ball junkie

1. Chauncey Billups, Pistons (p) Billups was the No. 1 free agent when I made my list before the season, and there's no reason to revise that assessment now. The sharpshooting guard has the highest PER of any free-agent-to-be and, as I noted in an earlier piece on Steve Nash, is likely to fare well as he gets into his 30s because his primary assets (size and shooting) won't diminish with age. 2. Vince Carter, Nets (p) The difference between Carter and Lewis is much, much smaller than you might think. For starters, their statistical performance this season hasn't been far apart: a PER of 21.22 for Lewis and 22.16 for Carter. Lewis is also three years younger and, as a 6 foot-10-inch shooting specialist, he's likely to play at a high level for the duration of his new contract. The same can't be said for a player like Carter who depends heavily on his leaping and athleticism. So why Carter at No. 2? A couple reasons. First, there's a difference at the defensive end -- while Carter doesn't play a whole lot of defense, Lewis doesn't play any. Second, his ceiling is just too high. When he's right, Carter can carry a team for weeks at a time, and Lewis hasn't demonstrated that kind of ability yet. 3. Rashard Lewis, Sonics (p) The gap between spots No. 3 and 4 is longer than Yao Ming's inseam. Lewis potentially will get a max contract in the $100-million neighborhood; the next three players on this list might not get half of that. As with Carter, he has the option to sign an extension with his team between now and the end of the June, but it wouldn't seem to be in either player's interests to do so when they could get a new, long-term deal this summer. 4. Gerald Wallace, Bobcats (p) Wallace is perhaps the game's most unheralded star, using his tremendous athleticism to block shots, crash the boards and throw down transition jams. He's also effective enough off the bounce that he averages 16.2 points per game despite a hideous outside shot. Considering he's only 24 and seems to have considerable upside left to explore, he might be the most undervalued commodity on this year's market. 5. Mo Williams, Bucks The departure of T.J. Ford allowed Williams to become a starter, and he's taken that opportunity and run with it. Williams is putting up big numbers -- 18.3 points, 6.3 assists -- and looks increasingly confident running the point despite questions in this area when he left college. Like Wallace, he's only 24 and he's improved every year, so he'll be a prime target for teams who need point guard help but can't afford Billups. 6. Grant Hill, Magic This is where the rankings get less defined. Hill is clearly the best player left on the list. But we don't how many games he'll be available to play, which is why nobody is going to offer Hill a deal longer than two or three years. That said, he's still a star when healthy and easily could be the piece that puts a contending team over the top, plus he's a class act who won't ruffle feathers wherever he goes. 7. Darko Milicic, Magic ® I had Darko rated fifth heading into this season, but he's cost himself a lot of money this year. For every game like Monday's effort against the Bulls -- 14 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks in a road upset -- there are two others where he loafs aimlessly up and down the court before checking out with two points, three boards and four fouls. He's a big-time shot-blocker and a tantalizing post player, but so far the potential hasn't added up to nearly as much production as we had hoped. He's 7-feet tall and doesn't turn 22 until June, so somebody will take a chance on his talent. 8. Anderson Varejao, Cavs ® I'm not sure how high to put Varejao. On the one hand, scouts and execs absolutely love the guy because he plays hard all the time and never needs the ball. But on the other hand, you have to wonder if he's already pretty close to his ceiling as far as productivity and, if so, whether that output is worth anything more than the midlevel exception. I'm not ruling out future improvement, but I'd sure as heck be wondering this if I was about to pay him. To view the entire list click here: http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?co...nger_john&id=2784087

From Brian Schmitz blog: quote: What do the Magic do with G. Hill? I've always said that the snake-bit Hill could have always sat on his fat wallet all these years instead of going through an unfathomable process of recovering from every injury. Wednesday night in Denver, Hill re-injured his left foot and there's no telling when he will be back in this playoff drive. Which begs the question: What do the Magic do with Grant next season? They want to re-sign him to a minimum contract ($1.5 million is the veteran's exception). But when he is in and out of the lineup so often, how good is that for a young team that is trying to find itself and become a perennial playoff participant? Is it better to cut ties and find younger blood who don't have a history of injuries? Is it better for GHill to come off the bench -- that way any future injuries don't impact the first team as much and cause a chain reaction in the rotation? And how about Hill himself: How can keep playing through all these disappointments? Hill missed seven games in February with a sprained right knee, and he missed three games from Dec. 30 to Jan. 5, also with that sore left foot. He skipped three games early in the season -- all on the second half of back-to-back nights -- as a precaution against possible injury. He missed most of his first four seasons with the Magic because of multiple surgeries with his left ankle, and he played only 21 games last season because of a hernia. "It's sore on the top of my midfoot. A couple of days rest and it should be all right,'' Hill told our Tim Povtak. "It was bothering me before the game, and I tried to get it loose. It's actually been bothering me, and I've been getting treatment for it most of the season. Hopefully, I can get it ready for the weekend.'' Hill, for all his Duke pedigree and monetary blessings, is a tougher guy than anybody knows. I'd always want him on my team. One leg --- or two. The thing is, Grant can still play. He just can't stay on the floor for long stretches. For the future of the franchise, maybe for the good of the franchise, what do you do if your the Magic? http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2007/03/what_do_the_mag.html

Looks like the "war" to sign Vince is on! The New York papers are full of stuff this morning from Bruce Ratner the Nets owner stating he is determined to sign Carter this summer. Check some of these links: http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-...276959830.xml&coll=1 http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2...ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2 http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/story/501701p-423127c.html http://www.nypost.com/seven/03012007/sports/nets/no_che...nets_fred_kerber.htm

Notes and quotes from the game last night by Tim Povtak of the Sentinel: quote: Too many turnovers, too slow defensively and two guys they never had a chance against all added up to another painful loss for the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. quote: "It just didn't look like we had anything in the tank,'' Magic Coach Brian Hill said. "We were a step behind defensively, all night long. I don't know why.'' quote: Adding to the problem was yet another injury to Grant Hill, who left late in the second quarter and never returned because of a sore left foot, a problem that has lingered through much of the season. Hill missed seven games in February with a sprained right knee, and he missed three games from Dec. 30 to Jan. 5, also with that sore left foot. He skipped three games early in the season -- all on the second half of back-to-back nights -- as a precaution against possible injury. "It's sore on the top of my midfoot. A couple of days rest and it should be all right,'' Hill said as he limped out of the locker room. "It was bothering me before the game, and I tried to get it loose. It's actually been bothering me, and I've been getting treatment for it most of the season. Hopefully, I can get it ready for the weekend.'' The Magic will play Friday in San Antonio and Saturday in Dallas. Although the team said he is questionable, it's likely that he won't play again until next week when they return home Monday against Milwaukee. quote: "We're just not putting good games together to really get any momentum,'' said Hedo Turkoglu, who had 12 points but struggled trying to slow Anthony. "When you have that many turnovers, you're making it easy for the other team.'' quote: "The turnovers have got to stop,'' Brian Hill said. "You just can't go on like this.'' I posed this question on another thread and I'll post it again right here. It looks as the article states Hill won't be back until next week at the earliest. I realize I'm grasping for straws here(lol) but could it be dejavu all over again? Remember what happened last year at this time with 22 games left in the season when Grant went out? We finished the year on a 16-6 run. I can always hope, right?! I'll tell you another key stat, when our opponent scores over 100 points we have only won "3" games all season. Give up over 100 points then look for a Magic loss. I also checked the Team NBA stats this morning and the Magic are now the worst team in the league for "turnovers". As the coaches and players were saying in the article we are beating ourselves! http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-magic01...orl-sports-headlines

After last night's play we are at 28-31. The Nets are 28-30. A half game seperates both teams. We are in 9th place, the Nets are in 8th. I guess you guys realize by now that Grant Hill got hurt(again). This time it was his ankle. Yep that's right, the same ankle that had so many operations. Look for him to be out for awhile. As soon as anybody hears anything please post it. I brought that up to say this, we have exactly 23 games left in the season. This was the time last year when we went on our much-talked about 16-6 strech to close the season. When Grant went out for the season. Could it be deja vu all over again? Thoughts?

The Magic are playing a game tonight, Against a team from Denver called the Nuggets. If they just so happen to beat us, I'll call Brian Hill and say _ _ _ _ _ _. You fill in the blank, and I'm done.

When I was in 1st grade the teacher, made us get up and check out our height. There was one boy so very much taller, that we all nicknamed him "big Dwight"!

This summer we'll be under the salary cap Looking for new players so hence, I've got my eye on one player His name just happens to be "Vince"! The other day I went on a picnic Played horseshoes and scored on a leaner, My friends said your a good shot boy, Almost as good as Travis Diener.

CG, those are "really" good! Can you do some more with the other players? Cool stuff man.

quote: Originally posted by SmackDaddy: quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:Hey guys, can somebody click this link and listen in. Chad Ford did a podcast with Darko's agent. I can't get it to work. Can someone give us the scoop as to what they are talking about? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/index Junkie, I'm going to start a collection so that we can get you upgraded to DSL. Darko's agent said... -It was disappointing to have Otis pull the offer off the table. -Magic not signing Darko to an extension opens the door for other teams. -Darko fits well in Orlando. Char Ford said... - B Hill hasn't used Darko well. Overall, they basically covered a lot more having to do with Detroit drafting and trading him then his current status with Orlando. Darko is playing hard and will get top dollar this offseason. Smack and Emory, your right I do ask for help a lot when I need the DSL efficency(lol). I'm really not a "major" cheapskate. I'm just a "minor" one. No really, I live in a new neighborhood that's in the country. I guess it's so far from the real world that they haven't put that cable out here yet. Oh well, money talks! You know sooner or later they will.

Hey guys, can somebody click this link and listen in. Chad Ford did a podcast with Darko's agent. I can't get it to work. Can someone give us the scoop as to what they are talking about? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/index

Guys, I appreciate all the insider information and for educating me on the salary cap. As I suspected Schmitz was kind of off-base in his projections although I do realize there are some variables such as guys opting out that don't play in. That is exactly why I brought this matter to this board. I was kind of raised that what you read in the sports page of the newspaper is gospel. As we've all learned as we've gotten older, "that is not always the case". Actually, I'd like to give props to this board cause I get more sports information and knowledge here than in any paper. That is, after I sift through all the bull-crap first!(lol)

I voted for the supporters of the "Fire Brian Hill movement". My positive comment is as of right now I agree with them. But, I realize there ain't nothing anyone can do until "maybe" when the season is over. I'm an annoying person because I talk to much!

Good poll Rafael! Remember guys, it's for fun! Have we forgotten how to do that around here?(lol)

First and foremost I am not an expert on all this business mumbo jumbo. Click this link and read this first: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2007/02/salary_drive_ca.html I was always under the impression we could sign both of these guys. Here's a quote from Brian Schmitz blog: quote: Here's the catch: The Magic can't sign Milicic for a high number --- and still hope to land a desperately needed scorer. I mean one worth starting. Is this true? What if Carter agrees to take a cut in pay? What is the maximum amount of yearly pay Darko could make? If Darko gets the maximum is what Schmitz saying true(about only having 4 or 5 million to sign a scorer)? Is this question something that cannot be answered right now because of future adjustments in the "leaguewide" cap? Understand the Junkie is extremely excited about the prospects of having Vince in Orlando. Various media outlets have already been stating Otis will pursue him this summer. Can anyone break it down for me?

Hey guys. Yes I am really, really bummed out right now. I'm watching ESPNews and they're talking some NBA stuff on the HotList. I will tell you this, Ric Bucher says that after Wade's injury last night that it helped Rod Thorn make up his mind to stand pat with his team. He thinks Jersey can now make the playoffs. I hope we can find out some way all the details of how everything panned out in the negotiations. I guess before I start pounding on Otis I at least owe him enough respect to hear his side of the negotiating story before I start ripping him.

This is from Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld. He is an Orlando native and attends all Magic home games. He does player photo shoots before games and is in the locker rooms after games frequently interacting with players. Here's his Vince to Orlando take: quote: Vince Carter- Vince basically told players in Vegas he

quote: Originally posted by ThefutureGM: Also, I got a call from a friend in NY that was at the game behind the Magic bench. He said that some of the players seemed upset that Jameer is always joking around with the other team while on the court and Carlos looked like he was all business. Maybe not all is good with our young core??? My person opinion is that those of you who believe we should stay the course with our young core never watched the Bulls do the same thing before Ben Wallace. We need a vet on the team that still has some bounce in his step. I'm surprised no one has made a mention or comment about these thoughts from the Future GM. I too have noticed it before games. Now there's nothing wrong with being friendly with your opponent, as long as when the ref throws the ball up you get down to business. Lately, outside of the Spurs game Jameer has been struggling. Anybody think he's(Jameer) tradeable?

Future GM, where are you man?(lol) Please give us a post stating there is just a glimmer of hope that Otis will do something to right this ship that is sinking fast! I'm drowning in my own tears, man!(lol)

Here's a very interesting article by none other than John Hollinger himself in this morning's New York Sun. He says the real wheeling and dealing is just about getting ready to start since we are just a day before the trade deadline. He mentions the Magic and a possibility of obtaining Vince but says that haven't shown a "great" interest. If we keep losing and we don't get Vince Otis is gonna have some "bigtime" explaining to do to the Magic Nation. Anyway, here's the link. Check it out: http://www.nysun.com/article/48968

Check this out Magic fans! There might be just a glimmer of hope left. Richard Jefferson of the Nets says about Vince, "usually when there is a lot of talk about a trade, nothing happens". He went on to say, "the trades that usually happen are the ones when you least expect it". Got this from the New York Post Online Edition: http://www.nypost.com/seven/02212007/sports/nets/no_vin...nets_fred_kerber.htm Check it out!

Hey, I got some scoop for you guys. You know how in the last week with all the Carter rumors there have been some guys posting like they are insiders. Everytime someone does it I'm always skeptical of how valid it is. Well, I mentioned to my buddy(he's a Magic employee) about the Future GM and my skepticism with his posts. My friend read it and told me what he was typing was pretty realistic. He also said, and get this, Otis main confidant is a girl and she is single. You guys know in all the posts by the Future GM he is always referencing his "girl"! The Future GM could be the man! Time will tell. I've been on these boards a long time. Check my post count. My source is pretty reliable. All the oldies know my integrity.(lol) He also said he heard a rumor this afternoon that the team is shopping Arroyo. More later.

quote: Originally posted by bhnole: quote: Originally posted by ThefutureGM: quote: Originally posted by fan for too long:One thing that has not been mentioned is that Vince has already worked with Brian Hill as he was an assistant coach with New Jersey when Vince was brought there. So if he still wants to come here, he will know what he is getting into with the coach we have. Hopefully that is a positive aspect of trading for him. Great Point!!!!!!! Very good call and big props to "fan for too long" He is dead on. Like I have been saying since starting this thread. The Magic have an offer on the table and it all depends on the NETS right now. I hope your right, want to use my new sig in a few days ;-) ^^^^^ Be a nice to use it now instead of waiting til the summer ^^^^ Talk to me Bhnole! Now that's what I'm talking about!! Bhnole, are you and I the only ones on the get Carter wagon "now" train? Oh, I forgot! Bhnole, Smack and Junkie are all on the same wagon!! It's a miracle!!!

quote: Originally posted by ThefutureGM:I am on the road but wanted to give a quick update on what I know about Carter. First - Do not believe anything that the media is telling you right now about the deal not going down. Otis is not a big fan of sports writers and is very tight lipped about moves so he won

If this trade scenario is true I would do that in a heartbeat! The question is would Jersey do it. Are you kidding! All we have to give up is Redick! Errr, what did Otis call him, "Steve Kerr"! A career back-up for a "bigtime" player? That's a "no-brainer"! Getting off the subject for just a second, did anyone see the Carter dunk in the first half where he spun at the foul line and jumped right after the spin and dunked? It ran chills through my spine thinking of the impact that would have at Amway Arena! If the trade goes down T-Mac himself said the Magic would be a "great contender" for years to come.