<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Crazy may also describe the Grizzlies' chances of landing Ellis when free agency begins during the off-season. Although the Griz are expected to have $12 million in salary-cap room, the Warriors own Ellis' "Bird Rights," meaning they can re-sign the 22-year-old native of Jackson, Miss., without regard to the cap.</div> http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/...ent-like-ellis/ I don't think the Warriors would lose Ellis but this could hurt Golden State. Ellis will probably use Memphis as a bargaining chip and if worst comes to worst, he could go play near his hometown.
Memphis has a lot of guards as is, but this would be a great pick-up. I don't think all 12 million should go to Ellis, but at least 5-6 should. Ellis - Gay - Warrick - Conley - Lottery Pick, would be a pretty good starting line-up.
I think a player like Ellis will probably receive a max contract anyway. He definitely has Kobe, Iverson, and T-mac type qualities when it comes to play around the hoop that is for sure. I mean this guy is an incredible finisher and he just hangs. He shoots a high fg % and he's going to get better with more experience. Of course he still needs to work on his passing game, but he's been decent. He tends to throw it when he needs a bail out, but he's usually looking to score for himself. He's not as selfish as Iverson, though, but then again Ellis has more help around him and he has to defer to Baron.
I'm expecting something in the $7M to $9M range. I don't think I'd pay more than 10 for him, as good as he is and could be. At any rate, he's in for just a tiny raise from the ~$770K he makes now.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HiRez @ Mar 15 2008, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm expecting something in the $7M to $9M range. I don't think I'd pay more than 10 for him, as good as he is and could be. At any rate, he's in for just a tiny raise from the ~$770K he makes now.</div> I'd be thrilled if we can keep him for 7 but I don't think hat's going to happen. Didn't Kevin marting just sing a 5 year deal at 11 per? I don't think he'll sign for less that that and I'm not sure I'd pay any more that that.
A reasonable contract probably won't happen that way. Ellis will probably be the hype of the free agent pool in 2008-2009 offseason. He'll be up there with Josh Smith in terms of potential and I think Smith will probably get a lot of money. It's not so much stats as I think it is potential in their one or more dominant abilities. Monta Ellis is flat out one of the quickest, high flying guys in the league and he's not a short player nor short of finesse. He can basically get his shot any time he wants against almost any player going one-on-one or against multiple players in transition. Josh Smith plays super big for his size, already has great physical, defensive skills for his age, and might end up being the next Shawn Marion (double double, blocks, but with nice passing). We'll see. I'm sure those type of skills could land a Redd/Johnson contract and the reason I think those two stars landed big money is because Johnson is very skilled for his size and he's got great court vision and defensive ability. Michael Redd is very quick footed and has probably the fastest release on his shot (from a very hard to defend release point) and is pretty accurate. It's all about having that one or two dominant abilities that just aren't easy to replace in the nba. I'm sure Ellis and Smith have it. Then again, I'm not sure if nba teams will try to conserve their money. Other FA's include Gilbert Arenas, Antwan Jamison, Nenad Krstic, Andris Biedrins, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, and guys like Jermaine O'neal, Baron Davis, Shawn Marion if they opt out. The cool thing about this offseason is the league seems overcrowded and the Warriors might get some good FA's. How about Bonzi Wells for a starter if he gets in shape?
