The story is out there that Stevie wants to move to the 2, and that he will be. Even if this decision wrong (my opinion) it feels like it could occur. But first -- Milwaukee v NJ. GP, Sammy, Kidd. What happens if Bucks lose, GP not re-signed? Sammy traded? If Nets lose, is Kidd a Spur? Utah v Sac. Stockton. Does he re-sign or resign as an active player? What he does, it is reasoned, could impact Dre. Philly v Hornets. If Sixers crash will Snow be out and who would be in? Is Baron's physical problems giving Kenny Anderson a showcase for his free agency? Arenas, Dunleavy - Crawford, JWill. If Arenas is Denver's (or Heat's) new 1, does Dunleavy get swapped for the Bulls' Craw or Will? Where will the Denver - Miami loser for Arenas' services turn? What do the Sonics plan on doing? Barry staying at the 1, returning to the 2, combo? If Kidd to SA, then what about Parker? Who do the Nets seek? Lots of league wide competition for targeted points. Have I mentioned the Rox? Where do they turn? Their best option remains, I believe, the Clips. Stealing Dre out from under SLC with Mobley as the bait (the oft repeated Cat/Odom connection). But, if not Dre, is there a reasonable alternative of a guy who can ball and can be afforded within salary realities? Besides GP if a SnT is available? Targets are great for the Rox braintrust. In the case of point guards, wither the point?
All good points (pardon the pun) and questions. The Clippers are the key to the offseason for a lot of teams, I think. But Milwaukee is certainly interesting also. The Clippers though have Marko Jaric and they weren't overly thrilled with Andre Miller anyhow. Unless they owe it to someone that I don't know about, the Clippers have a high lottery pick again. What if they land in the top 3? Which of their free agents becomes more or less expendable? Is LeBron James a point guard (which would change a lot of things) or shooting guard (which would make Mobley less attractive)?
I still think that who ever we pick up in the offseason should be a player that compelments Steve and is known as "Role Player." In other words, we need a PG who won't score a lot of points and who's primary job is passing the ball. I want Tinsley, but most say he doesn't shoot well enough to be our starting PG, that we need a consistant scorer from the outside to work. So far in the playoff series w/ the Celtics, Tinsley has had these stats. MPG: 38 FG%: 62 3P%: 67 RPG: 3 APG: 8 TO: 1.67 PPG: 12 Now I know playoffs do not always translate into the season, but those are some damn fine numbers from a pure point guard. He doesn't lose the ball much, he gets the assists, and he even shoots the rock fairly well. I know Thomas has been pretty unhappy with the guy (I don't understand why) and is willing to trade him. I don't think Moochie would work too well, but maybe we could convince them that Cat is capable of playing the point? We lose in points when getting rid of Mobley, but we gain about 7-8 easier baskets from a point guard who loves to get his teamates involved.
I'd like to add a point. If the Spurs win, why would they go after Kidd, instead of Brand? Why would they part with Parker after a title like they are desparate for a 30yr point. Why not go for helping Duncan in the low post with youth? If I win a title, I'm not so desparate for Kidd.
How are the Bucks interesting?A part from an ageing Payton I don't see who can be interesting. Concerning the Clips,why not going after Brand and their pic(TJ Ford!!!) intead of Miller. (Yao got robbed,I want a potential ROY on our team next year! ) ALA
It is tough to target, and project, only midway thru the 1st round. As each round ends the summer picture becomes clearer, EXCEPT where the Clips inability to ever make decisions can slow that domino effect (Dre, Brand so on with all their RFAs, SnT's) as well as the Bucks' situ StocktontoMalone's slow decisions , too, on their resigning) SO when will the picture clear for the Rox?
Alvin Williams would bring it up, not turn it over, defend Steve's man, defer to Ming and Francis, shoot the three ball. Big men (true centers) don't use pgs. They get their best entry from the wing. Lamar Odom would be out BEST option for a pg. True points feed forwards. We don't need a true point. It would be a waste of money.
I totally agree with you! Use the Jordan-era Bulls as model... a lot of times, MJ or Pippen acted as the PG... kerr and paxson were the SG... we don't need a true PG.. we need a tall SF type.. who can handle the ball and defend taller players that Franchise can't defend...
Tinsley? He was horrible this season. Pacers weren't that delighted. Why did they get Tim Hardaway? ANYWAYS. I want Gary Payton most. I think the Rocket should try as hard as they can to get him...I would give up Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato for him...or more. Then next.....Andre Miller. But really..he doesn't fit. He's still a good point guard. I would give up Mobley and Griffin for him and Wilcox...maybe. Then next...Jason Williams. Uhh..don't know. Of course I would like Kidd. But there is no way we can get him.
Lebron James as a point guard?!?!?!? Haha...he would be pretty good..still have height and size advantage like in high school.
Indiana should be on the point guard list, too. Think Isaiah would kill to get his clone, Stevie? I bet he would, I hope he doesn't get him (now, if he started talking JO'N, maybe...). Strickland and Hardaway are gone, and Tinsley is going going ...
How about Nick Van Exel? Could he make a positive contribution? He's become somewhat humbled since joining Dallas. He also has good Point stats. YEAR TEAM G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG Career 723 605 34.7 .407 .357 .800 .50 2.60 3.00 7.2 .89 .12 2.24 1.70 15.5 I don't know, he may still shoot the ball too much.
You know what, xiki? NBA.com had these "Then and Now" features comparing all-time greats with the All-Stars of today and they compared T-Mac to George Gervin, Kobe to 'Nique Wilkens, Duncan to Bob Whisitt (sp?), Shaq to Wilt and Francis to Zeke. Though I don't really see the comparison in the last one, it is interesting, though. BTW -- good "points" on the 'Points.' And if it were up to me I wouldn't mortgage the house so to speak to get a Gary Payton...the guy is, what, 35? It is concievable that in two or three years he'll be retired or reduced to a backup PG role, in which case Francis-Yao won't even be 20 yet. So while thinking of PGs to get we have to think about long-term solutions for the club. Jason Kidd is younger of course, but REALISTICALLY the Rox don't have a chance @ getting him. So the Alvin Williams, Eric Snows, Tinsleys, are probably the best we (the Rockets) could get I think. The team just needs a solid PG (like the onse just listed) that can get Yao, Francis the ball and take his shots when needed anway.
Let me do an analysis here. Bucks I guess won't resign GP unless GP accepts a MLE. Why? Ever heard of the story Bucks ownership wanting to sell the franchise? They won't go over the salary tax if they want someone to buy it. GP I think will be most likely to go to a team with cap room with a contract starting at 6-8m. Miami anyone? Stockton will retire. Utah will go for Andre Miller. They have the cap room to sign him for the max or near max. Philly are not going to crash. They are going to the Finals or at least ECF. Larry Brown won't let his favourite player go. Kenny Anderson is FA but I guess Hornets will resign him for MLE because of Baron's continued back problem. Arenas of course is going to Denver. Yeah I definitely think a swap of Dunleavy for Jamal Crawford is a possibility in case neither of them is able to address their need in the draft. Forget Jay Williams though, he's the Bulls PG of the future. Denver will get Areans no doubt. They will draft a PG. Kidd is staying at NJ. SA are going for 1. Jermaine O'Neal with the max, 2. Brad Miller with 6-7m a year contract + a swingman (Maggette? Odom?) for the remaining, 3. Kandi + a swingman. Brand will stay at Clippers. This is my guess. Why would Andre Miller come to us when he can get the max to near max at Utah?? Steve Francis is our PG next year.
If Seattle drafts a point guard.....what are they gonna do with two great shooting guards??!? Not enough playing time! Ray Allen and Brent Barry!
