I think our biggest issue now with Yao out is our center position, so here are some players we could look at... Wang Zhizhi Scott Williams Robert Traylor Jabari Smith Tony Massenburg Peja Drobnjak Andrew DeClercq Elden Campbell Christian Laettner
Dont forget Roy Tarpley I saw him a few weeks back at my clinic and he told me that he has been working out for quite a while with John Lucas.
If healthy (big "IF"), give me Curtis Borchardt. He's young, agile and a legit 7 footer. Dating back to college, he's always had a decent shooting touch and been a solid rebounder/shot blocker with great mobility. ....and who knows, perhaps we could pick up a steal and a possible replacement for Deke if things work out. Afterall, Borchardt is one of the players we passed on to draft F'N Boki in the '02 Draft. Can you say redemption?
Wang zhi zhi is trash. Scott Willams is soft. only one that looks tempting is campbell. maybe DeCerq to.
damn that's an ugly list. how about billy paultz? he has Finals experience and is still under 60 years old - sure to be a fan favorite.
Massenberg or Campbell would be a nice fit. Campbell actually had game at one point in his career though he's always seemed to suffer from the same lazy on court demeanor Stro tends to show. Massenberg is a tough guy I think JVG would like.
Wang Zhizhi - Not A Center Scott Williams - Great idea if it was 1995. Maybe one of the most injury-prone players nowadays so why we would sign him if he most likely hurts himself in his first game? Robert Traylor - Hmm, I'd rather give Lonny Baxter minutes. They are about the same size. Jabari Smith - Scrub with a capital S. I'd rather play Juwan at center than him. Tony Massenburg - He was a good back-up, but he too is same size as Baxter so what he would provide what we don't already have? Peja Drobnjak - Plays in Europe and probably has a significant buy-out amount in his contract. Elden Campbell - He is done, couldn't play 10 minutes a game any more. Christian Laettner - Not A Center I don't see a need for a center just yet. Maybe if Dikembe is out longer than a few games but not now. Swift can play center, Baxter basically is a center, though his size hurts him, Juwan can play some emergency minutes too. I'd rather keep Stephen Graham to get a good look on him than waste a roster spot for someone who has no use a few weeks later.
I think that Massenberg would be a good asset to fill 10-12 min. per game. He can fill the paint and grab a few boards. I don't see anyone else, maybe "the Tractor" that will be able to get any boards and that it what we need.
ugh...yeah I say slide swift to the 5, and bring in another big body to play the 4...or just keep giving Baxter some minutes along with Juwon. Man we are short-handed like crazy aren't we?
