Looking to see where a realistic target might be. Despite the popular notion that we should get an All-Star PF w/o giving up anyone outside of maybe Mo T, the other teams in the league aren't usually so accomodating. In fact, survey GMs about team needs, and the most likely thing you'll hear is "big man that can score, board, and shore up our D." In short? Many takers, few suitors. With that in mind, remember the one in ace we DO hold. The $7 million dollar card. Because if there's a number two priority for teams, it's cutting the payroll. I'm going to skip over minor players as much as possible. On to the rundown: Nothing in the cupboard Hawks Lakers (unless you count a minimum wage Malone that could opt out in disgust) Bucks (unless you count KVH) Orlando Philly (overpaid scrap, IMHO) Seattle Toronto Utah (AK47 is playing out of position, and if he wasn't this would be listed under 'untouchable') PFs are untouchable Cavs (don't kid yourself about Boozer) Denver (no interest in cap room and we can't sign Camby outright) Golden State Memphis T-Wolves (the next time I hear a dream KG trade I'll fire a gun) New Jersey (until the owners decide to break up the team and save the cash until Brooklyn starts hosting the team) Phoenix SA Spurs Wizards (Kwame comes relatively cheap and still could break out) Possible Raef LaFrentz, Celtics ($8 mill next year, 5 yrs remaining) - but a big question mark for many reasons. If Blount walks, Ainge may need to cling to his last big man. Antonio Davis, Chicago ($12, 2 yrs) Tyson Chandler, Chicago (RFA) - If Okafur lands in Chicago, these two become immediately expendable, and may be so anyway. Chandler hardly adds toughness, and Davis is on his last legs. A Walker, Dallas ($14.6, 1) A Jamison, Dallas ($12.6, 4) - Dallas could be blown up if they flame out, and you can bet these two would be shopped. I can't fathom JVG wanting Walker around, and Jamison may be a little undersized. Corliss Williamson, Detroit ($5, 3) - Forget Wallace. Either one. Detroit wants to resign both Rasheed and Okur, though money will get tight quick unless additional salary can be shaved. Dumars will try and unload Williamson if he can. Al Harrington, Pacers ($6, 2) - Unlikely, but he is unhappy with his minutes and coming off the bench. Pacers may trade him if Croshere is packaged as well for the trade exception. Elton Brand, Clippers ($12, 6) - While I don't see him eing shopped, it's possible since the Clippers don't have all the money in the world to throw at Kobe (somewhere around 11 or 12 million, depending on where the salary cap is set). ESPN talked about him being available, but I'd consider the possibility of him moving to be 10% or less. Brian Grant, Miami ($13, 3 yrs) - For the first time in a few years, he's probably not going to be shopped, thanks to Miami making such a run. Still, an ideal fit for JVG's system. PJ Brown, Hornets ($8, 3 yrs) - He would not be happy about this, but the Hornets may be blown up due to low revenue, another new coach, and Mashburn's bratty antics. Kurt Thomas, NYK ($6, 4) - This would only happen as part of a 3-team deal. Isiah covets Rasheed, Kobe, etc, but would need help (and a $7 mill trade exception would grease things) to pull it off. S Abdur-Rahim, Portland ($14, 1) - Rumors point to a swap for Ray Allen. Portland is certainly looking to move his salary for relief and/or guard help. Dale Davis, Portland ($9, 1) - likewise available. Chris Webber, Sacramento ($17, 4) -Even the Kings are second guessing his salary because of his injuries and how well the team does without him. If I had my way, the Rockets would bring in Brian Grant. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. As to any hopes for a young, up-and-coming All Star; well, dream on. Evan
williamson and harrington are more like 3's than 4's. we need a 4 who can rebound and block and hit a jumper. if possible he should be versitile enough to play the 5 for some stretches and quick enough to guard the odoms and gasols of the nba.
You forgot to add SAR. The guy has good offensive ability and can play around the basket. Is kinda skinny to play PF in WC, but has always been a decent rebounder. His offensive ability to hit close and long shots will really make teams think about doubling Yao.
I think a very attainable guy would be Kurt Thomas. He scores rebounds and brings a certain amount of moxie to the table that we lack right now. That being said, I think we should go after a point guard first...even if it means Mobley goes.
well if you were hoping to get a star that's too bad. but any one of those people on the available list would help us somewhat.
I think the Knicks could be interested in swapping Kurt Thomas with Mo Taylor. The Knicks need a big man that can score, and Taylor is well qualified and available. They might not be willing to give up on Thomas, but I think it's a fair deal, considering Thomas' extension is a killer.
I think Grant is very attainable, but his contract is killer. A realistic trade might be Kelvin Cato and Clarence Weatherspoon for Grant, but his salary would be on the books for an additional year. I really don't know if he's worth it. I have a slight preference for Kurt Thomas because I know he can hit the mid-range jump shot in addition to playing tough D. What about Grant?
I dont see anyone mentioning Donyell Marshall. Looking at his stats, and only looking at his stats(never seen him play), he seems like a good fit with yao. He has some shotblocking skills. Nearly Averages 10 rebounds a game and is a good 3 point shooter. He also seems like a reasonable choice due to hes on a loosing team and doesnt seem to be a centerpiece. Maybe he can be had for cato since the raptors need a C so they can move bosh to the 4.
Blount probably will leave Boston, but a number of teams covet him. However, I think he's a center, and not a PF. Can anyone confirm this? If he's a center, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to try to get him considering we're already playing a Center out of position.
madmonkey, I threw that out on the Raps board, and they weren't thrilled with the idea. Marshall has played well with them and averaged 16ppg for them this year. I don't think Cato is enough to get it done. Maybe if we were willing to take on Alvin William's contract.
In my honest opinion I think we should try and help Cato develop a jumpshot in the offseason. He isnt ice age old and if I remember Karl Malone didnt really have that jumpshot in his early career. Not saying Cato could be the next Karl Malone but he could be a really great player as oposed to him being decent. We really need a bigger Shooting Guard and a heady PG.
Our only chance to get Brand would be to trade stevie. Otherwise, i think antonio davis would supply toughness down in the paint and has the ability to make a mid-range jumper.
bring back othella. swett 15 foot jumpshot, great hands, total workhorse, low assists but on the rockets noone will notice
Can we just have Cato work on his mid-range jump shot this Summer? That's the only additional thing we need from him! There are quite a few players who didn't have that mid-range when they entered league, added that into their arsenal late in their career. If they can do it, Caot can, too!
After reviewing the list, I found the Cato + MoT are not too bad combination comparing to most other teams The downside is mainly their huge contracts.
a couple decent/reasonably realistic possibilties that could be out there: antonio mcdyess: he showed signs of getting healthy towards the end of the season, he's a FA. and he's probably not going to demand much on the market. he always had a decent mid range shot and hit the boards. chris wilcox: he showed a lot of energy for the clips this season. the bright side of not being able to get elton brand is that the clips can afford to let a young guy with potential get away. (elton brand has little to do with this, the clips have always been willing to part with young talent before pay day)
