Alvin Williams' contract isn't fully guaranteed (read that in an article, probably espn). It's lower than $7 million next year, and it's down to $2 million in '07-'08. So it's actually a cap benefit, rather than an albatross.
The more likely trade is between Toronto and Portland with the Raptors drafting Adam Morrison for Portland. The Blazers then send Jarrod Jack and their #4 pick (Andrea Bargnani) to Toronto. The Blazers get the gifted local boy and the Raptors get a very promising PG + the guy they targeted in the first place.
Yeah, I can see that possibility. And they still don't have a center. They've drafted a kid to split minutes with Villanueva and Bosh, their two best players. So, do they deal Bosh? Nope. They start taking offers for Villanueva and see if they can move him and AW to Milwaukee for Magloire's deal. But now they are operating from a weaker position because teams know they are trying to move Villanueva so they can get their #1 pick on the floor. And after all that, they've still got the risk that Bargnani doesn't work out either. (I think he will probably be at least decent.) Milwaukee is left picking between Villanueva and $7 million of dead cap space given to Alvin Williams or Stro at $5.4 million, plus a hustle player in Rybo, plus a future first from us. Which deal looks better to them? Tough call. Villanueva does look like the real deal. But is he a 4 or a 3? And would Toronto rather have Jarrett Jack or Marcus Williams?
There is one other wild card that could play out. Use the same scenario I foresee, but now substitute Patrick O'Bryant for Bargnani. That gives them a front court of Bosh, O'Bryant and Villanueva with a back court consisting of Jack and Morris Peterson -- not a bad looking team.
If Toronto passes on Bargnani, maybe he'll fall to us. If Toronto decides to not draft him, then that should change his mind about really wanting to play for them.
I can't see any team reaching for O'Bryant at #4. Boston will be reaching for him if they take him at #7 over a guy like Shelden.
Good GMs go for the best player available, but IMO this draft will be driven almost exclusively by need. There isa best six -- but little talent level difference among them. Then the second tier of about 8 athletes who are about same level. That means that GMs don't have a clear idea of who is best. Ergo, they go for the best available players who fit their teams.
i think the #1 pick will be traded!! I'm guessing to Portland (Jarrett Jack)?! what do you guys think about him?...personally i've never seen him play.
I wished we had him. I was hoping we'd be able to draft him last year. Jack is a very good leader, good defender, and decent shooter from midrange with very good athletic ability. I like his emotion and tenacity on the court more than anything. He's a winner.
toronto needs help at Centre and also point guard assuming they let Mike James slide.... magloire is from Canada and although slow and clogs up the offense would surely help them defensively.... wouldn't it make sense for them to try to land one of the Bucks PGs in addition to Magloire, I have watched a pile of Bucks games and they need to make Bogut a focus of the offense instead of slow-mo Magloire.... all three of their point guards would be nice additions to the Raptors... even Charlie Bell is nice let alone Mo Williams or TJ...... maybe a PG and Magloire for Charlie Villanova and something else. love to see the Rox land one of the Bucks PGs, not sure what they would want off us
