Welcome to Amnesty 2.0 in the NBA (The Sports Guy)

Bill Simmons and Jonathan Abrams comb through the league team-by-team and decide which players should be released via an amnesty clause that is bound to come if a hard cap or similar system is adopted when a new CBA is agreed upon.

It's a good read and I'd tend to agree with most of the suggestions. I would disagree that the Bulls should cut Boozer loose though. Some might be willing to take that gamble but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt due to his injuries in the postseason and I think they need what he brings to the table when he's healthy. I wouldn't cut Brewer loose either, so I'm with Abrams on that one. I'm not sold on completely Hamilton being an available option or necessarily the solution if he is.

Interesting point with the Heat. Miller had his moments after injuries pretty much derailed his 2011 season but shedding his salary and filling out the roster with a couple of solid pieces in his place might be the better way to go. Even though I think he's gotten a bit of a bad rap given the circumstances, Brandon Roy does seem like the logical choice in Portland. Simmons' prediction doesn't seem all that far fetched, though.

Artest..excuse me, World Peace...is another interesting one. If I'm the Lakers, I think I'd have to strongly consider letting him go. Things worked out in 2010 but he may have worn out his welcome and usefulness. Unless he can come back in a big way, he's potentially just an expensive distraction who's no longer cutting it on the court. Cutting Walton loose makes more sense from a talent standpoint, but keeping The Artist Formerly Known As Artest around is probably more likely to backfire.

Also love this observation from Simmons:

Do you realize that one of us has suggested a combined total of THIRTEEN amnesty guys who were signed or extended in the summer of 2010? Jermaine O'Neal, Linas Kleiza, Carlos Boozer, Travis Outlaw, Josh Childress, David Lee, Mike Miller, Ryan Gomes, Darko Milicic, Richard Jefferson, Drew Gooden, Al Harrington and Brendan Haywood. The owners' complaining about player salaries being too high is like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills complaining about being in the public eye. It makes no sense. I'm starting to get bitter again, Abrams.

I agree with their pick on Thabeet. He's really overpaid.

Only because he's still on his rookie contract and the scale is favourable to him as a second overall pick.

How amazing it would be to get rid of Diop's contract...

Bill Simmons and Jonathan Abrams comb through the league team-by-team and decide which players should be released via an amnesty clause that is bound to come if a hard cap or similar system is adopted when a new CBA is agreed upon.

It's a good read and I'd tend to agree with most of the suggestions. I would disagree that the Bulls should cut Boozer loose though. Some might be willing to take that gamble but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt due to his injuries in the postseason and I think they need what he brings to the table when he's healthy. I wouldn't cut Brewer loose either, so I'm with Abrams on that one. I'm not sold on completely Hamilton being an available option or necessarily the solution if he is.

I think I agree with Simmons and would cut Boozer loose. When he was still with the Jazz I once thought of him (for a very very very short period ) of a guy who can get pretty close to what Chuck was for the Suns. And yes, I know that were very high expectations. If he still fails to be a valid second scoring option for the Bulls, I'd say save the money and let him go.
I'd keep Brewer instead of Rip. Rip turned 33 that February while Brewer is 7 years younger. Brewer had already some good years with Utah including some good post season stats. Rip hadn't had what I'd call a bad season. I was surprised to see Rip coming from the bench an contribute but he'll sooner or later lose a step. I expect him to lose that step sooner.

Interesting point with the Heat. Miller had his moments after injuries pretty much derailed his 2011 season but shedding his salary and filling out the roster with a couple of solid pieces in his place might be the better way to go. Even though I think he's gotten a bit of a bad rap given the circumstances, Brandon Roy does seem like the logical choice in Portland. Simmons' prediction doesn't seem all that far fetched, though.

Miller really had a tough time last year concerning his injuries and the complicated birth of his daughter. He should be in better shape next season. Although I agree that the Heat might have tied up too much money on him. I expect the Heat will have to make a series of tough choices once the free agent gambling begins, with names like T-Mac and Tayshaun Prince already brought in context whith them.

Artest..excuse me, World Peace...is another interesting one. If I'm the Lakers, I think I'd have to strongly consider letting him go. Things worked out in 2010 but he may have worn out his welcome and usefulness. Unless he can come back in a big way, he's potentially just an expensive distraction who's no longer cutting it on the court. Cutting Walton loose makes more sense from a talent standpoint, but keeping The Artist Formerly Known As Artest around is probably more likely to backfire.

About two weeks ago I read an interview with Metta in which he stated, that he could imagine to come of the bench. I really like him because of his personality but in my opinion Lakers should swap him instaed of having another bench player with a big contract.

Also love this observation from Simmons:

Do you realize that one of us has suggested a combined total of THIRTEEN amnesty guys who were signed or extended in the summer of 2010? Jermaine O'Neal, Linas Kleiza, Carlos Boozer, Travis Outlaw, Josh Childress, David Lee, Mike Miller, Ryan Gomes, Darko Milicic, Richard Jefferson, Drew Gooden, Al Harrington and Brendan Haywood. The owners' complaining about player salaries being too high is like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills complaining about being in the public eye. It makes no sense. I'm starting to get bitter again, Abrams.

Very true. It seems almost everyone (every owner) just went crazy last summer. I'm with Simmons on David Lee. But I'm still pondering if it was the right move to keep Darko (I'd have no problem with him if he'd earn less money). He seemed at least to have found a good work ethic last season which makes me curious about his future with the T-Wolves.

I suppose it depends on the timeframe for using the anticipated amnesty clause. If it has to be done before next season - whether that's 2011/2012 or 2012/2013 if the season is lost - I'm not sure about giving up on him so soon. If they have a few years to use it as everyone tries to get under a hard cap, then perhaps he becomes a prime candidate.

Also love this observation from Simmons:

Do you realize that one of us has suggested a combined total of THIRTEEN amnesty guys who were signed or extended in the summer of 2010? Jermaine O'Neal, Linas Kleiza, Carlos Boozer, Travis Outlaw, Josh Childress, David Lee, Mike Miller, Ryan Gomes, Darko Milicic, Richard Jefferson, Drew Gooden, Al Harrington and Brendan Haywood. The owners' complaining about player salaries being too high is like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills complaining about being in the public eye. It makes no sense. I'm starting to get bitter again, Abrams.

Just realized that if it weren't for Diop, Tyrus Thomas would be on that list as well. I would also put Amir Johnson (instead of Kleiza or Calderon) and Joe Johnson (instead of Williams) on that list. Would've been 16 amnesty guys from the free agent class of 2010.

As much as Joe Johnson is overpaid, he's someone the Hawks would prefer to have around compared to Marvin Williams. I doubt Johnson could ever play up to his contract but even so, Williams is closer to being dead weight in that regard.

I agree Andrew on Johnson.
I also agree z02 on Calderon who played a very nice Eurobasket tournament with team Spain. IIRC he was the starting PG every game and got much more minutes than Rubio. He surely is overpaid and I'm not sure whether he's the perfect match for Toronto but I'm also not sure if he's the one of the Raptors roster who should be released via an amnesty clause...