Baseball Guru
09-01-2006, 05:09 PM
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9539835
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
If you did a double-take at the amount of money Nene just got to stay with the Denver Nuggets, you weren't alone.
Despite missing virtually all of last season after tearing an ACL on opening night, he's going to get a six-year deal worth $60 million. That's despite the fact he's still a couple months away from returning to action.
Weird, huh?
Not if you take a look at the rest of the crop. Even in his hampered state, Nene's upside would've made him the most coveted power forward in this year's free-agent class. Retaining him and locking up Carmelo Anthony in the same weekend ensures the Nuggets will have strong frontcourt anchors for years to come. It also makes Kenyon Martin's exit imminent.
Here are the rest of the NBA's available free-agent power forwards:
1. Drew Gooden, Cleveland: His future hinges on that of LeBron James, who still hasn't formally agreed to sign an extension with his hometown team. Once that is taken care of, re-signing Gooden is said to be the Cavs' next priority. They also have the luxury of being able to match any offer Gooden receives. He had a fairly strong playoff run and seems to elevate his game at that time of year, but he must mature into a more dependable contributor. Ideally, he should consistently be among the league's top rebounders year in and year out.
2. Chris Wilcox, Seattle: Wilcox had an excellent run with the Sonics after coming over from the Clippers, but feels he's been low-balled in negotiations with the team. Seattle has made its qualifying offer, so it can match any offers that come in. A former lottery pick, Wilcox's practice habits haven't drawn rave reviews, but he has come up with some brilliant games when given playing time.
3. Vladimir Radmanovic, L.A. Clippers: The player dealt for Wilcox late last season has reportedly found a home. He's staying put at Staples Center -- to play for the Lakers. Radmanovic opted to take a one-year deal from Seattle last year to escalate his value and saw it blow up in his face, receiving inconsistent playing time. The midseason deal to the Clips and a nice playoff run salvaged his season, but instead of staying put, the lure of playing with Kobe Bryant proved too great. Radmanovic will reportedly swallow up the team's entire midlevel exception (five years, $31 million).
4. Tim Thomas, Phoenix: It's funny how the dominoes are falling. With Radmanovic likely gone, the Clippers have turned their attention to Thomas, who, in a very short period, has gone from unwanted in Chicago to coveted commodity in the Western Conference. The Suns don't have the money to keep Thomas if, as expected, L.A. tosses the bulk of its midlevel exception his direction.
5. Keith Van Horn, Dallas: He suffered through an injury-riddled campaign last season and is destined for a pay cut, but it will be interesting to see what wins out, his desire for a ring, or the chance for perhaps one last pay day. At his worst, Van Horn can still be a nice change-of-pace forward who can help spread the floor. The Mavericks wouldn't mind having him back, but at a major discount.
6. Melvin Ely, Charlotte: He's a restricted free agent the Bobcats would be best served keeping, considering how nicely he held down the fort when Emeka Okafor and Sean May went down last season. Other teams took notice, too, so keeping him may be more expensive than originally thought.
7. Reggie Evans, Denver: An extremely hard worker who backs down from no one, Evans will have his share of suitors once the larger names find homes. Minnesota is reportedly interested, as is Cleveland. What you see is what you get with Evans. He's all about winning, will never be a distraction, and doesn't let his lack of size detract from his ability to hit the boards hard and defend. Throw in his faulty free-throw shooting and you have a poor man's Ben Wallace.
8. Francisco Elson, Denver: Elson is a restricted free agent, so you figure if Evans heads elsewhere and Martin is on the block, it's in Denver's best interest to keep the versatile Elson. He blocks shots, rebounds, and is a solid insurance policy for the oft-injured Marcus Camby.
9. Scot Pollard, Indiana: He's a banger who will work hard and can be effective in spurts. Pollard can play both post positions, adding to his allure.
10. Aaron Williams, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: The veteran has remained in the league due to his work ethic and ability to bang the boards and block shots. He'll be on someone's roster, probably at the veteran minimum.
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
If you did a double-take at the amount of money Nene just got to stay with the Denver Nuggets, you weren't alone.
Despite missing virtually all of last season after tearing an ACL on opening night, he's going to get a six-year deal worth $60 million. That's despite the fact he's still a couple months away from returning to action.
Weird, huh?
Not if you take a look at the rest of the crop. Even in his hampered state, Nene's upside would've made him the most coveted power forward in this year's free-agent class. Retaining him and locking up Carmelo Anthony in the same weekend ensures the Nuggets will have strong frontcourt anchors for years to come. It also makes Kenyon Martin's exit imminent.
Here are the rest of the NBA's available free-agent power forwards:
1. Drew Gooden, Cleveland: His future hinges on that of LeBron James, who still hasn't formally agreed to sign an extension with his hometown team. Once that is taken care of, re-signing Gooden is said to be the Cavs' next priority. They also have the luxury of being able to match any offer Gooden receives. He had a fairly strong playoff run and seems to elevate his game at that time of year, but he must mature into a more dependable contributor. Ideally, he should consistently be among the league's top rebounders year in and year out.
2. Chris Wilcox, Seattle: Wilcox had an excellent run with the Sonics after coming over from the Clippers, but feels he's been low-balled in negotiations with the team. Seattle has made its qualifying offer, so it can match any offers that come in. A former lottery pick, Wilcox's practice habits haven't drawn rave reviews, but he has come up with some brilliant games when given playing time.
3. Vladimir Radmanovic, L.A. Clippers: The player dealt for Wilcox late last season has reportedly found a home. He's staying put at Staples Center -- to play for the Lakers. Radmanovic opted to take a one-year deal from Seattle last year to escalate his value and saw it blow up in his face, receiving inconsistent playing time. The midseason deal to the Clips and a nice playoff run salvaged his season, but instead of staying put, the lure of playing with Kobe Bryant proved too great. Radmanovic will reportedly swallow up the team's entire midlevel exception (five years, $31 million).
4. Tim Thomas, Phoenix: It's funny how the dominoes are falling. With Radmanovic likely gone, the Clippers have turned their attention to Thomas, who, in a very short period, has gone from unwanted in Chicago to coveted commodity in the Western Conference. The Suns don't have the money to keep Thomas if, as expected, L.A. tosses the bulk of its midlevel exception his direction.
5. Keith Van Horn, Dallas: He suffered through an injury-riddled campaign last season and is destined for a pay cut, but it will be interesting to see what wins out, his desire for a ring, or the chance for perhaps one last pay day. At his worst, Van Horn can still be a nice change-of-pace forward who can help spread the floor. The Mavericks wouldn't mind having him back, but at a major discount.
6. Melvin Ely, Charlotte: He's a restricted free agent the Bobcats would be best served keeping, considering how nicely he held down the fort when Emeka Okafor and Sean May went down last season. Other teams took notice, too, so keeping him may be more expensive than originally thought.
7. Reggie Evans, Denver: An extremely hard worker who backs down from no one, Evans will have his share of suitors once the larger names find homes. Minnesota is reportedly interested, as is Cleveland. What you see is what you get with Evans. He's all about winning, will never be a distraction, and doesn't let his lack of size detract from his ability to hit the boards hard and defend. Throw in his faulty free-throw shooting and you have a poor man's Ben Wallace.
8. Francisco Elson, Denver: Elson is a restricted free agent, so you figure if Evans heads elsewhere and Martin is on the block, it's in Denver's best interest to keep the versatile Elson. He blocks shots, rebounds, and is a solid insurance policy for the oft-injured Marcus Camby.
9. Scot Pollard, Indiana: He's a banger who will work hard and can be effective in spurts. Pollard can play both post positions, adding to his allure.
10. Aaron Williams, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: The veteran has remained in the league due to his work ethic and ability to bang the boards and block shots. He'll be on someone's roster, probably at the veteran minimum.