That's too much unless they think he can really grow up to be the player they thought he'd be (Lamar Odom candyless)
He came straight out of high school the same year Lebron did. I'd also like to take this opportunity to point out that those who think Ariza is over-paid are crazy. Ariza for the MLE was a steal.
I know it may be narrowminded of me to perceive of him in this manner but I used to think Outlaw could have been a pretty good player (not All-Star, but just a solid career 16ppg guy)...and then the playoffs happened. Not to discredit Ron and Shane's defense but when you shoot that bad in the playoffs it doesn't help your cause.
Just seems like he has been torturing the Rockets for a decade or more. Thanks for the info. Agreed... I think he will play even better this year. Moving back to SF and not feeling the pressure to be first (or even second) option in the offense is a big help. Early on last year the game was too fast for Ariza... once he adjusted to the Rocket's game, tooks shots in flow, filled the lane, and worried less about offense than defense he looked a lot better. Having Yao and Martin in the offense will help Ariza find more open shots (Martin will also see more open looks).
The Ariza deal looks better and better. Outlaw is a freak athlete and he plays pretty good defense but he just doesn't get "it". Not in the sense that he's a trouble maker or knuckle head but he has no basketball smarts whatsoever. He doesn't understand simple things like when to pass, when to shoot and when not to, where to be on the court etc. Very low IQ in general. What I dislike most about this trade is that it's going to take away PT and hinder the development of Terrence Williams. Williams is much better and I think he's the real deal. This is a stupid move unless the Nets are able to package something for a better deal. I think this means for sure that CDR is a gonner. I bet he could be had for cheap as well. If we didn't have a glut of SF's I wouldn't mind CDR at all.
Weird signing, too much money, and even stranger timing unless they are certain LBJ wrote them off. It's these moves that will tell us for sure if the new Russian owner is going to make changes. This is a bit too similar to the Bobby Simmons signing, imo.
