Even though most of the big fish are off of the board at this stage of free agency, there are still some notable names searching for jobs. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld (Twitter links) went to bat for two in particular: Richard Hamilton and Jamaal Tinsley. Even though Hamilton is obviously past his prime, he still makes sense for the minimum salary and his averages of 9.8 points and 2.4 assists last season are nothing to sneeze at. Meanwhile, Tinsley averaged 4.4 dimes in 18.5 minutes for the Jazz and Kennedy argues that he could be even more as a facilitator with a better supporting cast. Here’s more from around the Association..
- In a video interview with Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group, Andrew Bogut explained that he’s not worried about working out a new contract with the Warriors. Even though the big man was on the trading block this summer, he said in July that he doesn’t have any hard feelings towards Golden State management.
- In today’s mailbag, a reader asks Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel if the newly-acquired Michael Beasley will wind up being the sixth man for the Heat. While nothing is guaranteed in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation, he expects Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Chris Andersen, Norris Cole, and, most likely, Udonis Haslem, all to see minutes ahead of the former No. 2 overall pick.
- More from Winderman, who writes that Beasley and Greg Oden give the Heat an injection of youth and hope that can help spark the club. In another time, owner Micky Arison might have spent on pricier, more reliable options, but the luxury tax has necessitated cheaper acquisitions to round out the bench.
tired of Winderman, he always thinks he knows what hes talking about and is wrong… who wouln’t play beasley before norris cole