We'll definitely make the playoffs this year and it's clear now what we must look for in the offseason: 1. a high IQ and passing PG (to cover up for steve's weaknesses) 2. a tall,bruiser and quick PF (in order to matchup with Gasol,etc.)
A small forward that can shoot well over 40%, pass to the post, and defend. Better if he can finish on the break, or swing up.
Rasheed Wallace in a S&T for the trade exception and Pike. Brent Barry for the mid level exception. Cato traded for a #1 pick and a back up center (Chris Anderson?). Draft Jameer Nelson with the #1 pick. Next year's starters Yao Wallace Boki Francis Barry Next year's reserves MoT JJ MJ Cat Some cheap backup center with Jameer Nelson and Clarence rounding out the 12. Barry, Cat, Boki, and JJ could be used interchangably at the 2 and 3 spots. Wouldn't matter who starts as long as they all got good minutes and stayed fresh. Backup center has to play D, block some shots, be a poor man's Cato (Chris Anderson?????)
Why not? Cato's a decent power forward and a solid backup center who could be starting in the middle for most NBA teams. I think many teams in the middle of the first round (not rebuilding) would jump at the chance.
ONLY PRIORITY A pissed off, driven Kobe Bryant with something to show Shaq, the Lakers, and the World. Anyone but Yao...
Denver is gonna wind up in the low teens or high 20's in the draft. Why wouldn't they give up that pick and Anderson for Cato who is gonna be on the floor for them 25+ minutes a night? Make Cato their starting center with Nene the PF and Anthony the SF. That's a pretty good frontcourt for them especially with Camby being the 3rd big. Or what if Camby walks. I think Denver would be interested providing they get into the playoffs this year and make a little noise. And Chris Anderson is underrated by them. I don't think they see his true value. He would be the ideal backup center for Yao.
