Baseball Guru
09-01-2006, 05:06 PM
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9544647
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Point guard is by far the most loaded position this offseason, and many teams have been quick to lock up their free agents or jump on acquisitions.
The list includes both starters and players looking to break through to the next level. Here are the top 10 free-agent point guards, some of whom have already picked their destinations:
1. Jason Terry, Dallas: Following a breakthrough season in which he established himself as one of the most clutch shooters in the league, "Jet" opted to remain on the runway in Dallas, taking $50 million over the next six seasons.
"My main thing with the contract was to be able to secure my family and to have longevity," Terry told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I'm 28, and this contract will take me up to when I'm 34 and close to 35, and what more can you can ask?
"I'm in the prime of my career, and getting a long-term deal now was the No. 1 priority."
It's obvious the Mavericks are comfortable with Terry and Devin Harris co-existing as interchangeable point guards over the coming years. That experiment worked wonderfully this past postseason.
2. Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers: He looked rejuvenated in a Clippers uniform and really took charge of a team that badly needed direction. As a result, L.A. rewarded him with a two-year, $13 million deal that should carry him through the end of his career. When he was acquired for Marko Jaric prior to the season, Cassell landing one last multiyear deal would've been considered an upset.
3. Mike James, Toronto: James was devastated when Houston dealt him for Rafer Alston before last season and would love nothing more than to return there -- if the money is right. He'll definitely earn his largest payday in the league, but the situation that might fit him best could be with Minnesota, where he would almost certainly wind up as the starter.
4. Speedy Claxton, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: After reaching a verbal agreement with Atlanta, he'll finally get to run his own ship after years of bouncing around as a valuable backup. Look for him to relish the opportunity and aid the Hawks' steady improvement.
5. DeShawn Stevenson, Orlando: OK, he's not a true point guard, but he fell through the cracks at the shooting guard, so we'll make room for him here. Re-signing Stevenson is the Magic's top priority given how well he matured last season and what a steady defender he has become. He opted out of the final year of his contract in order to get long-term security and a pay raise, and he'll definitely get it from someone. If Orlando can't re-sign him, it will increase the pressure on J.J. Redick to hit the ground running.
6. Bobby Jackson, Memphis: With Claxton on the move, the Hornets wasted no time getting Chris Paul additional help. The veteran Jackson, who joins his third team in three seasons, will be a vital asset in his new home, with Byron Scott counting on him to aid in Paul's progression, defend tenaciously and serve as a perimeter threat. Count on Jackson playing major minutes in what would be a smallish backcourt.
7. Marcus Banks, Minnesota: He went from little-used reserve to surprise starter when Boston shipped him to the Wolves at midseason, but his status is back in limbo. Given Minnesota's interest in James, Banks could again find himself on the bench or potentially back on the move.
8. Chucky Atkins, Memphis: He didn't excel when given the opportunity to start for the Grizzlies once Damon Stoudamire went down and could again be on the move. At this stage of his career, Atkins is best suited to providing scoring off the pine.
9. David Wesley, Houston: The steady veteran is nearing the end of his career and is looking to win a ring. Expect him to look to sign with a contender, potentially the reigning champion Heat.
10. Gary Payton, Miami: If he decides to lace them up for one last season, expect it to be back with Miami, where he has settled in and embraced his role as a primary backup who gets major minutes late in games.
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Point guard is by far the most loaded position this offseason, and many teams have been quick to lock up their free agents or jump on acquisitions.
The list includes both starters and players looking to break through to the next level. Here are the top 10 free-agent point guards, some of whom have already picked their destinations:
1. Jason Terry, Dallas: Following a breakthrough season in which he established himself as one of the most clutch shooters in the league, "Jet" opted to remain on the runway in Dallas, taking $50 million over the next six seasons.
"My main thing with the contract was to be able to secure my family and to have longevity," Terry told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I'm 28, and this contract will take me up to when I'm 34 and close to 35, and what more can you can ask?
"I'm in the prime of my career, and getting a long-term deal now was the No. 1 priority."
It's obvious the Mavericks are comfortable with Terry and Devin Harris co-existing as interchangeable point guards over the coming years. That experiment worked wonderfully this past postseason.
2. Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers: He looked rejuvenated in a Clippers uniform and really took charge of a team that badly needed direction. As a result, L.A. rewarded him with a two-year, $13 million deal that should carry him through the end of his career. When he was acquired for Marko Jaric prior to the season, Cassell landing one last multiyear deal would've been considered an upset.
3. Mike James, Toronto: James was devastated when Houston dealt him for Rafer Alston before last season and would love nothing more than to return there -- if the money is right. He'll definitely earn his largest payday in the league, but the situation that might fit him best could be with Minnesota, where he would almost certainly wind up as the starter.
4. Speedy Claxton, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: After reaching a verbal agreement with Atlanta, he'll finally get to run his own ship after years of bouncing around as a valuable backup. Look for him to relish the opportunity and aid the Hawks' steady improvement.
5. DeShawn Stevenson, Orlando: OK, he's not a true point guard, but he fell through the cracks at the shooting guard, so we'll make room for him here. Re-signing Stevenson is the Magic's top priority given how well he matured last season and what a steady defender he has become. He opted out of the final year of his contract in order to get long-term security and a pay raise, and he'll definitely get it from someone. If Orlando can't re-sign him, it will increase the pressure on J.J. Redick to hit the ground running.
6. Bobby Jackson, Memphis: With Claxton on the move, the Hornets wasted no time getting Chris Paul additional help. The veteran Jackson, who joins his third team in three seasons, will be a vital asset in his new home, with Byron Scott counting on him to aid in Paul's progression, defend tenaciously and serve as a perimeter threat. Count on Jackson playing major minutes in what would be a smallish backcourt.
7. Marcus Banks, Minnesota: He went from little-used reserve to surprise starter when Boston shipped him to the Wolves at midseason, but his status is back in limbo. Given Minnesota's interest in James, Banks could again find himself on the bench or potentially back on the move.
8. Chucky Atkins, Memphis: He didn't excel when given the opportunity to start for the Grizzlies once Damon Stoudamire went down and could again be on the move. At this stage of his career, Atkins is best suited to providing scoring off the pine.
9. David Wesley, Houston: The steady veteran is nearing the end of his career and is looking to win a ring. Expect him to look to sign with a contender, potentially the reigning champion Heat.
10. Gary Payton, Miami: If he decides to lace them up for one last season, expect it to be back with Miami, where he has settled in and embraced his role as a primary backup who gets major minutes late in games.