Friday Notes: Clips in for Sessions, Knicks waiting, and Bucks getting some love
by Frank Madden on Aug 6, 2009 9:59 PM CDT
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Woelfel: Clips back in for Sessions?
A week ago there seemed to be no stopping the New York Knicks from finally getting Ramon Sessions' signature on an offer sheet. After all, the Bucks' decision to sign Hakim Warrick to a one-year, $3 million deal meant they were only about $2.3 million under the tax, and Sessions' preference for New York was something of a no-brainer. Yet despite reports that the Knicks are simply biding their time with Sessions (see next bullet), Gery Woelfel reports the Clips have also re-emerged as a potential destination.The scuttlebutt around the NBA is the Clippers and Bucks are discussing a sign-and-trade scenario with Sessions, a restricted free agent, being the central figure.
The Clips have a sizable trade exception ($7.3 million per ESPN) which would greatly simplify the BYC issues I usually harp on with any Sessions S/T scenarios. That could also work out from the Bucks' perspective, since they'd like to get something of value but don't have a lot of flexibility to take salary back in return. Realistically, a protected first round pick or perhaps DeAndre Jordan would be good value for Sessions at this point--Telfair I couldn't care less about--especially given the likelihood that the Bucks could lose Ramon for nothing. Still, that leaves a couple other important questions. Is L.A. willing to pony up a real asset for the right to sign Sessions long term? And would Sessions really want to back up Baron Davis instead of taking a cheaper deal to start for Mike D'Antoni? My initial reaction is that as much as the Bucks and Clips might want to deal, Sessions will prefer to hold out for a Knicks' gig. Besides, if the Clips want Sessions they have their full MLE with which to make him an offer--and it doesn't seem likely the Bucks would match anything close to that.The Clippers would ideally like to include point guard Sebastian Telfair in the deal, and have also tossed out some other possibilities, including a draft pick.
If the Clippers can't come to an agreement with the Bucks on a sign-and-trade arrangement, there are growing indications they'll extend an offer sheet to Sessions.
Newsday: Knicks biding their time with Sessions
Alan Hahn has been expecting a deal for Sessions to get done and remains optimistic that Ramon will end up a Knick.
So what's the holdup? Seems simple: Donnie Walsh doesn't want to just hand Sessions a blank check to fill in the full MLE (five years, $33.9M). To paraphrase an NBA executive I spoke with about the situation recently, "that's how you wind up with Jared Jeffries."So is it a coincidence that the Clippers get back in the picture as soon as the Knicks appear to be getting smug? Doubtful. L.A.'s reemergence could certainly be Wells' attempt to manufacture some leverage for his client, despite reports that Sessions quite understandably doesn't want to go to L.A. As much as I'd prefer to get something for Sessions, a straight offer from the Knicks still seems the most logical outcome.So here's where, if you're a GM, you take a breath, hold your cards and glance across the table.
Sessions' agent, Jim Wells, has only one client. He also doesn't have many other viable options. The Clippers are in the periphery, but if they were hot for Sessions why haven't they made an offer yet? And with Baron Davis, Sebastian Telfair and Eric Gordon in the backcourt, there is far less minutes for Sessions -- a combo guard -- in LA.
MacKenzie: Jennings' Swagger
All aboard the Bucks bandwagon! Sure, you'll have a hard time finding anyone in the media willing to endorse the Bucks as playoff contenders, but that doesn't mean the Bucks aren't getting some love. Following in the footsteps of Sam Amico and Skeets (kinda), I'm pleased to report that Holly MacKenzie of SLAM and The Score has officially named the Bucks her "pet" team of the season.
I'd prefer "pick to win NBA title" but for a team as chronically irrelevant as the Bucks, I'll take it. In what will hopefully be the first of many articles about the Bucks this season, Holly has her take on Brandon Jennings from Vegas--fitting when you consider that Jennings' promise has as much to do with the Bucks' newfound street cred as anything else.
Rather than shutting out media and opting to shun some of those whom have tried to sell an image of him that isn't fair let alone factual, Jennings greets the reporters waiting with a smile and an ease that belies both age and previous experience. When questions are asked about Italy and his decision to be a trailblazer, when people choose to report on his rocky start rather than focus on his 8.2 assist-per-game average when it was over, Jennings smiles. He smiles and plays this game because he knows at the end of the day, he gets to wake up tomorrow and get paid to play his game.For this reason alone, regardless of stats, he wins.
Rovell: Bucks quick and creative with ticket plans
Darren Rovell takes note of the good people in the Bucks' ticketing department.
The Bucks, whose entire schedule of games and offers was up within an hour of when the schedule came out, are offering a Click 'N Pick plan that enables fans to buy six- and ten-game packages featuring any combination of seats. For example, if a fan wants to sit close for the game against Cleveland and is fine with sitting up in the rafters for the Lakers game, he or she can mix and match and create their own a-la-carte plan. The six-game package comes with one free game and the 10-game package comes with two free games.
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Baron Davis
There were a number of problems last year rumored between Davis and Dunleavy. There had been a number of rumors during last season that Davis was on the trading block.
I wouldn’t factor that possibility out of the Clippers obtaining Sessions scenario
The S&T Scenario
Whereas the exception definitely simplifies the logistics of the S&T, I see zero incentive for Sessions and Wells to play along. Usually it’s in the player’s interest to work out the S&T in order to get more money. But in Sessions case, his ceiling is the MLE and since the Clippers haven’t used any of their MLE, he can get that without the S&T. So that makes two parties that AREN’T interested in playing the S&T game.
Bottom line is that it remains the Knicks move. The situation in NY is infinitely better for Sessions – if they will pony up the money, that’s the offer sheet he’ll sign. If they don’t, that’s how the Clippers get back in. The S&T talk seems like a red herring.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
The Clippers Should Be A Lot Better Team
The Clippers have a bunch of young talent in place. I can see Sessions playing alongside E. Gordon. A. Thorton, B. Griffin and C. Kaman.
That is a lot more talent than the Knicks can pony up this coming season and maybe even into the future depending on what they do next summer.
No argument...
But for many if not most NBA players, it’s about the opportunity to play before the opportunity to win. He would be handed the starting job in NY – with the nebulous possibility of playing next to LeBron James in 2010. He’d be behind a guy signed for 4 years and $54M in LA – yeah, maybe the Clippers would try to move Baron to make room for him, but there are no guarantees there.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
the nebulous Lebron James
I think there is a better chance of him ending up with the Clips than with the Knicks. By trading Z-Bo and having some expiring contracts (most notably, Camby), the Clips are going to have some nice cap room to sign a max FA in 2010. They have, perhaps, the best young core of players of any of the legitimate suitors for Lebron’s services (the Nets might be second).
I think Sessions wants to end up in NY and his inexperienced agent is trying to create some leverage to get more money out of Walsh. My guess is that if NY doesn’t offer something appetizing enough, there’s a better chance of Sessions signing the 1 year QO than signing with the Clips or Kings.
I definitely want no part of Sebastian Telfair. He has been a disaster and a disappointment from day one. The most telling thing is that every team he’s on gets worse in his presence (while Boston certainly didn’t miss him). He’s inefficient and selfish, a detriment to any team and he most certainly would not be a good role model for Young Money. Who would I want from the Clips that we could get? Craig Smith and DeAndre Jordan, that’s about it. Maybe a draft pick. Better than nothing, I suppose.
It makes me sick that because of Sessions’ height he is being called a combo guard. So the key to being a true point is shortness?
the combo guard thing
I think some uneducated commentators are calling Sessions a combo guard because he played both PG and SG last year…and he’s capable of guarding some SGs. Sessions is a true PG who could also play SG. This is very different than the typical combo guard who is more of a SG, but could play some PG.
I agree, I just feel that if it wasn’t for his height, he’d just get minutes at the point and nobody would be confused. It seems like too many NBA positions are determined by aesthetics like height and weight, rather than actual skill set. It’s funny to me because arguably the greatest point of all time, Magic Johnson, was an abnormal 6’8". These days he’d probably be pigeon-holed in as a small forward, maybe point forward, with some little guy needlessly running around as the official point.
by MadTown Hoops on Aug 8, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Knicks Constrained By Projections Of Declining Cap
From RealGM
Aug 07, 2009 3:57 PM EST
The NBA league office’s warning that the salary cap could decline is having an impact on the Knicks’ pursuit of Ramon Sessions.
If the cap drops as much as the league’s worst-case scenario, even an offer starting at this year’s mid-level exception could dip into the maximum contract slot the Knicks have set aside for next summer.
Walsh was reportedly relieved that Jason Kidd turned down the team’s offer, which was made before the league issued its cautionary memo to teams.
Via Twitter (Alan Hahn, Newsday)
Finally something that makes sense out of the stalemate
The Knicks have been planning for 2010 for over a year now and it does make sense for them to keep at least enough money to sign one max FA-type….even though the economy isn’t going to let them sign two big names. This is probably what Walsh has conveyed to Chubby Wells…that we want Sessions in a Knicks uniform, but X is all I can offer if I want to preserve enough room next summer to sign a max guy. If I can trade jeffries or curry, then I’ll give Sessions the max MLE, but unless/until that happens, I’m only offering X.
One possible solution for the Sessions camp is to request an ETO after the 2nd year…so if it turns out that Sessions has increased his value in his 2 years, he can make up for accepting something less now. Under the CBA, you can give Sessions a 4 year contract with an ETO after the 2nd year, I believe (the ETO can be 2 years before the end of the contract).
This From The Yahoo! Team Site
“While the Bucks are ecstatic about rookie point guard Brandon Jennings—the 10th overall pick in the June NBA draft—some Bucks’ insiders insist he won’t be the team’s starting point guard when they play their regular-season opener Oct. 30 at Philadelphia. Rather, they contend the Bucks will start veteran G Luke Ridnour and gradually bring along Jennings off the bench.”
Shit.
Shit?
Keeping Jennings’ development gradual and consistent is the key to making sure he becomes a great all-around point guard instead of an exciting one-dimensional player.
"I'm so clean, cats think I sip Ajax."
by Mitchell Maurer on Aug 10, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Skiles and Hammond clearly have a thing for Luke Ridnour. I think Skiles sees himself in Ridnour, while Hammond appreciates the toughness that he showed in coming back from that thumb injury so quickly. But Ridnour is an ineffective veteran with no room for growth and a poor shot. To make things worse, he’s a lame duck that I would prefer to see bundled in a trade.
If we truly want to develop Jennings as a starter, we should put him there from day one. Ridnour does not win games (with the exception of that silly lucky floater he jacked up last year) and I can see our forgiving opening schedule go to waste if he gets the lion’s share of the minutes. That’s without putting into consideration the effect that being behind Ridnour might have on the temperamental Young Buck. If you replace Ridnour with Sessions in this scenario I’m for it, but Bucks management seems to inexplicably value Ridnour over Sessions. That is not a good sign.
by MadTown Hoops on Aug 10, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
If we truly want to develop Jennings as a starter, we should put him there from day one.
I disagree. LeBron started from day 1. Dwight Howard started from day 1. Jennings is uber-athletic, but not to the point where he can rely on it while learning the NBA game on the fly. Jennings is too raw and I don’t trust Skiles to give him the wiggle room a (hopefully temporarily) mistake-prone rookie would need to develop.
"I'm so clean, cats think I sip Ajax."
by Mitchell Maurer on Aug 12, 2009 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions
The Jonsing for Jennings might be premature
Sure, he put up some nice stats in summer league….and he threw some cool alley oops to Amir Johnson and others. but, that’s not the type of NBA talent he will be facing night in during the regular season. if I recall correctly, Sessions had a pretty nice summer league last year…with less talent around him. also, Sessions flat out dominated the d-league in his rookie year (before being called up). I think he averaged roughly 30 pts, 8 boards and 12 assists during one week in the d-league. I’m pretty sure the d-league competition is comparable to summer league competition.
so, let’s put aside the summer league stuff and focus on a few facts. First, he did almost nothing last year. Sure, they play vets in euro league. sure, it was a new setting for him. but, reports weren’t glowing about his play when he did get minutes. I realize that he’s not a euro, but I think we’ve learned that those shiny euros who don’t do much as a youngster in the euro league but have all these atheltic tools…well, they haven’t generally worked out in the NBA (i.e., darko, skita).
Second, he’s not the brightest tack in the box. Exhibit 1: scored below 900 on his SAT…which is the real reason he ended up in the euro league…he didn’t qualify for college. Exhibit 2: a rookie running off his mouth before he has proven a dang thing. sure, you like confidence…but this was something else. Anyway, dumb QBs usually don’t maximize their skill set (i.e., Vince Young). PG isn’t the position you generally want someone who can’t put up a minimum SAT score.
Third, Jennings is built more like TJ Ford than like Chris Paul. He’s skinny and he’s going to have trouble surviving as a drive and dish PG (if that’s where his skill set lies). I don’t think he’s strong like Rondo, but we’ll see if he has that strength/toughness.
Anyway, these are just more reasons I wouldn’t be so quick to discard Sessions and name Jennings PG of the future if I’m Hammond. Sessions has improved a ton since college. He seems to have a steady head on his shoulders and appears to have a good work ethic. Maybe Jennings develops quickly….but if we’re being honest, let’s admit that Jennings has a lot of work to do AND (surprise) he may never get there.
No argument here….I’m all for diversifying our PG-of-the-future risk by keeping Sessions, but unfortunately the Bucks don’t seem to share that view. Not that Sessions is gone, but I’m certainly not expecting him back at this point.
We all want Jennings to be a great player, but it’s going to take time if it happens at all. I think he’s got “it” when it comes to playing the point….even when he wasn’t shooting well he seemed to be in control of games in Vegas. It was reminiscent of T.J.‘s rookie year when he wouldn’t do much in the box score yet the game seemed to revolve around him (i a good way).
He REALLY has to become a more consistent shooter, because (as you note) he’s not strong enough to finish around the hoop. Again, kind of like T.J. He showed the floater a few times in Vegas and shot the ball well from three in spite of inconsistency with the shorter stuff. It’s gotta get better.
I’m actually not that worried about the SAT thing (though it’s not a good sign). He seems to have a very good instinct for the game, not the type who will have an issue on the bball IQ front. He needs to reel in his shot selection at times but nothing too serious. And everytime I hear him talk he comes across like a pretty thoughtful guy (especially compared to most NBA players).
by Frank Madden on Aug 15, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
For perspective, Ridnour actually averaged more minutes per game than Ramon Sessions, while putting up worse total numbers across the board. The only categories in which he had a slight advantage were three point percentage, free throw percentage and steals. In his entire career (including seasons in which he played even more minutes and was younger) he has never had a season in which he scored more, rebounded more or shot as high a percentage as Sessions did.
by MadTown Hoops on Aug 10, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
What Else Would They Say?
Jennings has lots of confidence and cockiness.
I would not expect the Bucks to hand him the starting pg job during the summer.
Rest assured He will have plenty of opportunity beinning in Oct ot get it.
We've got time
Just from a pressure standpoint I don’t want to make Jennings feel like the future of the franchise is on his shoulders right away.
I think Jennings has shown the right attitude thus far, but we shouldn’t be in a rush to crown the kid a savior. If I was Skiles I’d go into camp with Ridnour as my starter and lean towards keeping him there to start the season, even if you end up going with Jennings down the stretch of games early on. I think he’s going to be hungry, but handing him the keys to the car immediately doesn’t necessarily set up the right incentives IMO.
by Frank Madden on Aug 10, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
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