2006 Free Agents

[Mike0476]

No idea if this has been posted or not but it's interesting to read.

http://realgm.com/src_goaltending/68/20060116/where_the_free_agents_may_go_this_summer/

Where The Free Agents May Go This Summer
Authored by Patrick J. Austin - 16th January, 2006 - 1:44 am

1.)Ben Wallace

-Big Ben is definitely the big fish of this free agent class. He’s widely considered the best defensive center in the league and can be a game changer. He’s professed his love for the Detroit Pistons , but that won’t stop teams from offering mega-contracts for his services. It’s a near-lock he gets a max contract from someone.

Most Likely Destination: Re-signs with Detroit

Dark Horse: Chicago

2.)Peja Stojackovic

-It’s become abundantly clear Peja Stojackovic is not a franchise player to build your team around. Though, he’s a great #2 option. His 3-point shooting is still deadly, which is why he’ll be sought after by many teams. Won’t Sacramento re-sign him? That’s a tough question to answer considering the season Sacto is having and the fact that Peja will probably demand $10 mill a year.

Most Likely Destination: Chicago

Dark Horse: Miami (via sign and trade)

3.)Al Harrington

-Harrington is having a career year and is still very young. His ability to play both forward positions, and improving lowpost game, will make him very attractive to a team looking for frontcourt talent.

Most Likely Destination: New York

Dark Horse: Indiana

4.)Joel Pryzbilla

-Virtually every team in the league is in need of size and defense at the center position; Pryzbilla brings both. He’s a legit 7’footer and has good shot blocking instincts. He’d fit perfectly on a high-octane offensive team in need of a defensive big man that doesn’t look to score.

Most Likely Destination: Re-signs with Portland

Dark Horse: Atlanta

5.)Sam Cassell

-Sam I am is having a fantastic season leading the Clippers to their first winning season in many, many years. This alone has increased his market value substantially. He’ll definitely get major interest from veteran teams looking for a fiery floor general to help them make a run at the championship.

Most Likely Destination: Dallas

Dark Horse: Memphis

6.)Jason Terry

-Terry has blossomed in Dallas. There are still detractors that say he’s a shooting guard in a point guard’s body, but he’s steadily improved each year as a floor general.

Most Likely Destination: Seattle

Dark Horse: Cleveland

7.)Desmond Mason

-This kid is pure athleticism; a game-stopping dunker with an improving perimeter shot. He’s been a fan favorite with every team he’s played for.
Most Likely Destination:

Re-signs with Oklahoma City/New Orleans

Dark Horse: Charlotte

8.)Nazr Mohammed

-Mohammed has played very well alongside Tim Duncan. He’s not a force in the middle, but is a consistent presence.

Most Likely Destination: Chicago

Dark Horse: Atlanta

9.)Bonzi Wells

-Having one of his best years as a pro; definitely one
of the best rebounding guards in the league. Plus, he’s good for 15-18ppg.

Most Likely Destination: Denver

Dark Horse: Indiana

10.)Drew Gooden

-One of the better young power forwards in the game. His defense still needs work, but he’s good for a double-double night in and night out.

Most Likely Destination: New Orleans/Oklahoma City

Dark Horse: New Jersey

Honorable Mention:
Nene, Chris Wilcox, Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans, Flip Murray, Keith Van Horn, Lorenzon Wright, Melvin Ely, Speedy Claxton, & Matt Harpring

 

[NoBonus]

Is this guy from Chicago? Also, how come there are no candidates likely to go to Sac or even with Sac as a dark horse? Odd considering two of the starters are on the list. One thing is for sure, we the Kings sure could use Keith Van Horn; I predict they sign him to a max deal

 

[Bricklayer]

I think people are going to be surprised at just how fast Sacto will/has already fallen off the FA map. The Maloofs making that statement about how we were now a place for FAs to go just a week ago I think shows some delusion. We were only a place to go so long as we were winning. We'll need major cap room and the ability to significantly outbid other teams to snag a major free agent as we are now.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I think people are going to be surprised at just how fast Sacto will/has already fallen off the FA map. The Maloofs making that statement about how we were now a place for FAs to go just a week ago I think shows some delusion. We were only a place to go so long as we were winning. We'll need major cap room and the ability to significantly outbid other teams to snag a major free agent as we are now.

True for today, but as you note... things change. Hence the need to trade for a big name now and try to make some late season noise. Baring that the only FA I see that could chnge things significantly is Big Ben. If leadership could be found else where then Joezilla would make a nice 4-5 tandem with Brad, but unfortunatly with out a on court leader any of these guys (except Ben) amounts to rearanging deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

[SacTownKid]

And then it raises the question of how many of those players listed will be significantly overpaid this summer. After Big Ben and Peja there are no real "big name" FA's so I think the odds of some of these guys getting overpaid is more likely than usual. Of course I do think there are a lot of solid FA's this summer. Kind of like last years draft. No real "superstar" players but a lot of solid NBA guys that can help whatever team they land on.

And I think a lot of the answers given as to where the guys go is a little premature. Somebody has to be traded this season, and that may change what some teams are looking for.

 

[BigSong]

I think people are going to be surprised at just how fast Sacto will/has already fallen off the FA map. The Maloofs making that statement about how we were now a place for FAs to go just a week ago I think shows some delusion. We were only a place to go so long as we were winning. We'll need major cap room and the ability to significantly outbid other teams to snag a major free agent as we are now.

were we ever on the map, FA wise? Our biggest draw was Divac, and really i think it had more to do with his wife wanting to be in CA. and money.

 

[Bballkingsrock]

it would be nice if the Kings could get BIG ben..........

 

[SacTownKid]

were we ever on the map, FA wise? Our biggest draw was Divac, and really i think it had more to do with his wife wanting to be in CA. and money.

Well, we haven't even really had the option the last 7 years of going after "big name" free agents very often. I guess Miller was one, but we have never had the capspace to go after anyone. We got lucky to even land Shareef. No money = No FA's most times. Unless you can find a deal to make a S&T.

 

[VF21]

2. Peja Stojakovic - His 3-point shooting is still deadly, which is why he’ll be sought after by many teams. Won’t Sacramento re-sign him? That’s a tough question to answer considering the season Sacto is having and the fact that Peja will probably demand $10 mill a year.

Hmmm. Has he SEEN any Kings games lately...or ever? The idea of Peja and a "$10 mill a year" demand might have had some credence BEFORE the nagging back problems. Right now, however, that is not anything close to a done deal.

9.)Bonzi Wells -Having one of his best years as a pro; definitely one
of the best rebounding guards in the league. Plus, he’s good for 15-18ppg.

Again, I have to wonder when this was written. I think the Kings will make a good offer to Bonzi, if he comes back from his injury and contributes the way he did pre-owie. I don't see Petrie letting him get away. It makes no sense to bring him here, rehab his reputation, and then let him slip through our fingers.

 

[LPKingsFan]

I don't see Petrie letting him get away. It makes no sense to bring him here, rehab his reputation, and then let him slip through our fingers.

It wouldn't be the first time, but I hope you're right. I'm waiting to see what happens at the trade deadline before thinking about this summer, though.

 

[BobbyJ_for3!]

Again, I have to wonder when this was written. I think the Kings will make a good offer to Bonzi, if he comes back from his injury and contributes the way he did pre-owie. I don't see Petrie letting him get away. It makes no sense to bring him here, rehab his reputation, and then let him slip through our fingers.

I sure hope we resign Bonzi, because he can inject the heart and desire into the game that some of our other players have had us questioning over the past year or maybe two. Of the two, Bonzi & Peja, I would most defnitely take Bonzi, between that heart, the rebounding, the offensive ability, the defense, and the leadership. We can get three point shooters from other places, and while Peja is assuredly not only that, he hasn't shown us much more recently. He was on the right track when he came into the season acouple years back having learned some new tricks on offense, but he hasnt seemed to improve much (in fact I think few would argue against him digressing from how good he was). And yeah, those injuries aren't exactly the Kings best friends.

 

[CaminoChaos]

I would like to resign Bonzi first.

I like Mason as a replacement for Peja. He is crazy athletic and has gotten votes for All Defensive team.

I would be happy getting Pryz or Narz but the fact is we won' look to get either one if we still have Brad and Skinner.

 

[LPKingsFan]

In years past we had:

1. A winning team.

2. An organization committed to winning, and good team chemistry. Players wanted to be here

3. A surplus of talent, to use in sign and trades.

Now we have none of the three. Scary.

 

[bigbadred00]

We never pulled huge FA, but that's a rarity in the NBA. Superstar level players are hardly ever let moved through FA (Shaq to LA is an exception) they are usually signed and traded. And yes we had a lot of good mid-level guys who we got through FA who we no longer get. Jim Jackson, Keon Clark, Damon, etc, Bobby J.

What great FAs moved teams this year? Eddy Curry and Jerome James? Honestly there aren't that many each year. Gilbert Arenas rings a bell. Billups rings a bell. Shareef was definitely a good pickup for us this year but as we all know he had "knee problems." Honestly though big name FA pickups don't happen unless your the Spurs or the Heat right now. Spurs got "Finley" who is over the hill and NVE who is also over the hill. Heat got Payton and Mourning, Mourning is definitely a guy we couldn't get now but we definitely need a player like him.

 

[TheRaven]

In years past we had:

1. A winning team.

2. An organization committed to winning, and good team chemistry. Players wanted to be here

3. A surplus of talent, to use in sign and trades.

Now we have none of the three. Scary.

True. That doesn't mean we can't get free agents though though, because the bottom line is money. It just means we may have to overpay to attract them.