Post by FrankHaith11 on Sept 24, 2015 18:52:25 GMT -5
Clippers Sign PG Sherman Douglas for $5,317,650 over 6 years
Grade: C-
I will like the deal only if the Clippers intend to camp Douglas. If not this is a poor deal. With proper camping the Clippers will be able to turn Douglas into a reliable option off the bench who will be making less than market value. If the Clippers fail to camp him than Douglas is nothing more than an overpaid backup who is locked up to a long-term deal. I hope that the Clippers develop Douglas into a solid option at the guard position off the bench because I tend to favor roster and cap flexibility over the development of fringe players. Also, I think camping fringe players is cash that is poorly spent, especially when the Clippers are nowhere near the hard cap. This deal would make a lot more sense if the Clippers were closer to the hard cap, but they're not. The only reason the grade is not a D or an F is because Douglas will never make more than one million dollars in a single season. I hope that Douglas will continue to develop.
Grizzlies Sign SF Michael Ansley for $11,000,000 over one year
Grade: F
I understand the Grizzlies may want to use Michael Ansley as a trade chip to match salaries and possibly swing a deal for a star player, and possibly throw in some of the many players on rookie deals to possibly get it done. But the Grizzlies signed arguably the most inept player that has signed so far in free agency, and have blocked themselves from potentially adding a solid rotation player this off-season via the MLE. The Grizzlies now have 15 players on roster and will be unable to add anyone via the MLE or LLE this season. The Grizzlies tried to do something smart and ended up doing the dumbest thing they could have possibly and put themselves in a major competitive hole. The Grizzlies have traded away their future 1st round picks for the next two seasons and failed to add anyone of value via free agency. The Grizzlies have a roster full of rookies, and failed to use the their exceptions to their advantage and will likely have to rely on the trade market to make themselves more competitive.
Kings Sign C Oliver Miller for $6,108,082 over one year.
Grade: A
The Kings quietly re-signed Oliver Miller to one of the most reasonable deals in recent IBA history. Miller is an elite defender and is an above average rebounder. He may not be one of the most potent offensive options on the block, but he gets the job done. The Kings were a few games away from making their first IBA 2.0 Finals appearance, and bringing back Miller will help them in their quest to best the Sonics. Oliver Miller is the perfect complement to Maurice Lucas who is a sub-par defender but a force in the low post. Hopefully the Kings will be able to use the rest of free agency to round out their roster so they can unseat the Sonics atop the Western Conference. I really don't want to see the Sonics winning the Western Conference every season.
Nets Sign PF Dino Radja for $4,500,000 over one year
Grade: A
The Nets were able to sign one of the most productive low post players on the market with their MLE. Dino Radja is a former 6th Man of the Year winner and will be able to provide the Nets with a spark off the bench. He won't be asked to do much because he will be playing behind Robert Parrish and Emeka Okafor (who re-signed to an unbelievable deal much to my dismay because I own the rights to the next Nets 1st Round Pick.). Dino Radja only players in 13.7mpg last season because of a deep Pacers roster, but Radja took on a larger role in the playoffs when the rotation was reshuffled to deal with the specific matchups. I think Dino Radja's minutes will increase this season and he'll be able to provide more production for the Nets. He averaged a pretty nice 5.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg on 44.3% shooting in only 11.6 minutes per game. Those figures translate really nicely on a per 36 basis.
Pacers Sign PF LaPhonso Ellis for $30,000,000 over 3 years
Grade: A+
The Pacers resigned the Sixth Man of The Year LaPhonso Ellis to a three-year deal that expires when he hits 31 years of age. Ellis can play the Center position and both Forward positions at a high level. His scoring ratings, and his above average ratings in every defensive category make him the ideal super sub. Ellis's numbers were well below his career averages but this can be attributed to coming off the bench rather than being in the starting lineup like he was his entire career. The Pacers did not break the bank th bring him back, and he actually took a paycut from last year's salary to return to the Pacers. Ellis was making 16.3 million last season, and the Pacers were able to bring him back for 6.3 million dollars less per year. This signing is excellent because it does not have any raises to the contract, and he can fill in at any of the frontcourt positions if need be.
Pacers Sign SG Kevin Martin for $28,000,000 over 4 years
Grade: B+
The Pacers were able to re-sign Kevin Martin to a reasonable multi-year deal. Kevin Martin in fact left money on the table to return to Indiana. Last season, Kevin Martin missed 59 games with an achilles injury. Martin returned a few sims before the playoffs began to get back into game shape, but struggled in his return to the lineup. Martin's shooting percentages across the board were well below his career averages. His scoring output was also his lowest since his sophomore campaign in the IBA. Martin also lost his starting job in the playoffs when the Pacers decided to slide 6th Man of the Year LaPhonso Ellis into the starting lineup to matchup with the Bulls in the Conference Semi-Finals. Kevin Martin and the Pacers are optimistic that last season's dip in production was just because of a small sample size due to the significant amount of time he missed due to injury. Although Martin is a dynamic offensive player, the Pacers must camp Kevin Martin across his defensive attributes to help him become less of a defensive liability. By the time the contract expires Martin will have turned 30 years old giving the Pacers an out at just the right time. However, Martin's defensive liabilities and poor rebounding are what's holding back this signing of becoming an A. The Pacers may have been better off signing either Nate Archibald or Fred Brown.
Pistons Sign PG Tim Hardaway for $103,757,834 over 6 years.
Grade: A+
The Pistons lucked into Tim Hardaway who spurned max offers to a deal with the bottom dwellers of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons were also fortunate to not have to compete with offers from the hometown team, the Raptors, who failed to submit FA Bids. This is a less comical version of the way Shaq joined the Heat but with two major differences. First, Shaq accepted a max offer to play with the team he signed with; most importantly, the Raptors GM did not fail to submit bids because they were incarcerated. Regardless, the Pistons are lucky to have Tim Hardaway join the team on such a reasonable contract. It's hard to get quality point guards to sign cheaply unless retirement is imminent. One poor point guard contract to note is John Stockton he will be making far too much money for production that can be replicated at a much cheaper rate. Another comparable to Tim Hardaway is Mark Jackson who arguably is the best point guard in the league but Hardaway's contract pays him only a fraction of the price. The addition of Hardaway is a very intriguing one. The double Hardaway backcourt will probably become the best backcourt in the IBA very soon, and the Pistons also were able to add Joel Embiid in the draft this off-season. The future of the Pistons is very bright, the future of the city of Detroit is a different story. Look for the Pistons to make major moves next off-season to capitalize on the cap space and young talent that the Pistons currently have.
Supersonics Sign SF Lloyd Neal for $12,500,000 over one year
Grade: A+
The Sonics were able to re-sign 1980 All-Star Small Forward Lloyd Neal. Neal was named to his second all-star game of his career last season when he averaged 18.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 bpg, 0.9 spg, and shot 50.3% from the field, 78.5% from the free throw line, and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Neal, now 30, is still a very talented player in the league. He ranks third on the Sonics in scoring behind Phil Smith, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Sonics were able to re-sign Neal and still give themselves some extra cap space to add a couple pieces in the later portion of free agency. Most importantly, the Sonics were able to best many opposing offers. Neal will be an integral part of the Sonics this upcoming season in their hopes to win the IBA Finals this upcoming season.
Supersonics Sign PF Danny Ferry for $5,000,000 over 4 years.
Grade: B-
Much like the Clippers signing of Douglas, the Sonics inked a backup player to a multi-year deal. The difference is that the Sonics have a more precarious cap situation and Ferry is arguably a more talented player. Ferry is a big body off the bench that has a dynamic offensive game. His skills are much more difficult to replicate at the big man position. He is a good outside shooter and is more than competent in the low post. His defense and rebounding are a bit subpar, but maybe the Sonics will camp him and develop him further. What also makes this deal pretty nice is the fact that it is only valued at $50,000 more than the LLE. The Sonics knew what they were doing when they offered Ferry this deal, and his skillset is hard to replace. The Sonics wisely brought back Danny Ferry on Day 1.
Timberwolves Sign C Al Jefferson for $116,250,000 over 6 years
Grade: B+
The reason this grade is a B+, instead of an A or A- is that it's unclear how Al Jefferson will perform with less talent surrounding him. Al Jefferson was surrounded by All-Star caliber players on the Heat and his spot in the starting lineup will be taken by Leon Douglas who is also a fringe All-Star caliber player himself. Nevertheless, despite playing for such a talented team Jefferson was able to average impressive numbers 18.7ppg, 12.6rpg, 3.6 bpg, 2.0apg on 46.8% shooting. Hopefully his numbers aren't attributed to being asked to do less due to his talented teammates and the fact that he was able to rest for quite a bit because of Leon Douglas backing him up. Now Ron Lee, Vin Baker, Elfird Payton, and Joe Johnson will be the ones trying to create looks for him instead of feeding off Shaq, Tony Parker, Scottie Pippen, and Truck Robinson. I think that his efficiency will decrease a bit because of the lesser guard play and the fact that he will become the focal point of the offense. Jefferson now will be asked to do a lot more than he was asked to do in Miami. The contract is a reasonable one, unreasonable if you compare it to what Emeka Okafor resigned for, but hopefully Jefferson will flourish in his new role rather than flounder due to his increased responsibilities.
Grade: C-
I will like the deal only if the Clippers intend to camp Douglas. If not this is a poor deal. With proper camping the Clippers will be able to turn Douglas into a reliable option off the bench who will be making less than market value. If the Clippers fail to camp him than Douglas is nothing more than an overpaid backup who is locked up to a long-term deal. I hope that the Clippers develop Douglas into a solid option at the guard position off the bench because I tend to favor roster and cap flexibility over the development of fringe players. Also, I think camping fringe players is cash that is poorly spent, especially when the Clippers are nowhere near the hard cap. This deal would make a lot more sense if the Clippers were closer to the hard cap, but they're not. The only reason the grade is not a D or an F is because Douglas will never make more than one million dollars in a single season. I hope that Douglas will continue to develop.
Grizzlies Sign SF Michael Ansley for $11,000,000 over one year
Grade: F
I understand the Grizzlies may want to use Michael Ansley as a trade chip to match salaries and possibly swing a deal for a star player, and possibly throw in some of the many players on rookie deals to possibly get it done. But the Grizzlies signed arguably the most inept player that has signed so far in free agency, and have blocked themselves from potentially adding a solid rotation player this off-season via the MLE. The Grizzlies now have 15 players on roster and will be unable to add anyone via the MLE or LLE this season. The Grizzlies tried to do something smart and ended up doing the dumbest thing they could have possibly and put themselves in a major competitive hole. The Grizzlies have traded away their future 1st round picks for the next two seasons and failed to add anyone of value via free agency. The Grizzlies have a roster full of rookies, and failed to use the their exceptions to their advantage and will likely have to rely on the trade market to make themselves more competitive.
Kings Sign C Oliver Miller for $6,108,082 over one year.
Grade: A
The Kings quietly re-signed Oliver Miller to one of the most reasonable deals in recent IBA history. Miller is an elite defender and is an above average rebounder. He may not be one of the most potent offensive options on the block, but he gets the job done. The Kings were a few games away from making their first IBA 2.0 Finals appearance, and bringing back Miller will help them in their quest to best the Sonics. Oliver Miller is the perfect complement to Maurice Lucas who is a sub-par defender but a force in the low post. Hopefully the Kings will be able to use the rest of free agency to round out their roster so they can unseat the Sonics atop the Western Conference. I really don't want to see the Sonics winning the Western Conference every season.
Nets Sign PF Dino Radja for $4,500,000 over one year
Grade: A
The Nets were able to sign one of the most productive low post players on the market with their MLE. Dino Radja is a former 6th Man of the Year winner and will be able to provide the Nets with a spark off the bench. He won't be asked to do much because he will be playing behind Robert Parrish and Emeka Okafor (who re-signed to an unbelievable deal much to my dismay because I own the rights to the next Nets 1st Round Pick.). Dino Radja only players in 13.7mpg last season because of a deep Pacers roster, but Radja took on a larger role in the playoffs when the rotation was reshuffled to deal with the specific matchups. I think Dino Radja's minutes will increase this season and he'll be able to provide more production for the Nets. He averaged a pretty nice 5.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg on 44.3% shooting in only 11.6 minutes per game. Those figures translate really nicely on a per 36 basis.
Pacers Sign PF LaPhonso Ellis for $30,000,000 over 3 years
Grade: A+
The Pacers resigned the Sixth Man of The Year LaPhonso Ellis to a three-year deal that expires when he hits 31 years of age. Ellis can play the Center position and both Forward positions at a high level. His scoring ratings, and his above average ratings in every defensive category make him the ideal super sub. Ellis's numbers were well below his career averages but this can be attributed to coming off the bench rather than being in the starting lineup like he was his entire career. The Pacers did not break the bank th bring him back, and he actually took a paycut from last year's salary to return to the Pacers. Ellis was making 16.3 million last season, and the Pacers were able to bring him back for 6.3 million dollars less per year. This signing is excellent because it does not have any raises to the contract, and he can fill in at any of the frontcourt positions if need be.
Pacers Sign SG Kevin Martin for $28,000,000 over 4 years
Grade: B+
The Pacers were able to re-sign Kevin Martin to a reasonable multi-year deal. Kevin Martin in fact left money on the table to return to Indiana. Last season, Kevin Martin missed 59 games with an achilles injury. Martin returned a few sims before the playoffs began to get back into game shape, but struggled in his return to the lineup. Martin's shooting percentages across the board were well below his career averages. His scoring output was also his lowest since his sophomore campaign in the IBA. Martin also lost his starting job in the playoffs when the Pacers decided to slide 6th Man of the Year LaPhonso Ellis into the starting lineup to matchup with the Bulls in the Conference Semi-Finals. Kevin Martin and the Pacers are optimistic that last season's dip in production was just because of a small sample size due to the significant amount of time he missed due to injury. Although Martin is a dynamic offensive player, the Pacers must camp Kevin Martin across his defensive attributes to help him become less of a defensive liability. By the time the contract expires Martin will have turned 30 years old giving the Pacers an out at just the right time. However, Martin's defensive liabilities and poor rebounding are what's holding back this signing of becoming an A. The Pacers may have been better off signing either Nate Archibald or Fred Brown.
Pistons Sign PG Tim Hardaway for $103,757,834 over 6 years.
Grade: A+
The Pistons lucked into Tim Hardaway who spurned max offers to a deal with the bottom dwellers of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons were also fortunate to not have to compete with offers from the hometown team, the Raptors, who failed to submit FA Bids. This is a less comical version of the way Shaq joined the Heat but with two major differences. First, Shaq accepted a max offer to play with the team he signed with; most importantly, the Raptors GM did not fail to submit bids because they were incarcerated. Regardless, the Pistons are lucky to have Tim Hardaway join the team on such a reasonable contract. It's hard to get quality point guards to sign cheaply unless retirement is imminent. One poor point guard contract to note is John Stockton he will be making far too much money for production that can be replicated at a much cheaper rate. Another comparable to Tim Hardaway is Mark Jackson who arguably is the best point guard in the league but Hardaway's contract pays him only a fraction of the price. The addition of Hardaway is a very intriguing one. The double Hardaway backcourt will probably become the best backcourt in the IBA very soon, and the Pistons also were able to add Joel Embiid in the draft this off-season. The future of the Pistons is very bright, the future of the city of Detroit is a different story. Look for the Pistons to make major moves next off-season to capitalize on the cap space and young talent that the Pistons currently have.
Supersonics Sign SF Lloyd Neal for $12,500,000 over one year
Grade: A+
The Sonics were able to re-sign 1980 All-Star Small Forward Lloyd Neal. Neal was named to his second all-star game of his career last season when he averaged 18.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 bpg, 0.9 spg, and shot 50.3% from the field, 78.5% from the free throw line, and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Neal, now 30, is still a very talented player in the league. He ranks third on the Sonics in scoring behind Phil Smith, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Sonics were able to re-sign Neal and still give themselves some extra cap space to add a couple pieces in the later portion of free agency. Most importantly, the Sonics were able to best many opposing offers. Neal will be an integral part of the Sonics this upcoming season in their hopes to win the IBA Finals this upcoming season.
Supersonics Sign PF Danny Ferry for $5,000,000 over 4 years.
Grade: B-
Much like the Clippers signing of Douglas, the Sonics inked a backup player to a multi-year deal. The difference is that the Sonics have a more precarious cap situation and Ferry is arguably a more talented player. Ferry is a big body off the bench that has a dynamic offensive game. His skills are much more difficult to replicate at the big man position. He is a good outside shooter and is more than competent in the low post. His defense and rebounding are a bit subpar, but maybe the Sonics will camp him and develop him further. What also makes this deal pretty nice is the fact that it is only valued at $50,000 more than the LLE. The Sonics knew what they were doing when they offered Ferry this deal, and his skillset is hard to replace. The Sonics wisely brought back Danny Ferry on Day 1.
Timberwolves Sign C Al Jefferson for $116,250,000 over 6 years
Grade: B+
The reason this grade is a B+, instead of an A or A- is that it's unclear how Al Jefferson will perform with less talent surrounding him. Al Jefferson was surrounded by All-Star caliber players on the Heat and his spot in the starting lineup will be taken by Leon Douglas who is also a fringe All-Star caliber player himself. Nevertheless, despite playing for such a talented team Jefferson was able to average impressive numbers 18.7ppg, 12.6rpg, 3.6 bpg, 2.0apg on 46.8% shooting. Hopefully his numbers aren't attributed to being asked to do less due to his talented teammates and the fact that he was able to rest for quite a bit because of Leon Douglas backing him up. Now Ron Lee, Vin Baker, Elfird Payton, and Joe Johnson will be the ones trying to create looks for him instead of feeding off Shaq, Tony Parker, Scottie Pippen, and Truck Robinson. I think that his efficiency will decrease a bit because of the lesser guard play and the fact that he will become the focal point of the offense. Jefferson now will be asked to do a lot more than he was asked to do in Miami. The contract is a reasonable one, unreasonable if you compare it to what Emeka Okafor resigned for, but hopefully Jefferson will flourish in his new role rather than flounder due to his increased responsibilities.