With the Draft over I turned my attention to FA this weekend and the more I read the more I am really confused with what DA will do.
Draft, I personally think DA did a wonderful job with the value he got at each pick. With that being said I do not view any one drafted this year as a clear consistent contributor next season. Brown will get a chance early and may crack the rotation as a 15mpg guy but I do not think he will have the same impact that Winslow had on Miami as a rookie, Zizic (if he doesn't stash) could serve as a rotational big this year, and Jackson could fill the same role as Rozier if minutes come available. As of right now I see Brown and Jackson on the roster 100%, Bentil will have to show really well in summer league to avoid just receiving a D-League contract, Yabusele is a clear stash, and Zizic may put up a fight and try to join the Cs asap. For the sake of this exercise I will assume Brown, Jackson and Bentil are on the roster next season.
Roster/Rotation
PG: IT, Rozier, Jackson
SG: AB, Smart, Hunter
SF: Crowder, Brown, Young
PF: KO, Mickey, Bentil
C:
That fills 12/15 roster spots
The Cs have the option to pick up Amir (12mill) and Jerebko (5mill). Jerebko to me is a clear 100%, his contract is to good to pass on.
That fills 13/15 roster spots
This is where questions start to arise.
The likely loss of Turner will have to likely transfer a significant amount responsibility to Smart, Rozier and Brown. Particularly Rozier and Smart will have to pick up the play making duties and control the offense when IT isn't on the court. I also expect more of IT off the ball like we saw in the playoffs.
The big man rotation is an even bigger question mark. Sully could be retained but I fear the outcome of paying Sully market value long-term. His health and conditioning are both red flags for me. Amir could also be retained at 12mill for the season. However retaining both of these bigs and losing Turner on the Wing would likely lead to a step back from the 48wins of this past season. This may not be a bad thing if it means further developing younger players while still making the playoffs. A more likely situation is the Cs look to upgrade at the 4 and or 5. When looking to upgrade I think the playoffs and interviews in the past have made it clear what the Cs will look for at each spot.
Center: BS has stated a few times that he would like to see a rim running center added and DA has mentioned a need for more rim protection.
Power Forward: The playoffs put on display the need for shooting and versatility at this position. A traditional PF (Sully) is fine in the regular season but they are exploited in the playoffs. (Thunder had same issue with Kanter).
Options
Center: Horford (ideal), Whitside (pass), Howard (scary but maybe), Biyombo (maybe but likely over payed), Mahinmi (nice fit), Ezili (injury concerns), Noah (love the fit short term), P Gasol (D a concern), Hibbert (1+team option?), Amir (return), T Zeller (keep him?)
Power Forward: R Anderson (perfect fit but worth the $$?), Parson (fit but injuries scary), M Williams (solid not spectacular), Harkless (young and stepped up in playoffs, Deng (short term)
Looking at these groups I do not expect DA to dump huge money on two players. I could see Anderson or Parson signed and then a short term Center Amir or Hibbert added. The one major issue I see is lack of Depth. This may ultimately cost Bentil a roster spot or Young to be traded. Depth could be added by retaining Zeller or bring Zizic over this year.
Topic: 2016 Free Agency and Roster spots (Read 1355 times)