bishnykfan wrote:Now that we are through the first week of FA, a couple of thoughts:
2020 FA week 1
90 total players signed
$8982 total spent
$100 average per player, as
2021 FA week 1
82 total players signed
$6481 total spent
$79 average per player
Couple of things in my opinion are the reason for the differences. First off, Booker was signed for $2590 by himself last year. Take away the top two players by year (Booker in 2020 and Siakam's $1000 in 2021) and the numbers are incredibly similar. Taking those two players away you have an average of $72 spent in 2020 compared to $68 in 2021. So, as far as money spent, the main difference between this year and last year was that the top overall FA last year was much more desirable and therefore got paid substantially more bringing up the average money for the entire FA class.
In general, I think that the two classes of FA were similar outside of Booker which is why the numbers are close. Other reasons IMO why the numbers were slightly down were the number of one year deals handed out this year in anticipation of the reset next offseason. This season, 34% of all FA deals were one year deals compared to only 26% of last seasons deals. Of those one year deals, only two last year were for $50+ (Wall and T. Young). This year there were six $50+ deals of one year (Wall and T. Young again, plus Griffin, Howard, Gafford and Hardaway). So overall, even though the FA classes were overall fairly similar other than the very top player, the teams seemed to be a bit more cautious in committing long term money considering next years FA class.
So, my overall question is, how did people view the new FA system? I have my own thoughts on it that I will share later but wanted to hear other peoples thoughts first.
I really liked this system. It forces you to place honest offers early. Otherwise, you're simply out of the running. The windows to bid didn't have us sitting at the computer/checking our phones all day either which is great. We had a clear schedule, knew what to expect, and when. I also love how you get a return notification on your bird right players. I think that is fantastic.
Overall, I support this method. My ONLY concern and question is how time consuming was it for you? Thinking of the big name FA class coming up, I think your perspective on it will be most important when all is said and done. If it was overwhelming for you, we gotta find a way to minimize that.
Thanks again for devoting your time and energy to this. We're all very appreciative!