2010 NBA Free Agency Post

2010 NBA free agency has officially begun, and since 12:01 am GMs have been calling players non-stop in order to try to build the next dynasty, or at the very least, save their jobs. When I think about it, I keep seeing images from "Rat Race" with Mr. Bean (Donnie Walsh) running around, cluelessly proclaiming "I am weeening, I am weeening." The whole situation has become so funny. There has been nonstop coverage of it with breaking news reports every day. We interrupt this program with a breaking news bulletin: Dwyane Wade would prefer to stay in Miami but is, and I quote, 'considering all options.' And now back to our regularly scheduled program in progress The Real World/Road Rules Challange: Bankrupt v. Rehab.

The funny thing about it is that some teams are in an all or nothing situation and are set up for colossal failure if they don't sign their main targets (see: New York Knickerbockers). But the teams that get their man (or men) will be poised to be perennial Eastern Conference favorites. 

The Players:

Lebron James- The "prize" of this class. Loyal to Cleveland, but wants to win...or so he says.

Dwyane Wade- The only one of these guys with a Ring. Wants to stay in Miami, and has been recruiting heavily.

Chris Bosh- Needs more money than Wade and James, as he doesn't get the endorsement paychecks they do.  

Dirk Nowitzki- Wants to win, but might be too loyal to Mark Cuban (who has always had his back) to leave.

Amar'e Stoudemire- Doesn't play defense. Microfracture surgery a concern to some. Monster finisher at the rim.

Carlos Boozer- Injuries the biggest concern. Wants out of Utah. 

Paul Pierce- I can't see him leaving now that Doc Rivers is coming back.

Joe Johnson- Not the max money guy that people think he is. Someone is going to get desperate and pay him like he is though.

David Lee- Interior scoring and rebounding are essential to winning championships. He WILL be a big contributor to a contenter.

Ray Allen- Top-tier players need shooters to help give them space. Ray Allen has been around and will find himself on a 4th team next year.

The Teams:

New York- If they end up with Amar'e and Joe Johnson, they are fucked. 

Miami- Probably sitting the prettiest, as the top free agents (Wade) clear first choice.

Chicago- Right with Miami because of the nucleus of young talent the already have on board.

Dallas- Need to keep Nowitzki...or get LeBron, but that isn't happening.

New Jersey- Dark horse. Wild card. Who knows what Jay-Z has up his sleeve?

Atlanta- Likely to offer Joe Johnson the max and will pay for it heavily. 

Boston- Trying to keep their core intact. With Rondo, Perkins, 

Since I really only care about Miami winning this battle (and New York losing badly), I am not going to get into every possible scenario. The Heat have 2 players under contract, Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley. They have the means to acquire 3 top-tier free agents and fill the roster with role players. With that, plus the mid-level exception, Miami is in the best position of any team in the conversation. You can sharpie Wade in, as he is expected to re-sign a max deal. If he doesn't, I am going to kill Pat Riley, then myself, rendering this whole conversation moot to everyone who reads this blog (me).

Best Case Realistic Scenario for Miami:

I have been a huge proponent of Amar'e Stoudemire teaming up with Dwyane Wade. He is only 27, and played out of his mind down the stretch. He needs to work on his defense, but I think he will get it up to a functional level at least. Offensively, I think he fits well with Wade. He doesn't need to dominate the ball to be effective. He just needs to throw down those alley-oops that Wade will provide. My only reservation is his health. Kinda dicey. Sign David Lee to give an extra presence down low. That will leave more money to fill the rest of the empty roster than they would have if they signed two max players. Then if they can get a veteran shooter like Ray Allen (or John Salmons, or JJ Reddick) to sign for the mid-level exception, then they will have a well-oiled offensive machine. Re-sign Haslem, and fill the roster with role-players, and we are set. 

Amar'e Stoudemire C

David Lee PF

Michael Beasley SF

Ray Allen SG

Dwyane Wade PG

Udonis Haslem PF

Mario Chalmers PG

Quentin Richardson- SG

Carlos Arroyo-PG

Dexter Pittman C

Javaris Varnardo PF

Da'Sean Butler SF 

--Insert quality defensive stopper here--
--Insert cheap nobody #1 C--

--Insert cheap nobody #2 SF/SG--

If it were only that easy. I think somebody is going to overpay for David Lee, so that would make him unavailable to us. We might be smart to make an offer to Rudy Gay and see if Memphis will match it.

Best Case Dream Scenario for Miami:
Sign Lebron and Bosh. Win 4 Titles...OK, back to reality...