As we wind down to the playoffs, me and Casual will be going through each prospective free agent this offseason on the roster, and getting everyone's thoughts on them. This is in terms of value to the team, likelihood that they'll be a Sonic next season and where else they could end up. First up is Antonio Daniels, who will be unrestricted this offseason. Strengths: Antonio is as safe as houses. He doesn't turn the ball over, and he is probably the best defensive guard on the roster, along with Damien Wilkins. He has also established himself as somewhat of a clutch shooter/scorer, coming up with numerous big plays and last quarters down the stretch. He is a better shooter than advertised. Weaknesses: He lacks creativity, and can be very passive at times. He will always look to make the simple pass, and if he is on the floor, it is generally his backcourt partner who is making things happen. He can lack aggression too, which was a concern from the coaching staff last season, and part of the reason we pursued Derek Fisher and Damon Jones. Importance to the team: Has probably lessened as the season has worn on. Has still been a valuable contributor, but is far from irreplaceable. Was a favourite for 6th man of the year early on, but his influence on games has dipped slightly, and the guard rotation is a deep one. Is a nice reserve and a solid guy to have on the floor in fourth quarters, but that's about it. Chances he'll be back: Slim. Is still having a career year, and someone will offer him a contract around 30-40 million. With next season being a crucial one for Ridnour's development, and the fact that reserve guards aren't the rarest breed, I don't see us offering him as much as he could get on the open market. May depend on how much he wants to stay. Possible destinations: I would have said Houston a few months ago, given their long-term interest in him, but Mike James is a better player, and Wesley has been solid. Utah would have to be a chance, given their weakness in the backcourt, while Cleveland could have a run at him with McInnis unlikely to be back and Snow not fitting in, a safe point like AD would be attractive. If Ford doesn't come back, he would be a nice guy for Milwaukee to have backing up Mo Williams too. Prediction: He signs with Houston after they offer him a multi-year deal in the Derek Fisher range.
I think you hit it dead on when you siad his value has lessened as the season has gone on. Earlier, he looked like an irreplaceable locker room leader (Brent Barry, anybody?), but now he's simply solid. Somebody a little more dynamic and willing to take over the offense would be better suited to the Sonics next year.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post"> Is still having a career year, and someone will offer him a contract around 30-40 million.</div> If a GM is willing to give AD a 40 million dollar contract, I'm going to start working out again. I don't necessarily agree w/ your assessment of AD market value. He is 30 and I don't think any team is going to lock him up for more than four seasons. I think that he is looking at a contract similiar to Carlos Arroyo--4 years, 16-20 million. He has a player option on his contract this season. If in fact something crazy happens and he has a serious injury, he could excercise that option and return to Seattle for another season. Highly unlikely but it is his choice as to whether or not he will become a free agent this summer.
For once actually agree with Shiek....dont see Daniels getting 30-40 million and with him having surgery after the season that may make teams caution to even giving him a 4 or 5 year deal worth around what Shiek said (15-20 million-ish)
I think Fisher got 5yrs 25 million, and the consensus was that Mullin was nuts. I'd be suprised if AD got that. Not that I don't like him, he' a solid player who can get to the rim and draw fouls and as stated he's safe with the ball. But he pounds the rock way too much, his jumper's too flat and inconsistent and I think his defense is a bit overrated. Maybe it's his knee, or the new rules, but I don't see him staying in front of too many guys. I will say he seems to be a solid locker room guy.
I would like to add another destination for AD's services, Los Angeles. The Lakers desperately need a defensive minded point guard who doesn't turn the ball over. The Lakers can offer him their MLE or possibly work a sign and trade with the Sonics. In Los Angeles he gets a chance to play starter minutes without looking over his shoulder. Even if the MLE is not enough, there are more opportunities off the court for AD to cash in on in Los Angeles. The Sonics might be willing to work a sign and trade to at least get something back for AD. How about Luke Walton (also an unrestricted FA) and a 2005 2nd rounder? I also like him joining the Cavs next year. He's a native of Columbus, Ohio and he would be an upgrade over McInnis or Snow, at a cheaper price. I don't see him playing for the Rockets. The last thing they need is another PG. They already have Bobby Sura and Mike James locked up for 2 more seasons, and Moochie Norris rounding out their 3 guard rotation.
correction <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I would like to add another destination for AD's services, Los Angeles. The Lakers desperately need a defensive minded point guard who doesn't turn the ball over.</div> correction, the lakers need ANY point guard
