Daily Links 7/21

There’s not much left out there in terms of free agents. Please don’t think I’m saying the following guys will push the Cs into another level, but it seems to me that some combination of these guys, for reasonable money, could help fill out/balance the roster a bit by placing vets in key backup roles to help fill in for and mentor the young guys and provide a little stability:

PG

Brevin Knightâ€"I know he is small and can’t shoot, but he a good passer and playmaker, and with PP, RA and AJ, does he even need to shoot the ball? Ever? He’d be my first choice from the FA list.

I’m not seeing any other PGs on the list who appeal to me at all. Maybe Darrell Armstrong, for really cheap in a very limited court role? I guess what he could offer is incredible energy on the bench and at practice and maybe a few games where he goes off and looks like his younger self.

C

Dikembe. Yes, he’s 102 years old, but he did a great job when Yao was out last year. He can still defend and rebound, and he has tons of attitude. I think he could be a good backup for this team because he could be a true role player; they wouldn’t need any offense from him at all. On the other hand, he has a huge ego and his agent may be looking for a longer-term contract for more money than he’s worth.

I’d rather have Camby, the rumored trade, but I don’t believe it will happen.

PF

PJ Brown. If he’s willing to accept a backup role, he’s a vet, he plays D and he rebounds. He fills needs.

Chris Webber. I know people might jump down my throat for this, but if he sits long enough this summer without being signed and can be had for a good price, his low-post passing would work nicely with PP, RA and AJ. Okay, so the Cs would suck defensively with that lineup. But he would round out the offense nicely and his passing would help to compensate for the team’s inexperience at PG.

Here’s a great article by Eddie Johnson in response to Marbury’s Italy comments.

http://hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/index.php/2007/07/20/marbury-out-of-line/