As someone bound to the blog FreeDarko, it's probably my job to report that the big guy's on a roll. While Wade is out, Bron is stagnant, and Melo's team is confused, Darko is playing up a storm. Over the last month, he's averaged close to 11 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks a game. Not All-Star numbers, but enough to make him a serious free agent over the summer. However, another surging Euro might be just as much of an issue once the season concludes. The Cavs' Anderson Varejao, aka "Sideshow Bob," has been on a rebounding tear, and just might be the second-best guy on Cleveland. With the Cavs already having invested handsomely in Hughes, Big Z, Marshall, Gooden, and that LeBron guy, there's no telling if they'll be able to bring back Varejao. According to The News-Herald, they should keep an eye on Darko's situation:
It might mirror Anderson Varejao's journey into free agency. Both will be restricted free agents this summer, and both will be rewarded handsomely...Given the Cavs' recent track record when it comes to paying free agents, can you really blame the guy? Darko may be the more glamorous player-still seven feet tall, still outrageously versatile, and already a destructive shot blocker-but Varejao is the kind of guy that anchors a championship five. You know, like Eric Snow.
Just how much Varejao will eventually sign for is still in question. Judging by past negotiations, his agent, Dan Fegan, could ask for the max. We all know Varejao isn't a max player, but that makes no difference in this equation. He's a skilled big man, capable of starting on many teams, and will likely get more than the mid-level exception ($5 million).
The Cavs will tell Fegan to go out and find an offer sheet. When no one signs him because they know the Cavs will probably match it, his agent will come back and ask for either an obscene amount of money or threaten to sign the one-year tender.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brazil is in Europe?
no, it's not. but that's a little inside joke we nba observers have: any international player is very lumped in with the european ones. especially if they look white.
Tough call... Varejao certainly has a better work ethic at this point and much less of a sense of entitlement than dear Darko. Still, there's no denying the Human Victory Cigar has much, much more upside. It all depends on what a team is looking for: future potential or immediate, usually consistent production.
Empty the Bench has a little more on this summer's upcoming free agent class here: http://www.emptythebench.com/2007/03/04/the-top-12-nba-free-agents-in-07/
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