Call me crazy, but I've liked Wright for a long time. He has size to play center, athleticism to play the 4 (slightly better than Cato, at least), and he rebounds like a wolverine high on angel dust. Apparently, the Grizz were unenthusiastic enough about him that they exposed him in the expansion draft. Of course, to be fair, they may have only done so because they knew Charlotte wouldn't want his contract. Speaking of his contract, he has the exact same number of years remaining as Cato (3), and his per year rate is right around $1 million less (approx. $7.1 mil per instead of approx. $8.0 mil per). Yeah, it's still a big contract, but he's a quality big. And he's a little more than a year younger. To compare Cato (ESPN Profile) and Wright's (ESPN Profile) games... they're both 6-11, while Wright is in the 245 pounds range, while Cato is around 275 (more of a pure center). Cato is a slightly better shot blocker, while Wright is a slightly better shooter and is a bit more athletic. Their rebounding numbers are essentially identical. What do you guys think? Anyone else wanna go after him with the TE as our backup big behind Yao and Howard, to go with say Derek Fisher at point guard for the MLE, giving us: Fisher, Lue McGrady, Gaines Jackson, Nachbar Howard, Taylor Yao, Wright (Yeah, I hate Fisher too, but he fits).
Wright is a HUGE fan favorite in Memphis. I doubt he is going anywhere. He was exposed because of his large contract.
I'd be happy with either. Stro would be better, of course. We're not going to get Swift except in a trade however, since we'll only be able to offer the MLE and Memphis would almost certainly match. Chances are, Swift wouldn't come cheap in a trade, and we're already cashing in our most desirable trade commodity (to Memphis) in Cato.
What about Loren Woods. Unrestricted FA. 7'1" 260 Who else could we get for cheap who's all defense? We def need someone to pick up some slack from our defensively weaker power forwards. I don't even care if he can't shoot. Just a big body who can block shots and rebound.
