NFL
By Monte Perez
The NBA’s Free Agency period opened up at 6 PM Eastern Time, Tuesday, August 2nd, 2021. By the time 6:30 came around, dozens of players signed with new teams. Who won and who lost?
Free Agency Winners:
Los Angeles Lakers:
After signing Russell Westbrook, The Lakers went out and acquired more veterans who know how to win. Los Angeles signe, Trevor Ariza, sharpshooter Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony. The Lakers also acquired 23-year-old Malik Monk. Last season in Charlotte, Monk averaged 11.7 points off the bench while shooting 40.1% from the 3-point line and 43.4% from the field.
Chicago Bulls:
Chicago was the most talented team that did not make the post-season last year.
Their projected starting lineup is:
- Lonzo Ball
- Zach LaVine
- DeMar DeRozan
- Lauri Markkanen
- Nikola Vucevic
They also added Alex Caruso who is a proven playoff performer off the bench. The Bulls should be in the top 5 in the Eastern Conference next season.
Miami Heat:
Two years ago the Heat went to the NBA Finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, they got swept, 4-0, by the Milwaukee Bucks. Pat Riley told the fans and the media, watch this space. Riley was super aggressive to try and give this team one more championship run.
The Heat signed Kyle Lowry to a 3-year deal and PJ Tucker for 2 years. They are expected to re-sign Jimmy Butler as well. With Lowry and Tucker Miami adds toughness and three-point shooting. I was shocked that Riley gave Duncan Robinson, a one-dimensional player, a 5 year $90M contract.
Losers of Free Agency:
The New York Knicks:
Say it out loud. The Knicks spent $183M on these players:
- Nerlens Noel, 3 years, $32 M.
- Alec Burks, 3 years, $30M.
- Evan Fournier, 4 years, $78M.
- Derrick Rose, 3 years, $43M.
Fournier is averaging 14 points per game for his career and Rose is way past his prime. Once again, New York overspends for mediocrity.
San Antonio Spurs:
The San Antonio Spurs were once an elite organization under Gregg Popovich. That is no longer the case. No one wants to play for the Hall of Fame Coach. They signed Doug McDermott and Zach Collins for a combined 6 years and $64M.
Portland Trail Blazers:
How do you show Damian Lillard you want to keep him in Portland? You sign Cody Zeller to a 1 year deal. This is a team that is on decline. If they wanted to show Lillard how much they wanted to keep him, they would have been super aggressive in free agency, they were not.
Teams and players to watch for.
The Wizards may have lost Russell Westbrook but they got back a lot in return. Kyle Kuzma should average 17-20 points per game in a starting role. Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should all contribute. Corey Kispert out of Gonzaga is an elite shooter with athleticism.
Do not under value the signing of Reggie Bullock to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs got another elite shooter to help Luka Dončić.
4 year, $120M is too much money for an aging point guard. That is what Phoenix gave Chris Paul.
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