Post by IanBoyd on Sept 2, 2014 18:21:50 GMT -6
Centers:
1. Artis Gilmore C 7'2'' 240 33 B+ C- C+ A+ A D (Knicks)
1. Artis Gilmore C 7'2'' 240 33 B+ C- C+ A+ A D (Knicks)
Old man Artis tops the list for centers in the upcoming free agency class, coming off of his 6 year max signed after the creation season, Artis at 33 years young is still getting it done down low for the now CompuKnicks. With a likely rookie GM taking over for the franchise, getting good value out of the veteran center that is still putting up elite level production at rebounds and shot blocking will be key for the incoming GM. With his current lofty contract, I could see Artis being signed for a short term deal in the neighborhood of around 18 mil a year
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
2. Eric Montross C 7'0'' 270 26 C+ D- D A- B+ B (Lakers)
Fresh off of a short 2 year "I hate money" contract that was barely peanuts above what he was making as a rookie, big man Eric Montross once again hits the free agency market, this time hopefully getting fair value for his services. At still only 26 years old, decline due to potential is not too much of a concern, especially for someone that is already a proven commodity as the coveted low scoring shot blocking rebounding defensive specialist big man so many teams in the league crave for. Should Montross tests the open market, he could easily receive close to 8 figures per year.
Projected contract value: 4 years 10 mil per year
3. James Donaldson C 7'2'' 275 28 C+ D D B+ B+ C (Supersonics)
Another unheralded big man from the Pacific Northwest that took an equally insulting contract 2 years ago, Donaldson is a slightly worse and older version of Eric Montross that still has yet to break through A- in defense or rebounding, hinting at signs of being maxed out without additional article/rc upgrade help. Though 2 years older than Montross, Donaldson's age shouldn't be much of a concern to his suitors, which will likely bid for around the same amount per year for his services as they will for Montross.
Projected contract value: 4 years 9 mil per year
4. Tom Burleson C 7'2'' 233 30 B C- D+ A B C (Hornets)
Free agency veteran Tom Burleson rounds out the top flight centers for this year's center class. Without any standouts from the horrific 3003 rookie class, teams needing help down low will have to rely on bidding for familiar names to journeymen such as Burleson to shore up their front lines. Currently scoring at nearly 20 ppg for the winless Hornets, Tom's FG% like most centers is a concern; however, without much younger options for teams with cap space, expect Burleson to still get a decent pay check on the open market.
Projected contract value: 3 years 7.9 mil per year
Power Forwards:
1. Swen Nater PF 6'11'' 250 32 A- C- C A A C (Timberwolves)
Another creation big man that tops the positional rankings for the free agency class. Now coming off of a lucrative 6 year contract after the creation season, Swen Nater has grown into one of the best big man in the league, capable of playing both PF and C without much drop off at each position. A career 14 rebound player that can score at elite levels without other options (3004 season), Nater doesn't seem to suffer as much from the FG% bug that plagues the majority of big men in the league. With bird rights and the Timberwolves' attachment to Dutch center, Swen should likely return to the Timberwolves on the short term veteran 2nd max discount special of 18 mil per year.
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
2. Ron Behagen PF 6'9'' 185 31 B- D+ D+ B+ A- C (Hawks)
Without anything resembling talent in the 03 rookie class, the PF position in the upcoming free agency takes a massive hit at the [HASH]2 spot with the honors going to Hawks big man Ron Behagen. With his team now finally in what appears to be a rebuilding phase, Behagen is putting up respectable enough numbers to warrant a higher than MLE bid for teams needing a 3rd big or those desperate to find a quality starter. At age 31 and being another creation veteran, Ron is unlikely to receive a long term deal, with his new contract likely being a flat 7.9 mil as potential trade fodder.
Projected contract value: 2 years 7.9 mil per year
3. Sidney Wicks PF 6'9'' 225 33 A- D+ C B- A- C (Mavericks)
Journeyman Sidney Wicks rounds out the cesspool of no talented bigs in this year's FA class that deserves mention. With the exposure of being on the Mavericks roster and familiarity with his seemingly annual trip to the free agency market, teams needing depth in the front court will likely all throw a MLE at Mr. Wicks. Being 33 years old, a contract longer than 2-3 years will be highly unlikely for the PF that has now been featured in all 3 of these FA previews.
Projected contract value: MLE
Small Forwards
1. Marques Johnson SF 6'7'' 243 24 B+ C+ C+ A- B+ B (Grizzlies)
The first rookie from the abomination of a draft class, Marques Johnson is one of only a few youngsters from 3003 that has been worthy of mention after 4 years in the league. Having played 2nd fiddle to players such as Bobby Jones and Billy Knight for most of his career, Marques has finally had a chance to showcase his skills this year with a promising first sim in which he put up over 20/10 on better than 50% FG. With his rival counterpart in the 03 class Bernard King proving to not have much room left for growth, expect Johnson to be perhaps the only player from the 3003 class to receive a full max.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Bernard King SF 6'7'' 215 24 A- B C- B B- B (Suns)
A second and perhaps final player worth of a max contract in the 03 rookie class. Bernard King entered the league in 3003 with a scoring flurry, putting up over 30 points per game in his brief but brilliant rookie campaign. However, after 4 training camps, it has become apparent that the C potential in his profile was indeed an accurate indicator for a limited ceiling, with only a career +1 growth over 4 full years. However, at only 24 years old, declining in training camp seems unlikely compared to King's grades mostly standing pat, which would still leave him as a close to elite scoring talent with slightly below average defense.
Projected contract value: 4 year max
3. George McGinnis PF 6'8'' 235 32 A C- C C+ A D (Bulls)
The first creation player in the small forward positional class, McGinnis has by now become famous for his +3 transformation from shitty defensive PF to elite SF. As one of only three players to still possess the elusive A inside scoring grade, George is invaluable to teams that favor the very slow boyd offense that revolve around a heavy dose of shooting close and around the basket. With a large expiring contract similar to that of Artis Gilmore and Swen Nater, McGinnis is another candidate that could receive the veteran short term discounted max for either the Bulls or whatever team Gm bruns trades him to.
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
4. Dan Issel SF 6'9'' 240 34 A- C C B+ B D (Pacers)
Having famously been known as one of the shittier signings by a panicking Timberwolves GM after creation season, Dan Issel has mostly silenced all his critics with his performance over the last 6 sim seasons, being routinely featured atop the FG% leaderboards. Now at 34 years old, Issel is one of the oldest players in this FA class and currently playing for a rookie GM. Much like Artis Gilmore, getting plus value out of Issel will be an important check mark for the new Pacer GM's tenure.
Projected contract value: 2 years 18 mil per year
5. Walter Davis SF 26 6'6'' 193 B+ B+ C B C B (Nuggets)
The last rookie from the 03 class that will likely receive higher than a MLE, Walter Davis was once thought as the steal of the draft, free falling all the way to 8th in the worst draft of 4.0 to GM jerry west. Despite his defensive prowess at shooting guard hasn't ever manifested, Davis remains a viable defensive player at SF and one of the better complimentary 3rd/4th scoring options in the league, easily capable of scoring 17-20 points a game without needing to be listed in the depth chart for scoring option. Though not a max caliber player, I expect Davis could receive multiple offers of long term contracts starting at 8 figures.
Projected contract value: 4 years 11 mil per year
Shooting Guards:
1. John Drew SG 6'6'' 215 28 A- A C A- C+ B (Jazz)
Once thought of as a top 8-12 player by the throne-less GM of the Atlanta Hawks, John Drew seems to have shaken off the cobwebs of needing to share the ball with the inefficient Richard Washington with a renaissance season in the Midwest, currently leading the league in scoring with a sizzling 36 ppg. As is the case with the other creation year 1 max guys, John Drew offers the Jazz the inherent advantage of his current year's enormous expiring contract, giving Utah the means to be able to pay John more starting salary than other teams can offer under max contract rules. Expect Drew to receive a similar starting salary as the Gilmore/Nater players but on a longer deal.
Projected contract value: 5 years 18 mil per year
2. Ricky Sobers SG 6'3'' 198 29 B A B B+ C- B (Kings)
The second spot in the SG position goes to the Kings shooting guard Ricky Sobers, who unlike his creation companions, did not hit the free agency market until 3 years into his creation deal. Having played a majority of his 4.0 career on a Trailblazers team that was built largely on the consistency of 50 win seasons behind Bill Walton, Sobers hasn't had many opportunities to fully display his scoring potential. Despite a shaky sim 1 as the [HASH]1 scoring option for Kansas City that will likely leave Ricky at the bottom of the scoring options list, Sobers is a capable shooting threat still very much in his prime at only 29 years old. I expect a few 10 mil or higher offers for Ricky from teams needing help at the thinnest position in the league.
Projected contract value: 3 years 10 mil per year
3. Rick Barry SG 6'7'' 205 38 B A- B A C C (Mavericks)
Having defied father time seemingly forever, old man river Rick Barry is finally showing signs of the mileage catching up with him, going -3 in his most recent TC. Though not written in stone by any means, a retirement either this year or next year for the Hall of fame lock seems all but certain. With 3 championships to his name, Rick Barry is one of the most decorated players in the entire league, should he decide to spit in the face of sim Springfield once again this year and opt for free agency, expect Ricky to still command a 8 figure salary.
Projected contract value: 2 years 10 mil per year
4. Billy Knight SG 30 6'6'' 210 A- B- C+ B C+ C (Warrior)
The famously overpaid SG that led to the rebuilding of the Rockets, Billy Knight takes the 4th spot in the SG list. Though not a bad player by any means, Billy Knight has yet to live up to the lofty expectations his max salary entailed. Naturally certain trades eventually led the veteran shooting guard to the Warriors roster now. With a team that finally seems to have learned the art of sucking correctly, Billy Knight could be on the move and find himself in a better situation before the end of this season. Currently putting up almost unsustainable levels of efficiency, Knight's inflated stats could still pique the interests of quite a few teams in the free agency market.
Projected contract value: 3 year 9.5 mil per year
5. Pete Maravich SG 6'5'' 200 34 B A B- C+ C- C (Bullets)
The last of the old creation farts finishes the SG class of this year's free agency. With his handles being far from PG eligible now, Pistol Pete is in the twilight stages of his career. Should Maravich escape the jaws of retirement this year, he should still see a few above MLE offers due to his elite outside scoring from teams that don't mind his C+ defense as much.
Projected contract value: 2 years 7.9 mil per year
Point Guards:
1. Mike Gale PG 6'4'' 190 32 C+ B+ A+ A+ D D (Bullets)
2. Phil Chenier PG 6'3'' 180 32 B- B+ C A- D+ C (Grizzlies)
3. Rickey Green PG 6'0'' 170 24 C+ B A- A- D- B (Nets)
4. Norm Nixon PG 6'2'' 175 25 C+ C+ B+ A- D+ C (76ers)
Much like Mike Gale's agent for the full max he's likely to ask for again for the 6th time, the PG class of this year's free agency can all go fuck themselves. Just looking at these guys made me shed a few sim tears for how bad the 3003 rookie draft was. Realistically, none of these guys deserves more than a MLE.
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
2. Eric Montross C 7'0'' 270 26 C+ D- D A- B+ B (Lakers)
Fresh off of a short 2 year "I hate money" contract that was barely peanuts above what he was making as a rookie, big man Eric Montross once again hits the free agency market, this time hopefully getting fair value for his services. At still only 26 years old, decline due to potential is not too much of a concern, especially for someone that is already a proven commodity as the coveted low scoring shot blocking rebounding defensive specialist big man so many teams in the league crave for. Should Montross tests the open market, he could easily receive close to 8 figures per year.
Projected contract value: 4 years 10 mil per year
3. James Donaldson C 7'2'' 275 28 C+ D D B+ B+ C (Supersonics)
Another unheralded big man from the Pacific Northwest that took an equally insulting contract 2 years ago, Donaldson is a slightly worse and older version of Eric Montross that still has yet to break through A- in defense or rebounding, hinting at signs of being maxed out without additional article/rc upgrade help. Though 2 years older than Montross, Donaldson's age shouldn't be much of a concern to his suitors, which will likely bid for around the same amount per year for his services as they will for Montross.
Projected contract value: 4 years 9 mil per year
4. Tom Burleson C 7'2'' 233 30 B C- D+ A B C (Hornets)
Free agency veteran Tom Burleson rounds out the top flight centers for this year's center class. Without any standouts from the horrific 3003 rookie class, teams needing help down low will have to rely on bidding for familiar names to journeymen such as Burleson to shore up their front lines. Currently scoring at nearly 20 ppg for the winless Hornets, Tom's FG% like most centers is a concern; however, without much younger options for teams with cap space, expect Burleson to still get a decent pay check on the open market.
Projected contract value: 3 years 7.9 mil per year
Power Forwards:
1. Swen Nater PF 6'11'' 250 32 A- C- C A A C (Timberwolves)
Another creation big man that tops the positional rankings for the free agency class. Now coming off of a lucrative 6 year contract after the creation season, Swen Nater has grown into one of the best big man in the league, capable of playing both PF and C without much drop off at each position. A career 14 rebound player that can score at elite levels without other options (3004 season), Nater doesn't seem to suffer as much from the FG% bug that plagues the majority of big men in the league. With bird rights and the Timberwolves' attachment to Dutch center, Swen should likely return to the Timberwolves on the short term veteran 2nd max discount special of 18 mil per year.
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
2. Ron Behagen PF 6'9'' 185 31 B- D+ D+ B+ A- C (Hawks)
Without anything resembling talent in the 03 rookie class, the PF position in the upcoming free agency takes a massive hit at the [HASH]2 spot with the honors going to Hawks big man Ron Behagen. With his team now finally in what appears to be a rebuilding phase, Behagen is putting up respectable enough numbers to warrant a higher than MLE bid for teams needing a 3rd big or those desperate to find a quality starter. At age 31 and being another creation veteran, Ron is unlikely to receive a long term deal, with his new contract likely being a flat 7.9 mil as potential trade fodder.
Projected contract value: 2 years 7.9 mil per year
3. Sidney Wicks PF 6'9'' 225 33 A- D+ C B- A- C (Mavericks)
Journeyman Sidney Wicks rounds out the cesspool of no talented bigs in this year's FA class that deserves mention. With the exposure of being on the Mavericks roster and familiarity with his seemingly annual trip to the free agency market, teams needing depth in the front court will likely all throw a MLE at Mr. Wicks. Being 33 years old, a contract longer than 2-3 years will be highly unlikely for the PF that has now been featured in all 3 of these FA previews.
Projected contract value: MLE
Small Forwards
1. Marques Johnson SF 6'7'' 243 24 B+ C+ C+ A- B+ B (Grizzlies)
The first rookie from the abomination of a draft class, Marques Johnson is one of only a few youngsters from 3003 that has been worthy of mention after 4 years in the league. Having played 2nd fiddle to players such as Bobby Jones and Billy Knight for most of his career, Marques has finally had a chance to showcase his skills this year with a promising first sim in which he put up over 20/10 on better than 50% FG. With his rival counterpart in the 03 class Bernard King proving to not have much room left for growth, expect Johnson to be perhaps the only player from the 3003 class to receive a full max.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Bernard King SF 6'7'' 215 24 A- B C- B B- B (Suns)
A second and perhaps final player worth of a max contract in the 03 rookie class. Bernard King entered the league in 3003 with a scoring flurry, putting up over 30 points per game in his brief but brilliant rookie campaign. However, after 4 training camps, it has become apparent that the C potential in his profile was indeed an accurate indicator for a limited ceiling, with only a career +1 growth over 4 full years. However, at only 24 years old, declining in training camp seems unlikely compared to King's grades mostly standing pat, which would still leave him as a close to elite scoring talent with slightly below average defense.
Projected contract value: 4 year max
3. George McGinnis PF 6'8'' 235 32 A C- C C+ A D (Bulls)
The first creation player in the small forward positional class, McGinnis has by now become famous for his +3 transformation from shitty defensive PF to elite SF. As one of only three players to still possess the elusive A inside scoring grade, George is invaluable to teams that favor the very slow boyd offense that revolve around a heavy dose of shooting close and around the basket. With a large expiring contract similar to that of Artis Gilmore and Swen Nater, McGinnis is another candidate that could receive the veteran short term discounted max for either the Bulls or whatever team Gm bruns trades him to.
Projected contract value: 3 years 18 mil per year
4. Dan Issel SF 6'9'' 240 34 A- C C B+ B D (Pacers)
Having famously been known as one of the shittier signings by a panicking Timberwolves GM after creation season, Dan Issel has mostly silenced all his critics with his performance over the last 6 sim seasons, being routinely featured atop the FG% leaderboards. Now at 34 years old, Issel is one of the oldest players in this FA class and currently playing for a rookie GM. Much like Artis Gilmore, getting plus value out of Issel will be an important check mark for the new Pacer GM's tenure.
Projected contract value: 2 years 18 mil per year
5. Walter Davis SF 26 6'6'' 193 B+ B+ C B C B (Nuggets)
The last rookie from the 03 class that will likely receive higher than a MLE, Walter Davis was once thought as the steal of the draft, free falling all the way to 8th in the worst draft of 4.0 to GM jerry west. Despite his defensive prowess at shooting guard hasn't ever manifested, Davis remains a viable defensive player at SF and one of the better complimentary 3rd/4th scoring options in the league, easily capable of scoring 17-20 points a game without needing to be listed in the depth chart for scoring option. Though not a max caliber player, I expect Davis could receive multiple offers of long term contracts starting at 8 figures.
Projected contract value: 4 years 11 mil per year
Shooting Guards:
1. John Drew SG 6'6'' 215 28 A- A C A- C+ B (Jazz)
Once thought of as a top 8-12 player by the throne-less GM of the Atlanta Hawks, John Drew seems to have shaken off the cobwebs of needing to share the ball with the inefficient Richard Washington with a renaissance season in the Midwest, currently leading the league in scoring with a sizzling 36 ppg. As is the case with the other creation year 1 max guys, John Drew offers the Jazz the inherent advantage of his current year's enormous expiring contract, giving Utah the means to be able to pay John more starting salary than other teams can offer under max contract rules. Expect Drew to receive a similar starting salary as the Gilmore/Nater players but on a longer deal.
Projected contract value: 5 years 18 mil per year
2. Ricky Sobers SG 6'3'' 198 29 B A B B+ C- B (Kings)
The second spot in the SG position goes to the Kings shooting guard Ricky Sobers, who unlike his creation companions, did not hit the free agency market until 3 years into his creation deal. Having played a majority of his 4.0 career on a Trailblazers team that was built largely on the consistency of 50 win seasons behind Bill Walton, Sobers hasn't had many opportunities to fully display his scoring potential. Despite a shaky sim 1 as the [HASH]1 scoring option for Kansas City that will likely leave Ricky at the bottom of the scoring options list, Sobers is a capable shooting threat still very much in his prime at only 29 years old. I expect a few 10 mil or higher offers for Ricky from teams needing help at the thinnest position in the league.
Projected contract value: 3 years 10 mil per year
3. Rick Barry SG 6'7'' 205 38 B A- B A C C (Mavericks)
Having defied father time seemingly forever, old man river Rick Barry is finally showing signs of the mileage catching up with him, going -3 in his most recent TC. Though not written in stone by any means, a retirement either this year or next year for the Hall of fame lock seems all but certain. With 3 championships to his name, Rick Barry is one of the most decorated players in the entire league, should he decide to spit in the face of sim Springfield once again this year and opt for free agency, expect Ricky to still command a 8 figure salary.
Projected contract value: 2 years 10 mil per year
4. Billy Knight SG 30 6'6'' 210 A- B- C+ B C+ C (Warrior)
The famously overpaid SG that led to the rebuilding of the Rockets, Billy Knight takes the 4th spot in the SG list. Though not a bad player by any means, Billy Knight has yet to live up to the lofty expectations his max salary entailed. Naturally certain trades eventually led the veteran shooting guard to the Warriors roster now. With a team that finally seems to have learned the art of sucking correctly, Billy Knight could be on the move and find himself in a better situation before the end of this season. Currently putting up almost unsustainable levels of efficiency, Knight's inflated stats could still pique the interests of quite a few teams in the free agency market.
Projected contract value: 3 year 9.5 mil per year
5. Pete Maravich SG 6'5'' 200 34 B A B- C+ C- C (Bullets)
The last of the old creation farts finishes the SG class of this year's free agency. With his handles being far from PG eligible now, Pistol Pete is in the twilight stages of his career. Should Maravich escape the jaws of retirement this year, he should still see a few above MLE offers due to his elite outside scoring from teams that don't mind his C+ defense as much.
Projected contract value: 2 years 7.9 mil per year
Point Guards:
1. Mike Gale PG 6'4'' 190 32 C+ B+ A+ A+ D D (Bullets)
2. Phil Chenier PG 6'3'' 180 32 B- B+ C A- D+ C (Grizzlies)
3. Rickey Green PG 6'0'' 170 24 C+ B A- A- D- B (Nets)
4. Norm Nixon PG 6'2'' 175 25 C+ C+ B+ A- D+ C (76ers)
Much like Mike Gale's agent for the full max he's likely to ask for again for the 6th time, the PG class of this year's free agency can all go fuck themselves. Just looking at these guys made me shed a few sim tears for how bad the 3003 rookie draft was. Realistically, none of these guys deserves more than a MLE.
