NBA Team Needs and Free Agents
Let's take a look at half the league (alphabetically) and their upcoming free agency situations, as well as what they may be looking for in the NBA Draft – taking place on June 25.
Key: E = Early Termination Option, P = Player Option, T = Team Option
Atlanta Hawks
Restricted: Thomas Gardner, Othello Hunter, Mario West, Solomon Jones, Marvin Williams
Unrestricted: Zaza Pachulia, Mike Bibby, Flip Murray
Team Needs: The Hawks will look to re-sign Mike Bibby, who is looking at a huge pay cut, or getting Andre Miller, who is also an unrestricted free agent and probably a better player. The team appears to be at a crossroads with Josh Smith, and has to decide if they want to build around Smith or Joe Johnson. JJ is an unrestricted FA a year from now. They could lose Zaza Pachulia this summer, so they will be looking for point guards and centers in the draft and via free agency. The jury is still out one whether Marvin Williams is a bust or not, but Smith can always play small forward if necessary.
Boston Celtics
Restricted: Glen Davis, Leon Powe
Unrestricted: Eddie House (P), Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore
Team Needs: The Celtics are set at almost every position and won't have a great draft pick. As usual, they will look to sign savvy veterans to fill in off the bench and back up the other positions. If Eddie House opts out, a backup SG will probably be priority number one, although Tony Allen will still be around next season.
Charlotte Bobcats
Restricted: Raymond Felton, Cartier Martin, Sean May, Sean Singletary (T)
Unrestricted: Juwan Howard
Team Needs: It will be interesting to see what they do with Raymond Felton, but also clearly need help at power forward. If they don't retain Felton, D.J. Augustin will take over the point next year, so look for them to take a power forward in the draft. Jordan Hill is the best one in the draft after Blake Griffin, but won't likely be available when they pick. DeJuan Blair (Pitt) or James Johnson (Wake Forest) are a couple PF options.
Chicago Bulls
Restricted: Aaron Gray
Unrestricted: Ben Gordon, Lindsey Hunter
Team Needs: Luol Deng should be healthy next year and the arrival of John Salmons could make re-signing Ben Gordon less of a priority. The Bulls are also fairly solid up front with Brad Miller, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas, so they will likely take the best player available in the draft. There are also rumors that Kirk Hinrich, Deng and Thomas are on the trading block, so changes could be coming for the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (E), Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, Anderson Varejao (P), Lorenzen Wright
Team Needs: The Cavs could really use a defensive stopper at shooting guard as well as a true center to replace Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Big Z may or may not opt out, but he and Ben Wallace are not getting any younger and were clearly outmanned against Dwight Howard. In addition, Anderson Varejao may not be a lock to return, although the lure to play with LeBron could help him decide to stay. The Cavs won't have a great draft pick, but getting a young center or defensive backcourt specialist should be their focus.
Dallas Mavericks
Restricted: Ryan Hollins
Unrestricted: Brandon Bass, Devean George (P), Gerald Green, Jason Kidd, James Singleton
Team Needs: The Mavs are going to be busy this offseason, trying to find the pieces to surround Dirk Nowitzki with in hopes of winning a title before he gets any older. Re-signing Jason Kidd will likely be a priority, while they will likely try to move Josh Howard as well as pursue center Shaquille O'Neal. I don't know about you, but I think it would be pretty funny to see Shaq share a bench and locker room with the guy he once referred to as "Ericka" Dampier. They were unable to decide on a starting shooting guard all year, so that should be a priority.
Denver Nuggets
Restricted: Linas Kleiza, Johan Petro
Unrestricted: Chris Andersen, Anthony Carter, Jason Hart, Steven Hunter (E), Dahntay Jones
Team Needs: It's hard to believe the Nuggets are as good as they are after simply giving away Marcus Camby, but the move seems to have paid off. They could still use a true center, but got by just fine with Nene in the middle this season. Dahntay Jones isn't the most intriguing shooting guard, but he plays good D and knows his role. If he leaves, J.R. Smith could be the starter next season. If a solid center prospect is not available to them in the draft, the Nuggets will probably just take the best player available, regardless of position.
Detroit Pistons
Restricted: Walter Herrmann
Unrestricted: Kwame Brown (P), Allen Iverson, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace
Team Needs: The real question in Detroit is what don't they need? Rodney Stuckey appears to be a key to the future, although the jury is still out on whether or not he's a true point guard. Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson are solid, young big-man prospects, while Will Bynum showed flashes of greatness at point guard late in the season. Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince should also be back, but the bottom line is this team really needs a center since it doesn't look like Sheed, Antonio McDyess or Kwame Brown will be back.
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Golden State Warriors
Restricted: Rob Kurz, C.J. Watson
Unrestricted: Jamal Crawford (E)
Team Needs: Simply put, the Warriors are a mess. The only team with a defensive coordinator now has a new GM, a confusing struggle for power and a ton of young talent that may or may not ever gel together. Anthony Randolph appears to be the power forward of the future, Monta Ellis should have shooting guard covered, Stephen Jackson can play SF or SG and Andris Biedrins is locked in at center. That leaves C.J. Watson as the team's point guard, which may or may not work out. Since they can't draft a coach, I say draft a point guard. There is also a lot of talk about trying to get Chris Bosh from the Raptors, but it just doesn't make sense given that Bosh will be an unrestricted free agent a year from now.
Houston Rockets
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Ron Artest, Brian Cook (P), Dikembe Mutombo, Von Wafer
Team Needs: After losing Yao Ming (again) and Dikembe Mutombo, the Rockets are clearly struggling with Chuck Hayes manning the center position. And given the fact that Yao will suffer a leg injury every single year from here on out, they need a real back up center. And if they don't re-sign Ron Artest, they are probably going to need a small forward as well, although Shane Battier will help fill that hole. They're set at C, PF, PG and SG (with Battier and the hopeful return of Tracy McGrady), so picking up a new small forward appears to be where they're looking.
Indiana Pacers
Restricted: Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts
Unrestricted: Maceo Baston, Marquis Daniels (T), Travis Diener (P), Stephen Graham, Rasho Nesterovic
Team Needs: The Pacers are actually entering next season in pretty good shape. Jarrett Jack and T.J. Ford are a pretty solid point guard tandem, while Troy Murphy and Danny Granger make for a great 1-2 punch at the forward spots. Roy Hibbert appears to be a solid center option for the future, leaving their biggest question mark at shooting guard. Mike Dunleavy has a very long road back from knee surgery, but Brandon Rush should be able to fill in and take over at that spot. The Pacers will simply be looking for the best player available, and I've got them taking a guard, possibly Ty Lawson, Gerald Henderson or Eric Maynor, with their lottery pick.
Los Angeles Clippers
Restricted: Alex Acker (T), Steve Novak
Unrestricted: Ricky Davis (P), Fred Jones, Brian Skinner (P)
Team Needs: The Clippers have a pretty good nucleus, but were awful last year as most of the main cogs were injured. Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and DeAndre Jordan have the center spot covered, Baron Davis and Eric Gordon are a solid backcourt, while Al Thornton and Zach Randolph have the forward spots in check. The Clippers will likely draft at No. 3, but don't need UConn center Hasheem Thabeet. Therefore, I have them taking PF Jordan Hill out of Arizona instead.
Los Angeles Lakers
Restricted: Shannon Brown
Unrestricted: Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant (E), Lamar Odom
Team Needs: Based on Thursday's loss at Houston, the sky is falling in L.A. if you listen to the local media. They will be fine and probably cruise to an easy win over the Rockets in L.A. on Sunday and then move on to face the Nuggets. I'm not sure what changes the Lakers need to make this summer, but their first priority is probably going to be finding a forward to replace Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, if they sign elsewhere. Kobe Bryant's opt-out clause has to be a small concern to L.A., but it's still hard to imagine him playing elsewhere. The Lakers are pretty deep and talented, but look for them to target forward help in the offseason.
Memphis Grizzlies
Restricted: Hakim Warrick
Unrestricted: Chris Mihm, Quinton Ross, Mike Wilks
Team Needs: Point guard? Check. Shooting guard? Check. Small forward? Check. Center? Check. Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol appear to have the Grizzlies setting up for a solid future, with the only question mark being who will play power forward? Darrell Arthur should take a big step this season with a year under his belt, and would benefit greatly if Hakim Warrick is not re-signed. The Grizzlies should have a Top 10 draft pick this year, and will use it on the best player available – possibly Brandon Jennings.
Miami Heat
Restricted: Joel Anthony, Yakhouba Diawara (P), Jamario Moon, Chris Quinn (P)
Unrestricted: Mark Blount (E), Luther Head, Jamaal Magloire, Jermaine O'Neal (P)
Team Needs: The Heat were basically a one-man team against the Hawks, and could use help in several areas. They desperately need a real NBA center, as Jermaine O'Neal has just one leg, while Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem were all a stretch in the middle. Haslem is the team's starting power forward, but you have to think Michael Beasley becomes a starter next season, if he can prove that he "gets it." Mario Chalmers had a nice season, but doesn't really look like a true point guard, but small forward looks like the biggest hole for the Heat. They started James Jones there in Game 7 against the Hawks, with Jamario Moon holding it down when healthy. Moon is an adequate role player, but is probably not a guaranteed starter for most teams. Given the Heat's problems everywhere but shooting Guard (Dwyane Wade), they will likely just take the best player available when it's their turn to draft.
Let's take a look at half the league (alphabetically) and their upcoming free agency situations, as well as what they may be looking for in the NBA Draft – taking place on June 25.
Key: E = Early Termination Option, P = Player Option, T = Team Option
Atlanta Hawks
Restricted: Thomas Gardner, Othello Hunter, Mario West, Solomon Jones, Marvin Williams
Unrestricted: Zaza Pachulia, Mike Bibby, Flip Murray
Team Needs: The Hawks will look to re-sign Mike Bibby, who is looking at a huge pay cut, or getting Andre Miller, who is also an unrestricted free agent and probably a better player. The team appears to be at a crossroads with Josh Smith, and has to decide if they want to build around Smith or Joe Johnson. JJ is an unrestricted FA a year from now. They could lose Zaza Pachulia this summer, so they will be looking for point guards and centers in the draft and via free agency. The jury is still out one whether Marvin Williams is a bust or not, but Smith can always play small forward if necessary.
Boston Celtics
Restricted: Glen Davis, Leon Powe
Unrestricted: Eddie House (P), Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore
Team Needs: The Celtics are set at almost every position and won't have a great draft pick. As usual, they will look to sign savvy veterans to fill in off the bench and back up the other positions. If Eddie House opts out, a backup SG will probably be priority number one, although Tony Allen will still be around next season.
Charlotte Bobcats
Restricted: Raymond Felton, Cartier Martin, Sean May, Sean Singletary (T)
Unrestricted: Juwan Howard
Team Needs: It will be interesting to see what they do with Raymond Felton, but also clearly need help at power forward. If they don't retain Felton, D.J. Augustin will take over the point next year, so look for them to take a power forward in the draft. Jordan Hill is the best one in the draft after Blake Griffin, but won't likely be available when they pick. DeJuan Blair (Pitt) or James Johnson (Wake Forest) are a couple PF options.
Chicago Bulls
Restricted: Aaron Gray
Unrestricted: Ben Gordon, Lindsey Hunter
Team Needs: Luol Deng should be healthy next year and the arrival of John Salmons could make re-signing Ben Gordon less of a priority. The Bulls are also fairly solid up front with Brad Miller, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas, so they will likely take the best player available in the draft. There are also rumors that Kirk Hinrich, Deng and Thomas are on the trading block, so changes could be coming for the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (E), Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, Anderson Varejao (P), Lorenzen Wright
Team Needs: The Cavs could really use a defensive stopper at shooting guard as well as a true center to replace Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Big Z may or may not opt out, but he and Ben Wallace are not getting any younger and were clearly outmanned against Dwight Howard. In addition, Anderson Varejao may not be a lock to return, although the lure to play with LeBron could help him decide to stay. The Cavs won't have a great draft pick, but getting a young center or defensive backcourt specialist should be their focus.
Dallas Mavericks
Restricted: Ryan Hollins
Unrestricted: Brandon Bass, Devean George (P), Gerald Green, Jason Kidd, James Singleton
Team Needs: The Mavs are going to be busy this offseason, trying to find the pieces to surround Dirk Nowitzki with in hopes of winning a title before he gets any older. Re-signing Jason Kidd will likely be a priority, while they will likely try to move Josh Howard as well as pursue center Shaquille O'Neal. I don't know about you, but I think it would be pretty funny to see Shaq share a bench and locker room with the guy he once referred to as "Ericka" Dampier. They were unable to decide on a starting shooting guard all year, so that should be a priority.
Denver Nuggets
Restricted: Linas Kleiza, Johan Petro
Unrestricted: Chris Andersen, Anthony Carter, Jason Hart, Steven Hunter (E), Dahntay Jones
Team Needs: It's hard to believe the Nuggets are as good as they are after simply giving away Marcus Camby, but the move seems to have paid off. They could still use a true center, but got by just fine with Nene in the middle this season. Dahntay Jones isn't the most intriguing shooting guard, but he plays good D and knows his role. If he leaves, J.R. Smith could be the starter next season. If a solid center prospect is not available to them in the draft, the Nuggets will probably just take the best player available, regardless of position.
Detroit Pistons
Restricted: Walter Herrmann
Unrestricted: Kwame Brown (P), Allen Iverson, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace
Team Needs: The real question in Detroit is what don't they need? Rodney Stuckey appears to be a key to the future, although the jury is still out on whether or not he's a true point guard. Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson are solid, young big-man prospects, while Will Bynum showed flashes of greatness at point guard late in the season. Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince should also be back, but the bottom line is this team really needs a center since it doesn't look like Sheed, Antonio McDyess or Kwame Brown will be back.
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Golden State Warriors
Restricted: Rob Kurz, C.J. Watson
Unrestricted: Jamal Crawford (E)
Team Needs: Simply put, the Warriors are a mess. The only team with a defensive coordinator now has a new GM, a confusing struggle for power and a ton of young talent that may or may not ever gel together. Anthony Randolph appears to be the power forward of the future, Monta Ellis should have shooting guard covered, Stephen Jackson can play SF or SG and Andris Biedrins is locked in at center. That leaves C.J. Watson as the team's point guard, which may or may not work out. Since they can't draft a coach, I say draft a point guard. There is also a lot of talk about trying to get Chris Bosh from the Raptors, but it just doesn't make sense given that Bosh will be an unrestricted free agent a year from now.
Houston Rockets
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Ron Artest, Brian Cook (P), Dikembe Mutombo, Von Wafer
Team Needs: After losing Yao Ming (again) and Dikembe Mutombo, the Rockets are clearly struggling with Chuck Hayes manning the center position. And given the fact that Yao will suffer a leg injury every single year from here on out, they need a real back up center. And if they don't re-sign Ron Artest, they are probably going to need a small forward as well, although Shane Battier will help fill that hole. They're set at C, PF, PG and SG (with Battier and the hopeful return of Tracy McGrady), so picking up a new small forward appears to be where they're looking.
Indiana Pacers
Restricted: Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts
Unrestricted: Maceo Baston, Marquis Daniels (T), Travis Diener (P), Stephen Graham, Rasho Nesterovic
Team Needs: The Pacers are actually entering next season in pretty good shape. Jarrett Jack and T.J. Ford are a pretty solid point guard tandem, while Troy Murphy and Danny Granger make for a great 1-2 punch at the forward spots. Roy Hibbert appears to be a solid center option for the future, leaving their biggest question mark at shooting guard. Mike Dunleavy has a very long road back from knee surgery, but Brandon Rush should be able to fill in and take over at that spot. The Pacers will simply be looking for the best player available, and I've got them taking a guard, possibly Ty Lawson, Gerald Henderson or Eric Maynor, with their lottery pick.
Los Angeles Clippers
Restricted: Alex Acker (T), Steve Novak
Unrestricted: Ricky Davis (P), Fred Jones, Brian Skinner (P)
Team Needs: The Clippers have a pretty good nucleus, but were awful last year as most of the main cogs were injured. Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and DeAndre Jordan have the center spot covered, Baron Davis and Eric Gordon are a solid backcourt, while Al Thornton and Zach Randolph have the forward spots in check. The Clippers will likely draft at No. 3, but don't need UConn center Hasheem Thabeet. Therefore, I have them taking PF Jordan Hill out of Arizona instead.
Los Angeles Lakers
Restricted: Shannon Brown
Unrestricted: Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant (E), Lamar Odom
Team Needs: Based on Thursday's loss at Houston, the sky is falling in L.A. if you listen to the local media. They will be fine and probably cruise to an easy win over the Rockets in L.A. on Sunday and then move on to face the Nuggets. I'm not sure what changes the Lakers need to make this summer, but their first priority is probably going to be finding a forward to replace Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, if they sign elsewhere. Kobe Bryant's opt-out clause has to be a small concern to L.A., but it's still hard to imagine him playing elsewhere. The Lakers are pretty deep and talented, but look for them to target forward help in the offseason.
Memphis Grizzlies
Restricted: Hakim Warrick
Unrestricted: Chris Mihm, Quinton Ross, Mike Wilks
Team Needs: Point guard? Check. Shooting guard? Check. Small forward? Check. Center? Check. Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol appear to have the Grizzlies setting up for a solid future, with the only question mark being who will play power forward? Darrell Arthur should take a big step this season with a year under his belt, and would benefit greatly if Hakim Warrick is not re-signed. The Grizzlies should have a Top 10 draft pick this year, and will use it on the best player available – possibly Brandon Jennings.
Miami Heat
Restricted: Joel Anthony, Yakhouba Diawara (P), Jamario Moon, Chris Quinn (P)
Unrestricted: Mark Blount (E), Luther Head, Jamaal Magloire, Jermaine O'Neal (P)
Team Needs: The Heat were basically a one-man team against the Hawks, and could use help in several areas. They desperately need a real NBA center, as Jermaine O'Neal has just one leg, while Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem were all a stretch in the middle. Haslem is the team's starting power forward, but you have to think Michael Beasley becomes a starter next season, if he can prove that he "gets it." Mario Chalmers had a nice season, but doesn't really look like a true point guard, but small forward looks like the biggest hole for the Heat. They started James Jones there in Game 7 against the Hawks, with Jamario Moon holding it down when healthy. Moon is an adequate role player, but is probably not a guaranteed starter for most teams. Given the Heat's problems everywhere but shooting Guard (Dwyane Wade), they will likely just take the best player available when it's their turn to draft.