Post by IanBoyd on Sept 3, 2018 2:50:03 GMT
Centers:
1. Stan Haynes C 6'10'' 305 37 A C B+ B- B C Bulls
The Center position is by far the weakest heading into the 2007 Offseason free agency, with an aging retirement candidate leading the pack in Stan Haynes. There's no denying Old Man Stan's production or efficiency despite his advanced age. Should he decide to roll the dice on 1 (or a few) more year in the league, Stan could still provide an instant impact for GMs looking to boost their interior presence.
Projected FA value: 1 year max
2. Theodosios Cathasach C 6'8'' 325 35 C- C C A B+ D Jazz
Once considered among the best d/r big man in the league, the fish named Cat hasn't done much of either whilst coasting to 2 rings on the loaded Jazz team. However, in a down year for big men, Teddy Cat should still receive plenty of attention should he decide to test free agency.
Projected FA value: 2 years 6 mil per year
3. Brad Daugherty C 7'0'' 245 25 A- C- C- B- C+ C Trailblazers
There really isn't much talent in the center position for this year's FA crop, after 2 geriatric creation olds that are more likely to retire than sign with a team, its pretty much slim pickings and Brad Daugherty's pickings are plenty slim. Once a top 5 pick from the Bulls with high aspirations, Brad has been shipped around a few times after failing to live up to expectations and now find himself a journeyman just hoping to feed his family.
Projected FA value: MLE
4. Tacko Fall C 7'6'' 300 30 B C- D A- A- C Bulls
Bought out after the first day of FA 2006 for future cap reasons from the Timberwolves, Tacko falls into the hands of the Bulls via a MLE after being traded for Mountain Dew last season as part of the trade frenzy in the aftermath of the Ayton deal. At age 30, Tacko still has a bit left in the tank and should make at least a serviceable 3rd big man for teams looking to aimlessly throw out MLEs fishing for useful bigs.
Projected FA value: MLE
5. Karim Shabazz C 7'2'' 265 33 C D+ D+ B+ B+ D Pacers
Rounding out the top 5 centers in FA is the $12.5 million dollar man Karim Shabazz. Once signed to what was considered one of the worst deals in the league despite the Pacers front office's contentions otherwise, Karim is finally coming off the books for Indiana as they start a rebuilding phase centered around Victor Oladipo, though not quite the d/r talent as his teammate Donta Hall or fellow FA center Catfish, Karim should still put up solid production as a 3rd big.
Projected FA value: MLE
Power Forwards:
1. Al Harrington* PF 6'11'' 235 21 A- C+ C- B+ C+ A Mavericks
1. Al Harrington* PF 6'11'' 235 21 A- C+ C- B+ C+ A Mavericks
The first expiring rookie contract in the 2003 rookie class, Al Harrington was one of the best picks in an otherwise ridiculously misjudged top 10. As a hybrid forward, big Al still retains his SF eligibility for teams that are interested in a bit more size and rebounding from their wing position while not suffering too much from a lack of outside shooting. At only 21 years of age, Harrington should be a no brainer max for anyone in FA with the room available.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
2. Cameron Parker PF 6'9'' 215 31 A B+ B- B A- C Magic
Parker enters the PF list of potential FAs at number 2 coming off of his 5 year max deal signed during the 2nd year after creation. At A B+ scoring, Parker has one of the best scoring grade sets of any big men in the league, able to fit into virtually any offensive scheme. Though the TOs are a bit troublesome, especially at that volume from a non perimeter position, Cameron's offensive positives far outweigh his negatives.
Projected FA value: 4 year max
3. Dirk Nowitzki PF 7'0'' 250 23 B A- D+ C C B Trailblazers
Once considered the "bust proof" jewel of the 2003 rookie class (by only the franchise that drafted him), Dirk whimpers into FA having not ever broken double digit scoring per game yet (current season notwithstanding) despite the Blazers' faith in the big German. At C C def/reb, Dirk likely won't be doing any of the traditional big men jobs one would expect, especially from such lofty draft expectations. Any contracts offered to Dirk higher than a MLE will most likely be due to name association (or from majic's homerism).
Projected FA value: 3 years 4.6 mil per year
4. Jon Pierce PF 6'9'' 230 37 B B C- B B- D Hornets
Another geriatric creation old in the big men market, Jon Pierce has experienced all the highs and lows of sim league ranging from championship banners with the Clippers to the vegan dietary restrictions of whatever the fuck the Hornets are doing. Should Jon grow tired of the kale based lifestyle in Charlotte and decide that anywhere but Charlotte is a better option in his twilight years, he should be the recipient of many a MLE offers.
Projected FA value: MLE
5. Mountain Dew Camacho PF 6'11'' 275 31 B C D B- A- C Mavericks
Part two of the Tacko Fall for Camacho swap last season in which both big men were either bought out or straight up amnestied, Camacho finds himself back with his creation Mavericks this season. At 31 years old, the Mountain named Dew likely won't be growing any taller in his sim production, but should remain a useful 3rd big man or even as a 2nd tier starting PF. Should the Mavericks not extend his contract, I expect Camacho to receive a MLE type of deal in FA.
Projected FA value: MLE
Small Forwards:
1. Guy Beahm SF 6'8'' 235 26 B A- D+ A- B+ C Rockets
By far the most loaded position in free agency, creation draft commish special and OG G-League wrecker Guy Beahm tops the list at the small forward position. With the departure of HarryG to retirement, Beahm has finally blossomed into the superstar the rest of the league expected him, just in time as his creation FA season's max contract expires. At only 26 years old, Guy is still very much in the prime of his career, putting up an eye popping 30/11 from a wing position thus far. Expect a max from everyone with room.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
2. Antawn Jamison* SF 6'8'' 240 25 B+ B- D+ C B+ C Bulls
The second projected max tier expiring rookie. In any other year, Jamison would be the headliner of his position group, if not the entire FA, his ranking at #2 is not a slight, but merely a nod to Guy Beahm's greatness. Like his draft classmate Al Harrington, Jamison is a versatile hybrid forward that's more than capable of playing both the 3 and the 4 and well suited for any style of offense. Should receive a max from any team with cap space.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
3. Elvis Delle Donne SF 6'10'' 230 30 A- B D B B- C Globetrotters
Once stolen from the Hawks after the creation season and a major contributor to the Globes' championship run, Elvis once again heads to FA as a major target. At only 30 years old despite being a creation file player, Delle Donne still has plenty of years as an elite wing in the league. Though not likely to receive the full max due to starting salary and age, Elvis should still see plenty of bids with a max starting amount.
Projected FA value: 4 year max
4. Malcolm Moore SF 6'5'' 215 31 B+ B B A B- C Bucks
Traded to the Bucks for what I personally consider peanuts on the dollar, Malcolm Moore is immediately eligible to be stolen back (by the Blazers or anyone else). At 6'5'', Moore is SG eligible and probably the most natural fit at the 2 due to the overwhelming rebounding advantage he provides over other shooting guards, Malcolm is in the same camp as Elvis: not quite a full 6 year max due to age, but should see plenty of offers in the 4 year range.
Projected FA value: 4 year max
5. Jackie Moon SF 6'5'' 230 34 B- A- C B B C Pistons
One of the last bastions from the OG Pistons creation squad, Jackie Moon now looks more like his big screen counterpart than the bonafide creation star he was 6 years ago. The production and efficiency is still there within Jackie to put up 20+ a game, but age and declining vigor should scare away teams from offering long term contracts. Still worth more than a MLE, but might not get much more than that in actual offers.
Projected FA value: 2 years 7 mil per year
Shooting Guards:
1. Cuttino Mobley SG 6'4'' 190 26 B+ B C+ B C B Raptors
Perhaps the most underrated prospect of the 03 rookie class, Mobley imo is the #1 ranked expiring rookie, ahead of the likes of Jamison/Al and even his shooting guard classmate, Vince Carter. Playing in an entirely different country than the rest of sim league and under the control of the seldomly heard from breaux, Cuttino's production hasn't received much attention until one day people woke up to the fact that he's suddenly become a 30 ppg scorer on basically .500/.900/.400 shooting. With elite shooting guards at a premium in the league, Mobley deserves to get paid the max and then some.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
2. Vince Carter SG 6'6'' 220 24 A- A- C- B- C C Hornets
2. Vince Carter SG 6'6'' 220 24 A- A- C- B- C C Hornets
Having the spotlight taken in his position by another rookie, playing in his old irl franchise doesn't detract from Vince's scoring production. Vince is just slightly ranked behind Cuttino based on the shooting efficiency and handles (though not much in the handles area). Should have been drafted 1.1 imo based on grades 4 years ago, will get paid like a 1.1 4 years later in FA. Fecta will have to shell out the full 7 year max if he wants to keep Vince in the fold of his young core.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
3. Clarence Withers SG 6'4'' 205 32 B+ A- C+ B+ C+ D Jazz
3. Clarence Withers SG 6'4'' 205 32 B+ A- C+ B+ C+ D Jazz
Perhaps the most decorated FA in sim league based on team success, the artist formerly known as Coffee Black has known nothing other than winning sim games having played his entire career thus far with either the Clippers or the Jazz. Now as an aging veteran ripe with knowledge, if such a thing like locker room chemistry exists in sim league, Clarence would be the one to dish them out. Though off to a slow start in his contract season so far, we've seen enough from Withers to know that he can get buckets at an efficient clip if needed.
Projected FA value: 3 year max
4. Mikal Bridges SG 6'7'' 190 28 B B+ C- B C C Lakers
4. Mikal Bridges SG 6'7'' 190 28 B B+ C- B C C Lakers
The mirror opposite of Clarence Withers, having played his entire career with basically absentee GM'd franchises in the Cavs and the Lakers, Mikal Bridges knows nothing of sim success. Now as an expiring 28 year old in his prime (relatively speaking), Bridges can finally sign with a winner should he decide to take his talents in the open market. For teams looking for immediate help in perimeter scoring, one could do a lot worse than Mikal.
Projected FA value: 5 years 6 mil per year
5. Jesus Shuttlesworth SG 6'5'' 200 32 C+ A- B- B- C D Rockets
5. Jesus Shuttlesworth SG 6'5'' 200 32 C+ A- B- B- C D Rockets
The lesser shuttlesworth of 5.0 rounds out the SG position. Though he's not quite "geriatric" age yet, the last few years hasn't been kind to Jesus' production, due perhaps in no small part based on the emergence of Guy Beahm's blossoming. Not a star at this point in his career, Shuttlesworth can still find work as a journeyman nonscoring option SG making a MLE.
Projected FA value: MLE
Point Guards:
1. Brain Winter PG 5'11'' 190 31 C A+ A- B+ C D Rockets
The best player in the league since creation draft, Brain has seemingly gotten better every season even with his now advancing age. Simply put, there isn't much Brain can't do, the only thing that might prevent pete from offering a full 6 or 7 year max is the cap implication of a 37-38 year old PG making close to 30 mil a season.
Projected FA value: 5-6 year max
2. Jason Williams PG 6'1'' 190 26 C B A+ B+ C C Kings
The best PG prospect of the rookie class of 03, Jason still has 10 lab points available to him to further upgrade his game. The playmaking ability is undeniable and the efficiency is more than fine, Williams is only held back by his volume from becoming an elite player. With the looming news that rookie PGs in the future not likely to be as useful right off the bat from Odin's office, having a young good PG locked up will become tantamount for every team in the league.
Projected FA value: 6-7 year max
3. Chris Chiozza PG 6'0'' 165 29 A- B+ A- B C C Hawks
Famously having been declared a "traitor" and "a bitch" by his ex-GM dumptime, Chiozza has spent the last 3 seasons learning the ropes from Hawks great Benji Hammon as his backup. Now finally having the keys to the Atlanta offense in his hands, the early returns from his contract season is promising despite his slight TO issue. As he'll turn 30 in the offseason, I don't forsee Chiozza receiving too many max offers, but should still be paid more than 8 figures per year.
Projected FA value: 4 years 10 mil per year
4. Sarunas Jasikevicius PG 6'4'' 202 26 C A- A- B+ D+ D Bulls
4. Sarunas Jasikevicius PG 6'4'' 202 26 C A- A- B+ D+ D Bulls
Though not having the greatest of starts so far, Saurnas is much better than his sub .400 shooting in sim 1 would indicate. Having played his entire career in a Bigs focused offense, Sarunas hasn't had the chance to display his full outside shooting potential in Chicago where his primary job is dishing to the likes of Mo Bamba (now Ayton), Stan Haynes and Jamison. In the proper outside focused perimeter offense, Sarunas could be a steal for a team without max cap space looking to add a floor general to his roster.
Projected FA value: 4 years 6 mil per year
5. Jordan McLaughlin PG 6'1'' 170 30 C B+ A+ A- C- D Grizzlies
5. Jordan McLaughlin PG 6'1'' 170 30 C B+ A+ A- C- D Grizzlies
Creation veteran and current Bobby McDermott benchwarmer Jordan McLaughlin rounds out our FA preview list. Jordan has been one of the best pass first PGs from the creation file, topping 10 assists with less than 2 TOs when given the reigns to an offense as a starting PG. Any team with established scoring options sorted out and only needs a good play maker should take a serious look at McLaughlin in free agency.
Projected FA value: 3 years 5 mil per year
Projected FA value: 3 years 5 mil per year
