From my new blog: basketballbeat.blogspot.com
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Nearing the beginning of August, it is surprising that some of the names on this list remain unsigned, but here they are nonetheless.
1. David Lee, New York Knicks
After averaging 16 and 11 for the Knicks last year, one would think that he would have been signed by now. His original asking price of $12 million per year seems to have come down to somewhere around $8-$10 million. Portland has flirted with him a little bit, but they seem to be set with their roster at this time. Chicago entered discussions with New York about a sign and trade, but I see that deal as dead.
Prediction: Remains with New York
2. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
Odom can do it all, and should be one of the most dominant players in the league, given his size and skill set. If the Lakers re-sign him, they are easily the best team in the NBA. If he winds up with another team, they are still the best team, but not by as big of a margin. Only one other team is threatening LA, and it is the Miami Heat. Miami can only offer the mid-level exception, but they have been aggressive in their pursuit of the former Rhode Island Ram.
Prediction: Remains with the Los Angeles Lakers
3. Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Although inconsistent at times, Williams is an athletic forward that can provide matchup problems for teams. No team other than Atlanta has stepped up and shown interest in Williams, therefore this prediction should be pretty easy.
Prediction: Remains with Atlanta
4. Ramon Sessions, Milwaukee Bucks
Sessions is one of my favorite young point guards. He fills up the stat sheet at times, but has some problems. His 3PT% is a pathetic 22% for his career, but he has averaged 6 APG for his career. He is only 23, so there is a lot of time for improvement. As many as seven teams have shown interest, but only a few it seems have been serious. The Knicks, Clippers, and Bucks are the most likely destinations.
Prediction: Signs with the Los Angeles Clippers
5. Allen Iverson, Detroit Pistons
Yes, I know that Iverson has baggage. I also know that he has aged and is not the player he once was. Let's be honest, however: he can still score. If he is added to the right team, he will play his heart out to prove his doubters wrong. He is only looking for $2-5 million a year, which is fair for his current abilities. A few teams have shown interest, mainly the Clippers and Grizzlies. If he signs with the Clippers, there is no room in the starting lineup with Baron Davis and Eric Gordon holding down the backcourt.
Prediction: Signs with Memphis
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