NBA Offseason Stuff

[razazteca 0]

Spurs are in the process of signing Fab Oberto who played center for the Argentine olympic team.....he has the same agent as Manu Ginobili.

[Brett Favre 0]

Seriously, Thomas is a freaking idiot.  I'm not even a Knicks fan, but I think it would be great for the league to have a decent team in New York.  I don't even think that this is a remote possibility with the team they are looking to put out on the floor.  I subsribe to the Bill Simmons theory that if this guy was in your fantasy league you'd stop inviting him because it would be too easy to take his money.

 

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Well, there's your problem. The guy is funny, but an Isiah and Knick hater, so any move Isiah will make, will be bashed. I really don't get how trading a 33 PF in Kurt Thomas for two guys who haven't even hit their prime, one of them busting ass in the Summer League, really is a bad trade. But it was a trade the Knicks made, so it's bad!

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They have a payroll of $100 million and won what, all of 33 games last year? He just spent $30 million on a guy who averages 4 points and 3 rebounds a game! People bash Isiah because he makes stupid moves all the time. He's been there like two years now and hasn't made one deal that has improved the team or their cap situation. So now he deals his only reliable big man for an undersized point and another who duplicates what you already have and we are supposed to praise him? Give me a break.

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Kurt Thomas wasn't going to be here when we do make a run at the title, so why not get rid of him for youth?

 

What Isiah has done is built a young foundation for the future. Something we didn't have here with Layden. Frye is 22, Lee is 22, Robinson is 21, Q-Rich is 25, Crawford is 24, Sweetney is 23 (was here before Isiah, only one), Marbury 28, Ariza at 20, and Jackie Butler at 20. That's 9 players. 9. And that's the core. So yes, we now have something to look forward to.

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That's nice that you look at those guys as the core, but I don't think that it's a stretch to say those 9 you mentioned aren't exactly a playoff group. There is some youth there, but none of them have shown the ability to carry a team to next level.

 

The problem is you are still on the hook for Allan Houston (who will be released), Tim Thomas, Penny Hardaway, Malik Rose and Jerome Williams for the next couple years and will have no room to make moves that can get you to the next level. This isn't exactly a situation like in Boston where you have the core, the experience and future cap room to work with.

 

I'm not trying to pick a fight here. I am just trying to illustrate that Thomas hasn't really done anything except traded good role players for unproven youth and bad contracts.

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I never said we'd get under the cap, he's trying to rebuild while being over. Although Tim Thomas, and Penny's contracts come off after this year. Jerome and Houston are gone after next year, and Malik is the only one with a year after.

 

Right now, the core doesn't have to be a playoff core, they're young. Once they develop, they'll eventually work themselves into a playoff group, possibly as soon as this year.

[Fökai 0]

That's nice that you look at those guys as the core, but I don't think that it's a stretch to say those 9 you mentioned aren't exactly a playoff group.  There is some youth there, but none of them have shown the ability to carry a team to next level. 

 

The problem is you are still on the hook for Allan Houston (who will be released), Tim Thomas, Penny Hardaway, Malik Rose and Jerome Williams for the next couple years and will have no room to make moves that can get you to the next level.  This isn't exactly a situation like in Boston where you have the core, the experience and future cap room to work with.

 

I'm not trying to pick a fight here.  I am just trying to illustrate that Thomas hasn't really done anything except traded good role players for unproven youth and bad contracts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, actually...

 

credit: hoopshype.com

 

Tim Thomas: makes $13.9 million this year, contract expires at the end of this season.

Penny Hardaway: makes $15.7 million this year, contract expires at the end of this season.

Malik Rose: makes $20 million over next three years, a paltry sum - contract expires at end of 2007-2008 season.

Jerome Williams: makes $20 million over next three years, a paltry sum. The last year (2007-2008) is a team option. Contract expires at the end of next season.

Maurice Taylor: the other "bad signee". His contract expires at the end of next season - will make $16 million until said time.

 

 

Under contract for 2006-2007:

 

Stephon Marbury

Maurice Taylor

Shandon Anderson

Jamal Crawford

Quentin Richardson

Jerome Williams

Malik Rose

Mike Sweetney

 

(This group will count for about $65 million towards the cap. Below are the players with figures unreported to hoopshype.)

 

Channing Frye ®

Nate Robinson ®

David Lee ®

Trevor Ariza

Jackie Butler

Jerome James

 

 

 

 

Under contract for 2007-2008:

 

Marbury

Crawford

Q

Jerome Williams

Malik Rose

Sweetney

all players on second list above.

 

(THIS group will account for only $42 million towards the cap.)

 

Considering that Isiah wants to move Marbury's bad contract to anyone who wants it (Philly and Dalmbert, for example), he's going to have a very good (and cheap) squad in the 2007 season. That being said, Isiah has done a miraculous job correcting all of Layden's fuck-ups.

[Brett Favre 0]

I think Jerome Williams has a team option, so you can say he's gone as well by 2008. It's not as bad as it seems, just depends what Isiah does with Penny and TT's contracts.

 

You're missing Allan Houston in year 2006-2007, but the point is moot. By 2008, he's gone, and the salary will rise to like around 50-52 million. So we'd have around 12 million in cap room if we make low signings, including draft picks. That's with Marbury on the team.

[Fökai 0]

I think Jerome Williams has a team option, so you can say he's gone as well by 2008. It's not as bad as it seems, just depends what Isiah does with Penny and TT's contracts.

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Both are as good as gone, unless Thomas re-ups for cheap.

 

You're missing Allan Houston in year 2006-2007, but the point is moot.

 

The amnesty clause only provides the Knicks relief from the luxury tax, which the Knicks are over with or without Houston.

[Brett Favre 0]

I think Jerome Williams has a team option, so you can say he's gone as well by 2008. It's not as bad as it seems, just depends what Isiah does with Penny and TT's contracts.

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Both are as good as gone, unless Thomas re-ups for cheap.

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I could see Isiah trading them for someone like Odom & Grant if the Lakers are serious about Yao, or someone like Magloire and a bad contract. Depends which player, he'd try the get some player of a rebuilding team method. Although I wouldn't have a problem with just letting them walk away.

[Brett Favre 0]

You're missing Allan Houston in year 2006-2007, but the point is moot.

 

The amnesty clause only provides the Knicks relief from the luxury tax, which the Knicks are over with or without Houston.

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The cap still stays the same though. They don't have to pay luxury tax for Houston, but he's still counts on the cap for that year.

 

Just that it should be 85 million with his contract (Salary Cap), that year.

[Fökai 0]

Either way, you're right, it is a moot point because the cap number for next year is worthless in their case. The Knicks are looking towards the 2007-2008 season to build a serious contender, so the next two seasons will essentially be a wash, unless they can move either towards a few stars or a few expiring contracts.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

That's nice that you look at those guys as the core, but I don't think that it's a stretch to say those 9 you mentioned aren't exactly a playoff group.  There is some youth there, but none of them have shown the ability to carry a team to next level. 

 

The problem is you are still on the hook for Allan Houston (who will be released), Tim Thomas, Penny Hardaway, Malik Rose and Jerome Williams for the next couple years and will have no room to make moves that can get you to the next level.  This isn't exactly a situation like in Boston where you have the core, the experience and future cap room to work with.

 

I'm not trying to pick a fight here.  I am just trying to illustrate that Thomas hasn't really done anything except traded good role players for unproven youth and bad contracts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, actually...

 

credit: hoopshype.com

 

Tim Thomas: makes $13.9 million this year, contract expires at the end of this season.

Penny Hardaway: makes $15.7 million this year, contract expires at the end of this season.

Malik Rose: makes $20 million over next three years, a paltry sum - contract expires at end of 2007-2008 season.

Jerome Williams: makes $20 million over next three years, a paltry sum. The last year (2007-2008) is a team option. Contract expires at the end of next season.

Maurice Taylor: the other "bad signee". His contract expires at the end of next season - will make $16 million until said time.

 

 

Under contract for 2006-2007:

 

Stephon Marbury

Maurice Taylor

Shandon Anderson

Jamal Crawford

Quentin Richardson

Jerome Williams

Malik Rose

Mike Sweetney

 

(This group will count for about $65 million towards the cap. Below are the players with figures unreported to hoopshype.)

 

Channing Frye ®

Nate Robinson ®

David Lee ®

Trevor Ariza

Jackie Butler

Jerome James

 

 

 

 

Under contract for 2007-2008:

 

Marbury

Crawford

Q

Jerome Williams

Malik Rose

Sweetney

all players on second list above.

 

(THIS group will account for only $42 million towards the cap.)

 

Considering that Isiah wants to move Marbury's bad contract to anyone who wants it (Philly and Dalmbert, for example), he's going to have a very good (and cheap) squad in the 2007 season. That being said, Isiah has done a miraculous job correcting all of Layden's fuck-ups.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Fair enough, I see the point that you guys are trying to make. I'm not a Knicks basher by any stretch. But what you have illustrated here just reiterates the point that they still have some big contracts that they are on the hook for until 2007. You do realize that it will be very hard for Thomas to keep his job until then with his ridiculously high paid roster that is continuously not making the playoffs.

 

Layden really screwed things up, but I really don't have the optimism that you share. I bet Thomas loses his patience and tries to move those expiring contracts for other players he think can help now, just starting the cycle all over again. Seriously, if you are going to suck it up and build for the future, you don't throw $30 million at Jerome F'n James.

 

If they could move the Marbury contract, it would help, but I don't think there are any GMs stupid enough to do that. The way I heard it, Philly basically laughed at the idea of Dalembert for Marbury, so that is probably off the table. I guess Atlanta is an option, but we'll see.

[Guest Vitamin X]

This was pretty much expected, but surprised noone has mentioned it yet. I'm not sure it deserves its own thread, so yeah:

 

Lakers C Vlade Divac retires

 

July 15, 2005

BELGRADE (Ticker) - One of the most versatile centers in the NBA, Vlade Divac announced his retirement Thursday.

 

Divac, who averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists during an NBA career that spanned 16 years, had been expected to delay his decision until September 30 but hasn't been able to shake a back injury.

 

One of most popular Serbo-Montenegro basketball players of all time, the 7-footer planned to finish his career back in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade, the club he left to join the Lakers in 1989. But any hopes of an emotional return now appear to be dashed.

 

The 37-year-old, who signed a extended contract with the Lakers last summer, underwent back surgery six months ago and played only 15 games last season, averaging just 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.

 

"My back is causing me a lot of problems," Divac said. "At the moment I don't feel pain, but after four or five days of playing I feel it a lot. There is just a 50-50 chance for me to be fully recovered for the new season. As I don't want to become a disabled player, I think this is a right time for me to stop playing basketball."

 

Divac made his debut for the Yugoslavia national team in 1986 and won two gold medals at the World Championships in 1990 and 2002.

 

It's almost kind of a shame he finished with L.A. when Sacramento was where he rejuvenated his career, and I'll remember him more as the Yugo that helped keep the Lakers alive in the 90's but almost had his payback when he went to Sacto. And of course, thanks to him and Charlotte (Hornets) for being able to obtain Kobe Bryant.

[Dangerous A 0]

Actually, you can thank Kobe's dad and agent for the Charlotte/Vlade deal. Kobe's dad and agent played hardball with all the teams in the draft that had interest in Kobe. The Nets were set to take him at 8th, and Kobe's people told them if they drafted him, he wouldn't play there, ditto for the other teams that were interested in him except the Lakers, which is where they wanted him to go, but couldn't move up to take him. Why do you think he went 13th? It wasn't because all those other teams didn't do their homework. It was Kobe's agent and such playing hardball and forcing the issue.

[SpikeFayeJettEdBebop 0]

Dunno if it's been mentioned but Kwame Brown is to be resigned and then traded to the Lakers for Caron Butler and (most likely) Chucky Atkins.

[Dangerous A 0]

Here is a Summer League Report from Chad Ford's ESPN Insider blog...

 

 

 

Preps summer-schooling their elders

 

David Stern and the NBPA shut the door on high school players making the jump straight to the NBA in the new collective bargaining agreement.

And once again, this time in the summer league, the high school kids are showing Stern and Co. that the NBA may be making a big mistake.

 

This year's high school crop, including Andrew Bynum, Martell Webster, Monta Ellis, Gerald Green and Andray Blatche, along with several recent HS-to-NBA stars, such as Sebastian Telfair and Travis Outlaw, are more than holding their own in this year's summer league.

 

Let's start with the Lakers' Bynum, who is have a solid showing in the Summer Pro League in Long Beach, Calif. Bynum has been solid, averaging 13.0 points and 6.6 rpg for the Lakers. Scouts have been raving about his soft hands, athleticism and court intelligence.

 

While no one is predicting he's fighting his way into the starting lineup anytime soon, every scout Insider talked to conceded he's further along than they thought.

 

"It's interesting they're bringing Kwame [brown] there," one scout told Insider. "Maybe they'll use him as an example of how not to make the jump to the NBA. This kid seems to have his act together both on and off the court. He's got the chance to be really good. On draft night, I thought they really reached. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe he should've gone higher."

 

The Blazers have a trifecta of former prep stars making some noise at the Las Vegas Summer League. The Blazers have selected a high school player in the last three drafts, and all of them look promising.

 

Telfair leads all scorers with a 20.8 ppg average. He also leads the league in assists at 6.6 apg. Right behind him is Outlaw, who has impressed scouts with his mid-range shooting and his athleticism. Outlaw is averaging 19.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg and has many scouts predicting he's due for a breakout year. Webster has also been very good, averaging 14.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg while shooting over 40 percent from three.

 

No wonder Nate McMillan bolted Seattle for Portland. Put those kids on the floor with Zach Randolph, Joel Przybilla and the Blazers' cast of supporting characters and you could be looking at the most talented young team in the league.

 

Other high school players are also faring well. Scouts have been impressed with Ellis' fearlessness. The 6-foot-4 combo guard could end up being an excellent backup to Baron Davis and Jason Richardson in the backcourt. Ellis is averaging 16.6 ppg for the Warriors.

 

"He really plays with a lot of heart," one scout said. "He looks very comfortable out there, like he belongs. He's going to have to slow down a little bit and find ways to get his teammates involved but the talent is there. And more importantly, so is the drive."

 

Blatche has also been impressive at times. His 9.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg have the Wizards convinced that Blatche could be a steal in the second round.

 

"He's worked very hard and shown great versatility," another scout told Insider. "He's going to have to pick a position and work on it. The good news is that he's really got three options. He could be a three, four or a five depending on what he wants to do. He could be a young Lamar Odom."

 

And then there's Green. His 9.0 points per game don't wow you. But dunks like this do.

[Guest Vitamin X]

But what about Darko?!

[Dangerous A 0]

What about him? There is already a thread on him.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

David Stern and the NBPA shut the door on high school players making the jump straight to the NBA in the new collective bargaining agreement.

And once again, this time in the summer league, the high school kids are showing Stern and Co. that the NBA may be making a big mistake.

 

Whatever dude*. Anybody who is good at 17 or 18 will be even better at 19 or 20 (or 21). Out of the HS players only Lebron has been able to play at a high level immediatly upon arrival, everybody else took a few years to build up their talent. Better they be closer to their potential right when they come in instead of having to sit on the bench "learning the game".

 

of course its no wonder jermaine o'neal was arguing against it. how many years did he sit on the bench raking in $$$ for contributing little?

 

*dude of course bieng chad ford who wrote the article not dangerous A.

[ant_7000 0]

Its hypcritical of David Stern to impose the age limit, but yet market off the young players who came straight out of HS. I think its politics from some of the veterans who agree to the ruling and racism on the NBA's part.

[Fökai 0]

Its hypcritical of David Stern to impose the age limit, but yet market off the young players who came straight out of HS.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It's more stupid than hypocritical, but he's doing it more for the benefit of the league. Metro made a good point that Lebron was the only one that played at a high level right out of the gate, which furthers the idea of imposing a 19-year-old age limit.

 

The only excuse that Stern himself has come up with (the only one that holds water that is), is that he wants to develop the NBDL as a true minor league system, where the younger players can be sent down to develop their game at the professional (or almost-pro) level. That being said, why not just send the Greg Odens of the world to dominate the NBDL until they're fundamentally sound? You kill two birds with one stone with that solution.

[ant_7000 0]

Yea, NBDL hasn't made anybody's career yet. They should assign NBDL team to each team in the NBA, and then that'll be a true minor league system.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

Its hypcritical of David Stern to impose the age limit, but yet market off the young players who came straight out of HS. I think its politics from some of the veterans who agree to the ruling and racism on the NBA's part.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

No, it's not.

 

They're already IN the NBA, so he might as well market them. If Kobe or Garnett or Lebron had come in two years later, and were as good right now, he'd still be marketing them.

 

That's just a stupid statement. He doesn't want high school players coming in so early... so he SHOULDN'T market players that have already been in the NBA years?

 

Thank god you're not running the NBA or any other league.

[Guest news_gimmick]

...

[Ripper 0]

David Stern and the NBPA shut the door on high school players making the jump straight to the NBA in the new collective bargaining agreement.

And once again, this time in the summer league, the high school kids are showing Stern and Co. that the NBA may be making a big mistake.

 

Whatever dude*. Anybody who is good at 17 or 18 will be even better at 19 or 20 (or 21). Out of the HS players only Lebron has been able to play at a high level immediatly upon arrival, everybody else took a few years to build up their talent. Better they be closer to their potential right when they come in instead of having to sit on the bench "learning the game".

 

of course its no wonder jermaine o'neal was arguing against it. how many years did he sit on the bench raking in $$$ for contributing little?

 

*dude of course bieng chad ford who wrote the article not dangerous A.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Oh whatever dude. Playing in the wrong system can stop a players ability in learning the game. They could get into a program that is position heavy or the coach decides they should play small ball and end up rotting on the bench. And ONCE AGAIN, lets not rule out the injury aspect that has been known to destroy some guys chance to get into the league. One year in college isn't going to take them from shitty players to great players. And given the unlimited time they have to recieve teaching in the NBA while in college they are limited to a certain number of hours a week, they are learning the game at a higher rate and at a higher level while in the NBA. The fact that so many of these HIgh school guys are damn good players now doesn't lie.

[Dangerous A 0]

The latest rumors from Chad Ford at ESPN Insider on free agents and player movement...

 

 

With just five days before the league lifts its moratorium on player movement, this summer's free agent frenzy appears to have hit a lull.

 

With most of the top unrestricted free agents off the board, and the top young restricted free agents waiting for the moratorium to end before announcing their intentions, free agent news slowed to a trickle this weekend.

 

Most surprising is that several of the most promising free agents haven't gotten deals yet. With guys like Raja Bell, Dan Gadzuric, Brian Scalabrine, Luke Walton, Bostjan Nachbar and Jerome James all having come to terms with teams, it makes you wonder why these five sleepers haven't been locked up.

 

 

Sarunas Jasikevicius, PG, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Two international free agents, Fabricio Oberto and Arvydas Macijauskas, have already found homes. But how is it that the best veteran player in Europe, Jasikevicius, hasn't? Oberto is older and Macijauskas is less athletic. Neither player has led his team to three straight Euroleague Championships. Jasikevicius, a former Maryland star, is an incredible passer, has deep range on his jumper, and plays with emotion and grit.

 

Given his asking price (three years, around $10 million), he'd be a great pickup for a team trying to compete for a championship. The Cavs have shown the most interest, but have waffled between him, Antonio Daniels, Marko Jaric and Damon Stoudamire. The Pacers, Blazers and Sonics have also shown interest, but it's becoming clear that the market isn't quite as hot for him as we thought going into the summer.

 

If teams don't act quickly, he may just decide to sign a long-term deal in Europe. That would be a shame. While Jasikevicius may not ever be a superstar in the NBA the way he is in Europe, he has the intangibles to be the type of player who helps a team win a title.

 

Gerald Wallace, G/F, Charlotte Bobcats

With most of the top swingmen off the board, it's pretty surprising that Wallace hasn't garnered more interest this summer.

 

He had an excellent year for the Bobcats last season, and has great size and athleticism for his position. Defensively, he ranked in the top 10 in steals last year. His jump shot will never be a thing of beauty, but Wallace is versatile and would be a great fit on a team still trying to fill a void at the two or three.

 

However, most teams assume that the Bobcats would match any offer for Wallace. They are way under the cap and have to sign somebody.

 

But the truth is that Bernie Bickerstaff isn't inclined to overpay. They want lots of cap room going into next summer and might be willing to let Wallace leave if the alternative is eating up an inordinate amount of their cap flexibility next year.

 

Kyle Korver, SF, Philadelphia 76ers

Now that it appears that Joe Johnson, Michael Redd, Ray Allen and Macijauskas are locked up, Korver stands as the best shooter left on the board. Seven of the top eight 3-point shooting teams in the league made the playoffs last season. It's clear that shooting now comes at a premium.

 

Korver tied for the league lead in 3-pointers made (226) and posted better than average numbers in rebounds and steals. The Sixers used him primarily as a spot-up shooter in their system, but it's clear that Korver has potential to be more. Add in his durability and better-than-expected defense and it's surprising the Heat and Cavs haven't made a stronger run at him.

 

The fear is that under the new rules for "early bird" free agents (players with just two years experience), the Sixers will just match any offer. However, with Jim O'Brien gone (as well as the heavy emphasis on 3-point shooting) and Samuel Dalembert looking pretty expensive for the Sixers, Korver might be worth the risk.

 

Ronald Murray, G, Seattle SuperSonics

Have NBA teams forgotten about Murray's magical run in November of 2003, when he averaged 20.8 ppg and 4.3 apg on 45 percent shooting with Ray Allen out of the lineup? Murray's numbers have been up and down since then, but he was so good, and so consistent, during that month that surely teams have to take a look. Even this season, when given more than 25 minutes on the floor, Murray averaged an impressive 16.1 ppg.

 

His shooting percentage was terrible this year and he never seemed to get into the flow, but on a team desperate for a combo guard who can put the ball in the basket, Murray seems like he's worth the risk.

 

Travis Hansen, SG/SF, TAU Vitoria

Hansen spent one lackluster year on the Hawks before heading overseas last year. After a rocky start at TAU, Hansen turned it on in the last two months of the season and was great. He helped his team get all the way to the Euroleague Finals and did it in front of a host of NBA GMs and scouts.

 

Hansen is a great athlete, plays tenacious defense, can play multiple positions and has turned himself into a very good 3-point shooter. The Nuggets and Rockets have shown the most interest, but you have to wonder why teams such as the Cavs (assistant GM Chris Grant drafted him in 2003), Heat, Bobcats, Magic and Jazz aren't in the mix.

 

 

Around the League

 

• The Nets are running out of patience with the Blazers and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The two teams have been in talks for the past week about a sign-and-trade that would put Abdur-Rahim in New Jersey. The Nets are trying to use their $4.9 million trade exception to acquire him. While that amount is no more than the mid-level exception that every team over the cap owns, a sign-and-trade would allow Abdur-Rahim to get an extra year and larger bonuses each year. The difference could amount (depending on where the cap comes in) to an extra $9 to $11 million over the course of the deal. The Blazers were holding out for a No. 1 and lately have been trying to get the draft rights to the Nets' second round pick this year, Serbian center Mile Ilic. So far the Nets have refused to budge, offering only a future second-round pick.

 

The team's trade exception expires July 29, so there is a growing sense of urgency. If the Nets can't land Abdur-Rahim with their trade exception, they would be willing to pay him their mid-level. However, his agent, Aaron Goodwin, is holding out hope that if the Blazers can't work out a deal with the Nets, they might be able to get one done with the Kings, Rockets or Clippers.

 

Expect things to work themselves out soon. The Nets also have strong interest in Stromile Swift and will try to work out a sign-and-trade with the Grizzlies for Swift if they don't get things with Abdur-Rahim resolved in the next few days.

 

If the Nets can land either Swift or Abdur-Rahim with their trade exception, look for new owner Bruce Ratner to keep spending money. Their next signing would likely be free agent guard Keyon Dooling with part of their mid-level exception. The Nets are looking for a combo guard who can help Jason Kidd keep his minutes down to about 30 a night and they seem to have narrowed in on Dooling as their guy.

 

• The Hawks have targeted Eddy Curry this summer, sources say, because GM Billy Knight believes that Curry is the one attainable free agent center out there right now. Knight is convinced that the Sixers and Bulls would match any offer he might make for Samuel Dalembert or Tyson Chandler, but Curry is a different story. Given his health problems and rocky relationship with the Bulls, the Hawks feel like the Bulls would be unwilling to match or, at the very least, would be amenable to a sign-and-trade that could send Al Harrington to Chicago.

 

• It looks like free agent point guard Antonio Daniels has narrowed his choices down to the Lakers and Blazers. It would appear that the Lakers would be a no-brainer. Phil Jackson loves big guards and the Lakers, now that they've agreed to trade Chucky Atkins, could offer him a starting position. However, two things are holding him back. One, the Lakers want Daniels to sign a two-year deal. This has been the Lakers mantra all summer as they try to protect potential max cap space during the summer of 2007 so that they can make a run at Yao Ming in free agency. Daniels, who turned 30 in March, wants more job security, and feels he can get it from his other suitors.

 

Two, new Blazers head coach Nate McMillan loved Daniels in Seattle and has been pushing to get him to come aboard as a tutor for Sebastian Telfair. The Jazz, Heat, Magic and Cavs have also shown interest in Daniels.

 

• It looks like Vladimir Radmanovic and the Sonics are in contract gridlock at the moment. The Sonics want to re-sign Radmanovic, but he's asking for starters money (a starting salary between $8-9 million) and a position in the starting lineup. "Vladimir's a starter," his agent David Bauman told Insider. "He needs to be paid like one and he needs to be played like one."

 

 

The problem for the Sonics is that they have Rashard Lewis playing his primary position, small forward, and a combo of Reggie Evans, Nick Collison and Danny Fortson holding down the power forward spot. Evans is also a free agent, so there might be an opportunity there, but it seems unlikely. If Radmanovic is a sixth man, the price would be way too rich for the Sonics' blood.

 

 

The Sonics, however, hold Radmanovic's restricted rights making it difficult for him to just bolt the team. Teams like the Hornets are interested and have the cash to do a deal, but are fearful that the Sonics will match. A sign-and-trade might be the only way out of the jam for both teams. The Sonics need a big man and there are plenty of suitors for Radmanovic if teams over the cap can get into the bidding. One trading partner that might make some sense is the Celtics, who are willing to part with Antoine Walker and/or Gary Payton in a sign-and-trade. The Sonics have interest in both.

 

 

• The Timberwolves are making a strong push for Clippers free-agent point-guard Marko Jaric. That could be the best signal yet that the team plans to jettison Sam Cassell this summer. Jaric is a restricted free agent, but the Clippers have shown some interest in being willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade. Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy would love to have Jaric return as a back-up to Shaun Livingston and Cuttino Mobley, but he isn't going to break the bank. Jaric likes the Clippers, but would prefer to get a starting gig in the league. The Nuggets and Cavs have also shown strong interest in Jaric this summer.

 

• The Bucks have been very busy this summer, drafting Andrew Bogut, trading for Jiri Welsch, and coming to terms with free agents Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons and Dan Gadzuric. The team has also been trying to re-sign center Zaza Pachulia. However, sources say that it looks like the Hawks are prepared to throw more cash his way should they be unable to land a big-time center like Dalembert, Chandler or Curry via free agency.

 

• The Cavs have been showing a lot of interest in free agents Reggie Evans and Damon Stoudamire. The team is looking for a rugged rebounder to put next to Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The team missed Carlos Boozer and feel that Evans, who was the best rebounder per minute in the NBA, would be a great fit. If the Cavs offer the full mid-level, the Sonics might not be match. The team has also shown strong interest in Abdur-Rahim. That could also signal the end of the Drew Gooden era. The Cavs are also after another point guard to platoon with Eric Snow. Snow is a bigger, defense-minded guard so the Cavs are trying to go the opposite direction with his backup. Stoudamire might be a good choice. He's a good perimeter shooter, can push the ball up the floor and is coming off one his better seasons in recent memory. Then again, he's 31 years old and has had more than his fair share of legal problems the past few years. The team has also looked at Jasikevicus as well as two bigger guards in Daniels and Jaric.

 

• The Miami Heat wanted to make a big splash this summer in the free agent market, but it looks like they'll end up standing pat by keeping a couple of their own free agents. The team came to terms with restricted free agent Udonis Haslem early last week and is getting closer to getting a deal done with free-agent point-guard Damon Jones. The Heat will, however, have to use most of their mid-level exception to lock up Jones.

 

• Poor Nikoloz Tskitishvili. After three years of being labeled one of the all-time great draft busts, he finally caught a break this summer by landing on the Timberwolves' summer league squad. With former Suns scout Rex Chapman now playing a big role in Minnesota, Skita finally got a chance to show his stuff in front of some sympathetic eyes. In his first game, he had 25 points, 10 rebounds, shot 4-for-5 from three and looked much better than the No. 1 pick in the draft, Andrew Bogut.

 

 

Alas, Skita broke his hand just nine minutes into the Wolves' second summer league game and will be out the next 4 to 6 weeks. Unfortunately for Skita, who wants to keep playing in the NBA, not Europe, no one is willing to break open the bank after one great summer league performance. Every one remembers that he was the MVP of the Reebok Vegas Summer League last year and then went on to do very little for the Nuggets and Warriors last season.

 

• Spanish point guard Jose Manuel Calderon is expected to sign with the Raptors when the moritorium ends. The 24-year-old Calderon averaged 12 ppg and 2.9 apg this past season in the Euroleague and hit 46.6% of his three-point attempts.

 

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

[Ripper 0]

Gerald Wallace, Travis Hansen, Kyle Korver and Nikoloz Tskitishvili are all players that I like. I would love to see either Wallace(won't happen) or Tskitishvili (a good chance) coming to the Suns.

 

Mike D'Antoni really liked Tskitishvili when they were in Denver together and I could see him picking him up. He is like Vladimir Radmanovic only more useful on the boards and will be MUCH less expensive.

[MrRant 0]

I'd welcome Walker. And I'd like to see Payton back to finish the career.

[Dangerous A 0]

Payton has probrably 2 more years of around 8 ppg and 4 apg, so he could still make a roster somewhere and contribute. The key would be would he be willing to come off the bench because on a good team, I don't see him as a starter anymore unless the PG stinks to high hell (think the Cavs).

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[Spicy McHaggis 0]

And given the unlimited time they have to recieve teaching in the NBA while in college they are limited to a certain number of hours a week, they are learning the game at a higher rate and at a higher level while in the NBA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're right about the hours, but the game of basketball is not being taught in the NBA. Look at Ben Wallace... he's considered a special player simply because he sticks with the fundamentals on defense. He deserves credit, but what he does should not be a novelty.

 

Also, the college game is much closer to what basketball should be than the NBA.

[Dangerous A 0]

Larry Brown is out as Pistons coach.

 

LINK

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I guess Larry's catch phrase "What can Brown do for you?" will be out there for NBA ball clubs this offseason. Paging Isiah Thomas.

[Ripper 0]

I hate when people say that. In no way whatsoever is COllege hoops better than what happens on a nightly basis in the NBA. The Atlanta Hawks, hell..any NBA will beat the shit out of ANY college team. ANY of them. The plays that College teams run would get swallowed at the rim with the bigger, more skilled and athletic players. They would simply destroy them in evey aspect of the game.

 

College basketball, while it looks very competetive and such, is alot of raw guys that are no doubt talented but the ones that have skills that even approach those vets in the NBA are few and far between...just about as few and far between as the Highschoolers. Sebastian Telfair, Dwight Howard, and Josh Smith were all ready to contribute last year and DID contributed more than most of the college players.

 

Ben Wallace got plenty of chances before he was finally good enough to keep his minutes on the court. I mean really. If he played back then like he plays now, he wouldn't have been cut. Bottomline, Ben wallace went to college, wasn't that special to make it in the league, and through years of learning eventually got there. Him going to college didn't help him. Playing the game the NBA way is what kept him in the league.

 

I still argue that guys like Leon Smith would have gone to college and DOMINATES the game and still would have gotten drafted and still would have been bust, because they simply werent' good enough to stay in the league.