Early look at some 2012 freeagents:

[Glenn]

Smart has talked about the importance of outside shooting on this team (because of Cousins), and so replacing a good outside shooter (MT) with a so-so outside shooter (T-Will) doesn't jibe with that consideration. I do think that Smart is well aware of T-Will's talents. After all, he was gung ho about getting him, and he's given him a lot of playing time for a newbie with a checkered past. I really believe that at the very latest by next year's trade deadline there will be a blockbuster deal. If there is a ton of discussion/debate on this board about the imbalances of the lineup, it seems very reasonable to believe that management is well aware of those issues as well, and they will act accordingly. We'll see...

There has to be a deal but then last summer I was full of happy expectations and nothing happened. In the meantime we had a wasted year - my opinion. It was wasted to me. I can hardly wait for this year to end and move on. This is not to say nothing good happened this year but my expectations were that we would be battling for a playoff position and by being cheap or "trying hard" as some put it, we went nowhere. The team is poised to move. Good grief, no matter what anyone thinks of specific players and what axes they have to grind, we have a past ROY, we have a present guy who will finish high in the ROY battle and we found an all world center yet here we are like catfish, slowly sucking up the remains of teams above us - bottom feeders.

Can a team be a success without outside shooters? I do not accept the opinions of Smart as gospel although I feel quite certain he doesn't give two hoots about what I want.

 

[upinsmoke]

Hey, and as a bonus, he's from sacramento...

EDH is not sac im very familiar with the area and the residents who stay up there will be quick to tell you the same. I know im splitting hairs a bit but I just had to clear that up.

Somewhat related story.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/05/4393549/census-el-dorado-county-losing.html

 

[bajaden]

EDH is not sac im very familiar with the area and the residents who stay up there will be quick to tell you the same. I know im splitting hairs a bit but I just had to clear that up.

Somewhat related story.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/05/4393549/census-el-dorado-county-losing.html

Picky, picky, picky!

 

[upinsmoke]

All in good fun.

 

[The_Jamal]

Hey, once again were on the same page. I really, really like Illyasova. I've watched him play quite a bit this year. To be honest, I tried to watch the Bucks play every time I had a chance just to see more of Illyasova. We desparately need depth at the PF or the Center position, and Illyasova would be a big step in that direction. I actually have him at the top of my list at the PF position. My top three are Illyasova, Anderson, and Humphries. I've never been a huge fan of Humphries, but there's no denying what he's accomplished the last two years. I'd take Illyasova over Anderson by a slight margin, but would be happy with any of the three.

I'm not huge on Hump as he's not really an upgrade over JT and i'd much rather send the money we'd give to him to Ersan and/or Ryan Anderson. Why do you like Ersan over Anderson if I may ask? I'm high on both, but Anderson is clearly the superior offensive player while Ersan really only has an edge in rebounding

 

[bajaden]

I'm not huge on Hump as he's not really an upgrade over JT and i'd much rather send the money we'd give to him to Ersan and/or Ryan Anderson. Why do you like Ersan over Anderson if I may ask? I'm high on both, but Anderson is clearly the superior offensive player while Ersan really only has an edge in rebounding

Well, as I said, the difference is slight in my opinion. I've followed Anderson for a long time, and maybe that plays into it a little, because its always easier to get excited about something new, which Illyasova is to me, to some degree. There's a toughness to Illyasova's game that I like, and my gut is telling me, that he has a bigger upside than Anderson. I think Illyasova has the ability to be a better defender than Anderson. But hey, its all subjective. I like both players. And both are underrated. And I mean by the fans, and not NBA people in the know.

When I mention Humphries, I'm thinking of depth. He can score, he can rebound, and he's proven to be a decent to good defender. And, he's over 6'6" tall. What more could you ask for? He's also my third choice of those that I find acceptable, or would even consider playing for us.

 

[Glenn]

Well, as I said, the difference is slight in my opinion. I've followed Anderson for a long time, and maybe that plays into it a little, because its always easier to get excited about something new, which Illyasova is to me, to some degree. There's a toughness to Illyasova's game that I like, and my gut is telling me, that he has a bigger upside than Anderson. I think Illyasova has the ability to be a better defender than Anderson. But hey, its all subjective. I like both players. And both are underrated. And I mean by the fans, and not NBA people in the know.

When I mention Humphries, I'm thinking of depth. He can score, he can rebound, and he's proven to be a decent to good defender. And, he's over 6'6" tall. What more could you ask for? He's also my third choice of those that I find acceptable, or would even consider playing for us.

We could have had Humphries last year so I doubt we'll go after him this year. Too tall, I think.

 

[mr. moustache]

I'm not going to bother looking it up, but I bet IT shoots up the list per/36. He's a bit of a gunner. I'm not convinced Evans, Thorton, and IT are a particularly complementary three guard rotation, but they are all very good guards deserving significant roles.

Nope. Here ya go sorted by FGA/game for the season.

Westbrook 19.5
rose 18.1
D Williams 17.8
Jennings 16.9
Parker 15.7
Irving 14.9
CP3 14.5
Wall 13.7
Holiday 13.1
Jack 13.0
Lou Williams 13.6 (backup)
Lawson 12.5
Mo Williams 12.1
Knight 11.8
Conley 11.4
Stuckey 11.4
Walker 11.3
Rondo 11.3
Ridnour 10.4
Teague 10.3
Felton 10.3
Nelson 9.9
Nash 9.2
Caulderon 9.1
Collison 9.0
IT 8.4 (#26)
Miller 8.3
Dragic 8.0

In March he had 9.7 FGA/game on .48% shooting which puts him at #23 in FGA and #3 in shooting % behind Nash and Paul. So in reality IT should be shooting more if he can maintain the current level.

 

[GoodOldDouwe]

Ilyasova, Hinrich, Dragic, Batum, Kirilenko and Camby. These are the guys who could make us a much better team. Camby is old, I know, but to have such a guy as a backup center to be a role model for Cuz and Whiteside would be amazing for them and the team. The other guys don't really need to be explained, do they?

 

[Bricklayer]

Kidd is a FA too. I say this with a purpose in mind, as an out of character thought has occurred to me on that one.

 

[Gary]

Your not serious, are you?

I am dead serious.. I have been a fan of his since he has come into the league. The dude is lights out (and has always been) as a spot shooter from 3pt. I figure the way our bench might be built next season that he could offer a lot of instant offense.

What's your deal with him? I have been following him since college so I know his game pretty well.

He's better than a couple guys on the list for sure, and probably a better fit (in the terms of knowing his role, and chemistry) than most of those on the list. He's not a big name but he can definitely bring what the Kings are lacking.

The Kings are third from last in the league in 3pt% and Novak is by far (more than 2%) better than the second place player in 3pt%.

Got to look past some of the more named players and get the guys that would fit better. I would rather a guy average 6ppg and fit with the team than a guy like Jeff Green average 15ppg and not fit with the team.

BTW: Talking about Novak as a guy off the bench, not someone we would pay 5mil to and start or anything.

I thought this was a free agent thread not a "let's look to get a starter" thread.

 

[VF21]

Power Forward:

Kevin Garnett
Brandon Bass
Jordan Hill
Ronnie Turiaf (P) VF21's favorite player
Ersan Ilyasova
Kris Humphries
Carl Landry
Elton Brand
Ryan Anderson (R)

You're an evil man.

 

[VF21]

We could have had Humphries last year so I doubt we'll go after him this year. Too tall, I think.

Silly Glenn. We couldn't go after him last year because Kim would NOT have allowed it.

 

[DesertFox]

I would throw a ridiculous front loaded contract at Batum. And if a guy like Kidd or Camby would for some reason sign, I'd overpay for 2 years, as that's around the time we'll need space to lockup Evans and Cuz. Those moves plus a rookie (or trading it along with one of our scrub 3's) who can contribute and this team should contend for a playoff spot, because honestly they need to NEXT year.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I love Ersan Ilyasova. And I mean LOVE. He's been one of my favorite players to watch this season. I also think he can play the 3. And he's one of the few players I really like that aren't restricted.

Batum would be perfect. I still like AK. I think Jeff Green is interesting.

For bigs, I didn't see Omer Asik on the original list, but I like him a lot as a third or 4th big. Very good defender who is young and still has some potential. Reminds me of a young Varajao.


I really like this FA class. It lacks starpower but there are A LOT of nice pieces to be had, and we are in that 'pieces' faze.

 

[mm16]

I would love Chris Kaman.

 

[rekehavoc73186]

I love Ersan Ilyasova. And I mean LOVE. He's been one of my favorite players to watch this season. I also think he can play the 3. And he's one of the few players I really like that aren't restricted.

Batum would be perfect. I still like AK. I think Jeff Green is interesting.

For bigs, I didn't see Omer Asik on the original list, but I like him a lot as a third or 4th big. Very good defender who is young and still has some potential. Reminds me of a young Varajao.


I really like this FA class. It lacks starpower but there are A LOT of nice pieces to be had, and we are in that 'pieces' faze.

i would also like ilyasova. Ive never really seen him play b4 but i evertime i look hes putting great numbers. He can also shoot the 3pter. He is 6 ft 10 so isnt that too big for a SF? would he be able to guard sf's bc i know he is a PF.

 

[rekehavoc73186]

I would throw a ridiculous front loaded contract at Batum. And if a guy like Kidd or Camby would for some reason sign, I'd overpay for 2 years, as that's around the time we'll need space to lockup Evans and Cuz. Those moves plus a rookie (or trading it along with one of our scrub 3's) who can contribute and this team should contend for a playoff spot, because honestly they need to NEXT year.

i would too throw money at these guys especially for batum b/c we all know how bad this team needs a true SF. I wouldnt mind getting nash too as someone mention here before.

 

[Boogie-havoc]

Do not want Jeff Green.

Can't really defend, actually is a tweener so surely can't defend the top SFs.

Needs to have quite alot of touchs on offense to become a factor.

He's a blackhole.

Poor 3 point shooter.

Below average rebounder(as PF)


Jeff Green might be the worst SF we can possibly get come to think about it in terms of fit. a SF/PF tweener version of Carl Landry. HELL NO.

 

[Kings Faithful]

Ilyasova or Batum please....

 

[kingjatt]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we do not add anybody, maybe a cheap veteran PG but thats is about it. I would say we would have looked at a SF such as Batum but with our owners recent actions (and the emergence of t.will who will play for peanuts next year) its quite clear that they have zero money to pay any free agents. They only paid Hayes and traded for salmons to reach the the salary floor. We need owners who aren't afraid to over pay a little and be willing to eat a bad contract if need be. This is the maloofs cash cow now and guys who get into the NBA business usually do so as a passion/hobby and have their money making ventures separate, we can forget about these guys even getting close to the salary cap anytime in the near future. Even if we fill the building they will continue to collect any profits while giving us a line up of guys on rookie deals.

 

[bluntsnbball]

If all other options aren't working, I'd love for our team to take a look at Jeff Green if the price wasn't too high.

i cant believe no one else has commented on this. I completely agree, im high on green, my only issue is that hes a bit of a tweener. i think the kid has a high ceiling and the right coach can bring the best out in him. i get the feeling doc rivers really likes him though and it dont matter how old Boston gets, any player would choose Boston over Sac. The green jerseys just have winning engrained in em and i dont think he's worth getting into a bidding war over

Also, the more i see Dragic the more i like him. I dont necessarily think IT needs to be replaced but damn,i think as a back-up, hes a luxary for the rockets and as long as he knows that, he might be lookin to cut out. Again though, i dont think he's worth overpaying b/c i still think IT has done a great job at PG and i think we should focus on other positions before we fix what aint broken

 

[Gilles]

Greene is the ultimate tweener because he struggles on defense wherever he plays and he's going to command at least mid-level type of money. Do Kings really need one of those contracts? Let him stay away.

 

[KingsCitizen]

Petrie has been high on Batum ever since the draft workouts.
This summer will be his highest chance to take Batum.

 

[ParniValjak]

Petrie has been high on Batum ever since the draft workouts.
This summer will be his highest chance to take Batum.

Would love to see it but good luck with that!

In order to get Batum, you need $$$ and plenty of them. Something we do not have. The only way I could possibly see us land Batum is via a sign and trade but there would have to be something in it for Portland.

In a perfect world we do a Batum for Thornton sign and trade but in reality, Batum gets re-signed by Portland for big $$$ and we offer a mid level money to Travis Outlaw MkII

 

[bajaden]

I am dead serious.. I have been a fan of his since he has come into the league. The dude is lights out (and has always been) as a spot shooter from 3pt. I figure the way our bench might be built next season that he could offer a lot of instant offense.

What's your deal with him? I have been following him since college so I know his game pretty well.

He's better than a couple guys on the list for sure, and probably a better fit (in the terms of knowing his role, and chemistry) than most of those on the list. He's not a big name but he can definitely bring what the Kings are lacking.

The Kings are third from last in the league in 3pt% and Novak is by far (more than 2%) better than the second place player in 3pt%.

Got to look past some of the more named players and get the guys that would fit better. I would rather a guy average 6ppg and fit with the team than a guy like Jeff Green average 15ppg and not fit with the team.

BTW: Talking about Novak as a guy off the bench, not someone we would pay 5mil to and start or anything.

I thought this was a free agent thread not a "let's look to get a starter" thread.

I have nothing against Steve Novak. He's a great shooter, and if you want him for his 8 to 10 minutes a game where he stands in the corner and waits for the spot up shot, and you can get him for the league minumun, then fine, I'm on board. But thats all he does. To my mind, Novak is a luxury on a contending team, but not a player I want taking up space on a team thats in need of a lot more than a spot up shooter who can't do anything else. Now I don't mean to be harsh on him. But I think you know what I'm talking about. He doesn't rebound, and he isn't a good ball handler. I won't even get into defense, which is a bad word on the Kings right now.

How about we look for a player that can contribute at both ends of the floor.

 

[Kingster]

There has to be a deal but then last summer I was full of happy expectations and nothing happened. In the meantime we had a wasted year - my opinion. It was wasted to me. I can hardly wait for this year to end and move on. This is not to say nothing good happened this year but my expectations were that we would be battling for a playoff position and by being cheap or "trying hard" as some put it, we went nowhere. The team is poised to move. Good grief, no matter what anyone thinks of specific players and what axes they have to grind, we have a past ROY, we have a present guy who will finish high in the ROY battle and we found an all world center yet here we are like catfish, slowly sucking up the remains of teams above us - bottom feeders.

Can a team be a success without outside shooters? I do not accept the opinions of Smart as gospel although I feel quite certain he doesn't give two hoots about what I want.

You and me, both, brother...

 

[Spike]

i would also like ilyasova. Ive never really seen him play b4 but i evertime i look hes putting great numbers. He can also shoot the 3pter. He is 6 ft 10 so isnt that too big for a SF? would he be able to guard sf's bc i know he is a PF.

He is like a polished version of Donte Greene (which I know isn't the best example), who is certainly not a PF, even though Smart plays him there. He would do well from the outside, and we would get rebounding from that position.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Would love to see it but good luck with that!

In order to get Batum, you need $$$ and plenty of them. Something we do not have. The only way I could possibly see us land Batum is via a sign and trade but there would have to be something in it for Portland.

In a perfect world we do a Batum for Thornton sign and trade but in reality, Batum gets re-signed by Portland for big $$$ and we offer a mid level money to Travis Outlaw MkII

Why do you assume the team wouldn't spend for Batum? I keep seeing accusations here that the team didn't open the pocketbooks, but does no one remember the failed attempts to sign Kirilenko and Crawford? If I remember correctly, the issue is that neither wanted to play here because of fit, not because of money. Not to mention the fact that the team took on more money in the Salmons deal (which has the dubious double distinction of being a bad move from both a talent perspective and financially).

The problem with Batum is that he's restricted, and he would have to be overpaid in order to deter the Blazers from not matching. Should the team overpay Batum? When there are other SFs out there in free agency, draft, or by trade? That's a different question than suggesting the team isn't willing to spend at all.

 

[bajaden]

He is like a polished version of Donte Greene (which I know isn't the best example), who is certainly not a PF, even though Smart plays him there. He would do well from the outside, and we would get rebounding from that position.

He's more of a PF than Donte would ever dream of. He's an excellent rebounder thats gotten better every year. But hey, play him where you want. He's a better player than Donte, Outlaw, and anyone else you want to throw out there at the SF or PF position not named Jason Thompson. And thats what this is really all about. Improving your team with players you think can be on a contending team, and removing players that can't.