Free Agent Stock Watch: Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is heading to the Hall of Fame soon. We just don't know where he's going on the way there. While both the Mavs and Kidd have reportedly indicated a willingness for him to return as a backup next year, it's unclear whether Dallas will be willing to meet his salary demands. Chris Mannix of SI.com reported earlier this week that Kidd is seeking a deal worth about the mid-level exception amount of $5MM a year. The Mavs figure to have plenty of cap room, but any team would be wary of paying that amount to a player who'll turn 40 before next season ends.
Kidd's skills have been in decline for a while now, and the aspect of his game that appeared to take the most significant step back is his playmaking ability, as he dropped from 8.2 APG to a career-low 5.5 this year. The improved outside shot that allowed him to shoot over 40% from three-point range his first three seasons in Dallas has been absent the last two years, as he's shot just 34.5% on treys. He still rebounds at a high rate for a point guard, grabbing 5.2 per 36 minutes this season, but it hasn't kept him from putting up a career-low PER (13.1) for the second year in a row. Perhaps his saving grace has been the ability to force turnovers. He led all postseason performers with 40 steals last year, and through Saturday he was doing so again this year, with 12 steals in four games. Steals, however, don't necessarily mean you're a quality defender, and Mavs coach Rick Carlisle uses cross-matches or a zone to make sure Kidd doesn't have to defend quick point guards.
It's likely most teams will find Kidd's greatest value is his ability to mentor a younger point guard in a role similar to the one Derek Fisher is playing in Oklahoma City. That's clearly what the Mavs have in mind when they think about bringing him back in the hopes that Deron Williams signs to take over the starting role. Kidd has had a Hall of Fame career and owns an NBA championship ring from last season, so he knows what it takes to succeed in the NBA. Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News group said earlier this week the Warriors will explore signing Kidd, a Bay Area native, but that's probably contingent on the unlikely event that Deron Williams signs with Golden State, too. Tayshaun Prince called upon the Pistons to go after a veteran point guard to mentor Brandon Knight, so maybe Kidd heads to Detroit. The Cavs, with young Kyrie Irving in tow, could use some of their ample cap space to go after Kidd, since even at his advanced age, he probably represents an upgrade over current backup point guard Donald Sloan. Kidd could also wind up as Williams' backup in Brooklyn instead of Dallas, as Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com suggests. Both point guards are clients of agent Jeff Schwartz.
Caplan's story also reports that Kidd would like to play two more seasons, which refutes the report earlier in the week from Mannix that Kidd will retire if he doesn't get that mid-level deal. Kidd doesn't think he'll be waiting too long, telling Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, "I'll land somewhere early, I would think." If that's the case, it suggests Kidd won't wait for Deron Williams to decide where he's going. Judging by his comments this week, my guess is he and the Mavs have talked about a deal and are haggling over specifics. If that's the case, I think Kidd's path to Springfield will continue to detour through Dallas.
Week In Review: 4/30/12 – 5/6/12
A look back at all the NBA's big news from the past week.
- Tyson Chandler was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
- Ryan Anderson was named the league's Most Improved Player.
- James Harden and Anthony Davis were added to Team USA's 20 player pool.
- The Suns are targeting Cavaliers restricted free agent Alonzo Gee this offseason.
- Now that Aaron Brooks has returned from China, he's looking for a starting point guard job in the NBA.
- Brandon Jennings is still seeking an extension from the Bucks.
- Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is looking for a successor.
- The Trail Blazers are interested in talking to Pacers GM David Morway about becoming their general manager.
- Jason Kidd will seek a mid-level type offer and may prefer retirement to playing for the veteran's minimum.
- The Suns are very likely to match all offers for their restricted free agent center Robin Lopez.
- The Jazz are not looking to trade power forward Paul Millsap.
- Scott Skiles will return next season as head coach of the Bucks.
- Gregg Popovich was named the league's Coach of the Year.
- After spending the season in Lithuania, Sonny Weems is drawing some NBA interest.
- The Nets officially moved to Brooklyn.
- Paul Silas will not return to coach the Bobcats.
- The Wizards will again place Andray Blatche on the trading block.
Who’s Had The Most Impressive Postseason?
Now that we’re eight days into the 2012 NBA playoffs, and each team has played at least three games, we ask which player has been the most impressive? There are several big names who’ve stepped up, and some others who’ve struggled. Who’s been the best?
Who's Had The Most Impressive Postseason So Far?
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Paul Pierce 25% (94)
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LeBron James 19% (74)
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Tony Parker 17% (65)
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Kevin Durant 17% (65)
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Chris Paul 14% (55)
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Ty Lawson 7% (27)
Total votes: 380
Nelson: Carlisle Not Going Anywhere
A day after their title defense ended at the hands of the Thunder, Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson gave positive public acknowledgment regarding Rick Carlisle's future as head coach of the team, according to ESPNDallas.com's Jeff Caplan. Carlisle is at the end of a four-year contract, but is widely regarded as one of the game's better game to game strategists, as proven evident by his job steering Dallas to their unexpected championship run last season.
"He likes us, we like him and those situations generally get worked out," Nelson said. "Rick's not going anywhere."
In four seasons with the Mavericks, Carlisle has compiled a 198-114 record in the regular season and a 23-18 mark in the playoffs.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 4/30/12 – 5/6/12
Here's a look back at all the original conent produced by our team of writers from the past week.
- In our Offseason Outlook series, Luke Adams takes a deep look at the Bobcats.
- Zach Links analyzes Tyler Zeller in our Prospect Profile series.
- Meet the Hoops Rumors team of writers.
- Luke Adams explains the importance of a Cap Hold.
- The Wizards are profiled in our Offseason Outlook series.
- The Cavaliers are profiled in our Offseason Outlook series.
- In a poll, Luke Adams asked whether or not the Heat would end up sweeping the Knicks, something that could become a reality later today.
- Here's a recap of 2012's 10-day contracts.
- A relevant look at the league's current qualifying offers.
- A transcript of our weekly Hoops Rumors chat.
- In our Free Agent Stock Watch series, I took a look at the constantly improving Roy Hibbert.
- A defining look at the league's waiver system.
- The Hornets are given a look in our Offseason Outlook series.
- Chuck Myron writes an enthralling piece explaining the construction of a playoff team.
- Zach Links gives us his weekly Hoops Links installment.
- Zach Links profiles John Henson in our Prospect Profile series.
- Chuck Myron looks at a few upcoming free agents playing in the playoffs, and how they're doing.
- Ryan Raroque inspects Grant Hill in our Free Agent Stock Watch series.
- Daniel Seco looks at the top five new additions for playoff contenders.
- In another piece from Seco, here's a look at Jason Terry in our Free Agent Stock Watch series.
Free Agent Stock Watch: Jason Terry
With the Mavs left to watch the remainder of the playoffs from the comfort of their homes, Jason Terry's future with the team remains up in the air. Having spent eight seasons with the Mavs and winning an NBA championship last season, Terry will have to decide if he wants to return to Dallas, sign with another contender or attempt to secure one last sizable paycheck from the highest bidder. The former Arizona star remains a viable offensive option even as he turns 35 this September after a season in which he averaged 15.1 PPG and 3.6 APG.
There's a lot to like about Terry beyond just the points that he will provide at the shooting guard position. While he's advancing in age, Terry has stayed healthy practically his entire career as he's never played less than 74 games in a non-lockout season over his 13 years in the league. Terry's also a solid defender who has the ability to create points on the defensive end of the court by stealing the ball (1.3 SPG over the course of his career) and playing high-energy defense. He made over $11MM this past season but should be willing to accept a sizable decrease in salary with adding another ring to his collection taking precedent over the size of his paycheck.
Terry is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and will seemingly have a variety of options to choose from as he enters the twilight of his career. There's a chance the Mavs attempt to re-sign him, but owner Mark Cuban will more likely focus his attention on luring Deron Williams to Dallas and keeping Jason Kidd in blue and white to back him up. If Cuban does want to bring Terry back it would be at a price lower than market value to an already-aging roster that requires serious upgrading after being swept by the Thunder.
Terry spoke on Saturday after the team's Game 4 loss to the Thunder and addressed his future with the Mavs. "You know we like to make changes year-in and year-out, but not a complete overhaul," Terry said. "That’s what this is going to be, an entire different ballclub I would expect. But, the formula is there, the formula’s there. We set the bar very high last year with what we did and what we accomplished. They know the formula and it’s on them to put it back together."
Earlier in the year there was speculation that Terry would be heading to the Heat to provide depth to a suspect bench. While Terry would potentially be a good fit in Miami, the Heat lack the cap space to sign him unless he is willing to take a significant pay cut to take his talents to South Beach. The Heat's involvement with Terry will depend on how they fare over the course of playoffs. If they win the championship, it becomes less likely that they would seriously consider signing Terry. Conversely, if the Heat's bench fails to provide the Big Three the support they need to win a ring, then look for Miami to at least engage Terry's agent in preliminary conversation about a contract.
Beyond the Mavs and the Heat, Terry's options vary depending on the role that teams want the veteran to assume on their respective rosters. Terry has enjoyed success as a starter as well as while the sixth man on a championship team. Jet is only 6-foot-2 but has the quickness to create his own shot off the dribble and can even play the point guard position if necessary. Beyond age and decreasing offensive productivity, Terry has been known as a streaky shooter throughout his tenure in the NBA and will presumably become even more so as his career winds down.
Whatever team ends up with Terry can expect 25 to 30 minutes per game with 13 to 15 points per contest. He is a proven winner with experience thriving in a locker room full of superstars and big personalities. Look for Terry to land with a contending team in search of a missing piece to make a championship run.
Top 5 New Additions For Playoff Contenders
Many of the teams currently in the playoffs made key offseason or trade deadline acquisitions with hopes of enjoying postseason success well into June. Some have fared well while others have flopped. Here are the top five playoff contributors who have filed for a change of address in the past year.
- Bulls: With an increased workload in the playoffs, Richard Hamilton has been effective for the Bulls over the first three games against the Sixers. The former Pistons shooting guard has averaged 30.3 minutes per game which has brought an increased offensive output along the lines of 15.3 PPG and 5.3 APG. The Bulls will continue to look to rely on Hamilton's hot hand with Derrick Rose sidelined for the rest of the season and Joakim Noah out for Sunday's game with an injured ankle.
- Heat: Former Duke star Shane Battier has been a defensive stalwart in the playoffs for Miami especially in Game 3 where he shut down Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. While the former Rockets small forward failed to score any points of his own, he kept Anthony to 22 points, which the former Syracuse star had to work for as he shot 7-23. Battier contributed offensively in the first two games of the series where he averaged 9.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG.
- Pacers: The Pacers have gotten vintage play out of David West in three of their first four games against the Magic. West, who signed with the Pacers in the offseason, has averaged 16.8 PPG and 10.0 RPG during the playoffs this season. Indiana will look to close out the series with a win against the Magic at home on Tuesday.
- Lakers: Looking to upgrade the team's aging backcourt, the Lakers acquired Ramon Sessions from the Cavs at the trade deadline. Sessions has proven his mettle thus far in the playoffs with strong play at the point guard position. The former Nevada star is currently averaging 14.3 PPG and 5.0 APG through three games against the Nuggets.
- Clippers: After willing his team to a stunning comeback victory over the Grizzlies in Game 1, Chris Paul has led the Clippers to a 2-1 lead in the series heading into Monday night's game in Los Angeles. Acquired in the offseason by the Clippers, Paul put up MVP-like numbers during the regular season and has continued to elevate his level of play during the playoffs. The former Wake Forest star is averaging 22.3 PPG and 9.3 APG through three games.
Woodson’s Future Not So Bright In New York
To say Knicks interim head coach Mike Woodson's squad has struggled during the first round of the playoffs against the Heat would surely be an understatement. From injuries on the court (Iman Shumpert) to injuries off the court (Amare Stoudemire), the Knicks have been playing with a battered roster that was already depleted during the regular season when Linsanity came to an abrupt end in early April. While the injuries are arguably beyond Woodson's control, the former Hawks head coach has repeatedly failed to field a competitive team in each of the Knicks' three contests against the Heat, making a return to the bench in October highly unlikely.
There's no denying the fact that the Heat have more superstars on their roster than the Knicks with the likes of the Big Three dominating the court on a nightly basis. However, that does not mean the Knicks are excused for putting together a perfunctory approach where they are letting up points in bunches and failing to execute any semblance of an offensive game plan. The responsibility of motivating players and getting the most out of their talents falls upon the shoulders of the team's coaching staff and most importantly, Woodson. Simply put, Woodson has been unable to fulfill this obligation each night the Knicks have gone to battle with the Heat.
Woodson did a tremendous job of re-establishing a defensive-minded culture at MSG upon taking over for Mike D'Antoni in March and in turn, leading the team to an 18-6 record to finish the regular season. Tyson Chandler's Defensive Player of the Year award should be partially credited to how Woodson maximized his talents when there were so many defensive liabilities surrounding him in the starting lineup. Woodson helped Carmelo Anthony once again become an offensive threat by moving him to the power forward position when Stoudemire was hurt, which helped make a terrible trade look a little bit more palatable.
Look back at Woodson's tenure in Atlanta and you'll find a head coach who went from a 13-69 record in his first season to 53-29 in his sixth. He improved the team's record each season in which he was the head coach, taking the Hawks to the playoffs in each of his final three seasons with the franchise. But that wasn't enough for the team's front office as they focused more on his inability to convert regular season success into a sustained run in the playoffs. Sure, 50+ wins pre-April 30 is great, but going 11-18 in the playoffs is the easiest way to find oneself working at the four-letter network come October.
Woodson's track record dictates that he can build a winner and get the most from his team during the months of October through April, but he has failed to show the creativity, wherewithal and poise to enjoy success when it counts most. Many franchises would be fortunate to have Woodson as a head coach and a team or two will surely come calling to express interest in his services when the season comes to an end in June. That team, however, will not be the New York Knicks.
Bulls Links: Noah, Offense, Watson
It's difficult to think of another team this year that has faced much more misfortune at such an inopportune time than the Bulls. After losing Derrick Rose in Game One to an injury that will sideline him beyond the start of next season, the team now lists Joakim Noah as doubtful for Game Four after badly spraining his ankle during Game Three. Here are a few more links out of Chicago:
- Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago examines Chicago's failure to find offensive rhythm without Rose in the lineup.
- The Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson writes that guard C.J. Watson is experiencing some pain in his elbow and ankle, but coach Thibodeau is confident that he'll be able to come through and play well tomorrow.
- Johnson wonders if the decision to let Noah continue playing after spraining his ankle caused the injury to become worse.
Odds & Ends: Van Gundy, Smith, Bynum
We have our first playoff elimination, as the Thunder defeated the Mavericks to advance to the second round. The victory wasn't without cost though, as Kendrick Perkins suffered a strained hip during the first quarter and didn't return to the game. As for Dallas, they become the first team since the 2007 Heat to be swept the following year after winning an NBA Championship. With that aside, here are tonight's noteworthy links:
- Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Stan Van Gundy, who he refers to as the "best coach the Orlando Magic have ever had," may have coached his last home game with the team. Bianchi adds that if the Magic are to remain a viable franchise, they must side with Dwight Howard in the standoff between him and Stan, which would all but seal Van Gundy's departure. Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel echoed similar sentiments about Van Gundy's reputation, saying that the team's performance against the Pacers today was evidence that the team did not quit on him.
- Hawks forward Josh Smith is eyeing a return for Game Four against the Celtics regardless of how his knee feels, according to Ben Golliver of CBS Sports.
- Lakers center Andrew Bynum attributed his poor performance in the first half of Game Three from not being able to complete his regular pre-game routine, says Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles. While teammate Kobe Bryant lauded Bynum for holding himself accountable, coach Mike Brown wasn't as thrilled: "You hope at this time of the season everybody who steps onto the floor is ready."
- Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston provides a closer look at Mickael Pietrus' value to the Celtics defensively.
- Enes Kanter went from sitting out last year's March Madness at Kentucky to being a part of a playoff team with the Jazz in his rookie season. Brian T. Smith of The Salt Lake Tribune spoke with Kanter to elaborate more on this experience.
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld ranks the most disappointing performers of the NBA playoffs thus far.