Don't really feel comfortable discussing it right now. I hate saying that because it feels like I'm dodging it, but the dude on the Nugs board told us in confidence, and I don't want to jeopardize anything there. We would have gotten a young player, while raw, that could be pretty good (and that I know quite a few people on this board are high on) and a backup PG. Some fair points there, but I can honestly say that there is not one player in the NBA that I fear more when it comes to shutting Melo down than Battier. I think the team defense does help a bit, but most of the time he doesn't even need the help. I understand the willing to sacrifice defense for offense argument, but I'm not sure I agree with it. Plus, I think Battier is a great offensive player for the system you have with a big man down low and a scoring slasher.
So, who are the Nuggets trading to Portland in exchange for Outlaw and Jack? Also, don't forget how many times it was Shane who was there at the critical spot to be the help guy and stopped what would have been an easy shot.
Some fair points there, but I can honestly say that there is not one player in the NBA that I fear more when it comes to shutting Melo down than Battier. I think the team defense does help a bit, but most of the time he doesn't even need the help. I understand the willing to sacrifice defense for offense argument, but I'm not sure I agree with it. Plus, I think Battier is a great offensive player for the system you have with a big man down low and a scoring slasher.[/QUOTE] I agree with your comments about his defense concerning Melo but he is a limited offensive player even with Yao and Tracy at their best. I lot of people may disagree with me and that's fine but his limitations on offense have been pointed out by a lot of people too. That's why some of them would rather prefer to trade him if they could get a better all round player. I would like to add another SF/SG instead of trading him. I know your team is all offense and no defense which is a pity,but we need more scoring along with defense at the 2/3,better passing and shooting at the 1,and a long, strong,tough,athletic backup 5/4 who can defend and put some points up too in order to move up in this very difficult Western Conference.
I think some of the bashing of Shane is because more is/was expected of him because of weakness from the bench in recent years at the 2/3. For various reasons, Bonzi and Luther Head never developed into the needed player(s) to play key reserve minutes. If the Rockets can find a dynamic 3/2 with less flaws than Bonzi has and/or a 2 with less flaws than Luther has, then Shane becomes more appealing to the masses.
In Battier's case, its also who and what they gave up to acquire him that gets him extra scrutiny. If it was Juwan Howard for Battier instead of Mike James, or Bonzi + Mike James for Battier instead of Bobby Jackson he'd be seen as an excellent pickup and keeper Anyways, I remember a proposed John Lucas III for Linas Kleiza deal last year that the ROCKETS didnt want to do. Now you cant deal Kyle Lowry for him.
I honestly have no inside info on that one. I, personally, have been speculating the Clippers for a long time now for a few reasons. First off, the Nugs have been in love with Maggette for years (and apparently the feeling is mutual). Secondly, it gives Sterling someone who will fill the Staples Center and rival Kobe for attention locally. Third, I'm still secretly praying that the Nugs can acquire Shawn Livingston and he can live up to his potential. Oooh. Good guess (especially considering there were Jack rumors to the Nugs), but nope. EDIT - also, this is the Nene deal that almost went down that I'm discussing. Just wanted to clarify because there was some confusion earlier in the thread. How many times do I have to say that the JLIII for LK deal was never proposed by the Nugs? I should just change my signature.
Does anybody think my suggestion of reuniting him with Larry Brown would be a good idea? I definitely think at this point in his career he’s best suited playing out East. As hard as he is to adapt to an offense he could still carry a team like the Bobcats to 40-45 wins, IMO.
Good thread -- it's interesting to read about another team from a serious fan (and long time member) with solid information. I also like the Nuggets so that's another plus for me personally.
I think you have to stick with this core -- AI and Melo have only had a season and a half together and this kind of explosive scoring on one team is rare. Iverson has proven that he can be an unselfish team player -- and like many greats before him (Drexler, Garnett, Allen, etc.) is only one ring away from cementing his legacy. This kind of elite combo is rare -- the Nuggets have to find a way to surround them with the right veteran players.
The Nuggets have promised that Melo is off the table (according to his agent). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3456352
I felt to pose it in question form, but didnt think I needed to really validate it......I dont know who initiated the deal, I heard of it before was the point. It was more to indicate how Kleiza's become a decent player when not long ago he was an unknown scrub, reflected by everyone's general "Who's this guy?" opinion. I like Kyle Lowry a lot. Last year was basically his rookie season cuz he was hurt almost his entire 1st year. Needs a little bit more seasoning to get traded for a Kleiza type player though.
So, I havent read all the thread, but what do you think will happen with Eduardo Najera? Is he going to stay on Denver, because I think he is free agent, or Im worng? Thanks!
I hope to God he'll be back, because he's one of my favorite players and a genuine good guy. That said, I think someone's going to offer him more money than we can. I think a lot depends on what trades are done before the free agent period starts.
Yep, he is such a good guy and good basketball player, too bad that the ex- president of the basketball federation here in Mexico had some troubles with him. He could be a nice addition the mexican roster