2012 Free Agents: It's Never Too Early For Plan B

by mr. eggplant on Jan 30, 2012 12:31 AM CST

Assuming the Rockets fail to land Pau Gasol or Dwight Howard, and accepting that Kyle Lowry's improvement has made pursuing Deron Williams less of a priority, what free agents will Daryl Morey & co. try to land this summer? It's early, but here are some players to keep an eye on. (Relying on this list.)

Guards

Andre Miller (Unrestricted) Yes, he will be 36 years old, but his game has aged well, he has experience playing in two point guard sets, so he can play alongside Lowry, and he can run the second unit efficiently, providing a steady hand to help the Rockets' young players develop.

Kirk Hinrich (Unrestricted) Remember him? He'll be 32, and is coming off injuries, but he should still be able to shoot the 3, play some defense, and run a second unit. He should also be affordable because of aforesaid injuries, and the number of point guards hitting free agency this summer.

Wings

O.J. Mayo (Restricted) Because of the Randolph, Gay, Conley, and Gasol contracts, Memphis might not be able to afford Mayo, who has been in every trade rumor involving the Grizzlies for the past two years. Even though he's disappointed as a pro, he's not a bad player. For his career, he's averaged almost 17-4-3 per 36 minutes, and he's a decent defender and 3 point shooter (38%). There might be a bargain to be had here. This signing becomes much more likely if Martin is traded.

Gerald Wallace (Player Option) He'll be 30, and looking for his last big payday. He'll give you a fairly efficient 15-7 with his trademark defense and intensity and is definitely an upgrade over Budler Parsinger. Even though a team with Lowry, Wallace, and Dalembert would be tough every night, this move probably makes more sense in conjunction with a move for a big man.

Bigs

Omer Asik (Unrestricted) The Bulls already have 76 million committed for 2013. Asik has averaged almost 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes for his career so far. He's comparable to DeAndre Jordan, a little better defensively, not quite as good offensively, who is making 10 million this year. Will the Bulls match a 4/40 offer? Is Asik (26 next year) worth it?

Ian Mahinmi (Unrestricted) Finally getting some burn this year as Brendan Haywood's backup, Mahinmi is averaging a super efficient 15 and 9+ per 36 minutes this year. He's not nearly as good defensively as Asik, but he's decent, and can be a slightly lesser, younger version of Nene (26 next year).

None of these players would propel the Rockets to a championship, but all would make the team better, which fits with the front office's stated goal of improving the team while retaining roster flexibility.

(My first fanpost here, constructive feedback welcomed and encouraged,)

No cursing in title. No pirated material, such as links to online game streams. Do not cut/paste entire sections of content from other websites. Thanks.

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Comments

Javale Mcghee makes the most sense

He is a very athletic 7 footer who can get a big contract from the rockets! maybe he is the rockets target which is why we declined options on 4 people (only one i consider semi decent)

by Ani Kumar on Jan 30, 2012 2:42 AM CST reply actions

Rockets won't pick him up.

As it’s been said before, they don’t seem to like dumbasses.

by ehburrus on Jan 31, 2012 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

consloation prizes

Roy Hibbert, didnt get his contract extended, which is somewhat of a red flag, but it’s probably a tactic to get more money. Either way, he’s been steadily developing since his entry to the league, 25 with excellent pedigree(Georgetown produced center) , who should receive more attention, but is lost in the bigger names this year. I would take a run at him

McGee is awesome, but you run a risk of getting a boneheaded player whose self-assessment might be a bit different from reality.

Omer Asik is a fan favorite in Chi-town, not to mention he’s totally restricted.

Swingman / backcourt wise

Crash might elect to stay with Portland, if not, he’s the sort that will demand semi-star to star money but not being a first or second option. Batum is the future there, but Wallace might be comfortable there

A guy you might look, though NYK might have a death-grip on him, is Landry Field. Underutilized since the arrival of Melo, Field remains a very smart and efficient complimentary player. He’s not the defensive dynamo Lee is, but he’s long and smart on team defense. NYK has some room to work with, unless they tried for another big name.

Of course, I prefer to retain Lee for market value which would probably be 6-9 million a year.

Nash should be and probably will be ring chasing, possibly NYC bound, but the old man keeps himself in shape and still is a darn good shooter. The same goes for Ray Allen. This might sound crazy, but can you imagine the two of them signing with a young team to essentially instantly solidify their conference finals status for a couple years?

Andre Miller is at a ring chasing age, but he seems very comfortable with Denver. He’s a a solid 5-8 million dollar player but the production is very steady starting or off the bench

I think we should be trying to bring in Sergio Llull if at all possible

by NVP on Jan 30, 2012 4:54 AM CST reply actions

Omer Asik

is also a center, and word on the street is those types of people command alot of money.
If we offer asik around 5 years, 30 mil, i dont think chicago can match it

by Ani Kumar on Jan 30, 2012 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

boy with those names that are put out there....

we ought to start planning the parade for next summer. In all seriousness… I would like to trade Martin and all our picks for a top 6 pick, flip Scola for expirings, flip Dragic for either picks or expiring. Bring over Llull and DMo next season. Re-sign Lee.
Also, wouldn’t mind Batum or Gerald Wallace, and the Marcus Morris pick is still a wild card.

temporary avatar change...

by jake_471 on Jan 30, 2012 5:42 AM CST reply actions

There's not a single thing in that post I disagree with.

I think going “all in for maximum cap flexibility” this summer is just a really dumb decision by the management. Going all in on a free agent class with little to nothing to offer.

Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad.

by BD34 on Jan 30, 2012 7:54 AM CST up reply actions

I think that we tend to get caught up

in the free agent only view. Massive cap space allows you to do trades other folks can’t even dream of. Not that it’s the only place that it applies to, but NY is going to be hell on earth if they continue to blow like they are right now. Someone might talk them into making a move if they had the cap space to absorb some serious money. Other folks will be in similar situations. It does expand your options.

BTY, I agree with bringing over Llull & DMo

by makinmajik on Jan 30, 2012 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

What are the odds of landing both Dwill and Howard?

Do we have the cap space? Obviously Kyle will be gone in this scenario as will most of the 09 class. A sign and trade? Deron Williams has a history of killing us at the TC.
Or am I just dreaming?

"Do not panic, all is well" Kevin Bacon in the parade scene in the movie Animal House

by mjdinhouston on Feb 11, 2012 7:14 AM CST up reply actions

I don't disagree

that a full on rebuilding would be a good thing, but I think it’s clear by now that it’s not happening as long as Les Alexander is running the team. He’d rather have a competitive, entertaining product with the possibility of home playoff games, and I can’t say I blame him. (I know this discussion has been had a thousand times here, so I’ll stop there.)

That being said, I would be surprised if Kevin Martin and Scola were both still on the team on opening day next year.

by mr. eggplant on Jan 30, 2012 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

in theory

if the wizards realize that u cant just keep having young studs and expect to win without solid veteran surroundings, i think they will be open to trade. If we can manage to give up martin, scola and maybe the knicks pick for their lottery pick and rashard lewis contract. This trade can work great both sides. wizards amnesty blatche and resign mcghee and a decent veteran point guard and they can make a solid playoff push, plus john wall will learn how to win

by Ani Kumar on Jan 30, 2012 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

How about

Michael Beasley or the Lopez Brothers, all restricted FAd

by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 30, 2012 9:06 AM CST reply actions

I think we go after wallace

Thevreason is not because I think he’s worth the money. But it is that dwight loves him. We pick him up and we show we are willing to play ball. We would have to get rid of scold, martin, and dragic for him though.

by BuckeyeBob on Jan 30, 2012 10:34 AM CST via Android app reply actions

What the hell auto correct.

by BuckeyeBob on Jan 30, 2012 10:35 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

lol

Go Rockets!
"Our players knew we were going to win so kinda let up on defense." Kevin Mchale
"Screw Stern!" Me

by Rockets7 on Jan 30, 2012 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

You either go one of two ways

1) go for Asik and other young bucks, while trading away Martin and Scola, and build the team with Lowry leading, or…

2) do a big deal for a DWill paired with Crash, or help the Lakers upgrade at PG by grabbing Gasol, etc…and go for a win now. Our team is inbetween and can go either way.

Honestly, I don’t see anyone necessarily going or staying, though PP, Lee and Lowry seem to be the most bankable going forward unless we can land a large star for them.

In NYK continue to suck, maybe Amare gets dealt, but they will keep Melo forever. Is Amare that much better than Scola? I don’t think so…worse knees and no D…maybe he and Scola are comparable.

Nash, Ray Allen, Melo and Amare would be pretty deadly…but I doubt that happens….but you just have to convence Ray Ray to sign with NYC. Looks like Nash is probably already thinking about going there.

by John P on Jan 30, 2012 7:18 PM CST reply actions

I would just like to say that

actually the night before IS to earl for plan B.

flayed ones stealth mode

"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."

by mob16151 on Jan 30, 2012 10:25 PM CST reply actions