Let me break down the teams who are eligible for max-near max contracts.
(As of 01-08-10)
Houston Rockets- 20-16
Currently holding the 7th spot in a tough west playoff race. They have a great nucleus of young guys consisting of, Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza, and Chase Budinger; along with key defensive/clutch players such as, Luis Scola, Shane Battier, and Kyle Lowry.
Chicago Bulls- 14-20
A championship organization, currently being led by stud PG Derrick Rose. One game seperates them from a playoff spot.
Miami Heat- 18-16
Another championship organization, no other team can offer Wade as much money as Miami can,
and they can sign more players to build around Wade in 2010.
Detroit Pistons- 11-23
Yet another championship organization, they have been clouded with injury woes this season, but have still managed to stay in the east playoff race.
Sacramento Kings- 14-21
Would you look at that........ ANOTHER championship organization. Along with my favorite nucleus of young players; Tyreke Evans, Kevin Martin, Omri Casspi, Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, Donte Greene. Along with awesome role players, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, Sergio Rodriguez.
New York Bricks- 15-20
One game seperates them from the playoffs. They don't have much going for them except MSG (but at least their arena is physically THERE). If they can get in the playoffs, or get a 6th seed they would be first in line for FA signings.
Minnesota Timberwolves- 8-29
The only team I feel that we have a good upper hand on in this race. Yet they still have a better record than us in a tougher division.
New Jersey Nets- 3-33
Worst record in the league, a nice young core of Devin Harris (struggling as of late), Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian, CDR, and Lee. Also a promise of a brand new arena in Brooklyn, along with stud owner Prokhorov.
With that said, you look at the 1st tier FA's, and most of them are going to stay in their respective teams. The only 1st tier FA's that have a possibility of leaving are Bron, Boozer, Bosh, Johnson, and Stoudamire. You think those 5 players will choose the Nets over the above teams? Not only that, but some of them can sign two max contracts.
Our arena isn't build yet and our young guys aren't showing what we know they can show. Why not hold that cap space, have it there as bait for teams desperately wanting to get under the luxury tax, Draft some studs in 2010, and keep on building with these young guys, and a new winning attitude with our new owner. In 2011 we will have our stud owner, and have our arena almost built. Not only that, but our young guys will be better developed, along with a new coach. I don't want to waste our cap space on giving Boozer or Amare max contracts.
We should target 2011, Carmelo Anthony, then fill out our bench with Tyson Chandler and Richard Jefferson.
