JR Smith, Marcus Thornton and 2011
by RekeDMC on Jul 24, 2010 6:49 PM PDT
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PrintA lot of people have been looking at possible free agent acquisitions for the kings this summer. I thought it was apparent the kings would be spending their money next summer with a new CBA which will most likely lower the amount of money contracts can be signed for and/or the length of their duration. A look at next summers free agent guards would be more useful. Here is the link http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-10-11
This list is short and narrowed. Anyone too old to be signed to a 5 year contract and be worth anything at the end was left off. The kings will need to offer someone max length to lure them. Certain players whom I would have no problem with as the starting shooting guard for the kings were left off of this list in favor of players with greater upside. If the kings are going to sign the shooting guard for the present and future then a player with room to grow who can still peak with the team makes the most sense. That being said The List...
JR Smith (24 yrs old) - Experienced a down year in 09-10 after his three point shooting dropped to 33.8% after three consecutive years with nearly 40% shooting from behind the arc. He is very capable of creating his own shot though has a tendancy to create a few too many of his own and according to hollinger likes to take contested jumpers early in the shot clock. No one doubts his skill but rather his focus, which is questioned on defense when at times its like night and day. A lockdown defender when he wants to be and a saloon door at other times. I think he is a potential all star (potential not perennial dont nit pick, know the difference) with his current talent already enough to solidify a starting role on a championship contending team (depends on how you view the nuggets). My guess for what it would take to sign him would be somewhere around the 5 years 40-50 million dollar range. Here is the link to hollingers stats and hoopdata...
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=J.R.%20Smith
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/players/hollinger?playerId=2444
Marcus Thornton (23 yrs old) - A breakout rookie taken in the second round of last years draft. A top ten shooting gruard in terms of PER. Shot over 37% from the three this past year though next year will tell a lot more. A bit undersized to guard twos in this league (6-4). With more than 1/3 of his shots coming at the rim and a FG% of 45.1 Thornton values the ball with only one turnover per game in 25 minutes per last year and was much better with his shot selection proven by the fact that most of his attempts came at the rim or behind the arc, his two best spots on the floor. I cant speak to his defense though his size is not ideal. Once again the links to his stats
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Marcus%20Thornton
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/players/hollinger?playerId=4017
Honorable mentions - Kelenna Azubuike was going to be on this list but he will be 27 next summer and thus in my opinion too old to be of the most value to the kings. Alonzo Gee would also be a good pickup but I doubt the spurs will let him get away (he's a rfa). Arron Aflalo would look very good on paper too (25 next summer, good shooter, lock down defender) but I feel he has reached his potential and will not get much better to warrant a contract of the magnitude were talking.
Feel free to shout from the roof tops if you think someone else should be considered. Obviousley the kings draft pick affects this.
So WHO would you rather have, JR Smith or Marcus Thornton? Put up your shooting guard of choice if you think theres someone better out there.
(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)
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JR Smith would need an absolutely huge year to command the amount you predicted
He will stay in Denver most likely and sign for significantly less because of his inconsistency and that he can be a problem attitude wise.
I really like Marcus Thorton too.
Nick Young is also someone I like
by MJ5 on Jul 24, 2010 7:18 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
On a team this young, why is a 27 year-old Kelenna Azubuike too decrepit to help?
Francisco Garcia will be 29 this year, hope his contract covers Depends.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen. And for a limited time, every third person who follows me on Twitter (andy_sims) gets a free ice cream cone.
Which I will eat.
I like Afflalo better than Smith
Afflalo will be an RFA next year, but if ’Melo and Nene both opt out, Denver may not have enough money to re-sign everyone. Thornton has a QO next year, by the way.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jul 24, 2010 7:58 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed on Afflalo.
This might be a stretch to others, but Afflalo is in my Top 7 SG’s to pair with Tyreke.
"Morrison beats Casspi 1 on 1". - MarcusC
by Surprise Team on Jul 24, 2010 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Affalo isn't going anywhere
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Nothing like the Homer
Who is sure his team can keep all of their players regardless of cap space, salaries, rosters, etc. I’m sure th Cavs thought LeBron wasn’t going anywhere either. And Affalo ain’t LeBron.
"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"
Sammyp831.
I know it's not a sure thing, but he fits into the lineup pretty well
Our Front Office has basically stood pat though. I’m just being optimistic.
I wouldn’t be upset if you guys managed to get him. Afterall, next to the Nuggets, Sacramento is my favorite team.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
+ infinity
Looking at next season’s free agents. THIS is the guy we target. He’ll be relatively cheap and an ideal fit. We can then re-sign Landry and perhaps look into retaining Sammy D(depends on the market) If he gets too expensive you let him walk.
JR Smith is wayy better than Afflalo
I know your saying Afflalo starts but that’s really coaching preference. I remember on the 03 Spurs Stephen Jackson started over Manu G. even though Manu had a much more important role. My point is that sometimes its just coaching preference.
To say Afflalo is better than JR Smith is crazy. Afflalo hasn’t even had a 30 point game. He’s in for defensive purposes 90% of the time. We need a player that can score in bunches, and shoot the 3, and adds toughness to the roster. I definitely think the kings should sign him to go to the next level after getting another top 5 draft pick in the 2011 draft.
by jadams12 on Jul 27, 2010 5:35 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think that I ever said Afflalo was better, nor did I say anything about him being the starter
I simply don’t want Smith and his issues anywhere near this team. He was so self absorbed last January, that he came within an eyelash of getting suspended. This while playing for a team that still (at that time) had aspirations of knocking off the Lakers.
I’ve said this a couple of times, but I’ll say it one more time for clarity. Smith’s talent does not exceed his baggage. I think that he is selfish, and I think that he is more about himself than he is about his team. Someone will pay him more than he is worth, and they will eventually regret it. I would prefer not to be the team that makes that mistake.
Am I wrong? Well, there’s only one guy that can prove me wrong, and JR Smith hasn’t done it yet.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jul 27, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I read what you wrote the first time.
You never said anything about Affalo being better. You just said you liked his talent and see it as a better long term fit than JR Smith.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Affalo hasn't been in the league as long as Smith
He also doesn’t have sh*tty attitude like Smith. Not to mention he’s more consistent then Smith.
Smith has the ability to go for 30 in every game, but he doesn’t. He takes questionable shots, ignores the Coach, and likes getting into trouble.
I believe Affalo is going to have a breakout year while we trade Smith away with Kenyon Martin.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Gs I like better
Afflalo,B.Rush,S.Curry,N.Young,G.Hill,W.Ellington,G.Dragic,J.J.Redick.A.Brooks,J.Holiday!All young & all in top 20 in 3pt% last yr!
Uh yeah...Jrue is their prized possession right now.
More than Turner.
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Jul 29, 2010 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Good post
I may not agree with your bottom line (I think we have plenty of young guys and need to start looking for a solid vet with proven number) I also think the guy we spend our money on could be a SF, depending on what Greene and Casspi do this year. But I like your analysis and the way you think.
Reked
"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"
Sammyp831.
JR Smith would be worth every dollar
MJ
Kyle Korver got 3yrs 15 million, Wesley Matthews got 5yrs 35 million as he doesnt have anything resembling the offense smith brings with a maybe an equal defensive game assuming smith is locked in which i think he would be and in the playoffs hes proven to be the only question is his lackadaisical composure when defending bad players. Matthews is only 1 yr younger than JR and Smith is a 20 ppg scorer in a starting role. If Matthews is getting 34 mil over 5 then JR Smith would receive at least 40-45 million over that same time. The kings have never had good luck getting free agents though i think that could change with Tyreke, Cousins and an improved record this year. I still think it would take an offer just shy of 50 million to get him here (once again this is relative to the new CBA but im speaking in terms contracts under the current agreement).
Andy
I think Kelenna would be a great pickup for the team but don’t really see him as anything but an upgrade of garcia’s current role and i generally wouldn’t want to sign s guy who has a newly reconstructed knee to a 5 year deal worth lots of money. I think we all know players are never the same. Also, guards hit a will at 30, its proven, i wouldn’t want to pay someone for those two years when his play will be slipping. I think its not worth the risk when an aggressive push for JR would be better suited. And Kelenna aint so hot on defense.
Section
You like Arron “I ranked 57th among sgs in PER” Afflalo? I mean hes a more consistent defender but not against the top competition and his shooting percentages are good because he only shot the ball when he was wide open, just look to his 8 ppg in 28 mpg. The kings need a scorer at that position and JR brings a lot more of it. I do think it would take a good size deal to pry thornton away from New Orleans should he have another year like the one he had, I feel like they would match almost anything someone else would be willing to pay, though i guess you never know. I dont think denver could keep JR if he gets an offer like i think he can. They must must must resign Nene and Melo is obviously their number one priority.
Hudson
See afflalo rant above. Did you watch any pacers games this year? The warriors are giving up seth curry when? Nick young is a good young shooter but I don’t think he has proven himself a starter in the league for the next five years. Tony Parker is leaving the spurs before George Hill is. Wayne Ellington played 18 mpg and averaged 6 points i dont think were handing locking him down as our sg of the future yet but i do think he could be good with time but near JR. JJ Redick just signed a 3 year deal, cmon. Aaron Brooks is pg as is goran dragic and jrue holiday (see his ucla stats to see if you think he can play sg). This was mostly about shooting guards available though i guess youd want to move reke to the 2 with some of these gaurds you like better? I think he should stay at the point and we should grab a true sg. Some of the players youve mentioned are talented and would be great additions but i think in mostly backup roles, maybe a future sixth or seventh man in the rotation.
JR Smith had a down 3 point shooting season last year. He had a shoulder injury and struggled in the beginning. He shot 40% from beyond the arc 3 consecutive years before this one. He is the shooter we want with the athleticism we have started to build around. He can get to the basket and finish strong. He has logged serious minutes in deep playoff runs and guarded kobe in the wcf.
Savage
Thanks man its my first post. I have a good belief in either casspi or greene emerging and becoming the clear starter. One will plateau and the other will keep getting better. I think SF is the position we have most locked down after pg and hopefully center if cousins turns out to be what it looks like he is. Reked indeed
Oh, not arguing at all with the negatives you mention here. They're spot on.
But in your original piece, the only detriment you tagged KA with was his age. I just don’t see that as an issue in and of itself. I’m also not really pushing for any significant free agent signings this summer, so I don’t feel like pursuing him is a great option right now. If his knee looks good after this season? I’d make some inquiries, the guy can score.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen. And for a limited time, every third person who follows me on Twitter (andy_sims) gets a free ice cream cone.
Which I will eat.
JR Smith is ugly looking.
So that’s a negative.
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Jul 24, 2010 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes
I would take Afflalo over the loose wiring that comes with JR Smith’s head. I prefer a guy that hits open shots over a guy that forces guarded shots. I prefer a guy that defers to better scorers on his team than a guy that thinks that he is the offensive be-all and end-all. I prefer a guy that earns it every night than a guy who thinks that he is owed it.
JR Smith has a lot more punk in him than talent, and for that reason I would elect not to give him a 5 year, $40+ million contract (or whatever the equivalent may be after the new CBA). You like him? That’s your right. I don’t, and that’s mine.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jul 25, 2010 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Right now neither Greene nor Cassoi has proven that he can start for a playoff caliber team at the three
In fact I would suggest that Garcia and Beno have shown more at the guard spots than anyone has shown at the three. I’d love to have Casspi or Greene show they can get and keep the starters spot, but they have not yet.
"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"
Sammyp831.
by SavageBeast on Jul 25, 2010 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Truth
Though my hopes are high for Casspi.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jul 26, 2010 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
What criteria are you using to say that they can't start on a playoff caliber team.
Casspi ranks 13th in scoring per 40 minutes, for all SF’s averaging more than 40 games and more than 25 mpg and 9th in 3pt shooting percentage. He is also 10th in rebounding.
Donte was 16th in scoring per 40 minutes, and 7th in 3pt shooting percentage. Donte was 2nd in blocked shots. And, both Donte & Omri were in the top 25 in steals. And, the average tenure of the players that were ahead of them was far greater than 2 yrs.
And since not every player ahead of them, is on a playoff team, I’m guessing that they could start for at least half of the playoff teams. Other than LeBron, Durant, Carmello, Pierce, Gay & Wallace, almost anyone else is debatable.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
I thought this was to pair Reke w/ a compatable G?
Just like Smith & Thornton none of these guys are mega superstars that CAN’T be traded for before next yrs FA!
Mo Williams has an ETO next year
I think he’s an option too if he were to opt out.
"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims
by edm7 on Jul 24, 2010 11:31 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
He will probably opt out.
But then again I said Michael Redd would opt out too. So what do I know?
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
That would be a great pick-up for us
He can shoot, has a lot of playoff experience, and is used to being a “point guard” who can take the back seat in runnig an offence
My thoughts exactly
The concern would be the price (and him opting out of course)
"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims
You left off a few others...
Jamal Crawford, Aaron Brooks, Corey Brewer
JR Smith is the only potential all star that been mentioned yet
Section
Afflalo is good but do you think he will ever be anything other than a good not great defender and a below average scorer in all aspects except being an average three point shooter who doesn’t shoot that often. I 110% agree that Arron Afflalo could be a seventh man on a very good team but much more than that i just dont see him droping 20 a night in a starting role. Smith was known to be a headcase at times early in his career but the last two years since chauney has been there he has been fine. he is 24 now and was in the league at 18. Also a good playoffs player.
Hudson
DO you see the kings getting a mega/superstar? I think finding a player on the brink of being a superstar would be best and the hornets will not trade thronton and he could get big money next year from them. The Nuggets may not be able to resign smith with carmelo and nene being free agents and may just opt to keep the cheaper afflalo if they decide they have enough firepower.
Cloudy
Jamal will be too old. I like tyreke at the point and aaron brooks would change that. Corey Brewer has played horribly in Minnesota ever since being drafted.
It doesn't really matter what I think of Afflalo
It’s what I think of Smith that is the determining factor for me, and that is that I do not think much of him. He is a chucker with a bad attitude, in my opinion.
And while his problems may have occurred more in the past, he did start last season on the suspended list due to those issues, and was initially suspended by the Nuggets for a couple of games this last January, which the team then rescinded. As I said earlier, you like, I don’t. It’s really that simple. Someone is going to pay this guy, and likely overpay him. I would prefer not to be the team that does that.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
It's a bit of a dubious argument that Smith is better than Afflalo, since Afflalo starts ahead of Smith for the Nuggets. In real life and all.
I agree that Smith’s talents would fit with the Kings roster well, but he makes bad decisions with the ball, and he seems hard to coach. He’s equally as likely to show up on SportCenter for an epic bungle as a highlight dunk or clutch three-pointer. Not worth the money.
Afflalo is Yin to Smith’s Yang. He makes smart basketball plays, doesn’t play for stats and highlights, and sees the floor better than Smith. I’d prefer Afflalo on the Kings as they are currently constructed, he’s a perfect fourth or fifth option on offense and a good match with Reke on defense. I don’t think Denver is letting him go, though.
by basketball galactica on Jul 25, 2010 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
No interest in JR Smith.
Although, didn’t he ask that people stop calling him “JR”?
I can think of a few reasons why the player formerly known as JR Smith will never be an All Star:
Kobe, C Paul, B Roy, D Williams, T Parker, T Evans, R Westbrook, S Curry, E Gordon, K Martin, OJ Mayo, M Ellis, C Billups…
his name is earl
Phil Jackson, after treatment for a kidney stone "When the anesthesiologist leaned over me, he said "We named your kidney stone Kobe because it's not passing."
Yeah he asked to go by Earl after his last incident.
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Jul 29, 2010 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah but then he changed his mind 2 days later
"Morrison beats Casspi 1 on 1". - MarcusC
by Surprise Team on Jul 29, 2010 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I texted him about that.
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Jul 29, 2010 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
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