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Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2016 18:42:31 GMT -5
“The biggest needs as we look at it are continuing to grow ourselves on the offensive end, and what we decide to do with regard to protecting the rim,” Stevens said. “You can protect the rim in a couple of different ways. No. 1 is you have somebody in there to protect it. No. 2 is you don’t let the ball get there, and you need versatile guys at a bunch of different positions. You need to keep guys out of rotations. If you look at our team right now, No. 2 would be more of the option.” So in a round about way, BS says that we are protecting the rim with versatility right now meaning we need option 1 ... a guy!Obviously on the offensive side he is referring to a "sniper" ... a deadly shooter from the perimeter.Two needs in free agency ... 1) A rim protector and 2) a spot up shooter that is deadly from the three. Here are FA SG's: hoopshype.com/2016/05/03/nba-free-agency-2016-shooting-guards/Here are the top rim protectors for 2014-15: www.nba.com/2015/news/hca/01/19/the-list-top-10-rim-protectors/> Howard is the only one available from that list unless Sac decides to trade Boogie Cousins hardwoodhoudini.com/2016/05/23/free-agency-top-five-rim-protectors/2/Al Horford, Atlanta HawksAl Horford is on many teams wish lists this summer as the big man puts up big numbers every season. He doesn’t have the flashy plays on either end of the floor but he’s a very good player who affects the game in nearly every way. It’s easy to imagine the impact Horford would have on offense, however, the biggest impact he would make could be on defense. Horford won’t lead the league in blocks but he did average 1.5 blocks per game this past season. He has averaged at least one block per game in every season of his career – besides his rookie season. At 6’10” and 245 pounds, Horford doesn’t get pushed around down low. The Celtics had no answer when he or Millsap would post-up on their smaller defenders. Boston needs someone who can hold their ground in the paint and contest shots without fouling. Horford has averaged two fouls or less in each of the past three seasons, showing his ability to contest shots without getting into foul trouble. His shot blocking ability was on full display during the Hawks’ ten playoff games. He increased his average to 2.4 blocks per game and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes. The slower pace helped him stay inside more and wait for players to drive the lane as he provided the Hawks with a wall down low. Horford also blocked at least three shots five times in the playoffs. His offense is what’s going to make headlines but he is still a very good defensive big. His defensive rating has been 105 or lower every season – except his rookie year. His athleticism allows him to step out and guard the perimeter while he can also stay down low and contest shots without putting opponents to the line. Festus Ezeli, Golden State WarriorsOne of the most intriguing free agents this off-season is Festus Ezeli, the young big man on the Golden State Warriors. Because of the Warriors’ depth, Ezeli hasn’t had a significant role since being drafted 30th overall in 2012. He has never averaged 20 minutes per game, however, still may command a lot of money this summer. He has had a couple of knee surgeries done, despite only being 26-years-old, but it hasn’t effected his leaping ability. Ezeli still moves very well for being 6’11” and continues to block shots at a remarkable rate. In 16.7 minutes per game this season, Ezeli averaged 1.1 blocks per game – 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes.
Last season Ezeli averaged three blocks per 36 minutes, and he was coming off missing the entire 2013-14 season after a knee injury. In the playoffs, Ezeli has seen less than 10 minutes per game but still manages to average 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. Players don’t like to attack him as they know he’s a very good shot blocker and can also step out and guard them on the perimeter.Signing Ezeli and giving him a starting role comes with a little risk since he’s never played a major role with Golden State. Still, his production in little spurts of time warrants the type of money he’s expected to command as a restricted free agent. He’s a lot younger than a lot of big men on the market this off-season and his smaller role means he has less wear and tear. Usually I would be concerned with his injury history but he continues to show it doesn’t have an effect on how he plays the game. There is a good chance that Festus Ezeli could be among the league leaders in blocks if given more playing time. Bismack Biyombo, Toronto RaptorsAfter the postseason that Bismack Biyombo is putting together there’s no doubt he’s going to decline his player option. The 6’9″ center is a little undersized, however, he has finally found his niche in the NBA and is about to get a big pay raise. MEMO: Biyombo is yesterdays mews and I will pass on his details cuz he is undersized and will be overpaid Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Dwight Howard can sometimes be a distraction in the locker room and it’s questionable whether he deserves a max contract, however, he’s still a very good player. Injuries have slowed him down a little over the past couple of seasons but he still averaged a double-double last season and 1.6 blocks per game.
Howard has led the league in blocks twice during his career as he’s one of the most athletic centers in the game. He’s not going to put up numbers like he did when he was in Orlando, however, he is still good for a couple of blocks when he plays. At one point in his career, Howard was the most feared defender in the paint. His quickness, long arms, leaping ability and pure athleticism was unmatched by other seven-footers. It led to him having the best defensive rating in the league for three straight seasons and owning a defensive rating of lower than 100 six times throughout his career. The days of Dwight Howard being the most feared defender down low is over, but, he is still one of the best defensive centers in the league.
I’m not sure he’d be worth risking a max-level contract on, however, if he got his attitude right, he could become a major factor on a winning team.Also, injuries haven’t been as big of an issue as some people think. He has played in at least 70 games three of the past four seasons and averaged at least 30 minutes per game during those three years. If Boston wanted to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player then Dwight Howard is their guy. He’s going to block a lot of shots and make players think twice about driving the lane, that’s for sure.Hassan Whiteside, Miami HeatEasily the best front court defender on the market this season, and arguably the best defensive center in the league, is Hassan Whiteside. After making a name for himself with the Miami Heat last season, Whiteside proved it wasn’t a fluke as he led the league in blocks per game this season. He was very impressive in 48 games last season, especially on defense. His long arms, athleticism and quickness is reminiscent of how Dwight Howard played defense when he was with the Orlando Magic. He averaged an incredible 2.6 blocks per game but outdid himself this past season by averaging 3.7 blocks per contest. No one has averaged that many blocks per game in a season in over 10 years. The last player to average 3.6 blocks per game was Serge Ibaka in 2012. It shows how rare his skill set is and how skilled he is at blocking shots.It’s nearly impossible to shoot over his outstretched arm and he is able to step outside of the paint and recover if the driver decides to pass. It’s no surprise that he led the league in defensive rating this past season and his defensive rating of 97 last season didn’t sniff 100. He makes everyone around him better on defense, it’s that simple. He forces players to shoot outside shots more often or take contested floaters instead of layups. He’s not someone you can post-up and he’s also quick enough to guard the pick-and-roll.Whiteside’s absence when he got hurt in the Heat’s second round series was easy to see. Their defense got worse every game as Toronto was able to gameplan without the wall down low. Hassan Whiteside should command near, if not a full, max contract this off-season. He’s still very young and has less than 150 games on his track record. The only way he’s not going to be among the league leaders in blocks is if teams start to avoid him and only shoot outside.
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 26, 2016 19:21:57 GMT -5
Horford Ezili Whiteside Howard
That is my order....no on Byombo, and they forgot Gasol.
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Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2016 20:13:19 GMT -5
Horford Ezili Whiteside Howard That is my order....no on Byombo, and they forgot Gasol. Whiteside Howard Horford Ezili Paculia (stop-gap) or Al Jefferson (off bench PF/C) Which Gasol ... Pau will be looking to win now so Clippers, Spurs, OKC or Warriors/Cavs Marc? He re-upped for 5 yrs right? Speaking of Marc Gasol ... Greenkiller's Laker Braintrust (Kupcake) thinks Zubac is the next Gasol ... Hahaha! www.silverscreenandroll.com/2016/6/24/12026068/la-lakers-ivica-zubac-second-round-pick-marc-gasol-mitch-kupchak... it's unlikely he'll ever be as good as Gasol, he could still easily end up as a capable role player in the Lakers' rebuild.
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 26, 2016 23:01:10 GMT -5
I was thinking Pau - just offer him the most $$...lol - I can see him on the Spurs, though. Marc is good for 4 more years. Jefferson is good, but I think CHA likes him Zizic is better than Zubac
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Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2016 23:32:47 GMT -5
I was thinking Pau - just offer him the most $$...lol - I can see him on the Spurs, though. Marc is good for 4 more years. Jefferson is good, but I think CHA likes him Zizic is better than Zubac I read there is only a 25% chance of CHA keeping Jefferson (local newspaper sports columnist down there).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2016 23:52:26 GMT -5
Horford, Howard, Whiteside, Noah. Given the past history, aka Amir Johnson, I would say the Noah may be a good possibility. He could be gotten below max on a short term contract. No Ezeli. He is just not worth it.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2016 0:05:53 GMT -5
Horford, Howard, Whiteside, Noah. Given the past history, aka Amir Johnson, I would say the Noah may be a good possibility. He could be gotten below max on a short term contract. No Ezeli. He is just not worth it. Noah has a lot of miles on his body and hasn't he become injury prone? And how will the recent injury affect his play going forward ... will we be replacing one Amir with another if we sign him?
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Post by Cabutan on Jun 27, 2016 1:27:57 GMT -5
thats a really short list. I think FA is always tough because there are limited options really and everyone is after the good ones obviously.
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Post by croc on Jun 27, 2016 4:11:12 GMT -5
Noah is being courted by the Knicks, with Rose there my guess is the Knicks sign him.
Whiteside has said it's all about business. He'll sign a max deal if offered. If there are multiple max deals, you'd assume it gets more personal. If I was DA I'd be first in line with a max deal.
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Post by croc on Jun 27, 2016 7:55:04 GMT -5
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 27, 2016 9:37:48 GMT -5
I'd love Ezili, and let Sully walk.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2016 9:57:05 GMT -5
Me to Hedley he's young with a lot of potential. I was with you on Gasol to. We need at least two bigs maybe more if Sully and Johnson both walk. Stevens said yesterday positionless players are a thing of the future. Maybe we can get by without any real bigs like last year who knows.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2016 10:05:05 GMT -5
No but better than anything we have now.
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Post by DaCeltics on Jun 27, 2016 10:25:44 GMT -5
Whiteside Noah Ezeli ONLY and I stress ONLY! No Howard or Horford! And trade with Dallas for Hammons for goodness sake! Send them Jerebko,Young and/or Zeller.
Thomas,Bradley,Durant,Crowder,(FA Center) Smart,Brown,Bentil,Mickey,Olynyk. Jackson,Rozier,Hunter,Hammons(trade),Zizic
Gone: Turner(fa), Johnson(fa),Sullinger(fa),Zeller(fa),Young(trade/buy out),Jerebko(fa),Yab (overseas), Nader (overseas)
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Post by croc on Jun 27, 2016 10:27:31 GMT -5
Ezili is a big who can defend, I agree he has potential. Gasol is said to want to pursue another title, and he can score. The C's could offer him more money, but a title? They might put of a good fight through the second round.
If they could sign Gasol and Ezili, would they have enough left to enter the 2017 Durant stakes? Durant would put them the title conversation.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2016 10:31:39 GMT -5
Whiteside Noah Ezeli ONLY and I stress ONLY! No Howard or Horford! And trade with Dallas for Hammons for goodness sake! Send them Jerebko or Zeller. Let's just sign Prince Ibeh (and Uthoff) to summer league and see what he's (they've) got!
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 27, 2016 10:51:26 GMT -5
Whiteside Noah Ezeli ONLY and I stress ONLY! No Howard or Horford! And trade with Dallas for Hammons for goodness sake! Send them Jerebko or Zeller. Let's just sign Prince Ibeh (and Uthoff) to summer league and see what he's (they've) got! Have to disagree. While I profess to not know either of those players, I personally would much rather see our own guys getting some burn. That includes the Euros. I heard Zizic wants to come over this year - I'm great with that!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2016 10:57:51 GMT -5
Zizic has said he is ready and wants to play in the NBA. Not so sure Ainge and Stevens are in agreenent. I hope he does he has some potential.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2016 11:00:46 GMT -5
Whiteside Noah Ezeli ONLY and I stress ONLY! No Howard or Horford! And trade with Dallas for Hammons for goodness sake! Send them Jerebko,Young and/or Zeller. Thomas,Bradley,Durant,Crowder,(FA Center) Smart,Brown,Bentil,Mickey,Olynyk. Jackson,Rozier,Hunter,Hammons(trade),Zizic Gone: Turner(fa), Johnson(fa),Sullinger(fa),Zeller(fa),Young(trade/buy out),Jerebko(fa),Yab (overseas), Nader (overseas) I like that. Don't think we'll get all three but any two would be fine. I like Hammons to wished we wouls have drafted him.
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 27, 2016 11:42:57 GMT -5
DAL likes Hammonds and I highly doubt they will trade him since they just drafted him. Zeller on a short contract would be a more realistic option.
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myurkus
D-League Assignee
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Post by myurkus on Jun 27, 2016 11:57:10 GMT -5
The heck with Zeller. Bring over Zizic and use him as backup/Dleaguer. How much better is he going to get in the friggin Adriatic league?
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Post by DaCeltics on Jun 27, 2016 15:01:21 GMT -5
DAL likes Hammonds and I highly doubt they will trade him since they just drafted him. Zeller on a short contract would be a more realistic option. They did trade us Olynyk. But you are probably correct. I guess Yab would be our 3rd string PF then.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2016 15:29:35 GMT -5
DAL likes Hammonds and I highly doubt they will trade him since they just drafted him. Zeller on a short contract would be a more realistic option. They did trade us Olynyk. But you are probably correct. I guess Yab would be our 3rd string PF then. Last I checked Ibeh was undrafted ... we should give him a non-guaranteed contract for SL. www.nbascoutingreport.net/player-profiles-prince-ibeh.htmlMeasurements 6'11" 260 lbs 7'5.5" wingspan 21 years old Pro comparison Blend of Bismack Biyombo and DeAndre JordanStrengths Size Athleticism Defense Rim Protection Strength Length Weaknesses Shooting Post Game Raw offensively Rebounding Consistent effort Prince Ibeh is a very athletically gifted player who could serve as a good rotational big in the NBA. He has great size and length that allows him to block and contest shots. He is laterally and vertically quick, he can switch in pick and roll situations and has the ability to shut down his man in the post. At 261 lbs he is a big body, combine that with his good vertical/length and you have a player similar to DeAndre Jordan. Like Jordan or Biyombo, Ibeh is raw offensively. He is good for ally-oops or put backs, but lacks good post game moves and shooting. It's surprising that a player of his size didn't produce more, it may be due to a variety of reasons, but with improved effort and hustle he should be able to handle himself in the pros. With effort and hustle Ibeh should be able to improve his rebounding. Overall Ibeh has an NBA ready body and with coaching/development he may be a very nice pickup for a team in the second round. www.draftexpress.com/profile/Prince-Ibeh-6449/He's quick off the floor, finishes above the rim with ease, and shows potential on the glass, despite average production in that area (career 10.3 rebounds per 40 minutes). The most important byproduct of Ibeh's physical gifts is his defensive impact, both on the interior and the perimeter. Big men who can both protect the rim and provide versatility as a pick and roll defender aren't easy to come by, making Ibeh that much more valuable. He ranked second among DraftfExpress Top 100 prospects in blocks per 40 minutes with 4.6, doing so by using his tremendous reach, while showing excellent timing and quick leaping ability. Ibeh's awareness and fundamentals often leave something to be desired, as he loses focus easily, and gets himself out of position by going after shots that he has very little chance of swatting, leaving the defense handicapped. But all in all, Ibeh has the tools to be one of the best rim protectors in the draft. He also shines on the perimeter at times thanks to his ability to drop and contest, hard hedge and recover, blitz with active hands, switch and keep it in front, or stay step for step with the ball handler if beat off the bounce. Defensive flexibility, especially guarding ball screens, is in high demand in the NBA, and Ibeh is able to provide exactly that at the center position. With that said, it's important to note that Ibeh is still far from polished defensively. He struggles to stay on the floor due to foul trouble (7.3 per 40 minutes), bites on shot fakes from non-shooters, and doesn't always have his motor running as hot as you might like. Ibeh's physical gifts can't be taught, but he'll have to continue to improve his awareness and find a way to pick up the sometimes-complex NBA defensive schemes, while bringing maximum intensity on every possession.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2016 15:43:37 GMT -5
Never mind ... Too late, the Bucks have signed him for SL.
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ram
Draft & Stash Player
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Post by ram on Jun 28, 2016 1:36:37 GMT -5
My predictions:
Whiteside - Miami
Howard - Charlotte
Horford - too tough to call
Pau Gasol - Spurs
Noah - Knicks
Biyombo (and DeRozan) - Lakers
Ezeli - Celtics (if they don't get Horford)
Pachulia - Indiana
Mahinmi - Charlotte
Howard - Dallas
Hibbert - New York (Deng a possibility as well)
Ryan Anderson - Lakers
Batum - Raptors (along with Bass)
Al Jefferson - Clippers
Harrison Barnes - Bulls
Mostly went with big men there. I also think the Celtics will go with one of Jared Dudley or Allen Crabbe over Turner, giving them that 'sniper' Stevens desires, a 40% 3 point shooter for 18-22 minutes a game.
This will allow Jaylen Brown to get his feet wet playing rugged defense and being told to not worry about his shot, just worry about what he already does well and it will come (kind of like what Stevens told Turner at the start). So Brown will play 12-16 mins and replace Turner's D on SF's. If those two guys can be more effect than giving Turner 28-30 mins a game off the bench, and they add a big man who can actually rim-protect and is better than Sully I think they will have done well for themselves. Keep Olynyk and Amir Johnson to have 3 guys getting most of the minutes among the PF/C positions. Mickey can get some mins if defense is needed, Jerebko if offense is or Crowder if they need to go small.
That is a 52-57 win team that battles Toronto for the Atlantic title and Toronto/Miami (if Bosh is back) for the coveted 2-3 seeds in the east.
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