Taking KP's approach to this thinking, we can establish some of our team's needs (outside of good health) that we can address through free agency. First of all, I think we need some shooting from our guard spot. Jerryd is improving as evidenced by his 40% shooting from three point range in the playoffs, but I feel we still need a guy like Blake who can stick that J to open up room for either Roy or the bench players. If Rudy returns with a better morale and healthy, we probably don't need this. Rebounding and inside scoring couldn't hurt either. I'm actually happy with our wing defense with Marty and Nic. A backup PG who could run the offense is another spot we can look at. Here is a list of mostly unrestricted free agents that will be available in free agency this summer. I haven't listed players like David Lee and Bosh as they will obviously not be available for the MLE or parts of it. Again, if PA chooses to get over the luxury tax amount, we can choose to spend all of it on one or more players. I've bolded the guys I like. PGs: -Ray Felton -Acie Law -Sebastian Telfair -Earl Watson -Steve Blake -Derek Fisher -Shannon Brown (PLAYER OPTION) -Rafer Alston -Carlos Arroyo -Luke Ridnour -Eddie House -Jason Williams -Shaun Livingston -Randy Foye (RESTRICTED) Wings: -Josh Childress -Ray Allen -Raja Bell -Flip Murray -Travis Outlaw -QRich -John Salmons (ETO) -Tracy McGrady -Al Harrington -Ime Udoka -Kyle Korver -Mike Miller Bigs: -Shelden Williams -Tyrus Thomas -Hakim Warrick -Ilgauskas -Shaq -Brian Skinner -Craig Smith -Udonis Haslem -Jermaine O'Neal -Kurt Thomas -Darko Milicic -Etan Thomas -Louis Amundson -Channing Frye (PLAYER OPTION- but he has said he will opt out) -Amir Johnson More comprehensive list available here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-10-11 My choices are Livingston and Craig Smith, as we could probably get both with our MLE. Livingston, as a starter in April averaged: 15.5pts, 6.3asts, 3.6rebs, on 63% FG in 37 mpg through 8 games for Washington. He is back, and we could pounce on this low risk opportunity. If you don't know of Craig Smith, that guy is an absolute beast in the paint who can score at will. He's got a huge body, and can somewhat rebound, but he would mostly be used for his back to the basket scoring ability on the bench. Have I missed anyone? Thoughts on my choices?
Some Videos: [video=youtube;E0HYSE0hUHA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0HYSE0hUHA[/video] [video=youtube;NW7Kx9-LP1w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW7Kx9-LP1w&feature=related[/video]
I'd be interested in Livingston. I always really liked his talent and I think he could have been a high-level PG by now if not for the injury he suffered. He had a pretty solid stretch of games for Washington, statistically, and observationally he still seems to have the quickness and vision that made him so interesting. He'd make a nice upside gamble.
I like your analysis of what we need and what we could get with the MLE. Unfortunately, I think we need a chainsaw, not a scalpel. If Aldridge is our starting PF, he's going to get 36-38 minutes per game. Yes, we do need rebounding, but the effect that a backup PF will have is pretty insignificant in just 10 minutes a game. If we want to rebound better at that position, then Aldridge needs to go. Get David Lee or Carlos Boozer. I think we have the pieces to make that kind of move. I agree we need a point guard as well, but I don't think another backup level player is the answer. We have Bayless who is, in my opinion, a backup level point guard. Andre Miller's career shelf life is measured in months, not years at this point, so I think we need a young upgrade. Unless we think that a future starter is on your list, we'd need to a big-time free agent. Livingston is interesting, but Portland of all teams shouldn't sign a guy with his injury history. I have always liked Ray Felton, but I'm not 100% convinced he's good enough to be a 'point guard of the future' I think we'd have to look at all-star (or borderline all-star) level point guards who could be available. Chris Paul and Devin Harris come to mind.
Livingston would only be interesting as a backup option to me, but I still probably wouldn't pull the trigger.
I like Felton, but' he's going to garner more than the MLE on the open market. I have a feeling we'll see either Steve Blake of Luke Ridnour on this squad next season at PG.
I'm not sure that rebounding is a huge need for this team. The Blazers have a +2.1 rebounds/game differential compared with opponents. That's not as good as the Spurs, Jazz, or Magic, but it's better than the Nuggets, Mavericks, Hawks, Bucks, and Suns... Unless there's a surprising upgrade available for Aldridge, I think the Blazers will still have him come next season. I don't think that's a huge problem. The inside rebounding should remain pretty good, even quite good, potentially - with Camby for a full season, and hopefully either Przybilla or Oden as the starter or backup at center. 7-8 boards out of Aldridge as the PF is fine - if Camby/Oden are combining for 12-14 boards per 48 minutes.
Is it just me or does Livingston remind you of Russell Westbrook? Obviously not as quick but the size and passing ability.
You think he'd come here? Honest question. How do you see the minutes breakdown for that (I know it's tough with injuries).
And then imagine Przybilla actually does make it back and is reasonably good, by December/January. Aldridge/Haslem Oden/Camby/Przybilla The Blazers could trot out an all-big-man lineup. Portland would definitely win the rebounding battle.
How about the playoff numbers, though? As I said in another thread, I feel this team's major flaw is how easy they are to prepare for in a 7-game series. Regular season statistics become rather meaningless in that light.
Given that choice then I'd take Ridnour ... he's not a huge upgrade over Steve, but is marginally better (and I can't see Steve coming back here after being traded twice).
I like Livingston, for sure. I'd like us to take a chance on him as a backup PG. It would put a tall guard beside Bayless as well. As far as big men, I think that Jeff will make a good backup PF banger, and Dante will make a good backup SF wing. Both have proven they can play with the professionals out there for 12 minutes a game. But we do definitely need a point guard on our bench, and Livingston would be my first choice.
