NBA Free Agent Recommendations: Reggie Williams And Chuck Hayes
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2011 11:26 AM EST
in Free Agency
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PrintThe Washington Wizards probably won't be very active chasing the big fish in the 2011 NBA free agency pond, and they shouldn't be. There's no reason to make a big play for the top guys in a weak free-agency class at this stage of their development. But the Wizards do have some cap room to play with this year, and while I wouldn't go crazy with it, I would still look around for some potentially overlooked free agents that can come in and be role players for this team this year and in the future.
The Wizards have a tendency, I think, to view their players in a youth/veteran binary. Young players are there to develop, while older players are there for veteran leadership and professionalism. So my focus here is to look for potentially undervalued guys who fit somewhere between old and young and directly address one of the team's needs. Players in their prime or on the verge of their prime, but guys who don't necessarily need as much hand-holding with player development as some of the other young players.
Two guys immediately come to mind: Reggie Williams and Chuck Hayes.
Williams is a really underrated offensive player who is on the upswing. He's played two seasons for the Golden State Warriors, and in both years, he's proven he can score from anywhere on the court. I'd envision him as a potential backup at two positions, potential insurance if Nick Young's asking price becomes too large and a guy who could provide John Wall with much-needed shooting.
Even if the Wizards re-sign Nick Young, they have a dearth of deep shooters. Really, the only good catch-and-shoot guys on the roster are Young and Rashard Lewis. Williams, however, is an outstanding catch-and-shoot player. Last year, he hit nearly 43 percent of his three-pointers, and 68 percent of his overall shots were assisted, up 17 percent from his rookie year. As a rookie, he free-wheeled a bit, but he quickly adjusted his game last year and his efficiency didn't drop off. He's deadly-efficient, posting a TS% above 58 percent in both of his first two years. He's also not entirely one-dimensional offensively. He can shot fake and put the ball on the floor, and he has a pretty solid in-between game.
Think about the small lineup capabilities Williams could provide. You trot Williams out there with Wall, Young, Lewis (or eventually Singleton/Vesely) and Blatche or McGee. Suddenly, perimeter players can't cheat off their men to stop Wall's penetration into the lane. It'll make Wall better and it'll make everybody better.
The drawbacks to Williams are his defense and where he'll play. I'm not too concerned with the latter, especially if the Wizards are molding Jordan Crawford into a backup point guard. Minutes will be there. The former is definitely legitimate, but I think he could improve getting away from Golden State. Besides, we're talking about having Williams as a role player, so he'll have some strengths and weaknesses. I just think his strengths are ones this Wizards team needs.
As for Hayes, he comes here for one reason: post defense. Very few in the NBA are better at it. Who better to provide an excellent example to the team's young big men than him. He's also a pretty underrated high-post passer, a very good screener and rarely steps out of his role. Back in March, I wrote about the importance of Nick Collison to the culture and on-court play of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hayes is exactly that kind of player.
Both guys are in their 20s and both could come pretty reasonably. I'd venture to say that the Wizards could get them for under $8 million/season combined. If so, with the Wizards having $16 million or so in cap space, I'd look to do it. It saves their powder and provides the team with two role players that directly hit at their weaknesses.
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I will take Hayes.
I believe that defense is contagious. It would be nice to infect some of the guys on the team.
I would take either or both of these players. II I had to pick I would go get Chuck Hayes. He is only 6’6 but, finds a way to rebound and play great post defense.
by gregjohnson1229 on Dec 7, 2011 11:48 AM EST reply actions
I always felt that Reggie Williams was never really utilized properly in Golden State
The guy could be instant offense for us off the bench. Not to mention he’s a legit 3-pt shooter and a nice replacement should we lose NY.
Agreed. Great post, great suggestions
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David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 7, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Just the two
Perfect fits for the team.
I wouldn’t even be upset if we sign Reggie and NY leaves.
Great article Mike
by jsuh0 on Dec 7, 2011 12:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Advanced stats show Hayes is pretty average as a defender in most situations.
In one on one I think it was that I was shocked to see his metrics come across as relatively pedestrian but what he does do is frustrate whichever big man he’s defending. This comes from a Rockets fan, I love Hayes and I think this year he was 8 points and 8 boards per game, which from your center is always nice, most teams he would be a utility player, specific use only kind of guy but you do what ya gotta, right? He showed offensive strides and brings his lunchpale to work every day when he hits up the post. I hope Houston retains him but if Washington can pick him up, I’ll be ridiculously happy to catch the January 16th game at Verizon Center.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Reasonable, complementary signings
That make sense and improve the team. Hard workers with good reputations, nothing not to like. Curious, Mike, if you had to sign a 3rd (4th) PG off the market, who’s your favorite?
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Dec 7, 2011 1:01 PM EST reply actions
Acie Law?
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David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 7, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I keep hearing that this FA class is weak, but...
2012 is pretty weak too especially if DHoward is traded and intends to re-sign with that team. Deron Williams and Chris Paul would be of no interest to the Wiards, so who is going to be in the 2012 FA class that would make it a “strong” FA class for the Wizards?
Redskins @RGIII - 2012
by Copious 1 on Dec 7, 2011 1:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Writing about that next week
A LOT depends on what our youth shows this season
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Dec 7, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Well...give me a quick primer
Outside of Howard, Paul, and Williams….who’s left?
Redskins @RGIII - 2012
No problem
Dutch posted the list a little while ago
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Dec 7, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I guess that's my point.
The draft looks pretty nice for SF and we drafted 2 this year. Re-signing NY takes care of SG, at most you would get a back up. PF is a ?, but not to many quality options IMO in 2012 FA, the options at C are “meh” with the exception of Howard. The position I love the most in 2012 FA is SF, but they are both restricted (Danilo Gallinari and Nicolas Batum (love this kid)). I guess I will wait until your post. Keeping our current roster and signing DHoward would be inasne, a guy can dream at least….maybe not #smg
Redskins @RGIII - 2012
Re-signing NY takes care of SG
Wait – I’m the most rabid of Nick Young fans… but even I have to take exception to that statement… Just because they re-sign Nick Young doesn’t mean that they can’t upgrade the position… I mean, the Wizards shouldn’t pass up on drafting the next Dwyane Wade or Kobe, just to fill in a different position….
Same with Small Forward – If Harrison Barnes is the best player- and the Wizards have the chance to draft him -they should take him – regardless of how many Small Forwards they have on the team…. You always draft the most talented guy…. Obtain the best players you can…. let it all fall out later.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
While the NBA isn't the NFL
I remember when the Cardinals drafted Adrian Wilson, they already had two solid SS, and there was complaint about other needs that needed to be filled…couldn’t agree with you more
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Dec 7, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
I still remember people being worked up that we would draft Wall with Arenas on the team.
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 7, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yep, I remember there were some pretty big Evan Turner fans too
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David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 7, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
quick search
I agree with rook’s analysis of both players, but not the conclusion. I’d take Turner every time.
by bwoodsxyz on Mar 11, 2010 10:46 PM CET via mobile up actions
But even with those points….. it’s very, very close…..
Bullets Forever – where "Dagger ! " happens……
by Rook6980 on Mar 12, 2010 1:14 AM CET up actions
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back!
David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 8, 2011 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Not that Rook was advocating Turner over Wall but just to show you it wasn’t as clear as it is today
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David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 8, 2011 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
agreed 100%
unless you have an all star all nba player at a position, you take best talent available
My response was with regards to 2012 free agent.
None of the SG look like upgrades to NY IMO. When it comes to the draft I agree with you (i.e. Jared Sullinger over Blatche – who I think would possibly excel coming off the bench). That statement is FA specific at SG only. The jury is not even in the jury box yet with regards to Vesley, Singleton, or Booker at SF.
Redskins @RGIII - 2012
i like hayes
but…i haven’t thought this through… but don’t we have a bunch of undersized front court guys already?
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 7, 2011 1:24 PM EST reply actions
Actually, we have good size in the front court.
McGee, Blatche, Seraphin, all tall with long arms. Vesely and Singleton are big, too, if the Wiz go smallball and put either at the 4 for stretches. Booker’s really the only undersized one.
Yeah what we have is Ernie's vision in motion
A frontcourt full of long, tall athletes. What remains to be see is: will it work?
not sure i agree with you based on the players you listed
seraphin is like 6’8" and he’s a center. singleton and booker would both be undersized at power forward. hayes would add to that list.
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 7, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with both of those signings.
One guy I wouldn’t mind bringing back is Roger Mason. Veteran, great locker room guy, Catch and Shoot player, tough, D’s up. He could play a little point at times.
Good one. Wouldn't mind him either.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back!
David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 7, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think those two will be perfect
Especially if we lose NY. We get someone that does what NY does right back at a cheaper price. I think NY is a better scorer than Williams, but Williams hits the boards man. And who knows, John Wall might make Williams considerably better. As for Hayes, nothing more be said. I think, like everyone else said, bringing him alone will improve our post defense considerably. Especially because I think Kevin Seraphin can learn a lot from Hayes considering they’re both undersized, and Serpahin got into foul trouble consistently last year.
PLEASE BRING THEN IN PLEASE.
P.S. I love using Williams in 2k12, BRING HIM INNNN
Both players are good ones to consider...
But if we retain Young, I would save the dollars on Williams. Mack and Crawford can both play off-guard, so the minutes really would not be there. In that context, Roger Mason Jr at around the minimum makes a good alternative as the 5th backcourt player.
Hayes, jeez, aren’t we trying to find minutes for Singleton and Seraphin? I like the guy but not necessarily for this team.
Great choices...but
If we sign them both for $8 Mil we only have about 5M before we are right at the cap. It fits the notion that we offer Nick (or another SG) $5M (so we have enough leftover to sign decent spare parts like this). I disagree with that. I’d rather have one decent SG (even overpaid) than 2 decent, appropriately paid backups.
Hayes
I would trade Blatche for Hayes everyday of the week…..Hayes is the polar opposite of Blatche so maybe thats why I like him….
I'd love to bring Hayes in
Mostly because, more than anything, the dude can SET A PICK. I can’t stand watching Andray and JaVale pretend to set pick. They’re TERRIBLE. I don’t know who to blame more – them or the coaching staff for letting it slide for so long. But brink the Chuckwagon in, let him get to work setting John free and instantly the offense gets better.
I like both of these moves
but I think if they sign Hayes they need to trade Booker ASAP. I remember he seemed insulted on draft night that they got someone in Vesely who will push him down in the rotation.
SmallBall lineup of Wall, Young, Williams, Singleton, McGee
would be fun to watch. Extremely athletic, Young, Williams, and Singleton can all knock down the 3.
Well it looks like Hayes might just be more available than I thought....
The agent for free agent forward Chuck Hayes told FOX 26 Sports on Monday it is not his easy for his client to be patient while Houston Rockets officials work their way through the free agent market. “I was informed they’ve got other things they want to take care of first,” Calvin Andrews said. "I assume that is other free agents. “I had heard they were in Denver today with (free agent center) Nene. That’s kind of the situation.”
Andrews labled the process “difficult” for Hayes, who has said many times his preference is to return to the Rockets if possible. “It’s difficult, yea it’s difficult,” Andrews said. "You don’t ever want to be second fiddle or third fiddle or whatever fiddle he is. “You don’t want to be taking a backseat, that’s just human nature.”
Hayes is a terrific Pick-and-roll defender. and a pretty good low post defender as well…. He would immediately become the Wizards best rebounder the first day he steps on the court… Terrible on offense – but you can’t have everything…. (don’t you agree,… Nick Young detractors?)
If the Wizards swoop in with a nice offer – they might be able to steal him away…. Only problem is that Boston is also high on Hayes.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
thats the problem how nice an offer
Look Hayes on this team gives Fliip a vet to play over Mcgee and Blatche only to watch his weaknesses be exposed and have the coach only acknowledge the things he does well ignoring the gaping holes in his game. I’d just as well develop Booker and others to do the same things.
For the right money maybe.
Williams I’d be okay with once NY is gone thats fine. He can ge buckets won’t cost us much.
3 years, $9 million for the mini, right?
For Chuck are you thinking about $4 million a year over 3-4 years?
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Dec 7, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Assuming they retain Young... I like our guard rotation...
Wall, Crawford, Young, Shelvin Mack, and Othyus Jeffers (when he returns in January from his injury)
They might be able to bring in a vet minimum Shooting Guard (Roger Mason, Marquis Daniels)
So I say, give the minimum to the SG (1-year, $1 Million to Roger Mason) and the rest to Chuck Hayes (4-years starting at $4 Million) . That would effectively shut out the Mini-MLE (Boston, Chicago, etc…) and veteran contract trollers (Miami) without giving Hayes a MLE type deal….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I love the roger mason call
While I like Reggie Williams I just feel like I would rather give all those minutes to JC, Young, and Mack and see them develope. Bringing in Williams would take away from their minutes while a Roger Mason type might not as much. At the same time though you don’t want to deprive talent from an already thin team. Tough Call. I think I would rather have Mason though for this year.
4 mill a year for a 6'6 non scoring pf
come on rook you better than this. Be better to just develop Booker in that same role with more offense and more hops.
Well
Consdering that with a salary cap of 58 Million, 4 Million is only 6.8% of the cap….
Your super star is supposed to take up 30% ($17 Million)…
Assume you have another All-Star = $10 Million each
Three other starters ($7 Million each) = $21 Million
3 or 4 players still on Rookie contracts = Total $6 Million
2 or 3 scrubs on the back end of the bench = Total $2.5 Million
Seems like $4 – $5 Million for rotation players is a pretty decent price…. And Carl Landry is very definitely a strong rotation player…. 6th or 7th man….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
IDK about Hayes
I think that guy is solid, but I think it wouldn’t serve a purpose to get him. What would be the purpose of having Seraphin or N’Diaye? I mean chances are Hayes is not going to make this team a playoff team, so if you’re going to lose, why not lose with the possibility of developing one or two young big men as opposed to getting a mediocre veteran big man that would do little to nothing to change where this team is going? If we get Hayes, there will be no time for Seraphin or N’Diaye and it would make drafting them pointless.
But I would be okay with getting Reggie Williams. That guy is a baller, but I think we would have to drop Larry Owens to do that though.
so if you’re going to lose, why not lose with the possibility of developing one or two young big men
Because playing against and with Hayes in practice, and in games is better than hearing it from Flip Saunders 100 times…. Hayes plays the Pick-and Roll to perfection. He sets great picks. He talks on defense. He rotates. He does all the little things on defense that we want McGee, Blatche and Seraphin to learn how to do….
Plus – how can John Wall develop properly as a pick-and-roll Point Guard if he doesn’t have anyone on the team that can set a proper pick – or roll to the proper area on the floor…. or seal off the driving lane…. or grab the tough defensive rebound….
Sure – you want your young players to develop – but it will happen faster if they can see someone doing it the right way…..
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Did Wall just inadvertently describe who he'd like coming off the bench lol
Young is a restricted free agent and Wall would like to have him back. "I think it’s important," he said. "He’s somebody that can score the ball. It’s tough to see. Him and Jordan [Crawford] can do both the same things scoring, but whoever is coming off the bench or whoever is starting, you still need firepower off the bench that can be a big time scorer for you, and that’s something that Nick brings."
Its nothing to read into really, but it was kinda like hmmm lol
I read that to mean that either Young or Crawford would be starting. It’s a stretch to read that he’s endorsing one or the other in that quote.
by MR on Dec 7, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
Too late?
Stein on Twitter:
Kings source confirms Sacramento has offered four-year deal at midlevel exception ($20 million) to Chuck Hayes and optimistic he’ll accept
agreed
the full MLE is a little much.
It means that Dalembert is out though. Miami or NY it is for him.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back!
David Aldridge
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 8, 2011 5:01 AM EST up reply actions
Too much...
Hayes would be a good reserve big, but not for $5 a year. For the Kings, I suppose he’ll backup Cousins and probably be a solid lockerroom/practice guy, but that’s waaaay too much for a player who ideally would only clock 12-15mpg at most.
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