I'm primarily thinking of guys like Javale McGee, Bismack Biyumbo, Larry Sanders, Tyson Chandler, Kosta Koufus, Alexi Ajinca, Omer Asik, Kyle O'Quinn, and Robin Lopez.
Obviously, if these guys put up the numbers that Jordan does, they would be getting max contracts too, but could we get 90% of Jordan's rebounding and rim protecting production, plus better offense and free throw shooting, for half (or less than half) the price.
I mean Asik could probably be had for 10 million a year, and he would provide about 80-90% of Jordan's production rebounding and rim protection per minute, and about 60% of the finishing inside.
But we could also swing for the fences on Biymbo or O'Quinn (my favorite option and a darling of advanced stats) on a 4 year, 5 million a year "prove it" contract.
I'm not necessarily saying any of these guys are better players, but if I was Ainge, I would be questioning whether or not one of the plethora of FA big men might give us a better deal (and maybe in the end a better player and fit) than Jordan would.
If, however, Ainge felt like Jordan would attract Aldridge or Love this year, then obviously you pay the max for Jordan. But if we cannot get another max player this year. I would probably keep my cap space one more year, swing for the fences on a different big man that fits our needs (O'Quinn, Koufus, Biyumbo, Ajinca, and maybe McGee and Sanders) for the right price.
I like talking about this stuff, but I'm glad I'm not Danny Ainge.
The Asik part is debatable 
I'd love to see us giving Larry Sanders a chance (once he's dealt with his clinical depression)
I really like Biyombo. He's young and athletic, has good potential.
Ajinca: I haven't seen enough of him playing but his stats are legit. It all depends on the price.
The rest of the group, I hardly know enough to comment, but I like the idea of us going after second tier FAs.
Why the interest in 2nd tier free agents when better players are available?
2nd tier players aren't going to win you a championship.
I'm looking for good value primarily. I don't think that Jordan is good value at 20 million a year. I think his contract would clog our cap and therefore put a ceiling on how good our team can be.
On the other hand, if a first tier player like Aldridge wanted to come, I pay him. I don't pay Jordan because of his limitations. There is a wide difference between Aldridge and Jordan though.
The other thought is that if a second tier guy would give you 80-90% of Jordan's production for half the cost, then you are paying 10 million a year for 10-20% of that production. Is that worth it?
If you can't get Aldridge, I think you have to at least consider the next tier after Jordan, especially if you really think a second Tier guy can be locked into a low contract and develop into something special.
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Topic: Should we offer DA Jordan the max (Read 7841 times)