Sunday, August 19, 2007
NBA Salaries Websites
http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/salaries/default.aspx
The USA Today link also has historical salaries and covers multiple sports.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/trademachine
The ESPN website has a trade checker, which is updated and lists players current salaries.
http://hoopshype.com/salaries.htm
HoopsHype is the most comprehensive of the three websites, but can sometimes be out dated.
http://realgm.com/src_tradechecker/1/
RealGM's trade checker is very similar to ESPN's, but can sometimes be less up-to-date.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Scouting Report: Josh Howard
Player Name: Josh Howard
Current Team: Dallas Mavericks
Ideal Position: SF
Drafted: 29th
Height/Weight: 6'7"/210
Birthdate: 4/28/80
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
High School: Glenn HS/Hargrave Academy (VA
College: Wake Forest University
Agent: Jeff Schwartz
Contract:
2003-04 $773,440
2004-05 $863,640
2005-06 $923,880
2006-07 $1,577,353
2007-08 $9,000,000
2008-09 $9,945,000
2009-10 $10,890,000
2010-11 $11,835,000 (Team Option)
Notes:
Graduated after four years with a degree in sociology; Team won the NIT his freshman year, in which he started 34 games; Named to the NCAA All-American first team and the ACC POY, during his senior season; Defensive POY in the ACC his senior season at Wake Forest; Senior season, led the Demon Deacons to its first ACC regular season title in 41 years; Prep school teammates with Xavier star David West; Nickname is J-Ho.
Strengths:
Intense player; Willing to get down-and-dirty; Has innate toughness; Quiet confidence; Top-knotch defensive player; Tends to play taller than his 6'7" frame, especially on the glass; Freakishly long arms - 7'2" wingspan; Pesky defender; High character guy; Very energetic on the court; Jack-of-all trades guy; Excels at setting up his teammates; Identifies mismatches well; Quickness; Gets open mid-range jumpers easily; Handles the ball well for his sie; Finishing around the basket.
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses are mainly on the offensive end of the court; Needs to continue working on creating his own jump shot; Long-range shooting needs improvement; Needs to continue to improve scoring ability outside of the paint; Free throw shooting could still improve.
Video:
Pistons Add Hayes to the Mix
Today, Pistons team president, Joe Dumars, confirmed that they have signed Jarvis Hayes. Hayes adds flexibility and depth to the roster and is still only 26 years old. Hayes had his most productive year in 2004-05, where he averaged 28.9 minutes per game, 10.2 points per game, and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Hayes possesses good size and shoots the ball well from the outside. He does not have a great first step or superior elevation. Hayes shoots too frequently off the dribble and needs to take the ball to the basket aggressively more often. Hayes' size and strength allow him to defend small forwards well. Defending shooting guards can be a problem though sometimes because his lateral quickness is only mediocre. In order to be more than just a role player, Hayes needs to work on his offensive game. He needs to diversify his offensive abilities with more willingness to get to the basket and draw fouls. His shooting behind the perimeter could also gain more consistency in order to keep space between himself and the defender.
With Hayes, the Pistons have now added Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Cheick Samb, and Sammy Mejia since the end of last season. Additionally, they expect Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell to play more of a factor this season. I like what Dumars has done by being patient and adding pieces with limited risk and high reward. Outside of Darko Milicic, the Pistons have done a good job in developing talent internally rather than having to sign questionable free agents.
If the Pistons chose a brash approach and looked to move Rasheed Wallace after last season, it is highly unlikely that they would have been able to bring back a player with an equal skill level. Instead, Dumars hopes that bringing in more support around Detroit's experienced starting five will allow their core to save more energy for the playoffs.
Detroit most likely would still like to add one more big body upfront for the playoffs. Whether that is solved by bringing back Chris Webber or trading for someone, Dumars would probably feel more confident with one more veteran. Dumars should look to Minnesota where Juwan Howard is looking to be dealt. If Dumars offered Minnesota Ronald Dupree (expiring contract), Ronald Murray (expiring contract), a future first round pick, and the trade exception they received from the Carlos Delfino trade for Howard, then they would get the big, veteran body they need. This trade would give Minnesota even more to build on as they look to reshape their team after moving Kevin Garnett to Boston.
With veterans Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Lindsey Hunter, Antonio McDyess, Nazr Mohammed, Tayshaun Prince, and Wallace returning, Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell looking to make more of an impact, and Hayes and the other new additions to the team, the Pistons will have more depth than they have had in awhile. Dumars hopes that this group can get past the Eastern Conference finals and compete for the NBA Finals.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Scouting Report: Alando Tucker
Player Name: Alando Tucker
Current Team: Phoenix Suns
Ideal Position: SG
Drafted: 29th
Height/Weight: 6'6"/205
Birthdate: 2/13/84
Hometown: Lockport, IL
High School: Lockport Township High School
College: University of Wisconsin
Agent: Kevin Bradbury
Contract:
2007-08 $931,920
2008-09 $1,001,880
2009-10 $1,071,720 (Team Option)
2010-11 $1,934,455 (Team Option)
2011-12 $2,901,681 (Qualifying Option)
Notes:
Broke Michael Finley's school record with a standing 38-inch vertical leap; Bench-press max of 360 pounds; Was a fifth year senior; Straight-edge kid; All-time leading scorer at Wisconsin; All-time leader for most points in a signle season; Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team; 2005-06 and 2006-07 Preseason John Wooden Award candidate.
Strengths:
Wingspan; Hands; Lateral quickness; Vertical leap; strength; leadership; Improved left hand; Posting up smaller defenders; Going to the basket against bigger defenders; Pull-up jump shot; Elevation on jump shot; Dangerous from tripple-therat position; Intelligence on court; Great offensive rebounder; Finishing at the basket; Rotates well defensively; Quick feet; Patient.
Weaknesses:
A tweener in the NBA; Needs more of a perimeter game; Improved ballhandling skills would make him a more effecting NBA guard; Catch-and-shoot ability.
Bibby Heading East?
To make this trade logical for both teams, a handful of other players would need to be included. Here is the trade that would allow the Heat to acquire Bibby:
Sacramento trades Mike Bibby and Kenny Thomas to Miami for Jason Williams, Udonis Haslem, Wayne Simien, Michael Doleac, Dorrell Wright, and a first round pick.
With Bibby being the top talent in ths trade, the Heat would certainly be acquiring the better talent. However, the Kings would see a great deal of cap relief from doing this trade.
2007-08 Salaries
Dorrell Wright $2,040,746
Jason Williams $8,937,500
Michael Doleac $3,120,000
Wayne Simien $997,800
Udonis Haslem $6,050,000 (3 years remaining)
Kenny Thomas $7,875,000 (3 years remaining)
Mike Bibby $13,500,000 (2 years remaining)
In 2007-08, salaries almost match.
In 2008-09, Sacramento saves almost $16,000,000.
In 2009-10, Sacramento saves almost $1,500,000.
Additionally, Haslem is only 27 years old and has a great deal of experience already. Haslem has developed a nice mid-range shot. He shoots especially well from the baseline and has shown a knack for aggressive offensive rebounding. Haslem needs to add some post moves, possibly a jump hook or an improved drop stop. He plays with a great deal of energy, moves his feet well, and plays physical defense. In Sacramento, Haslem and Hawes would be nice building blocks for the Kings rebuilding.
Dorrell Wright has shown some flashes of his potential, but needs more playing time. The Kings would likely consider releasing Michael Doleac and Wayne Simien.
Another possibility for this trade to work would simply be removing the first round pick and including Shareef Abdur-Rahim. However, it is widely believed that Abdur-Rahim is a better player than Thomas and the Kings would certainly try to hang on to him.
By going ahead with this trade, the Kings would be able to gain a great deal of cap flexibility after this season. With potentially Gilbert Arenas, Shawn Marion, and Jermaine O'Neal all becoming free agents the Kings could have the cap room to sign one of these guys. For Miami, Pat Riley would finally land a reliable point guard to play alongside of Wade. Kenny Thomas could step into Haslem's role at the power forward, while only seeing a small dropoff in scoring and rebounding. However, with available spots on the roster after this trade, the Heat would be able to persue an available big man. Melvin Ely, Corliss Williamson, Danny Fortson, and especially P.J. Brown would all fill in nicely here.
With Brown, Thomas, and an additional free agent joining the mix of Wade, Walker, Mourning, Parker, O'Neal, and Hardaway would have a strong enough nine man rotation to compete for the finals. If the Kings go ahead with this trade, it would jump start their rebuilding process with a great deal of roster and cap flexiblity.
Will the Celtics Win the Championship? A Historical Perspective
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett of the new-look Celtics each has a career scoring average of more than 20 points. In NBA history 16 teams have had three players average more than 20 points in the same season. Fifteen of those teams reached the postseason, but not one won a championship. Here is how each of those high-octane triumvirates fared. (The players are listed by scoring average that season.)
Lost in NBA Finals
Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagen, Clyde Lovellette; 1959-60; Hawks
Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagen, Clyde Lovellette; 1960-61; Hawks
Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain; 1068-69; Lakers
Lost in Conference Finals
Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell; 1966-67; Celtics
Dale Ellis, Tom Chambers, Xavier McDaniel; 1986-87; SuperSonics
Tom Chambers, Eddie Johnson, Kevin Johnson; 1988-89; Suns
Advanced to Second Round of Playoffs
Alex English, Kiki Vandeweghe, Dan Issel; 1982-83; Nuggets
Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway; 1990-91; Warriors
Lost in First Round of Playoffs
Jeff Mullins, Nate Thurmond, Rudy LaRusso; 1968-69; Warriors
Chet Walker, Bob Love, Clem Haskins; 1969-70; Bulls
Connie Hawkins, Dick Van Arsdale, Gail Goodrich; 1969-70; Suns
Jeff Mullins, Cazzie Russell, Nate Thurmond; 1971-72; Warriors
Alex English, Dan Issel, Kiki Vandeweghe; 1981-82; Nuggets
Moses Malone, Julius Erving, Andrew Toney; 1983-84; 76ers
Dale Ellis, Xavier McDaniel, Tom Chambers; 1987-88; SuperSonics
Failed to Reach Playoffs
David Thompson, Alex English, Dan Issel; 1980-81; Nuggets
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Scouting Report: Aaron Brooks
Player Name: Aaron Brooks
Current Team: Houston Rockets
Ideal Position: PG
Drafted: 26th
Height/Weight: 6'0"/160
Birthdate: 1/14/85
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Franklin High School
College: University of Oregon
Agent:
Contract:
2007-08 $972,720
2008-09 $1,045,560
2009-10 $1,118,520 (Team Option)
20010-11 $2,016,691 (Team Option)
20011-12 $2,976,637 (Qualifying Offer)
2012-13 $2,885,924 (Qualifying Offer)
Notes:
Became a father in summer 2006; Played in the McDonald's and EA Sports all-star games; Named the Gatorade, Associated Press, Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune state player of the year; Averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game as a senior.
Strengths:
Clutch; Extremely quick; Dangerous long-range shooter; Lofts soft floaters high above defenders; Unflappable demeanor; Shifty ball handler; Strong stutter step; Improved perimeter shooting greatly; Free throw shooting; Pull-up mid-range jumper; Rebounding for his size; NBA shooting range.
Weaknesses:
Small frame; Tends to reach on defense; Can get single-minded on offensive and forget about teammates; Does not control game tempo well; Favors right side; Reputation as a selfish player; Needs to put on another ten to fifteen pounds in order to handle some of the bigger guards he will need to defend.
Video: