Last Friday we looked at which teams in the Eastern Conference still had roster spots available, and what available free agents might fit best there of the ones left. Today, we'll do the same with the Western Conference. After the jump, my thoughts.
Dallas: 13 players, over the cap
Denver: 14 players, over the cap
Golden State: 13 players, over the cap
Houston: 15 players, over the cap
Los Angeles Clippers: 12 players, under the cap
Los Angeles Lakers: 11 players, over the cap
Memphis: 11 players (but still haggling with Xavier Henry), over the cap
Minnesota: 15 players (could be 14 if West is waived), under the cap
New Orleans: 9 players, over the cap
Oklahoma City: 15 players, under the cap
Phoenix: 12 players, over the cap
Portland: 14 players, over the cap
Sacramento: 14 players, under the cap
San Antonio: 14 players, over the cap
Utah: 12 players, over the cap
Dallas: Dallas has a lot of firepower on its roster, and has gained a bit of athleticism as well, by trading Dampier, Carrol and Najera for Ajinca and Chandler. The Mavs could use another backup PF to take some pressure of Dirk, as their only real one right now is the unproven but intriguing Ian Mahinimi. Lou Amundson could be a great fit here, a much younger Najera type, or re-acquiring James Singleton, who the Mavs traded to the Wiz in the Caron Butler deal last year. There's also the option of re-signing Tim Thomas, or going the Joe Smith route (every contender needs to try out Joe Smith once right? Isn't it a league rule?)
Denver: The Nuggets have a very versatile roster, and the one thing they're really missing though is true size, as most of the players they play at Center are undersized (Nene, Birdman). They added Brian Butch and Shelden Williams, but of the two, only Butch is a true center. Still, the Nuggets probably won't add anyone else to the team, but if they did, I think it'd be a vet big man like Foyle or perhaps go with a young guy like Jawai or Randolph Morris.
Golden State: The last thing the Warriors needed was another me first guard, but that's what they did when they signed Jannero Pargo. They could use another big man with their propensity to get injured (Udoh already out 6 months, Lee hurt, and Wright very injury prone). Any player that goes to the Warriors will have to be able to run in an up-tempo system (because even if Nelson is fired, thats how this team is built, and another coach would be stupid to try to slow down too much). They could try to re-sign Chris Hunter or Anthony Tolliver, or maybe go for James Singleton or Josh Boone.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers could use a defensive type guy, and Aminu is too raw to get heavy minutes, so they opt to bring back James Singleton, who'd be a better option than Brian Cook. They could also try out Ike Diogu (although with his injury history and the Clipper curse that might be a bad idea), or Anthony Tolliver. They also don't really have any defense in the backcourt, so maybe Keith Bogans or Ime Udoka.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers should really try hard to get Shannon Brown back. They've done a lot of good upgrading their bench from last year, but losing Brown would be tough as Vujacic would be Kobe's primary backup. And I know this is technically not the Free Agents we're talking about, but the Lakers should sign both Derrick Caracter and Devin Ebanks. Both looked like steals in the Summer League, and Ebanks would probably be a better option to play behind Kobe than Vujacic would, while Caracter could play both the 4 and the 5 for LA.
Memphis: The first thing Memphis needs to do is work a deal out with Xavier Henry to sign him. The Grizzlies are arguing about pennies on the dollar at this point, and after handing out that ridiculous contract to Rudy Gay, they really have no credibility in my eyes on that matter. They could use another point guard however, as Conley and Mayo are the only real ball handlers on the roster, and the Mayo point guard experiment in summer league reportedly failed. Re-signing Jamaal Tinsley wouldn't be a bad idea, or perhaps trying to stay young and maybe get Patty Mills.
Minnesota: Minnesota could have a roster spot available if they waive Delonte West. Nobody knows how David Kahn works though, so look for them to acquire another guard or Small Forward.
New Orleans: The Hornets only have 9 players under the roster but that's a little misleading as they haven't officially signed Craig Brackins or Quincy Pondexter, both which they're likely to do. What they really could use though, is a defensive minded center. New Orleans gave up the worst percentage at the rim (so much for Okafor's defensive reputation) last year and that definitely needs to be improved. Kwame Brown or Brian Skinner would probably be the best fits, but the Hornets might just add a big man for the sake of adding a big man. And in all honesty, their problems likely aren't going to be fixed other than by a trade (probably involving Collison or Thornton, their two greatest non-CP3 assets).
Phoenix: Phoenix should definitely sign Gani Lawal as there Amundson replacement, and then perhaps even re-sign Amundson if they can. Phoenix is loaded in the wings and backcourt, but losing Stoudemire hurts, as there only real PF option is Hakim Warrick.
Portland: The Blazers likely won't add anyone else to the roster, leaving some flexibility in the case of an injury, or if a trade for Rudy Fernandez comes along. If they do add anyone, I'd be very surprised to see it be a guard or wing.
Sacramento: The Kings have the most cap space out of any team, and have also probably spent the least of any team. They're looking for guys who can knock down the 3 and/or handle the ball. Donald Sloan is on an unguaranteed contract to try out with the team during training camp, so they might add someone else to try out in camp (in my opinion it will be an undrafted or D-Leaguer, but that's not this article). Roger Mason looks like he could fit the bill, but the Kings don't seem to want to commit money past this year, and that's likely what Mason would command.
San Antonio: The Spurs seem to be set on their roster, seemingly going younger, no doubt in preparation for the day when Duncan's knees can go no longer. They could perhaps use another 3 point threat at the wing. Perhaps bringing back Michael Finley for a year?
Utah: The Jazz could really use another Center. They are in talks with their restricted FA Kyrylo Fesenko, but if that fails, perhaps Kwame Brown or a different defensive minded center? We know Al Jefferson plays best next to an athletic, defensive guy, so in my eyes, Brown could be a good fit.
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