What about Melvin Ely? He would be a good backup PF/C for years to come, seeing as this probably Deke's last year.
When TMac, Battier, and Hayes/Howard are on the floor, TMac will be guarding the easier matchup of the 2,3 and Battier will be guarding the tougher matchup. For instance, if we actually bust out with that lineup against the Lakers, I would look for Hayes to take Lamar, and Battier to take Bryant, with McGrady only making occasional runs at one or the other on key possessions. Hayes, Battier, and Snyder are the "dirty work" players. I would actually look to see more of Snyder, Battier, McGrady against a team like the Lakers with Snyder taking Bryant for the most part and Battier taking Odom. If we had one more good, long defender who was taller and longer than Battier and a great perimeter defender that could guard 4's, but had the perimeter quickness to switch over on 3s and 2s, I think we could be something special.
Ely is restricted and anything we can offer (about 2 mil year from MLE) would be matched. We would have to trade for him, and we have little to offer. This is my big concern. We may not have a decent sized SG who is consistent enough to compliment the Yao-Battier-Tmac front line. Snyder, Abuz and Sura are all wild cards/long shots, VSpan and Luther are kinda small to go into the SG spot with that front line. It may turn out that Hayes and Howard play more 4 minutes that Battier not because they should, but because we need Tmac/Battier to cover more quality SG minutes. This is a bad reason and the better solution is not to add another PF worthy of minutes, but add another SG worthy of minutes. Snyder has been basically booted off of two team already. Not impressive in summer leagues either. If he does fit in with the team he would be a huge addition with his athleticism and NBA quality individual skills, but the question with him is mainly about his ethic/character--not shooting or any other basketball skill. I rather see Head and VSpan improve our PG performance. They may have to help our SG spot too. But IMO we really need a big guard--Snyder, Abuz or Sura, to give us quality minutes. If these guys don't cut the musturd it is far more important to use the TE or left over MLE for a reliable SG than it is for the comparably skilled big, who tend to cost more in trades/FA anyway.
See thats the whole point i was trying to get to...I think we should be looking into a proven SG rather than PF. Battier/Howard/Head will be fine at the PF spot, if we can get a decent SG. Somewhere along the lines of Stephen Jackson, we could use a thug and a native houstonian (does management still hate him in Indiana?). You know if a miracle strikes, and the Indiana GM starts acting like CD it might be possible to swap Howard for S JAX; and then a S&T of Ely plus cash for the TE. Yes, yes i know.......................not going to happen!
I agree with alomst everything you said. I also think it is a reason we won't see any more moves until further into the season. I think we will wait and see what we have before we add pieces. Just like CD waited two years ago and then added Barry, Wesley, James. We are more in a tinkering mode than an overhaul mode. You can't tinker unless you let the engine run and see how it sounds.
I know replying to my own post... Let me refine that a little bit. We might see a trade sooner if none of the guards shows signs of stepping up in training camp. If Alston, Snyder, V-Span, and JL3 all look terrible in camp, then we might see a move sooner rather than further into the season. I don't see anything happening prior to training camp.
Trade or FA p/u, whatever...I think there are still 2 moves to come before camp. One will be for an experienced 1/2, or a big 2 who can shoot. The other will be for depth upfront. A combo 4/5, or a 4 with range. Creativity could bring Bonzi, Crawford, Murphy, Scallabrini/West/Grant, Korver, Ely or ?
I just don't see it happening prior to camp. If it does, I will be the first to say I was wrong. Actually the way things happen on this board, I will probably be the 21st to say I was wrong.
I agree with you. Unless their is a nobrainer, like the way Jim Jackson fell to us a few years ago for an under 2 mil deal, I do not seeing us making a move. If our young guards don't cut the mustard in terms of shooting and stability, we must make a move their. (Though we have uncertainty at both PG and SG, so we need to know which is more solid) If our young guards do cut the mustard, then we can consider trading for a 4/5 if Deke, Howard and Hayes are not working as back-ups to Yao and Battier). But if our young guards do cut the mustard, our primary bigs are healthy (Yao, Battier, Howard), Deke looks to able able to give is 10MPG, and/or even Hayes chips in effective minutes, the best move is no move. So I think we will take a wait and see approach. Unless the nobrainer acquisition comes along (very doubtfull, Evans and Wells will cost more than we have, maybe Jumaine Jones if Snyder/Abuz fall apart), or it becomes completely obvious our young guards won't cut it early in camp (doubtfull, more than likely it will be mixed bag of mistakes and promise).
Is Ire Newble from the Cavs a PF? How about a SnT with Wesley goin to the Cavs and Rockets getting Newble.
Did you just actually suggest we get Ira Newble? Was their supposed to be a smiley after that? Some reference to the fact that your joking or on crack?
And I don't see it happening during or after camp, prior to mid-Dec, and that's weeks too late. IMO, of course.
OK I'm confused... Do you see two moves coming before camp or you don't see any coming before mid-december? Or you changed your mind?
Sorry, what I meant was if they don't make a move before camp they will almost have to wait til mid-December and that would be too late, so, yes - I expect two player additions and I believe they know it must be done sooner. Not later.
