For Lee and Gay, Nets Are Realistic Possibility
by Net Income on Mar 9, 2010 7:08 AM EST
in 2010 Free Agency
46 comments
For months, reporters have bandied about names of who the Nets might sign this off-season. The big names are obvious--LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudemire. They're also unlikely to sign with the Nets. It's even possible they won't sign with any team other than their current one. That leaves the next tier of free agents which is topped by players like David Lee and Rudy Gay, who's a restricted free agent. David Lee told Fred Kerber Saturday he finds the Nets an interesting team he'd consider. He wasn't being poliitcally correct either, writtes Kerber's colleague, George Willis. Lee is frustrated by the Knicks' struggles, their inability to find a big man to take the pressure off him, and their tendency to take him for granted. Meanwhile, Al Iannazzone writes the Gay wasn't being politically correct either a month ago when he told reporters he'd consider the Nets. Privately, he's told friends New Jersey is a place he wouldn’t mind going.
- Can't blame Lee for wandering eye - George Willis - New York Post
- Nets notes: Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay will consider Nets - Al Iannazzone - The Record
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DLee should be Nets #1 target
Willis says that Lee isn’t a Franchise Player (like Joe Johnson or Amare) or else Knicks would have more that 22 wins. Actually Lee IS the Knicks Franchise Player. They would have maybe 2 wins without Lee. Nets would have about 30 wins this season if they had DLee on team instead of Yi. DLee doesn’t have periods of immaturity like BLopez showed in first half last night, which ultimately lost the game.
I would put DLee ahead of Amare, considering everything and I don’t want Joe Johnson, for the $ he wants, when the Nets could be loaded at SG next year (between Harris(Wall) or ETurner, besides CLee). Johnson will be 29 soon.
Therefore since Bosh doesn’t want to play for Nets and Wade wouldn’t leave Miami w/o Bosh going with him, and LeBron wouldn’t come to NJ w/o them having a PF first, the only logical thing to do is make David Lee the #1 target right from day 1.
Off course Poker player Thorn shouldn’t tip off Knicks or DLee of his intentions, but it is good to see someone in the media finally getting wise to this inevitability. I have been calling for DLee for months, while the Media continues to show their incompetence and desire to push their own agenda.
Have to solve PF problem first. At least Nets have a developing TWill for SF
This is why Kiki is crazy not to have been playing TWill more at SF, to better see what his future might be.
Ultimately though, if Nets have both RGay and TWill, that would be the kind of personnel of an elite team.
Going for RGay could waste at least a week for Nets, as well as for other teams, although Nets Might have enough cap space to go after DLee and RGay simultaneously. They would have to be certain though that LeBron wouldn’t be available.
LeBron may not even be a free agent this year, if he accepts his player option.
TWill as 6th Man Next Year
I’d like to see us pursue both DLee and Gay, and have TWill be the 6th Man Extraordinaire for next season. TWill doesn’t have to start because he is so versatile. He can play 3 positions with no problem (the 1,2 and 3), and could even step in in a pinch to play the 4 with a very small lineup. His athleticism and strength give the team that option. That way, TWill get his 35 minutes a night while still having Gay starting at the 3.
I know Gay isn’t considered a top-flight defender, but I saw him make some impressive defensive plays using those extremely long arms last night. He was known as a good defender in school, particularly with steals and shot-blocking. It’s clear to me he is a is top-flight NBA talent, and he’s only 23! I LOVED his game at UConn, and I nearly drool when I see what he can do on the court. Defense is a mind-set, not a God-given ability, so maybe he could prosper in the proper defensive system under the right coach. Plus, he seems to have a good temperament out on the floor.
All in all, DLee and Gay would be a HUGE get for our team. They don’t have the name recognition of some of the higher-profile FAs, but maybe that’s what makes them so much more appealing. If we play our cards right over the summer, we’re gonna be AWESOME in 2010-’11!
Starting 5:
Harris/ CLee/ Gay/ DLee/ Lopez
Bench:
TWill/ Dooling/ Hayes/ PF-TBD – draft pick?/ C-TBD
Conference Champions next season
No Dooling in that plan
In order to have to have enough for both DLee and RGay, Nets would have to buy out Dooling, which would save about 3.3 million and give the over 23 million of cap space that we always hear about.
It would probably take 23 million for 2010-2011 to get both players.
That is more reason why Nets should be testing TWill at PG, to see if they can count on him in lieu of Dooling next year. Turner and of course Wall play PG, but everyone would benefit having Dooling around for another year, since he is the most experienced true PG.
I think T-will is more likely to be the back up or starting pg
than small forward.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
I Think He Cold Back Up All 3 Perimeter Spots...
But we already have DHarris and Dooling at the 1 and CLee at the 2, so no room for him to start right now. I think he’d be a potent threat for our 2nd unit. He could really initiate the offense, no matter where he’s playing on the floor. Plus, if we get the numero uno, Wall (or Turner) need to get some run, assuming we keep the pick. He could also back up Gay if we got him next season.
I like the idea of TWill at the point, too. I’m not saying he’s as good, but he reminds me of a bigger, more athletic version of JKidd. I even lobbied for this earlier in the season. But I’d rather this guy get PT doing any number of things, as long as he’s out on the floor. He’s a B-ball player, not just a position player on the floor, IMO. Guys like that need to be in the game somehow.
Can Memphis prevent Proky from getting RGay
Also in the story is that Memphis wants to keep RGay, who is restricted. However, as NI pointed out, Proky can take advantage of his wealth, by making a front-end loaded offer to RGay, making it difficult for Memphis to match.
This should only happen after the Nets solve their PF problem, hopefully by getting DLee first. Everything depends on Nets getting a top wing with their draft pick.
With TWill developing, and the possibility that Nets will hold onto cap space for 2011 (when probably LeBron and others are available), it shouldn’t be urgent to get RGay. Therefore, they can take a chance to make a fair offer for him, for their 2nd free agent.
What I am not sure about is what happens if another team makes an offer for RGay first, and Memphis matches that offer 1 week later. Also what if Memphis doesn’t match, but Nets are willing to go higher? Could Nets still land RGay even if they aren’t first??
Lee or Gay?
Unless you think that Lee is our answer at PF, I would skip free agency this year, tank another season and wait for Durant or Anthony.
If we draft Wall or Turner (I would rather draft a big man) then we can play Yi at PF and run teams ragged with all our wings/guards. LOL
Either get LeBron or Bosh or just say no.
M I K E
there is no reason to wait for KDurant and Melo becasue there is no way they are going away from their current teams. Do you see how good their respective teams are this year!!! You think Durant, whose name is synonymous with OKC Thunder is leaving. Durant’s parents are Haitian, and if you know anything about Haitians, they never try to fix what is broken. NEVER.
And so said the old man!
I think you mean “they never try to fix what isn’t broken”.
Good point. Its better to have a home of one’s own where Durant is a Household name.
Same reasoning why DWade will stay in Miami and LeBron will stay in Cleveland, at least until he wins a championship – then Brooklyn could be easily seen as his next home, as long as Nets already have a good team (eg. next year).
Scola plays like David Lee
If he is available for cheaper, I would take either one. Actually, I think Scola is a better passer than Lee.
I would prefer a shot blocking long SF. Gay is better than what we have. Again, it depend on the price.
We get JVG to coach defense, Lee/Scola and Gay. Draft Wall. We have a deep team.
Yi's too soft
Yi is too soft to play small forward, there is no way he can play center in this league of grown men!
And so said the old man!
The only problem with Scola is his age
if we’re building more for the 2012 season, which it seems like we are. It doesn’t really make sense to invest this year in players who are already in their 30s.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
We shouldn’t blow all our cap space giving BOTH Lee and Gay the big bucks. Giving one of them $12-13M per would be enough overpaying. If we have one of the top 2 picks, then Lee would be the logic target. If we ended up with the 3rd-4th pick (Cousins, Favors), then it’d make no sense to overpay DLee.
If we get Turner and sign Lee, I’d rather use the rest of our cap space on complementary players, like Mike Miller or Tyrus Thomas, I think you could sign both of them at the same price that signing Gay would command
Harris/TWill/KD
CLee/CDR
Turner/Miller/Dallas pick
DLee/Thomas/Hump
Lopez/Yi/Boone
Thomas is a head case. Nets should steer clear. You have to be cautious of the character guys you take on with a young team. Culture is important.
by Ryan243 on Mar 9, 2010 10:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Very good point.
The Nets are terrible at dealing with character-issue players. And using money for a starter on “complimentary players” instead? Our starters aren’t good enough that we need to fix the bench. Ask Detroit how they’re doing with the complimentary players they signed last summer.
by JohnFromLongIsland on Mar 9, 2010 11:18 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't give either more than 10-11 million probably
And if Gay wants max money I don’t want any part of him. Like Andres said 10-11 million is already on the too much side. I love Lee but remember if we give him something like 5/50 30 million of that will be for his 29-30, 30-31 and 31-32 year old seasons. And considering how much of his game is based entirely on athleticism and hustle I imagine he’d see a sharper decline in his early 30s than other types of post players.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
I Agree...
As much as I like both DLee and Gay, I wouldn’t pay more than $12MM for either one. They’re really good but not worth the added expense and luxury taxes. Having said that, my name ain’t Mikhail (actually, it’s Michael, so maybe?) and I ain’t a Russian billionaire who signs their checks (no confusion there).
Moment of Truth
This is the moment of truth for for Thorn. He’s used the excuse of having his hands tied for years now, which is legitimate, now i want to see what tricks he can pull out of his hat this summer. Then I would go with the “In Rod We Trust” slogan
And so said the old man!
Bottom Line, Netsfans
We’re in a GREAT position, despite this awful season. This thread has me excited since we’ll likely be in the running for both of these guys, and that both of these guys have expressed public interest in us. And that’s before we even consider our draft picks. Believe it or not, there is a light at the end of this long, dark, winding, harrowing tunnel of a season!
Meh I won't believe we're in a great position
until we get the #1 or #2 pick and we find out who the gm will be. If we get the #3 pick and it’s Thorn making the call I’m gonna have to take a break for nba basketball.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Not getting this...
He’s frustrated with the Knicks struggling, but he’s supposed to want to come to the Nets who might be the worst team in NBA history?
Ok….
Again, the Nets are getting nobody but possibly a good player in the draft this summer.
I doubt it's frustrations with the suckage
more like he was loyal to them by accepting the 1 year 7 million offer and before that contract even expires they’re talking about totally renouncing his rights and chasing after two max players.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
I appreciate a player wanting to come here
You rarely hear that (RJ aside), but I’m not really sold on Gay. It’s not that he can’t play, more to do with the current mix.
NO to Gay
Gay is not worth the money he has already rejected (over $50 million for 5 years). So, NO.
David Lee is not a good defender, but none of the top tier free agent PFs are. But David Lee is a very good rebounder, and that is something the Nets need desperately. Brook is average at best, and the guards and SF haven’t really helped. So I would take Lee – he is certainly worth more money than Gay is.
I Don't Know
I think Gay could be a superstar in the right system. His skill-set is on the same level as CAnthony, IMO. Athletic, versatile, long and young. I really think he would be a nice addition, especially if he were paired with the right coach. And I think a defensive minded coach could squeeze more out of him from that end. But I also think we should pursue DLee as well. His defensive shortcomings may have more to do with playing out of position than his lack of ability to performon that end. He is playing Center at 6’9" for the Knicks.
Again, at the end of the day, it comes down to the coach. I’d love to see JVG, but as long as the coach preaches defense and utilizes his team’s talent in the best way possible, I can’t complain.
Forget It
R.Gay is on a solid team of seven deep.
If he leaves don’t you question him coming to the Nets.
He is on a team that only needs two more talents to get to the playoffs and further into the playoffs.
Hmmm.
D.Lee is talking about the Nets so he can have some leverage with the Knicks.
He is not a PF starter.
Don’t be disillusioned by his scoring and rebounding in that system.
Remember f he is playing PF the PF guy guarding him could lock him down.
He gets away with it agaisn big centers for now.
Most PF also will be taller them along with more agility.
He cannot watch a PF one on one so he will give up as many points that he scores.
Just look at his winning record in the league.
He is a backup PF at best.
We have K.Humphries whom can do that job along with playing better defense when needed.
Ask yourself this question.
Is D.Cousins/PF & W.Johnson/SF more talented then D.Lee/PF & R.Gay/SF?
Use our money and draft picks to get the two with more talent in the draft then through F/A
We will better off as a team.
DLee doesn't want to be a Center - He is not bluffing
The best Knicks can do for DLee is get Amare or Bosh to play center. Lee is tired of playing center. He would rather play next to Brook and get the respect from the Nets. Knicks consider DLee a secondary option. He has a right to be upset. He isn’t bluffing.
And RGay IS a better bet than WJohson, who is only about 1 year younger. DCousins IS a BEAST and I like him, but someone would have to sit him and Brook down to see if they could play together. I consider Cousins to be more like Alonzo Mourning – that is a Center.
And how much better would Knicks be if they re-signed Lee to $12 million and just added Amare and maybe re-signed House and McGrady (before he gets injured again). Knicks are losing other key players. That wouldn’t be a good team that should interest DLee to stay with Knicks. Knicks are probably no better or worse than Nets right now – a bad team.
DLee a Backup PF at Best?
Really?!?
He was an ALL-STAR this season playing against guys bigger than him night-in and night-out. And he’s a walking double-double. That means he’s not a push-over (like Yi) and I think he’s a better player than Hump or Cousins from Kentucky. Cousins can’t jump and Hump is a solid role player, but not better than Lee. No way! I respectfully disagree with you. If I were GM, I’d snatch him up in a heartbeat!
System
Its the system man thatmakes him look good.
He scores twenty and gives up twenty.
Do you really think that is good.
Now you have your excuse that porr D.Lee is playing center agaisnt bgger guys.
Thats BS to, because if he is playing PF they othe rPF can come out and guard him away from the basket from taking that robotic jump shot that he will not get off against PF’s.
Oh I also forgot to mention that playing PF’s they will go right by him for points easier then center do now.
I
System
@Morph
D.Lee is just a backup PF on a good team.
Nothing more.
He is not coming to the Nets.
D.Cousins is the answer at PF next to B.Lopez.
He has the talent and heart along with 6 more inches in height to become the next C.Barkley.
He does not have the talent
his athletiscm no where near Barkley. And considering people question his work ethic, character and effort and conditioning how can you say he has the heart?
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
He looked just as good before D'antoni looks good
and no one’s saying he’s going to be a defensive minded pf, but neither is Cousins so I’m not surewhat the concern is. The difference is D. Lee can help an offense without having plays run through him, and is a beast on the boards.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
D.Lee
Is overrated and I will say it again he will not dominate the boards playing PF as you think.
How difficult is it to understand that PF play to and will watch D.Lee and keep him from dominating like you think.
I am telling you the Knicks don’t want him either just watch and see.
Knicks will grab A.Stoudemire as their PF nad J.Johnson as their SG next year.
If they are smart and that is a big if, they will try to buy into a top ten pick and grab C.Aldrich Center for their needs.
Can you imagine: Knicks starting lineup next year.
PF/A.Stoudemire—-SF/W.Chandler—-C/C.Aldrich—-SG/J.Johnson—-PG/T.Douglas
And your talking about D.Lee.
He is a backup role player at best on a good team.
Just watch and see.
Don't Rule Out The Shaq Possibility
next year. I think he’s gonna want to retire as a Net, since he’s from Newark. OK, here’s my revised (wish list) roster for ‘10-’11:
Starters:
DHarris/ CLee/ Gay/ DLee/ Lopez
Bench:
Dooling/ TWill/ Hayes/ Humphries/ Shaq
How about them apples?!?
Hayes is gone. Nets need the cap space. Dooling is the only debatable player and his contract could be re-negotiated for less $ if he really wants to stay and teach Wall/TWill.
Anyone can be re-signed later in summer for the Vets Min.
There will be lots of players to choose from, as other teams have lots of expiring contracts.
Shaq could also sign for Vets Min, but it is doubtful he would play for any team that isn’t going to win a championship.
^I think Hayes should (and will) be let go. Why would we keep him when we already have TWill, Lee, CDR and could land another wing in the draft/ free agency?
'Cuz he's a proven veteran and a great perimeter threat
IMO, the Nets would be foolish to get rid of him. CDR is gone after this season, which gives Hayes a few extra minutes off the bench or to be a specialist in certain game situations.
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