Lets say the Rockets believe Coron Butler is worthy of the #1 pick. (Insider suggests we think so) Why in the world would we trade for Odom? It seems to me we would be a lot better off trading with Chicago and Golden State. We know Chicago really wants JW and that Golden State really wants Ming or JW. Think of all the scenarios that are possible if we really want a small forward. If we do the deal with Odom not only are we taking on a player with health and off court issues but we are giving a playoff caliber rival another weapon. Even if they take a fat contract of our hands is it really worth it? We still have to compete with LA for a playoff spot. The only way we should deal with LA is if Brand is part of the deal. IMHO!
The thing about the Clips is, unless Sterling had a personality transplant, he will probably screw up signing his players, anyway. I hope. Butler looks to be the real deal but how tall is he, really?
Possum, I share your concern. Though I have watched basically no college games, I am convinced that Butler is the one. And more thatn that, the one for us. However, that being said, Odom, Magette plus the 8 & 12 is pretty hard to pass up. The number 8 should net a pretty good player. Assuming Williams, Ming, Wagner, Butler, Dunleavy and Wilcox go in the top six. We get to pick from Gooden, Woods and Tiskit at least. The next group (12th pick) includes Hilario, Stoudamire, Nachbar and Borchart. All in all not bad choices, and it could be better if someone moves up (Jefferies or rush) or reaches for a big man (Ely Haislip). Lastly, with three top 15 picks, I smell a trade. Even though I like the potential picks, I have concern about three roster spots for rookies. Maybe we can package two of those picks to move up to the top 6. That is back in Butler range. Maybe three for one, that should give us a top quality pick. We risk Butler, but the Clippers trade may net Butler and Odom. Sweet.
Butler and Odom would be redundant and our frontcourt would still be horribly week. I don't think Butler will still be around at #8 anyway.
Caron Butler is a VERY intriguing prospect who I think will end up being the best player in this draft when its all said and done. Butler is a 6-6 to 6-7 wing player with a strong NBA body that scores and defends well. Caron can score in so many different ways, coming off screens, off the dribble, pulling up and via posting up. Also, Butler is a good defensive player that plays with lots of fire. He rebounds well for a wing player and finishes well in transition. Alas, I dont think Butler would be a good fit on this team despite all this talents. His large variety of scoring talents would go wasted here considering we already have two players in the backcourt that handle the bulk of the perimeter scoring. The only way I could see Butler fitting is if Mobley or Francis were not on this team, and I dont see a need to change the foundation of this team to that extent. I could easily see Butler move to the 2 guard later in his career due to his style of game. The Paul Pierce comparisons are pretty good, only differences I see is that Pierce is a much better 3 pt shooter, but Butler plays with more fire. Considering the make up of this team and the style of our guards, a tall point forward that can open up the offense some would probably be a better fit.
I think Butler has the larger upside of him and Odom but if a trade came where we could get Odom and picks which we could use to either draft a center or trade for one, that would be the better deal simply because we would be filling both the holes in our team as opposed to filling just one.
I'm a fan of both. I would choose Butler over Odom if given the choice. There are times where I wonder if Odom falls into the 'practioner of much, master of little' trap that so many players fall into. In other words, while Odom is wonderfully well-rounded, does he have that superior skill or 2 that makes him elite. Can he be a dominant scorer, rebounder, passer, etc, and well-rounded and versatile as well? IMHO, that's what distinguishes a Larry Bird from a Rodney McCray, a superstar from a solid\good player. With Butler, however, there is little question that he'll probably be a dominant scorer as well as a versatile, well-rounded player.
I think the trade to make is with Golden State. Thet covet Jay Williams and I think we can get Antwan Jamison and the #3 pick for our #1. With that third pick we can draft Caron Butler who I feel is gonna be a star in this league and he brings the one thing this Rox's team needs and that is a defensive attitude. He was a stopper in college and there isn't a player on the Rox's first five who even attempts to play defense. To sweeten the deal I would even throw Glen Rice in the trade just to get his contract off of our books. First Five Cato Jamison or Taylor Butler Mobley Francis Backups Norris Griffin Thomas Jamison or Taylor whoever doesn't start Torres We could literly be close to ten deep we would be young athleticand a team to be reckoned with in the future.
"I think Butler has the larger upside of him and Odom " I think by far Odom has the much larger upside compared to Butler. You've got to also remember that Odom won't turn 23 until November. I think he's a couple of months younger than Butler, if I'm not mistaken. I've been a big fan of Odom since I watched his first college game. The guy is a special, special talent. The fact that his game is so multi-faceted at the age of 22 should be a virtue, not a vice.
