Is the Grass Greener? The Green Players in Free Agency

[JNR]

It's a weird time in PBSL. Founding fathers playing basketball, a team from Canada being good, someone actually named their son Modestine...this league has seen many changes since many of us entered these hallowed halls in the 1990 season. As discussed on the award-winning and highly regarded Horns and Fangs podcast, the recent contraction of four PBSL teams has created a ripple effect of changes throughout the league. Among the oddest of these changes (to me at least) is the fact that we are one sim into the new season, and there are actual green current players in the free agency pool.

This makes sense on its face: fewer teams means fewer roster spots, which means that some talented players may find themselves on the outisde looking in. But among the 26 teams left, there are dozens of yellow current and potential players on rosters. So that begs the question: should any of these G/G players be signed right now?

To answer that question, I will look at each G/G player and give them a brief scouting report, then look at different teams and see if they could use these players as an upgrade. A note: I am not going to analyze any y/g players, because their value is strictly related to that green potential and it makes little sense to sign a player to a one year deal if you're banking on them reaching green in future years. Secondary note: I had written up a thing on David Lassiter before realizing the Clippers signed him. To be fair, my report said WHY HASN'T ANYONE SIGNED THIS MAN so at least I was right.

Mark Hill (26 Years Old)
Player page: http://pbsl.ijbl.net/players/player728.htm
Best attribute: decent athleticism
Worst attribute: Shooting guard who can't score
Best league season: 2030, Spurs, 5.8 ppg

In what will surely be a trend, Mark Hill seems to be one of the "fake greens" -- players who are rated higher in the game because of athleticism and not what they can do on the court. Hill is in the 50s in all scoring, which is why his best ever season was less than 6 points a game. I'm not sure if he really belongs on a team unless that team is just looking for someone to run around for a few minutes a game. Perhaps he'd fit in on the Hawks if the computer over there ever woke up.

James Terry (27)
Player page: http://pbsl.ijbl.net/players/player548.htm
Best attribute: good athlete, decent free throw shooter
Worst attribute: no other rating above 56
Best league season: 2026, Warriors, 7.6ppg

I cut this guy and Leonard Kipp after receiving him in a trade from the Pelicans. While Kipp found a home soon after, Terry is still waiting on the phone to ring. And if we're being honest, it probably won't be ringing any time soon. He's a good athlete, which is the only reason his color isn't yellow. And he can shoot free throws, but he really can't do much else. His best season was on a Warriors team that doesn't even exist anymore. Just like Hill, he's a wing and there are a lot of talented wings in the league, and even the y/y guys usually have at least a 60 in 3ps so they at least can do something.

Dennis Williams (26)
Player page: http://pbsl.ijbl.net/players/player389.htm
Best attribute: decent althete, decent 3PS
Worst attribute: awful defender and rebounder
Best league season: 2028, Mavericks, 6.3ppg

Now we're getting somewhere. Yes, he can't defend a 60 year old Penny Hardaway, and he hasn't had much success in the past. But when you're looking for someone to shore up your bench, you're looking for guys to fill a role. And what role is more popular than "decent shooter who can't defend"? Williams could fit in on a few squads that have good defense but need a scoring punch on the bench. And maybe he'd set a new career high in scoring...with like 7 points.

Coy Johnson (28)
Player page: http://pbsl.ijbl.net/players/player323.htm
Best attribute: Decent blocker, strong
Worst attribute: Low jump, no other potential higher than C
Best league season: 2029, Suns, 8.0ppg

I also think this guy could find a home. He can block, and his strength is 100 -- that alone should put him above a lot of players who are on rosters right now. And even though all of his other potentials are C or lower, the current ratings where it counts are decent: 60 in INS, high 50s in rebound and defending. If you start a frontcourt that doesnt have a lot of rim protection, signing him to make your bench a little more stout couldn't hurt. And think of all of the headlines -- your bench opponents will be too coy to score! ...Shut up, I have dad jokes now.



So of the four players, I'd say that two are worth having on your team. So if you're looking to upgrade your roster, give some of these greens an extra look. They need a home!

[TheSyndicate]

But is the GREEN GRASSER!?

[IamQuailman]

But is the GREEN GRASSER!?

He won't die on that (Mark) hill

[false9]

832 words= 4 points