NBA Free Agency 2024

[Vermont Green]

So Denver now have Jokic as their starting center. They have Saric as their main backup center. They have Daron Holmes II as their rookie first round draft pick who is supposed to be a contributor next year as a small ball backup center. Then they have Zeke Nnaji who they are paying $8mil a year to be a backup center who is nothing more than a minimum contract level talent. And then they have DeAndre Jordan as their 1, 2, 3, 4, 5th center.

5 centers!

They have no starting SG. Only two backup wings (C Braun, P Watson). No backup PGs. The team is a mess. Oh, and Julian Strawther. I forgot him. Three backup wings.

5 centers. Who the heck needs 5 centers especially when your main center is Jokic who is going to soak up 75% of the minutes by himself and that will go up to 80+% in the playoffs. What a waste of resources.

Porzingis
Horford
Kornet
Queta
Tillman

Us, apparently lol. We have the excuse of our starting Center missing a few months, though, and trying to limit the time that our top 2 Centers are on the floor. It's a very odd mix for Denver

I would say our bigs break down this way:

Tillman (PF)
Horford  (PF/C)
Porzingis (C/PF)
Kornet (C)
Queta (C)

I don't see Tillman as a C, he is a PF who in a pinch, can fill in at C.  You may argue that Porzingis is not able to play at PF, I think he can, but I can see the argument that he is a more natural C.  Horford may actually be a more natural PF than C.  He can score, rebound, pass, and defend the position at a high level, against pretty much any PF in the league.  What more do you want from a PF?  It just happens that he can play as a C at a high level too.  So if I had to assign just one position to each, Horford would be a PF and Porzingis a C.

In any case, we have enough players that can play as a C.  Some of them are not that good (Kornet, Queta), but we have the bodies.

[Who]

West

Tier 1 = elite teams = OKC, MIN, DAL

Tier 2 = playoff caliber teams = DEN, LAC, LAL, HOU, PHO, SAC, GSW, New Orleans and maybe (1) MEM (2) Spurs.

Tier 3 = lottery = UTA, POR


The West is crazy. There are only 2 teams without legit playoff hopes. 3 top teams that look locked in for high seeds. Then it will be so random. An injury here or there to LAC, LAL or PHO could wipe them out. SAC are vulnerable. MEM are vulnerable. Spurs are a little behind but within striking distance.

DEN should be safe due to their top 4 who should carry them to 50+ wins but that supporting cast is terrible.

HOU look ready for a forward push. I feel better about HOU than many of the veteran teams because of their depth and how balanced they are. They are less reliant on 1-2 key individuals than the old vet teams like LAC, LAL, PHO. Less vulnerable to injuries.

New Orleans I am not sure whether they are safe or vulnerable. The individual talent on their roster is impressive. The lack of quality big man. The overlap / redundancy in skill-sets will lead to diminished returns. They may be more vulnerable than safe.

[Goldstar88]

Heat feel like one of the biggest losers this FA. They didn't nab anyone great, and also let Caleb Martin walk. Burks isn't gonna make a huge difference for them. Meanwhile the rest of the East got better around them.

I guess the Bucks are a close 2nd as well but they still have Giannis + Lillard. Their bench still seems very iffy to me, so it'll really come down to the health of their starting unit.

On paper, is it...

1. Boston
2. OKC
3.  Philly

Or do Minnesota, New York and/or Denver break into the top three?

For me, it is:

1. Boston
2. OKC
3. New York
4. Philadelphia
5. Minnesota
6. Denver

I think losing KCP is a sneaky big loss for DEN and their bench last season was already pretty bad. Plus the conference around them is getting tougher. I think NY and PHI could be a tossup. I give NY the slight edge because they are deeper and have more mental toughness IMO, but no doubt Embiid is the best player between the two teams assuming health. I like Ant Edwards and the Wolves but I got to be honest, I'm not that sold on KAT as the #2 option there and it definitely showed in the Mavs series with how inconsistent and disappointing he was. They lost Kyle Anderson as well and Conley is 36.

I do fully believe the best two teams in the NBA are Boston and OKC though, in whatever order.

No Dallas? 

[Who]

Kings have a great big 3 in:
Sabonis
DeRozan
Fox
But think the bench is weak but should be good fight in West

Huerter is probably their 1st choice starting SG but I wonder if they are not better bringing him off the bench in order to ease out rotation concerns.

G: D Fox, Devin Carter, Colby Jones
G: Keon Ellis, Malik Monk
F: K Murray, K Huerter
F: DeRozan, Jalen McDaniels (bad one)
C: D Sabonis, T Lyles, A Len

Malik Monk had stated he wanted to start this year but would accept a bench role if it is not on the cards. I don't see any way he can start with 4 shot hungry offensive players already in the starting lineup. They need a lower usage guy there at SG. Either Huerter or Keon Ellis.

Both K Ellis and M Monk are small SGs. Huerter is a big SG and best suited to filling some of those backup forward minutes. Jalen McDaniels is a low end bench forward. You don't want to be relying on him too much. He is like their Oshae Brissett. Some playing time is fine but not too much. Keon Ellis played very well for them last year with his defensive energy and shooting. He looks the best bet as a low minute starter (20-24mpg). Then Monk taking the rest of the minutes at SG. Let Huerter back up the forward slots.

It will make Sacramento very small at forward. They were already small at forward with K Murray & H Barnes. They are still small with K Murray & DeRozan. All those guys are natural SFs. None are PFs. Huerter will mean they are small at forward almost all the time. Small & defensively vulnerable. Vulnerable rebounding wise too. They are going to get beaten up. They are small at SG too. This is not a team with hopes of a playoff run. Too weak. Too vulnerable. They could make a playoff spot though.

Their rookie draft pick Devin Carter and their draft pick from last year Colby Jones are somewhat of a wild card at backup PG. D Carter looks interesting as a big defensive lead guard.

Lot of offense. Not much defense. Same as last year and the year before that. A regular season team. Not built for postseason success.


Edit: So what would that bench be?

One high end bench player in Malik Monk. A middle of the pack bench SF in Huerter. A wait and prove it to me in Devin Carter so a below average bench PG. A below average bench PF in Jalen McDaniels. A below average bench C in Lyles / A Len.

So one high end bench player, one average and three below average bench guys. Yeah, that looks a weak bench.

[Moranis]

Heat feel like one of the biggest losers this FA. They didn't nab anyone great, and also let Caleb Martin walk. Burks isn't gonna make a huge difference for them. Meanwhile the rest of the East got better around them.

I guess the Bucks are a close 2nd as well but they still have Giannis + Lillard. Their bench still seems very iffy to me, so it'll really come down to the health of their starting unit.

On paper, is it...

1. Boston
2. OKC
3.  Philly

Or do Minnesota, New York and/or Denver break into the top three?

We talking regular season or playoffs as I think those are different with Boston being the only team in the top 3 of both. 

[Who]

Kings sign Jordan McLaughlin to a one year deal.

Gives them a veteran backup PG in case Devin Carter is not up to it. I am surprised Minny didn't bring him back as insurance for Rob Dillingham. McLaughlin was surprisingly useful for Minny.

[tazzmaniac]

I'm surprised Tyus Jones hasn't signed with any team yet.  There hasn`t even been mention of where he'll end up. 

[Phantom255x]

Heat feel like one of the biggest losers this FA. They didn't nab anyone great, and also let Caleb Martin walk. Burks isn't gonna make a huge difference for them. Meanwhile the rest of the East got better around them.

I guess the Bucks are a close 2nd as well but they still have Giannis + Lillard. Their bench still seems very iffy to me, so it'll really come down to the health of their starting unit.

On paper, is it...

1. Boston
2. OKC
3.  Philly

Or do Minnesota, New York and/or Denver break into the top three?

For me, it is:

1. Boston
2. OKC
3. New York
4. Philadelphia
5. Minnesota
6. Denver

I think losing KCP is a sneaky big loss for DEN and their bench last season was already pretty bad. Plus the conference around them is getting tougher. I think NY and PHI could be a tossup. I give NY the slight edge because they are deeper and have more mental toughness IMO, but no doubt Embiid is the best player between the two teams assuming health. I like Ant Edwards and the Wolves but I got to be honest, I'm not that sold on KAT as the #2 option there and it definitely showed in the Mavs series with how inconsistent and disappointing he was. They lost Kyle Anderson as well and Conley is 36.

I do fully believe the best two teams in the NBA are Boston and OKC though, in whatever order.

No Dallas? 

I'd probably put Dallas and Milwaukee as the next two (7-8 in whatever order). I know they added Klay but I still think their defense is poor and also, the West in general to me is gonna get tougher. The only way I see Dallas making significant strides is if Doncic actually becomes "decent" on the defensive end, not some traffic cone. If you ask me, other teams should use the Celtics blueprint and just attack him on defense. It baffled me that OKC/LAC/MIN couldn't do it. I know the argument is that those teams have some "non-shooters" where Doncic could hide but I mean... is that stopping them from still attacking the basket or moving around and putting Dallas' defense on skates? Sometimes it felt like guys for OKC/LAC/MIN were truly just standing around too. Move the ball.

[tazzmaniac]

Heat feel like one of the biggest losers this FA. They didn't nab anyone great, and also let Caleb Martin walk. Burks isn't gonna make a huge difference for them. Meanwhile the rest of the East got better around them.

I guess the Bucks are a close 2nd as well but they still have Giannis + Lillard. Their bench still seems very iffy to me, so it'll really come down to the health of their starting unit.

On paper, is it...

1. Boston
2. OKC
3.  Philly

Or do Minnesota, New York and/or Denver break into the top three?

For me, it is:

1. Boston
2. OKC
3. New York
4. Philadelphia
5. Minnesota
6. Denver

I think losing KCP is a sneaky big loss for DEN and their bench last season was already pretty bad. Plus the conference around them is getting tougher. I think NY and PHI could be a tossup. I give NY the slight edge because they are deeper and have more mental toughness IMO, but no doubt Embiid is the best player between the two teams assuming health. I like Ant Edwards and the Wolves but I got to be honest, I'm not that sold on KAT as the #2 option there and it definitely showed in the Mavs series with how inconsistent and disappointing he was. They lost Kyle Anderson as well and Conley is 36.

I do fully believe the best two teams in the NBA are Boston and OKC though, in whatever order.

No Dallas? 

I'd probably put Dallas and Milwaukee as the next two (7-8 in whatever order). I know they added Klay but I still think their defense is poor and also, the West in general to me is gonna get tougher. The only way I see Dallas making significant strides is if Doncic actually becomes "decent" on the defensive end, not some traffic cone. If you ask me, other teams should use the Celtics blueprint and just attack him on defense. It baffled me that OKC/LAC/MIN couldn't do it. I know the argument is that those teams have some "non-shooters" where Doncic could hide but I mean... is that stopping them from still attacking the basket or moving around and putting Dallas' defense on skates? Sometimes it felt like guys for OKC/LAC/MIN were truly just standing around too. Move the ball.

The Celts offense often degrades to JT and JB ISOs with the other players standing around.  But the defenders still have to stay on their men because there aren't any non-shooters. 

[Who]

Ian Begley @IanBegley

James Wiseman's deal with Indiana has a partial guarantee ($500K) in Year 1 and a team option in Year 2. If Pacers pick up the option, 2nd year is guaranteed for roughly $570K. First year of deal becomes fully guaranteed if Wiseman is on roster past 1.10.25.

Only partially guaranteed 1st year plus 2nd year team option.

[footey]

Ian Begley @IanBegley

James Wiseman's deal with Indiana has a partial guarantee ($500K) in Year 1 and a team option in Year 2. If Pacers pick up the option, 2nd year is guaranteed for roughly $570K. First year of deal becomes fully guaranteed if Wiseman is on roster past 1.10.25.

Only partially guaranteed 1st year plus 2nd year team option.

I can't believe the No. 2 pick from the 2020 draft can only get a partial $500K guaranty.  Is he really that bad?

[Who]

Evan Sidery @esidery

The Bucks did not extend a qualifying offer to TyTy Washington. Washington averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 assists while shooting 42.6% on threes for the Wisconsin Herd. The former Kentucky guard could be an intriguing development signing for a team in unrestricted free agency.

Those are some impressive G-League stats. I wonder why they are giving up on him. Hmm ... the qualifying offer was probably just too expensive for a team deep in the luxury tax.

He looks a good get for somebody looking for a 3rd string PG.

[Who]

Ian Begley @IanBegley

James Wiseman's deal with Indiana has a partial guarantee ($500K) in Year 1 and a team option in Year 2. If Pacers pick up the option, 2nd year is guaranteed for roughly $570K. First year of deal becomes fully guaranteed if Wiseman is on roster past 1.10.25.

Only partially guaranteed 1st year plus 2nd year team option.

I can't believe the No. 2 pick from the 2020 draft can only get a partial $500K guaranty.  Is he really that bad?

Unfortunately, yeah. What is most concerning is how little improvement he has shown in the last 4 years. These are just basic things like body positioning and footwork on defense. He is a defensive liability with that size, length and speed. The only thing he has done is dumb-down his offensive game which has made him less than he was early in his career offensively.

It is the lack of improvement that makes me think he is not worth a shot as a reclamation project.

It is strange too. He doesn't seem like a bad dude. Good guy. Talks like he is willing to put work in. But never seems to improve.

[Who]

Michael Scotto: The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Luka Garza to a two-year, $4.51 million, which includes a team option Year 2

[BitterJim]

Evan Sidery @esidery

The Bucks did not extend a qualifying offer to TyTy Washington. Washington averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 assists while shooting 42.6% on threes for the Wisconsin Herd. The former Kentucky guard could be an intriguing development signing for a team in unrestricted free agency.

Those are some impressive G-League stats. I wonder why they are giving up on him. Hmm ... the qualifying offer was probably just too expensive for a team deep in the luxury tax.

He looks a good get for somebody looking for a 3rd string PG.

I doubt that the issue is the qualifying offer being too expensive for the team, and more it being too expensive for the player. QOs make sense if the player is worth more and/or you expect them to get other offers that you want to match, but for players that deserve 2-ways you don't want to offer the QO because they'll sign it and then you'll be stuck with them on the main roster. You're better off skipping the QO and just negotiating a deal with them.