NBA Offseason: SCIC Roundtable – Part 4
February 8, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ben Gordon (8) drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward Earl Clark (6) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Lakers won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Which was the worst value contract signed this summer by a free agent, under $5 million annually?
Michael Saenz: Why are the Chicago Bulls still paying Kirk Hinrich. The last time I checked, it wasn’t 2009. But it’s not even that, why are the Bulls paying Hinrich FIVE mill per year? I would’ve liked to see the Bulls bring back D.J. Augustin (at a much cheaper price) rather then they continue to bring Hinrich back for his 20th season (give or take a year).
John Armstrong: If it’s under $5 million/year, can it really be considered a bad deal? Beno Udrih with the Grizzlies if I really had to pick.
Morten Jensen: Kirk Hinrich at $5.6 million was not good. He did receive competitive offers, and rumors even circulate he was offered more, but at 33 and declining rapidly, the Bulls would have been better off going after Jerryd Bayless or re-signing D.J. Augustin. Yes, Thibodeau loves Kirk and his defensive approach, but if the Bulls needed anything, it’d be that extra offensive spark off the bench.
George Middleton: The worst signing of the summer for a player signing for $5 million a year or less was Trevor Booker. Booker signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Utah Jazz. Booker averaged 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds with Washington last season. Booker is a solid bench piece but he is worth about $7 million over two years.
Bryce Olin: Ben Gordon’s $4.5 million deal with Orlando. The Magic had a few of these bad veteran contracts this offseason, but I have no idea why they offered Gordon this contract. He should be making the league minimum, honestly. Orlando needs three-point shooters, sure. But, Gordon should be sitting on the bench at this point in his career, not taking playing time away from Orlando’s young backcourt.
David Ramil: The Cavs have brought on board a number of veterans that can score and shoot, even with limited playing time. However, they don’t play defense very well. Mike Miller, James Jones and Ray Allen (if he signs with Cleveland, as expected) all provide value but can be exploited on the defensive end. The one signing that has a reputation for defense is Shawn Marion. But, at 36 and at the end of his career, will he still contribute? Will he be satisfied with a limited role on the bench? Despite the overwhelming amount of talent, there are questions with this loaded roster and this quartet of free agents could all be considered a poor value by season’s end.
Brandon Osborne: Danny Granger to the Heat. It’s not Grangers fault but the Heat had to improve their roster to LeBron’s liking and Granger is not a significant upgrade at all.