Attention on centers
Posted: Fri Jun 4, 2010 4:52 am
by HMFFL
The Hawks say they are looking to free agency instead of the draft for frontcourt helpThe Hawks say they are looking to free agency instead of the draft for frontcourt help. At this point it’s not clear if that need supersedes their desire for a starting-caliber point guard (in case the Jeff Teague thing doesn’t yield immediate fruits) or wing player (in case J.J. bolts in free agency). This is especially the case since the returning frontcourt (Al, Josh, and Zaza) might be a stronger group than the returning backcourt (Bibby, Jamal, Marvin and Teague).
But since the draft doesn’t look like it will yield a big man who can contribute now at pick No. 24, and Jason Collins and Randolph Morris both are free agents, the Hawks will need a center one way or the other. Let’s assume they won’t go the vet-minimum route this time and will actually use their mid-level exception to seek a starting-caliber center (neither assumption is safe, but let’s just say both are plausible). What kind of center could the Hawks expect to acquire in free agency this summer?
First, let me say that trying to predict the market for free agents this summer is tricky. With so many teams potentially having so much cap space (and presumably a desire to spend the money) so-so players might find a strong market for their services. Add in the fact that the focus here is free-agent centers in a league where “quality big man” is usually near the top of the list of wants for most teams in the league, and it makes things even more unpredictable.
Re: Attention on centers
Posted: Fri Jun 4, 2010 10:16 am
by evildallas
Hoopsworld free agents by position We aren't likely to land a starting caliber center unless other adjustments to the roster are planned (because free agents know that we have a starting front line).
Short list of possibilities:
Brandon Haywood
Brad Miller
Ian Mahinmi
Earl Barron
Joel Anthony
Re: Attention on centers
Posted: Fri Jun 4, 2010 11:09 am
by CALPURNIA
If we are to land one of those five, we'd better get someone in the draft. If the coaching staff thinks we will get more from one of those theorical big men, we will encounter another year of pain in the paint.
What makes me nervous, because this shows that we are looking for a low-profile center and they think we can complete another year with Horford and Zaza as our main big men.
This is a summer when some big men will be available. We should at least get a legit seven footer that can defend the likes of Shaq, Howard, etc.
Przybilla has a player option of 7.6 for next season. I believe he will opt out and Portland already has two big men in Camby and Oden. Will they spent in a third one?
Of course Przybilla will look for a higher contract and I do not know whether we can spent 10 mill in a new center, unless our coaching staff finally realizes that we need to get rid of either Marvim, Josh or Al in order to be more competitive.
Josh has a great image in the league right now and we could get somebody that could help us a lot and move Horford (finally) to the 4 spot.
Re: Attention on centers
Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2010 7:20 am
by Grime_Wizard
evildallas wrote:Hoopsworld free agents by position We aren't likely to land a starting caliber center unless other adjustments to the roster are planned (because free agents know that we have a starting front line).
Short list of possibilities:
Brandon Haywood
Brad Miller
Ian Mahinmi
Earl Barron
Joel Anthony
i would Mahinmi or Haywood but Haywood is old and Mahinmi is young, both have weakness but for the future Mahinmi would be better