Seven Steps to Gr8ness: 2011 Free Agency/Upgrade although our 8 > 7
by SCALABRINGIT on Mar 16, 2011 1:29 PM EDT
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PrintDeron is smart enough to know that building a championship team cannot happen overnight. But as long as we are heading in the right direction, he will be content and sign the extension. Based on my brief review, there are no FA/RFA Superstar available this summer that would substantially improve our chances for a championship. Additionally, we cannot trade for one at this point because we have depleted much of our assets to obtain Deron Williams.
Therefore, we need to improve gradually and simultaneously maintain, as much as possible, cap flexibility. In doing so, there is no need to shoot all our load all at once on a ZBO or David West type of splash. We realistically cannot trade for a D Howard or even a D Granger type of player at this point because it would leave us with an imbalance top-heavy team a la Knicks with Carmela and Amare. As the recent games have proven, we do in fact have a young and decent core to compete right now (with key position Center and PG already covered). The team simply needs to address some weakness to at least put us on the next Playoff level to compete on a consistent basis with elite teams.
Therefore, the Seven Steps to Gr8ness:
1. Resign Humphries to modest contract 5 per year for 5 years and chunk of a signing bonus a la OKC and Nick Collison if new CBA allows it. I think by now we can all agree this is not just an anomaly, but in fact, the performance we can expect from him for the next few years unless Kim zaps all his energies. All those Nene fans need to understand that although he is a better player, he does not bring much more per dollar than Humphries. Nuggets top priority will be to re-sign him and I think Humphries' athleticism, rebounding skills and defense far better compliments our team now and for the long run.
2. Wilson Chandler or AK47 for a cheap or discounted 2 or 3 year deal, although we may need to frontload for Chandler (8 million per year) to discourage Denver from matching depending on the new CBA. Both are versatile players that can play the 3 and 4 if needed in a pinch. Chandleris a wing scorer in and out with athleticism for D Williams lobs, slasher, rebounder and above average defender. AK47 familiarity with Deron and his all around smart game is a definite upgrade on the wing. Although his high mileage and injury prone concerns me and therfore, limit to a 2-3 years experiment.
3. Do NOT resign Sasha. He is too similar to Morrow's outside shooting skills and he is remarkably worse on defense. We can upgrade with some relatively cheap pure wing scorer type of player like Jamal Crawford, Maurice Thornton or as a last resort JR Smith (hometown discount??), but avoid, if possible, at all cost. We need solid efficient "dagger" perimeter scoring (microwave oven a la Detroit Piston) more than defense because if we also get Chandler/Ak47, an improved James/Morrow perimeter defense that should be suffice. Moreover, I think we can get away placing Chandler/AK47 on the other team's best perimeter defender.
4. Draft pick best available player, preferably a big man (Tobias Harris, K Farried (sp?) replace our D. Favors project. If needed, buy a pick or trade up for a better pick with some of Mr. Prokhorov's cash.
5. Resign Yata to vet minimum depending on his performance for the remainder of the season and/or bring back Uzoh. He is a Queens manufactured Product out of the legendary Archbishop Molloy H.S. (K Anderson High School). His composure, defense on smaller quick guards and shooting will bring some unique aspects to the 3 PG rotation with Williams and Farmar.
6. Icing on the cake, the return of KMART for his attitude, Finals experience, tenacity, enforcer mentality outweighs his potential risk of injuries. We would be fine with AK47 and Outlaw as our backup forwards for the bulk of the season for the most part. However, Playoff time we need a KMART-Oakley type of player since both Lopez/Humphries have pretty much docile personalities. I beleive KMART wiould give his old team a discount and understand that he played his best ball under JKIDD and that our JKIDD 2.0 can extend his career for another 2-3 years nothwithstanding the knee injuries. Since the Carmela trade, he has impressed me with his leadership and his hops have not fallen off as much as I had previously thought. Although he still cannot shoot, Lopez shooting will be suffice for our big man a la Todd MAC.
7. Jury is still out on Brandan Wright. But, if possible, get rid of Outlaw, Petro, Graham and Ross. As far as end of the bench perimeter defender I would look at J Howard to replace Graham so he can possibly revive his best days in Dallas under Avery.
Overall, we would obtain some quality assets at a reasonable or even better, discounted price, that will address our immediate needs, but maintain some cap flexibility and place us in a decent position to be ready, willing and able to deal for DHoward or some other Superstar in the near future when the opportunity present itself a la BK stealth way. WINNING!!!! Do not muddy our celebration!!
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That's alot of steps lol...
I do like #3,4,5 & 7 though. The thing is how realistic is it to get rid of Outlol, Frenchi, Grampmvh & Ross ALL in the same given year? Seems like IF King miraclously does this he will be GM of the year.
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
"We'll be the first really global team in the NBA. For me, being the first foreign owner, I want to do my best to invite all the fans for the team all over the world. I think the NBA is worldwide. But other teams [possess a] more local mentality. We are going to create and to build a global franchise to sell all around the world. I think I have a competitive advantage compared to other owners." - Mikhail Prokhorov
graham and ross will be gone next year at latest
petro is here until the last year of his deal at earliest and outlaw we are stuck with until last year of his deal probably
guess 2 out of 4 is better than nothing right!?!?
Baby steps to the inevitable……..Gr8ness
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
"We'll be the first really global team in the NBA. For me, being the first foreign owner, I want to do my best to invite all the fans for the team all over the world. I think the NBA is worldwide. But other teams [possess a] more local mentality. We are going to create and to build a global franchise to sell all around the world. I think I have a competitive advantage compared to other owners." - Mikhail Prokhorov
by Kidd2Petrovic on Mar 16, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes wishful thinking but must plan for success
before it becomes a realization of a dream come true…
by SCALABRINGIT on Mar 16, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay so Jr Smith, Wilson Chandler and Ak47 are all gonna sign discounted deals with us because why?
I came. I conquered. I fell asleep.
Discounted deals are in reference to more AK47 (Front Office potential future, Russian endorsement deals, etc.),
Humphries (Stay in New York, loyalty to team that gave him the opportunity to shine and make Kim happy for a happy marital life), JR Smith (Jersey come back home or at least near home) and even KMART (lack of other options or team willing to give him more years on contract for less per year risk and opportunity to play with JKIDD 2.0). Overall, DISCOUNT means we will not have to “overpay” like we did last summer (Petro/Outlaw) since we have more to offer D. Will, Brooklyn, and Prokhorov’s wallet as leverage to get the best possible deal. In other words, we can possibly lure some of these players for a little bit less than the open market dictates which would do wonders for our future cap flexibility.
Wilson Chandler definitely NO discount, but need to have creative strategic approach in the offer such as possibly frontloading to dissuade Denver from re-signing him. The key is so far he fits the best for our primary need and if we are able to get “discount” to fill our other needs we can offer him market or a little higher than market to dissuade Denver from matching, again all depends on the new CBA. Also it would drive up the market price for him which would force Denver’s hand to have to choose between Nene, Arrafalo and Chandler and we would be happy to settle with any one of them as a concession prize. This is called the Prokhorov “Up the Ante” move so you force your rival (Knicks) to overpay (whole team) for Star player (Carmelo) to allow us to obtain the concession prize (Deron Williams).
by SCALABRINGIT on Mar 16, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus
according to espn, Nene has stated he wants to stay in Denver and resign, they are winning games now and look very good as a cohesive unit.
1. Chandler will go to the highest bidder and he isn't coming cheap
2. I don’t think Jamal Crawford would be cheap either
3. Tobias Harris = SF on the NBA level imo (which is fine)
4. No to K-Mart
"This isn’t fantasy or rotisserie basketball. Why would Denver want Outlaw? Would you?"
Exactly re: Chandler, that is why there is a contingency plan (AK47) and we could drive up the market
that could gives us an opportunity at other coveted Denver FA (Arrafalo, Nene).
2. J Crawford is a specialized player, is getting old and Atlanta will not have the money to re-up him thanks to the mega Joe Johnson CBA Killer contract. Only a team with some cap room would be willing to take a risk on him. Not sure if such teams would have a need or willing to pay too high of a price for such a one dimensional player with exception of our team and a couple of others. If he ask for too much we move on to PLAN B,C,D.
3. Tobias Harris young kid may still grow a couple of inches?? Agreed probably a SF in NBA.
4. Why NO to KMART?? He was only one of the key pieces to our most successful team that went to the Finals twice. One of the main reason JKIDD wanted out because we let go of KMART and till this day we have not been able to find a replacement for what he brings to the table. Obviously we are talking post prime, but a worthwhile calculated risk versus reward type of move in my opinion.
by SCALABRINGIT on Mar 16, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Chandler and Nene
We can forget the core of Den players. They have enough cap space to resign Chandler, Nene and Afflalo. And considering that Chandler and Afflalo are restricted, I can’t see overpaying for them. Only way Den doesn’t match a deal for Chandler, is a thank you nod to the Nets for helping them rape the Knicks. AK47 might take a discount (all Proky has to do is add some Russian marketing incentives)
by domininaldo1981 on Mar 16, 2011 3:18 PM EDT reply actions
I was a big proponent of Chandler, but someone brought up a good point about how he is going to command too much money for the Nets to really bid for him, and he isn’t a star that will truly change our team. Plus, I’m sure a team like Cleveland is going to overpay for him, they sorely lack a scorer.
This is great and all...but...
If Chandler, for example, only signs for two years, it will be for more money rather than less.
How are you expecting to convince these guys to take paycuts with a new CBA that limits salary looming?
It’s irrational.
Not sure about your question??....But
1. the two/three years limitation was more so for AK47 since he is getting up there in age and will be in the decline in the near future, not Chandler who is young and has not reach his prime as of yet.
2. The negotiation will be under the “NEW” CBA not the “looming” CBA. It is not necessarily “pay cuts” but more “creative negotiation” since we will have leverage and money on our side we can be creative to get the “best deal” cap wise and instead offer players:
1- frontloading, 2- signing bonuses, 3-endorsement deals (AK47) potential in the new Brooklyn market and our committed push for globalization; 4- opportunity to play with what many consider the best point guard in the NBA; and 5- longer years on the contract as compared to what other teams are offering like for KMART.
Battier and Varejao
Shane Battier could be a decently priced fit at the 3. He’s a solid catch & shooter (career 38% 3pt shooter) and is a very solid defender within a team concept. Doesn’t make mistakes and always seems to be in the right place. I also think you could pick up Varejao to back up the 4 (behind Hump) & 5 for very little. He’s an excellent interior defender.
Realistic
This all sounds realistic, but who knows how these plans are going to be affected by the new CBA. I would however, resign Sasha, because I like his name. GO NETS!
Paul from Sunny Delray Beach, Florida
what i would want to happen
1) resign hump. although 5 mill per year for 5 years. ain’t gonna do it. i’m thinking 7.
2) Chandler and AK47. i believe ak47 would be at a discount. like Mid-Level Exception.
I’m hoping Chandler at 8 mill per? maybe 9?
3) resign sundiata gaines and wright.
4) draft good players (preferably SG and PF/C)
Need to think how we can guard wade, james, bosh goin forward.
as well as Rose, Deng, Boozer.
chandler and ak47 bring some versatility and flexibility moving forward
(chandler could be valuable trade chip)
by TheTrueMANningIsELI on Mar 16, 2011 10:18 PM EDT reply actions
I would take Chandler or Prince
They are similiar statistically with prince having the better 3pt shot and a lil’ better defensiviely. Chandler is younger but if I can sign prince much cheaper, I take Prince.
The Nuggets only have Nene and Birdman as their Big mans if they let K-Mart, go away...
…and it seems since Melo departure K-Mart is emerging as the team leader.
Realistically
I like the idea of K-Mart coming back as a back up to Humphries but i dont think they would resign him, even for the vet minimum. Remember “its all new.” We do need another PF for the reserve role though.
I can see us signing Wilson Chandler for the starting SF spot. He will command bigger money then we expect though. Also the top priority will be resigning Humphries right now. He is making 5 mil this season so expect that to go up to around 7mil a season after his amazing numbers this year. It could be a front loaded contract though…
resign Hump, sign Chandler to fill the biggest void we have, sign a reserve PF. If we do that we will be a contender.
Stay away from Prince. he will want equal or more money than Chandler plus hes on the down side of his career for his next contract. hes older.
Kenneth Faried May have Played Himself Out of our Anticipated Reach
with game winning block in upset over Louisville. This game highlighted Faried’s strength (athleticism, rebounding, defense) and weakness (shooting going 4-17). His performance definitely caught the attention of a few GMs that were probably sleeping on the wheel now that he is doing it against top competition/conference.
The “King from Duke” Billy should continue monitoring Faried’s performance and post season workouts and if worth it strategically plan to move up to select him in the draft. Alternatively, go to Plan B,C….regarding the draft.
Another point to note regarding both of my draft prospects are that they are homegrown products (Presently K. Faried -Newark and future Tobias Harris – Long Island) and surely that would make Brett Y smile while humming “I’m coming homeeeee,…..”
Good ideas, but in all likelihood, Nets will sign Kirilenko to a sweetheart type deal, and Prokhorov will most likely hire him later on when he retires as a front office member. Also, Humphries will most likely stay, but he can’t be the permanent starter on this team moving forward, a name that is very feasible is David West, the Teaneck, NJ native who most assuredly will leave N.O. this upcoming offseason.
I don’t hold any inside information, but I feel like a Jordan Farmar to Sac/Anaheim for a second rounder and a TE could really happen because they were previously looking for a point guard around the deadline and they would get a fairly decent one without having to sign him outright. No one is going there anyway, unless they overpay. If Thornton came relatively cheap, I would offer him a contract, but Nets need to find a better SG as you mentioned, and keep Morrow off the bench. No J.R. or Crawford, I’m sure there are other options, maybe offer VC the vet’s minimum, he’s not staying in the desert. Dumping Outlaw would be a dream btw.
by JerseysFinest. on Mar 17, 2011 10:19 PM EDT reply actions
Nets need to find ways to cut costs and create more cap room
by JerseysFinest. on Mar 17, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
If Nets can free up another 4-6 mil by dumping Petro and Farmar
Then i’m for it. As much as I would love to keep Farmar as a backup, an extra 4-6mil in cap space can mean a lot for a team that has holes in two key positions. Nets can actually sign both Hump and West, and still make an offer to someone like Chandler maybe.
by domininaldo1981 on Mar 17, 2011 11:38 PM EDT reply actions
AK-47 is a 3yr-4mill kind of contract
Wilson Chandler is a 3yr-8mill contract,,and quite frankly im fine with chandler being our best wing player if Howard was to come here,,i think the only sure way we keep Deron is if we get JR smith or Wilson Chandler because they are the only 2 possible 20ppg scorers for us next season —we need one of them ecspeacially Chandler and its a shame avery was that impatient and gave OuTLaw the most insane bail out on life cause i would give Wilson 5 yrs 45 mill just to secure him and thats no joke dude isa true baller
Most of the steps
Will lead to 8th spots. Even though I was a huge K-Mart fan, he and his bad knee’s can stay away from the Nets. Re-signing Humphries and Gaines is a must, AND also signing Lopez to an extension. Nets don’t want to go into 2012 with there top 2 players both FA, otherwise it can and probably will get ugly fast.
Please suggest alternative steps that will lead us to the #1 spot
In reality you’re probably right and if these steps do take us to the 8th spot then indeed progress has been made. We are not one player away to be a championship contender. Therefore, we need to build and improve while maintaining as much cap flexibility as possible.
At this point, that is all we can hope for, unless some “fire sale” type unexpected opportunity presents itself and we capitalize on it like the D. William deal.
by SCALABRINGIT on Mar 21, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
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