http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12386843&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46370&rfi=6 Finding Boozer's replacement not easy BOB FINNAN , Morning Journal Writer 07/18/2004 It's practically impossible to replace Carlos Boozer's 11.4 rebounds per game on the free-agent market. The Cavaliers might be better served by splitting their mid-level exception between two players, including one Cavaliers general manager Jim Paxson calls a ''dirt-working rebounder.'' The Cavaliers might be looking for a short-term fix. If they are exploring free agency for a power forward, they are finding that there's not a lot out there. Stromile Swift, 6-foot-10, 220-pounds, has played the first four years of his career with the Grizzlies. He's a restricted free agent, meaning Memphis can go over the salary cap to match any offer he gets. Swift, 24, drove some of the coaches in Memphis crazy with his inconsistent play. He's one of the league's best dunkers. But there are games where you don't know that he's on the court. He's nowhere near the player Boozer is, but he's an interesting option. He's a better athlete and shot-blocker than Boozer, but can't hit a 15-foot jumper. If the Cavaliers offer their entire mid-level exception to Swift, sources say Grizzlies president Jerry West will simply match it. He has been angling to use Swift in a sign-and-trade deal for Warriors center Erick Dampier. But at what point will West quit collecting players like pawns in a chess match? He has 16 players under contract now. Swift's agent, Mason P. Ashe, has not returned phone messages. Some unrestricted free agents that might make sense are Marcus Fizer (6-8, 260), Stanislav Medvedenko (6-10, 250), Gary Trent (6-8, 250), Vin Baker (6-11, 250), Corie Blount (6-10, 242) and Robert ''Tractor'' Traylor (6-8, 284). Baker's agent, Aaron Goodwin, has been pushing his client on the Cavaliers. Now 32, Baker is a four-time All-Star and was a member of the gold-medal U.S. Olympic team in 2000. But he's fallen on some hard times with alcohol and health problems. However, many think the Cavaliers might have to go the trade route to find a viable option. Here are some players that might be available: - Donyell Marshall, Toronto, 6-9, 230: This guy does nothing but put up numbers. Has he ever played on a good team? No. But he'll go to the boards and get the ball. He can also shoot the 3-pointer. He has one year left on his deal worth $5 million. They need a center and might be agreeable to trading Marshall for Tony Battie. - Maurice Taylor, Houston, 6-9, 260: The Rockets want to move one of their three power forwards, but Taylor has three years and $27.3 million left on his contract. That's enough to rule him out right there. - Marc Jackson, Philadelphia, 6-10, 270: He also has three years left on his deal, but it's for a more manageable $13.66 million. He plays below the rim, but he plays hard and likes to bang. - Drew Gooden, Orlando, 6-10, 230: Rookie Dwight Howard will be given every opportunity to start at power forward for the Magic, which might make the former Kansas star expendable. Gooden has a bad reputation and might clash with coach Paul Silas. He can play, however, and has skills. Teams still aren't sure if he's a ''3'' or a ''4.'' Could the Cavaliers deal DeSagana Diop even up for Gooden? Probably not. - Chris Wilcox, Los Angeles Clippers, 6-10, 221: He'll never be the starter as long as Elton Brand is on the team. He might not be available after they traded Melvin Ely to the Bobcats last week. The Clippers need help in the backcourt and might be interested in Dajuan Wagner, Kedrick Brown or possibly Kevin Ollie. - Danny Fortson, Dallas, 6-8, 260: This is one player who is as good a rebounder as Boozer, but the rest of his game suffers. He can't shoot -- from the field or the foul line. A University of Cincinnati product, he has three years and $18.63 million left on his deal. He rarely plays for the Mavericks. They might take Battie for Fortson, knowing how hard up they are for a legitimate center. But Battie is just a better player. NHCavs@aol.com
Well, I guess that throws out the Mo for Battie/Ollie proposals. Then again, this is Jim Paxson we're dealing with...
Paxson is OK, doing a good job with the Cavs. This was one writer's assessment. Keep in mind: if Rox took Battie and a 'bad' contract, Newbie or Ollie, this deal makes a lot of sense for Cleveland.
I don't have anything against Paxson personally, but from drafting Trajan Langdon 13th overall in '99 to now losing Boozer for nothing, I'm not sure six straight lottery seasons can be considered a good job. I'm also not all that enamoured with Batman, to be honest.
I think of the roster of fat, overpaid players he cleared. His drafting decisions are questionable, at best. Being GM in Cleveland is not like being GM in Lakerland or New York City. So, Pax? He's 'ok'.
Damn Mo and his unmoveable contract! 9M per? What the HELL was Les/CD/Rudy thinking when they handed out that turkey!?!? Oh how I would love to do a Taylor for Battie/Williams trade!
Everybody wants Stromile Swift despite the fact that his acquistion will be in the Mo Taylor contract range. Couple that with what the writer points out (and which most board members completely neglect): Swift, 24, drove some of the coaches in Memphis crazy with his inconsistent play. He's one of the league's best dunkers. But there are games where you don't know that he's on the court. He's nowhere near the player Boozer is, but he's an interesting option. He's a better athlete and shot-blocker than Boozer, but can't hit a 15-foot jumper. We do need a Cato-like player to protect Yao, but please do remember that the main Cato complaints were: 1) his range ended at five feet and 2) he was very expensive for his minutes.
Forget the money issue...do you really think anyone would trade for Mo to solve a rebounding problem?
It is in Mo's best interest to improve. Perhaps with the recent adjustments, he might. I could accept him staying for 1 more year to see. If he doesn't improve his rebounding/defense then perhaps it would be less of an issue for teams looking for a scoring power forward with a 2 year contract after next year. Now if we can package a trade fo a decent PG, I'm all ears.
