2014 NBA Free Agency and Draft

[woolybug25]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Lakers offered Dirk Nowitzki a MAX CONTRACT, but Dirk said no and signed for $8.3 mil a year in Dallas..Wow...(ESPN)</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/489131991796039680">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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That's astonishing. His agent must be fuming.

 

[Emcee77]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>UPDATE: Dwyane Wade and the Heat have agreed to a 2-year, $34 million deal, with a player option for the 2015-16 season. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/AP">@AP</a>)</p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/489126945528229888">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Someone explain to me again why Wade opted out in the first place

Man that sucks. So he lost, what, $8M over two years, because LeBron was homesick?

I know we are in how-much-do-you-really-need-though territory, talking about a guy who made $30M last year in salary and endorsements making a paltry $17M in salary alone this year, but at the same time $8M is $8M. It's a small fortune.

 

[ACamp1900]

That's astonishing. His agent must be fuming.

Maybe,.. but really, his agent works for him, not the other way around.

 

[woolybug25]

Maybe,.. but really, his agent works for him, not the other way around.

I'm almost positive that the going rate for NBA agents is 3%. Giving up over $10M to stay with the Mavs cost his agent a few hundred thousand dollars. Regardless if they showed it, they had to be unhappy about Dirk not taking the payday.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chicago informed Carlos Boozer and his agent, Rob Pelinka, this morning that it would use amnesty clause today, source tells Yahoo.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489150891702767616">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources: Mike Miller will sign with Cleveland. 2 yr deal with player option after 1 yr. Miller turned down more $ from Houston & Denver</p>— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/statuses/489156610330464257">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Nick Calathes stays with Grizzlies for $800K this season, losing out on $6M deal in Greece. He serves rest of NBA suspension to start year.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489172332192473088">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[sparkyND]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Trevor Booker's deal with Utah will be two years, $10 million, league source tells Yahoo.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489101373921718272">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I think this will end up being a value signing

 

[Irish#1]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Nick Calathes stays with Grizzlies for $800K this season, losing out on $6M deal in Greece. He serves rest of NBA suspension to start year.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489172332192473088">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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How do you turn down that difference?

 

[sparkyND]

How do you turn down that difference?

Exactly. It is 6 mil AND living in Greece. I'll take that any day.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Must not like ouzo.

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[Irish#1]

1. Anthony made the Western Conference finals in 2009 and also made it out of the first round in 2013. So that's factually incorrect. He was also the best player on the National Championship Syracuse team so to say he doesn't elevate his team is false.

2. You listed Demarcus Cousins and Kevin Love who have never made the playoffs on your list of top 15 players instead of Anthony. It's especially ridiculous to think Cousins is a better player when all Cousins does is bring people down with him. Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and Aldridge's teams have basically done nothing in the playoffs either.

My bad. I just trusted the guy on Jay Mohr knew what he was talking about and to be honest, I was to busy and lazy to check it out before I posted.

Yeah, I tend to agree with Simmons that Anthony is not a true superstar. But there's no denying that he's a great offensive talent who can score with the best of them. He could lift the right team to a title, a la Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs in 2011. But it is even more critical to put the right people around him and have a smart coach who makes the right moves than it would be if you had a "true" superstar like LeBron or Durant.

Basically, as much as I trashed Simmons, I very much agree with the substance of what he was saying.

I agree Anthony is a great scorer, but I don't see defense, rebounding or passing as part of his game. I really question how he's going to work in the triangle or a motion offense? That offense isn't suited for him. He would benefit more playing with a good PG that can penetrate and dish.

The Spurs went up two, then dropped two after their (still hobbled) Big came back. They swept the Spurs two years ago when the Spurs had the best record in the NBA. OKC gives them fits, but isn't immune to San Antonio. I don't know what else to say.

I don't disagree that OKC is capable of beating SA. I'm just saying regardless of what SA does, people never give them their just due which was my original statement. For instance, you infer in a round about way that SA went up two because OKC didn't have their big. SA can only play against who is out on the floor. They made the finals two years in a row and won it this year against the Big Three. You mentioning the Thunder sweeping them in 2012 and not having their Big for two games this year proves my point.

 

[ACamp1900]

My bad. I just trusted the guy on Jay Mohr knew what he was talking about and to be honest, I was to busy and lazy to check it out before I posted.

Sounds like the average Noter Dame hater... be better.

 

[greyhammer90]

People who dislike Bill Simmon's writing, why? I think most of his articles on grantland are decent. Though I think his writing has gone downhill since he's been put on the ESPN "Reilly train"

 

[IrishSteelhead]

People who dislike Bill Simmon's writing, why? I think most of his articles on grantland are decent. Though I think his writing has gone downhill since he's been put on the ESPN "Reilly train"

I loved his stuff back when he was just the "Sports Guy," and not the "Sports Czar" or whatever it is he now calls himself. He just seemed to start taking himself way too seriously the last few years, and I've always hated how he shields himself from criticism by not allowing comments on his articles.

 

[Grahambo]

My bad. I just trusted the guy on Jay Mohr knew what he was talking about and to be honest, I was to busy and lazy to check it out before I posted.







I agree Anthony is a great scorer, but I don't see defense, rebounding or passing as part of his game. I really question how he's going to work in the triangle or a motion offense? That offense isn't suited for him. He would benefit more playing with a good PG that can penetrate and dish.







I don't disagree that OKC is capable of beating SA. I'm just saying regardless of what SA does, people never give them their just due which was my original statement. For instance, you infer in a round about way that SA went up two because OKC didn't have their big. SA can only play against who is out on the floor. They made the finals two years in a row and won it this year against the Big Three. You mentioning the Thunder sweeping them in 2012 and not having their Big for two games this year proves my point.

If you care about finding out why Melo WILL fit into the triangle: http://thomasdee.com/post/91702107850/deeper-dive-triangle-offense-101

His defense, passing, and rebounding has greatly improved. He was 27/8/3 last year. His supporting cast was absolutely dreadful last year to include his crappy coach.

I'll also add Calderon is a great PG for him.


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[greyhammer90]

I loved his stuff back when he was just the "Sports Guy," and not the "Sports Czar" or whatever it is he now calls himself. He just seemed to start taking himself way too seriously the last few years, and I've always hated how he shields himself from criticism by not allowing comments on his articles.

Yeah but what's wrong with his writing? I keep seeing people say that his writing sucks or that it sucks now and I don't really see a difference except that he does much less of it and only for big national stories. Like I said, I hate that he's on TV and Podcasts now because I think he's terrible on there, but I like how most of his articles reflect on how certain moments felt.

Speaking of Simmons, three years ago he wrote an awesome article about how he had just witnessed his daughter cry for the first time because of sports (if I remember correctly she was a LA Kings fan and they had lost the game she went to in the finals). And the main focus of the article was how he felt incredibly proud of her and was so happy that she had reached the point where she understood how much fandom can hurt, but at the same time he felt horribly guilty because he was the sports pusher and 95% of a real fans life is disappointment and pain. One of my favorite articles on sports I've read in years.

 

[KPENN]

Basically Lebron screwed Wade bad.

Man that sucks. So he lost, what, $8M over two years, because LeBron was homesick?

I know we are in how-much-do-you-really-need-though territory, talking about a guy who made $30M last year in salary and endorsements making a paltry $17M in salary alone this year, but at the same time $8M is $8M. It's a small fortune.

LeBron also took less money to go down there, helped them win 2 titles and basically carried them during the regular season and to the finals this year.

 

[GATTACA!]

LeBron also took less money to go down there, helped them win 2 titles and basically carried them during the regular season and to the finals this year.

This^ Plus none of us know what was said in that meeting between the big three. Maybe LBJ told them that he was likely coming home. Wade and Bosh figured their only hope of keeping Lebron was to opt out and give Riles a chance. Everyone is making it out to seem like Lebron told Wade to opt out and then left him, could be exactly the opposite.

 

[irishog77]

People who dislike Bill Simmon's writing, why? I think most of his articles on grantland are decent. Though I think his writing has gone downhill since he's been put on the ESPN "Reilly train"

A few reasons for me, off the top of my head-- any and all Boston moments, past and present, are given greater significance by him than they realistically deserve; piggybacking off that, dude needs to get over Kobe Bryant winning the title and Finals MVP in 2010; I don't need nor want him to attempt to tell me why the Sopranos is great; I don't need nor want him to try and attempt to tell me why Drake is a great rapper; every time a player in a game that he is watching or attending does well, it's not a transcendent moment in life.

I think it's appropriate that you threw out Reilly when mentioning him. I think another appropriate description for him is Curt Schilling, circa 2004-2009-- an authority on all things and giving his opinion on all things (when, truthfully, people don't really care all that much). It's like he can't not say something.

Emcee brought up his total lack of economy in writing. And man, was that spot on! That was something I have noticed about him, but never really expressed into words. When I do read his stuff, I notice that I was reading for 8, 10 minutes (sometimes longer with his stuff), and I really only should have been reading for 2 or 3.

I was never really a fan of his, but now, I'm done with him for the most part.

 

[Grahambo]

This^ Plus none of us know what was said in that meeting between the big three. Maybe LBJ told them that he was likely coming home. Wade and Bosh figured their only hope of keeping Lebron was to opt out and give Riles a chance. Everyone is making it out to seem like Lebron told Wade to opt out and then left him, could be exactly the opposite.

Or Wade did it so they can still keep a competitive team, which they still have. It also lessens the pressure on him.


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[NDinL.A.]

Yeah but what's wrong with his writing? I keep seeing people say that his writing sucks or that it sucks now and I don't really see a difference except that he does much less of it and only for big national stories. Like I said, I hate that he's on TV and Podcasts now because I think he's terrible on there, but I like how most of his articles reflect on how certain moments felt.

Speaking of Simmons, three years ago he wrote an awesome article about how he had just witnessed his daughter cry for the first time because of sports (if I remember correctly she was a LA Kings fan and they had lost the game she went to in the finals). And the main focus of the article was how he felt incredibly proud of her and was so happy that she had reached the point where she understood how much fandom can hurt, but at the same time he felt horribly guilty because he was the sports pusher and 95% of a real fans life is disappointment and pain. One of my favorite articles on sports I've read in years.

I remember that article. My daughter will be 3 in September and my son is a newborn, and even though we moved away from the Lakers and the Kings and the Angels, I find myself looking forward to when they are older and we can go to ND soccer and basketball and hockey and lacrosse and be so close to what could be heroes in their eyes. I see football players all the rime on campus, and as a kid, that would have absolutely floored me. Hopefully my kids will enjoy ND sports and it will give them the same feeling.

I love Bill Simmons. Different strokes. I've read him since '99. He doesn't put out as much content, but I agree that it is still good stuff. His stuff has always been really long...he makes no apologies for it, and you know that going in. As far as him bashing Kobe...I'm the biggest Kobe fan out there, but Bill always admits he does it as a Boston fan, and I'd be doing the same thing about Bird if I were him. In his podcasts he actually gives Kobe a ton of respect and says he's just giving Laker fans a hard time. Any time you get bigger, people are going to rip you. Good for him for not allowing comments on articles too...people are absolutely insane and heir comments prove it. No article should have comments considering the stupidity and ignorance people spew.

I will disagree though about his podcasts. I love them and listen to pretty much every single one (except the ones he does with Jacoby on The Challenge). And what he has done with 30 for 30 and Grantland (both are excellent and extremely well-done, using takented people and giving them artistic freedom to let them do their thing with no shackles) is just incredible and has brought ESPN to new heights. I guess you can call me a Bill Simmons apologist lol...

 

[Irish#1]

LeBron also took less money to go down there, helped them win 2 titles and basically carried them during the regular season and to the finals this year.

This^ Plus none of us know what was said in that meeting between the big three. Maybe LBJ told them that he was likely coming home. Wade and Bosh figured their only hope of keeping Lebron was to opt out and give Riles a chance. Everyone is making it out to seem like Lebron told Wade to opt out and then left him, could be exactly the opposite.

About a week before James announced his decision, it was reported on Dan Patrick that neither Wade or Bosch had heard from James in a while and didn't know what was going on. These guys make too much money for me to worry that they lost a mil or two because of someone else's decision. Be your own man and sign on the dotted line instead of trying to wait on someone's decision.

 

[Grahambo]

Lance Stephenson to the Hornets: 3 yrs, $27.5 mil

1st/2nd year: $9 mil
3rd year: $9.5 mil

I believe Indiana offered more money for longer but the AAV wasn't as high.

Addition by subtraction maybe?
There are still some solid FA's out there. If not, you can always trade for JR Smith! lol

 

[zelezo vlk]

Well that sucks for the Pacers.

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[ResLife Hero]

Well that sucks for the Pacers.

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I expect a huge step back for them this year.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I expect a huge step back for them this year.

I think that they could be very similar record wise but I'm also banking on Paul George greatly improving his handle and Roy mostly returning to form.

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[Grahambo]

I expect a huge step back for them this year.

I think that they could be very similar record wise but I'm also banking on Paul George greatly improving his handle and Roy mostly returning to form.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Still have Paul George and David West. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/djshag74">@djshag74</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/alanhahn">@alanhahn</a> IND in a lot of trouble. All hinges on Hibbert. Lance did it all for them</p>— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanhahn/statuses/489404165035417600">July 16, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[zelezo vlk]

David West? Idk about him anymore. Lance was a distributor for them and they're pretty short on distributors now.

 

[tussin]

People who dislike Bill Simmon's writing, why? I think most of his articles on grantland are decent. Though I think his writing has gone downhill since he's been put on the ESPN "Reilly train"

Every column is the same. He makes the same points that you've heard a million times before. Every column makes a "wity" comparison of the subject to a pop culture star. He tends to try and rank absolutely everything. He is completely biased and shits on certain cities every chance he gets.

If you want to read actual insightful NBA columns, check out Zach Lowe on Grantland. That dude does the research and his stuff is actually educational. Simmons to me was Buzzfeed before Buzzfeed. I thought he was great 10 years ago, but now his stuff just annoys me.