Millsap, Sessions Could Be Bargain Buys in the NBA’s Slouching Offseason Market

Teams don’t have money, and on top of that, are saving cap room for 2010. No superstars could possibly be interested in hitting the open market (Allen Iverson), and are mostly looking to re-sign with their current teams (Lamar Odom) or take advantage of a player option everyone had assumed was useless (Carlos Boozer).↵
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↵But undoubtedly, the guys who have it the worst are Paul Millsap and Ramon Sessions. Millsap, the almost All-Star who isn’t even making 800K this year, is up for grabs this summer. In a perfect world -- well, perfect for Jazz fans -- Utah would probably let Boozer walk, and make Millsap a fair offer he couldn’t refuse. Lower than Boozer, but higher than the mid-level exception, which is all they could offer him now. But hasn’t Millsap distinguished himself beyond that? I’d say so. In this economic climate, though, there will be no Nene or Tyson Chandler contract for the hard-nosed, hyper-productive power forward. That is, unless a team that knows it’s out of the running for the big names of 2010, and isn’t totally screwed money-wise, and can afford to make Millsap a key building block comes up with a bigger offer. I’m looking at you, Oklahoma City Thunder.↵
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↵Another intriguing situation is that of my main man Ramon Sessions, another former second-rounder. Sessions was drafted by the Heat, then had to do some time in the NBDL before ending up on the Bucks last season. Still developing, Sessions is nevertheless the rare point guard who can both put points on the board while keeping his teammates involved. Scott Skiles has been intent on putting bumps in his road to greatness, but now he’s secured minutes and, in admittedly meaningless games, is averaging a double-double. ↵↵Now, does someone look at Sessions, see this year’s Mo Williams, and invest heavily in a player who could put a strong team over the top? Or will the sketchy track record, lack of a three-point shot, and lingering questions about turnovers and pure PG-ness make him a victim of conservative spending this off-season?↵
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↵Not that anyone asked me, but I’d just as soon sign Millsap and Sessions as Nate Robinson and David Lee, or even many of the big names who will be available in 2010.↵

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