Thinking Value Going Forward

Evaluating the forward position, I realize the bucks are a high quality starter away from being a consistent playoff threat.  What strikes me though is the incredible bang for the buck (no pun intended) the team is getting out of their current forward crop.  The combined salaries of Delfino, Warrick, Ilyasova, and Mbah a Moute is $9.3 million.  Meanwhile their combined production per game is 37 points, 20 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 steals.  I realize that I am not using any of the advanced stats for this argument, but consider the salaries and production of some forwards in the league:

Caron Butler ($9.8 Million) 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.5 steals

Luol Deng ($10.3 M) 18 PTS, 7 RBS, 2 AST, 1 STL

Andre Iguodala ($12.2 M) 17 PTS, 7 RBS, 6 AST, 2 STL

Tayshawn Prince ($10.3 M) 10 PTS, 4 RBS, 2 AST, .6 STL

Josh Smith ($10.8 M) 15 PTS, 9 RBS, 4 AST, 2 STL

Comparing the per game numbers of four players to one makes little sense.  I merely wanted to emphasize the bargains that these players are providing for the Bucks in light of their production.  Hammond has done a great job of plugging in a diverse group of forwards at an incredible value.  Given the league's concerns over salary caps and luxury taxes, it is important to get role players at a reasonable price.  After the Harris era of bench players getting starting salaries, it is good to see the direction the team is headed.   My hope is that Hammonds will continue to show talent for getting role players cheap so that if a star caliber player in that $9-$12 million level becomes available in the future, the Bucks will be in a financial position to make a deal.