Hedo, Hedon’t
June 15th, 2009 | by coryelfrink |
Turkoglu will be overvalued in this summer's free-agent class.
Why? For starters, the Pistons have two glaring holes in their starting lineup – power forward and center. Yes, they have enough cap room to bring in two elite (at least for this summer’s class) free agents, but why make one of them a ball-dominating small forward? I’m not questioning Turkoglu’s versatility or even his skill. But I am more than a little concerned about his work ethic and basketball IQ. He has been an inconsistent player ever since arriving in the league back in 2000. Prior to last season, he had never averaged more than 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, or 3.2 assists per game. Adding Turkoglu is only acceptable if the Pistons can make it a sign and trade involving Tayshaun Prince. And honestly, I’m not certain they get the best end of that deal. Prince is a far better defender and it’s not as if the Pistons need another ball-handler. For twice the price, Hedo is not twice the player.
Admittedly, this isn’t the sexiest free agent class we’ve seen, and it certainly pales in comparison (and by pale, I mean you can see right through it) to next summer’s star-studded class. However, there are starters out there, and Joe Dumars is armed with enough salary cap flexibility (thanks to throwing away last season) that Detroit should be a major player in all available starting-caliber post players in the coming months.
The obvious target is Carlos Boozer, provided that he opts out of the final year of his contract by July 1. He will be the most expensive free agent signed this offseason, but six years and $84 million is not absurd, especially for a 27-year-old who has averaged a double-double through 432 career games. Yes, he missed 45 games with a knee injury last season, but he averaged 20.6 points and 13.2 rebounds against the Lakers this postseason. To me, the Pistons cannot afford to let him play anywhere but Detroit next season. That is, unless his price tag goes north of $90 million. Boozer is an awesome power forward – an all-star even – but he is not a max contract type of player.
If the team loses out on Boozer, they should make restricted free agent David Lee an offer that the Knicks cannot afford to match. New York has already dropped hints that they won’t match a high-dollar offer for Lee, so I don’t anticipate him playing in New York next season. What kind of offer is he worthy of? Well, the 26-year-old did lead the league with 65 double-doubles. Yes, that’s two more than Dwight Howard and 15 more than third-place Chris Paul. Given his youth, discipline, and ability, Lee should easily fetch six years $66 million. If that number nears $80 million, Joe Dumars will have to think twice.
If those two somehow wind up in the jerseys of other teams, all is not lost. That means two of the high-bidders will be virtually eliminated and the incoming players will come cheaper. Among those who should still be around are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Drew Gooden, Chris “Birdman” Andersen, and Charlie Villanueva. There are not a lot of ideal situations in that mix, but keep in mind that Turkoglu is not ideal either, and he would come at a far heftier price.
Free agency does not begin until July 1 and contracts cannot be signed until July 8. The Pistons should dictate the free agent season and the conversation has to start with Boozer and Lee. Hedo is an overrated talent that has likely seen his last NBA Finals.
Tags: Boozer, David Lee, NBA free agency, Turkoglu
