PTP News - 1991 Free Agency Vol. 1
Jan 14, 2016 22:17:18 GMT
Post by PTP on Jan 14, 2016 22:17:18 GMT
It's been a crazy free agency for the PTP agency. A couple controversies, a little confusion, and a surprisingly quiet phone for a couple of impact players. Let's break down some of the moves and decisions of PTP.
Drexler Gliding Out East to Boston
In what was become the most talked about move of free agency, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler has spurned his home team Sacramento Kings and GAH juggernaut Denver Nuggets for the cocky upstart Boston Celtics. While it may seem like an odd and shocking decision on the surface, it actually makes perfect sense when you dig into the facts. Here are the top 5 reason Drexler decided on Boston:
Reason #1: Sacramento's rocky past and dubious future
Sacramento hasn't had a ton of success since Drexler joined - only winning 50 or more games twice and only getting past the 2nd round once - and the team is currently under GAH control since there's no active management. All of this made Drexler a bit pessimistic about reaching a championship here if he were to sign a contract that would keep him a King for the rest of his prime.
Reason #2: Boston's core is talented and young enough to be a powerhouse for years
When Drexler looked at the talent he could play with, it was hard for him not to be blown away by Boston's roster. John Stockton, arguably the best PG in the league, is only 29 and just as dedicated to winning a championship; Sam Bowie is the type of defensive ace every team needs to succeed; Loy Vaught is a young player with a bright future and is comparable to Drexler's old teammate Derrick Coleman; and then there's Cliff Robinson, a dynamic post scorer and rebounder. This group provides a great balance of inside-out scoring, defense, and toughness - with an average age of 28.25.
Reason #3: Stockton/Drexler = Dynamic Duo!
With no disrespect to Isiah Thomas, Stockton would be the best PG Drexler has ever played with and they would immediately be the most dynamic backcourt in the GAH. While Jordan and Nixon have the experience and success, Nixon is 35 years old and on the downside of his career. Stockton and Drexler are both 29 years old and will still be playing a high level for years to come.
Reason #4: Age is more than a number in Denver
Denver's success is unprecedented;the leadership and vision of bronsonj3 is unquestioned; and Bernard King may go down as the greatest player in GAH history. But no one can defeat Father Time, and King is 34 years old. Denver has a great team with strong role players, but King is the main reason the Nuggets are so deadly and Drexler didn't know if he could leave Sacramento for another team that could potentially be mediocre in a couple years. While Drexler believes teaming up with King would have made for a couple of great seasons, and he believes in bronsonj enough to know that the Nuggets would be relevant after King retires, Drexler didn't want to deal with so much uncertainty as King and the Nuggets enter a transitional period during King's twilight years. Not when you have a strong, young core in Boston just waiting for a superstar to come and lead.
Reason #5: Onenole3's vision - and ego - is compelling and exciting
PTP made the mistake of doubting onenole3 last season, expecting Boston to struggle with a bunch of pieces we weren't convinced would fit together. Onenole3 disagreed with us and the many other critics, and was very vocal about it - sometimes in a very brash manner. Ultimately, he got the last laugh. If not for a string of devastating injuries at the end of the regular season, Boston probably would've won close to 60 games and made some noise in the playoffs. Now, the team is healthy and looking to be a major force for years to come. And in onenole3's pitch to Drexler, he made his confidence in his team, his vision - and in Drexler - very clear. And it's hard to doubt him again.
Washington's Mistake Could See Smits Leaving
Rik Smits loves Washington. They've been successful on the court and Smits has been happy off the court. But, Smits may find himself playing elsewhere because Washington's front office miscalculated things and may not be able to afford to keep him. They're willing to look at sign and trade options to hopefully fill the void Smits leaves, but is it even possible to fill such a void? Smits is only 25 and coming off a career year - 18.8 points, 50.6% shooting, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. We all know Reggie Miller is the star of this team, but the 7'4" Smits is a big reason for their success (pun intended). What happens with Smits could shift the balance of power in the East.
Ageism Continues in the GAH
One of the more confusing and frustrating parts of GAH free agency is the lack of respect for accomplished players over 30. While no one expects a lucrative long term deal for a 35 year old, one would at least expect a little interest. Former All-Star and Sixth Man of the Year Sly Williams hasn't heard his phone ring once this offseason. Even though he just came off a season averaging 9 ppg in 18 mpg. There's no doubt Williams can be a quality starter for a team, or a great sixth man. Perhaps it's still a little early, with a lot of big names still trying to find the right fit. But one would expect someone with Williams's resume to get a little interest by now. The phones have also been relatively quiet for other older stars, like Mike Gminski and Walter Davis. It will be interesting to see if this will change once more marquee players choose teams.
Drexler Gliding Out East to Boston
In what was become the most talked about move of free agency, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler has spurned his home team Sacramento Kings and GAH juggernaut Denver Nuggets for the cocky upstart Boston Celtics. While it may seem like an odd and shocking decision on the surface, it actually makes perfect sense when you dig into the facts. Here are the top 5 reason Drexler decided on Boston:
Reason #1: Sacramento's rocky past and dubious future
Sacramento hasn't had a ton of success since Drexler joined - only winning 50 or more games twice and only getting past the 2nd round once - and the team is currently under GAH control since there's no active management. All of this made Drexler a bit pessimistic about reaching a championship here if he were to sign a contract that would keep him a King for the rest of his prime.
Reason #2: Boston's core is talented and young enough to be a powerhouse for years
When Drexler looked at the talent he could play with, it was hard for him not to be blown away by Boston's roster. John Stockton, arguably the best PG in the league, is only 29 and just as dedicated to winning a championship; Sam Bowie is the type of defensive ace every team needs to succeed; Loy Vaught is a young player with a bright future and is comparable to Drexler's old teammate Derrick Coleman; and then there's Cliff Robinson, a dynamic post scorer and rebounder. This group provides a great balance of inside-out scoring, defense, and toughness - with an average age of 28.25.
Reason #3: Stockton/Drexler = Dynamic Duo!
With no disrespect to Isiah Thomas, Stockton would be the best PG Drexler has ever played with and they would immediately be the most dynamic backcourt in the GAH. While Jordan and Nixon have the experience and success, Nixon is 35 years old and on the downside of his career. Stockton and Drexler are both 29 years old and will still be playing a high level for years to come.
Reason #4: Age is more than a number in Denver
Denver's success is unprecedented;the leadership and vision of bronsonj3 is unquestioned; and Bernard King may go down as the greatest player in GAH history. But no one can defeat Father Time, and King is 34 years old. Denver has a great team with strong role players, but King is the main reason the Nuggets are so deadly and Drexler didn't know if he could leave Sacramento for another team that could potentially be mediocre in a couple years. While Drexler believes teaming up with King would have made for a couple of great seasons, and he believes in bronsonj enough to know that the Nuggets would be relevant after King retires, Drexler didn't want to deal with so much uncertainty as King and the Nuggets enter a transitional period during King's twilight years. Not when you have a strong, young core in Boston just waiting for a superstar to come and lead.
Reason #5: Onenole3's vision - and ego - is compelling and exciting
PTP made the mistake of doubting onenole3 last season, expecting Boston to struggle with a bunch of pieces we weren't convinced would fit together. Onenole3 disagreed with us and the many other critics, and was very vocal about it - sometimes in a very brash manner. Ultimately, he got the last laugh. If not for a string of devastating injuries at the end of the regular season, Boston probably would've won close to 60 games and made some noise in the playoffs. Now, the team is healthy and looking to be a major force for years to come. And in onenole3's pitch to Drexler, he made his confidence in his team, his vision - and in Drexler - very clear. And it's hard to doubt him again.
Washington's Mistake Could See Smits Leaving
Rik Smits loves Washington. They've been successful on the court and Smits has been happy off the court. But, Smits may find himself playing elsewhere because Washington's front office miscalculated things and may not be able to afford to keep him. They're willing to look at sign and trade options to hopefully fill the void Smits leaves, but is it even possible to fill such a void? Smits is only 25 and coming off a career year - 18.8 points, 50.6% shooting, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. We all know Reggie Miller is the star of this team, but the 7'4" Smits is a big reason for their success (pun intended). What happens with Smits could shift the balance of power in the East.
Ageism Continues in the GAH
One of the more confusing and frustrating parts of GAH free agency is the lack of respect for accomplished players over 30. While no one expects a lucrative long term deal for a 35 year old, one would at least expect a little interest. Former All-Star and Sixth Man of the Year Sly Williams hasn't heard his phone ring once this offseason. Even though he just came off a season averaging 9 ppg in 18 mpg. There's no doubt Williams can be a quality starter for a team, or a great sixth man. Perhaps it's still a little early, with a lot of big names still trying to find the right fit. But one would expect someone with Williams's resume to get a little interest by now. The phones have also been relatively quiet for other older stars, like Mike Gminski and Walter Davis. It will be interesting to see if this will change once more marquee players choose teams.