Baseball Guru
09-01-2006, 06:07 PM
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9538856
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
First, somebody who's not a free agent: Jamaal Magloire is said to be available. The Milwaukee Bucks are satisfied enough with the promise of Aussie Andrew Bogut's development to get something done, and the whispers are that Washington is the primary suitor.
Magloire's offensive production slipped last season, but he'd still be a major boost for a center-deprived squad -- particularly since there's only one name you can get excited about among available free-agent centers: Ben Wallace.
Yep, the top defensive player in the league is available and listening to offers, particularly after last season's bitter ending. Here are the top 10 free-agent centers available in the first part of a week-long, five-part series:
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit: The Bulls have reportedly stolen him from their rivals, though it wasn't cheap at four years and $50 million. Maybe he can teach Tyson Chandler a thing or two about consistency. The Pistons didn't offer the maximum, but certainly a fair amount, loads of security and the promise of continued championship contention. Apparently it wasn't enough.
2. Nazr Mohammed, San Antonio: He wasn't pleased with sitting for the majority of the playoff series loss to Dallas but has already won a ring with the Spurs. It would make sense for him to go somewhere for playing time and more money, and there won't be a shortage of suitors.
3. Alonzo Mourning, Miami: Still among the NBA's top shot blockers with his impeccable timing, it will be interesting to see if he covets one last run as a starting center, which will never happen with Shaquille O'Neal in place. He said during the Finals that he intends to come back, and it's hard to imagine him leaving a place where he's so revered and capable of winning another championship. You never know, though. If they lowball 'Zo, he could choose to land elsewhere.
4. Joel Przybilla, Portland: Last year was filled with injuries, and he must gain consistency. Having shipped Theo Ratliff on draft night, it's imperative that Przybilla fill that void in the middle. The Blazers have made re-signing him the team's top priority.
5. Lorenzen Wright, Memphis: These parties have had somewhat of a messy divorce, with Wright falling out of favor with Mike Fratello. He can still be an asset somewhere.
6. Michael Olowakandi. Boston: There has to be a part of the Kandi-man's game he can excel in. The many teams who have tried reaching out haven't gotten it. Someone else will be next.
7. Kelvin Cato, Orlando: It looks like he's going to be a career backup, but at least he runs the floor decently, rebounds and block shots.
8. Loren Woods, Toronto: Lanky frame, and he blocks or alters shots. But definitely not a hot commodity.
9. Mario Kasun, Orlando: Tough Croatian backs down from no one. His best years are clearly ahead of him.
10. Jarron Collins, Utah: He could pitch in and help his twin, Jason, bang down low in New Jersey. There's no question the Nets could use all the help they can get in the post
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
First, somebody who's not a free agent: Jamaal Magloire is said to be available. The Milwaukee Bucks are satisfied enough with the promise of Aussie Andrew Bogut's development to get something done, and the whispers are that Washington is the primary suitor.
Magloire's offensive production slipped last season, but he'd still be a major boost for a center-deprived squad -- particularly since there's only one name you can get excited about among available free-agent centers: Ben Wallace.
Yep, the top defensive player in the league is available and listening to offers, particularly after last season's bitter ending. Here are the top 10 free-agent centers available in the first part of a week-long, five-part series:
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit: The Bulls have reportedly stolen him from their rivals, though it wasn't cheap at four years and $50 million. Maybe he can teach Tyson Chandler a thing or two about consistency. The Pistons didn't offer the maximum, but certainly a fair amount, loads of security and the promise of continued championship contention. Apparently it wasn't enough.
2. Nazr Mohammed, San Antonio: He wasn't pleased with sitting for the majority of the playoff series loss to Dallas but has already won a ring with the Spurs. It would make sense for him to go somewhere for playing time and more money, and there won't be a shortage of suitors.
3. Alonzo Mourning, Miami: Still among the NBA's top shot blockers with his impeccable timing, it will be interesting to see if he covets one last run as a starting center, which will never happen with Shaquille O'Neal in place. He said during the Finals that he intends to come back, and it's hard to imagine him leaving a place where he's so revered and capable of winning another championship. You never know, though. If they lowball 'Zo, he could choose to land elsewhere.
4. Joel Przybilla, Portland: Last year was filled with injuries, and he must gain consistency. Having shipped Theo Ratliff on draft night, it's imperative that Przybilla fill that void in the middle. The Blazers have made re-signing him the team's top priority.
5. Lorenzen Wright, Memphis: These parties have had somewhat of a messy divorce, with Wright falling out of favor with Mike Fratello. He can still be an asset somewhere.
6. Michael Olowakandi. Boston: There has to be a part of the Kandi-man's game he can excel in. The many teams who have tried reaching out haven't gotten it. Someone else will be next.
7. Kelvin Cato, Orlando: It looks like he's going to be a career backup, but at least he runs the floor decently, rebounds and block shots.
8. Loren Woods, Toronto: Lanky frame, and he blocks or alters shots. But definitely not a hot commodity.
9. Mario Kasun, Orlando: Tough Croatian backs down from no one. His best years are clearly ahead of him.
10. Jarron Collins, Utah: He could pitch in and help his twin, Jason, bang down low in New Jersey. There's no question the Nets could use all the help they can get in the post