Lakers Looking for Another Point Guard?
By Mike Garcia
The loss of Steve Nash is a tragic. He has played a Hall of Fame career, won multiple MVPs, and is deserving of an NBA championship. Less than a handful of players have been so effective based on hoop IQ and skill level. It’s never easy to replace a Hall of Fame player, even in the twilight of his career.
This young Laker team needs his veteran presence, both on-and-off the floor.
While Nash may continue to support the team this season, the Lakers need to look elsewhere to fill in a roster spot.
Byron still hasn't spoken with Nash but hopes the 40 yr old will take on a mentorship role around the team
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 25, 2014
Byron Scott says Lakers are "probably going to have to look for another" point guard to bolster depth.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 24, 2014
Lakers will apply for disabled player exception following Nash news. If granted, exception would be worth roughly $4.85 million.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 24, 2014
A brief look at NBA free agency at the point guard position shows the slim talent remaining in the pool. A quick look at the free agency market under HoopsHype.com for the point guard position shows Bo McCalebb, Daniel Gibson, Mike James, and Jamaal Tinsley remaining.
It may be wise for the Lakers to explore other options as well. Ronnie Brewer has bounced around the league a couple of years, but he is a tremendous athlete, defender, and once shot over 40% behind the arc. He also has experience playing point guard since his NCAA days.
While the Lakers will apply for a disabled player exception, the Lakers could just allow Steve Nash’s contract to expire at the end of the season. If the team plays their cards right, they should be able to acquire a free agent worth the maximum contract, depending on who stays on the team.
Players like Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis make that decision tough.
The current point guard position is in flux. While it seems obvious that Jeremy Lin should start, there’s very good reason for Jeremy Lin to come off the bench with the second unit as well. In either case, he will be getting extended minutes throughout the game.
Ronnie Price is currently out with a knee injury from the game against the Sacramento Kings. He did an excellent job defensively. He set the table for the slower Laker lineups and kept the Lakers competitive. Hopefully he can recover sooner than later, but for now, Jeremy Lin will start.
It looks like Jordan Clarkson will be getting extended playing time. He has to mature faster on the floor than expected.
Where’s Kendall Marshall when you need him?
… Oh yeah, the Lakers let him go too.
What do you guys think? Should the Lakers look for another point guard? Should they go for the best talent available with the disabled player exception? Should they just let Nash’s contract expire? Please leave comments below.