MrNique

I thought I read somewhere that the roster size is going to go to 16 next year. Anyone confirm? Or am I making that up? Not that that changes the minimum you guys are discussing.

Far too many of these dream scenarios have us trying to bring back Smith. That is a joke. His career is as a Hawk is done. Accept it. Ferry is not bringing this inefficient player back. We will always have the Nique jersey dunk contest. A others have said, it would be a ludicrous to put him t the 4 with Dwight. Horrible basketball. Horford is the obvious 4 to keep as he an actually shoot an 18 footer. We can get a young Real wing to play the 3 in the draft if we needed to. Josh as the stretch 4... Hahaha... Smh

Obviously, the scenario in 2 is the Dream scenario in some form. (Even if I have my doubts about Howard long term.) There are just too many hurdles. Two stars colluding to LEAVE LOS ANGELES for less money and go to Atlanta just sounds silly. Still, until the two players actually resign in LA we'll continue to hear this stuff. The Article:Has Chris Paul played his final game in a Los Angeles Clippers uniform?Until Chris Paul spoke on Saturday, this was supposed to be a dull free-agent season. To many of us, all NBA transactions are interesting, however, the 2013 free-agent class seemed unlikely to have a major impact on the landscape of the league. Dwight Howard has been the most oft-discussed member of the class, and while there is a bit of intrigue regarding his next contract, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that he'll stay put with the Los Angeles Lakers. Besides the fact that the Lakers are a destination franchise, the fact of the matter is there are a limited number of possible suitors for star-level free agents this summer. Paul will find that out soon enough.All along, it's been assumed that Paul would simply re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers -- and that remains the default position. Los Angeles can offer Paul a five-year, $107.5 million deal, and he can't get more than four years from another team. You also don't want to read too much into the emotional words of a player still stinging from a disappointing loss. Despite the Clippers' early exit, Paul led all players in PER during the first round, so he's certainly not to blame for the defeat. Given his comments, it seems likely that his quest for a championship is going to outweigh the monetary aspect of his free agency. The money will be considerable either way, and he's still got those Cliff Paul spots running to pad the bank account.In terms of bottom-line value, Paul is easily the best player available this summer, the kind of performer whose signature alters the fortunes of any franchise he joins. Howard may challenge Paul's place atop the pecking order of free agents because the scarcity of elite centers, but either way teams will be salivating over the prospect of bringing Paul aboard. So the questions then become: Does remaining with the Clippers offer Paul his best chance at a championship? If not, then where could he go?1. Los Angeles ClippersIn the end, the Clippers remain the overwhelming favorite to retain Paul's services. However, they may need to demonstrate a willingness to pay significant luxury tax money because as Amin Elhassan pointed out, if they bring back the same core, it's going to be difficult to fill out the rest of the roster. The Clippers' success this season was built around Paul and Blake Griffin, but the team's depth also played a large part. Just five Clippers currently have fully guaranteed deals for next season. Consider the case of Matt Barnes, who just completed his age-33 season by scoring 30 points in L.A.'s elimination game, and finished third on the Clippers in WARP during the regular season. Barnes wouldn't get it, but in a fully open marketplace his production would be worth about 10 times the amount for which he was actually paid. It seems unlikely he'd be willing to play for the minimum again when teams across the league will be willing to use cap exceptions to pay more.As for adding a third core member to team with Paul and Griffin, L.A. general manager Gary Sacks would have to dip into the team's young depth with Eric Bledsoe serving as the centerpiece of any trade. In the end, the middling, cap-clogging contracts of DeAndre Jordan and Caron Butler may prevent the Clippers from making any impactful moves. Paul could survey the situation and decide that this year's team got about as far as this group can get. He may be wrong, but players often are when it comes to evaluating their own teams and others around the league. If Paul were to leave, it would be just the latest sorry chapter in the star-crossed history of the Clippers.2. Atlanta HawksThe Hawks -- who could have drafted Paul in 2005 when they selected Marvin Williams -- have just three players with guaranteed contracts for next season: Al Horford, Lou Williams and John Jenkins. Obviously that's not enough to entice Paul from the standpoint of maximizing title odds. However, Atlanta might have a slight geographical edge since Paul was born, raised and went to college in ACC country. Then if you recall the fact that Howard is an Atlanta native, suddenly things get more interesting. The idea of Paul and Howard joining forces has been floating around for some time, and in Atlanta, it could actually happen.This would require some bold decision-making on the part of Hawks general manager Danny Ferry, and some financial collusion on the part of Paul and Howard. Ferry would need to renounce every free agent on his roster, a process which would include declining to make a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Jeff Teague. If he did that, Ferry could get his cap commitment down to about $26 million for the aforementioned trio, Atlanta's two first-round picks and a number of minimum cap holds. If the cap comes in at, say, $60 million, then that would be $34 million for Howard and Paul to split. Not the max, but this scenario only works if the pair decides to follow in the path of Miami's LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.Atlanta would end up with a core of Howard, Paul and Horford, plus an elite bench scorer in Williams, a promising shooting specialist in Jenkins and two first-round rookies. Ferry would also have a full battery of cap exceptions -- this would become a likely landing spot for Barnes -- and with Howard and Paul on top of his talent pyramid, the Hawks would become a preferred destination for the top minimum-salary veterans. The Hawks haven't been to the Finals since the 1950s, so why not think big? There are several teams that could maneuver enough to free up a salary slot for Paul, like Dallas, Houston or Boston. The Hawks are the only team, though, that can do so while also offering the possibility of an instant power trio.3. The fieldYeah, that's about it -- a very short list. With every other team besides the Clippers and Hawks, there are obstacles too big to overcome, though a surprise is always a possibility. First, the NBA is point guard dominated right now, and quite a few teams are set at the position. Sure, Paul is the best PG in the league, but do you really want to gut the rest of your roster to upgrade the one position you haven't filled? Some teams -- the Lakers for one -- can't go after Paul because tax restrictions prevent them from taking back a player in a sign-and-trade deal. As mentioned, the Mavericks, Rockets and (possibly) the Celtics have money to spend. Would Paul consider a two-star team with Dirk Nowitzki an upgrade over his situation with the Clippers? Would he want to share the ball with James Harden in Houston? In Boston, he'd be the centerpiece of a rebuild, which would be the case with more than half the league.It's that lack of viable options that means Paul is likely to decide the grass is greenest with the Clippers at the Staples Center. However, in a summer that probably won't have a lot of high-level intrigue, at least the Hawks give us the possibility of some real excitement.

At this point, looks like we are heading towards the 5 seed and Brooklyn. This was my preference 5 weeks ago, but now I'd rather play Indiana. Brooklyn is playing really good ball and Indiana has been not as good of late. And Indiana always has problems scoring which has helped us match up against them. Also, I'd rather be at the 6 seed regardless of opponent so I'm bummed Chicago couldn't get some more wins. (Still could happen though.)Still, either team will present some post problems for us. I wonder what our record is against these two teams with and without Pachulia, because he will be missed in either matchup. Ivan needs to step up and I really hope Petro is kept to a minimum, even if I already know Larry will trot him out too much against Hibbert/Lopez. We need to run with our most talented players to make a series out of it.

I'm taking this season in stride too, and i dont think falling to 7th is that big of a deal n the long run. BUT I'll be bummed if we end up in the 8th spot. Against anyone else would be at least watchable even though we know we aren't a true contender. Watching us get blown out by the Heat would just be depressing. I really don't like how the schedule is shaking for this team, as we could be 8th by the end of the Laker game if it is a L. That L to Phoenix is really stinging.

Larry Drew getting killed tonight so far. Lakers an old slow team that gets murdered in transition. See their loss to Denver last week where Denver ran it down their throats and made 3s in transition. So what did LD do? Made sure we had a slow Center that is not an offensive threat out there eliminating our ability to run and shoot. Al's range would help pull Dwight out of the paint I would think too.I'm not an LD hater just feel like he made some bad matchup choices tonight. At least so far. Still in 3rd.

Obviously, getting the 2nd or 3rd seed is preferable, but I think playing Brooklyn in the first round is absolutely our best bet matchup wise.Chicago/Boston are worse case scenarios. Those teams just out execute us (out coach?) every time no matter how inferior their talent might be on the floor.New York I'd also rather not face, but to a lesser degree than above two.Brooklyn is best bet. They have a ton of road games left so maybe they'll lose and we'll keep playing well and it will be 3/6 matchup!Indiana is our second best matchup. Though they are starting to lockup that 2 seed so a matchup with them seems unlikely in first round, but with my above scenario is the second round matchup.So path to Finals if we are dreaming:3 seed. Brooklyn. Indiana. Miami.

And we have a ton of Guards. This is at the very least a logical conversation once players can be traded together... It just has to be. Morrow is expendable with Korver and Jenkins. We should start there.

I still think one of the more interesting Trade Partners out there could be Detroit. They are loaded with SF talent:Tayshaun Price - the vet, but still under contractAustin Daye - on last year of rookie dealCorey Magette - 10 million expiring this yearKyle Singler - draftee from last year, detroit really wants to get him minutes this yearKhris Middleton - their 2nd round rookieObviously, I don't think we'd mess with our cap flexibility so it only really leaves Magette (ugh) and Daye. Daye being the most interesting fit, because he's really talented and on the end of his rookie deal. So we can restrict him, renounce him or whatever we want depending on the moves we want to make.. I just think we'd have to give up more than just expiring back to gain him.

I still kind of feel like there is a good chance we start both of them. Nevermind throwing them in certain positions. I'll list Harris as SG because he's taller, but basically I think we have two GUARDS. With Lou Williams being the #3 Guard and whatever shooter is shooting the best between Morrow and Jenkins as the 4th. TEAGUE - WILLIAMSHARRIS - MORROW/JENKINSOffense will be initiated through both of them.(With the usual caveat of barring another trade.)

I have no interest in Evans. Harden does everything this kid does (WAY better) and more. If you consider CP3/Dwight as pipe dreams, then I think the logical duo to go after is Harden and Bynum.Harden: People keep saying that OKC won't let him and Ibaka both go, but Harden is the expendable one with the strength they have at the wing. They can (try) to get their scoring punch off the bench cheaper than maxing him. I really think he could be had with the right offer. Maybe a S&T for the right asset.Bynum: Not a big fan of the GUY himself. Immature jerk (I live in LA), but he is talented and 5s like him don't grow on trees. The injury history is always a worry, but maybe, just maybe he can grow up. He has no loyalty and will go where the money is. While Dallas is wining and dining Howard we can maybe pounce here first...

Re: 2k13.There are some pretty up to date Roster DLs online for 2k12. I've been having some fun. Definitely shooting more 3s but making a lot. Especially since my Josh always plays inside-out.

As presently constructed we obviously still need a SF. Hopefully one that can at least play some semblance of D out at the wing. But as for the bigs, I think it's coming from within. Four guys will fight for Three spots in camp:Mike ScottKeith BensonJordan WilliamsIvan Johnson

Count me in as Al at 5 and Josh at 4. Especially in this day and age with stretch 4's and what not. Al is a Top 10 Center right now. Josh can play some nice spot minutes at the 3 (against Lebron and bigger 3's), but in the long run that isn't his position either. When he has to chase a more classic SF like Gay or Granger around he gets exposed on D.

Some of you are better cap people than me, but here are my numbers:Teague 2,433,076Josh 13,200,000Al 12,000,000Zaza 5,248,750Ivan 962,195 (hold)Jenkins 1,204,560 (assuming he signed at the customary 120%)Scott 473,604 (rook minimum)Farmar 1,500,000 (buyout number)Morrow 4,000,000Petro 3,500,000Stevenson 2,300,000Williamson 762,195Harris 8,500,000Korver 5,000,000 (once it goes through)Lou Williams 5,000,000 (assuming he got full mid level)Total: 66,084,380 (Tax Line: 70,307,000)So IF there isn't a big trade made and we roll with this team what can we do?A) Bi-Annual Exception of 1,957,000B) Vet MinimumThat would be to get our starting SF I assume. We only have the one roster spot left after Korver. Even if we used the exception we would still be under the tax line a fair amount. (68,041,380). So we could take on a little salary in a trade if we wanted/needed to without going over.Are my numbers way wrong?Ferry really is doing a good job and the team should still be fairly competitive as we move to next phase.

Well obviously they cut him for the Batum offer sheet, but he was expendable because he's not very good (and in a suit a lot as others have said.) There are a bunch of SF I'd rather have than him: CJ Miles, Pietrus, Barnes, Terrence Williams, etc. Based on the contracts going around for the second tier players I'd be stunned if Carlos got that much. But you could be right about multiple years in which case it doesn't fit the Ferry plan.

No, I don't want that guy. Reason Minny cut him. I'm hoping for someone like Carlos Delfino at this point.

I think Flynn was being looked into before Lou signed. That's my guess.

Teague is our starter. Harris isn't really that different a player to be honest. More of a scorer than a playmaker, but he's never as healthy though and as others have said he's on decline. Tea he is quicker and more of a pest on defense currently, especially with his steal numbers. With that said, IF it works I expect them to be on the court a lot together. All our SG are basically shooting specialists. Two PG lineups getting more common too. And I don't get why people keep trying to start Jenkins over Morrow and Stevenson. Morrow is further along and would start over him right now. (Eventually we hope he supplants him.) And Stevenson is our best wing defender right now and won a title with Dallas. Wouldn't be stunned if LD starts him either. The rook will get his chance though.

I'm OK with building around Josh if we get Howard and another elite player next summer. Which means he's the #3 and that's perfect.My guess: If Howard gets traded to a team other than the ATL and extends, Josh gets traded. If before season, probably to Houston for prospects so we still have our cap space. At trade deadline the latest.

Twitter news/rumor:Wolves free agent forward Anthony Randolph meeting with Atlanta Hawks this weekend, source tells Y! Dallas native meeting with Mavs Tuesday. -- Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo)

At this point Ferry is definitely waiting out. Since we are not going to sign anyone to a long term deal and eat up cap space. At this point the plan has to be after the initial waves of players sign with other teams, let's see who is available. We have our MLE and other exceptions and I believe we are something like 12 million under cap so maybe someone slips through the cracks that signs for 1 year for our MLE once all better/longer term offers are gone. As is obvious, we need a SF.I think at this point I'd almost be surprised if there is another trade.

Of the guys I'm not sure we can afford/will take a one year contract I like:Carlos DelfinoMickael PietrusCJ MilesLower down:Terrence Williams - could be a nice fitAlonzo Gee - but reports are Cleveland matches anythingGerald Green - but signing him to an offer sheet would really ness up Brooklyns attempt at Dwight and maybe they don't follow through with the Joe trade.Devin Ebanks - Our name has been attached to him as interested

Although I think Teague still will start, as presently constructed I would expect both guys to be on the court a lot, if not most of the game together. All the other SG we have are basically shooting specialists. Harris and Teague are both basically combo guards and the two PG lineup is common these days. (Still really curious who will be our SF.)

Yeah, Josh is just not a SF. For spots, sure. I wonder if we would give a 1 year MLE to someone decent at the 3. Not sure who that is, but just saying.