Looking at the team we are trying to build, just what are we expecting the PF starter to contribute? About 11-14 pts 7-9 rebs per game. Is it reasonable to expect Juwon Howard to do that next year? Yes. So why would we tie up a lot more money in the same position when a big upgrade isn't even needed? I'll say it until I get hoarse: We need DEPTH at the PF next year, not a new starter. Swift may not even be an upgrade. SAR is better but how much better? If we didn't have JH and Spoon was our starter, I'd be singing a different tune. If we don't get decent improvement at PG & SG, stick a fork in this team! Sura may never be able to compete at the same level again without breaking down. Wesley is just too short and too old to be a starter for a contending team. We need a money player in the backcourt that other teams will fear day in/day out.
Well I'm bored. I went and reread the article Clutch wrote on Stromile Swift a while ago. I enjoyed it quite a bit, with the benefit of hindsite. That made me want to read the reactions to the article. I found that enjoyable also and thought I would bring this thread back up.
umm...ok...but wasnt that the point of the whole sticky thread about swift signing here that was up for a good month
I thought it was fun to read wht people said before he became St. Stro and guaranteed us multiple championships.
Indeed reading this thread again is kinda nice. And that Clutch's article on Stro looks even better now and very well informed/balanced - it is a great credit to this BBS and Clutch & his Crew. If there was ever a time to re-up a thread, this is it. I never thought we could land Stro because of our limited money and the educated knowledge that Memphis will not be looking to help up. So I avoided getting my hopes up then but now I cannot wait for October training camp. This deal is a miracle and will go down as a coup.
I think in my mind, I'll be comparing Swift to Eddie. Both are long and athletic and have range. Both are great shotblockers and not-so-great man-defenders. Stromile's not as much of a liability on offense, but Eddie's got slightly better rebounding stats. It will be interesting to see how our expectations have altered at the All-Star break.
