I didn't see Zach Randolph's turnaround coming at all. Exhibit 1: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=176106 However, given that he was traded 3 times for essentially nothing (Portland to NY for Steve Francis' earthly remains, then to LAC for an retiring Mobley and Tim Thomas, then to Memphis for Q. Rich), it seems the entire NBA didn't see his turnaround coming-- and he was not nearly this good in these earlier stints. Now, of course THE Zach Randolph is not available, but is there another "Zach Randolph"-- i.e. a player viewed as overpaid and underperforming-- out there who can be had for very little? Given that the Rockets is now chasing the "next Tom Thibodeau," maybe they would be looking for the next Zach Randolph, too? Can you think of anyone?
Dalembert? That's all I got. He'll never be as consistent of a scorer as Randolph, but I could see him being a starting center on a contending team. Maybe averaging 15p, 12r, 2b.
I'm not sure.. it'd have to be a talented player whose fallen out of favor in multiple spots. I'm going throw out Michael Beasley and Al Jefferson.
Jefferson is another player I would be down with considering. Had a much better year than I expected. Especially after the slow year he had coming off the surgery.
Over paid and under performing? The Jokes Rashard Lewis Brendan Haywood Travis Outlaw Gilbert Arenas Brandon Roy Vince Carter The less terrible but still overpaid for performance Joe Johnson Luol Deng Andre Iguodala Elton Brand Andres Bierdrins Josh Childress
IMO, aside from having a slightly better shot selection and being more confident and accepted in his role, Randolph isn't all that much better. What's turned Randolph into a winner is being able to play next to a true center. Gasol has facilitated his growth. Randolph's shortcomings are no longer a liability and he is now a player that's more conducive to winning. I believe that's the perspective you have to take on this one. Scola is the same way actually - Yao makes Scola a significantly more impactful player by negating some of his shortcomings. Battier/McGrady had a similar relationship as well. So... for one, who do we have that can directly facilitate the growth of another player now that Yao is gone? I honestly can't think of any.
Agreed. But is he obtainable, and if for Kevin Martin would you do that? It'd be an absolute and horrid cap killer move to take on Rashard Lewis, but if you could pry away Javale McGee and 1 or 2 (this years and next years) unprotected Wizards draft picks. I think I would. Something like: K-Mart, Hill, Brad Miller for Lewis, McGee, 2011 Draft pick, Right to swap in 2012 draft It is "akin" to rebuilding...though not entirely. Lee moves into the starting lineup, and with McGee in there at C, you are theoretically a much better defensive team. A lot of offense to find, though, but you now effectively have 2 high lotto picks, and by the time the 2012 offseason rolls around, Rashard will be a huge deadline trade asset, or just comes off your books the next year. Though at different positions, right now K-Mart > McGee and I'd argue a top 5 pick in this draft is worth giving up to get rid of Rashard's contract. Would Washington do it? Not sure, depends how much they value McGee. But they'd have a great, efficient SG who doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to pair with John Wall, and a TON of cap room.
Doubtful. The Wizards think they're onto something with Nick Young and Jordan Crawford out there blackholing it. Sure, you and I both understand the difference between Martin's 24 PPG on 16 shots and Crawford's 16 PPG on 16 shots. But hey, it's the Wizards we're talkin about here.
lol. it's especially funny because that probably is as much a reason they wouldn't do it ("no, we're set at shooting guard thanks") as the fact that McGee may just become that legitimate championship caliber starting center type (think Bynum... he already averaged 2.4 bpg in under 30 minutes).
