Mannix: Top 20 Free Agents

by Jeff Clark on Jul 8, 2011 6:10 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

So, if we ever get to have an offseason free agency period this year, there will be a so-so crop of guys available. Of course we can't afford most of them and expect to maintain cap flexibility for next summer, but it doesn't hurt to kick the tires a bit. It also helps to see how other people value our own free agents.

For example, Chris Mannix rates Glen Davis (8) well ahead of Jeff Green (13). Other notable guys that C's fans have had their eyes on include DeAndre Jordan at 7 and J.R. Smith at 9. Here's the link to the full list.

My quick take on those two is that Jordan is a restricted FA and so the Clips will probably match anything we'd have to offer (like the MLE) and Smith is just a bit too crazy to sign up big dollars to when we are trying to save for next year.

What might interest me more are the leftovers on the list that didn't crack the top 20. They might be willing to take smaller or shorter term deals. Jeff Foster anyone?

BEST OF THE REST: Carl Landry, Yao Ming, Kenyon Martin, Rodney Stuckey, Andrei Kirilenko, Marcus Thornton, Kris Humphries, Mario Chalmers, DeShawn Stevenson, Nick Young, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Greg Oden, Jonas Jerebko, Jeff Foster, Kwame Brown, Marco Belinelli, Tracy McGrady, Earl Clark, Mike Dunleavy.

Also, see this handy rundown on teams that have cap room this summer (in case you missed it, we don't).

Update: Also see Zach Lowe's breakdown of big men.

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Between Mannix's FA list and the recent ESPN article's

We shouldn’t have too much trouble retaining Green for the QO. Everyone seems to be real down on him (rightfully so in my opinion).

Kind of ironic how so many C’s fans are down on Baby, want Green back, and yet most of the national media reports suggest it would be wiser to keep Baby and let Green go.

This may all be irrelevant anyways. If the NBA loses the entire upcoming season, there will be a lot more FA’s, and the C’s will have a lot more cap room (likely) to play with.

" Hell yeah I'm trying to gain an advantage out here. If you can't handle it, get off the court."- Kevin Garnett
"Stats are for losers."- Rahim Morris (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

by KG's Knee on Jul 8, 2011 7:57 AM EDT reply actions

It might just be me..

But if DeAndre Jordan is the 7th best player in a free-agent class, it’s pretty terrible. That guy to me looks like nothing but athleticism. I sure hope the Celtics won’t take a flier on a guy like that, by offering him a long term MLE – I’m not sure that would cut it, and that he wouldn’t be offered something above that (of course, given the MLE is still in place). However, I’d very much doubt his ability to play with impact for the entire duration of whatever his coming contract will be, given his lack of basketball fundamentals.

I surely hope the Celtics won’t do much more than offering Green the QO and perhaps signing a few vets for the mininum – if they do anything else, the chances of being a player for Howard are slimmed significantly.

by Shots on Jul 8, 2011 8:59 AM EDT reply actions

Shots

by badax33 on Jul 8, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Shots

I agree with you. Although I’d like to see us get DJ, I don’t want to sacrifice cap space next season, even if we are a long shot to get DH. Besides, as a RA the Clips will match any MLE offer and that would take him off the FA list next season.

As for Green, I might be willing to sign him to a $6-7M 3yr deal. The problem with him is that next year he will count about 8M unless we renounce him, and I don’t think Danny wants to do that. And I really think he’s going to be a good player for us – probably not a star but a good player.

I wonder if the Celts could get Marcus Thornton for a 3 yr/$10M deal. I could live with that.

by badax33 on Jul 8, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Its not just you, its me too

I dont understand all the love for him. He is alright but I wouldnt go as far to say he is good, his numbers arent impressive at all. He dosent have much offense, and little to no defense. His FG% is good but thats about it. How is Humphries not in his top 20 if I’m not mistaken he averaged 10 ppg and 10 rpg. No one in his top 20 averaged a double double. I’m not that big on Humphries, and I’m not too big on Mannix’s top 20 either.

by CoachBullins on Jul 8, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Good one.. Didn’t notice Humphries wasn’t in the top20, but you’re definitely right – In any case, he’s ahead of Jordan simply due to production. I’m sure both area going to be paid more than what their services are worth – but, I guess that’s the life of an NBA big-man!

by Shots on Jul 9, 2011 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I was amazed with TMac's play once he got into shape last yr

I doubt he wants to stay in the motor city. They put him at point some. That confused quite a few teams. He was a tall, willing passer & was creating match up nightmares at point for some great, ez scores. His salary was low. With his size (multiple positions), iq, & shot he is worth a spot.

by Ibemebe on Jul 8, 2011 9:07 AM EDT reply actions

Kwame was also surprising when you look at his stats

Nothing too flashy but the Cs need at least ONE big who can give them some dependable, decent minutes with some rebounding. He won’t set the world on fire, but 8pts & 7rebs per would be nice if the price is right

by Ibemebe on Jul 8, 2011 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

Funny...

He was our “Plan B” behind Shaq last year. Or at least that was the general feel during the free agency period here on CB. I would have loved 8 pts 7 rebs over the course of the year. At least he actually got on the floor, that would have been nice too. It was a mistake in hindsight.

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

No, i believe he was Plan A before Shaq..

But he wanted higher pay.. Then he ended up getting the vet’s min with Charlotte.. Just what he deserved.. It would be nice if we can get him now for 3Mil max..

by Rany on Jul 10, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions

From the Mannix list, how about Grant Hill?

He has a very high bb iq & has not been so injury prone. There are some decent players on the Mannix list, but most of those guys are going to get paid so you’ve got to take your expectations down some & scratch out what you can.

by Ibemebe on Jul 8, 2011 9:27 AM EDT reply actions

I could be wrong...

but I thought I remembered hearing he liked the warmer climates because it was easier on his body? He would be a great locker room guy though!

by gizmo010101 on Jul 8, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

At 38...

How many guys are older than him? I would take him in a second and be happy with it. But I would really like somebody younger.

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm tired of the C's adding fossilized players as a form of bargain hunting.

Time for greater youth to offset all the old guys we already have.

by clover on Jul 8, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess I'd agree with the top 4

but outside of that, I think the desirability of these guys mostly depends on team need. Sorta like this year’s draft

I do think Glen Davis stands out like a sore thumb in the top 10 though… If you needed a PF for the next 3 years, wouldn’t you rather sign Chandler? Humphries? Kirilenko? Not to mention SF/PF types like Prince and Battier? These guys are all more complete players and mostly without Davis’ issues like weight or recent attitude.

Cs will be lucky if they can sign Kwame or Foster.

by Tugboat on Jul 8, 2011 9:29 AM EDT reply actions

Either that

or he’s not suffering from hometown bias where Glen Davis is concerned.

by kozlodoev on Jul 8, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Hahahahaha

Nice. But Tugboat had a good point, maybe it’s just my bias but I don’t think he should be that high on the list.

And his pic is still ridiculous.

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Kwame Brown AND Louis Amundson!

or Aaron Gray and Fesenko.

by Rogerio on Jul 8, 2011 9:33 AM EDT reply actions

LOL!!!!

So out of all free agents these are the only guys you want??? hahahaha You dont wanna bring any wing players in huh? we’re trynna get younger only names I can kinda stomach are Kwame Brown and Aaron Gray, Louis is undersized with 0 offensive skill and Fesenko is HUGE and out of shape wit no offensive skill

by throwedoff on Jul 8, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

What free agents...

Ainge goes after this season will depend alot on the lock out situation of course and the big question which is still to date unanswered which is:

Will Ainge go with the big 4 core next season for one more run and try to sign stop gap talent around them?
or
Blow up the core to start the rebuilding process and try to acquire some younger, long term talent ?
or
Will Ainge fudge it and and try to do a little of both of the above?

We have to wait and see until we know for sure, but until then the suspense is driving me crazy… lol.

by fordescort on Jul 8, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Players we should target

Rodney Stuckey, Marcus Thornton, Kris Humphries, Nick Young, Jeff Foster, Kwame Brown, Earl Clark, Mike Dunleavy. DeAndre Jordan

by juanpan on Jul 8, 2011 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

Agree with some

I agree with Thorton, Clark and Foster, as long as they can be signed cheaply otherwise it eats up too much cap space next year. My suggestion is either Thorton or Clark using the Bi-annual exemption. I would do a one year deal for Foster at most of the MLE, but he still might get a better deal. BTW, I like KH but think he’ll get a bigger deal than we can afford without cutting in to cap space next season.

Stuckey and Young both want a big payday. Can’t see that happening in Boston.

DJ is a RA and even if we offered the MLE the Clips will match.

Dunleavy is a waste IMO. Kwame, reminds me of Shelden Williams (no hands) allthough I guess he played better this year.

I think Danny might try to get a young player at a bargain cost 3yrs 7/10M and then split up the MLE among more than one player targeting some players who might be left out and stuck with the Vet min.

by badax33 on Jul 8, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Thornton but he's now a restricted FA

and Kings want to sign him for a long term deal, so he’ll be too expensive for us

by Banner 18 on Jul 8, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Kris Humphries....

I’d be down for that. If only to get to see Kim on the sidelines.

Plus he’s good I guess.

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Deron Williams about to sign with Turkish team!

by Title 18 on Jul 8, 2011 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

SF and a big,.... yes please

out of the ones we may have a shot at:

SF: Jonas Jerebko, AK47, Mike Dunleavy, Shane Battier
PF/C(big): Carl Landry, Mr. Kardashisan Part II (Kris Humphries), Yao Ming(if not injured).

If we have no intention of bringing D12 to the C’s then maybe have a sign& trade(green or davis) with The Clipps for Deandre. I wouldn’t mind if they brought in Belinelli, Young or even Tmac for a scorer/3pt shooter off the bench.

Jeffrey M Melhorn

by 18-1 damn on Jul 8, 2011 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

If Jeff Green starts how would that affect everything? I think part of the reason that Jeff struggled is because he was coming off the bench. But he is a very capable body.

by Patriots12 on Jul 8, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Why don't people want to keep Green?

We HAVE to keep him in my mind. If we get rid of him we’ll be back down to Pierce being the only SF. If we get rid of him, the Perkins/Robinson trade was for NOTHING. Jeff Green has potential, let him get comfortable with the team first. He showed signs he could help us in the series against Miami. Keep Green!!!

by farias on Jul 8, 2011 12:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

+1

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd agree that Big Baby has value beyond Green at this point.

I’d rather keep Green however, and Danny is rightly about acquiring low, divesting high.

I’d also prefer Green to JR Smith.

by clover on Jul 8, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

hell na..

I’d take smith over green in a nano second.

by seze70 on Jul 8, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know...

I would think on potential alone, Green has way more value than Davis – nevermind their statistical history. The whole thing is a headscratcher to me….

by jambr380 on Jul 9, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Wojo tweeted that Yao is done, foot won't heal, scratch him off that list

and I’m thinking if Oden gets another major injury, he should call it quits, but I doubt it, not will all the money Portland is throwing his way, wish I could paid 8 mil to rehab myself!

by Banner 18 on Jul 8, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

i would love marcus thornton r jr smith.....marcus just kills the lakers he averages 29pts a game in 4 games against the lakers

by tcelt on Jul 8, 2011 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

you need a big guy..

Jordan you will have to over pay vastly to get from the Clippers. Kwame Brown is an option. Not much to choose from.

by tenkaistar on Jul 8, 2011 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

If GMs are as high on Davis as Mannix...

Danny, S&T him for anything of value, please!

Big Baby Davis was a great player, but last year he was eaten by Big Lazy Davis, and there’s no way BLD makes the top 10 in anything outside of an eating contest. He doesn’t want to box out, he gambles more than Rondo when he goes to double team, and he thinks he is a great (not good) shooter.

Green did everything he was asked, and although he was too shy, he seems like a good teammate. Potential All Star? I don’t think so, but he’s a better shooter than Davis, and can stay on the floor for more than 16 minutes a game without crawling up and down the court.

I doubt the Celtics can get anything in return for Davis, but I’d rather have Yi Jianlian playing backup PF, with or without the chair. Please Danny, get Jianlian and the Chinese market!

Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.
Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

by aporel#18 on Jul 8, 2011 5:01 PM EDT reply actions

Shhhhh!

Don’t let the other teams know how bad Davis is! We need them to believe he is good for a decent S&T.

by green18, 19, 20... on Jul 8, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree

I don’t understand how BBD is rated so high. He’s an undersized center who wants to be a start PF. I like BBD but he doesn’t understand who he is. WQhen he play with energy, take the open jumper from 15-18 ft, make quick moves to the basket and take charges he a very productive player. However, sometimes he believe he is this 6’11" inch PF who can jump out of the gym and wants to post up and use his length and leaping to rebound and then he’s not so good.

He has the perfect role for him in Boston, but I think he still feels snubbed by not being a 1st RD pick and not having a Big contract. He just wants that big contract and I think he’s going to be sorry if he leaves Boston.

by badax33 on Jul 8, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

KG

Restructure his contract to free up some moola and make a run at what we need a good center…….. Trade Allen and sign Thornton way younger …….

by juanpan on Jul 8, 2011 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

Can't

I’m pretty sure that KG can’t restructure his contract, it’s not allowed under the current CBA

by badax33 on Jul 8, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Allen is coming off one of his best seasons ever

we know from what he has said that he is going to stay in great shape. Allen is too good to trade, we would not get enough in return. I want him to stick around for a few more years. Imagine in 2012 him signing a minimum contract and coming off the bench. Were talking sixth man of the year type guy for a low price hopefully. Same with KG if he dosent retire, and for some reason I think he will stay in Boston for a low dollar amount for at least a year or two after his contract is up. Him and Ray on minimum contracts would be awesome! most teams could only dream of that kind of quality coming off the bench.

by CoachBullins on Jul 10, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Dunleavy and Kirilenko...

seem like good targets to me. Dunleavy has been quite productive when healthy (which isn’t too often, unfortunately). He was on his way to being a star in Indiana before he was lost for the season a couple of years ago. I see him as more of a Delonte type who would provide much more than we would need to pay him.

I am not sure what AK will demand on the open market, but he does a lot of great things without demanding the ball too much.

Obviously neither of these two are ‘big’ men, but they are glue types that I would be happy to have on the team for cheap.

by jambr380 on Jul 9, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions