach, The Tacoma News Tribune reported.

 

Contractually, McMillan was bound to the Sonics through Thursday at midnight.

 

"All I said to him was, 'If you want to get started earlier than Friday on this, that is OK,' " Walker told the paper. "It is in everybody's interest to move this thing ahead. But I said by next week we need to circle back to see where you are in the hopes that we can get something done between you and the Sonics. We are not talking to other candidates, we are not pursuing anything, we are not making up a list until you come back and we have that discussion."

 

Asked why the Sonics aren't lining up other candidates in case McMillan decides to leave, Walker said it was all out of deference to McMillan.

 

"Out of respect for [McMillan] and what he has done here," Walker told the paper. "We will have that discussion. At some point, and I do think that point is next week, we do need to move ahead on this front. And we have to decide on how close he is to making a decision at that point."

 

According to league sources, the paper reported that McMillan met with the Knicks on Friday. Another source indicated that McMillan will meet with the Blazers this weekend.

 

SEATTLE -- The Seattle SuperSonics have extended qualifying offers to four restricted free agents, including key reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic and starting power forward Reggie Evans, the team announced Thursday.

 

The other two players are Ronald Murray and Damien Wilkins, who came off the bench for the Sonics this past season when the club won 52 games and the Northwest Division title.

 

The Sonics were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals.

 

The qualifying offers were expected from the team. They mean the Sonics have the right of first refusal to match any offers Radmanovic, Evans, Murray and Wilkins get from other teams.

 

The Sonics have five other players who can become free agents, including guards Ray Allen and Antonio Daniels.

 

Coach Nate McMillan's contract was scheduled to expire on Thursday.

[Kurt Angle Mark 0]

Ray Allen update from Chad Ford

 

The Sonics, Clippers, Cavs and Hawks are now in a bidding war to acquire the Sonics' sharpshooter.

"There's a robust market for Ray," his agent Lon Babby told Insider. "We've just got to sort through all the options."

Babby refused to comment any more on the negotiations.

 

The Sonics have been trying to sign Allen to an extension for over a year. Sources claim that they haven't moved off the five-year, $75 million offer they made last spring.

 

That's opened the door to the Sonics' most serious competition, the Clippers.

 

Sources say the Clippers called at midnight and have made Allen their top off-season priority. The Clippers have enough cap room to make an offer substantially larger than the Sonics and appear to be willing to do it.

 

The Cavs also expressed interest in Allen, but their first choice is Michael Redd. But the Bucks may have already given him an offer he can't refuse. The Bucks have thrown max dollars Redd's way, meaning that Redd would have to leave millions on the table, and an additional year of guaranteed money to sign with Cleveland. If Redd picks Milwaukee, Allen appears to be next in the queue.

 

The Hawks also called Allen on Friday but haven't made a serious offer, sources said.

 

The Bucks could also get into the mix for Allen if Redd decides to sign elsewhere. "

[bobobrazil1984 0]

The Cavs? Jesus (shuttlesworth), imagine the backcourt of Lebron and Allen. If they can also keep Zydronus (sp?), that team can be deadly.

[Guest Vitamin X]

What about the Clips having Elton Brand, Shaun Livingston, and Allen?

[Rendclaw 0]

They're still on the Clippers. Donald Sterling, even though he is doing more then he used to, still isn't doing enough to make the Clippers true contenders. They are getting better, but its still one of the worst places to be if you're an NBA player.

 

That and the fact that they share the building with one the most storied franchises in the league has to hurt, too.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I'm quite aware they're still on the Clippers, that's why I insinuated that them pursuing Ray Allen would be insane.

 

And I still maintain that the Clips really ought to move back to San Diego. They'll have much more of a fanbase there, L.A. is way too much Laker territory pretty much anywhere you go. Even moving to Anaheim would be fruitless, as you see those fucking purple and gold flags all down I-5 through most of Orange County, and Anaheim is but a stone's throw away from the county line. In San Diego, they'd do a whole lot better.

 

I just really strongly dislike the idea of franchises in Anaheim/Orange County. There's nothing there but Disneyland.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I'm quite aware they're still on the Clippers, that's why I insinuated that them pursuing Ray Allen would be insane.

 

And I still maintain that the Clips really ought to move back to San Diego. They'll have much more of a fanbase there, L.A. is way too much Laker territory pretty much anywhere you go. Even moving to Anaheim would be fruitless, as you see those fucking purple and gold flags all down I-5 through most of Orange County, and Anaheim is but a stone's throw away from the county line. In San Diego, they'd do a whole lot better.

 

I just really strongly dislike the idea of franchises in Anaheim/Orange County. There's nothing there but Disneyland.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

There's a basketball fanbase in San Diego? I wasn't aware of that.

[Precious Roy 0]

If the Clippers can add Ray Allen they're instantly the best team in Cali, if they aren't already....

 

Livingston, Allen, Maggette, Brand, Chris "Island Unto Himself" Kamen....SICK!

 

Meanwhile, the Knicks are heavily persuing Kwame Brown, while the Nets are early favorites for the services of a Mr. Abdur-Rahim. Kill me now.

[Rendclaw 0]

The Nets have to do something, because Vince Carter was not the answer last year. That team has been either declining or stuck ever since K-Mart went to Denver, and getting Vince created some buzz, but they would be idiots to think that that alone would get them over the hump. Shareef can score, but that's pretty much it for him. As Charles Barkley said in a Nike commercial, any knucklehead can score. Something else is needed there.

 

That squad does sound intriguing, I have to admit, but I don't think that Ray Allen would go to the Clippers. There is chasing the money, then there is selling your soul. Until the Clippers shed that aura that they have had for forever and a day, no one who isn't in it for the paycheck will go there willingly. Why Elton Brand stays there when he could have his pick of almost any team in the league still mystifies me to this day.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I'm quite aware they're still on the Clippers, that's why I insinuated that them pursuing Ray Allen would be insane.

 

And I still maintain that the Clips really ought to move back to San Diego. They'll have much more of a fanbase there, L.A. is way too much Laker territory pretty much anywhere you go. Even moving to Anaheim would be fruitless, as you see those fucking purple and gold flags all down I-5 through most of Orange County, and Anaheim is but a stone's throw away from the county line. In San Diego, they'd do a whole lot better.

 

I just really strongly dislike the idea of franchises in Anaheim/Orange County. There's nothing there but Disneyland.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

There's a basketball fanbase in San Diego? I wasn't aware of that.

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The potential is certainly there for one moreso than the Clippers have any chance of taking the share away from the Lakers in L.A..

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

If the Knicks throw alot of money at Kwame Brown, I will hate them and find a new team.

[Dangerous A 0]

Perhaps Ray Allen wants to be the person to break the Clippers curse of being a perinnial loser? That and the money seem to be the only reason to join them. Perhaps Ray sees the roster and sees that they only need a stud like him to really take off. If the Clips don't have to give up anything, or at least very little, I can see a Ray Allen lead Clips team doing very well, even better than the Kings, Warriors, and Lakers.

 

The Knicks chasing Kwame Brown is interesting. On one hand, if the guy gets a new change of scenary, I can easily see him being a Jermaine O'Neal like player if he can get his head on straight. Problem is he has bad attitudes and approach to the game and that might not make it worth it. The move can either make or perhaps break the Knicks. I would do it if I were the Knicks, but only if you can land a coach like Flip Saunders or Paul Silas.

[Brett Favre 0]

Kwame played hurt last year, rushed from injury, and because he wasn't producing as they felt he should have produced (after all he played hurt) got into a fight with the coach, and got suspended. His teammates were on his side. I have no problem with the Knicks going after him.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I'm quite aware they're still on the Clippers, that's why I insinuated that them pursuing Ray Allen would be insane.

 

And I still maintain that the Clips really ought to move back to San Diego. They'll have much more of a fanbase there, L.A. is way too much Laker territory pretty much anywhere you go. Even moving to Anaheim would be fruitless, as you see those fucking purple and gold flags all down I-5 through most of Orange County, and Anaheim is but a stone's throw away from the county line. In San Diego, they'd do a whole lot better.

 

I just really strongly dislike the idea of franchises in Anaheim/Orange County. There's nothing there but Disneyland.

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There's a basketball fanbase in San Diego? I wasn't aware of that.

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The potential is certainly there for one moreso than the Clippers have any chance of taking the share away from the Lakers in L.A..

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In order to really measure a potential fanbase for a sports team, you should look at how well received their collegiate teams are. San Diego doesn't appear to support University of San Diego or San Diego State University basketball programs.

[The Czech Republic 0]

San Diego isn't getting the Clippers because they don't have a suitable venue. Stern wouldn't let them move from Staples to the SDSA, it's old and small. San Diego would have to build a state of the art facility to lure them back, and that's not likely given how the Chargers are not sure if they'll have a new stadium.

 

That said, the Clippers should move to Anaheim anyway. Kansas City is angling for an NBA tenant, but the Kings might go there. Who knows. NBA sure has had a lot of relocation lately. Funny thing is, they never change the names of the teams.

[MrRant 0]

The Kings back to KC? I wouldn't mind that.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Sacramento has supported the team so well though, and is the Arco Arena really THAT bad?

[MrRant 0]

I doubt they would go back to KC.

 

Las Vegas however would be possible do to the owners owning the Palms and the Thomas and Mack Center is a nice arena till they build a new one.

[Dangerous A 0]

Problem with Vegas is there are not very good indications the local people who live there would support it. It would do alright the first year because it's something new, but Vegas is a tourist city and the locals aren't looked upon as very reliable. Why do you think all the other major sports haven't franchised there yet?

[MrRant 0]

They seem to support UNLV's football and basketball teams very well.

 

And tourist dollars are good as well.