Friday Insider - TOP 2002 Free Agents

[Admin]

Cap room. Let's just put it this way. If this were a MasterCard commercial, it wouldn't be under the category: priceless.

Unfortunately, to make a real splash in the free-agent market, there actually have to be free agents worth taking. This year? There's nothing. Nada.

What about Michael Olowokandi or Mike Bibby? Both players are restricted free agents. The team that holds their rights can match any offer. Given the replacements out there, would you let them get away?

Of the unrestricted variety, there's Rashard Lewis, the second-round draft pick that Houston passed up three times in the first round. The Sonics would like to believe that he could be the next Scottie Pippen. He's not Pippen. Not yet, but he'll be expecting Pippen-like dollars this summer. With Lewis openly pining to return to Houston, the Sonics have little choice but to fork over some major cash.

After that, everything gets sketchy.

Bonzi Wells. How much do you pay him to insult your fan base?

Keon Clark. Looks like Kevin Garnett. Plays like Kevin Garnett approximately 55 percent of the time. The other 45 percent of the time he bears a striking resemblence to Joe Smith.

Ricky Davis. Is he really the next Michael Jordan or is John Lucas officially off his rocker? Lean heavily toward the latter.

Here's the good news, there isn't any money to spend anyway. You won't have to cringe like we all did last year when the Sonics gave a boatload to Calvin Booth and the Knicks threw the bank at Shandon Anderson.

This summer, only three teams, the Clippers, Bulls and Pistons, are expected to have cap room to sign free agents outright. Everyone else will be limited to their mid-level exception ($4.5 million this year) or sign-and-trades. With limited cap room and the luxury tax definitely looming next season, most teams are banking on the fact that no one else will be able to offer their free agents offers they can't refuse. Considering that many teams have already determined that they won't use their mid-level exceptions this year, the money just isn't going to be there for most of these guys.

Here's our look at the top 20 free agents for next season.

Complete 2002 free-agent list

Key: (P) = player option to opt out | ® = restricted free agent

Top 2002 Free Agents

1. Michael Olowokandi, C, L.A. Clippers ®

The Kandi-man will be the test case that should settle the debate once and for all: has Clippers owner Donald Sterling changed his ways? GM Elgin Baylor has assured several of the top Clippers players that Sterling understands he's going to have to write some very big checks to keep this team together. It will start with Olowokandi, who despite some uneven production, is still considered to be one of the best pure centers in the league. Olowokandi is asking for the max. If the Clippers don't give it to him, he'll likely grab their one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That would be a disaster for the Clippers. And that's saying something.

2. Mike Bibby, G, Sacramento ®

Bibby made at least an extra $30 million in the playoffs this year. With his clutch shooting and timely leadership, the Kings know they have the real deal at point guard. It will likely cost them the max. Normally, giving it to Bibby would be a no-brainer, but adding another max contract to the books would put the Maloofs firmly in luxury-tax land. Apparently, that's the price it takes to keep up with the Cubans.

3. Rashard Lewis, F, Seattle (P)

The hope of the entire city of Seattle used to rest on this guy re-signing. But after another so-so year, the Sonics aren't so sure anymore that Lewis is their franchise player. They want him back, but at what price? Lewis has been pushing to land with the Rockets. To get to Houston, he'd have to sign for its mid-level exception. The Sonics can offer him a lot more, but they might be better off working out a sign-and-trade.

4. Raef LaFrentz, C, Dallas ®

He never got a chance to to pull Shaq away from the basket so the rest of the Mavs could make a run at the Lakers. Don't expect them to trash the plan so quickly. Mark Cuban can afford to keep LaFrentz and has given every indication that he will.

5. Keon Clark, F/C, Toronto ®

The Raptors are in a tight spot. They love Clark, but are perilously close to the luxury tax after last summer's spending spree. Can they afford to throw a lot of cash at Clark, who still is an inconsistent role player with the team? Clark's potential is tantalizing. But his inconsistency on the court and his commitment off the court raise serious questions. Don't be shocked if the Suns rekindle talks with the Raptors and try to work out a Clark-for-Penny Hardaway sign-and-trade. The Raptors are still in desperate need of some backcourt help.

6. Bonzi Wells, G, Blazers ®

He's made lots of enemies in Portland, but since when has that ever bothered the Blazers? Wells' scoring ability is off the charts, but his defense and ability to share with his teammates is a big question mark. The word around the league is that Wells is on the trading block. He may be better off taking a team's full mid-level exception somewhere else. If the Blazers tried to match the offer, Wells couldn't be traded for one year without his permission.

7. Donyell Marshall, F, Utah

There isn't an overwhelming push to re-sign him in Utah and if Marshall had his way, he'd be playing somewhere else. Can he get anyone to pony up a contract even remotely close to what he was making in Utah? It doesn't look like it.

8. Ricky Davis, G, Cleveland ®

If John Lucas would've just kept his mouth shut and Davis stayed on the bench, the Cavs could have gotten Davis on the cheap. Instead, they played him extensively toward the end of the season with most of the team injured. Davis put up big numbers and Lucas compared him to Michael Jordan. Suddenly, Davis wants MJ-type numbers. The Cavs will tender him an offer, but they won't give up the bank to re-sign him. Neither will anyone else.

9. Jeff McInnis, G, L.A. Clippers

The Clippers' financial issues, along with the emergence of 2000 draft pick Marko Jaric, means that McInnis is gone. With several teams like the Hawks, Warriors, Wizards, T-Wolves, Lakers, Raptors and Magic looking for a point guard, he'll probably get close to the full mid-level exception somewhere.

10. Rodney Rogers, F, Boston

GM Chris Wallace loves him, but isn't sure he can afford him. The Celtics would love to sign Rogers for a deal in the $1 to $2 million range. If they spend anymore than that, they'll have to pay the luxury tax, something the Celtics insist they won't do. Rogers has said he wants to remain in Boston, but he'll go to the highest bidder. When he's focused and in good shape, he has a lethal combination of power and outside shooting touch. Rogers should be able to get something better from someone else.

11. Rasho Nesterovic, C, Minnesota ®

Centers come at a premium and Nesterovic will get a look from several teams in desperate need of a big man. Denver, Memphis, New York, Portland, San Antonio and Utah could all make a bid for him. If Nesterovic gets a full mid-level exception, will the Wolves match? With Marc Jackson coming off a disappointing season, it looks they won't have much of a choice.

12. Bryon Russell, F, Utah

Russell couldn't work out an extension with the Jazz. He has the veteran savvy and shooting touch teams like. In all likelihood, he'll get a decent mid-level offer from a team like the Heat, Nets, Sixers or Spurs.

13. Devean George, F, L.A. Lakers

Before you start laughing, remember this one fact. Last year we put Eddie Robinson in this slot. The year before that, Rashard Lewis. Our point? Every year there is a young, athletic scorer who will get paid on sheer upside alone. George had an inconsistent year, but his performance in Game 4 of the Finals showed his potential. The Lakers made a major mistake not tendering him an offer last summer. Now George wants to spread his wings a little and get away from the shadow of Shaq and Kobe. With his tough defense and three-point shooting, a team like the Sixers, Heat or Nuggets could make him an offer.

14. Michael Redd, G, Milwaukee ®

Again, stop with the laughter. Redd's unbelievable play this year in the absence of Ray Allen has a lot of teams buzzing. He's a good long-range shooter and can put the ball on the floor. Still, the Bucks are determined to match just about any offer.

15. Travis Best, G, Chicago

The Bulls won't need to re-sign the diminutive point guard if they draft Duke's Jay Williams. Several teams like the Hawks, Warriors, Wizards, Lakers, Raptors and Magic are looking for a point guard. Even a return trip to Indiana isn't out of the question.

16. Matt Harpring, F, Philadelphia ®

Larry Brown has a love-hate relationship with his small forwards, but the Sixers will probably make an attempt to re-sign him this summer. There aren't a lot of teams in need of a small forward and those that are will probably opt for George, Russell or Ricky Davis. In other words, Harpring will probably take whatever he gets from Philly.

17. Larry Hughes, G, Golden State ®

Oh, how the mighty fall. Hughes's inability to play point guard and poor shot selection have destroyed his stock. Larry Brown mentioned last season that he wished Hughes would be back. Don't be shocked if Hughes is part of the deal for the Sixers' first-round draft pick.

18.Bruce Bowen, G, San Antonio (P)

Probably played it smart by taking a one-year deal with the Spurs. Things will be much less crowded next year after he's had a chance to start and showcase his talent with a good team. His defense alone will get him a look somewhere.

19. Chauncey Billups, G, Timberwolves (P)

The T-Wolves will have a point guard crisis on their hands if Billups decides to bolt. That's great news for Chauncey. If Terrell Brandon wasn't healthy, the T-Wolves would probably let him go. Now . . . he should make some nice change unless Minnesota figures out a way to package Wally Szczerbiak for a starting point guard.

20. Malik Rose, F, San Antonio

Rose has been a valiant backup for Tim Duncan these last few years. Is he ready for a more serious starting role? Despite his love for the Spurs, he'll test the market and hope to find a place where he'll get a more serious shot at starting. Look for the Lakers to be near the front of the line. He's given them fits in the past.

Best of the Rest:

Pat Garrity, F, ORL ®

Rod Strickland, MIA

Charles Oakley, CHI

Tyrone Nesby, WAS

Troy Hudson, ORL

Darvin Ham, MIL

Scott Williams, MIL

Popeye Jones, WAS

Othella Harrington, NY (P)

Restricted Free Agents note: Their current team has the right to match ANY offer made by another team. If one of these players really wants to move on, he should get himself a one-year deal and wait to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of '03.

Things get a little better in the summer of 2003.

Tim Duncan (SA) , Alonzo Mourning (MIA), Gary Payton (SEA), Sam Cassell (MIL), Elden Campbell (CHA), P.J. Brown (CHA), Juwan Howard (DAL), Steve Smith (SA), and Clifford Robinson (DET) are all eligible to be free agents in 2003.

Lakers start to work on that four-peat

It sure hasn't taken the Lakers and GM Mitch Kupchak long to start lining up their ducks for next season.

The Lakers know that the group they had this year might not be good enough to beat the Kings again next spring.

"We have to watch out for them next year," Kupchak told the L.A. Daily News. "That will be in our thoughts. But so will Dallas and San Antonio and Portland and the Clippers."

"The critical thing is Devean George," coach Phil Jackson said. "We do know there's a good chance he may be taken from our roster. There may not be a whole lot we can do about it."

George has hinted in the past that he wants a more high-profile role, and will play the free-agent market in an attempt to find it.

The outlook is brighter for retaining the Lakers' other young prospects. Samaki Walker, who can opt out of his contract, told the Daily News he plans to stay. Slava Medvedenko is a restricted free agent, so the Lakers will be able to match any offer.

"If we lose all our talent and our youthfulness, we're in a lot of trouble," Jackson said. "But I see a lot of upside in Slava and Devean George. And Mark Madsen, who I anticipate is going to get more time."

It appears the Lakers are prepared to use their $4.5 million exception to the salary cap, which last offseason went unspent because of luxury-tax concerns.

The L.A. Times reports the Lakers will likely target Malik Rose and Charles Oakley to give them some toughness up front.

Even Kobe Bryant is getting into the act.

"I talked to all the guys and got everybody on the same page as far as working out [this summer]," Bryant said. "Because, you know, some [teams] have had two months off. They're plotting. They're waiting. I'm sure Sacramento's working out right now. ... They're going to try to take what we have and we're going to be waiting for them."

As for Shaq, he told the L.A. Times that he'll wait until the end of the summer to decide whether he'll have surgery on his toe. With a two-to- three-month recovery time on that type of surgery, there's a possibility that the Lakers wouldn't have him for training camp or the start of the regular season.

"Going to enjoy the moment and take most of the summer off," O'Neal told the L.A. Times. "Then I'll make a decision at the end of the summer on what I'm going to do."

"We're going to sit down with our staff in the next day or two, maybe on the plane home, and then we'll talk to Shaquille," Kupchak said. "It'll be addressed. You know, he played pretty darn well. So, maybe that's something we can hang our hat on."

Fourthcoming?

Howard Beck / Los Angeles Daily News

It's Almost Time to Four-Get

Tim Brown / Los Angeles Times

Nets take issue with Kenyon

Apparently, all of that team loathing directed toward Keith Van Horn dissipated a day after the Nets were bounced from the Finals.

Kenyon Martin, who questioned the heart of several unnamed teammates after Game 4, apologized Thursday after coach Byron Scott and GM Rod Thorn gave him an earful.

"I said some things [after Game 4] that I probably shouldn't have said. I was a little disappointed so the emotions got over me a little bit," Martin told the media. "But we had a great year. We had a good run. It's been fun."

Van Horn, who Scott was also ridden all season, blew the comments off.

"I'm not surprised [the comments were made]. You're upset after every loss. It's expected," said Van Horn, who is already the object of trade rumors again.

"I don't think you can turn a couple of comments into a damper on such a great season," Van Horn added. "I don't look at it as a big deal. It was a frustrating loss, but you have to look at the whole picture. The whole picture is that we had a great season."

Scott said he doesn't think the Nets need to make a major move this summer to continue to compete for a championship.

"I don't think we have to make a blockbuster trade or anything like that," he said. "I think we can win the NBA Finals with this team intact. I think the year of just having this experience is going to go a long ways for us."

Still, the big question on everyone's mind was whether Jason Kidd would be back after next season.

"I don't know. I'm just going to wait until it's the right time to make that decision. Right now we can't do anything," said Kidd, who will play out his option and become a free agent after next season. "Hopefully that doesn't overshadow the team next year because that will be the disappointment."

K-Mart Apologizes For 'Heart' Comments

Fred Kerber / New York Post

Repentant Martin Backs Off Criticism of Teammates

Liz Robbins / New York Times

Poker-Faced Kidd Will Not Tip Hand About His Future

Fred Kerber / New York Post

Draft Rumors: MJ hot for Dickau?

Gonzaga point guard Dan Dickau heads to Washington D.C. today for his second workout with the Wizards in just a few weeks. Just how seriously are the Wizards about drafting Dickau with the No. 11 pick?

A league source told Insider that the Wizards were so impressed with his first workout that Michael Jordan asked Dickau if he would return to D.C. so he could get a look for himself. Jordan hasn't been attending Wizards workouts, and didn't make an appearance at the Chicago pre-draft camp like he has the last two years.

How confident is Jay Williams that he'll be wearing a Bulls uniform this season?

Williams was wearing a Bulls cap to go with the team practice gear he sported as he shot baskets Thursday night. Chicago, he continues to insist, is his kind of town.

"Of course going No. 1 is something that everybody wants to do," Williams told the Chicago Tribune. "But I'd rather be happy. I don't know if I'd be happy at Houston. I know this is a place I'd be really happy at."

"He proactively would like to be here, and he'd like to let everyone be aware of that," said Bill Duffy, Williams' agent. "It's in the East. There's a lot of opportunity for upward mobility. This is a great market with a great tradition. The East is so weak that you're a player and a half away from a 20-game differential. This is a great fit. There won't be super expectations so there won't be super pressure. But I think Jay will exceed everyone's expectations anyway."

High school phenom Amare Stoudemire canceled a Saturday workout with the Nuggets because of a lingering shoulder injury.

Stoudemire, who has worked out only for three teams, doesn't know when he'll work out again.

"Stoudemire is still assessing the injury," Jeff Weltman, the Nuggets' assistant general manager, told the Orlando Sentinel. "He hasn't done any workouts post-Chicago." Weltman said the injury was legitimate and he didn't think Stoudemire was trying to avoid the Nuggets or hide from any team. Everybody else is in the same boat we're in. It's not that he's saying, 'I don't want to come to Denver.' "

Speaking of injuries, Illinois point guard Frank Williams injured his back during his workout with the Blazers Wednesday. Williams was forced to sit out his workout Thursday with the Nuggets.

"I know they need a guard," Williams told the Denver Post. "But I wasn't able to perform. I am going to see if I can get back here and work out."

Caron Butler is confident that he won't slip past the Cavs, who draft at No. 6.

"If I'm still around at No. 6, I think they'll definitely take me," Butler told the Akron Beacon Journal. "That's the feeling I got."

The Cavs were a little tight lipped about the whole thing. "I think he had a very good workout," coach John Lucas said. "He shot very well and he handled the ball very well."

Several teams raised their eyebrows a bit when they heard that the Magic invited back Notre Dame's Ryan Humphrey for a second workout. Humphrey had an excellent camp in Chicago and his stock is on the rise. However, Orlando has only one pick in the draft, No. 18. Could Humprhey's stock have risen that much?

A Magic source wasn't saying much. "He had a great workout versus Amare Stoudemire last time he was in here. I'm not sure how seriously we took him until Chicago. We just want another look."

Duke star, Bulls clicking

K.C. Johnson / Chicago Tribune

Stoudemire's injury curtailing NBA looks

Jerry Brewer / Orlando Sentinel

Workout

Marc J. Spears / Denver Post

Cavs work out possibilities

Chris Tomasson / Akron Beacon Journal

Writers Bloc: Shaq or Jordan?

The Washington Post's Michael Wilbon is still making the case for the Lakers' place in NBA history.

"The Lakers' sweep of the Nets wasn't a championship series, it was evidence, compelling for those who make the case the Lakers are one of the great teams of all-time, circumstantial for those reluctant to group these Lakers with the Celtics, Bulls or the Showtime Lakers."

The Chicago Tribune's Lacy Banks still thinks that Michael Jordan's Bulls were the Lords of the Rings. And Lakers assistant Jim Cleamons backs him up.

"Michael had it going when they won 72 games, and that team just played well together the whole year," said Lakers assistant Jimmy Cleamons, formerly of the Bulls. "That team was the best ever. When you have players like Michael, Scottie and Dennis -- three perennial All-Stars and first stringers on the All-Defensive team -- leading a team, you have an excellent chance to win every game that you play. They got it done when it counted, night in and night out."

What does Michael think about all of this? Who knows, he's busy shooting craps, playing golf and pondering his future, writes the Washington Post's Michael Leahy.

"Jordan has spent parts of the last few weeks, friends say, in Monaco and Las Vegas, doing the predictable. There is always a Pit 21 somewhere out there, always a pile of blue chips waiting. Twenty years of breathless gambles played out in the din of arenas have left him with fewer interests than raging appetites, in love with adrenaline rushes that necessarily put a strain on real life to measure up. It hasn't, it can't. Where does he go to find what he wants?"

[ATLien_]

Why would they even suggest that we would want Travis best? I can see Mcinnis but Best? Could you imagine a backcourt of JT and Best? That would be nutz. Espn know didley.