Roster Improvement: Free Agents Now and Later?

Lakerjones wrote:Don't want. I just don't see the necessity. My first choice would still be a solid backup swing 2/3. I want them to develop Ebanks but just in case of emergency I would like to shore that position up. It's the one real question mark. Duhon or Blake? Those guys are about the same level to me - we have two backup PGs already. Meeks is a great pickup and should get his run. If he gets hurt we also have GLOCK who has promise and DJO who has promise. At the three we don't have a legit third option. It would be someone playing out of position behind Ebanks. I don't know about Clark but his game looks more like PF.

therealdeal wrote:

Lakerjones wrote:Don't want. I just don't see the necessity. My first choice would still be a solid backup swing 2/3. I want them to develop Ebanks but just in case of emergency I would like to shore that position up. It's the one real question mark. Duhon or Blake? Those guys are about the same level to me - we have two backup PGs already. Meeks is a great pickup and should get his run. If he gets hurt we also have GLOCK who has promise and DJO who has promise. At the three we don't have a legit third option. It would be someone playing out of position behind Ebanks. I don't know about Clark but his game looks more like PF.

This is/was why I wouldn't mind picking up McGrady. I think if he has anything in the tank, he'd be the ideal backup behind Ebanks. The problem is everyone is passing on him already... that might mean he's got nothing left. I'd like for them to be rid of some of the younger guys and shore things up a little better, but I understand cost is an issue. After reading up on Morris and his dedication, I'm willing to give him one more shot. So that means I'd cut ties with Goudelock because Odom shows more promise as an athlete and a defender. Ideally (but realistically of course) this is my team on opening day:

Nash/Blake/Duhon/Morris
Bryant/Meeks/Odom
Peace/Ebanks/McGrady
Gasol/Jamison/Clark
Howard/Hill

I like Sacre, but because we had to take on Duhon I think McGrady is bigger need than a 3rd big. The more likely lineup though would be McGrady out and Sacre in since we likely pass on McGrady.

Either way, I'm passing on Arenas.

Marc Stein of ESPN wrote:L.A. native Gilbert Arenas was playing pickup ball in the Lakers' practice facility as recently as Thursday, but Arenas has yet to secure a training camp invite for the coming season.

Not from the Lakers or the Clippers, his two preferred destinations, or anyone else.

So ...

Sources with knowledge of Arenas' thinking told ESPN.com that the former All-Star is giving strong consideration to starting the season in China.

Arenas has spent the bulk of the offseason working out under the care of the trusted Joe Abunassar while dropping in on the occasional open gym at the Lakers' or Clippers' practice facilities and, by all accounts, looking good in those pickup games.

The reality, though, is that Arenas -- who turned 30 in January -- knows he's unlikely to command more than a veteran minimum deal at this point after appearing in just 17 games with Memphis last season. So word is that Arenas, while still holding out hope that the Lakers or Clippers decide they need him, has began to assess his non-NBA options.

And China is said to be at the top of the list, given the fact that former NBA All-Stars who go there tend to be well-compensated ... and the helpful knowledge that the short Chinese season allows for a return to the NBA in March or April if he impresses.

He has some time to decide, though, with Chinese teams still filling out rosters before their league opens play in November.

Lakerjones wrote:[
I'm with you realdeal. I'd probably do that as well. That is if McGrady has anything left in the tank. Personally I see Arenas as too much of a distraction. While he's a brilliant scorer at times, we brought in Meeks and Jamison to fill the scoring off the bench roles. And we have a ton of guards - DJO, GLOCK, Morris, Duhon, Blake, Meeks. Our hole is at the 3.

Chris Broussard ‏@Chris_Broussard

While it's possible TMac ends up n China, his 1st priority is signing w/an NBA contender, source says. TMac will b patient b4 making move

Tim MacMahon ‏@espn_macmahon
Delonte West has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Will get story on @ESPNDallas soon.
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revgen wrote:^Only if they take Morris, Glock, or Duhon.

I know Blake is a lesser talent, but at least he has his head on straight. If West ever goes coo-coo, we can always bench him and put Blake back in.

last stand wrote:

revgen wrote:^Only if they take Morris, Glock, or Duhon.

I know Blake is a lesser talent, but at least he has his head on straight. If West ever goes coo-coo, we can always bench him and put Blake back in.

West is always off the rails, he has to become sane

lakerfan2 wrote:I was an opponent to getting Barbosa before, but it looks like we may need a guy like him off the bench. He did well for Brazil scoring and creating, and it'd be loads better than Duhon and Blake.

therealdeal wrote:

lakerfan2 wrote:I was an opponent to getting Barbosa before, but it looks like we may need a guy like him off the bench. He did well for Brazil scoring and creating, and it'd be loads better than Duhon and Blake.

I'm kind of with you on this one. I hate that he can't pass but... our bench needs someone who can create for himself and while I think Jamison can a little, he's not great at it. Meeks isn't either. Blake is a FAR better passer, but if we can get out on the break then it doesn't matter as much.

Thoughts on the Cavs roster
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The NBA regular season begins in less than two weeks and Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon-Journal has some in-depth thoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lloyd believes the Cavs are being honest when they say Luke Walton and his $6 million salary will make the roster.

Donald Sloan and Jeremy Pargo are in competition for the backup point guard position, but they have not impressed so far during the preseason and Lloyd doesn't think the team should keep both players at the expense of center Micheal Eric. The rookie could spend time in the D-League developing his skills this season.

Finally, C.J. Miles has done a good job as the starting small forward, with Alonzo Gee as the backup and that seems to be the right roles for each player going into the regular season.

-- Nick Borges