It seems our bench is dismal. So inconsistent. We just don't have any firepower or experience. We need a couple players that can contribute and have been in the league for a while. Available Free Agents List 2012 If it doesn't direct you to the free-agents available now; just click the tab "View Available" From this list, I think of these players that can contribute now: Kenyon Martin. Because of character issues; he's been avoided like the plague. There maybe good reason too. But in these desperate times; he seems like a good answer for this team. He knows how to play with his back to the basket, plus is a good rebounder and defensive player. His attitude on the court could be a problem; but he doesn't have to be on the floor for extended time to cause any damage. We took a chance on Hickson and it paid off. Offering a 1 year contract isn't such a bad idea, IMO. If he doesn't work, then we just drop him and look elsewhere. If he turns out okay, then give him another chance. Mike Bibby. He is one of those guards that lost his step and a lot of his skill; but he is a vet and a combo PG/SG type player. What he gives you is experience and savvy. At least he can be a guard that can bring the ball up court and make half-way decent decision. Delonte West. This guy is desperate to find a new team. Don't know why no team picked him up because I've never read any character issues with him. Could it be injury? Who knows. What I do know is he's a decent defender. He is the perfect type of "role player vet" to come off the bench. He won't demand a lot of time; but I'm sure he would make the most of it if he's given another chance. For a guard, I think he's the best choice. So from those 3 players above; I think they could be had for cheap. I'm thinking of 2-3 mil for the year. And neither of them would care to sign just a 1 year deal to get them back into the league.
if any of those guys can be on a 1-2yr deal (2nd year our option) then i think its worth looking at - unless we are tanking then no thanks. im actually ok with any/all of them, as long as they are clear around their role and expectations
I doubt they would be in any type of "demanding role" on any team. They haven't been picked up so they can't expect they demand anything. What I do know is two of those players want to get back bad. They are even posting their resumé on twitter for anything.
West is the only one that would help us. The guy is a nut case but he could still start for a lot of teams. Bibby looks to have no legs left. Martin would work only if we traded Hickson.
Why would we need to trade hickson? That doesn't make any sense to me. We need more capable bigs. Have you seen just how horrible Freeland is? Just replacing Freeland for Kmart is a big improvement. I'm not a big fan of Bibby either. The only thing of value is the dude has been the the WCF and was a big part of why Sac was a winning team. Of course he doesn't have the skill as he did from that time; but his head is still the same. If anything; he would be a good mentor. West is somewhat of a headcase, but the dude is a good role player. People make mistakes and I don't think 1 year will kill us in terms of character.
I was thinking more on the lines of getting value for Hickson before he walks in the off season. I doubt he signs to be a back up, and long term he is a PF not a center. So if we did trade him, then I could see signing Martin. Although I guess I see your point in having both.
Jeff Kramer @HoopStoryteller A reminder to Blazer fans and media members speculating on trade ideas for JJ Hickson - he can't be dealt this season without his approval Jeff Kramer @HoopStoryteller Another reminder - if he is traded this season, Hickson loses his Bird Rights. Which might affect his decision to veto a trade.
Some years we get a Revelation player. God descended in the form of Hickson and he is here to rule the Earth. He's not going anywhere. In fact, it will be he upon whom we spend our summer money. Meanwhile, we must not yield to Satanic temptation and trade Aldridge for scraps. We must patiently wait for a Dwight Howard situation. An Antichrist will arrive in the East and the Blazers have been chosen to alone survive the cataclysmic storm.
I'd take a 1 year shot at Kmart. Although if Olshay is passing on him, he must know something about locker room chemistry.