Let me clarify. Of course Shaq is untouchable. What I meant is "maybe" only those set of players are on the short list of untouchables even with our #1 pick. With control over teams dying for Ming or JW--we have as much leverage with our pick since at least the 99 draft (Brand/Francis--though I think Ming/JW have even higher ceilings as a pair), and it is probably the best position since the #1 in the 97 draft. In sum IMO we have got the best draft position of anyone of the last five years (since the Spurs lucked into Duncan)--serious leverage.
For arguments sake lets divide the trade into 2 parts ... first Gasol straight up for the #1 pick ... now I completly agree that Centers are more valuable then PF's but at the same time I'll most definitly take a ROY as Gasol over an unproven center as Ming ... not to mention that Memphis probably isnt that high on Chinas list over places they want to see him ... anyway even if you consider the #1 pick of equal value to Gasol, which I dont, it still doesnt make sense for Memphis we just dont enough talent to take a chance on Ming ... if he is a dud then we would be so screwed and lets face it we dont even own our first round pick next year ... now if you consider the first part somewhat fair lets take a look at the rest ... KT Collier Tmo(cap purposes) for #4 the release of our Francis obligation Well this is just ugly ... ... The #4 overall + an unprotected 2003 pick for backups and/or parts of Hustons dominant froncourt? ... dont think so ...
