scotsman13
Registered User
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/question_050822.html
Will Pacers be Able to Keep Jones?
Monday, Aug. 22, 2005
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If you'd like to pose a Question of the Day to Conrad Brunner, submit it along with your full name and hometown to Bruno'[email protected]. Brunner’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pacers players, coaches or management.
QUESTION
OF THE DAY
Conrad Brunner
Q. I was wondering about the status of re-signing James Jones. We all saw how good he has become and it would be a crime to not see him in a Pacers jersey this season. Reports say that the Pacers are working on keeping Jones and (Dale) Davis, but that's been it, so far. While keeping Dale would be great, He has some miles on him, plus he plays a well-stocked position. And after seeing the progress that James made all throughout last season, and only one roster spot left under the new collective bargaining agreement, he seems like a better fit in the long run. (From Brian in Greenwood, Ind.)
A. As is often the case, there is one domino yet to fall that will set the rest of the free-agent market in motion. Michael Finley is being pursued heavily by at least four teams – Phoenix, Miami, Detroit and San Antonio – and until he makes his decision, it appears both of the Pacers' free agents will remain in limbo.
If Finley chooses Miami or Phoenix (as most analysts expect), Detroit would then have more money available to sign Dale Davis, who reportedly is close to an agreement on a 2-year contract with the Pistons. The irony is Davis re-established his value last season thanks to the opportunity the Pacers presented then, in the process, priced himself out of their market. Even if Finley signs with Detroit, Davis will have other options. New York, Cleveland and Philadelphia all have expressed interest.
Jones' performance last season likewise has lured suitors, notably New York and Phoenix. Some in the New York media are placing weight on the fact Isiah Thomas was the Pacers' coach when Jones was drafted in June 2003, but Jones never played for Thomas, who was replaced that summer by Rick Carlisle. The Knicks reportedly are deciding between Jones and center DeSagana Diop with their $1.8 million exception. Phoenix might turn to Jones if the Suns don't get Finley.
Though the Pacers are powerless to stop unrestricted free agent Davis from signing elsewhere, they do have the option to match any offer that comes to Jones because he is a restricted free agent, which puts them in a wait-and-see mode. If Jones is able to attract a substantial offer, the Pacers may not have the financial wherewithal to match.
i think that there is a couple key pieces of info here. first they believe that it is down to miami and phoenix for finley. second that jones is down to new york and phoenix.
Will Pacers be Able to Keep Jones?
Monday, Aug. 22, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd like to pose a Question of the Day to Conrad Brunner, submit it along with your full name and hometown to Bruno'[email protected]. Brunner’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pacers players, coaches or management.
QUESTION
OF THE DAY
Conrad Brunner
Q. I was wondering about the status of re-signing James Jones. We all saw how good he has become and it would be a crime to not see him in a Pacers jersey this season. Reports say that the Pacers are working on keeping Jones and (Dale) Davis, but that's been it, so far. While keeping Dale would be great, He has some miles on him, plus he plays a well-stocked position. And after seeing the progress that James made all throughout last season, and only one roster spot left under the new collective bargaining agreement, he seems like a better fit in the long run. (From Brian in Greenwood, Ind.)
A. As is often the case, there is one domino yet to fall that will set the rest of the free-agent market in motion. Michael Finley is being pursued heavily by at least four teams – Phoenix, Miami, Detroit and San Antonio – and until he makes his decision, it appears both of the Pacers' free agents will remain in limbo.
If Finley chooses Miami or Phoenix (as most analysts expect), Detroit would then have more money available to sign Dale Davis, who reportedly is close to an agreement on a 2-year contract with the Pistons. The irony is Davis re-established his value last season thanks to the opportunity the Pacers presented then, in the process, priced himself out of their market. Even if Finley signs with Detroit, Davis will have other options. New York, Cleveland and Philadelphia all have expressed interest.
Jones' performance last season likewise has lured suitors, notably New York and Phoenix. Some in the New York media are placing weight on the fact Isiah Thomas was the Pacers' coach when Jones was drafted in June 2003, but Jones never played for Thomas, who was replaced that summer by Rick Carlisle. The Knicks reportedly are deciding between Jones and center DeSagana Diop with their $1.8 million exception. Phoenix might turn to Jones if the Suns don't get Finley.
Though the Pacers are powerless to stop unrestricted free agent Davis from signing elsewhere, they do have the option to match any offer that comes to Jones because he is a restricted free agent, which puts them in a wait-and-see mode. If Jones is able to attract a substantial offer, the Pacers may not have the financial wherewithal to match.
i think that there is a couple key pieces of info here. first they believe that it is down to miami and phoenix for finley. second that jones is down to new york and phoenix.
