| Andrew + 13 Authored by Andrew Theodosi - August 1, 2006 - 1:13 pm
Reading Chris Reina’s article a few weeks about making the most of the $53.135 million salary cap limit – I thought there was some players missing. I took it upon to myself to make another version of 13 players who, when binded together, fit under the NBA’s new 06/07 salary cap.
The rules are the same, but I did not use any players Chris used, to make it harder
STARTING FIVE
PG: Jason Terry ($6.600 Million):
If indicated correctly, Terry received a 6 year/50 million dollar contract with max increases. That puts his first season at 6.6 million. Terry will provide a great point guard for my team and sets them up as a jump shooting team.
Instead of choosing Nash, I decided to save my money and use it elsewhere.
SG: Jason Richardson ($10.000 Million)
Richardson will be the number one offensive threat on my roster (boy, I wish I could of taken Arenas here). JRich has worked hard on developing a reliable three point game and he was a successful #1 option in Golden State (23.2 PPG – 45% FG, 38% 3PT).
Richardson also provides a slasher to the starting lineup who is not afraid to throw down a downright dastardly dunk. Strangely, his free throw percentage enters Tim Duncan areas – which is not a good sign.
Attempted more three pointers than free throws.
SF: Bruce Bowen ($3.750 Million)
Defensive toughness who will be able to lock down other teams premier scorers. He has been doing it for a long time in San Antonio. Has the ability to mix it up from guarding Gilbert Arenas to Dirk Nowitzki.
Possesses a great three point shot and near perfect form (especially from the corners) which could prove invaluable if Richardson or Curry draw doubles)
PF: Udonis Haslem ($5.525 Million)
The hustling power forward that every team needs, Haslem provides tough-nosed defense and a rebounding force that is invaluable. He proved his worth on Nowitzki during the playoffs
C: Eddy Curry ($8.171 Million)
I needed a scoring center and Curry gives me exactly that. The heart-problems are nerving, but all reports indicate a healthy future for him. Still young and is one of the best scorers in the paint in the league (as shown by his consistently brilliant field goal percentage)
RESERVES
PG: Brevin Knights ($4.400 Million)
That backup point guard who is good enough to start on most teams. Has a talent when it comes to protecting the ball, yet still dishing it out to teammates at an extremely high rate (his Ast/TO ratio was great). His shooting form, however, is not something to be desired. Will be needed to get Curry and Richardson open looks
SG: Flip Murray ($1.800 Million)
In a surprising move, recently signed an extremely cheap contract with the Pistons showcasing his desire to win (or maybe he is fooling everyone?). Great offensive ability and will provide a spark off the bench, will be able to occasionally handle the rock
SF: Quinton Ross ($.77 Million)
Good defender whose stats don’t justify his worth. Not the most talented offensive player, but can finish if needed. Is on the team for his defense and ability to swing defensive momentum.
PF: Shareef Abdur-Rahim ($5.400 Million)
Seems to have fallen off the face of the map in Sacramento yet still averaged a respectable 12/5 on a great FG percentage. Great in the post and can take you with either hand in either direction.
Former all-star who finally made it to the playoffs.
C: DeSagana Diop ($1.998 Million)
The perfect backup center for any team, Diop showed he is was not a complete bust this season in Dallas. His shot blocking form and timing was an integral part of the seasons success.
Will be the defensive anchor in the reserves.
PF: Chuck Hayes ($.664 Million)
Chris, I see your James Singleton and raise you a Chuck Hayes.
Was top 3 in the league in rebounds per 48 minutes with 16.1.
He is a rebounding monster who was undrafted and was picked up by Houston. Grabs more rebounds than points per game and was second in the Vegas Summer League in RPG (to Singleton)
PG: Charlie Bell ($ .744 Million)
Returned to the NBA this season with Milwaukee after a long hiatus in Europe, he brought back a 3 point shot with him. Good third stringer who will have no problem stepping in if anyone is injured.
Had a triple double against Nash’ Phoenix Suns
SF/PF: Josh Powell ($.744 Million)
Hometown bias here. Powell is a strong rebounder who is slowly developing more and more confidence in himself and his teammates. Will either be let go or groomed into Nowitzki’s backup next season.
Strong defensive presence who gives it his all 100% of the time.
It was hard seeing as how you had first choice Chris, but I believe our teams are evenly matched. And by evenly matched, I mean in my favor.
C: Curry | Diop
PF: Haslem | Abdur-Rahim | Hayes
SF: Bowen | Ross | Powell
SG: Richardson | Murray
PG: Terry | Knight | Bell
VS
C: Okur | Brezec | Seung-Jin
PF: Swift | Singleton
SF: Artest | J. Jones
SG: Arenas | Boykins | Evans
PG: Billups | M(o) Williams | Parker |
