Would love to add Marcus Cousin. Best kept secret out there as far as centers go. His activity level has always been very good (running the court, competing inside, going for rebounds, etc) and he's one hell of an underrated offensive player -- several effective post moves and his mid-range J is outstanding. Baffles my mind that this dude's not a mainstay in the NBA by now. He's too good a big man to be fighting for a job. Too skilled to always be on the outside looking in...Not even sure where he is now. Spent time recently in Japan and as far as I've heard, he hasn't signed up with anyone for NBA SL. I hope he hasn't thrown in the towel -- he can definitely play. No question he's good enough for the NBA...Hope he keeps his chin up and keeps fighting to make it. I'd love to have this kid off our bench as a backup center. I hope he's got aggressive enough representation -- a kid like this that's not that highly thought-of (surprisingly) and constantly gets overlooked to the degree he does needs someone real aggressive looking out for him, contacting NBA teams that may need big men, etc..
I'd prefer some young blood to fill out the roster with, but I think Earl Barron's a very logical choice to bring back. He's only about 31 or so and brings a lot to the table -- legit 7', very active on the glass, willing defender and he can shoot the mid-range shot. We've had him twice now and in each stint, when called upon, he's delivered. He's been very productive for us 2x now...Also, I think he'll accept the vet minimum w/o a fuss. I mean what's their deal -- get him now before someone else grabs him or he leaves for Europe. It's OK to work on smaller signings while you wait for someone like Brand to make up his mind on the mini-ML offer...I'd like to see Glen much more aggressive -- it's ok to pat your head while rubbing your stomach.
I continue to like 6'10" Craig Brackins as a backup scoring SF behind Melo but like Cousin, I know they have zero interest -- basically a moot point talking about players like this...If Ron Artest really wants in and he'll accept the vet min., I'd role the dice and take a chance. He's still a very capable offensive player and he could be a real difference maker defensively for us. I know he's a nutjob but being a NY guy, I could see him coming in hyped, reenergized and ready to help. He makes even more sense if the plan is to continue to use Melo at the 4. We could play Artest right alongside Melo and have him guard the opposition's best player which would take a lot of pressure off Melo. And I think 6'8" 235 Tim Abromaitis would be a real shrude pickup on the cheap in an attempt to simulate what we lost with Copeland which is a wing with a reliable 40%+ 3-pt stroke that has just enough skill to put it on the floor and go around a guy if he get up on him too close (unlike Novak). Woody's used to having this type of specialist. I think this kid makes sense even with the addition of Bargnani. If anyone knows of a player that 6'8" 235-240 with a purer 3-pt stroke, let me know.
For a 2nd speedy/uptempo PG to pair up with Felton -- I like Aaron Brooks, followed by Roddy Beaubois then Charles Jenkins. Too bad we never got in on that Eric Bledsoe trade or a move for Darren Collison. Those would've been my first 2 choices for PG help, in order. Both made a lot more sense than Prigioni. I like Prigioni but as a 3rd PG on the depth chart. If Prigioni is ever forced to take the reins because Felton went down, we're in trouble I feel. Need someone else here.
