Post by SkRoUsE on Oct 14, 2010 15:04:19 GMT -5
Most Valuable Free Agents
Centers
The Centers in this year’s FA class are mostly solid vets that can put up solid numbers but nothing that will blow your socks off. Yao is the only young guy that can both score 20+ and grab 10+ boards a game. Here’s my top 5:
5. Theo Ratliff – Theo is an undersized player but no one tries harder on defense, the guy is a blocking machine and has been in the top 10 in block every year I can remember. He’s not going to do much on the score board on your end but will definitely contribute there by stopping opposing big men from dominating the paint.
4. Michael Olowokandi – A veteran center that will be a good 4th or 5th option scoring and will grab about 9 or 10 RPG and throw in a couple blocks as well. Olowakandi is a great option for a team missing that inside presence and veteran leadership.
3. Marcus Camby - A defensive and rebounding specialist, he’s a little old at the age of 32 but I think Camby could be a great value pick up for many teams that need to improve their interior defense. Camby is a guy that can improve your entire team defense but don’t expect him to score much, last year he only averaged about 7 PPG.
2. Scott Pollard– Another defensive and rebounding veteran who would be a great value pick up for anyone looking for a 10 and 10 guy but trying not to spend too much. He can throw in a few blocks and improve a team’s post defense, if you want your center that can make an impact and not make you dig in your wallet too much, Pollard is a great option.
1. Yao Ming
– Yao is about to hit his prime but might still have a year or two of growth left in him. Last season he averaged about 25 PPG and 10 RPG but only 1 BPG, if he continues to improve his defense, with that 7’6” frame the blocks are bound to start adding up. If New Jersey can’t lock him back up it may shake up the East a little bit.
Power Forwards
This year’s PF class really only has 2 starting caliber FA, Amar’e and Nene. Both are young, talented and still developing. The rest of the class is mostly bench players that won’t see more than 15-20 minutes a night.
5. Nikoloz Tskitishvili – this is young player with good size a little bit of potential left, his value will depend on his TC. I don’t think he’ll ever be a good start in TMBSL but he could be a solid guy off the bench if given the opportunity.
4. Michael Ruffin – another solid guy off the bench, Ruffin averaged about 6 boards and a block off the bench playing about 19 MPG. He doesn’t score much but could be good for a team that needs a big off the bench to help defensively and with rebounding.
3. Jackson Vroman – Relatively young at the age of 24, Vroman still has a little room to grow but not much. He averaged 6 points, 3 boards and 1 block per game last season coming off the bench for the Cavs for about 16 MPG and I think who ever signs him can expect much of the same this season. If he happens to have a good TC this could be a pretty good signing for someone.
2. Nene – This 23 year old Brazilian is still pretty raw, he’s been in the league for a little while but last year his opportunity to prove himself wasn’t quite there as he only got about 25 MPG. He’s a borderline 10 and 10 guy and is still growing, if he has a solid TC and is given the opportunity to start he could be 15 and 10 by next year and a solid piece for any playoff team.
1. Amar’e Stoudemire
– The 2006 FA class’s crown jewel is Amar’e, he is at the age where most kids are just leaving college and entering TMBSL. However, Amar’e already has 4 years of experience under his belt and is averaging 20+ PPG and 10+ RPG. He is the type of player you can build a franchise around for the next decade, good luck getting him.
Small Forwards
The deepest position in this FA class has to be SF, there is the stud Carmelo Anthony, a few other young guys that are still developing and a couple of vets looking for clubs to help win a title soon. If you miss on Melo don't get too down, there is plenty of talent at the SF position this year.
5. Ruben Patterson – This is a defensive specialist that can also take the ball to tin and score. Patterson is a veteran player who averaged 17 PPG last season with New York and would be a great fit for a defensive oriented team that lacks inside scoring.
4. Glenn Robinson – Anyone who need veteran scorer should look at Glenn Robinson, the guy averaged 22 PPG last season and can score both inside and from beyond the arc. He does have a slight TO problem loosing the ball almost 4 times a game but he make up for it with his hustle with almost 7 RPG. He’s 33 and doesn’t have much left in the tank but a 3 or 4 year deal would be good for someone in need.
3. Tayshaun Prince – Injury held Prince back a little bit last season being only able to play in 32 games but he is a very capable SF. He shoots nearly 50% from the floor including just shy of 40% from downtown, if he’s put on a team that gives him a chance to be a key cog I believe he will step up to the challenge. He’s 26 but scouts still think he has some room to grow, I disagree but TC is the ultimate wild card so who ever signs him will have to just wait and see.
2. Caron Butler – Butler is just about done growing and is getting ready to enter his prime. He is only 24 so he will probably improve slightly over the next few seasons but not much. However, a good TC could make him the steal of this FA class. He averaged just less than 20 PPG last year and is a pretty efficient scorer shooting around 46% from the floor. He’s not too much of a three point threat but can hit the open ones. All in all a good scorer but not quite elite, a solid piece for anyone in need of a reliable wing player.
1. Carmelo Anthony
– The 2nd most valuable FA this summer to only Amar’e is Melo. He’s only 22 with loads of potential and like Amar’e is a head of the curve for most guys his age. With 4 years of experience he’s averaging about 17 PPG and almost 8 RPG (great for a SF!) This is a player that has potential to carry a franchise, but I don’t think he’s as much of a sure thing as Amar’e. Still whoever gets him will should be in good shape for a few years.
Shooting Guards
The shooting guards in this FA class aren’t very deep, not too many guys you want starting on your team. A couple of vets Fred Jones and Bonzi Wells will get starting jobs, the rest are mostly going to be in 6th man roles or simply backups.
5. Cuttino Mobley – naturally a shooting guard Mobley has been asked to be multifaceted and done ok, as a backup PG last season his numbers weren’t great. In the past however, he has done well as a scoring guard. If he gets an opportunity to start back at his natural position he could do fairly well, maybe around 12 or 14 PPG but don’t expect him to be your #1 option because I think Cuttino’s best days are behind him.
4. Kareem Rush – a young, somewhat big SG Kareem still has a little bit of growing left in him. Last season he was asked to come off the bench and it may have hurt his development a little bit but if he has a good TC and get a chance to play bigger minutes he could develop into a decent scorer.
3. John Salmons – Salmon’s career has been up and down, never seeing consistent minutes and he’s not super young anymore. Being 26 is by no means old but players don’t tend to improve much as he creep closer to 30. Scouts think his potential is still high so he may be worth a 3 or 4 year deal, but a lot of his value depends on TC and opportunity so we’ll have to wait and see.
2. Fred Jones – Jones did well last year for the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets and I’m surprised he didn’t stick with them, I thought it was a good fit, perhaps they will make him an offer and he goes back, as of right now it looks like anyone who needs a 3rd or 4th option will be looking at Jones.
1. Bonzi Wells
– The best SG available this off season is Bonzi, he’s a 20 PPG guy that can fill up a stat sheet. Unfortunately, not all of his stats are great, more than 3 TOPG last season is a major turn off but he tries to make up for it with more than 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. If you need an efficient inside scoring SG, Bonzi is your guy.
Point Guards
Not a lot of talent at PG this season like the rest of the class, but Jay Williams is a stud. Tied with Yao as the 3rd best FA this year Jay Will can complete any team that needs that PG position filled. The rest of the class is mostly backups with a few guys that could start for some teams.
5. Marcus Banks – a young PG still developing this 2nd round pick in 03 has 2 rings as a backup PG for the Boston Celtics. If he has a good TC he could be starting quality and I think he’d be worth the risk of a 2 or 3 year deal. He hasn’t had many chances to showcase his talents in his bench role but I think he could be a solid pick up for a team that need a #2 PG for a veteran and may end up needing a #1 in the next 2 or 3 seasons.
4. Tyronn Lue –not a starting caliber PG but Lue can be a nice option off the bench. Last year he got about 6 points and 3 assists per game in a backup role for the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets and anyone looking for good depth at PG should look at Lue.
3. Travis Best – Last year Best was benched for the young Shaun Livingston, I think Best has the ability to be a starting PG in TMBSL but it’s all about where he plays. He won’t be a great scoring option but is an above average defender and solid passer. Given the opportunity to start again I think he could do well.
2. Paccelis Morlende – A name most people don’t know, Pac played for the very successful Miami Heat last year and did very well for a 3rd year player averaging about 12 points and 7 assists per game. He would be a very nice pick up for a team that doesn’t land J Will and is in need of a starting PG. Scouts don’t think he’ll develop much more but after such a good season last year I think he’s lined up for a solid TC.
1. Jay Williams
– by far the best PG in this FA class. He can score from anywhere on the floor and last year had 22 PPG to go along with his 5 RPG and 7 APG. If he can keep the TOs down as he continues to improve his game Jay Williams we be a top tier point guard for the next decade.
Centers
The Centers in this year’s FA class are mostly solid vets that can put up solid numbers but nothing that will blow your socks off. Yao is the only young guy that can both score 20+ and grab 10+ boards a game. Here’s my top 5:
5. Theo Ratliff – Theo is an undersized player but no one tries harder on defense, the guy is a blocking machine and has been in the top 10 in block every year I can remember. He’s not going to do much on the score board on your end but will definitely contribute there by stopping opposing big men from dominating the paint.
4. Michael Olowokandi – A veteran center that will be a good 4th or 5th option scoring and will grab about 9 or 10 RPG and throw in a couple blocks as well. Olowakandi is a great option for a team missing that inside presence and veteran leadership.
3. Marcus Camby - A defensive and rebounding specialist, he’s a little old at the age of 32 but I think Camby could be a great value pick up for many teams that need to improve their interior defense. Camby is a guy that can improve your entire team defense but don’t expect him to score much, last year he only averaged about 7 PPG.
2. Scott Pollard– Another defensive and rebounding veteran who would be a great value pick up for anyone looking for a 10 and 10 guy but trying not to spend too much. He can throw in a few blocks and improve a team’s post defense, if you want your center that can make an impact and not make you dig in your wallet too much, Pollard is a great option.
1. Yao Ming
– Yao is about to hit his prime but might still have a year or two of growth left in him. Last season he averaged about 25 PPG and 10 RPG but only 1 BPG, if he continues to improve his defense, with that 7’6” frame the blocks are bound to start adding up. If New Jersey can’t lock him back up it may shake up the East a little bit.
Power Forwards
This year’s PF class really only has 2 starting caliber FA, Amar’e and Nene. Both are young, talented and still developing. The rest of the class is mostly bench players that won’t see more than 15-20 minutes a night.
5. Nikoloz Tskitishvili – this is young player with good size a little bit of potential left, his value will depend on his TC. I don’t think he’ll ever be a good start in TMBSL but he could be a solid guy off the bench if given the opportunity.
4. Michael Ruffin – another solid guy off the bench, Ruffin averaged about 6 boards and a block off the bench playing about 19 MPG. He doesn’t score much but could be good for a team that needs a big off the bench to help defensively and with rebounding.
3. Jackson Vroman – Relatively young at the age of 24, Vroman still has a little room to grow but not much. He averaged 6 points, 3 boards and 1 block per game last season coming off the bench for the Cavs for about 16 MPG and I think who ever signs him can expect much of the same this season. If he happens to have a good TC this could be a pretty good signing for someone.
2. Nene – This 23 year old Brazilian is still pretty raw, he’s been in the league for a little while but last year his opportunity to prove himself wasn’t quite there as he only got about 25 MPG. He’s a borderline 10 and 10 guy and is still growing, if he has a solid TC and is given the opportunity to start he could be 15 and 10 by next year and a solid piece for any playoff team.
1. Amar’e Stoudemire
– The 2006 FA class’s crown jewel is Amar’e, he is at the age where most kids are just leaving college and entering TMBSL. However, Amar’e already has 4 years of experience under his belt and is averaging 20+ PPG and 10+ RPG. He is the type of player you can build a franchise around for the next decade, good luck getting him.
Small Forwards
The deepest position in this FA class has to be SF, there is the stud Carmelo Anthony, a few other young guys that are still developing and a couple of vets looking for clubs to help win a title soon. If you miss on Melo don't get too down, there is plenty of talent at the SF position this year.
5. Ruben Patterson – This is a defensive specialist that can also take the ball to tin and score. Patterson is a veteran player who averaged 17 PPG last season with New York and would be a great fit for a defensive oriented team that lacks inside scoring.
4. Glenn Robinson – Anyone who need veteran scorer should look at Glenn Robinson, the guy averaged 22 PPG last season and can score both inside and from beyond the arc. He does have a slight TO problem loosing the ball almost 4 times a game but he make up for it with his hustle with almost 7 RPG. He’s 33 and doesn’t have much left in the tank but a 3 or 4 year deal would be good for someone in need.
3. Tayshaun Prince – Injury held Prince back a little bit last season being only able to play in 32 games but he is a very capable SF. He shoots nearly 50% from the floor including just shy of 40% from downtown, if he’s put on a team that gives him a chance to be a key cog I believe he will step up to the challenge. He’s 26 but scouts still think he has some room to grow, I disagree but TC is the ultimate wild card so who ever signs him will have to just wait and see.
2. Caron Butler – Butler is just about done growing and is getting ready to enter his prime. He is only 24 so he will probably improve slightly over the next few seasons but not much. However, a good TC could make him the steal of this FA class. He averaged just less than 20 PPG last year and is a pretty efficient scorer shooting around 46% from the floor. He’s not too much of a three point threat but can hit the open ones. All in all a good scorer but not quite elite, a solid piece for anyone in need of a reliable wing player.
1. Carmelo Anthony
– The 2nd most valuable FA this summer to only Amar’e is Melo. He’s only 22 with loads of potential and like Amar’e is a head of the curve for most guys his age. With 4 years of experience he’s averaging about 17 PPG and almost 8 RPG (great for a SF!) This is a player that has potential to carry a franchise, but I don’t think he’s as much of a sure thing as Amar’e. Still whoever gets him will should be in good shape for a few years.
Shooting Guards
The shooting guards in this FA class aren’t very deep, not too many guys you want starting on your team. A couple of vets Fred Jones and Bonzi Wells will get starting jobs, the rest are mostly going to be in 6th man roles or simply backups.
5. Cuttino Mobley – naturally a shooting guard Mobley has been asked to be multifaceted and done ok, as a backup PG last season his numbers weren’t great. In the past however, he has done well as a scoring guard. If he gets an opportunity to start back at his natural position he could do fairly well, maybe around 12 or 14 PPG but don’t expect him to be your #1 option because I think Cuttino’s best days are behind him.
4. Kareem Rush – a young, somewhat big SG Kareem still has a little bit of growing left in him. Last season he was asked to come off the bench and it may have hurt his development a little bit but if he has a good TC and get a chance to play bigger minutes he could develop into a decent scorer.
3. John Salmons – Salmon’s career has been up and down, never seeing consistent minutes and he’s not super young anymore. Being 26 is by no means old but players don’t tend to improve much as he creep closer to 30. Scouts think his potential is still high so he may be worth a 3 or 4 year deal, but a lot of his value depends on TC and opportunity so we’ll have to wait and see.
2. Fred Jones – Jones did well last year for the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets and I’m surprised he didn’t stick with them, I thought it was a good fit, perhaps they will make him an offer and he goes back, as of right now it looks like anyone who needs a 3rd or 4th option will be looking at Jones.
1. Bonzi Wells
– The best SG available this off season is Bonzi, he’s a 20 PPG guy that can fill up a stat sheet. Unfortunately, not all of his stats are great, more than 3 TOPG last season is a major turn off but he tries to make up for it with more than 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. If you need an efficient inside scoring SG, Bonzi is your guy.
Point Guards
Not a lot of talent at PG this season like the rest of the class, but Jay Williams is a stud. Tied with Yao as the 3rd best FA this year Jay Will can complete any team that needs that PG position filled. The rest of the class is mostly backups with a few guys that could start for some teams.
5. Marcus Banks – a young PG still developing this 2nd round pick in 03 has 2 rings as a backup PG for the Boston Celtics. If he has a good TC he could be starting quality and I think he’d be worth the risk of a 2 or 3 year deal. He hasn’t had many chances to showcase his talents in his bench role but I think he could be a solid pick up for a team that need a #2 PG for a veteran and may end up needing a #1 in the next 2 or 3 seasons.
4. Tyronn Lue –not a starting caliber PG but Lue can be a nice option off the bench. Last year he got about 6 points and 3 assists per game in a backup role for the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets and anyone looking for good depth at PG should look at Lue.
3. Travis Best – Last year Best was benched for the young Shaun Livingston, I think Best has the ability to be a starting PG in TMBSL but it’s all about where he plays. He won’t be a great scoring option but is an above average defender and solid passer. Given the opportunity to start again I think he could do well.
2. Paccelis Morlende – A name most people don’t know, Pac played for the very successful Miami Heat last year and did very well for a 3rd year player averaging about 12 points and 7 assists per game. He would be a very nice pick up for a team that doesn’t land J Will and is in need of a starting PG. Scouts don’t think he’ll develop much more but after such a good season last year I think he’s lined up for a solid TC.
1. Jay Williams
– by far the best PG in this FA class. He can score from anywhere on the floor and last year had 22 PPG to go along with his 5 RPG and 7 APG. If he can keep the TOs down as he continues to improve his game Jay Williams we be a top tier point guard for the next decade.
