This offseason has its share of winners and losers
Posted: Friday August 01, 2003 2:50 PM
The free-agent signing frenzy is all but over. Other than Lamar Odom and Jason Terry, the big names have been snatched up. For the most part, all that’s left now are journeymen and role players.
Here’s a look at which teams have won or lost big while playing the free-agent market so far this offseason.
Winners
Despite having no salary cap room, the Lakers added future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton at bargain prices. With both players taking less money to play for a shot at an NBA title, they should be willing to check their egos and share the ball. If Shaq comes back in shape and Kobe Bryant gets past his criminal charges, the Lakers look like a load in 2003-04.
The loss of Jason Kidd would have been devastating. The team is built around him. Meanwhile, the addition of Alonzo Mourning, if he stays healthy, gives the Nets another quality big man to enhance their already stifling defense. They still need to find some shooters -- and coach Byron Scott must work with Kidd -- but they’re still the favorites in the East.
OK, so the Spurs didn’t get Jason Kidd or Jermaine O’Neal. But they did sign Rasho Nesterovic, a decent 7-footer to replace the retired David Robinson. They also used their remaining $10 million in cap room to acquire two quality perimeter players in Hedo Turkoglu and Ron Mercer and added another veteran in Robert Horry.
The Wizards had around $7 million in cap space, and they used it well by sneaking in at the last minute and stealing Gilbert Arenas, a coup for new GM Ernie Grunfeld. With Arenas and Jerry Stackhouse in the backcourt, the Wizards have stabilized one of their problem areas from a year ago.
The T'wolves signed center Michael Olowokandi to replace Nesterovic and added Mark Madsen. With the trades for Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell, they should be more interesting next season -- even if a trip to the second round still seems like a longshot in the ultra-competitive West. As a side benefit, they sent a signal to free-agent-to-be Kevin Garnett that they’re willing to spend to field a winner.
Thanks to a little help from the Mailman, the Hornets managed to re-sign power forward P.J. Brown. Had Karl Malone not agreed to take less money in L.A., Brown would have been at the top of the Lakers’ wish list. They also added fireplug point guard Darrell Armstrong to back up Baron Davis.
The Magic beat out several teams for Juwan Howard and added point guard Tyronn Lue. Not bad considering they were capped out. Also, they re-signed veteran center Andrew DeClercq, who knows their system and can provide steady minutes.
Losers
So much for that dream about Andre Miller and Elton Brand becoming the next Stockton-to-Malone. Utah had some $20 million in cap room but, like the post-dynasty Bulls, it couldn’t get any big-name free agents. Will Jason Terry follow in Corey Maggette’s footsteps and be the next prize that slips away? Stay tuned.
Like the Jazz, the Nuggets weren’t able to make a big splash despite tons of cap room. They did get Andre Miller, but those rumors of Olowokandi or Brad Miller coming to the Mile High City never panned out. Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe might have to wait until next year to add more pieces.
Despite $11 million in cap space, the Heat couldn’t swing a deal for big names like Gary Payton, Gilbert Arenas or Michael Olowokandi. Then they watched helplessly as the Clippers matched an $82 million offer for Brand -- and they appear likely to do the same for Lamar Odom. Pat Riley might be left with scraps like Samaki Walker.
They made a big push for Alonzo Mourning, only to lose out to the Nets at the last minute. Meanwhile, their top rivals -- the Lakers, Kings and Spurs -- added more weapons. Owner Mark Cuban still might do something, but he doesn’t want to break up his big three of Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki.
They lost Arenas and backup Earl Boykins to free agency. Yes, they scrambled to add Speedy Claxton, but it’s doubtful he’ll be able to replace Arenas in the hearts of most Warriors fans. If Arenas goes on to star in D.C., Golden State fans may never get over it.
The Clippers re-signed Brand and Maggette, and appear set to do the same with Odom. But they let Olowokandi (T’wolves) and Miller (Nuggets) walk away for nothing. Losing your starting center and point guard always makes for a tough transition. But, hey, at least owner Donald Sterling opened up his checkbook a little bit.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
