Ok I am going to throw some free agents out there that I believe have been overlooked. The reason being, is that many free agents seem to be only looked at if they are "starter" quality. I think that is a mistake, as there are some easy upgrades, even though some of them have question marks to them due to injuries, etc. 1. Jermaine Oneal: Sure he has been in the league 13 years. But he came in at 18, we all know that. He also hasn't been close to the infamous "1000 game mark" where often players really start to break down because he really didn't play much his first 3 years. We are looking for a guy who will play the minutes behind Aldridge, Oden, and Pryzbilla and not bitch. Jermaine has been hurt on and off, and could probably use a team where he can just go all out for about 20 minutes a game. Does he want more minutes? Does he want too much money? I am unsure. But he is a solid vet that would help the team if he bought in. The downside is I don't think he has played a full season in years. But here, he wouldn't be asked to. He would be asked to play 20 minutes a night, hard. 2. Marquis Daniels. A very good defender, with good ability to create off the dribble. He has killed us many times over the years. Tends to be the type of player that steps it up when asked, but takes a seconadary role much easier than a prime scoring role. Playoff experience with Dallas in their finals loss to Miami. Probably can be had for cheap. Downside is outside shooting. 3. Linux Kleiza - He is better than any of our SF now. He also would be yet another restricted free agent whose rights are owned by a division rival. So throw him an offer, and make them pay more money than they want to. The worst thing that happens is, you upgrade. 4. Joe Smith-His role has been defined as a backup PF who plays 20 minutes a night. That's what he does. He is a solid veteran, that is the presence he would bring.
They generated the list before players opted in or out of their deals, it appears. The asterix next tohis name is for players with a PO, which he opted in to.
I think Daniels and Joe Smith are decent options. I disagree the Linux Kleiza is better than any of our small forwards now. I would rather give Batum those minutes. We need a defensive stopper and I beleive he will be the next Bruce Bowen and actually has more upside then he did.
Damn! Beat me to it. Jermaine would be interesting seeing as how he could back up Oden and Aldridge while maybe not commanding too much money. I don't know what his self perception is like, but he's gotta realize that his game has dramatically fallen and can't garner a +10 million a year contract. I'm thinking MLE.
Exactly, and wouldn't it be funny if Jeramaine came full circle? He could do what we need. 20 minutes a night enforcing the paint. Teaching the younger players the nuances of the game.
I wouldn't mind any of those guys mentioned, but we need to resolve the current issue (Millsap offer, trade after?) before we do anything else. Not that I am worried those guys will go quickly though...they should still be available.
Obviously. I would restrict that list to what is known reality though, that being the Milsap offer, which I expect to be matched. Even if they have to match and then trade Boozer 2 months later. They will do it.
Jermaine is "stuck" in Miami for one more year, that's why BC traded him for Marion and thus for Hedo.
