It is time to discuss a couple of hypothetical scenarios. We know for almost certain that cap will be the same or slightly lower, luxury tax will increase greatly, creating a hard-cap feel for the smaller market teams, and there will be a mid-level exception in the range of 5 million over 3 years. Top players will still make their max money because they sell the tickets and are worth the most to their teams. It is the secondary stars and high level role players who will really suffer, such as Wilson Chandler, Ray Felton for example. These players are probably aiming for deals next summer in the 8-10 million per year range, now they will likely have to take someone's mid level exception. So here is my question.
It appears as if we will have in the range of 8-12 million in cap space next summer, a good amount if everyone is renounced, but not enough for Chris Paul or Dwight Howard. Rather than waiting for next summer to figure it all out, are we better off:
-Targeting a starting center now: The two options that come to mind are Dalembert and Varejao. Dalembert may consider NY or Miami for the mid level. Also, Varejao may be had in the right trade from the rebuilding Cavs. Neither player is a star, but both provide rebounding and the interior presence needed on defense. As we saw in the playoffs, having a star center isn't necessary, but having a good presence is. Alongside Stoudemire, either player is acceptable.
-Targeting a new PG at the trade deadline: I want to give Billups a chance, but if it isn't working out two options could be Nash and Sessions. Nash is old i know, but as discussed in the other threat, can provide what is needed for at least 2-3 years. Nash may be had at the deadline for Billups and either Shumpert or Douglas, or if not then as a FA next summer.
-Lastly, let's assume we have the PG and C positions figured out headed into next summer. We will likely now be at or over the salary cap. We will now have the opportunity to resign current players, Fields, Douglas, hopefully Williams, and have the mid-level exception to use. I'm thinking a player such as Chandler would consider because he wants to be back in NY and would be an ideal 6th man. If not, there will be plenty of other rotation caliber players available for that money.
Now i am all for Paul even if there is only an outside chance of getting him, but rather than lose everyone for a chance at him, it sounds awful appealing to upgrade the center, PG, and bench, as well as resign current rotation players, like Fields and Douglas. This hypothetical lineup would look something like this:
C Dalembert PF Stoudemire SF Anthony SG Fields PG Nash 6th Chandler 7th Douglas 8th Williams 9th Jordan
I'm pretty confident we could compete for a title. I didn't want to turn this into a CP3 or no CP3 thread, but i still wanted thoughts considering the new system is beginning to fall into place.
10/28/2011 12:50 PM