soul position
Nachwuchsspieler
Some big decisions on horizon for King
By TOM MOORE
Bucks County Courier Times
Billy King has some decisions to make in the next two weeks.
If Willie Green’s upcoming left knee surgery reveals more than a torn medial meniscus, would Comcast chairman Ed Snider let King use the money earmarked for Green — estimated at $2.5 million next year — on a free agent? That way, it wouldn’t increase the amount of luxury tax the 76ers will have to pay after the 2005-06 season.
But if Snider permits him to do that — and it’s unclear if Snider will — should King push to sign a current free agent, such as center Steven Hunter or forward Walter McCarty, or wait until teams cut loose players (say, Allan Houston or Michael Finley) with the one-time amnesty provision? Indications are that King is leaning toward holding off until players are released via the amnesty provision. Mark Bartelstein, the agent for the 23-yearold Hunter, said Friday night that he had spoken to King earlier in the day and that the Sixers are still in the mix for Hunter. “We’ve talked to the Sixers quite a bit,” Bartelstein said. “We’d like to get something done in the next few days.” The amnesty deadline, which allows a team to waive one player and avoid paying the luxury tax on his salary, is Aug. 15.
McKie out?
King must also determine by Aug. 15 if he’s going to cut 32-year-old Aaron McKie, who has three years and $19.5 million left on his contract, via the amnesty provision. While Green’s knee injury could more of an opportunity for McKie, a former Temple star, it doesn’t appear that the Sixers are changing their thinking on McKie, who is likely to be waived.
King said Tuesday that he’s not sure if he’ll spend the Sixers’ $5 million midlevel exception, due to payroll concerns.
Free-agent signings
Undrafted free agents Shavlik Randolph and Deng Gai, who the Sixers signed to minimum deals Friday, are expected to participate in a Sixers freeagent camp later this month and compete for roster spots in the fall.
Randolph, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in three seasons at Duke, which is King’s alma mater. Gai, a 6-9 forward, led the nation in blocked shots with 5.5 per game at Fairfield last year.
Randolph and Gai have been working out in Philadelphia for the past few weeks.
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jetzt geht es wohl doch auf einmal um einsparungen, was angesichts der deals von sam und korver verwunderlich ist. klar sind fast 20 mio für mckie in den nächsten 3 jahren viel zu viel, aber gerade wo green ausfällt, sollte man denken, er bekommt mehr minuten. sieht aber nicht so aus... die MLE wird vll. auch noch eingespart. jungs, wir brauchen einen ordentlichen backup pf und sg!
By TOM MOORE
Bucks County Courier Times
Billy King has some decisions to make in the next two weeks.
If Willie Green’s upcoming left knee surgery reveals more than a torn medial meniscus, would Comcast chairman Ed Snider let King use the money earmarked for Green — estimated at $2.5 million next year — on a free agent? That way, it wouldn’t increase the amount of luxury tax the 76ers will have to pay after the 2005-06 season.
But if Snider permits him to do that — and it’s unclear if Snider will — should King push to sign a current free agent, such as center Steven Hunter or forward Walter McCarty, or wait until teams cut loose players (say, Allan Houston or Michael Finley) with the one-time amnesty provision? Indications are that King is leaning toward holding off until players are released via the amnesty provision. Mark Bartelstein, the agent for the 23-yearold Hunter, said Friday night that he had spoken to King earlier in the day and that the Sixers are still in the mix for Hunter. “We’ve talked to the Sixers quite a bit,” Bartelstein said. “We’d like to get something done in the next few days.” The amnesty deadline, which allows a team to waive one player and avoid paying the luxury tax on his salary, is Aug. 15.
McKie out?
King must also determine by Aug. 15 if he’s going to cut 32-year-old Aaron McKie, who has three years and $19.5 million left on his contract, via the amnesty provision. While Green’s knee injury could more of an opportunity for McKie, a former Temple star, it doesn’t appear that the Sixers are changing their thinking on McKie, who is likely to be waived.
King said Tuesday that he’s not sure if he’ll spend the Sixers’ $5 million midlevel exception, due to payroll concerns.
Free-agent signings
Undrafted free agents Shavlik Randolph and Deng Gai, who the Sixers signed to minimum deals Friday, are expected to participate in a Sixers freeagent camp later this month and compete for roster spots in the fall.
Randolph, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in three seasons at Duke, which is King’s alma mater. Gai, a 6-9 forward, led the nation in blocked shots with 5.5 per game at Fairfield last year.
Randolph and Gai have been working out in Philadelphia for the past few weeks.
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jetzt geht es wohl doch auf einmal um einsparungen, was angesichts der deals von sam und korver verwunderlich ist. klar sind fast 20 mio für mckie in den nächsten 3 jahren viel zu viel, aber gerade wo green ausfällt, sollte man denken, er bekommt mehr minuten. sieht aber nicht so aus... die MLE wird vll. auch noch eingespart. jungs, wir brauchen einen ordentlichen backup pf und sg!
) aber ansonsten sind einfach keine großen Alternativen mehr da, alle weg. Marshall, Swift, Evans (wohl auch), Posey, Wells... Was jetzt bleibt, ist zu warten wer noch wen auf den Markt wirft und wenn das nicht klappt nimmt man halt nen Backdrücker. Wenn sich Webber verletzt, sind wir sowieso im Ar***...
