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DeMarre Carroll is an unrestricted free-agent after a career year with the Atlanta Hawks. Carroll averaged 12.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Carroll was a primary factor in the Hawks’ success this season, as they went 60-22 before losing in the conference finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Carroll is known as a terrific defender, who can defend both wing spots with ease. He is also an outstanding shooter, who shot shot 40 percent from three-point range. In the postseason, Carroll stepped up his production, as he averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. He became the first Hawks player to record five straight 20-point playoff games since Dominique Wilkins. Carroll did this for six straight contests.
While Carroll seems to do no wrong on the floor, as he is efficient and consistent, he isn’t a good fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 28-year-old has peaked as a player, as it is unlikely he will ever average 20 points. The best Carroll will be is a 15 and 6 player, like he was in the playoffs. Carroll like Wesley Johnson is a below average ball-handler and is only a decent passer. Carroll is an excellent defender with a 3-point shot, but that’s all he will be. He won’t ever average in the vicinity of eight rebounds or five assists.
The primary reason the Lakers should stay away from Carroll is the money. It is possible that Carroll could be offered a four-year, $50 million contract. There is no question that Carroll has earned every penny, but that is a lofty price tag. The Lakers are better off signing Khris Middleton at a cheaper price. Signing a three-and-D player for nearly $13 million a year is too much. If Carroll is willing to take around $9-10 million a year then it’s worth it, as he is certainly an upgrade over Johnson.
Signing Carroll will mean the Lakers don’t land Jimmy Butler or another star. The Lakers will certainly improve with Carroll but it won’t make them a contender or a sure thing for the 2016 NBA Playoffs.
