Damn I really split on this. Dikembe is 41 and even he can't escape FAther teim forever, but he had one helluva stretch when Yao was out. Anybody remember that 22 rebound game he had (Yaos' career high was 22 I think) and a double-double of 14-12, and the 2nd all-time shot blocking list? On the other hand, he seemed to have started to run out of steam when Yao was almost making his comeback....plus older..... I'll have to say go and give him more money, 2 million a year.
Well, if he wants Les to donate money to his Hospital, then all he has to do is get Les to donate money directly into the 501-3C organization channelling money to this hospital effort. It wouldn't count against the cap and Les would have a write-off. Then everybody would be happy. Maybe that's what Mutumbo should be shooting for. Les Alexander to donate 10 million dollars to his hospital and he plays for the Veterans minimum.
I don't think he is asking for Hakeem money. Some people forget he had double digit rebounds in 10 straight games last season averaging 14.2 boards and 2.1 tap outs during that stretch. Not even the beloved tiny little Chucky Hayes could come close to those #s. You hate to see him go out like this and I just don't know where he would figure into Rick Adelman's game plan.
I'm fairly positive that would be a cap circumvention, and Stern would slap us with a Minnesota Timberwolves-esque penalty for trying it. I hope Deke accepts the min, I'd be a lot happier with him on the bench, and not just Butler and Scola backing up Yao. Evan
I think Deke is worth a little more than vet min. if for no other reason than to show the man some respect for what he has done. 2.2mil... whats another mil anyway, it ain't my money.
ATTENTION DEKE LOVERS... spare me (I love it when people critize someone for NOT overpaying for a has-been) first off, why would a run n gun coach, need a player like Deke. he was fine (for stretches) under JVG...but pleeessse there are more than 15 people on this roster forget the money - Deke lovers, who would you CUT or bench for him Francis Yao Tmac Bonzi James Shane Brooks Head Scola Snyder Novack Hayes Rafer Butler
no question about that, but being a great guy has nothing to do w/ basketball or how much money he should get for playing. attitudes like that are what leads to moochie getting big contracts. when yao went down last year deke really stepped up (at least more so than could have been reasonably expected), but if he is about money than it is probably best to part ways. the guy has made ridiculous money throughout his career. if he is going to pout over 1 million or so than that is more on him than the rockets, imo.
That's an easy one. I'd be willing to bench (or cut) the following players in order to keep my backup center: Bonzi Wells Rafer Alston Kirk Snyder Jackie Butler Throw JL3 into the mix too.
around 1.2M. the benefit of the vet's min is that the league pays about 400k of it so only 800k counts towards the salary cap or some figure like that.
Why would a run and gun coach want Yao Ming, I would be willing to bet in a foot race or stamina contest Deke could outlast Yao. Of the list who would I have cut or benched from the list, probably Head who wont see much playing time because you list like 8 or 9 guards, Snyder see Head, Novak looks even more clueless than last season, and Butler hasn't proven anything but be a 3rd string backup. Deke at his age is still a better back up than Butler. And if you think is has been your a loser in itself. No one is asking for anyone to overpay for him just get for his production last season.
I'm on the fence with Deke. I want him but there's a good chance his tank is empty. Kinda like the Clemens thing, it's starting to look like we parted at just the right time.
