Basketball Betting

Too Many NBA GM's Score Low Grades In FA Class

Basketball Betting Lines

07/09/2010 - New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - I'm wondering how many general managers did their homework in preparation for the greatest free agent class in NBA history, considering how many ludicrous contracts were given out. Apparently the inmates are running the asylum with the kind of money a number of mediocre-to-average players are taking to the bank with their new deals.

Let's grade the significant signings up to this point.

MIAMI HEAT: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh (financials TBA)

A ten-year old could have figured out it was the right move to sign these three, but you have to give Pat Riley credit for making it happen. Grade: A

CHICAGO BULLS: Carlos Boozer, 5 years, $75 million

This is an upgrade at the power forward position for Chicago, but with Taj Gibson having such a good rookie year, I don't know if I would've spent this much money on Boozer. Grade: B

ATLANTA HAWKS: Joe Johnson 6 years, $124 million

Maybe Atlanta thought it was signing Magic Johnson. Speaking of magic, it's amazing how Joe Johnson's disappearing act in the playoffs led to a max contract. John Salmons would have been a very viable alternative for the Hawks. Grade: F

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: David Lee, 6 years, $80 million

Golden State gave up a talented young player in Anthony Randolph in the sign- and-trade to get Lee, who puts up good numbers but doesn't really impact games. Grade: C

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Rudy Gay, 5 years, $81.6 million

Memphis finished 40-42 and failed to make the playoffs with Gay last season, so why pay him superstar-type money? I know the Grizzlies would have faced a public relations nightmare to let Gay walk so soon after trading Pau Gasol, but you eventually pay the price for vastly overcompensating a player. Grade: D

MILWAUKEE BUCKS: John Salmons, 5 years, $39 million

This is clearly the steal of the free agent market so far. Salmons averaged 19.9 ppg in his 30-game stint with Milwaukee, putting up better numbers than the likes of Paul Pierce and Rudy Gay. This is called getting a bang for your buck, or should I say Bucks. Grade: A

BOSTON CELTICS: Paul Pierce, 4 years, $61 million; Ray Allen, 2 years, $20 million; Jermaine O'Neal, 2-years, $11.5 million

Boston might regret giving four years to Pierce, who is 33, and two years to Allen, who will turn 35 later this month. Grade: B-

DALLAS MAVERICKS: Dirk Nowitzki, 4 years, $80 million; Brendan Haywood, 6 years, $55 million

The Nowitzki signing was a no-brainer, but giving a 30-year old role player like Haywood a six-year deal for that kind of money makes no sense. Grade: C

NEW YORK KNICKS: Amar'e Stoudemire, 5 years, $100 million

Donnie Walsh was banking on the signing of Stoudemire leading to another big free agent coming to the Big Apple, but the Knicks came up empty. This is too much of an investment for someone who's not a top-10 player. Grade: C

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Darko Milicic, 4 years, $20 million

This signing proves why America is the land of opportunity. Where else could one of the biggest busts in the history of the NBA draft earn such a big pay day? Grade: I (Ignorant and Incomprehensible)

LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Steve Blake, 4 years, $16 million

As important as Derek Fisher was in last season's playoff run to the championship, Kobe Bryant had to guard the likes of Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo. The problem with the Blake signing is he's a worse defender than Fisher, and doesn't have his big-game resume. Grade: F

ORLANDO MAGIC: Chris Duhon, 4 years, $15 million

Orlando adds yet another player who doesn't make other players better, along with shooting 39% for his career. Grade: D

QUICK DRIBBLES

Lance Stephenson looks like he'll be one of the big steals of the draft. The former Cincinnati guard, who was selected with the eighth pick in the second round and number 40 overall by the Pacers, has really stood out in the NBA's Orlando Summer League. He's got size, athleticism, and good basketball skills along with an excellent feel for the game and tremendous on-court confidence.

The Nets also look like they got a really good player late in the first round in Damion James. He might even be more NBA-ready than teammate Derrick Favors, who was picked third overall.