Post by IanBoyd on Jun 1, 2014 10:43:03 GMT -6
Centers:
1. Bill Walton C 6'11'' 240 24 A- C- B- A+ A A (Trailblazers)
1. Bill Walton C 6'11'' 240 24 A- C- B- A+ A A (Trailblazers)
In a potential historic free agency class featuring as many as 7 or more potential Finals MVP caliber players, Bill Walton stands as the biggest prize. At only 24 years old, the man nicknamed Darth Vader is likely in no danger of showing any signs of decline for the entire length of his would be max contract. Currently putting up 27 points, 14 rebounds and blocking 3.4 shots per game, Bill's passing skills is also unparalleled for a big man and has been essential in leading Portland to a division best 17-7 record. A slight improvement in FT% would bump his game to the caliber of past greats such as Hakeem and David Robinson in the early 2.0 years.
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
2. Moses Malone C 6'10'' 255 22 B+ C- C- A+ A+ A (Nets)
At only 22 years old, young Moses has the potential to retire one day as the richest man in 4.0, likely receiving 2 max contracts during the course of his career. Playing on a somewhat lackluster Nets team, Malone has carried Brooklyn do an early division leading 14-6 record as the team's leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. Boasting an impressive A+/A+ defense and rebounding split, any team with enough cap space will jump at an opportunity to lure him away from the Nets. Like most centers, young Moses could use a bit of improvement in his FG% an free throw shooting, but a few upgrades and 15 more lbs being added to him before turning 26 years old should remedy that very quickly.
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C 7'2'' 230 30 A C- C+ A+ A- D (76ers)
It speaks volumes to the depth of this class when the #3 positional player on any list is The Captain. Kareem's age will cause some concerns among suitors that are hesitant to throw out a full max starting at 15 mil (based on Kareem's experience) for someone that will turn 37 by the end of the deal. Age issues aside, there are no holes to Kareem's game to speak of for teams wishing to add a MVP caliber player that can lead them to the promise land, before succumbing to an early season injury, El Capitan was putting up a Dream-esque 30 and 15 while dishing out 5 assists and 2 blocks per game.
Projected contract value: 5 year max
4. Caldwell Jones C 6'11'' 230 27 B- D+ C- A A- B (Jazz)
One of the block brothers for the defending champion Utah Jazz, Caldwell Jones isn't a MVP caliber player like the previous centers on this list but is vital to any team wishing postseason success. A Felton Spencer clone, Jones won't take shots away from a team's primary scorers but will be a regular among the league leaders in rebounds and blocked shots, his contributions are a big part of Utah's league leading 20-1 record (currently on a 20 game win streak).
Projected contract value: 5 years 10 mil per year
5. Darryl Dawkins C 7'0'' 257 20 B D D- A A A (Hawks)
Less than a season after pulling off a major trade for Cholocate Thunder, the Hawks will have to sweat out the impending free agency decision of young Darryl Dawkins. Currently at 20 years old, he is the youngest player that will command major attention in free agency this year, averaging 18 points and close to 14 rebounds and over 2 blocks per game, Dawkins has all the tools to eventually develop into a dominant scoring center (He'll weigh in at a hefty 282 lbs at age 25 via training camp) or could become a ferocious enforcer and lead the league in rebounds/blocked shots whilst winning defensive player of the year awards. The sky seems to be the limit for how this young player could develop, and in TMBSL, potential means big money.
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
*Honorable Mentions: Tom Burleson (Lakers) Elmore Smith (Rockets), Kevin Kunnert (Magic)
Power Forwards:
1. Bob Lanier PF 6'11'' 260 29 A- C C+ A A- B (Cavaliers)
Perhaps the best player heading into this year's historical FA class, the reigning league MVP has taken a position shift down from center over to power foward this year with no signs of any ill effect. Currently leading the league in scoring at a scorching 33.6, Lanier also leads this year's stock of power forwards candidates and once again will be the cause of many sleepless nights in the Cavs front office as free agency looms. Although his age a slight issue, as we've seen from past years, teams are willing to disregard age for a player as talented as Lanier.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Bob McAdoo PF 6'9'' 215 26 A- C C+ A- A- B (Heat)
Although his numbers have dipped off slightly from last season's insane creation year campaign, Bob McAdoo has everything GMs look for in a franchise player. At the prime age of 26, decline due to age is of no concern for suitors, McAdoo will put up 30/10 averages while shooting close to 1000 FTs every year in his new contract. The only areas that might need slight improvements are shot blocking.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
3. Richard Washington PF 6'10'' 220 22 B B C- A- A- A (Warriors)
The talent level takes a large hit at #3 for power forwards. Teams that strike out or doesn't quite have enough cap space for Lanier or McAdoo could look at the young Richard Washington as a decent consolation prize. Currently putting up a very respectable 22/12, young Richard has a unique outside stroke that not many other big man possess. Despite not being close to a MVP caliber player yet, his age and high potential will likely have many GMs contemplating a large offer.
Projected contract value: 6 years 11 mil per year
4. Dave Cowens PF 6'9'' 230 29 B+ C C+ B+ A- C (Supersonics)
Putting up good numbers on a somewhat floundering Sonics squad, Cowens is the type of player that teams with already established #1 players that need a bit of help in the front court would love to add. Currently averaging close to 18/11, Dave won't command the type of money many of the other notable names in FA will but could end up being a nice value for a contender looking for a 3rd banana chasing a title.
Projected contract value: 4 years 10 mil per year
5. Sidney Wicks PF 6'9'' 225 28 A- C- C B A- C (Cavaliers)
Relegated to playing out of position at SF this year with Lanier and Gilmore as teammates, Wicks has still managed to produce 18 points and 8.5 rebounds on close to 50% shooting. Like Cowens, Sidney will be the type of player that gives contenders weak in the front court a push into the next echelon.
Projected contract value: 4 years 9 mil per year
Small Forwards
1. Alvan Adams SF 6'9'' 225 23 B+ A- B A+ A- A (Grizzlies)
In a small forward class that isn't quite on par with their front court counterparts, Alvin Adams stands out as the only potential Finals MVP caliber of the group, despite the Grizzlies struggling in the rugged Midwest division, Alvan Adams is putting up jaw dropping numbers as a SF, averaging close to 31 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting at 46%. At only 23 years old, Alvan is the youngest player in this year's potential free agents to break the 30 ppg barrier and should command no less than max money in FA.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Truck Robinson SF 6'7'' 230 26 B+ B+ C B+ A- A (Bucks)
Robinson is in a weird tier of players that could one day be a first ballot "Hall of very good", not quite good enough to be the alpha dog on a title team but would absolutely make for an excellent 2nd fiddle. Playing the same position as the #1 overall pick in creation in Julius Erving has had to call for some off position lineups for the Bucks. There is no denying Truck's production, which are excellent, putting up 26/11 at great %, the only knock on him is a lack of defensive stats, (less than 1 block and steal per game) which could easily be rectified with some upgrades.
Projected contract value: 6 years 12 mil per year
3. Campy Russell SF 6'8'' 215 25 B B+ C+ B C+ A (Pelicans)
Currently scoring at just slightly below 20 points per game, Campy Russell is a perfect fit for teams looking for a 3rd scorer that can put up solid numbers from the wing. Not nearly the caliber of player of an Alvan or even a Truck, Russell will likely get few offers that crack the 8 figure mark from teams looking to get lucky on the big targets.
Projected contract value: 5 years 9 mil per year
4. Dan Roundfield SF 6'8'' 210 24 B+ C- C- A+ B- B (Timberwolves)
The best defensive wing player in this year's free agency. Roundfield's C- outside will likely be a major red flag, as evidenced by his sub par 68% FT and 0 career 3-pointers. For teams looking to spend money on players worthy of being put on the scoring option focus in their Depth Charts, Dan probably won't get many looks or even an offer, but contenders that have their scorers and are looking for a defensive stopper for the plethora of elite wings in the league while contributing close to a double double without being an offensive option, Roundfield looks to be a good fit.
Projected contract value: 4 years 6 mil per year
5. Garfield Heard SF 6'7'' 220 29 B- C- C- A B C (Hornets)
By default the 5th best SF heading into free agency. Garfield likely won't receive any offers during day 1-2 of FA outside of a slew of MLE offers. At age 29, there isn't much upside to Heard other than being a starter that can chip in a few points here or there while playing solid defense.
Projected contract value: Mid-Level Exception
Shooting Guards:
1. M.L. Carr SG 6'6'' 205 26 B- A- C+ A+ C+ B (Hornets)
By far the weakest position in this year's free agency, Carr at best will be the 3rd best player on a contender, with his biggest contribution coming from the defensive end rather than offense. A career 18 ppg scorer at age 26, Carr's ceiling doesn't appear to be high enough to warrant too large of an offer should he opt to enter free agency.
Projected contract value: 4 years 8 mil per year
2. Dennis Johnson SG 6'4'' 200 23 B- C+ C A C A (Bulls)
The reigning slam dunk champion and a first team all defensive player, young Dennis Johnson seems to have athleticism for days, being only 23 years old, Dennis should be a permanent fixture in the All Star slam dunk event for many years. However that is also the cause for concern for veteran GMs; Johnson's already weak inside scoring appears to be composed in large part of high jumping, a -1 in inside scoring in the previous TC is also doing Dennis no favors in dispelling those red flags. At any rate, Dennis Johnson is worth a look for teams that are lacking in perimeter and wing defense.
Projected contract value: 4 years 6 mil per year
3. Fred Brown SG 6'3'' 185 29 B- B B- A- C- B (76ers)
A tweener guard that can average 20 points as the 2nd or 3rd scoring option, Fred Brown is the 3rd and likely last shooting guard in this year's FA that will likely receive anything higher than a MLE. At age 29, a day 1 long term contract is highly unlikely for the 76ers guard.
Projected contract value: 3 years 7 mil per year
Point Guards:
1. John Williamson PG 6'2'' 190 24 C+ A- B+ A- C- A (Suns)
The reigning scoring champion, John "Compu"Williamson was once offered in a trade by GM ankly for nothing more than a mid 3rd round creation pick. Nowadays, John spends his time dropping 30 points on opposing PGs at 48% FG and dishing out close to 9 assists per game. At age 24, Williamson is a no brainer candidate to receive max offers from any team that lacks a dominant scorer.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. World B. Free PG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ A A- A- C- A (Celtics)
The pet project of the amazing tanking campaign in Boston, World B. Free was the only player that dumptime actually physically drafted during the creation draft with the rest being late round autos. Although suffering a 2nd year slump in shooting, World's grades look solid across the board for a point guard, boasting A outside, A- in both handles and defense, at 23 years old, there should be plenty of room for improvement.
Projected contract value: 5 years 10 mil per year
3. Phil Chenier PG 6'3'' 180 27 B B+ B A C- D (Bucks)
The running mate of the dynamic wing tandem of Julius Erving and Truck Robinson, Phil Chenier is still able to put up an impressive 24.6 points per game with 2 other dominant scorers on his team. The B handles and the lack of production on the assists front shows Chenier's limits as a point guard, but any team looking for a short term solution at a lead guard capable of putting up points should consider extending Chenier an offer.
Projected contract: 3 years 9 mil per year
4. Henry Bibby PG 6'1'' 185 27 C A- A- B+ D+ B (Trailblazers)
Currently the backup PG for the Blazers, Bibby's value should be judged on his excellent performances last season where he scored over 19 points a game and dished out more than 7 dimes. Point guard is the most powerful position in the software but also the easiest position to fill. But in only year 2 of creation, a player like Bibby could still contribute valuable minutes for a contender.
Projected contract value: 3 years 5 mil per year
5. Earl Monroe PG 6'3'' 185 32 C+ A- A- B+ D C (Pacers)
Likely a candidate that will be receiving many MLE offers from teams over the cap, the aging Earl Monroe can still offer solid production as a point guard, currently averaging 14 points and over 8 assists, the only concern is his age and possible decline in TC.
Projected contract value: Mid-Level Exception
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
2. Moses Malone C 6'10'' 255 22 B+ C- C- A+ A+ A (Nets)
At only 22 years old, young Moses has the potential to retire one day as the richest man in 4.0, likely receiving 2 max contracts during the course of his career. Playing on a somewhat lackluster Nets team, Malone has carried Brooklyn do an early division leading 14-6 record as the team's leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. Boasting an impressive A+/A+ defense and rebounding split, any team with enough cap space will jump at an opportunity to lure him away from the Nets. Like most centers, young Moses could use a bit of improvement in his FG% an free throw shooting, but a few upgrades and 15 more lbs being added to him before turning 26 years old should remedy that very quickly.
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C 7'2'' 230 30 A C- C+ A+ A- D (76ers)
It speaks volumes to the depth of this class when the #3 positional player on any list is The Captain. Kareem's age will cause some concerns among suitors that are hesitant to throw out a full max starting at 15 mil (based on Kareem's experience) for someone that will turn 37 by the end of the deal. Age issues aside, there are no holes to Kareem's game to speak of for teams wishing to add a MVP caliber player that can lead them to the promise land, before succumbing to an early season injury, El Capitan was putting up a Dream-esque 30 and 15 while dishing out 5 assists and 2 blocks per game.
Projected contract value: 5 year max
4. Caldwell Jones C 6'11'' 230 27 B- D+ C- A A- B (Jazz)
One of the block brothers for the defending champion Utah Jazz, Caldwell Jones isn't a MVP caliber player like the previous centers on this list but is vital to any team wishing postseason success. A Felton Spencer clone, Jones won't take shots away from a team's primary scorers but will be a regular among the league leaders in rebounds and blocked shots, his contributions are a big part of Utah's league leading 20-1 record (currently on a 20 game win streak).
Projected contract value: 5 years 10 mil per year
5. Darryl Dawkins C 7'0'' 257 20 B D D- A A A (Hawks)
Less than a season after pulling off a major trade for Cholocate Thunder, the Hawks will have to sweat out the impending free agency decision of young Darryl Dawkins. Currently at 20 years old, he is the youngest player that will command major attention in free agency this year, averaging 18 points and close to 14 rebounds and over 2 blocks per game, Dawkins has all the tools to eventually develop into a dominant scoring center (He'll weigh in at a hefty 282 lbs at age 25 via training camp) or could become a ferocious enforcer and lead the league in rebounds/blocked shots whilst winning defensive player of the year awards. The sky seems to be the limit for how this young player could develop, and in TMBSL, potential means big money.
Projected contract value: 6 year full max
*Honorable Mentions: Tom Burleson (Lakers) Elmore Smith (Rockets), Kevin Kunnert (Magic)
Power Forwards:
1. Bob Lanier PF 6'11'' 260 29 A- C C+ A A- B (Cavaliers)
Perhaps the best player heading into this year's historical FA class, the reigning league MVP has taken a position shift down from center over to power foward this year with no signs of any ill effect. Currently leading the league in scoring at a scorching 33.6, Lanier also leads this year's stock of power forwards candidates and once again will be the cause of many sleepless nights in the Cavs front office as free agency looms. Although his age a slight issue, as we've seen from past years, teams are willing to disregard age for a player as talented as Lanier.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Bob McAdoo PF 6'9'' 215 26 A- C C+ A- A- B (Heat)
Although his numbers have dipped off slightly from last season's insane creation year campaign, Bob McAdoo has everything GMs look for in a franchise player. At the prime age of 26, decline due to age is of no concern for suitors, McAdoo will put up 30/10 averages while shooting close to 1000 FTs every year in his new contract. The only areas that might need slight improvements are shot blocking.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
3. Richard Washington PF 6'10'' 220 22 B B C- A- A- A (Warriors)
The talent level takes a large hit at #3 for power forwards. Teams that strike out or doesn't quite have enough cap space for Lanier or McAdoo could look at the young Richard Washington as a decent consolation prize. Currently putting up a very respectable 22/12, young Richard has a unique outside stroke that not many other big man possess. Despite not being close to a MVP caliber player yet, his age and high potential will likely have many GMs contemplating a large offer.
Projected contract value: 6 years 11 mil per year
4. Dave Cowens PF 6'9'' 230 29 B+ C C+ B+ A- C (Supersonics)
Putting up good numbers on a somewhat floundering Sonics squad, Cowens is the type of player that teams with already established #1 players that need a bit of help in the front court would love to add. Currently averaging close to 18/11, Dave won't command the type of money many of the other notable names in FA will but could end up being a nice value for a contender looking for a 3rd banana chasing a title.
Projected contract value: 4 years 10 mil per year
5. Sidney Wicks PF 6'9'' 225 28 A- C- C B A- C (Cavaliers)
Relegated to playing out of position at SF this year with Lanier and Gilmore as teammates, Wicks has still managed to produce 18 points and 8.5 rebounds on close to 50% shooting. Like Cowens, Sidney will be the type of player that gives contenders weak in the front court a push into the next echelon.
Projected contract value: 4 years 9 mil per year
Small Forwards
1. Alvan Adams SF 6'9'' 225 23 B+ A- B A+ A- A (Grizzlies)
In a small forward class that isn't quite on par with their front court counterparts, Alvin Adams stands out as the only potential Finals MVP caliber of the group, despite the Grizzlies struggling in the rugged Midwest division, Alvan Adams is putting up jaw dropping numbers as a SF, averaging close to 31 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting at 46%. At only 23 years old, Alvan is the youngest player in this year's potential free agents to break the 30 ppg barrier and should command no less than max money in FA.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. Truck Robinson SF 6'7'' 230 26 B+ B+ C B+ A- A (Bucks)
Robinson is in a weird tier of players that could one day be a first ballot "Hall of very good", not quite good enough to be the alpha dog on a title team but would absolutely make for an excellent 2nd fiddle. Playing the same position as the #1 overall pick in creation in Julius Erving has had to call for some off position lineups for the Bucks. There is no denying Truck's production, which are excellent, putting up 26/11 at great %, the only knock on him is a lack of defensive stats, (less than 1 block and steal per game) which could easily be rectified with some upgrades.
Projected contract value: 6 years 12 mil per year
3. Campy Russell SF 6'8'' 215 25 B B+ C+ B C+ A (Pelicans)
Currently scoring at just slightly below 20 points per game, Campy Russell is a perfect fit for teams looking for a 3rd scorer that can put up solid numbers from the wing. Not nearly the caliber of player of an Alvan or even a Truck, Russell will likely get few offers that crack the 8 figure mark from teams looking to get lucky on the big targets.
Projected contract value: 5 years 9 mil per year
4. Dan Roundfield SF 6'8'' 210 24 B+ C- C- A+ B- B (Timberwolves)
The best defensive wing player in this year's free agency. Roundfield's C- outside will likely be a major red flag, as evidenced by his sub par 68% FT and 0 career 3-pointers. For teams looking to spend money on players worthy of being put on the scoring option focus in their Depth Charts, Dan probably won't get many looks or even an offer, but contenders that have their scorers and are looking for a defensive stopper for the plethora of elite wings in the league while contributing close to a double double without being an offensive option, Roundfield looks to be a good fit.
Projected contract value: 4 years 6 mil per year
5. Garfield Heard SF 6'7'' 220 29 B- C- C- A B C (Hornets)
By default the 5th best SF heading into free agency. Garfield likely won't receive any offers during day 1-2 of FA outside of a slew of MLE offers. At age 29, there isn't much upside to Heard other than being a starter that can chip in a few points here or there while playing solid defense.
Projected contract value: Mid-Level Exception
Shooting Guards:
1. M.L. Carr SG 6'6'' 205 26 B- A- C+ A+ C+ B (Hornets)
By far the weakest position in this year's free agency, Carr at best will be the 3rd best player on a contender, with his biggest contribution coming from the defensive end rather than offense. A career 18 ppg scorer at age 26, Carr's ceiling doesn't appear to be high enough to warrant too large of an offer should he opt to enter free agency.
Projected contract value: 4 years 8 mil per year
2. Dennis Johnson SG 6'4'' 200 23 B- C+ C A C A (Bulls)
The reigning slam dunk champion and a first team all defensive player, young Dennis Johnson seems to have athleticism for days, being only 23 years old, Dennis should be a permanent fixture in the All Star slam dunk event for many years. However that is also the cause for concern for veteran GMs; Johnson's already weak inside scoring appears to be composed in large part of high jumping, a -1 in inside scoring in the previous TC is also doing Dennis no favors in dispelling those red flags. At any rate, Dennis Johnson is worth a look for teams that are lacking in perimeter and wing defense.
Projected contract value: 4 years 6 mil per year
3. Fred Brown SG 6'3'' 185 29 B- B B- A- C- B (76ers)
A tweener guard that can average 20 points as the 2nd or 3rd scoring option, Fred Brown is the 3rd and likely last shooting guard in this year's FA that will likely receive anything higher than a MLE. At age 29, a day 1 long term contract is highly unlikely for the 76ers guard.
Projected contract value: 3 years 7 mil per year
Point Guards:
1. John Williamson PG 6'2'' 190 24 C+ A- B+ A- C- A (Suns)
The reigning scoring champion, John "Compu"Williamson was once offered in a trade by GM ankly for nothing more than a mid 3rd round creation pick. Nowadays, John spends his time dropping 30 points on opposing PGs at 48% FG and dishing out close to 9 assists per game. At age 24, Williamson is a no brainer candidate to receive max offers from any team that lacks a dominant scorer.
Projected contract value: 6 year max
2. World B. Free PG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ A A- A- C- A (Celtics)
The pet project of the amazing tanking campaign in Boston, World B. Free was the only player that dumptime actually physically drafted during the creation draft with the rest being late round autos. Although suffering a 2nd year slump in shooting, World's grades look solid across the board for a point guard, boasting A outside, A- in both handles and defense, at 23 years old, there should be plenty of room for improvement.
Projected contract value: 5 years 10 mil per year
3. Phil Chenier PG 6'3'' 180 27 B B+ B A C- D (Bucks)
The running mate of the dynamic wing tandem of Julius Erving and Truck Robinson, Phil Chenier is still able to put up an impressive 24.6 points per game with 2 other dominant scorers on his team. The B handles and the lack of production on the assists front shows Chenier's limits as a point guard, but any team looking for a short term solution at a lead guard capable of putting up points should consider extending Chenier an offer.
Projected contract: 3 years 9 mil per year
4. Henry Bibby PG 6'1'' 185 27 C A- A- B+ D+ B (Trailblazers)
Currently the backup PG for the Blazers, Bibby's value should be judged on his excellent performances last season where he scored over 19 points a game and dished out more than 7 dimes. Point guard is the most powerful position in the software but also the easiest position to fill. But in only year 2 of creation, a player like Bibby could still contribute valuable minutes for a contender.
Projected contract value: 3 years 5 mil per year
5. Earl Monroe PG 6'3'' 185 32 C+ A- A- B+ D C (Pacers)
Likely a candidate that will be receiving many MLE offers from teams over the cap, the aging Earl Monroe can still offer solid production as a point guard, currently averaging 14 points and over 8 assists, the only concern is his age and possible decline in TC.
Projected contract value: Mid-Level Exception