PG Situation Remains Confused

[Irish]

In Chad Ford's article on free agents, http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f7/chad-ford-ranking-best-remaining-free-agents-115939.html he mentioned several free agents that are still on the Market.

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West
9. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3841"]Delonte West[/URL], Cavaliers: West overplayed his hand with the Cavs when his camp leaked that he was being hotly pursued by a European team. Turns out the report was bogus, and now the Cavs, notoriously tough negotiators, have the upper hand.

3. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3821"]Shaun Livingston[/URL], Clippers: He has amazing talent, but will he ever recover from that horrific knee injury he suffered in 2007? With the Clippers using all of their money on Baron Davis, someone might try to roll the dice.

4. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3585"]Carlos Arroyo[/URL], Magic: Arroyo isn't a sexy name, but the market has a shortage of point guards, and Arroyo was more than adequate as a backup in Orlando last season.

7. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3660"]Jannero Pargo[/URL], Hornets: He's a credible backup point guard who can put the ball in the basket. His ability to deliver some firepower off the bench should land him a deal somewhere.

8. [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3250"]Jason Williams[/URL], Heat: White Chocolate isn't a hot flavor anymore, but he is a veteran point guard who can still give a team 15 to 20 minutes a night. It's hard to believe his career might be over.

Sam Cassell, Celtics; (not one of his top ten unrestricted.

After Duhon and Lue went early, (Arenas re-signed with Washington), there have been a number of minor signings. But the rest of the "name" veteran free agents remain unsigned.

What is happening? My guess is that all these guys expect at least what Lue got (roughly half the MLE) or at least the LLE. The question is "what is hold up?"

My suspicion is that nobody is going to give out an above the VET MIN untill they know if Marbury is going to be released. My suspicion is that most GM's think Marbury is a lot better than these guys and they'll give him some money. IMHO, they don't want to give up on getting Stephon.

This process seems likely to drag on for a while. The Knicks seem to be loading up on PG's, so I think it is very likely he'll be released - but not right away. Here is what is being reported about Marbury.

http://www1.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/53794/20080729/marbury_move_not_for_two_months/

Marbury Move Not For Two Months?


Jul 29, 2008 12:25 PM EST

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Frank Isola cites a Knicks source saying that any transaction involving Stephon Marbury will not take place until late September or early October.

The Knicks reportedly prefer to trade Marbury and get something in return, rather than releasing him outright.
In Macau where he is on the Olympic coaching staff, Mike D'Antoni commented on the trade of Renaldo Balkman:
"Renaldo really had no role after we drafted Gallinari, and with the emergence of Wilson Chandler his minutes would be nonexistent," D'Antoni told The Associated Press. "So it really wasn't fair to him to keep him in a spot that he wouldn't play and also gives us an opportunity to clear up a roster spot and move on."
Via New York Daily News

 

[JCSunsfan]

The Knicks reportedly prefer to trade Marbury and get something in return, rather than releasing him outright.
In Macau where he is on the Olympic coaching staff, Mike D'Antoni commented on the trade of Renaldo Balkman:
"Renaldo really had no role after we drafted Gallinari, and with the emergence of Wilson Chandler his minutes would be nonexistent," D'Antoni told The Associated Press. "So it really wasn't fair to him to keep him in a spot that he wouldn't play and also gives us an opportunity to clear up a roster spot and move on."
Via New York Daily News

Typical DAntoni. He is either in the rotation or he is not. If he is not, and he is good, you might as well move him rather than pay him. Players who are not in the rotation should be minimum guys because they have absolutely no shot at playing anyway. I think DAntoni would be just dandy with the league roster limit being set at 10.

DAntoni's move to NY seems to clarifying the idea that the roster moves over the past few years that seemed to be about Sarver being cheap might have been more DAntoni than Sarver.

DAntoni: "There is no one left in the draft that I can use. Not one who would to be in the rotation or play."
Sarver: "Not at all, not even a few minutes as an extended reserve?"
DAntoni: "Nope."
Sarver to Griff: "Get Portland on the phone. Maybe we can sell the pick and bring in a FA that can at least smell the court."

 

[Mainstreet]

"Renaldo really had no role after we drafted Gallinari, and with the emergence of Wilson Chandler his minutes would be nonexistent," D'Antoni told The Associated Press. "So it really wasn't fair to him to keep him in a spot that he wouldn't play and also gives us an opportunity to clear up a roster spot and move on."
Via New York Daily News

I really enjoy watching rookies develop so D'Antoni's approach to wanting only more polished rookies (like Gallinari) or veteran players always caused some mixed reactions with me. I'd rather build a team from the ground up. However, I'm not sure D'Antoni's approach is wrong. If D'Antoni can get New York to trade or buy the players he wants, rebuilding can be a quick process. Look at what Gasol did for the Lakers and Allen and Garnett did for the Celtics or even what Nash did for the Suns. But it does take an experienced GM to know when to pull the trigger on a deal and get the coach the players he wants.

 

[shazaam6]

Knicks moves and 'antoni explanations will be like a soap opera. Since I'm not that emotionally involved with the Knicks, it might be interesting.

 

[Folster]

I've come to conclusion that their is not a veteran free agent pg for the minimum that will help us. So what to do? Bring a couple hungry D-leaguers into camp and let them fight it out with D.J. Maybe we'll get lucky and a gem like Elliot Perry/Frank Johnson.

Remember Andre Barrett? I'm not sure what his contract status is, but he was last with the Clips. He can distribute the ball well and nail the open shot(in the D-league). Check out his numbers. The guy shoots close to 50% from the field, over 40% from three, and has the best AST/TO in the D-league. I vaguely remember his brief stint with the Suns. I believe he was brought on for a couple of 10 day contracts due to injuries in 05-06.

He'd definitely be worth a camp invite.

Other names that stand out are here. Please ignore Randy Livingston's name.

 

[Irish]

http://rimshots.freedomblogging.com/

The Suns are still waiting and hoping that Goran Dragic will be a Sun this season, but could make a move involving another point guard soon. The list of free agents still out there ranges from Sam Cassell to Carlos Arroyo to Jason Williams to Shaun Livingston. Both Arroyo and Williams are said to be drawing interest from Europe, while Livingston has yet to be cleared to play basketball as he recovers from a catastrophic knee injury that has kept him sidelines for the last 17 months.

 

[scXfreakX]

Meh, so whats the deal? What can we do? Not great options, and I doubt Dragic comes over this year. And even if he did, why do we think he would be such a great backup. We need a solid backup. Yes, having Dragic would be nice, but could we rely on him?

 

[Irish]

Meh, so whats the deal? What can we do? Not great options, and I doubt Dragic comes over this year. And even if he did, why do we think he would be such a great backup. We need a solid backup. Yes, having Dragic would be nice, but could we rely on him?

If you believe Chiis and Eric, the Suns have absolutely no chance of winning it this year so developing their point guard of the future should be their number one priority. Play him so he's ready someday.

It is only if they think they have a chance this year for it to matter.

 

[scXfreakX]

I think we have a chance this year. We have one of the best PG's in the game, a center who still has got some left, an experienced supporting cast of Grant Hill and Raja Bell, and of course the man-child, Amare.

And maybe developing Dragic this year would be a good idea if he ever gets over here. But, doing that could hurt this team. Plus, we can't afford to waste any more of Nash. I say TRY to find a one year rental. I mean, we have one more spot to go so somebody else is coming on board. Whether its Dragic, Cassel, or Christian Bale, someone is coming aboard. Who that is, we don't know. But, we need to be smart about this because Nash can't last forever, and we want other teams to take us seriously. I'd almost prefer even relying on DJ. I've been impressed with his maturity and performance. If we are thinking of relying on Dragic, why not try DJ?

 

[95pro]

please no sam i am.

DJ is still revered as a combo guard.

 

[Irish]

I'm disappointed that Strawberry is not developing his outside shot quicker. He is very good on defense and very good at getting to the basket. Unfortunately, his outside shooting remains poor and opponents can play off him. http://www.nba.com/summerleague2008/players/index.jsp?player=dj_strawberry

I have hope that he will develop as a PG, but right now I expect they will focus on his shooting.

I fear that Barbosa is probably a better bet than Strawberry for minutes at PG. He pushes the ball and is certainly a threat to shoot. I have my doubts as to whether he can run the offense, but perhaps Porter can do his magic on Leandro like he did with Mo Williams.

 

[Mainstreet]

I fear that Barbosa is probably a better bet than Strawberry for minutes at PG. He pushes the ball and is certainly a threat to shoot. I have my doubts as to whether he can run the offense, but perhaps Porter can do his magic on Leandro like he did with Mo Williams.

I think LB is probably a better PG prospect that DJ but that is not saying much because neither are PGs.

 

[Irish]

I think LB is probably a better PG prospect that DJ but that is not saying much because neither are PGs.

 

[Irish]

Hoopshype on Jason Williams
http://hoopshype.com/players/jason_williams.htm

A great player from the fans' point of view... Was not that
good for coaches... Plays more under control now... Still
quite a flashy point guard... Outstanding passing skills...
Nice shot off the dribble... Quick hands... Excellent in the
open court... Good assists-per-turnover ratio... Gambles too
much on defense... Gets injured way too often.

His stats for the last two years have not been good and the fact that Pat Riley doesn't like him is certainly a concern. However, he may be better suited to an up tempo style.

There are rumors that some Euro teams are interested, but he might be better off going to a team which would give him a chance to change his image.

It looks like Miami has decided to focus on their younger PG's. They just drafted Chalmers from KU to go with Banks and Quinn. As recently as 2005-06 Willaims played pretty well (12.3 ppg, 44.2% shooting, 37.2% for three and 4.9 assist per game (only 59 games).

I think it would take a selling job, but right now it looks like he's be best available (not a huge endorsement) and has more to gain than most.

 

[Irish]

A guy who played in Europe may be under consideration is Bobby Brown.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Bobby-Brown-561/

July 14, 2008
Today, Brown offered scouts a reminder of just how good he can be when the game gets out of control. He had a very hard time scoring and running the show in the first half, but didn’t turn the ball over all the much. In the second, he turned things on, using the frantic pace of the game to get a handful of deflections leading to run outs resulting in nice alley oop passes, multiple trips to the line, and a handful of lay ups. He even managed to jump over a defender on his way to missed dunk that he finished with two free throws. Unlike last Summer League, Brown struggled mightily from the outside today, looking pretty tentative when given space to pull the trigger from the perimeter. Still, he showed just how unbelievably talented he is when considering his terrific combination of size and athleticism, and is certainly a guy NBA scouts are keeping close tabs on.

Las Vegas Summer League Day Five
July 16, 2008
Brown continues to show well here, and looks to have an outside shot at making an NBA roster going into the season. The guard again displayed top-level athleticism, particularly on two breakaway dunks that drew some big cheers from the crowd. In the half-court, he showed both the ability to shoot the three pointer and find his teammates on the drive. He's not a true point guard, but has solid enough vision to play a third point type of role. Defensively, his lack of bulk may hurt him at the NBA level. Brown has continued to turn a lot of head among the NBA scouts we've talked to this week, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up for training camp.

Las Vegas Summer League Day Seven
July 19, 2008
-Bobby Brown had yet another great game, showing good point guard skills running the pick and roll. He had a number of extremely impressive finishes around the rim, and showed excellent poise as the go-to guy in New Orleans’ offense. Defensively he looks much improved after spending last season in Europe, and he also seems to be doing a better job cutting down on turnovers as well. He’s done a lot of good for himself this week showcasing both his passing and scoring ability, and clearly still has a great deal of room left to improve. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he ended up getting a guaranteed NBA contract out of his summer league performance, as he appears to be one of the top point guards to be found in Vegas.

 

[JoRain]

Hasn't Bobby Brown already signed with Sacramento ??

 

[Irish]

Hasn't Bobby Brown already signed with Sacramento ??

He's not listed on nba.com but it looks like you are right.

The Kings also have Udrih, Douby, and Singletary as well as Salmons.

 

[LV-Suns]

He's not listed on nba.com but it looks like you are right.

The Kings also have Udrih, Douby, and Singletary as well as Salmons.

Singletary is in the Houston deal.

 

[Irish]

Singletary is in the Houston deal.

Since that deal has not been finalized, it is still not posted. I should have included Bobby Jackson rather than Singletary.

 

[leclerc]

How did Jared Jordan play in the summer league? Is he someone we can sign if we don't get Dragic?

I'm thinking we need a veteran PG in addition to Dragic/x anyway. Maybe someone like Arroyo if Kerr can do another Matt Barnes move.

 

[carey]

How did Jared Jordan play in the summer league? Is he someone we can sign if we don't get Dragic?

He's just not an NBA caliber player. I had high hopes for the kid, but he's to small and to slow.

I'm pretty sure Arroyo is off to Europe if he doesn't get a sizable deal stateside.

 

[Chaplin]

How did Jared Jordan play in the summer league? Is he someone we can sign if we don't get Dragic?

I'm thinking we need a veteran PG in addition to Dragic/x anyway. Maybe someone like Arroyo if Kerr can do another Matt Barnes move.

Jared Jordan is AWFUL. Like I said before, putting any kind of hopes on him would be futile. And it was.

 

[passenger]

I would take Arroyo,he ll be a great back up PG

 

[Irish]

I'm still thinking it will be Cassell. I can't find anyboddy for the price with enough skills to help even in short minutes. Arroyo and Jason Williams are both candidates for going to Europe. I expect Pargo to return to the Hornets.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm still thinking it will be Cassell. I can't find anyboddy for the price with enough skills to help even in short minutes. Arroyo and Jason Williams are both candidates for going to Europe. I expect Pargo to return to the Hornets.

Really the Suns can't be too choosy unless they're willing to spend. I would be more prone to taking Cassell especially if they got Dragic over here. The last time Cassell was with the Suns, he did not seem to be a good fit but perhaps that was coaching. I guess in some regards, I will always associate Cassell with Horry because they both came here in the Barkley trade. In my mind they are probably forever linked.