Oh, I'd love to have the guy, but not for max dollars. You have to think we could get an impact player that'd better fit our needs if we're seriously going to break the bank. Billups would fit the bill, and then use the MLE to address the hole at the 4. Not any more impossible than getting Lewis, if we're going to imagine impossibilites. Instant contenders. Does Lewis do that? Certainly, one could argue that he would. The guy can score, but can he really defend his position? Billups can. And what position does Rashard play on the Rocks? The 3 or the 4? Billups averaged 77.5 games a season over the past 7 years and Lewis 73.6... not a big edge in durability for Billups. Billups has started 99 playoff games, and Rashard 15. Huge edge there in playoff experience. Battier in a deal for Billups would let Tracy play at the 3. Battier for Lewis puts him at the 2, unless Lewis plays the 4. Lots of questions and other options. I mentioned Billups because he's as much a possibility as Lewis, IMO. He'd be my preference, given the tossup. More likely that we get neither.
Doesn't seem to be much actual data on this kid, but I like the potential, too. Longer-term solution, but one of those potential diamonds in the rough. Sounds like Joe Dumars is high on him, too, though.
Why not trade Rafer and Sura's expiring to get a re-signed vets minimum Grant Hill along with Darko? Orlando would value the expiring almost as much as Rafer. Grant says he would sign for vets minimum for a chance to win. Even if he is oft-injured, it would be nice to have him on the bench. That's almost 9 million we are sending out (I think I'm close on that), that should net us Darko and Hill right?
Actually now that Lewis is with the Magic, we can -almost- sign Darko for the MLE. He would have to be willing to take his existing salary though. We could offer him the starting job which might be appealing.
