As far as using our MLE goes, these are the two FA PGs I'm most interested in. True they're 2nd tier PGs (probably the two best 2nd tier points out there though imo) but that bodes well as far as we go -- we just don't have the money to spend on any of the upper tier talent that may be out there in free agency. IMHO, Kyle Lowry's also a 2nd tier guy only this guy's rated higher than Collison & Mills. Thing is, I don't believe there's really much of a difference in these 3 guys at all. Talent-wise, I don't see any big separation between Kyle Lowry and Collison/Mills. Ability-wise, size, speed, age, etc., it's about a wash -- they're all in the same ballpark...Only main difference are the roles each of these guys play for there respective teams. Lowry started, played inflated starter mins (over 36 mins per this season), took almost 14 shots a game and his stats soared as a result, esp. PPG and assists. These other guys couldn't compete -- it wasn't a level playing field. Their roles are completely different -- they didn't play as much and didn't have the same amount of freedom:
Lowry: 36.2 mins, 13.7 shots per, 6.3 3-pt shots/game, 4.9 FT attempts per, 7.4 apg, 17.9 ppg
Collison: 25.9 mins, 8.7 shots per, 2.4 3-pt shots/game, 2.8 FT attempts per, 3.7 apg, 11.4 ppg
Mills: 18.9 mins, 8.2 shots per, 3.9 3-pt shots/game, 1 FT attempt per, 1.8 apg, 10.2 ppg
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Point here is that Lowry's in a much better individual situation (one that benefits him greatly as far as his next contract goes) than either of these guys: he's been on a bad team playing extended mins where he's expected to score the ball, be 'the man' and assume most of the responsibility. These other guys play more of a supporting role for their teams, much better teams than the Toronto Raptors btw with much better players. You put Collison or Mills on that Toronto club and give them the same amount of mins and freedom, they'd duplicate Lowry's numbers pretty easily. Again, this bodes well for us -- the price will be too high for Lowry; meanwhile we real might be able to get one of the other two. i think we have a legit shot. I can't see the Clippers nor the Spurs offering these guys that much more of an expanded role over what they currently have, definitely not a starting gig, not while Paul and Parker are still around... Between Collison and Mills I might rank Collison a tad higher -- a little better defender, on par with Lowry. Then again, Mills might very well be the best offensive player of the three and if you really watch him, he's not a terrible defender and a pretty good ball-mover. Both guys had very efficient seasons statistically this year.
The most we can offer either player is the full limited tax-paying MLE. Lowry won't accept that, not off his stat-inflated year; but either of these guys very well might. Esp. if we offered up a Kyle Lowry-type assurance of a starting role and starter mins (this last caveat might be key in trying to lure either guy---I bet either guy would love an expanded role and the responsibility of finally running their own club -- Collison did for a little bit in the past, filling in for Paul in N.O., then in Indy for a stretch and excelled both times. Mills has never really had that opportunity, though I think he could handle it). I think we have a legit shot to sign either guy and that's all we can ask for, given our cap situation. We'll have to see what opportunities present themselves (can't rule out upgrading the PG spot via either the trade or draft fronts as well) but this is where I'd start looking for my PG upgrade -- free agency with either Collison or Mills. I think either guy would be a steal for our limited MLE -- PGs as good as Kyle Lowry for a fraction of the cost, not to mention a sizeable upgrade over what we currently have in place with Felton and Prigioni.