FAs of 98

[pio@edu15.coe.ufl.edu (Mark Piotrowski)]

There's an interesting article on the FA class of 98 (predictions for where
all the players will end up).  I'll just hit the highlights and the things
of interest to C's fans (take a look:
http://www.onhoops.com/articles/Sep97/rookies95.html.)

Looking over the list, I think Pitino did the right thing by not trying for
the kill in 98.  There are going to be several teams (Chicago, Pheonix,
Grizzlies, Raptors, Cleveland(?)) that will have over $6 million.  I am
guessing that Rick felt that at least 1/2 of the studs (no the whole class,
but the 8-12 that are all-star caliber) from the FA class of 98, like
Stoudamire, McDyes, A. Hardaway, R. Wallace, and even Garnett, will be
staying put, while the rest, Joe Smith, Scottie Pippen, Stackhouse, will be
go to one of the teams with loads of FA money.

Clearing out space therefore is a risky proposition unless you're a team
like Pheonix (who I see adding Pippen AND a stud PF, maybe McDyess?, to
Kidd and Manning!) or Chicago.  Boston should be on that list, but they're
not back there yet and Pitino knows it.  In some future year (99? 01?) he
may clear space but for now I think he want's to polish Boston's image.
Good thinking Rick!

One guy who sort of intrigues me is Michael Finley.  What do people think
about him?  I think with the addition of Mills the chances are reduced, but
maybe we could add him at a 1 yr-$1 Million (like Pheonix, Portland and
Orlando have begun to perfect) with the promise of future payoff? (The on
hoops article predicts he ends up in Detroit).

Another is Cory Alexander of the Spurs. He put up some nice #s in SA when
Avery Johnson went down. I'd prefer him as a backup to Billups over Edney,
BArros or Brown (unless he can regain his form of the early 90s).  Me
thinks he'll stay in SA (with Duncan and Robinson who wouldn't?) but he's
someone to look at.

Here's what Thomas Softing in the On Hoops article predicts:

Smith - Chicago (?!)
Stoudamire, McDyess, Garnett, R. Wallace, all staying put
Stackhouse - Cleveland

14. Eric Williams (Denver)
When I first heard about the Williams trade, I thought Rick Pitino must
have smoked his socks or something,but when the Celtics signed Chris Mills
and Tyus Edney the next day the picture became a little clearer.Williams
will be a valuable player for the Nuggets next season, but I don t expect
him to stay in the mountains beyond 1998. I m not sure why, but I have this
feeling that Williams will become one of the losers in next year's free
agent market money-wise, much like Cliff Robinson this year.
My tip: Miami (1 year, $1.2M)

This would be real interesting and, IMHO, not unrealistic.  Miami needs
some scoring and would be able to offer EW their exemption (doesn't look
like they're going to use it this year).

15. Brent Barry (LA Clippers)
After an impressive rookie season, Barry struggled a bit in 96/97, and next
season will be vital if the 1996 slam dunk champion is going to get the big
bucks. Will he stay with the Clippers? Get real, how many free agents have
ever signed long-term deals with the Clippers?
My tip: Boston (4 years, $11M)

What do people think about this (aside from the fact that i don't really
see that we'd have that much $$ under the cap...although its probably only
2 mil or so)?  I haven't really seen much of Barry but he would add some
size at the 2.  That's alot to pay for a backup--assuming Mercer becomes
the star I think he will!

BONUS: Scottie Pippen (Chicago)
The Bulls will finally break up after next season. Michael and Dennis will
probably retire, while Scottie will become one of the elite free agents. I
would be very surprised if Pippen returns to Chicago unless the Jerry's
give him a huge amount of cash, and that s not likely to happen. My tip is
he'll end up in Phoenix. The Suns will be more than $10M under the cap next
summer, and they would like to add the experience of Pippen to build a
championship team. He won t come cheap though, and he'll want a long-term
contract to finish his career in the desert.
My tip: Phoenix (5 years, $43M)