Bima, forgive my ignorance, but there's no way to resign lowrey and scola, and still have money for a quality Center like Haywood (ie. someone who will command $5 mil a year), right? A trade or sign and trade is our only option to get an impact 5, if we want to keep scola and lowrey, right?
Oklahoma dreamin.' Serge is a huge favorite of Thunder fans and has earned his starting job. He will only get better, and the Thunder knows it. Good thought, though.
I think it's more likely to happen by trade than free agency. You balance the roster AND don't add to the cap number by trading, instead of signing someone outright and having to cut/waive/buyout other players who still count against the cap. Something like... Jeffries Cash (for buyout) pick for Nazr
You're correct. I should have said "has earned a starting job." Serge is better and more active than Krstic, who has a player option this year for about $5M. Has he exercised his option?
I'm going to have to agree. I don't know why everyone's loving Haywood all of a sudden, when he's just a Dampier who thinks he has offense. Neither of them are quality starting centers, but I'll take Dampier over Haywood if he's cheaper. (I think I'm going to go puke now.)
The Rockets still have the full Mid-Level Exception (~$5.8M starting salary) and the Biannual Exception ($2.08M) to use on free agents, even after re-signing Scola and Lowry. Just note, though, that the Rockets will be over the luxury tax threshhold after they re-sign those guys, so any use of the MLE or LLE will basically cost Les DOUBLE.
That's why I think they will pursue trades first. They probably are right now already, they just wanted to see how the draft shook out. Now that they have WAY too many PFs, I could see them packaging Jeffries, one or more of the young PFs and a pick for a decent backup C (and maybe a 3rd PG)...
Has anyone thought of picking up Brian Zoubek from Duke? He's not the greatest athlete, but he's got size and he's played for four years with Coach K. Probably means he would be a good locker room guy and a hard worker. Not to mention he's a National Champion. That's got to count for something, right?
I remember there being a lot of hate for him around here in the NCAA tourney.....something about him being a flopper and a whiner. I actually think he could be useful to us with that size........especially being under the tutelage of Coach K, I bet his BB IQ is pretty high also.
every keeps saying we are PF heavy, assuming that Hill can only play the PF spot. he is 6'10" with a 7'1.5" wingspan. if he can bulk up (like you said) he can bully the 7 footers in our league such as pau. he can become a more explosive and offensively talented kendrick perkins, who is only 6'10" and i don't think anyone considers him a PF.
If the rumors are true, and they are having a Fire Sale at Golden State, and the Rockets are willing to take on his contract.... ...Biedrins could probably be had for a little more than Jeffries expiring. Maybe cash for a buyout/picks... Randolph could possibly be added with a little more value from the Rockets side.
I would trade Patterson for Ibaka in a heartbeat! Ibaka showed great potential in the playoffs, plus with the addition of Aldrige and still having Krstic on the roster the move would make sense from their perspective, specially because they have a need at the back-up PF position... --RB
Perkins has a ridiculous standing reach(9'4), not to mention he also has a 7'4 wingspan.... which does make a difference! --RB
is it possible to have a back up center fill into the starter's role and still win a championship? What do you guys think? We need a strong back up C with starter ability I think. J hill is a decent backup C, but who else will fill that void? someone like brad miller perhaps?
I have a feeling that might be the path we are taking. Hunter wasn't my "dream" pick but I think we are not going to get that great C we are looking for. Not a big fan of Beidrens' contract but that may be where we are headed. They should throw in Randolf (yes another PF) for a sweetener.
