The Grizzlies Report By Robert Ducklo June 7, 2004
The most underrated thing that Jerry West has done since taking over the Grizzlies is to pick up quality players through the use of the mid-level exception. In the summer of 2002, West used the MLE to acquire both Earl Watson and Cezary Trybanski and last summer, West used the full exception on swingman James Posey. Based on the reports leading up to these signings, it seems that West targets a number of players and then starts talking with several of them before a final signing is made.
In addition to those players whom West signed, the Logo reportedly also has talked to players such as Jerome James, Alonzo Mourning, Scottie Pippen, Michael Olowokandi and Ira Newble.
It’s difficult to get a good read on the player(s) whom West will go after simply because we don’t know the results of the expansion draft and the NBA draft. But it’s safe to say that the Grizzlies will be looking for size this off-season since their deficiencies on the defensive boards hurt them in the playoffs. Here are some of the names that could be important for the Grizzlies this summer:
Restricted free agents
Stromile Swift
The Stro Show is a question mark this summer as he is one of the Grizzlies restricted free agents. Unfortunately, Swift’s four seasons in the NBA have not given much of an indication of what he’s worth. Stro’s inconsistent play has gotten better over the years, but he still hasn’t become a solid NBA power forward. However, Stro continues to show flashes of brilliance, especially when he relies on his instincts.
So what’s Stro worth? It will be interesting to see what other teams may offer him. My guess – he gets a mid-level deal (or slightly better) for 4 years and the Griz don’t match it.
Jake Tsakalidis
Big Jake is the Grizzlies other restricted free agent to deal with this summer. Some say that he’s headed back to Europe, but West has indicated that he’ll negotiate with Jake this summer. It would be nice to keep Tsakalidis simply because he provides size that the Griz lack.
My guess – he signs for a short term (3 year) deal for something like $1.5-2 million per year.
Chris Mihm
Mihm is big (7-0) and skilled, but he’s not a force in the post and he hasn’t played with aggression since coming into the league. Adding a player like Mihm likely won’t solve the Grizzlies post problems since he’s not a defensive stopper and is just an average rebounder. Still, Mihm is big and skilled and can be had for less than the MLE.
Etan Thomas
Thomas is one of those guys I’ve always liked despite the fact that he’s not overly skilled and he is undersized. And since skill and size are things that Jerry West values, Thomas seems to be an unlikely signee. But Thomas has good character, is a big body and a hard worker and I’ve always wondered if he could develop into a Ben Wallace-type. An offer under the MLE could get Thomas.
Joel Przybilla
Przybilla is big and he can rebound. Also, he should be pretty cheap. He’s unskilled, but he would be brought in just to rebound and block shots. He’s an average player and the Griz may already have a better version in Jake Tsakalidis. But, again, he’s cheap.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Mark Blount
Blount improved his stock with a good season in Boston. He’s expected to opt out of his low paying deal and he should have several suitors. He’s big (7-0) and can rebound, but he’s had a history of injuries and it’s probably dangerous to overpay him. He’ll be an interesting guy to watch this summer.
Mehmet Okur
Okur likely is well out of the Griz price range since other teams (Phoenix? Denver?) may offer him more than the MLE. Also, the Pistons may want to keep him – especially if Rasheed Wallace leaves. Still, as the Griz search for a center, Okur may be a possibility.
Antonio McDyess
The price may be right as McDyess has lost some of the athleticism that made him a star. Still, McDyess knows how to play and could be a nice addition to some team this summer. Rumors have started swirling that he’d like to play in Houston – indicating that he still thinks of himself as a starter despite his lessened mobility.
Marquis Daniels
Daniels had an impressive rookie season in Dallas and some team could get him if they are willing to overpay. He’s young, athletic and poised and he can play either guard position. But he got his shot in Dallas and word is that Nellie wants him in the starting line-up next season.
Rodney White
White is another possibility if the Griz lose a swingman in the expansion draft or via trade. West is supposedly a fan and White’s game would fit in with the Grizzlies’ transition game. Rumors are that the Bobcats want him and Denver may want to keep him around since he is Carmelo Anthony’s best friend on the team.
Adonal Foyle
Foyle is tall and has good character, but he’s spent a good amount of time on the injured list. He is a legit 7-0 center, but is he really any better than Lorenzen Wright? Nope, he’s not as good as Ren.
Brent Barry
Barry is looking for a final MLE contract and his solid play last season may earn him one. I can’t imagine the Griz going after him unless they lose a guard or two. Barry also is somewhat injury prone. However, he can shoot and can play both guard positions.
Jarron Collins & Greg Ostertag
Collins and Ostertag are the two Utah centers who are available this summer. Collins is young and more athletic while Ostertag is a more physical presence. Neither likely will solve the Grizzlies rebounding woes.
Eric Williams
Williams is a solid veteran swingman who would bring experience and toughness to the Grizzlies. However, Williams turns 31 next month and the Griz already have a glut at swingman. He’s only a possibility if a trade is made or the Griz lose a swingman in the expansion draft. Very unlikely.
Conclusion
As usual, I have no clue whom Jerry West will go after this summer – his best option really is his own restricted free agent, Stromile Swift. The problem there is that Swift still remains behind Pau Gasol at the 4. While West may get some help via free agency – especially if the Griz lose a swingman (expansion draft or trade) – don’t expect a blockbuster signing.
Now a blockbuster trade…that may be possible.
Story
Off Season Dealings
