NBA Offseason: SCIC Roundtable – Part 3
Mar 24, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Ed Davis (32) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Dante Cunningham (33) as Grizzlies center Kosta Koufus (41) looks on during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Which Was The Best Value Contract Signed This Summer By A Free Agent, Under $5 Million Annually?
Michael Saenz: Someone still needs to explain to me how the Los Angeles Lakers landed Ed Davis for 2 years, $2 million. The Lakers who had pretty much landed flat on their faces during the 2014 NBA free agency period managed to save a bit — a bit — of face by signing Ed Davis to such a great deal. Even if it is just for one season, it’s a good signing. It wasn’t the great acquisition that the Lakers were hoping for entering July, but I’m sure they’ll take it happily.
John Armstrong: Vince Carter. He’s still got it and will offer the Grizzlies some respectable off the bench scoring.
Morten Jensen: D.J. Augustin‘s two-year deal worth $6 million is fantastic if he can mimic his production from last year, and Ed Davis signing for a two-year minimum with the Lakers is equally impressing, even though he’ll likely play out of position a bit. Chris Kaman signing a two-year deal worth $9.8 million is close to our ceiling, but a wonderful contract given his talent. All in all, I like Augustin’s deal the best. His production with the Bulls last year was worth considerably more than $3 million, and pending a duplication of that, Detroit got a bargain. If only they hadn’t signed Jodie Meeks to $19 million prior to that.
George Middleton: Carlos Boozer was voted the “worst” newcomer on ESPN, but as far as value for the money one is earning, not many will edge out Boozer. After being amnestied by the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers got a one year $3.25 million deal with the Lakers. Boozer is expected to do a little more than last year, despite getting older. Boozer averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds last year, it wouldn’t surprise me if he averaged 15 and 9.
Bryce Olin: James Johnson’s two-year, $5 million deal with the Toronto Raptors is my favorite deal of the summer. Johnson showed flashes of brilliance last season with the Grizzlies. Toronto, now, has the flexibility and a little depth at the small forward position. Last season, they relied on Terrence Ross too often. While Ross is a stable option, Johnson brings more athleticism and scoring punch on the wings, and he’s on a super cheap contract.
David Ramil: I think Josh McRoberts will be a great piece for the Miami Heat. The Heat could have blown up a team in the wake of LeBron James’ departure from the team. Instead, team president Pat Riley brought back key pieces and added other veterans that can – in combination – replace the multiple talents of James. And that’s where McRoberts fits in. As a decent scorer, defender and rebounder, he’ll definitely have an impact (and much more than Miami’s starters at the same position last year, which included the now-retired Shane Battier and the injured Rashard Lewis…no wonder they didn’t win the title). But it’s his passing and ability to initiate the offense from the high post that will be of greatest benefit to the Heat.
Brandon Osborne: Nick Young by the Lakers. Last season Young was one of the few highlights for L.A. and re-signing was a must. He will always be a scorer and not much else but he is exciting and a guy who can put up 20 points per game off the bench.