I want Gasol as much as anyone else. But if I'm a GM trying to minimize the damage from losing Gasol, I'm on the phone with Phoenix trying to get a viable center like Gortat. Memphis went to the WCF last season. They're pretty damn good. They couldn't replace Gasol, but Gortat sounds better than Jordan Hill.
If we are 7.8 million below the cap, and thabeet is 5.2 million, that's 13 million we could off. If we really wanted offer the max, we could trade Twill or Johnny Flynn with cash considerations to a team with cap space.
I've wanted Gortat since early 2009. That said, I disagree. Gasol is much more skilled and has more upside. From a cost perspective, I can maybe see your argument (and you should clarify as such). But keep in mind: whatever advantage we gain in pursuing the "cheaper" player will likely be offset by whatever trade assets we have to forfeit to convince Phoenix to pull the trigger.
The Max? Really? Wow I don't think he's THAT good. And yeah Gortat really is a bargain. He's making just over $6 million this year and his numbers are similar to Gasol's. But he only plays 25 minutes a game.
Marcin Gortat last year... 80 Games with a 17.8 PER. 27 Years Old 6 Million a year Marc Gasol last year... 81 Games with a 16.8 PER. 26 Years Old 12 Million a year I don't see what is so funny about that. The stats back up what my eyes see. Eagerly looking forward to your next post.
Also, Chuck Hayes makes a bigger impact on games than Luis Scola. I love your sig, and I find it extremely funny that you find it funny.
Look at the statistics first. Gortat's per was actually better than Gasol's. And Gortat is only a year older. Maybe Memphis really will let him go...we'd still be taking a huge risk. He's not that great of a rebounder.
via twitter: @PetePranica Pete Pranica To be clear, no offer sheet officially submitted to Marc Gasol. So reports that Grizz "have matched" are premature b/c there's no offer. @PetePranica That said I believe Chris Wallace and Mr. Heisley will do what's needed to keep Marc in Memphis. PetePranica Pete Pranica I also take issue w/one online report wondering why there "wasn't a more bang-bang response" from Grizz. Heisley has stated intention
@PetePranica I also take issue w/one online report wondering why there "wasn't a more bang-bang response" from Grizz. Heisley has stated intention @PetePranica ... to keep Marc with the Grizzlies. I believe he will and I believe Marc wants to be in Memphis with Z-Bo and the gang.
You point to stats like it's the end all be all when it comes to talent and skill. I guess Kevin Martin is the conversation with Kobe and Wade? I guess Martin is underpaid? Gasol's stats are low because of his role on the team. He's the 3rd option behind Gay and Zeke while Gortat was the focus of the offense working with A HOF PG named Steve Nash.
@PetePranica There are a lot of good NBA reporters out there, but some info in blogosphere is not well-sourced or researched & aims to sensationalize.
Gortat played 5 less minutes per game and still managed to grab more rebounds. 3rd option or not, the $6 million difference in pay is the key number here.
Are you sure about that? Could it be because Gasol is prone to laziness about halfway through the season? Maybe that he is prone to start the season out of shape? No one denies that he was extremely solid in the playoffs last season, battling Perky. Hell, look at Gortat's PER36's with the Magic, where he shared the court with Dwight Howard for stretches. The guy has averaged 11.6 REB and 2 BPG PER 36 for his ENTIRE career... Doesn't seem like such a ridiculous comparison to me. Every statistical measurement you can find of Gortat's 4000 minutes supports that. He is also much more mobile defending the pick and roll. I mean hell, the guy throws down between the legs dunks like its nothing, and he is freaking ripped.
By that logic you would take Scola over Gasol because he makes half as much and his stats are slightly lower.
