Ball Don't Lie - NBA

The big names have all moved on, and the NBA offseason has now shifted into the second-tier gear, assuming there is such a tier. Or gear. Here's a list of the players who managed to get a good chunk of what little money is left.

Kelenna Azubuike

The Clippers signed the restricted free agent to an offer sheet with nine million over three years.

Regardless of whether or not the Lakers match Golden State's offer to Ronny Turiaf (we find out today), the Warriors have to match this, right? Three million a year for an improving wing with solid skills in every area you'd want? Yes, he was in an out of Golden State's rotation last year, but who wasn't? That's a pretty movable contract, as well.

If Kelenna ends up in Los Angeles, then kudos to the Clipper braintrust. A smart way to spend not a whole lot of money.

James Posey

Even before he's even played a game as a Hornet, it's become pretty obvious that this is a ridiculous signing. Posey was dominant at times defending small forwards last year, and his three-point shooting percentage (after what seemed like a fluke year in 2003-04) has remained in the high 30s for a while now. He's a solid player, average in every way once you account for the yin and the yang.

But he'll turn 32 next season, he had issues with quicker wings all season, and he's James Posey. He's not worth paying an average of 6.3 million a year to for four years, especially for a player who relies on legs to get those long shots off (414 field goal attempts last year, 279 were three-pointers), and quickness to stay in front of scorers.

And for all his glue-guy rep, the Celtics were better with Posey off the court last year than they were when he was on the court (even defensively), and there's a reason Denver, Houston, Memphis, and to a lesser extent Boston and Miami have left this guy go. They know.

It was a huge boon for the C's last offseason to be able to pick up a quality player this inexpensively to sop up minutes and add depth a team that desperately needed it. Posey's three-point shooting was critical in those NBA Finals, and he did have some stellar nights defensively last year. The, "we don't win a title without James Posey" line is true. He was needed, and he will be missed.

But New Orleans doesn't need this. They're already a very good defensive team, and even if Peja Stojakovic falters, you're not doing all that well if James Posey is having to play starter minutes on your conference contending team.

Tyronn Lue

Signed with the Bucks for a little under four million dollars over two seasons.

I would have preferred the Bucks go after a big man, even if my hypothetical (and likely non-existent) big is not as good as Lue this team still has depth issues up front. Adding Lue is insurance just in case the Ramon Sessions movement loses a little steam, but based on the way Sessions has played since early Spring, I wouldn't bank on it.

Lue's contract is also quite tradeable.

Anthony Johnson

Signed for the same terms as Lue's contract (the biennial exception) with Orlando. The Magic think defense-first and Jason Williams (the guy who knocked AJ out of a job with Sacramento a decade ago) is still without a contract.

Malik Allen

Signed with the Bucks as well, and I should probably warn Milwaukee fans who are unfamiliar with Scott Skiles to prepare to hear this phrase from Jim Paschke uttered several times throughout 2008-09:

"The Bucks enter the quarter going small, Malik Allen is at center ..."

Deron Williams

Signed a four-year contract extension with the Jazz. No surprises here, you gotta lock that down.

Daniel Gibson

Signed for five years and a reported 20.8 million. It's a below average contract for a below average player, but even with that in mind (and knowing that keeping LeBron happy is of paramount importance) it seems like a bit much. The guy gives you three-pointers, and ... ?

Would have liked to another team step up to the plate first before you throw that sort of cash at Gibson. The Cavs need all the perimeter help they can get, but you can hold a guy's feet to the fire if it allows you more trade flexibility down the line.

Patrick O'Bryant

Signed by the Celtics in a great move. Every time I saw this guy last year he looked solid, he just turned 22, and has a good run in limited minutes since his foul-happy first year with Golden State.

Because O'Bryant was drafted by the Warriors before Don Nelson came on board, Nellie couldn't take credit for him, and never took to him. Pity, because he has skills and put together some good numbers down in the NBDL. He'll come cheap, he's the same age as Jason Thompson and six months older than Roy Hibbert, and the skills are there. Now he needs the minutes.

Roko Ukic

Signed a cheap three-year deal with Toronto.

A point guard with size? Yay, Raptors.

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59 Comments

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  1. Mark
    1. Posted by Mark Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:08 pm EDT

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    Posey is the Robert Horry of the next generation. He brings titles, playoff experience, and leadership to a young and talented New Orleans team. The signing makes a lot of sense, even if his numbers won't be on par with his salary.
  2. hans k
    2. Posted by hans k Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

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    Nice to see Anthony Johnson did find a spot, that article in SLAM was very ice. Way to go!
  3. Shannon
    3. Posted by Shannon Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:42 pm EDT

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    As a Celtics fan I am excited to see O'Bryant in action. At the least he is a great rebounder and shot blocker, but hopefully the Celts will help develop his offensive skills because there is a lot of talent there.
  4. KD
    4. Posted by KD Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:48 pm EDT

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    Well, the Hornets are signing Posey at the same age that Horry shot the Lakers out of the playoffs (in 2003) and the Spurs out of the second round (in 2004).
    Shaq has titles. Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki have playoff experience. Grant Hill has leadership. I'd rather see points, rebounds, and consistent defense for that price.
  5. Captain Flitzy
    5. Posted by Captain Flitzy Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

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    Numbers are never on par with anyones salary any more. If you want a guy like that you have to both overpay and give one or two years that you dont want to give (Mets with Pedro Martinez). The extra years is the only way to get these guys to sign giving them "long term" security.
  6. fairenough77
    6. Posted by fairenough77 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:58 pm EDT

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    The O'Bryant signing makes sense. Leon Powe is my boy, but when Perk sits and the Celtics go from 7'0" to 6'8", that's not always a sign that they're off to the races. Sometimes it just means they'll be undersized.
  7. Envigado
    7. Posted by Envigado Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:24 pm EDT

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    What's up with Kelenna's knees? I heard he's got some degenerative deal, he played through pain all last year and that was a big reason he didn't have a consistent role. If he can get that handled look out...
  8. Paul J
    8. Posted by Paul J Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:03 pm EDT

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    Man first a Yacht Rock reference.
    Now a good AD reference.
    You rule, KD.
    PJ
  9. Simon Le Pierre
    9. Posted by Simon Le Pierre Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:44 pm EDT

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    Posey played his way to that contract and i beg to differ on all this player hating. I'll go further and say that he deseves even more.
  10. krockog1
    10. Posted by krockog1 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    The only thing wrong with Kelenna is Don Nelson he likes to take all the credit for everything the team dose good away from the players he likes it to be the Don Nelson show. I be gad when year afer next is gone and he's gone before we have nobody. What was wrong with Chris Webber when he was in his prime what was wrong with Richerson, Baron, mickel, dunleavy, patrick and next mat barnes "" DON NELSON"" Patrick O'Bryant is going to make Mullins to bad for let him got away because Nelson was to foolish to let him play. Mullins live by Nelson die Nelson. I like the Clipper now I moved with Baron and Kelnna
  11. The Devil
    11. Posted by The Devil Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    #10- What?
  12. FiveAlarmFreddy
    12. Posted by FiveAlarmFreddy Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:28 pm EDT

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    "The only thing wrong with Kelenna is Don Nelson he likes to take all the credit for everything the team dose good away from the players he likes it to be the Don Nelson show. I be gad when year afer next is gone and he's gone before we have nobody. What was wrong with Chris Webber when he was in his prime what was wrong with Richerson, Baron, mickel, dunleavy, patrick and next mat barnes "" DON NELSON"" Patrick O'Bryant is going to make Mullins to bad for let him got away because Nelson was to foolish to let him play. Mullins live by Nelson die Nelson. I like the Clipper now I moved with Baron and Kelnna"......................
    Y'know, normally, I wouldn't even touch this one, but when you go through the HELL us Warriors fans have gone through for the last decade. It's people like this that make me sick. When you wonder why GS dumped Dunleavy, POB, and Matt Barnes-- you aren't paying attention. POB in a best case scenario will be Michael Olowakandi, Dunleavy and his shoe-string head band in a best case scenario will be... uhh, Head coach of the Clippers? As for Matt Barnes, I really liked the guy-- 2 years ago. He completely lost it last year. And for a middle of the bench guy, thats a Death sentence. Oh, and before I shut up, it's Chris Mullin-- no "S", and without him and Nellie, there would be no reason to talk about the Warriors in July.
  13. krockog1
    13. Posted by krockog1 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    you must be mullinsssssssssssssss nelson is going to get you fired tooooooooo for all the dum moves he talked you into doing bye to the both of you and i like chris mullinsssssssssss.
  14. 24
    14. Posted by 24 Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:49 pm EDT

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    now send artest to the lakers!
  15. AG
    15. Posted by AG Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:43 pm EDT

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    reactions to all laker and clipper moves, plus la hoops news as it breaks at:
    lahoopsblog.wordpress.com
  16. COGLIONIPIENI
    16. Posted by COGLIONIPIENI Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:55 pm EDT

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    artest to lakers i m loving that it s a guarantee championship. all we need to do now is get rid of odom and walton, artest can play 3 or even kobe.
  17. The Devil
    17. Posted by The Devil Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    I'm sorry, I meant to say:
    #13 - What??
    And to #15 - Did you see Dunleavy Jr. at all last year? 19 pts a game with 5 boards and 3.5 assists? 48, 42, and 83% shooting from the field, 3 point line, and free throw stripe? How about 10 games with 30 or more points? The only reason he struggled on the Warriors is because Nelly kept trying to play him at PF. As for O'Bryant, compare his numbers to Biedrins' first two years and you'll see it's only a matter of playing time. Selling him out as another Olowokandi is a bit too harsh considering he's never played more than 5 minutes a game.
  18. ca6392
    18. Posted by ca6392 Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:54 pm EDT

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    the wizards just need to get andre iguodala and i will be very happy: PG Arenas, SG Butler, SF Iguodala, PF Jamison , C Haywood, that is complete domination, unfortunatelyu they probably dont nearly hav the cap space to get Iguodala, perhaps they can start by releasing the useless Deshaun Stevenson
  19. ca6392
    19. Posted by ca6392 Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:54 pm EDT

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    the wizards just need to get andre iguodala and i will be very happy: PG Arenas, SG Butler, SF Iguodala, PF Jamison , C Haywood, that is complete domination, unfortunatelyu they probably dont nearly hav the cap space to get Iguodala, perhaps they can start by releasing the useless Deshaun Stevenson
  20. Sho-ryu-ken
    20. Posted by Sho-ryu-ken Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:21 pm EDT

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    I'm struggling with this concept that the Celts were WORSE DEFENSIVELY with Posey on court and better with him off court. Stats are over my head, and the on-court thing in particular. For example, I could say 'James Posey was on-court for two championship runs, therefore both championships can be atributed directly to James Posey.' It makes no sense b/c there's his teammates, his opponents, the coaches, it's like 100,000 variables and you'd have to play a million games to learn anything, right? Obviously the stats are legit or else no one would use them and I could totally see using this to evaluate a star player or a garbage time player. But... ...in Posey's case, I'm struggling... In fact, I would say the only reason not to give him big money is his age. I didn't watch the Cs during the season, but based on the playoffs, I'm gonna say that these stats are horribly misleading. Horribly! lol
  21. Laker fan
    21. Posted by Laker fan Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:16 pm EDT

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    Posey is the reason why the Celtics shut down Kobey ! Ray Allen, Please dont even bother to say he could do it alone. Peirce only did a fair job, and that was when Posey was on the court with him ! Posey Vs the lakers was like Horry Vs anyone in the most recent Laker title runs.
    This loss is gonna hurt Boston alot more than people might think!
  22. Hamhamhamtown
    22. Posted by Hamhamhamtown Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:15 pm EDT

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    Deron Willams is a beast!!!!!!!!
    Lock Down Boozer Memo and Price and a SF not AK47
    And Start sign the Jazz up for championships.
  23. krockog1
    23. Posted by krockog1 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    1st thank you Devil for setting the record right on Dunleavy he was a VERY GOOD ball player last year. Now PO is a good ball player to he just didn't get the change to play, watch him now..Everytime Nelson let him in the game last year in the little time he got he played well. He's going to be a good player for Boston Dr. River will let him play. "Now" the W's didn't make it to the playoffs last year for being cheap and dumb it wasn't Nelson by his self who got to W's in the playoffs.JR took a add out in the S F newspaper and told W's fans he was going to get us in the playoff the next year. He hurt his knee early in the season and Nelson and the W's wasn't going nowhere. after allstar brake he came back and lead the W's to the playoffs. The heart of JR got the W's in the playoffs. And how did mullinsssssssss and Nelson repay him they let him going for a """ROOKIE""" because they were to cheap to pay him.It's all about NELSON the year before last he didn't come to coach until he got the money he wanted. He can get his money but the players can't get there's. the 6 games that Jackson was out last year we would have won maybe half of them if we have had JR and we would have got back into the playoffs OOO by to way JR was healthy and played GREAT ball last year he had lot's of 30 point games. NOT Baron NOT Nelson ,Jason Richardson was the heart and soul of the W's and messing over him was the down turn of the W's. The players make the game not the coach.
  24. krockog1
    24. Posted by krockog1 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    1st thank you Devil for setting the record right on Dunleavy he was a VERY GOOD ball player last year. Now PO is a good ball player to he just didn't get the change to play, watch him now..Everytime Nelson let him in the game last year in the little time he got he played well. He's going to be a good player for Boston Dr. River will let him play. "Now" the W's didn't make it to the playoffs last year for being cheap and dumb it wasn't Nelson by his self who got to W's in the playoffs.JR took a add out in the S F newspaper and told W's fans he was going to get us in the playoff the next year. He hurt his knee early in the season and Nelson and the W's wasn't going nowhere. after allstar brake he came back and lead the W's to the playoffs. The heart of JR got the W's in the playoffs. And how did mullinsssssssss and Nelson repay him they let him going for a """ROOKIE""" because they were to cheap to pay him.It's all about NELSON the year before last he didn't come to coach until he got the money he wanted. He can get his money but the players can't get there's. the 6 games that Jackson was out last year we would have won maybe half of them if we have had JR and we would have got back into the playoffs OOO by to way JR was healthy and played GREAT ball last year he had lot's of 30 point games. NOT Baron NOT Nelson ,Jason Richardson was the heart and soul of the W's and messing over him was the down turn of the W's. The players make the game not the coach.
  25. Eric Devin
    25. Posted by Eric Devin Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:21 pm EDT

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    Patrick O'Bryant is a bad signing by the Celtics. His numbers are abysmal compared to Biedrins' first two years (did you look at their stats side by side?), and he will end up as Eddy Curry, without the scoring. Which is to say, TOs, poor FT%, foul trouble and very few blocks. Bad, bad, bad.
    As to Posey, the Horry comparison is dead on. Big Shot/Cheap Shot Rob did nothing that would show up in a box score for just about all of his career, yet his timely shooting and veteran knowledge have proved invaluable to seven championship teams (I think I counted right - Houston in 94 and 95, Lakers in 00, 01 and 02, Spurs in 05 and 07), the most of anybody who wasn't a Celtic. Yes, Posey is old, but so are the big three.

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