I thought I would start a separate thread for this topic. If there already is one, feel free to lock this up. The general consensus is that we need a backup for Yao. The most common name I have heard is Diop, who I think would be great. What is his status as far as signability goes? Let's hear some other names.
I don't think Deke should retire if he doesn't want to, but we can't rely on him to be a consistent backup at his age.
Not suggesting that he would be the best backup for Yao, but I'm curious to see how Loren Woods would've done with some playing time.
People, be realistic please! Okafor turned down a big contract, you think we can afford him to be a backup??? I actually like to pry Patrick O'Bryant from the Warriors. He simply doesn't fit into Nelson's style and is rotting on their bench. I am not saying he can come in and contribute right away. He is still very young, and has very good potential. He is very big, pretty athletic for his size, has a decent jumper and quite good at defensive end (a very good blocker). A low risk and high return kind of guy.
I'd love Lafrentz on this team. Channing Frye would also be a good fit and might be expendable in Portland with Oden back.
Lets get the best big man available from the Euros. Maybe we'll score a Sabonis.. that's not over the hill.
Blatche would be interesting. He's unrestricted isn't he? He'd be full MLE though - which would mean that's all we can sign... I'd organise a trade for Pachulia. Clearly Horford is the long term C at the Hawks. Dunno what we have that they would want though.
Nenad Krstic is a restricted FA. He made something like 1.2mill last season. Going the 'best Euro big' is a good idea, but again, they'd cost a packet
Blatche is a BYC player. I feel that he is more of a 4 than a 5,although he plays at center. Pachulia would be very nice but we have nothing that they would want.
I used to like his shot blocking and rebounding years ago but I really wonder if he has anything left in the tank.
