Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

What About Shawn Marion?

With the news that Hedo Turkoglu has agreed to a five-year, $56 million deal with the Raptors, one of the intriguing questions becomes what happens to forward Shawn Merion.

With all of the blockbuster trades and free-agent signings, Marion has become somewhat of a forgotten man. Two years ago, his name was all the talk when it came to the 2009 free-agency class. But with poor performances in Miami and Toronto, it feels like some people forget that he is on the market.

Marion was excellent during his stint with the Suns, but I’ve always wondered whether he was a product of Mike D’Antoni’s seven-seconds-or-less system. Was he putting up 20 points per game because of his talent, or because of the system? I’m inclined to believe that it may have been a combination of both. Having said that, I still think Marion is a very good player, which is why it is somewhat surprising that no team other than the Raptors has offered him a contract.The economy may be a contributing factor, since few teams have a good amount of cap space. Still, Marion is one of the best players available. ‘

Now that the pieces to the free-agent puzzle are starting to connect, teams may start to look at Marion, who will quickly become the best available player. But will any team make a hard push for his services?

The Trail Blazers, with $9 million dollars in cap space, may be his best option. The Blazers attempted to sign Turkoglu — and reportedly had worked out an agreement with him — before he bolted for money with the Raptors. Clearly, the Blazers are in the market for a small forward. Turkoglu is the best small forward in this free-agent class, and with Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza already having agreed to deals with the Lakers and Rockets, respectively, Marion is the best option left at the postion.

While the Blazers aren’t a team that runs the ball up the court all game long, they do like to get up-and-down at times, which would fit Marion. He could also improve the team’s shooting, as Steve Blake and Brandon Roy are really Portland’s only options from the perimeter. Moreover, the move wouldn’t be a bad counter to the Lakers signing of Artest.

If Portland isn’t the destination, I really don’t know what is. If the Pistons, even after agreeing to terms with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, are reportedly looking to make more deals, and Marion would seem to be a good fit if the team plans are parting ways with Tayshaun Prince — which they very well may do.

There aren’t a ton of options available for Marion, but he may be able to find a team with that makes a good fit. If not, there’s always Europe.

Report: Hedo Turkoglu backs out of commitment with Blazers

This is a stupid move by him.  Not only does he make himself look unloyal and like a jerk, but he also is now forced to sign for way less or go to the Raptors, who won’t be contending anytime soon.

Yahoo! Sports: Free agent Hedo Turkoglu has backed out of his commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers and could be signing with the Toronto Raptors, a source close to the talks told Yahoo! Sports on Friday night.

Turkoglu had agreed on a five-year, $50 million deal with the Blazers, but changed his mind and could be headed for a five-year, $56 million deal with the Raptors. Toronto would have to renounce three free agents – Shawn Marion, Carlos Delfino and Anthony Parker – to create the cap space for Turkoglu.

Apparently, the Blazers are already busy exploring other free-agent options for the $9 million in salary-cap space.

Five years ago, Turkoglu was close to signing with the Phoenix Suns that now-Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo was running, but changed his mind and went to the Orlando Magic.

Free Agency News Round-Up

Allen Iverson interested in joining the Memphis Grizzlies

The Oracle’s Take: Allen Iverson isn’t wanted by any of the contending teams, so going to the Grizzlies would be the best move for him and, surprisingly, the Grizzlies.  Allen Iverson wants to get paid more than the minimum, and the Grizzlies would likely give in the mid-level exception and the Memphis Grizzlies desperately need to sell more tickets, and Iverson is one of the most exciting players in the league.

 Allen Iverson is interested in playing for the Grizzlies, according to a league source.

Iverson, a free agent for the first time in his career, had minor discussions with the Heat after free agency opened on Wednesday.

Memphis had no comment on Iverson’s interest in playing for the team.

The Grizzlies are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of signing Iverson, who would likely be asked to come off the bench.

Iverson wrote about his free-agent status on his Twitter page Thursday.

“I’m a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team,” he wrote. “My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be.”

Toronto Raptors offer Shawn Marion 4-year deal

The Oracle’s Take: The Raptors aren’t anywhere near contending for a championship, in fact, it would be a surprise if they were able to make the playoffs.  The shouldn’t be spending their money on 31 year-old players who’s games are based solely on athleticism.  They should save the money and start rebuilding, starting with the trade of Chris Bosh before he leaves as a free agent next season anyway.

The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.

The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion.

Jason Kidd intends to stay in Dallas

The Oracle’s Take: I believe that the Mavericks are overpaying for Jason Kidd.  If he was younger he would be worth that money for the stats and impact that he has, but he is getting older and won’t be an elite point guard for much longer.

Jason Kidd intends to return to the Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million deal, according to HoopsWorld.

HoopsWorld cited an “informed source.”

Kidd said that he would take the holiday weekend to mull over offers from both New York and Dallas.

Barring an unforeseen development, Kidd is expected to tell the Mavericks on Monday that he will accept the offer.

New Orleans Hornets are shopping Tyson Chandler Again

The Oracle’s Take: Even with the talented nucleus of Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West, and James Posey, the Hornets aren’t anywhere near competing for the championship.  The Hornets should start rebuilding around Chris Paul with better players before it is too late.  If they can get Phoenix to take Chandler for Ben Wallace like it has been rumored, or trade Chandler for an expiring contract, then they should do it.

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

In addition, the Hornets could look to move one of their veteran guards, such as Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown.

The Hornets are also interested in bringing guard Jannero Pargo, who played overseas this past season, back.

Stephon Marbury doesn’t think he will be coming back to the Celtics

The Oracle’s Take: Stephon Marbury doesn’t deserve more than the Celtics offered him, especially considering his attitude problems and lack of productivity last season.  No team with offer him more than the Celtics did.

Free agent Stephon Marbury, the former New York Knicks guard who joined the Celtics midseason, says he doesn’t foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran’s-minimum deal that would’ve paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

“Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.,” Marbury said in an e-mail to The Globe. “The fans treated me with open arms and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Marbury, 32, joined the Celtics on Feb. 27 after a buyout of his $22 million Knicks contract. Marbury told the Boston newspaper that three other teams, which he wouldn’t name, were interested in signing him for next season.

Marbury averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 assists and 18 minutes in 23 games last season with the Celtics.

Free Agent Breakdown: Small Forward

Free Agency is underway and already there have been many rumors and negotiations between NBA franchises and the top-tier free agents.  The Small Forward position is the deepest position in the Free Agent Class of 2009.  Among the top small forwards are Trevor Ariza, Hedo Turkoglu, Shawn Marion, and Ron Artest.  Many teams have already expressed their interest in these players, and each one of them will find a suitor in a short period of time.

Player-By-Player Analysis

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Trevor Ariza

08-09 Season Stats: 8.9 ppg / 4.3 rpg / 1.8 apg / .460 FG% / .710 FT% / .319 3P% / 1.67 spg / 0.29 bpg / 1.06 to / 24.4 mpg

Height: 6’8″ / Weight: 210 lbs. / Age: 24 / Last Year’s Salary: $3,100,000 / Last Team: Los Angeles Lakers (65-17; NBA Champs)

Trevor Ariza has the most potential out of all the free agent small forwards, but right now he is also not as good as the veterans.  Ariza has shown that he has a strong work ethic by improving his 3-point shooting dramatically from the 07-08 season, as well as improving during the season.  Last season he shot .319% from 3-point range, much better than his career average of .299% from behind the arc.  But, most impressive, is that during the postseason he stepped up his game and shot .476% from behind the arc as well as increasing his scoring and assist averages while shooting a higher FG%.  His 3-point shooting and defense was vital for the Lakers’ title run.

Ariza still isn’t good as creating his own shot, but he is excellent at moving without the ball and getting open for 3′s.  During the regular season and postseason, Ariza hit many huge shots for the Lakers, with many of them being 3-pointers.  Ariza is already one of the top role players in the league, and should continue to improve.  He is also unaffected by pressure and can make shots at the end of games, something that is extremely valuable in a player.  He also steps up his defense at the end of games and many times came up with critical steals throught the regular season and postseason.  At the extremely young age of 24, Trevor still has plenty of time to improve his game.  Expect him to become a lock-down 1-on-1 defender as well as a better shooter and offensive initiator.

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Ron Artest

08-09 Season Stats: 17.1 ppg / 5.2 rpg / 3.3 apg / .401 FG% / .748 FT% / .399 3P% / 1.52 spg / 0.35 bpg / 2.03 to / 35.5 mpg

Height: 6’7″ / Weight: 260 lbs. / Age: 29 / Last Year’s Salary: $7,400,000 / Last Team: Houston Rockets (53-29; 2nd Round)

Ron-Ron is definitely the toughest player in this year’s free agent class (and possibly the league), but he is also the most mentally unstable.  Ron Artest proved last season that he can stay under control and not cause problems, but who knows how long he can keep that up.  Artest is a very talented player, especially on the defensive end, but his history and craziness scares some teams away as well as making some teams not want to give him a long term deal.  While Artest is worth around $10 million a year, he will only be getting the Mid-Level Exception (around $5.6 million) due to most teams not having cap room.  Artest shot a low percentage last season due to taking way too many bad shots, but don’t expect him to do that if he is teamed up with LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.

One of Artest’s greatest strength though is literally his strength.  He is an extremely strong and tough player, which helps him on offense and defense.  He is one of the best 1-on-1 perimeter defenders in the league and doesn’t back down from anyone, even if they are torching him (e.g.: anytime he is playing Kobe Bryant).  While he is viewed as crazy and unstable by mostly every NBA fan, he is also one of the biggest competitors and will do whatever it takes to win.  Artest is a really good 3-point shooter and can create his own shot well, one of the weaknesses of Shawn Marion and Trevor Ariza.

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Hedo Turkoglu

08-09 Season Stats: 16.8 ppg / 5.3 rpg / 4.9 apg / .413 FG% / .356 3P% / .807 FT% / 0.83 spg / 0.25 bpg / 2.65 to / 36.6 mpg

Height: 6’10″ / Weight: 220 lbs. / Age: 30 / Last Year’s Salary: $6,864,200 / Last Team: Orlando Magic (59-23; NBA Finals)

Hedo Turkoglu was the most improved player in the 07-08 season, and with a strong 08-09 season he is now looking to get the biggest paycheck of his life.  Turkoglu developed into a clutch player and offensive initiator in the 07-08 season, and continued that into the 08-09 season.  He can create his own shot and create shots for others, something that Ariza, Artest, and Marion aren’t very good at doing.  Hedo also has a huge size advantage over the other small forwards.  But, one of Turkoglu’s problems is that he is a mediocre defensive player, which also happens to be the strengths of Marion, Artest, and Ariza.  Turkoglu is clearly the best offensive player, and worst defensive player of the group.

 Turkoglu has the ability to create his own shot and do it well, but he has a tendency to take a lot of bad shots.  He also gets a ton of open looks due to the other stars on his team, just like Ariza does on the Lakers.  His shoots a low % due to his bad shots.  But his numbers are also benefited from having Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard to pass to for assists and they also take pressure off of him on offense.  Turkoglu is one of the “point-forwards” in the league.  Point-forwards are small or power forwards that have the ability to dribble the ball up court and set up teammates for scores.  Lamar Odom and LeBron James are 2 of the more well-known point-forwards in the league.

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Shawn Marion

08-09 Season Stats: 12.9 ppg / 8.5 rpg / 2.0 apg / .485 FG% / .189 3P% / .796 FT% / 1.28 spg / 1.0 bpg / 1.52 to / 35.8 mpg

Height: 6’7″ / Weight: 228 lbs. / Age: 31 / Last Year’s Salary: $17,810,000 / Last Team: Toronto Raptors (33-49; Missed Playoffs)

The Matrix is only a star in an up-tempo style of play with a premier pass-first point guard.  Without those 2 things he is only an above-average role player.  Marion is a terrible outside shooter, expecially without Steve Nash to get him open looks, and can’t create shots for himself or others.  But, he is one of the best players in the league on a fast break, as well as the best rebounder for his size in the league.  Of the free agent small forwards, Shawn Marion is the best at blocking shots and rebounding, but the worst player on the offensive end of the court.  The only offense Marion can create for himself is the occasional post-up of a smaller player or a drive to the basket.

Shawn also has an attitude problem.  He wants to be the star and go-to guy of a team, but he can’t create his own shot and can’t set up teammates for open shots.  Though he is one of the top players in the league you would want on the fastbreak with you or guarding the other team’s star player with the game on the line, he creates too many problems and doesn’t really have a position.  He can’t shoot or dribble well enough to be a small forward and his too small to be a power foward.

Hopes, The Future, And All Of The Nonsense That Comes With It All

Well for the Miami Heat (43-39) this offseason will be one where they’re hoping that their All Star guard Dwyane Wade will be re-signing with the team. For team President Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra this is of the utmost priority for the team. And in particular for the franchise’s billionaire owner Micky Arison.  

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat with his NBA Finals' MVP trophy and NBA Trophy in 2006. Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthew McFadyen

For the Heat this was something of a disappointing season . Albeit that they made the postseason. However their’s was a postseason that abruptly ended with them being dispatched by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of this season’s playoffs.

Spoelstra (right) is seen here with Team President Pat Riley for the announcement of his hiring as head coach. At 37, Spoelstra is the youngest coach in the NBA. Picture appears courtesy of afp/china.org/cn

The team saw the departure of Shawn Marion who was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jermaine O’Neal. Many questioned the prudence of the deal. Considering that though Marion was to become a free agent , come the postseason. With the acquisition of O’Neal they were getting a player who many viewed hasn’t been a player who at the height of his undoubted prowess was seen as an offensive threat. Over the last few years however , be it that with recurring injuries. The player has been a mere shadow of himself and his days with the Indiana Pacers . When he, in partnership with Reggie Miller were one of the better offensive combos around the league.

Jermaine O'Neal (7), All-Action Hero? Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Scott Pettigrew

With the collective bargaining now doubt reeking havoc with the economic aspirations with many of the franchises around the league. And the very fact that the Players’ Union will be looking for a great deal of leverage as to what they still perceive to be an imbalance as to the sharing of the league’s revenues. It has to be said that for the likes of the Heat as well as the other franchises around the league they will have to be fiscally responsible as to how they spend their resources, with regard to the acquisition of players and re-signing the players that they seek to have within their fold.