Post by GP on Dec 2, 2007 17:52:08 GMT -5
In this final issue of the BBS Free Agent Rundown, we’ll take a look at the the final category of players: the forwards. In the small forward section, there is not much depth past the top three but some nice role players to invest in after. As for the power forwards, there are many valuable and young options available as well as your traditional big man. Lets start with the small forwards first:
Best Available Small Forwards:[/i]
1- Ron Artest, 30—Last Team: Milwaukee
A few years ago, it seemed that Artest would spend his career with the Pistons until last season he was dealt for Carmelo Anthony. Now, Artest is looking to be the man with a team whether it be the Bucks or another club. Artest should likely demand the max being the best small forward on the market this off-season.
Salary Demand: Max dollars
Potential Suitors: Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Milwaukee. GM Jordan won’t take a chance here and not max Artest, simply because he’s worth it. He’s still one of the best defensive nightmares in the league and a solid scorer. Some offers may come from other rebuilding teams like Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix and others but Artest should be back in a Bucks uniform next year.
2- Lamar Odom, 31—Last Team: Washington
Odom has another consistent season last year in already his 10th season of play. However after spending four seasons with the Rockets, Odom has seen five teams in the past six years. However if the Wizards have any say, they would like to keep it six at least for now.
Salart Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Phoenix, Houston, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Washington. Wiz management has to get some value for Odom and most likely will keep the veteran from Rhode Island on the team. Some other suitors include the Suns, Rockets and Cleveland but will probably not make the offers needed to nab Odom.
3- Vince Carter, 34—Last Team: Portland
'Vincesanity' isn’t quite the player he used to be. Last season, Carter posted career lows in minutes, points, rebounds and steals. However this season, Carter should reestablish himself should he choose to stay with the Blazers, who have a small forward slot open for him.
Salary Demand: 8-10M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Portland, Phoenix, Cleveland, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Portland. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to bring back the veteran swingman. There does not seem to be much interest out there for Carter these days and he’ll be lucky to get a one or two year contract for 20 million. However some teams might be able to scoop him for a one year tender like those with cap room still.
4- Rashard Lewis, 32—Last Team: Philadelphia
Like Carter, Lewis had his worst season in BBS last season since being drafted in 1998. Now at 32, Lewis may be looking for his 10th BBS team in more than 12 seasons of play. However Philly may still have a role for him, whether it be small, he can still be an effective starter or bench player.
Salary Demand: 6-8M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Philadelphia, Houston, Seattle, Cleveland, Orlando, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Philadelphia. They should bring back Lewis at a decent price since they still have a need for him at the small forward spot. They also can offer Lewis the most of all the teams that can possibly be involved and made it to the playoffs last year. Other teams that could be involved for Lewis are Houston, Cleveland and Seattle.
5- Tyler Smith, 24—Last Team: Sacramento
Smith burst onto the scene last year by starting for the Kings a quarter through the season until they acquired Kevin Martin. Now as a free agent, Smith will be looking for the best offer for his services. With the Kings rebuilding, they don’t seem enamored with Smith and possibly won’t both bringing him back.
Salary Demand: 5-7M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Boston, New Orleans, Sacramento, Other MLE Teams
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. The former Tennessee star wont take a chance taking a long year offer and since he still young, will take a one year offer from someone out there. Smith has pretty solid ratings so he should get some looks from a number of teams with MLEs and some cap money to use.
Bargain Bin:[/i]
1- Al Thornton, 28—Last Team: Washington
Since being drafted, this former Florida State standout has been buried on the bench and been given little chance to prove himself. This off-season, Thornton should sign with a team that will give him a chance to start and compete for playing time. Whether that team will be the Wizards or another club will be the big question.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Atlanta, New Orleans, Phoenix, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Atlanta. If Odom resigns with the Wizards, I don’t see why Thornton would return to D.C. However if his offer is extended past a starting offer of four million, it is possible. Atlanta is an interesting situation for Thornton because of his hometown ties and the ability to backup Bargnani and Richardson as well as New Orleans who can backup LeBron James and Andre Iguodala.
2- Ivan Radenovic, 27—Last Team: Memphis
After fabricating an offer to Radenovic during resignings time, GM Martinez has been left to leave Radenovic to hit the FA market. The second round pick out of Arizona has become a nice bench player since being drafted and should get some looks from teams looking for frontcourt help. With only a year of bird rights, it will be difficult for Martinez to get Radenovic back if other teams make competitive bids.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Memphis, Phoenix, Cleveland, Golden State, MLE Team
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. Finally being developed, Radenovic will take a qualifying offer from a team willing to pay him 4.5 million. What team that will remain to be seen but the offer may not come until day 2 or day 3 of free agency before he can even accept the offer.
3- TJ Cummings, 29—Last Team: Memphis
The second player on this list to come from the Grizzlies roster might also be looking to leave Memphis. Cummings should be looking to at least up his salary from the minimum he was making last year and could do it this year with a lot teams with cap room and exceptions to offer.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Memphis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Golden State, MLE Team
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. Cummings is a UCLA guy and could love to come back home to play for the hometown Lakers. However with all the SFs on the Lakers roster, he would not get any minutes for the Lake Show. There are some other teams that could be in the hunt for Cummings in Day 4 or 5 of FA.
Best Available Power Forwards:[/i]
1- Mehmet Okur, 32—Last Team: Portland
Okur is one of the most underrated power forwards in the league and has been stashed away on the Spurs roster for many years. Now as a free agent again, Okur again may be overlooked by several teams looking to make a splash by landing the more lucrative free agents. That will be seem to be fine with GM Dan of the Blazers who could bring back Okur for cheaper.
Salary Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Portland, Houston, Golden State, Cleveland, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Portland. There should not be another team with that big of an offer for Okur and Dan won’t risk losing him this year. There are other teams that could be in the mix but the Blazers want Okur back likely to deal him or fill a whole at their power position.
2- David Lee, 28—Last Team: Washington
Despite having many knocks on his game, Lee has gotten better every year statically every year since his first season with the Mavericks. Surely, Lee will be looking for the best offer out there but it seems that Jah would want Lee back the most of all the teams looking for Lee’s services.
Salary Demand: 8-10M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Chicago, Phoenix, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Cleveland. It will be difficult for the Wizards to secure all their pending free agents and not lose at least one (See Odom, Ford, Thornton, Pierce). Lee seems to be the youngest and most talented of the group and should be due the most money from a teams like the Cavs, Suns or Bulls.
3- Kenyon Martin, 33—Last Team: Cleveland
K-Mart had another nice season last year with the Cavs but is getting up there in age now and finally see more drop off after this coming training camp. However Martin made over 23 million last season and will surely look to be getting paid before his days in BBS are done.
Salary Demand: 6-8M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Chicago
Most Likely Going To: Cleveland. The Cavs should get K-Mart for a decent two year deal and should be good enough to keep him in Ohio for the rest of his BBS career. There are some contenders that should be interested in K-Mart’s services but will probably not have the money to get him.
4- Brandan Wright, 23—Last Team: Detroit
The one guy a lot of teams are not talking about during free agency? Why? Because maybe no one wants to reveal where he stands on their big board. Wright certainly is an intriguing prospect because it seems like he hasn’t scratched the surface of how good he can be. Everyone knows about his shot blocking and rebounding abilities but should his scoring develop, watch out teams that did not bid on him.
Salary Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Detroit, Cleveland, Phoenix, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Detroit. With Samuels and Maxiell on the roster, Wright might be a little hesitant to resign but should if the most money is there. Cleveland and Phoenix are also intriguing situations because they can both use better power forwards themselves but Wright should be back in a steal for the Pistons.
5- Sean Williams, 24—Last Team: Philadelphia
One of those great blue collar players you love to have on your roster is what Williams is. Last season in only 27 minutes a game, Williams tallied three blocks a game pulled down over seven boards a game. This year, Williams has a reason to cash in with his play.
Salary Demand: 7-9M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Philadelphia, Houston, Cleveland, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Philadelphia. But do not be so sure yet. Williams is a Houston guy and if AIG makes one good move this off-season is to the offer the max he can to get Williams. With Sean Williams at center and Tyrus Thomas at power forward, the Rockets will be very tough to deal with. However if the Sixers offer more than enough, Williams could be back.
Bargain Bin:[/i]
1- Danny Fortson, 35—Last Team: Houston
One of BBS most hated players and one of AIG’s favorites is finally a free agent again. Fortson has spent over seven seasons with the Rockets and it might finally be the year that he does not go back to Houston. However at 35, Fortson is not near the player he was before but still can do some things.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Houston, New Orleans, Toronto, Minnesota, San Antonio
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. It will be quite a sight if Fortson is back with Houston. Again. But there have been stranger things that have happened in BBS. In all seriousness, Fortson is a still a solid player for his ratings and barely missed another double double season last year.
2- Ike Diogu, 27—Last Team: Los Angeles
A younger version of Fortson is Diogu, and like Fortson is another guy that may be looking for another home. Diogu does not seem to fit the Lakers plans anymore and might be on his way out for the Lakers. Still Diogu has a strong inside game being able to rebound and play some D.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Houston, Phoenix, Toronto, Minnesota, Golden State, Milwaukee
Most Likely Going To: MLE Teams. After making a little over a million last year, Diogu should cash in this year with good numbers from the Lakers. Diogu is a valuable bench commodity and may be able to help a competing team this year.
3- Antonio McDyess, 37—Last Team: Utah
The oldest player on this list still has game believe it or not. The former Alabama star has admirable ratings at his age and can still fill up the basket. Although may be best reserved for a bench role, McDyess can be a nice investment for a one year deal.
Salary Demand: 3-5M, possibly LLEs or MLEs
Potential Suitors: LLE or MLE Teams
Most Likely Going To: LLE Teams. Not a lot teams are gonna invest in Dice but he can still be productive for a competing team. He shoots a high percentage and does not turn the ball over and is not a liability on the defensive end. However this is a nice pick up on day 4 or 5 of free agency.
Best Available Small Forwards:[/i]
1- Ron Artest, 30—Last Team: Milwaukee
A few years ago, it seemed that Artest would spend his career with the Pistons until last season he was dealt for Carmelo Anthony. Now, Artest is looking to be the man with a team whether it be the Bucks or another club. Artest should likely demand the max being the best small forward on the market this off-season.
Salary Demand: Max dollars
Potential Suitors: Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Milwaukee. GM Jordan won’t take a chance here and not max Artest, simply because he’s worth it. He’s still one of the best defensive nightmares in the league and a solid scorer. Some offers may come from other rebuilding teams like Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix and others but Artest should be back in a Bucks uniform next year.
2- Lamar Odom, 31—Last Team: Washington
Odom has another consistent season last year in already his 10th season of play. However after spending four seasons with the Rockets, Odom has seen five teams in the past six years. However if the Wizards have any say, they would like to keep it six at least for now.
Salart Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Phoenix, Houston, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Washington. Wiz management has to get some value for Odom and most likely will keep the veteran from Rhode Island on the team. Some other suitors include the Suns, Rockets and Cleveland but will probably not make the offers needed to nab Odom.
3- Vince Carter, 34—Last Team: Portland
'Vincesanity' isn’t quite the player he used to be. Last season, Carter posted career lows in minutes, points, rebounds and steals. However this season, Carter should reestablish himself should he choose to stay with the Blazers, who have a small forward slot open for him.
Salary Demand: 8-10M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Portland, Phoenix, Cleveland, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Portland. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to bring back the veteran swingman. There does not seem to be much interest out there for Carter these days and he’ll be lucky to get a one or two year contract for 20 million. However some teams might be able to scoop him for a one year tender like those with cap room still.
4- Rashard Lewis, 32—Last Team: Philadelphia
Like Carter, Lewis had his worst season in BBS last season since being drafted in 1998. Now at 32, Lewis may be looking for his 10th BBS team in more than 12 seasons of play. However Philly may still have a role for him, whether it be small, he can still be an effective starter or bench player.
Salary Demand: 6-8M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Philadelphia, Houston, Seattle, Cleveland, Orlando, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Philadelphia. They should bring back Lewis at a decent price since they still have a need for him at the small forward spot. They also can offer Lewis the most of all the teams that can possibly be involved and made it to the playoffs last year. Other teams that could be involved for Lewis are Houston, Cleveland and Seattle.
5- Tyler Smith, 24—Last Team: Sacramento
Smith burst onto the scene last year by starting for the Kings a quarter through the season until they acquired Kevin Martin. Now as a free agent, Smith will be looking for the best offer for his services. With the Kings rebuilding, they don’t seem enamored with Smith and possibly won’t both bringing him back.
Salary Demand: 5-7M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Boston, New Orleans, Sacramento, Other MLE Teams
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. The former Tennessee star wont take a chance taking a long year offer and since he still young, will take a one year offer from someone out there. Smith has pretty solid ratings so he should get some looks from a number of teams with MLEs and some cap money to use.
Bargain Bin:[/i]
1- Al Thornton, 28—Last Team: Washington
Since being drafted, this former Florida State standout has been buried on the bench and been given little chance to prove himself. This off-season, Thornton should sign with a team that will give him a chance to start and compete for playing time. Whether that team will be the Wizards or another club will be the big question.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Atlanta, New Orleans, Phoenix, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Atlanta. If Odom resigns with the Wizards, I don’t see why Thornton would return to D.C. However if his offer is extended past a starting offer of four million, it is possible. Atlanta is an interesting situation for Thornton because of his hometown ties and the ability to backup Bargnani and Richardson as well as New Orleans who can backup LeBron James and Andre Iguodala.
2- Ivan Radenovic, 27—Last Team: Memphis
After fabricating an offer to Radenovic during resignings time, GM Martinez has been left to leave Radenovic to hit the FA market. The second round pick out of Arizona has become a nice bench player since being drafted and should get some looks from teams looking for frontcourt help. With only a year of bird rights, it will be difficult for Martinez to get Radenovic back if other teams make competitive bids.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Memphis, Phoenix, Cleveland, Golden State, MLE Team
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. Finally being developed, Radenovic will take a qualifying offer from a team willing to pay him 4.5 million. What team that will remain to be seen but the offer may not come until day 2 or day 3 of free agency before he can even accept the offer.
3- TJ Cummings, 29—Last Team: Memphis
The second player on this list to come from the Grizzlies roster might also be looking to leave Memphis. Cummings should be looking to at least up his salary from the minimum he was making last year and could do it this year with a lot teams with cap room and exceptions to offer.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly less
Potential Suitors: Memphis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Golden State, MLE Team
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. Cummings is a UCLA guy and could love to come back home to play for the hometown Lakers. However with all the SFs on the Lakers roster, he would not get any minutes for the Lake Show. There are some other teams that could be in the hunt for Cummings in Day 4 or 5 of FA.
Best Available Power Forwards:[/i]
1- Mehmet Okur, 32—Last Team: Portland
Okur is one of the most underrated power forwards in the league and has been stashed away on the Spurs roster for many years. Now as a free agent again, Okur again may be overlooked by several teams looking to make a splash by landing the more lucrative free agents. That will be seem to be fine with GM Dan of the Blazers who could bring back Okur for cheaper.
Salary Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Portland, Houston, Golden State, Cleveland, Phoenix
Most Likely Going To: Portland. There should not be another team with that big of an offer for Okur and Dan won’t risk losing him this year. There are other teams that could be in the mix but the Blazers want Okur back likely to deal him or fill a whole at their power position.
2- David Lee, 28—Last Team: Washington
Despite having many knocks on his game, Lee has gotten better every year statically every year since his first season with the Mavericks. Surely, Lee will be looking for the best offer out there but it seems that Jah would want Lee back the most of all the teams looking for Lee’s services.
Salary Demand: 8-10M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Washington, Chicago, Phoenix, Cleveland
Most Likely Going To: Cleveland. It will be difficult for the Wizards to secure all their pending free agents and not lose at least one (See Odom, Ford, Thornton, Pierce). Lee seems to be the youngest and most talented of the group and should be due the most money from a teams like the Cavs, Suns or Bulls.
3- Kenyon Martin, 33—Last Team: Cleveland
K-Mart had another nice season last year with the Cavs but is getting up there in age now and finally see more drop off after this coming training camp. However Martin made over 23 million last season and will surely look to be getting paid before his days in BBS are done.
Salary Demand: 6-8M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Chicago
Most Likely Going To: Cleveland. The Cavs should get K-Mart for a decent two year deal and should be good enough to keep him in Ohio for the rest of his BBS career. There are some contenders that should be interested in K-Mart’s services but will probably not have the money to get him.
4- Brandan Wright, 23—Last Team: Detroit
The one guy a lot of teams are not talking about during free agency? Why? Because maybe no one wants to reveal where he stands on their big board. Wright certainly is an intriguing prospect because it seems like he hasn’t scratched the surface of how good he can be. Everyone knows about his shot blocking and rebounding abilities but should his scoring develop, watch out teams that did not bid on him.
Salary Demand: 9-11M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Detroit, Cleveland, Phoenix, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Detroit. With Samuels and Maxiell on the roster, Wright might be a little hesitant to resign but should if the most money is there. Cleveland and Phoenix are also intriguing situations because they can both use better power forwards themselves but Wright should be back in a steal for the Pistons.
5- Sean Williams, 24—Last Team: Philadelphia
One of those great blue collar players you love to have on your roster is what Williams is. Last season in only 27 minutes a game, Williams tallied three blocks a game pulled down over seven boards a game. This year, Williams has a reason to cash in with his play.
Salary Demand: 7-9M, possibly more/less
Potential Suitors: Philadelphia, Houston, Cleveland, Houston
Most Likely Going To: Philadelphia. But do not be so sure yet. Williams is a Houston guy and if AIG makes one good move this off-season is to the offer the max he can to get Williams. With Sean Williams at center and Tyrus Thomas at power forward, the Rockets will be very tough to deal with. However if the Sixers offer more than enough, Williams could be back.
Bargain Bin:[/i]
1- Danny Fortson, 35—Last Team: Houston
One of BBS most hated players and one of AIG’s favorites is finally a free agent again. Fortson has spent over seven seasons with the Rockets and it might finally be the year that he does not go back to Houston. However at 35, Fortson is not near the player he was before but still can do some things.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Houston, New Orleans, Toronto, Minnesota, San Antonio
Most Likely Going To: MLE Team. It will be quite a sight if Fortson is back with Houston. Again. But there have been stranger things that have happened in BBS. In all seriousness, Fortson is a still a solid player for his ratings and barely missed another double double season last year.
2- Ike Diogu, 27—Last Team: Los Angeles
A younger version of Fortson is Diogu, and like Fortson is another guy that may be looking for another home. Diogu does not seem to fit the Lakers plans anymore and might be on his way out for the Lakers. Still Diogu has a strong inside game being able to rebound and play some D.
Salary Demand: 4-6M, possibly MLEs
Potential Suitors: Houston, Phoenix, Toronto, Minnesota, Golden State, Milwaukee
Most Likely Going To: MLE Teams. After making a little over a million last year, Diogu should cash in this year with good numbers from the Lakers. Diogu is a valuable bench commodity and may be able to help a competing team this year.
3- Antonio McDyess, 37—Last Team: Utah
The oldest player on this list still has game believe it or not. The former Alabama star has admirable ratings at his age and can still fill up the basket. Although may be best reserved for a bench role, McDyess can be a nice investment for a one year deal.
Salary Demand: 3-5M, possibly LLEs or MLEs
Potential Suitors: LLE or MLE Teams
Most Likely Going To: LLE Teams. Not a lot teams are gonna invest in Dice but he can still be productive for a competing team. He shoots a high percentage and does not turn the ball over and is not a liability on the defensive end. However this is a nice pick up on day 4 or 5 of free agency.