Roster Analysis - Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at the "We're Stuck With Them!" group. Part 2 will dive into the five players we have that are on expiring contracts, meaning they will be free agents this summer and can sign with any team. The sheer nature of "The Expirings" will obviously force the retaining percentages to be considerably lower than those in Part 1.
1) Kwame Brown
Odds of Being on the Roster Next Year: 60%
Why He Will be Here: When MJ signed Kwame last offseason, it was an easy punch line for all MJ haters. He was basically reminding us all of the "Ghost of GM Failures Past." However, Kwame was arguably the most cost effective player on the team this year considering his modest $1.2 million price tag. He averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds for the season but was roughly a double-double man under the Silas regime. I believe he enjoys playing here and responded well to the teachings of Silas and Oakley. Chances are he will resign with Charlotte for something like 3 years, $6 million.
Why I Could be Wrong: With the Bobcats going into rebuilding mode, I'm not sure if the organization views Kwame as being in their long term plans. For his size and rebounding/defensive production, he is pretty limited offensively and has hands made from stone tablets (I confirmed this!). I think he's a cheap option as backup center but I doubt seriously MJ and Silas want to enter next season with Kwame as the starter. And we can't entirely rule out some other team offering him more money.
2) Dante Cunningham
Odds of Being on the Roster Next Year: 50%
Why He Will be Here: Dante is easily the most unpredictable of all 15 players on the current roster. He has shown great athleticism, playmaking ability, and a fairly consistent midrange jump shot. There is no doubt that the Cats targeted him specifically in the Wallace trade as a young player we believe can develop into a solid contributor off the bench, at a bare minimum. I believe we have every intention of resigning him and can likely offer him more minutes than most other teams, given the youth movement that will be underway next season.
Why I Could be Wrong: He is a free agent and there will be other suitors. Cunningham's play has undoubtedly sparked interest around the league and if someone comes with larger offers or greater promises of winning, we might lose out in the negotiations. I could easily see this one going either way.
3) Dominic McGuire
Odds of Being on the Roster Next Year: 10%
Why He Won't be Here: McGuire was a Larry Brown project. In layman's terms, that means he hustles, plays defense, rebounds, and couldn't score 10 points if the other team walked off the floor at halftime and didn't return. Considering he has one of the worst shots imaginable, he doesn't fit into Silas' offense and I see no reason he fits into our long term plans.
Why I Could be Wrong: Every team in the NBA has to fill out a roster of 15 players and that means you have a few guys that only play in emergency situations and typically serve as cheerleaders. So it wouldn't shock me if we resign McGuire to a one year, veteran's minimum deal. However, I'm betting we fill these spots with younger players with more potential.
4) Garrett Temple
Odds of Being on the Roster Next Year: 5%
Why He Won't be Here: Temple was signed from the NBADL to a couple of 10 day contracts after Sherron Collins missed two flights back to Charlotte and we gave up on him. He was signed as an insurance PG for the stretch run and unfortunately the Cats have had to use him. Although his size has allowed him to be effective defensively, Temple hasn't shown a consistent perimeter shot or the ability to run an NBA offense. He's a borderline NBA player.
Why I Could be Wrong: See McGuire, Dominic above. Every team needs players to wave their towels and pick splinters out of their backside. Not likely for Temple. And since we have 3 draft picks coming our way this year, it's unlikely Temple or McGuire stick on our bench.
5) Joel Przybilla
Odds of Being on the Roster Next Year: 0.01%
Why He Won't be Here: Although MJ and Silas did an amazing job convincing Joel he was brought here for a reason, I think most of that was smokescreen. The Cats were hoping his knee would hold up and he could give us some minutes down the stretch but you can't convince me that we didn't know he was pretty much finished. Pryz was an icon in Portland and it's understandable the trade upset him, especially since the fans of Charlotte didn't exactly welcome him with open arms. Throw in the fact that his knees are shot and retirement is a large possibility, I can say with all certainty that Pryz will not be a Bobcat next season.
Why I Could be Wrong: Just trust me on this one. I'm not wrong.
Coming Up in Part 3: I'll take a look at the final segment of players, "The Building Blocks."
