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Let free agency ring It's appropriate that Independence Day is this time of yearPosted: Friday July 04, 2003 11:44 AM
How fitting that Independence Day would occur smack dab in the middle of the NBA free-agent negotiating period. For the 140 or so free agents on the market, including such big names as Jason Kidd, Jermaine O’Neal and Gary Payton, it truly is a blessing to be free. So in honor of Marcus Liberty, World B. Free and all the other NBA stars who have realized their hoop dreams in this great nation, we present a special Fourth of July mailbag. Fittingly, we’ll start with a query about the 76ers.
With Derrick Coleman, Kenny Thomas, Tyrone Hill and Brian Skinner all free agents, what are the Sixers going to do about their frontcourt? Sixers GM Billy King has made it clear that re-signing Thomas is a priority. Philly can offer the most money, so it appears likely Thomas will be back. While King says he’s basically happy with the roster that won 48 games last year, he realizes Allen Iverson needs somebody to help rebound the ball. He's made calls about Michael Olowokandi, Rasho Nesterovic, Alonzo Mourning and Andrew DeClercq, among others. If he can’t get one of them, a sign-and-trade deal is a possibility.
If the Mavs get Alonzo Mourning, do you think he will be enough to get them over the top in the West? It depends on Mourning’s health. At age 33, and having missed two of the past three seasons battling kidney disease, Mourning is never going to regain his old All-Star form. Even during his comeback season two years ago, in which he played 75 games and averaged 15.7 points and 8.4 rebounds, he was not the same ferocious, dominating player. But even in a limited role, 'Zo could provide a much-needed measure of toughness and intensity inside. Foes like Shaq, Tim Duncan and Chris Webber would have to watch over their shoulders when playing the Mavs, for a change. But, again, the question is, will 'Zo’s body hold up over 82 games? It’s a big risk for the Mavs.
Can the Bulls combine their midlevel exception with an injury exception from the Jay Williams accident in the hopes of landing Corey Maggette? No. The Bulls can’t combine their midlevel ($4.9 million) and injury exceptions ($1.8), so it’s doubtful they could get Maggette. The Nuggets also are said to be interested in Maggette, and they have room under the salary cap to make him a bigger offer. The Bulls’ best hope is that Denver decides to spend its money elsewhere and Maggette falls through the cracks. Then the Bulls could try to convince Maggette, a Chicago native, to come play in his hometown. At this point, it’s a longshot.
Do you think the Lakers have a good chance of getting anybody in free agency that could seriously help them this year and beyond? Yes. Karl Malone, Gary Payton, P.J. Brown, Juwan Howard and Scottie Pippen are just a handful of the players who could end up in L.A. The latest reports are that Payton is at the top of the list, though I expect it's more of a negotiating ploy by his agent to leverage more money from Milwaukee. Ditto with Malone, who will probably stay in Utah. Obviously, the Lakers are in a bind because they can’t offer more than the midlevel exception ($4.9 million). But they can offer the chance to play for an NBA ring alongside Shaq and Kobe. Before it’s all over, they’ll get a guy who can help them. It might not be the biggest of the big names, but it will be a good player.
Who are some of the lesser-known free agents out there who might be able to make a big impact if placed in the right situation? My feeling is that a guy like Damon Jones, formerly of Sacramento, could do big things in L.A. with Shaq and Kobe. He plays the game the right way and he has a very reliable jump shot. For a lot of marginal free agents, finding the right team can be more important than getting the most money right away. Jones is an interesting example. He has played for seven teams in seven seasons but can’t seem to find a home. Last year he did a good job with the Kings early in the season, but fell off a bit after ,b>Mike Bibby returned. Jones doesn’t make mistakes and can knock down the 3. He can’t really create his own shot, but he might not have to as much with a team like the Lakers. I’m not sure he could make a big impact, but he might be a valuable reserve. Some other guys in that category are Ira Newble, Lee Nailon, Eric Piatkowski and Reggie Evans.
What will the Cavs do in free agency? The prevailing theme is that they will bring in a veteran point guard. Will they make any other moves?
Contrary to rumors, the Cavs aren’t just going to have LeBron James take the floor all by himself next season. Their first priority is indeed to get a veteran point guard, preferably one could knock down a 3-pointer on occasion. The Cavs led the league in turnovers last season and ranked 26th in 3-point shooting (32.7 percent). Some of the better point guards available include Speedy Claxton, Kenny Anderson, Jason Terry, Travis Best, Jacque Vaughn and Tyronn Lue. After that, look for Cleveland to possibly add another power forward if a decent one becomes available at the right price.
Do you think the Pacers will be able to re-sign Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Reggie Miller? I've also heard some vague rumors about the Pacers wanting to trade Ron Artest; have you heard anything to that effect? Right now the Pacers intend to re-sign O’Neal and both Millers. The key, obviously, is O’Neal, who says he plans to visit San Antonio next week. The Pacers can offer him a max deal worth around $120 million, compared with just $92 million from the Spurs, so it seems likely he’ll return to Indy. If so, Brad Miller has indicated he’s more likely to stay as well. Reggie also seems set on staying in his Hoosier home. As for Artest, don’t believe the rumors. The Pacers like him, even with his occasional antics, and he’s about to start his first year under a new contract, so there are base-year compensation issues that would complicate any transaction. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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