Courtesy: IndyStar.com
The 2015 NBA Draft is in the bag and the 2015 NBA free agency period has been underway for a few days now. In just a short amount of time, the NBA has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into signing big name free agents.
So far, there have been a lot of big names moving to different teams as franchises prepare to try to win the Larry O’Brien trophy next season. Even though contracts cannot be formally signed until July 9, 2015, there are a lot of deals and agreements in place. This article will take a look into and grade some of the biggest offseason moves thus far.
San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge, F/C
4 years $80 Million
Grade: A+
The San Antonio Spurs made a fantastic move big signing LaMarcus Aldridge. The Los Angeles Lakers were in the hunt for Aldridge, but ultimately could not land him. Aldridge is an All-NBA forward who averaged 23.4PTs, 10.2REBs, 1.7ASTs and 1.1BLKs per game last season. Aldridge has shown great growth during his career and by signing with the Spurs he gains the greatest mentor possible, Tim Duncan. The Spurs also are limiting the chance of having to rebuild their franchise, as Tim Duncan and the rest of their ‘Big Three’ get ready to retire. Not to mention, Aldridge has averaged at least 21PTs and 8Rebs per game over the last five season. His consistent production will be a huge factor in helping the Spurs win another NBA championship. Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard are the future faces of San Antonio’s franchise. Gregg Popovich might be the biggest winner here because with a team structure around them the Spurs have an awfully bright future.
Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan, C
4 years, $80 Million
Grade: A
This was a good pick up for the Dallas Mavericks. In signing Jordan, Dallas got an athletic rim protector and a rebuilding monster. Tyson Chandler was a good center for Dallas but this a younger and better upgrade at the center position. Hopefully, Dallas can build around Jordan for the years to come. Last season, Jordan averaged 11.5PTs, 15REBs and 2.2BLKs per game. He did all this while having to share the spotlight with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Now that he is in Dallas, Jordan will have more of the paint to himself and I bet his numbers will rise. Jordan played at Texas A&M in college so the move to Texas, along with the whole transition itself, should be relatively easy for him. Mark Cuban told a Dallas radio station that he believes Jordan to be “Shaq-like” and see’s him as a “20-20 type of guy”. Personally, I think Jordan will be better off in Dallas. I also think that Dallas made the right decision in this signing and will be in the playoffs next year.
New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis, PF
5 years, $154 Million
Grade: A+
Realistically, Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the league and right now that is a very short list. He is only 22 years old and has a higher ceiling than any other player. Last season, he averaged 24.4PTs, 10.2REBs, 1.5STLs and 2.9BLKs per game. Davis is a player who could of literally gone anywhere he wanted but chose to stay in New Orleans. Why? Because right now New Orleans can give him anything he wants. He has plenty of time to win a ring and right now he is just improving his game and helping build a franchise for the Pelicans. Currently, this is the richest deal in NBA history and I couldn’t be happier for the young man. This was a no-brainer for New Orleans because Davis is a once in a decade talent. I just hope the pieces to help him will come sooner than later because I’d like to see him get a ring.
Milwaukee Bucks: Greg Monroe, C
3 years, $50 Million
Grade: B
I’m not a big fan of Monroe choosing to go play in Milwaukee. However, this was an okay signing for the Bucks. Milwaukee had a horrible offense last season but Monroe can help be a centerpiece around their young roster to create a consistent offensive game plan. Not to mention, Monroe does have some offensive skills himself that he should get a lot of opportunities to utilize wit the Bucks. Monroe has been consistent throughout his NBA career. He is young and has plenty of talent. For his career, he is averaging 14.3PTs, 9.2REBs and 2.3ASTs. For this upcoming season, Monroe will most likely be their most talented and efficient scorer and rebounder. One thing I look forward to from this deal is Monroe playing side by side with Jabari Parker and Giannis Anteokounmpo. It has been rumored that there is a player option in the third year of Monroe’s contract, so hopefully Milwaukee can keep him more than two years.
Toronto Raptors: DeMare Carroll, SF
4 years, $60 Million
Grade: C-
The Raptors need a tough defender like Carroll; unfortunately they ended up overpaying for it. Carroll got really lucky with timing. Last year, he put up decent numbers, proved he was a strong defender and got a lot of attention helping Atlanta’s postseason run. All that create for a big pay deal for Carroll, almost twice as much as his old deal. DeMare said that the Hawks had to choose between him and Paul Millsap and ended up signing Millsap to a 3 year $59 Million deal. Regardless, Carroll is now in Toronto. Last season, he was able to average 12.6PTs, 5.3REBs, 1.7ASTs and 1.3STLs per game. However, more than 82 percent of his field goals made were assisted buckets. Carroll doesn’t shine on his own; he needs his teammates to get him there. His intensity and hustle will contribute to Toronto’s franchise but they will need him for than just that for Toronto to get their moneys worth.
Phoenix Suns: Tyson Chandler, C
4 years, $52 Million
Grade: B
This was a smart move for both parties. Chandler gives Phoenix help for a solid amount of years, which is good because Phoenix needs to stay away from short-term solutions. In his time in Phoenix, he will provider great defensive support and help with the pick-and-roll. This is a clear upgrade in rebounding and defense. He also provides solid veteran leadership to a young team. I believe Chandler does provide great presence in the paint. In the past five years, he has been on three teams in the top ten in three-point field percentage. I also believe he will be able to help develop the young Alex Len into something promising. This move helped both parties and hopefully Phoenix can grab a playoff spot next season.
Phoenix Suns: Brandon Knight, PG
5 years, $70 Million
Grade: A
Phoenix was in desperate need of another guard so this is another smart signing but the Suns. Hopefully, Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe can coexist together, creating one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. Knight is a top-20 point guard so this deal isn’t really hurting any pockets. Phoenix originally acquired Knight last season before the deadline after Goran Dragic demanded a trade. Though due to some injuries he didn’t play much. Now that he will be around for a while, I believe he will be able to help make the Suns playoff bound yearly with the support from Bledsoe and Chandler.
Los Angeles Clippers: Paul Pierce, SF
3 years, $10.6 Million
Grade: B+
During his one year in Washington, Paul Pierce showed that he is still ‘The Truth’ and that he is still very capable of changing the outcome of a game. This was a smart signing by the Clippers who need some veteran experience. This deal will bring Pierce back to his hometown and it will also reunite him with his former coach, Doc Rivers, who he won an NBA championship with in 2008. He is the number 16 scorer in NBA history currently. During last year’s playoffs, he shot over 54 percent from three-point range and bumped his numbers up from 11.9PTs to 14.6PTs per game.
Though Los Angeles lost DeAndre Jordan, I’m sure they will be back in the playoffs and Pierce will be a vital asset.
Indiana Pacers: Monta Ellis, SG
4 years, $44 Million
Grade: B+
The Indiana Pacers desperately needed a boost in offense and here it is. For his career, Ellis is averaging 19.3PTs, 4.8ASTs, 3.5REBs and 1.7STLs per game. This will allow the Pacers to have a much more fast tempo offense. Ellis is extremely dangerous off-the-dribble and has a dynamic offense. He is a ten-year veteran and was the 2007 NBA’s most improved player. I am also very excited to see Ellis play along side Indiana’s star Paul George. Larry Bird was reported to have said that he loved the idea of an Ellis-Paul George backcourt combo. This will be an interesting year for the Pacers, but I’m excited to watch.
Sacramento Kings: Rajon Rondo, PG
1 year, $9.5 Million
Grade: F
This is a just a bad signing and I cannot see anything good coming from it. Pretty much, Sacramento got desperate and signed Rondo. I can only expect a chaotic offense and season for the Kings. Really, from this signing, I’m just left with a lot of questions. Will Rondo and Cousins get along? Will Rondo get along with coach Karl? -Who has a bad reputation with players. How does this help the Kings in their rebuilding? I pray the Kings can unlock the old Rondo and he can build his reputation. If not, this upcoming season will be a disaster.
