Nivek wrote:That a minimum-salary big man who would be a more than adequate backup center for any team could clear waivers would seem like the latest exhibit in what a crappy job NBA teams do when it comes to player evaluation and asset allocation. James is better, for example, than Kendrick Perkins, who's likely to remain the starter in OKC at a salary ~$8 million higher.
The Wizards could definitely use James.
The age thing is irrelevant because they shouldn't view James as a long-term developmental asset. He's a guy you sign to be a backup for a year or two until you can find someone better. If he's a good guy, maybe you keep him around even further down the bench for longer.
The only reason not to pick up a cheap and reasonably productive big man like James (especially at the minimum) is if there's some off-court issue that makes him not worth the trouble. Especially if you're a team like the Wizards and you need some frontcourt help.
Right now, it looks like they're relying on Booker plus at least one of the Vesely, Singleton and Seraphin to break through next season. I think they should be pushing those guys to develop this summer, but that they shouldn't be planning for any of them to make a major leap. If they do, it's gravy. And, if they do, a guy like James can simply be pushed further down the bench. Or released -- it's only a minimum salary.
Really, any team in the league could use a player like James on their bench at the league minimum.
Speaking of Jameses. Any rumors to discussions about bringing back James Singleton? We need a depth big man who can rebound and shoot... and, whatever his limitations, we almost always play better when he is on the team.
Would the minimum with a guarantee be enough to get it done? Or have I missed something? Has he signed elsewhere?
