Monday, June 29, 2009
Back-Up Guard Candidates
Posted by Chris Herrington on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 8:08 PM
If there's one thing the Grizzlies have made clear in the aftermath of last week's draft, it's that this team still needs some backcourt depth and they plan to get it. Expect the Grizzlies to acquire an experienced ball-handling guard in the coming weeks, someone who can come off the bench behind Mike Conley at the very least.
As I did with the power forward spot a couple of weeks back, allow me to help the front office out with a few suggestions.
Unlikely targets: There are a few attractive targets potentially available via trade or free agency that will be too costly for the Griz, who will spend the serious money on power forward if they spend it anywhere . That's why you won't Kirk Hinrich, Leandro Barbosa, Ramon Sessions on this list.
The Candidates:
1. Keyon Dooling (Under Contract): 29 year old combo guard, shot better than 40% from three last year. Good defender. Not a pure point but can get by. Dooling is owed $7.4 million over the next two seasons and may not have a role after the Nets just acquired Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee. With Nets looking to maximize cap space in 2010, would they deal him straight up for Greg Buckner?
2. Jannero Pargo (Unrestricted Free Agent [I think]): 29 years old. 6'2" combo shooter, played overseas last year in Russia and Greece and is apparently looking to return. The Hornets have Chris Paul at the one, just drafted Darren Collison, and also have Antonio Daniels (see below) under contract.
3. Antonio Daniels (UC): 6'4", 34 years old. One year left at $6 million. Coming off mediocre season, but still a helpful vet. With Hornets desperate to get under the luxury tax, would they send along a future first with Daniels for Buckner?
4. C.J. Watson (Restricted Free Agent): 25-year-old scoring point, played big minutes, mostly off the bench, for Golden State last year. Shot well from three, had some big scoring games late, averaging 18 and 5 in eight games in April. Maybe expendable in Golden State with the small Monta Ellis/Stephen Curry backcourt.
5. Marquis Daniels (UFA): 28 years old. 6'6", versatile, no three-point range, good handle, coming off strong season for Indiana, who might try to bring him back on a cheaper deal. Hasn't been a good defender. Worth the price?
6. Jarrett Jack (RFA): 6'3" combo, 25 years old, strong, coming off good season. Potentially too pricey and probably more likely to re-sign in Indy than Daniels.
7. Flip Murray (UFA): 29-year-old combo. Volume scorer but not pure shooter. Coming off good season.
8. Shannon Brown (RFA [I think]): 6'3" combo, 24 years old, played good minutes late for the Lakers, who have to be more worried about signing Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. Good athlete but beware of over-paying.
9. Tyronn Lue (UFA): 32 years old. Six-foot shooter. Part-time player last year. Not very durable but still a capable backup.
10. Brevin Knight (UFA): The old familiar. 33-year-old pure point. Knight is about done, but has a good history with the city and franchise and would be a solid, experienced mentor to Conley/Mayo.
Comments (16)
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How about UFA's like Luther Head or Juan Dixon? They are capable reserves and could have a low asking price. Not sure about Head's health situation. I like them better than the guys who are at or over 30.
What about OJ Mayo as the back up point guard?
Why can't we play Qrich (or someone else) as the third guard to spell Conley or Mayo, then bring whoever sits first to back up the other?
Wouldn't this scenario let us bring in someone like Brevin for injury insurance? Or is that too risky?
I agree with davidlovesthegrizzlies, we don't spend too much money and we can go for a good PF
I love Tillery's summation of the PG search - essentially it has to be a vet with no designs on starting, in other words, someone who won't scare Mike. Good grief. The kid's our starter, but there's no reason he shouldn't be pushed :(
Having watched Flip Murray in the ATL last year, he would be a dynamite pickup for the Grizz. High energy cover at the 1 and 2. The Hawks will try to keep him, so he will most likely be overpaid to move.
I have 2 Anthony's to suggest: Parker, and Morrow.
Parker would be a couple year rental, as he's 33.
I have a hard time thinking Golden State isn't gonna pick up Morrow's option, but he is a good option for next year as well.
I never thought of Dooling as much of a player, but his stats are surprisingly pretty good. At first glance, I would say that pargo would be the best option, but dooling might be better.
We need to stay away from old guys, but should still target a vet with at least 4 years experience. So, avoid guys like Anthony Parker or Brevin Knight. The last thing we need is to relive the Chucky Atkins/Damon Stoudemire days. I like Murray, Pargo and Dooling, in that order.
why would we avoid a 33 yr old if we could sign him to 2 year contract, who would only play 20 mpg?
Because I think you could sign any one of the three I suggested for the same contract and not have to worry as much about injury concerns. Plus, the level of talent and production would be higher than that of Parker or Knight.
I would like any of them in a grizz uniform, don't get me wrong. I worry about overpaying them, as opposed to someone like parker, who the well is starting to dry up. I mean, the player we get probably won't be a "significant" piece, but instead a 1-2 year rental. My point is not to discount older options.
I like the top two on your list, for defense and three point shooting. Pargo might provide some fire power and the ability to push the ball.
wouldnt most of these guys be a little expensive for the role they are filling and probably not be thrilled with the idea of playing behind an unproven Conley. How about Luther Head good in the locker room and priced right for what you will ask him to do.
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